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Title 18 — Development Code

Chapter 18.74 — Nonconforming Uses

East Palo Alto Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · East Palo Alto

Sections:

18.74.010 – Continuation of Legal Nonconforming Uses 18.74.020 – Effect of Conditional/Minor Use Permit Requirements 18.74.030 – Modifications or Expansions of Legal Nonconforming Uses 18.74.040 – Discontinuance of Legal Nonconforming Uses

18.74.010– Continuation of Legal Nonconforming Uses

The continuance of a legal nonconforming use is allowed subject to all of the following:

  • A. Change of Ownership. Change of management, ownership, or tenancy of a nonconforming use shall not affect its nonconforming status; provided, the use and intensity of use, as determined by the Director, does not change.

  • B. Additional Development. Additional development of any property on which a nonconforming use exists shall require that all new uses be in compliance with all of the applicable provisions of the Development Code.

  • C. Conversion of a Nonconforming Use. If a nonconforming use is converted to a conforming use, no nonconforming use may be resumed.

  • D. Changes to a Nonconforming Use. A nonconforming use shall not be established or replaced by another nonconforming use, nor shall any nonconforming use be expanded or changed, except as provided in Section 18.72.050.

18.74.020– Effect of Conditional/Minor Use Permit Requirements

  • A. Previous Conditional/Minor Use Permit in Effect. A use authorized by a Conditional Use Permit or Minor Use Permit, but not allowed by the Development Code, may continue, but only in compliance with the original Conditional Use Permit or Minor Use Permit conditions of approval.

18.74.030 – Modifications or Expansions of Legal Nonconforming Uses

Any expansion or modification of a legal nonconforming use shall only be allowed in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Development Code.

18.74.040 – Discontinuance of Legal Nonconforming Uses

  • A. Nonconforming Use. If a nonconforming use ceases or is discontinued for a continuous period of 180 or more consecutive days, its legal nonconforming status is lost, and the continued use of the property shall be in compliance with all of the applicable provisions of the Development Code.

  • B. Cessation or Discontinuance. A nonconforming use or structure shall be considered ceased or discontinued when any of the following occur:

East Palo Alto Development Code, Title 18

5 August 2018

Chapter 18.74

Nonconforming Uses

  1. Voluntary (not compelled by government or act of nature) abandonment of the use, despite the owner's or occupant's intent;

  • Discontinuance of a use regardless of intent to resume the use;

  1. The intent of the owner to cease or discontinue is apparent, as determined by the Director;

  2. Where characteristic furnishings and equipment associated with the use are removed and not replaced with equivalent furnishings and equipment, and where normal occupancy and/or use is no longer evident; or

  3. Where there are no business receipts or utility charges or payments for the 180-day period.

East Palo Alto Development Code, Title 18

August 2018

6

Article 6 – Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels

Chapter 18.76

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▸ Contents — East Palo Alto Zoning Code
East Palo Alto Zoning Code
  1. ▸ Title 18 — Development Code
    Overview
    1. Article 1
    2. Chapter 18.02 — Purpose and Applicability of Development Code
    3. Chapter 18.04 — Interpretation of the Development Code Provisi…
    4. Chapter 18.06 — Zones and Zoning Map
    5. Chapter 18.08 — Definitions
    6. Chapter 18.10 — Residential Zones (R-LD, R-MD, R-HD, and R-UHD)
    7. Chapter 18.12 — Mixed Use Zones (MUC, MUL, and MUH)
    8. Chapter 18.14 — Commercial Zones (C-G, C-N, and C-O)
    9. Chapter 18.16 — Special Purpose Zones (PI, PR, and RM)
    10. Chapter 18.18 — Specific Plans
    11. Chapter 18.22 — Site Planning and General Development Standards
    12. Chapter 18.24 — Accessory Structures
    13. Chapter 18.26 — Fences, Hedges, and Walls
    14. Chapter 18.28 — Landscaping and Trees
    15. Chapter 18.30 — Off-Street Parking and Loading
    16. Chapter 18.32 — Signs
    17. Chapter 18.34 — Performance Standards
    18. Chapter 18.35 — Affordable Housing – Basic Provisions
    19. Chapter 18.36 — Affordable Housing - Density Bonus
    20. Chapter 18.38 — Affordable Housing Impact Fee – Residential De…
    21. Chapter 18.40 — Affordable Housing Impact Fee – Nonresidential…
    22. Chapter 18.42 — Wireless Communications Facilities
    23. Chapter 18.48 — Regulations for Specific Land Uses and Activit…
    24. Chapter 18.50 — General Provisions
    25. Chapter 18.52 — Tentative Map Filing and Processing
    26. Chapter 18.54 — Parcel Maps and Final Maps
    27. Chapter 18.56 — Additional Subdivision Procedures
    28. Chapter 18.58 — Subdivision Design and Improvements
    29. Chapter 18.60 — Dedications, Reservations, and Exactions
    30. Chapter 18.62 — Dedication of Land for Park and Recreational P…
    31. Chapter 18.64 — Residential Condominiums
    32. Chapter 18.66 — Residential Condominium Conversions
    33. Chapter 18.68 — Non-Residential Condominiums
    34. Chapter 18.70 — Enforcement
    35. Chapter 18.72 — Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Parcels
    36. Chapter 18.74 — Nonconforming Uses
    37. Chapter 18.76 — Nonconforming Structures
    38. Chapter 18.78 — Nonconforming Parcels
  2. Title 18 — Development Code Article 7 –

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