Chapter 18.10 — APPLICABILITY AND INTERPRETATION

The purpose of this Chapter is to provide precision in the interpretation of the Zoning Ordinance. The meaning and construction of words and phrases established in this Chapter apply to the entire Zoning Ordinance, except where the context requires a different meaning. (Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)

• A. Applicability to Property. The regulations established in this Zoning Ordinance shall apply to all land within the City, including land owned by the City and other local, State, or Federal agencies to the extent allowed by law, with the exception of City-funded projects on property owned by a public agency. The application of regulations to specific lots shall be governed by the Zoning Map.

• B. Applicability to Streets and Rights-of-Way. Public streets, utilities, and other rights-of-way shall be in the same zoning district as contiguous property. Where contiguous properties are classified in different zoning districts, the centerline of the street or right-of-way shall be the zoning district boundary, unless otherwise depicted on the Zoning Map.

• C. Compliance with Regulations. No land shall be used, and no structure shall be constructed, occupied, enlarged, altered, demolished, or moved within any zoning district except in accordance with this Title.

• D. Public Nuisance. Neither the provisions of this Title nor the approval of any permit authorized under this Title shall authorize the maintenance of a public nuisance. A violation of any provision of this Title is a public nuisance.

• E. Compliance with Public Notice Requirements. Compliance with public notice requirements prescribed by this Title shall be deemed sufficient notice to allow the City to proceed with a public hearing and take action on an application, regardless of actual receipt of mailed or delivered notice.

• F. Requests for Notice for an Application on File with the City. Where this Title requires that notice be given by first class mail to "any person who has filed a written request for such notice," the request shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator and shall be subject to the applicable fees set to cover mailing costs. A request for mailing of a single notice of a single decision shall not require payment of a fee.

• G. Conflict with Other Regulations. Where conflict occurs between the provisions of this Title and any other Pleasant Hill Municipal Code, chapter, resolution, guideline, or regulation, the more restrictive provision shall control unless otherwise specified in this Chapter.

• H. Relation to Private Agreements. This Title shall not interfere with or annul any easement, covenant, or other City recognized and/or recorded agreement now in effect.

• I. Relation to Prior Ordinance. The provisions of this Title supersede all prior Zoning Ordinances of the City.

• J. Extension of Time for Holidays and Weekends. If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday,

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City of Pleasant Hill, CA § 18.10.020

PLEASANT HILL CODE

§ 18.10.040

the time for performing an act shall be extended to the next nonholiday weekday (Monday through Friday) working day.

• K. Zoning of Land Proposed for Annexation. The Zoning Administrator shall recommend prezoning consistent with the General Plan land use designation within the City's sphere of influence. If prezoning is approved by the Planning Commission and the City Council, the zoning shall become effective upon annexation.

• L. Application During a Local Emergency. The City Council, or its authorized designee, may authorize a deviation from a provision of this Title during a local emergency declared and ratified under the City of Pleasant Hill Municipal Code in accordance with the California Emergency Services Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 8550 et seq.).

• (Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)

In addition to the general provisions of the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code, the following rules of construction shall apply to this Zoning Ordinance:

• A. The Specific Controls the General. Specific provisions take precedence over general provisions. When two statutory provisions of this Title conflict (one being general and the other specific) the City shall apply the more specific provision as an exception to the general provision.

• B. Unless otherwise stated, the following conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows:

  1. "And" indicates that all connected words or provisions shall apply;

  2. "Or" indicates that the connected words or provisions may apply singly or in any combination; and

  3. "Either . . . or" indicates that the connected words or provisions shall apply singly but not in combination.

• C. In case of conflict between the text and a diagram, the text controls.

• D. A reference to a public official in the City is to that person who performs the function referred to and includes a designated deputy of such official.

• E. All references to days are to calendar days unless otherwise indicated.

• F. Section headings shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of any Section.

• G. The words activities and facilities include any part thereof. (Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)

• A. Zoning Regulations. Where uncertainty exists regarding the interpretation of a provision of this Title or its application to a specific lot, the Zoning Administrator shall determine the intent of the provision.

• B. Zoning Map. Where uncertainty exists regarding the boundary of a zoning district, the

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City of Pleasant Hill, CA

ZONING ORDINANCE

§ 18.10.040

§ 18.10.040

following rules shall apply:

1. Zoning district boundaries shown as approximately following the property line of a lot shall be interpreted to follow the property line.

2. On unsubdivided land, or where a zoning district boundary divides a lot, the location of the zoning district boundary shall be determined by using the scale appearing on the Zoning Map, unless the boundary location is indicated by dimensions printed on the map.

3. Zoning district boundaries shown as approximately following the right-of-way line of a freeway, street, railroad, or other identifiable boundary line shall be interpreted to follow the right-of-way or boundary line.

4. Zoning district boundaries shown as lying within the right-of-way lines of a freeway, street, railroad, or other identifiable boundary line shall be interpreted to follow the centerline of the right-of-way or boundary line.

5. If any uncertainty remains as to the location of a zoning district boundary or other feature shown on the Zoning Map, the location shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator.

• C. Record of Interpretation. The Zoning Administrator shall keep a record of interpretations made under this Section which shall be available to the public.

• (Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)

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City of Pleasant Hill, CA