18-24 NONCONFORMING LOTS.

A lot having less area, width, depth or frontage than required by the Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations, for the zone in which it is located, but which was lawfully created prior to the effective date of regulations requiring such greater area or dimension, shall be considered a nonconforming lot. These regulations are intended to provide for the reasonable use of such nonconforming lots, consistent with other standards adopted to protect the public health, safety and general welfare. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. If a nonconforming lot has been held in common ownership with any contiguous property at any time since November 16, 1987, (Ordinance No. 04-87) and it otherwise meets the requirements for parcel merger under Government Code Section 66451.11, it may not be individually developed. The area within such a lot may be developed only after it has been merged with contiguous property or otherwise resubdivided in conjunction with the contiguous property to create one (1) or more conforming parcels or one (1) parcel which more nearly conforms.

An exception to the above merger requirement may be requested through an administrative use permit. To approve the administrative use permit, the Director must find that retention of the property line(s) will not adversely impact neighborhood character. Factors that assure that neighborhood character is maintained include:

1. The regular spacing of buildings on the affected lots, when viewed from the street, is consistent with other developed properties within the same block;

2. Convenient and conforming access and parking is available to serve site uses.

b. In LDR and MDR Zones, the merger or resubdivision requirement set forth in subsection (a) of this section shall not apply to a nonconforming lot and contiguous commonly owned property where each of the parcels has an area, width, depth and frontage equal to at least eighty (80%) percent of the minimum required in this Code. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

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Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code