Chapter 23.68 — NONCONFORMING USES AND BUILDINGS[2 ]
Pacific Grove Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Pacific Grove
§ 23.68.010. Introduction – Distinctions.¶
(a) The term "nonconforming use" is defined in Chapter 23.08 PGMC to mean a use which was legal when it was created, but because of subsequent changes in regulations no longer conforms to the regulations for the district in which it is situated. "Nonconforming use" describes four types of circumstances in which a property does not conform to the regulations of the district in which it is situated:
(1) A nonconforming building, i.e., a building or structure that does not conform because of its size, type or construction, location on the land, proximity to other buildings on the site, or its lot coverage;
(2) A nonconforming use of conforming buildings, i.e., a situation where the building conforms but the use of the building is not permitted. An example is a duplex located on a lot currently zoned for a single-family dwelling;
(3) A nonconforming use of nonconforming buildings, i.e., a situation where neither the building nor the use conforms. An example is a triplex which is over coverage, does not meet current parking standards and which is situated on a lot currently zoned for fewer than three units;
(4) A nonconforming use of land, i.e., a situation wherein there are generally no buildings or structures involved and the use of land is nonconforming. An example is the storage of materials on a lot currently zoned for open space.
Combinations of the four mentioned nonconforming situations also exist, particularly in the older neighborhoods of the city. This chapter is intended to implement the policies contained in the general plan pertaining to nonconforming uses so as to encourage compliance with the city's housing code, the preservation of historical resources, and the abatement of undesirable land uses.
(b) Densities which exceed those prescribed in zoning regulations, such as those described in subsections (a)(2) and (3) of this section, are not subject to variance.
(Ord. 1659 N.S. § 2, 1989; Ord. 13-003 § 19, 2013)
§ 23.68.020. When is a nonconforming use permitted.¶
The use of land, including buildings, structures, or other improvements thereon, which was lawful before the ordinances codified in this title were passed or amended, may be continued, although such use does not conform to the regulations for the district in which such land is located; provided, that no such use shall be enlarged or increased, nor extended to occupy a greater area than was occupied by such use on the date of passage of an ordinance making such use nonconforming.
Exceptions:
- (a) Paving and construction to accommodate off-street parking on such land may be permitted
2. Prior ordinance history: Ords. 210 N.S., 382 N.S., 532 N.S., 824 N.S., 956 N.S., 1022 N.S., 1085 N.S., 1418 N.S. and 1523 N.S.
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City of Pacific Grove, CA
ZONING
§ 23.68.020
§ 23.68.050
if a use permit is first secured in each case.
(b) The nonconforming use of a portion of a building or structure may be extended throughout the building; provided, that a use permit shall first be secured in each case.
(c) The nonconforming use of a building or structure may be changed to a use of the same or more restricted nature; provided, that a use permit shall first be secured in each case.
(Ord. 1659 N.S. § 2, 1989)
§ 23.68.030. Abandonment of a nonconforming use.¶
If the nonconforming use of a building or structure ceases for a continuous period of six months, it shall be considered abandoned. Thereafter, the building or structure shall be used only in accordance with the regulations for the district in which it is located. However, the same or a more restricted use of all or a portion of such building or structure may be reestablished if a use permit is first secured.
(Ord. 1659 N.S. § 2, 1989)
§ 23.68.040. Reestablishing or repairing a nonconforming use, building, or structure…¶
A nonconforming use, building or structure damaged or destroyed by fire, explosion, earthquake or other catastrophic event may be reestablished or rebuilt to the condition or configuration of the use, building or structure that existed immediately prior to the event, provided the work shall be consistent with applicable uniform codes, and provided the use is reestablished within one year or a building permit to reconstruct the building or structure is obtained within one year of the catastrophe. Should a nonconforming use, building or structure that is destroyed by catastrophe not be reestablished within a year or a building permit not be obtained within a year to reconstruct a building or structure so destroyed, the use, building or structure shall be considered abandoned and a use permit shall be obtained to restore or reconstruct the use, building or structure so destroyed.
(Ord. 97-35 § 2, 1997)
§ 23.68.050. Maintenance, repair, alterations and improvements to nonconforming…¶
Anything in this chapter to the contrary notwithstanding, the following shall regulate the maintenance, repair, alteration and improvement of nonconforming buildings and structures:
- (a) Ordinary Maintenance and Repair. Ordinary maintenance and repair of nonconforming buildings and structures shall be allowed.
"Ordinary maintenance and repair" shall mean improvements made to a building or structure for the purpose of keeping the structure in a state of repair and protecting the structure from failure or decline. The term shall also apply to the rehabilitation of a building or structure which is in disrepair for the purpose of making the building safe and sanitary in accordance with the city's housing quality standards. Further, interior improvements within existing walls, not resulting in additional habitable space, shall be permitted.
- (b) Foundations. The placement of a concrete foundation shall be considered ordinary maintenance and repair for single-family dwellings, including related accessory buildings, and for other buildings and structures identified in the city's historic resources inventory
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City of Pacific Grove, CA § 23.68.050
PACIFIC GROVE CODE
§ 23.68.050
contained in the historic preservation element.
The placement of a concrete foundation under a nonconforming building or structure not referenced in the previous paragraph shall be permitted only if a use permit is first obtained.
- (c) Demolitions and Reconstruction Involving Nonconforming Buildings and Structures. The demolition and reconstruction of 25 percent or less of the floor area of a nonconforming building or structure and/or the demolition and reconstruction of 25 percent or less of the total lateral length of the exterior walls of a nonconforming building or structure shall be considered ordinary maintenance and repair.
The demolition and reconstruction of more than 25 percent of the floor area of a nonconforming building or structure and/or the demolition and reconstruction of more than 25 percent of the total lateral length of the exterior walls shall be permitted only if a use permit is first obtained.
(d) Single-Family Dwellings. A single-family dwelling having nonconforming aspects may be improved, altered or repaired without the need of a use permit or variance so long as such improvement, alteration or repair will not result in expansion of any existing nonconformities or creation of any new nonconformities, provided:
(1) If more than 120 square feet of floor area are added by such improvement or alteration, a use permit shall be required if the resulting structure will have less offstreet parking than required by the terms of this title.
(2) When a single-family residence has nonconforming setbacks, additions shall be permitted on the first floor while maintaining yards no less than existing yards, provided a use permit is secured.
(e) Duplexes, Multifamily Dwellings, Nonresidential Uses. A duplex, multifamily dwelling, or nonresidential use having nonconforming aspects may be improved, altered or repaired without the need of a use permit or variance so long as such improvement, alteration or repair will not result in an increase in floor area, expansion of any existing nonconformities or creation of any new nonconformities.
(Ord. 1659 N.S. § 2, 1989; Ord. 97-35 § 3, 1997; Ord. 00-15 § 1, 2000)
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City of Pacific Grove, CA
ZONING
§ 23.70.010
§ 23.70.012
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Ask AI about this code▸Contents — Pacific Grove Municipal Code
- Article 2 — Boundaries
- Article 3 — Inalienable Rights of City
- Article 4 — Powers
- Article 5 — General Laws Applicable
- Article 5.5 — Residential Character of the City
- Article 6 — Officers and Employees
- Article 7 — Residential Qualifications
- Article 8 — Elections
- Article 9 — Canvass of Returns
- Article 10 — Oath of Office
- Article 11 — The Mayor
- Article 12.5 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
- Article 12 — The Council
- Article 12.5 — Limitation of Terms
- Article 13 — Meetings of the Council
- Article 14 — Quorum
- Article 15 — Ordinances
- Article 19 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
- Article 16 — The Initiative and Referendum
- Article 17 — The Recall
- Article 18 — Oaths and Subpoenas
- Article 19 — City Manager
- Article 20 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
- Article 20 — City Manager Pro Tempore
- Article 23 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
- Article 21 — Interference with or by City Manager
- Article 22 — City Clerk
- Article 23 — City Treasurer
- Article 26 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
- Article 24 — City Attorney
- Article 25 — Compensation
- Article 26 — Appointive Commissions and Boards
- Article 26 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
- Article 31 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
- Article 27 — Approving Illegal Claims
- Article 28 — The Fiscal Year
- Article 29 — Budget
- Article 30 — Taxation
- Article 31 — Annual Tax Levy
- Article 34 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
- Article 32 — Limit and Apportionment of the Tax Levy
- Article 33 — Special Tax Levy
- Article 34 — Tax Liens
- Article 39 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
- Article 35 — Deposit of City Moneys
- Article 36 — Payment of City Moneys
- Article 37 — Annual Audit
- Article 38 — Inventory of City Property
- Article 39 — Franchises
- Article 41 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
- Article 40 — Contracts on Public Works; Materials and Supplies
- Article 41 — Official Records
- Article 45 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
- Article 42 — Newspaper Advertising
- Article 43 — Political Activities
- Article 44 — Conflict of Interest and Disclosure of Interest
- Article 45 — Enforcement.
- Article 46 — Validity.
- Title 1
- Title 2
- Chapter 2.50 — ELECTRONIC RECORDS AND ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
- Chapter 2.04 — COUNCIL[1 ]
- Chapter 2.05 — MAYOR
- Chapter 2.06 — CITY MANAGER
- Chapter 2.07 — CITY ATTORNEY
- Chapter 2.12 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 2.14 — INVENTORY
- Article I — General Provisions
- Article II
- Article III
- Article IV — Public Works Contracts
- Chapter 2.20 — ELECTION REGULATIONS
- Chapter 2.30 — CAMPAIGN FINANCE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 2.40 — CONFLICT OF INTEREST
- Chapter 2.50
- Chapter 2.60
- Chapter 2.70 — DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS
- Title 3
- Chapter 3.02
- Chapter 3.04 — PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENTS – OTHER BOARDS, COM…
- Chapter 3.20 — EMERGENCY SERVICES
- Chapter 3.24
- Chapter 3.28 — CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
- Chapter 3.30 — HEARING OFFICER PANEL (Repealed by Ord. 25-018)
- Chapter 3.40 — ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
- Chapter 3.42 — GOLF LINKS ADVISORY COMMISSION
- Chapter 3.46
- Title 4
- Chapter 4.08 — VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION
- Chapter 4.16 — SURETY BONDS
- Chapter 4.10 — PACIFIC GROVE OCEAN RESCUE
- Chapter 4.14 — PACIFIC GROVE POLICE RESERVE
- Chapter 4.08 — VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION[1 ]
- Chapter 4.10 — PACIFIC GROVE OCEAN RESCUE (Repealed by Ord. 08…
- Chapter 4.12 — PEACE OFFICER TRAINING STANDARDS
- Chapter 4.14 — PACIFIC GROVE POLICE RESERVE
- Article I — Definition Of Terms
- Article II — Personnel System
- Article III — Promotion And Recruitment Process
- Article VI — Classification Plan
- Article VII — Layoff Policy And Procedure
- Chapter 4.30
- Title 6
- Chapter 6.02
- Chapter 6.04 — TAX COLLECTION
- Chapter 6.06 — UNIFORM CLAIMS PRESENTATION
- Chapter 6.07 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Chapter 6.08 — UNIFORM SALES AND USE TAX[3 ]
- Chapter 6.09 — UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 6.10
- Chapter 6.11
- Chapter 6.12 — REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE
- Chapter 6.14
- Chapter 6.16 — SPECIAL GAS TAX IMPROVEMENT FUND[5 ]
- Chapter 6.18 — INTERFUND LOANS
- Chapter 6.20 — WARRANTS
- Chapter 6.24 — WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUND
- Chapter 6.28 — FIRE DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT FUND
- Chapter 6.32 — BOOK FUND
- Chapter 6.40
- Chapter 6.50
- Chapter 6.54 — PACIFIC GROVE HOSPITALITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
- Title 7
- Chapter 7.04 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX[1 ]
- Chapter 7.06
- Chapter 7.08 — POOL HALLS
- Chapter 7.10 — DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SALES
- Chapter 7.12 — DANCE HALLS
- Chapter 7.14 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
- Chapter 7.16 — TAXICABS
- Chapter 7.20 — ADVERTISING HANDBILLS[2 ]
- Chapter 7.30 — DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX
- Chapter 7.40 — SHORT-TERM RENTAL LICENSE[3 ]
- Title 9
- Chapter 9.04 — HEALTH DEPARTMENT
- Article I
- Article II
- Article III
- Chapter 9.40 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
- Title 10
- Chapter 10.18 — ADOPTED ANIMALS
- Chapter 10.04 — DOGS[1 ]
- Chapter 10.08 — KEEPING ANIMALS AND FOWL[2 ]
- Chapter 10.10 — FEEDING ANIMALS[3 ]
- Chapter 10.14 — TRAPPING OF DOMESTICATED CATS
- Chapter 10.18 — ADOPTED ANIMALS
- Title 11
- Chapter 11.68 — WATER DISTRIBUTION REGULATIONS
- Chapter 11.88 — PUBLIC URINATION AND DEFECATION
- Chapter 11.72 — AIRCRAFT LANDING; RECREATIONAL UAS PROHIBITED
- Chapter 11.94 — SOUND AMPLIFICATION REGULATIONS
- Chapter 11.80 — OFFSHORE DRILLING SUPPORT FACILITIES
- Chapter 11.97 — COMMUNITY FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 11.04 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES[1 ]
- Chapter 11.08 — CURFEW FOR JUVENILES
- Chapter 11.09 — LOITERING
- Chapter 11.10 — GARAGE SALES
- Chapter 11.12 — SOLICITORS AND PEDDLERS
- Chapter 11.20 — CARD ROOMS[2 ]
- Chapter 11.24 — SMOKING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 11.26 — TOBACCO RETAILER LICENSE
- Chapter 11.32 — OBSTRUCTING STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
- Chapter 11.36 — DAMAGING PUBLIC BUILDINGS
- Chapter 11.38 — TRESPASS TO POSTED PUBLIC WORKS
- Chapter 11.40 — EXPECTORATING IN PUBLIC PLACES
- Chapter 11.42 — TRANSIT BUSES
- Chapter 11.45 — MILITARY EQUIPMENT
- Chapter 11.48 — MONARCH BUTTERFLIES
- Chapter 11.56 — FIRE SIGNAL CODE
- Chapter 11.60 — CONCEALED WEAPONS[4 ]
- Chapter 11.62 — ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 11.68 — WATER DISTRIBUTION REGULATIONS
- Chapter 11.72
- Chapter 11.80 — OFFSHORE DRILLING SUPPORT FACILITIES
- Chapter 11.88 — PUBLIC URINATION AND DEFECATION
- Chapter 11.92 — DISTURBANCE ABATEMENT
- Chapter 11.94 — SOUND AMPLIFICATION REGULATIONS
- Chapter 11.96 — UNLAWFUL NOISES
- Chapter 11.97 — COMMUNITY FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT[5 ]
- Chapter 11.98 — REDUCTION OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
- Chapter 11.99 — FOOD PACKAGING (Repealed by Ord. 19-016)
- Chapter 11.100 — CANNABIS
- Chapter 11.101 — ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION
- Title 12
- Chapter 12.04 — INFECTED TREES, PLANTS AND SHRUBS
- Chapter 12.08 — WEED AND RUBBISH ABATEMENT[1 ]
- Chapter 12.10
- Chapter 12.16 — TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION
- Chapter 12.20 — PROTECTED TREES
- Chapter 12.30 — TREES AND DEVELOPMENT
- Chapter 12.40 — HIGH-RISK TREES AND NUISANCE TREES
- Chapter 12.50 — TREE SERVICE CONTRACTORS
- Chapter 12.60 — PERMIT APPLICATION AND PROCESSING
- Chapter 12.70 — APPEALS
- Title 14
- Chapter 14.08 — PARKS[2 ]
- Chapter 14.16 — EL CARMELO CEMETERY
- Title 15
- Chapter 15.01
- Chapter 15.08 — HOUSE NUMBERS
- Chapter 15.16 — SIDEWALKS
- Chapter 15.20 — DRIVEWAYS
- Chapter 15.24
- Chapter 15.26
- Chapter 15.29 — UNDERGROUNDING UTILITIES
- Chapter 15.30
- Chapter 15.40
- Title 16
- Chapter 16.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 16.12 — ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE
- Chapter 16.16 — TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 16.20 — TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS
- Chapter 16.24 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
- Chapter 16.25 — CREATION OF CUL-DE-SAC STREETS
- Chapter 16.32 — MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
- Chapter 16.40 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
- Chapter 16.41 — RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT AREAS
- Chapter 16.44 — TRUCKS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES[1 ]
- Chapter 16.64
- Chapter 16.70 — TRIP REDUCTION
- Title 18
- Chapter 18.38 — WATER WELL REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.40 — SEISMIC HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
- Chapter 18.45 — RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEM
- Chapter 18.04 — BUILDING CODES
- Chapter 18.08 — GREASE TRAPS
- Chapter 18.32 — FIRE PREVENTION[2 ]
- Chapter 18.36
- Chapter 18.38 — WATER WELL REGULATIONS
- Chapter 15.08 — MCC, Water Wells, hereby is adopted in its ent…
- Chapter 18.40 — SEISMIC HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
- Chapter 18.42 — GREEN BUILDING REGULATIONS (Repealed by Ord. 1…
- Chapter 18.45 — RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEM
- Chapter 18.46 — VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
- Title 20
- Chapter 20.05 — DOWNTOWN SIGNS
- Title 21
- Chapter 21.04 — INTERFERENCE WITH RECEPTION
- Chapter 21.08 — STRUCTURAL AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 21.12
- Title 23
- Chapter 23.43 — INITIATIVE RESTRICTION OF USE OF GEORGE WASHIN…
- Chapter 23.64 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
- Chapter 23.84 — LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 23.04 — PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF ZONING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 23.16
- Chapter 23.20
- Chapter 23.29
- Chapter 23.31 — COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
- Chapter 23.32
- Chapter 23.43
- Chapter 23.45
- Chapter 23.58
- Chapter 23.60 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT – PUD
- Chapter 23.64 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
- Chapter 23.68 — NONCONFORMING USES AND BUILDINGS[2 ]
- Chapter 23.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REVIEW AUTHORITIE…
- Chapter 23.72 — PERMIT APPLICATION FILING AND PROCESSING
- Chapter 23.73
- Chapter 23.74 — APPEALS AND CALL-UPS
- Chapter 23.76 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION[3 ]
- Chapter 23.77 — ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS[4 ]
- Chapter 23.78 — SALE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
- Chapter 23.79 — DENSITY BONUS REGULATIONS[5 ]
- Chapter 23.80 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
- Chapter 23.81
- Chapter 23.82 — INTERPRETATIONS OF PERMITTED USE LISTS
- Chapter 23.84 — PGMC (Legislative Amendments). (Ord. 11-001 § …
- Chapter 23.86 — PUBLIC MEETING AND HEARING PROCEDURES
- Chapter 23.88 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 23.90 — LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
- Chapter 23.92 — CANNABIS BUSINESSES
- Title 24
- Chapter 24.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 24.05 — CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
- Chapter 24.06
- Chapter 24.08 — PARCEL MAP PROCEDURES
- Chapter 24.12 — FILING OF TENTATIVE MAP
- Chapter 24.20 — IMPOSITION OF FEES
- Chapter 24.24
- Chapter 24.32 — SUBDIVISION STANDARDS
- Chapter 24.40
- Chapter 24.48
- Chapter 24.52 — SCHOOL SITE DEDICATIONS
- Chapter 24.64 — IMPROVEMENT SECURITY
- Title SR
- § SR.001. General Provisions.
- § SR.002. Administration and Personnel.
- § SR.003. Revenue and Finance.
- § SR.004. Business Licenses, Taxes and Regulations.
- § SR.005. Animals.
- § SR.006. Health and Safety.
- § SR.007. Public Peace, Morals and Welfare.
- § SR.008. Vehicles and Traffic.
- § SR.009. Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places.
- § SR.010. Public Services.
- § SR.011. Buildings and Construction.
- § SR.012. Subdivisions.
- § SR.014. Environment.
- Title CRT
- Title FR
- Title OL
- § OL.020. New Series