Article 16

SC PLANNED COMMERCIAL OVERLAY DISTRICT

Sections:

• § 38-78. Specific Purposes. § 38-79. Applicability and Zoning Map Designator. § 38-80. Land Use Regulations. § 38-81. Development Regulations. § 38-82. Initiation. § 38-83. Required Plans and Materials. § 38-84. Adoption Procedures. § 38-85. Status of SC Plan.

The specific purpose of the SC Planned Commercial Overlay District is to provide for the development of new planned shopping centers on sites of adequate size for the intended uses, and which are designed as a single architectural unit.

The SC Planned Commercial Overlay District may be combined with any C (Commercial) zoning district. It may be initiated by the Planning Commission or the City Council under the procedures established in Article 26, Amendments. Each SC Planned Commercial Overlay District shall be shown on the Zoning Map by adding a “-SC” to the base zoning designator.

No use other than an existing use shall be permitted in an SC Planned Commercial Overlay District, except in accord with a valid SC plan. Any permitted or conditional use authorized by this chapter may be included in an approved SC plan consistent with the General Plan Land Use Designation(s) for land within the SC district. Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units in accord with Section 38-112.6 may also be allowed in an SC zone where single-family or multifamily dwellings are permitted. When the SC plan includes use or design

The Monterey City Code is current through Ordinance 3716, passed February 3, 2026.

Page 174 of 310

Ch. 38 Zoning Ordinance | Monterey City Code

features which require a use permit or variance in accord with other sections of this chapter, approval of the SC plan shall include approval of the required use permit or variance, and no further action shall be required. (Ord. 3641 § 18, 2021)

• A. Base District Regulations. Base district regulations may be prescribed, when appropriate. Other development regulations shall be as prescribed by the SC plan.

• B. Performance Standards. Performance standards prescribed by Section 38-111, shall apply.

• C. Parking Standards. Parking standards shall be as prescribed in the SC plan.

An amendment to reclassify property to SC shall be initiated by a property owner or authorized agent, the Planning Commission, or the City Council. If the property is not under a single ownership, all owners shall join in an application initiated by the property owners, and a map showing the extent of ownership shall be submitted with concept plans and materials.

In addition to the plans and materials required to accompany an application for a Zoning Map amendment by Article 26, an application for rezoning to the SC Planned Commercial Overlay District shall include an SC plan, including, but not limited to, the following items:

A. A map showing proposed district boundaries and the relationship of the district to uses and structures within a 300-foot radius of the district boundary.

B. A map or aerial photo of the proposed district and 100 feet beyond its boundary showing sufficient topographic data to indicate clearly the character of the terrain; ridgelines and creeks; and the type, location, and condition of mature trees and other natural vegetation and the location of existing development.

• C. A conceptual site plan showing the proposed pattern of land use with acreage and intensity computations.

• D. The proposed physical development standards, including building setbacks, maximum height, lot coverage, landscaping, parking lot dimensions, and other relevant requirements.

• E. The proposed street and parking pattern.

The Monterey City Code is current through Ordinance 3716, passed February 3, 2026.

Page 175 of 310

Ch. 38 Zoning Ordinance | Monterey City Code

F. A three-dimensional model of the proposed development, delineating buildings, open space, and internal circulation.

A. The Planning Commission shall consider an application for rezoning for an SC Planned Commercial Overlay District under the procedures established in Article 26. The Planning Commission shall consider the proposed SC plan accompanying the application at the same time. A recommendation of the Planning Commission to rezone land to an SC Planned Commercial Overlay District shall be accompanied by a resolution approving an SC plan.

B. The City Council shall hold a hearing, as provided by Article 26, on any application and plan transmitted to it by the Planning Commission.

C. Following a hearing, the City Council may approve or conditionally approve an SC plan and adopt an SC Planned Commercial Overlay District for the area described in the application.

D. The City Council shall adopt each SC Planned Commercial Overlay District by ordinance, pursuant to Article 26. The adopting ordinance shall include a reference to the approved SC plan for the district.

Unless otherwise stipulated, an SC plan shall be effective on the same date as the ordinance creating the SC Planned Commercial Overlay District for which it was approved, and shall expire two years after the effective date, unless a building permit has been issued.

The City Council may renew an SC plan for one or two years, as specified in a decision, or renewal, if it finds the renewal consistent with the purposes of this chapter. Application for renewal shall be made in writing to the Community Development Director not less than 30 days nor more than 120 days prior to expiration. An application for approval of a new SC plan or for a revision of an SC plan shall be considered by the Planning Commission and City Council at public hearings, with notices given as prescribed for a Use Permit in Article 22. (Ord. 3653 § 19, 2022; Ord. 3472 § 1, 2012; Ord. 3424 § 1, 2009)