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Title 23 — Zoning

Chapter 23.34 — LIMITED DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL (C-D)(C-1-T) USES

Pacific Grove Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-06 · Pacific Grove

§ 23.34.010. Purpose.

These regulations are intended to preserve Pacific Grove's downtown character as a historic district and perpetuate a balance of land uses that are compatible in a downtown environment. These regulations will implement the general plan and:

  • (a) Maintain a mix of commercial uses that is compatible with downtown's historic character;

  • (b) Promote a broad range of goods and services that avoids the dominance of any single type of use and provides a variety of options to the city's residents and visitors;

  • (c) Encourage the development of second floor residential uses above ground floor retail and service uses in the downtown commercial (C-D)(C-1-T) districts by limiting commercial uses that may generate noise, criminal activity, and litter;

  • (d) Promote the establishment of unique, quality commercial uses that serve the intellectual, social, material, and day-to-day needs of the local community and visitors;

  • (e) Protect and enhance the balanced mix of uses in the downtown commercial (C-D)(C-1-T) districts, particularly along Lighthouse Avenue, to ensure a high quality, pedestrian-oriented commercial environment providing a variety of goods and services to local residents;

  • (f) Encourage uses that generate revenue for the city;

  • (g) Discourage the type of establishments that may displace businesses that supply residents with essential goods and services.

  • (Ord. 15-013 § 5, 2015)

§ 23.34.020. Numerical and size limitations established.

Table 23.34.020 lists the numerical and size limitations for certain restricted uses consistent with the land use regulations for zoning districts in the city in which they may be located and the purposes of the chapter.

Table 23.34.020: Limitations on Restricted Commercial Uses
Use Limit on the Number
Allowed
Other Limitations Type of Permit
Required
Beneft/resale/consign
ment
12 in total and only 2
permitted on
Lighthouse Avenue
Uses may be located
on an upper foor in the
(C-D)(C-1-T) downtown
commercial zones
Occupancy permit
business license
Reserved
Reserved

(Ord. 15-013 § 5, 2015)

§ 23.34.030. Procedure for establishing a restricted commercial use.

  • (a) Acceptance of Applications. The department of community and economic development (the department) shall maintain an inventory of commercial uses subject to the numerical limitations set forth in this chapter. Each proposed change in land use or project for which an occupancy/business license application is submitted shall be evaluated to determine whether its approval would result in a net increase in the number of establishments or units that would exceed the limitations set forth in PGMC § 23.34.020 . All applications to establish a land use subject to such limitation shall be returned to the applicant or denied if the approval of such use would exceed the limits specified. Applications that affect but would not result in a net increase in the number of establishments subject to limitation may be accepted and processed. Numerically limited uses approved by the city shall be physically established and in operation within six months of the date of approval. Failure to establish the use shall void the approval.

  • (b) Reservation of Allocation. For approvals of numerically limited uses associated with construction activity (e.g., such as when a building addition or renovation has been approved for occupancy by the use) the six-month period for establishment shall be dated from issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

  • (Ord. 15-013 § 5, 2015)

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Contents — Pacific Grove Zoning Code
Pacific Grove Zoning Code
  1. Title 23 — Zoning
    Overview
    1. Chapter 23.04 — PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF ZONING REGULATIONS
    2. Chapter 23.08 — DEFINITIONS
    3. Chapter 23.12 — DISTRICTS
    4. Chapter 23.16 — R-1 DISTRICT AND R-1-B COMBINED DISTRICTS
    5. Chapter 23.20 — R-2 DISTRICT AND R-2-B-3 COMBINED DISTRICT
    6. Chapter 23.24 — R-3 DISTRICTS
    7. Chapter 23.26 — R-3-P.G.R. DISTRICT
    8. Chapter 23.28 — R-4 DISTRICT
    9. Chapter 23.29 — CONDOMINIUM AND COMMUNITY HOUSING CONVERSIONS
    10. Chapter 23.30 — M-H DISTRICTS
    11. Chapter 23.31 — COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
    12. Chapter 23.32 — C-1-T ZONE CONDOMINIUMS
    13. Chapter 23.33 — C-1-T DISTRICT
    14. Chapter 23.34 — LIMITED DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL (C-D)(C-1-T) USES
    15. Chapter 23.36 — C-2 DISTRICTS
    16. Chapter 23.40 — I DISTRICTS
    17. Chapter 23.42 — O DISTRICT
    18. Chapter 23.43 — INITIATIVE RESTRICTION OF USE OF GEORGE WASHIN…
    19. Chapter 23.44 — U DISTRICTS
    20. Chapter 23.52 — R-3-M DISTRICTS
    21. Chapter 23.56 — R-H DISTRICT
    22. Chapter 23.57 — R-3-P.G.B. DISTRICT
    23. Chapter 23.58 — V-C DISTRICTS (VISITORCOMMERCIAL)
    24. Chapter 23.60 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT – PUD
    25. Chapter 23.64 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
    26. Chapter 23.68 — NONCONFORMING USES AND BUILDINGS
    27. Chapter 23.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REVIEW AUTHORITIE…
    28. Chapter 23.72 — PERMIT APPLICATION FILING AND PROCESSING
    29. Chapter 23.73 — PERMIT IMPLEMENTATION, TIME LIMITS, AND EXTENS…
    30. Chapter 23.74 — APPEALS AND CALL-UPS
    31. Chapter 23.76 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
    32. Chapter 23.77 — ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS
    33. Chapter 23.78 — SALE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
    34. Chapter 23.79 — DENSITY BONUS REGULATIONS
    35. Chapter 23.80 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
    36. Chapter 23.81 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR PERSONS WITH DISA…
    37. Chapter 23.82 — INTERPRETATIONS OF PERMITTED USE LISTS
    38. Chapter 23.84 — LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS
    39. Chapter 23.86 — PUBLIC MEETING AND HEARING PROCEDURES
    40. Chapter 23.88 — ENFORCEMENT
    41. Chapter 23.90 — LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
    42. Chapter 23.92 — CANNABIS BUSINESSES

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