Kerman — Nonconforming Uses

Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page explains how the City of Kerman treats nonconforming parcels, structures, and uses under the Kerman Zoning Code (commonly (and here) cited with its Title/Chapter numbers). It summarizes the legal tests, what may be continued, when protected status is lost, and key numeric triggers (damage, abandonment) the city uses to terminate nonconformities. For the controlling text, see the Kerman Zoning Code Divisions on Nonconformities (Chapters 17.60, 17.62, and 17.64) and related tables in Division 2 (Zones & standards).

What the code says (core rules)

• Legal nonconforming status exists only for uses/structures/parcels that were lawfully established before the current zoning rule made them nonconforming; the owner bears the burden of proof to show that status. See § 17.60.020 and § 17.60.030.
• A legal nonconformity may be maintained and repaired, but may not be structurally enlarged, altered in supporting members, or expanded in intensity of use (unless expressly allowed elsewhere). See § 17.60.040 and § 17.64.020.
• If a nonconforming structure is damaged or destroyed, the ability to rebuild depends on the percent damaged:
  • ≤ 50% of floor area lost: restoration is allowed if started within 6 months and completed within 18 months. See § 17.60.050(A)(1).
  • ≥ 51% of floor area lost: the structure must be rebuilt in full compliance with current zone regulations (nonconforming use cannot resume there). Single-unit dwellings are exempt from the 51% rule. See § 17.60.050(A)(2).
• A legal nonconforming use or structure that is abandoned or discontinued for a continuous period of twelve (12) months or more loses protected status; the property must thereafter conform to current code. The code sets out specific abandonment triggers (business license lapse, utilities shutoff, removal of characteristic equipment, establishing a conforming use, etc.). See § 17.60.050(B).
• Nonconforming parcels that pre-date the zoning standards are recognized as legal nonconforming parcels if created by recorded subdivision, deed, or through an earlier variance; they may be developed but may not be further subdivided to increase nonconformity, and contiguous parcels under the same owner may be merged in certain situations. See Chapter 17.62 (esp. § 17.62.010–.040).
• Signs that were legally erected before the code change are treated under separate nonconforming-sign rules (maintenance allowed but no alteration that increases their nonconformity; removal rules apply when the underlying use changes). See § 17.30.120.

District-by-district practical breakdown

Below are the Kerman zone districts with the Kerman-specific development standards and typical uses that matter when you evaluate whether a nonconformity exists or how it can be treated. Each district subsection lists purpose, typical permitted uses (short form), key dimensional standards, and where the district generally applies (per the zoning map and code). For complete permitted-use tables see Table 17.10‑1 (Residential zones), Table 17.12‑2 (Commercial/Mixed-Use), and Table 17.16‑2 (Public/Quasi-Public).

RR, RR-43, RR-100 (Rural Residential)

• Purpose: Provide low-density, agricultural‑edge and estate residential lots.
• Typical permitted uses: agricultural accessory structures, single-unit dwellings, limited public/quasi‑public uses. See Table 17.10‑1.
• Key dimensional standards: Main structure height 35 ft, front setback 35 ft, rear setback 25 ft, side setbacks typically 15 ft (varies by parcel type). See Table 17.10‑3/standards. (Examples: § 17.10.?? and Table 17.10‑3).
• Where it applies: Outlying and lower-density areas shown on the Kerman zoning map. Verify parcel-specific mapping with the city.

R-1-7 and R-1-12 (Single-family residential)

• Purpose: Typical single-family neighborhoods; R-1-7 is the smaller-lot variant (7 = ~7,000 sf lots). See Division 2.
• Typical permitted uses: Single-unit dwellings, home occupations, group homes, etc. See Table 17.10‑1.
• Key dimensional standards (representative): Main structure height 35 ft, front setback typically 20–20 ft (varies; see zone), side setback 5 ft, rear setback 15 ft; accessory structures and garages have their own caps (garages max 15 ft) and patio encroachment rules. See Tables and Figure 17.10 Figures. Bold examples: front setback 20 ft, side setback 5 ft, accessory height 15 ft.
• Where it applies: In established single-family neighborhoods; R‑1-7 has additional architectural and parcel-dimension rules. Verify with the zoning map.

R-2 and R-3 (Multi-family / higher density residential)

• Purpose: Support duplexes (R‑2) and multi‑unit housing (R‑3).
• Typical permitted uses: Two‑unit and multifamily dwellings, supportive housing, home occupations. See Table 17.10‑1.
• Key dimensional standards: R‑2 main height 35 ft, R‑3 may be higher (R‑3 main structure shown up to 45 ft in tables); side and rear setbacks generally 5–10 ft depending on adjacency; R‑3 has a single‑story limit within 75 ft of R‑1 zones (§ specific standards). See Table 17.10‑3 and notes.

CG, CN, CS, MU, PA (Commercial / Office / Mixed-use)

• Purpose: Commercial, office, regional/commercial centers and mixed-use corridors. See Table 17.12‑2.
• Typical permitted uses: Varies by district (retail, offices, restaurants, limited residential in MU). See permit tables (Table 17.12‑1) for specific uses.
• Key dimensional standards (representative): Max height often 35 ft, FAR ranges by zone (e.g. CG FAR 0.3–1.0, CN FAR 0.5), front setbacks from 0–10 ft adjacent to nonresidential; increased setbacks where adjacent to residential (10–15 ft rules). See Table 17.12‑2. (Example: CN front setback 10 ft where adjacent to residential).
• Where it applies: Along commercial corridors, central business parcels, and mixed-use areas on the zoning map.

O and UR (Public & Quasi-Public)

• Purpose: Public facilities, utilities, recreation and institutional uses. See Table 17.16‑2.
• Typical permitted uses: Public/quasi‑public, limited dwelling density on UR, accessory utilities.
• Key dimensional standards: Main structure height 35 ft, accessory up to 45–80 ft for certain agricultural accessories, front setback 35 ft, rear 20 ft, interior side 15 ft. See Table 17.16‑2.
• Where it applies: Institutional sites, parks, and public-use parcels; applies per Kerman zoning map.

Note: The tables referenced above in the Kerman Zoning Code provide parcel-by-parcel numerical standards; when you evaluate a nonconformity you must compare the existing condition against the numeric standards in the applicable table for that zone. See Division 2 / the specific zone tables for the parcel’s zone.

Key decision-relevant standards (quick reference table)

How to apply this to an actual parcel (practical guidance)

• First, determine the parcel’s zoning and the exact numeric standards in the applicable zone table (use Table 17.10‑1, 17.12‑2, 17.16‑2 as applicable). Compare the existing use/structure date and entitlements to the effective date of the ordinance to establish whether it was lawful when created.
• Gather documentary proof: recorded subdivision/deed, old building permits/certificates of occupancy, business license history, utility billing records and dated photographs. The code places the burden on the owner. See § 17.60.030(A).
• For repairs or routine maintenance you generally do not need discretionary approval; for any expansion or modification you must show compliance with applicable tables and obtain applicable permits (and nonconforming protections will not allow you to enlarge the nonconforming portion). See § 17.60.040 and § 17.64.020.
• If the structure was heavily damaged, get a building-division damage assessment to establish the percentage of floor area lost — that percentage controls whether you can rebuild under the nonconformity rules. See § 17.60.050(A).
• Expect to obtain a zoning clearance or other permits (site plan, development plan, building permit) before rebuilding or changing use; no building permit is issued without zoning clearance. See § 17.70.020(A).

Inline links (first natural mention of each related topic is linked):

• For numeric setbacks and zone tables see the Kerman Development Standards pages and the zone tables in the code.
• If you need to check parking rules that could affect a nonconforming use's ability to continue or expand, consult Kerman Parking.
• If a change requires design review or site plan review, see Kerman Design Review (site plan and development plan rules are tied to permit processing).
• Nonconforming situations sometimes intersect with overlay districts; confirm overlay rules on Kerman Overlay Districts.
• Nonconforming signs are covered under signage rules—see Kerman Signage and the sign‑specific code provisions.
• If you are looking at an accessory unit or conversion that sits on a nonconforming lot, consult Kerman ADUs (note: state ADU law interacts with local nonconforming rules; verify state requirements separately).
• Permits and building compliance are separate from zoning nonconformity rules; the applicable building standards are the California Building Standards Code. (Verify building-code triggers with the city building official.)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy to preserve or challenge nonconforming status)

• Confirm the parcel’s current zone and pull the applicable development standards table for that zone (residential/commercial/public).
• Assemble documentary proof that the use/structure was legally established pre‑ordinance (recorded deed, permit, certificate of occupancy, business license, dated utility bills, photos). § 17.60.030(A).
• File for a director determination of legal nonconforming status (submit evidence); be prepared to appeal per Chapter 17.114 if denied. § 17.60.030(B).
• If proposing repairs, ensure work is limited to maintenance/repair only; obtain building permits as required and a zoning clearance. § 17.60.040 and § 17.70.020(A).
• If the structure was damaged, secure a building division determination of percent floor area lost; if ≤ 50% follow the timing rules (6/18 months) in § 17.60.050.
• If proposing expansion/modification, design it to conform to current zone standards (nonconforming protections do not allow expansion beyond prior intensity) and obtain required permits. § 17.64.020.

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain-English Summary

If your building, lot, or use in Kerman was lawful when it was created but no longer meets today’s zoning rules, you may continue ordinary maintenance and operation — but you cannot expand the nonconforming part, and you will lose protection if the use or structure is abandoned for 12 months or destroyed beyond 51% (with specific rebuild timing for ≤50%) — all rules are enforced through the city’s director and the zone tables. See § 17.60, § 17.62, and § 17.64 for the governing rules.

Source References

• Kerman Zoning Code — Division 5 (Nonconformities), § 17.60.010 – § 17.60.050 (Purpose; Applicability; Proof; Maintenance; Termination).
• Kerman Zoning Code — Chapter 17.62 (Nonconforming Parcels: use, expansion, subdivision, merger).
• Kerman Zoning Code — Chapter 17.64 (Legal Nonconforming Uses: continuance and expansion/modification).
• Kerman Zoning Code — § 17.60.050(A)(1–2) (Damage/destroyed thresholds and rebuild timing).
• Kerman Zoning Code — § 17.30.120 (Nonconforming signs).
• Kerman Zoning Code — Residential zone land‑use tables and development standards (Tables & Figures for RR, R‑1‑7, R‑1‑12, R‑2, R‑3).
• Kerman Zoning Code — Commercial/Mixed‑Use development standards (Table 17.12‑2, CG/CN/CS/MU/PA).
• Kerman Zoning Code — Public & Quasi‑Public development standards (Table 17.16‑2, O/UR).
• Kerman Zoning Code — Permit processing and zoning clearance requirements (§ 17.70.020).
• Kerman ADU/State references (context only; Kerman code lists ADU standards elsewhere; state ADU law interactions not specified in the nonconforming chapters). ADU handbook (informational).

Retrieved passages

• Kerman Zoning Code (title does) High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (Chapter 17.114) High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (Section 66451.11.) High relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (§2) High relevance show source text
• CBC § 2 (Chapter 9.20) High relevance show source text
• CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) Medium relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (§ 66314) Medium relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (chapter is) Medium relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (§ 66333) Medium relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (Section 17.04.030) Medium relevance show source text
• CBC § 66321 (§ 66321) Medium relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (title is) Medium relevance show source text
• Kerman Zoning Code (Chapter 17.80) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Kerman Zoning Code — Division 5 (Nonconformities), **§ 17.60.010 – § 17.60.050** (Purpose; Applicability; Proof; Maintenance; Termination). (§ 17.60.010)
• Kerman Zoning Code — Chapter **17.62** (Nonconforming Parcels: use, expansion, subdivision, merger).
• Kerman Zoning Code — Chapter **17.64** (Legal Nonconforming Uses: continuance and expansion/modification).
• Kerman Zoning Code — **§ 17.60.050(A)(1–2)** (Damage/destroyed thresholds and rebuild timing). (§ 17.60.050)
• Kerman Zoning Code — **§ 17.30.120** (Nonconforming signs). (§ 17.30.120)
• Kerman Zoning Code — Residential zone land‑use tables and development standards (Tables & Figures for **RR, R‑1‑7, R‑1‑12, R‑2, R‑3**).
• Kerman Zoning Code — Commercial/Mixed‑Use development standards (Table **17.12‑2**, **CG/CN/CS/MU/PA**).
• Kerman Zoning Code — Public & Quasi‑Public development standards (Table **17.16‑2**, **O/UR**).
• Kerman Zoning Code — Permit processing and zoning clearance requirements (**§ 17.70.020**). (§ 17.70.020)
• Kerman ADU/State references (context only; Kerman code lists ADU standards elsewhere; state ADU law interactions not specified in the nonconforming chapters). **ADU handbook (informational)**.
• Kerman_ZoningCode.md
• 2025 California ADU handbook.md