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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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▸Contents — Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
  1. Article 2 — Boundaries
  2. Article 3 — Inalienable Rights of City
  3. Article 4 — Powers
  4. Article 5 — General Laws Applicable
  5. Article 5.5 — Residential Character of the City
  6. Article 6 — Officers and Employees
  7. Article 7 — Residential Qualifications
  8. Article 8 — Elections
  9. Article 9 — Canvass of Returns
  10. Article 10 — Oath of Office
  11. Article 11 — The Mayor
  12. Article 12.5 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  13. Article 12 — The Council
  14. Article 12.5 — Limitation of Terms
  15. Article 13 — Meetings of the Council
  16. Article 14 — Quorum
  17. Article 15 — Ordinances
  18. Article 19 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  19. Article 16 — The Initiative and Referendum
  20. Article 17 — The Recall
  21. Article 18 — Oaths and Subpoenas
  22. Article 19 — City Manager
  23. Article 20 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  24. Article 20 — City Manager Pro Tempore
  25. Article 23 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  26. Article 21 — Interference with or by City Manager
  27. Article 22 — City Clerk
  28. Article 23 — City Treasurer
  29. Article 26 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  30. Article 24 — City Attorney
  31. Article 25 — Compensation
  32. Article 26 — Appointive Commissions and Boards
  33. Article 26 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  34. Article 31 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  35. Article 27 — Approving Illegal Claims
  36. Article 28 — The Fiscal Year
  37. Article 29 — Budget
  38. Article 30 — Taxation
  39. Article 31 — Annual Tax Levy
  40. Article 34 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  41. Article 32 — Limit and Apportionment of the Tax Levy
  42. Article 33 — Special Tax Levy
  43. Article 34 — Tax Liens
  44. Article 39 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  45. Article 35 — Deposit of City Moneys
  46. Article 36 — Payment of City Moneys
  47. Article 37 — Annual Audit
  48. Article 38 — Inventory of City Property
  49. Article 39 — Franchises
  50. Article 41 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  51. Article 40 — Contracts on Public Works; Materials and Supplies
  52. Article 41 — Official Records
  53. Article 45 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  54. Article 42 — Newspaper Advertising
  55. Article 43 — Political Activities
  56. Article 44 — Conflict of Interest and Disclosure of Interest
  57. Article 45 — Enforcement.
  58. Article 46 — Validity.
  59. Title 1
  60. Title 2
  61. Chapter 2.50 — ELECTRONIC RECORDS AND ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
  62. Chapter 2.04 — COUNCIL[1 ]
  63. Chapter 2.05 — MAYOR
  64. Chapter 2.06 — CITY MANAGER
  65. Chapter 2.07 — CITY ATTORNEY
  66. Chapter 2.12 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
  67. Chapter 2.14 — INVENTORY
  68. Article I — General Provisions
  69. Article II
  70. Article III
  71. Article IV — Public Works Contracts
  72. Chapter 2.20 — ELECTION REGULATIONS
  73. Chapter 2.30 — CAMPAIGN FINANCE REGULATIONS
  74. Chapter 2.40 — CONFLICT OF INTEREST
  75. Chapter 2.50
  76. Chapter 2.60
  77. Chapter 2.70 — DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS
  78. Title 3
  79. Chapter 3.02
  80. Chapter 3.04 — PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENTS – OTHER BOARDS, COM…
  81. Chapter 3.20 — EMERGENCY SERVICES
  82. Chapter 3.24
  83. Chapter 3.28 — CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
  84. Chapter 3.30 — HEARING OFFICER PANEL (Repealed by Ord. 25-018)
  85. Chapter 3.40 — ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
  86. Chapter 3.42 — GOLF LINKS ADVISORY COMMISSION
  87. Chapter 3.46
  88. Title 4
  89. Chapter 4.08 — VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION
  90. Chapter 4.16 — SURETY BONDS
  91. Chapter 4.10 — PACIFIC GROVE OCEAN RESCUE
  92. Chapter 4.14 — PACIFIC GROVE POLICE RESERVE
  93. Chapter 4.08 — VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION[1 ]
  94. Chapter 4.10 — PACIFIC GROVE OCEAN RESCUE (Repealed by Ord. 08…
  95. Chapter 4.12 — PEACE OFFICER TRAINING STANDARDS
  96. Chapter 4.14 — PACIFIC GROVE POLICE RESERVE
  97. Article I — Definition Of Terms
  98. Article II — Personnel System
  99. Article III — Promotion And Recruitment Process
  100. Article VI — Classification Plan
  101. Article VII — Layoff Policy And Procedure
  102. Chapter 4.30
  103. Title 6
  104. Chapter 6.02
  105. Chapter 6.04 — TAX COLLECTION
  106. Chapter 6.06 — UNIFORM CLAIMS PRESENTATION
  107. Chapter 6.07 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
  108. Chapter 6.08 — UNIFORM SALES AND USE TAX[3 ]
  109. Chapter 6.09 — UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
  110. Chapter 6.10
  111. Chapter 6.11
  112. Chapter 6.12 — REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE
  113. Chapter 6.14
  114. Chapter 6.16 — SPECIAL GAS TAX IMPROVEMENT FUND[5 ]
  115. Chapter 6.18 — INTERFUND LOANS
  116. Chapter 6.20 — WARRANTS
  117. Chapter 6.24 — WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUND
  118. Chapter 6.28 — FIRE DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT FUND
  119. Chapter 6.32 — BOOK FUND
  120. Chapter 6.40
  121. Chapter 6.50
  122. Chapter 6.54 — PACIFIC GROVE HOSPITALITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
  123. Title 7
  124. Chapter 7.04 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX[1 ]
  125. Chapter 7.06
  126. Chapter 7.08 — POOL HALLS
  127. Chapter 7.10 — DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SALES
  128. Chapter 7.12 — DANCE HALLS
  129. Chapter 7.14 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
  130. Chapter 7.16 — TAXICABS
  131. Chapter 7.20 — ADVERTISING HANDBILLS[2 ]
  132. Chapter 7.30 — DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX
  133. Chapter 7.40 — SHORT-TERM RENTAL LICENSE[3 ]
  134. Title 9
  135. Chapter 9.04 — HEALTH DEPARTMENT
  136. Article I
  137. Article II
  138. Article III
  139. Chapter 9.40 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
  140. Title 10
  141. Chapter 10.18 — ADOPTED ANIMALS
  142. Chapter 10.04 — DOGS[1 ]
  143. Chapter 10.08 — KEEPING ANIMALS AND FOWL[2 ]
  144. Chapter 10.10 — FEEDING ANIMALS[3 ]
  145. Chapter 10.14 — TRAPPING OF DOMESTICATED CATS
  146. Chapter 10.18 — ADOPTED ANIMALS
  147. Title 11
  148. Chapter 11.68 — WATER DISTRIBUTION REGULATIONS
  149. Chapter 11.88 — PUBLIC URINATION AND DEFECATION
  150. Chapter 11.72 — AIRCRAFT LANDING; RECREATIONAL UAS PROHIBITED
  151. Chapter 11.94 — SOUND AMPLIFICATION REGULATIONS
  152. Chapter 11.80 — OFFSHORE DRILLING SUPPORT FACILITIES
  153. Chapter 11.97 — COMMUNITY FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
  154. Chapter 11.04 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES[1 ]
  155. Chapter 11.08 — CURFEW FOR JUVENILES
  156. Chapter 11.09 — LOITERING
  157. Chapter 11.10 — GARAGE SALES
  158. Chapter 11.12 — SOLICITORS AND PEDDLERS
  159. Chapter 11.20 — CARD ROOMS[2 ]
  160. Chapter 11.24 — SMOKING REGULATIONS
  161. Chapter 11.26 — TOBACCO RETAILER LICENSE
  162. Chapter 11.32 — OBSTRUCTING STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
  163. Chapter 11.36 — DAMAGING PUBLIC BUILDINGS
  164. Chapter 11.38 — TRESPASS TO POSTED PUBLIC WORKS
  165. Chapter 11.40 — EXPECTORATING IN PUBLIC PLACES
  166. Chapter 11.42 — TRANSIT BUSES
  167. Chapter 11.45 — MILITARY EQUIPMENT
  168. Chapter 11.48 — MONARCH BUTTERFLIES
  169. Chapter 11.56 — FIRE SIGNAL CODE
  170. Chapter 11.60 — CONCEALED WEAPONS[4 ]
  171. Chapter 11.62 — ALARM SYSTEMS
  172. Chapter 11.68 — WATER DISTRIBUTION REGULATIONS
  173. Chapter 11.72
  174. Chapter 11.80 — OFFSHORE DRILLING SUPPORT FACILITIES
  175. Chapter 11.88 — PUBLIC URINATION AND DEFECATION
  176. Chapter 11.92 — DISTURBANCE ABATEMENT
  177. Chapter 11.94 — SOUND AMPLIFICATION REGULATIONS
  178. Chapter 11.96 — UNLAWFUL NOISES
  179. Chapter 11.97 — COMMUNITY FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT[5 ]
  180. Chapter 11.98 — REDUCTION OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
  181. Chapter 11.99 — FOOD PACKAGING (Repealed by Ord. 19-016)
  182. Chapter 11.100 — CANNABIS
  183. Chapter 11.101 — ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION
  184. Title 12
  185. Chapter 12.04 — INFECTED TREES, PLANTS AND SHRUBS
  186. Chapter 12.08 — WEED AND RUBBISH ABATEMENT[1 ]
  187. Chapter 12.10
  188. Chapter 12.16 — TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION
  189. Chapter 12.20 — PROTECTED TREES
  190. Chapter 12.30 — TREES AND DEVELOPMENT
  191. Chapter 12.40 — HIGH-RISK TREES AND NUISANCE TREES
  192. Chapter 12.50 — TREE SERVICE CONTRACTORS
  193. Chapter 12.60 — PERMIT APPLICATION AND PROCESSING
  194. Chapter 12.70 — APPEALS
  195. Title 14
  196. Chapter 14.08 — PARKS[2 ]
  197. Chapter 14.16 — EL CARMELO CEMETERY
  198. Title 15
  199. Chapter 15.01
  200. Chapter 15.08 — HOUSE NUMBERS
  201. Chapter 15.16 — SIDEWALKS
  202. Chapter 15.20 — DRIVEWAYS
  203. Chapter 15.24
  204. Chapter 15.26
  205. Chapter 15.29 — UNDERGROUNDING UTILITIES
  206. Chapter 15.30
  207. Chapter 15.40
  208. Title 16
  209. Chapter 16.04 — DEFINITIONS
  210. Chapter 16.12 — ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE
  211. Chapter 16.16 — TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
  212. Chapter 16.20 — TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS
  213. Chapter 16.24 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
  214. Chapter 16.25 — CREATION OF CUL-DE-SAC STREETS
  215. Chapter 16.32 — MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
  216. Chapter 16.40 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
  217. Chapter 16.41 — RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT AREAS
  218. Chapter 16.44 — TRUCKS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES[1 ]
  219. Chapter 16.64
  220. Chapter 16.70 — TRIP REDUCTION
  221. Title 18
  222. Chapter 18.38 — WATER WELL REGULATIONS
  223. Chapter 18.40 — SEISMIC HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
  224. Chapter 18.45 — RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEM
  225. Chapter 18.04 — BUILDING CODES
  226. Chapter 18.08 — GREASE TRAPS
  227. Chapter 18.32 — FIRE PREVENTION[2 ]
  228. Chapter 18.36
  229. Chapter 18.38 — WATER WELL REGULATIONS
  230. Chapter 15.08 — MCC, Water Wells, hereby is adopted in its ent…
  231. Chapter 18.40 — SEISMIC HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
  232. Chapter 18.42 — GREEN BUILDING REGULATIONS (Repealed by Ord. 1…
  233. Chapter 18.45 — RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEM
  234. Chapter 18.46 — VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
  235. Title 20
  236. Chapter 20.05 — DOWNTOWN SIGNS
  237. Title 21
  238. Chapter 21.04 — INTERFERENCE WITH RECEPTION
  239. Chapter 21.08 — STRUCTURAL AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
  240. Chapter 21.12
  241. Title 23
  242. Chapter 23.43 — INITIATIVE RESTRICTION OF USE OF GEORGE WASHIN…
  243. Chapter 23.64 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
  244. Chapter 23.84 — LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS
  245. Chapter 23.04 — PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF ZONING REGULATIONS
  246. Chapter 23.16
  247. Chapter 23.20
  248. Chapter 23.29
  249. Chapter 23.31 — COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
  250. Chapter 23.32
  251. Chapter 23.43
  252. Chapter 23.45
  253. Chapter 23.58
  254. Chapter 23.60 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT – PUD
  255. Chapter 23.64 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
  256. Chapter 23.68 — NONCONFORMING USES AND BUILDINGS[2 ]
  257. Chapter 23.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REVIEW AUTHORITIE…
  258. Chapter 23.72 — PERMIT APPLICATION FILING AND PROCESSING
  259. Chapter 23.73
  260. Chapter 23.74 — APPEALS AND CALL-UPS
  261. Chapter 23.76 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION[3 ]
  262. Chapter 23.77 — ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS[4 ]
  263. Chapter 23.78 — SALE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
  264. Chapter 23.79 — DENSITY BONUS REGULATIONS[5 ]
  265. Chapter 23.80 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
  266. Chapter 23.81
  267. Chapter 23.82 — INTERPRETATIONS OF PERMITTED USE LISTS
  268. Chapter 23.84 — PGMC (Legislative Amendments). (Ord. 11-001 § …
  269. Chapter 23.86 — PUBLIC MEETING AND HEARING PROCEDURES
  270. Chapter 23.88 — ENFORCEMENT
  271. Chapter 23.90 — LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
  272. Chapter 23.92 — CANNABIS BUSINESSES
  273. Title 24
  274. Chapter 24.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  275. Chapter 24.05 — CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
  276. Chapter 24.06
  277. Chapter 24.08 — PARCEL MAP PROCEDURES
  278. Chapter 24.12 — FILING OF TENTATIVE MAP
  279. Chapter 24.20 — IMPOSITION OF FEES
  280. Chapter 24.24
  281. Chapter 24.32 — SUBDIVISION STANDARDS
  282. Chapter 24.40
  283. Chapter 24.48
  284. Chapter 24.52 — SCHOOL SITE DEDICATIONS
  285. Chapter 24.64 — IMPROVEMENT SECURITY
  286. Title SR
  287. § SR.001. General Provisions.
  288. § SR.002. Administration and Personnel.
  289. § SR.003. Revenue and Finance.
  290. § SR.004. Business Licenses, Taxes and Regulations.
  291. § SR.005. Animals.
  292. § SR.006. Health and Safety.
  293. § SR.007. Public Peace, Morals and Welfare.
  294. § SR.008. Vehicles and Traffic.
  295. § SR.009. Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places.
  296. § SR.010. Public Services.
  297. § SR.011. Buildings and Construction.
  298. § SR.012. Subdivisions.
  299. § SR.014. Environment.
  300. Title CRT
  301. Title FR
  302. Title OL
  303. § OL.020. New Series

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