Local zoning · Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Pacific Grove local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the Pacific Grove zoning and planning ordinance rules that control development standards — setbacks, heights, lot and site coverage, density, and floor-area ratio (FAR). It focuses on what the Pacific Grove Municipal Code (PGMC / often Title 23 zoning) and the Local Coastal Program (LCP) actually require for each district, and points out where the code defers to the General Plan or the LCP. For context about zoning and process, see the city overview at Pacific Grove zoning & planning overview.

Notes on citations: every numeric standard below is tied to the controlling PGMC paragraph (§) and to the underlying retrieved ordinance text (file citations are provided inline after the § citation).

How to read this page

  • Bolded district names (for example, R-1, C-D, C-V-ATC) and bolded numbers are the code values you will scan for.
  • When the code delegates a standard to the General Plan or the Local Coastal Program (LCP), I note that explicitly and show the controlling §.
  • For procedural items (design review, parking, overlays, ADUs) I link to the city menu pages so you can jump to the related topics: [Pacific Grove Design Review], [Pacific Grove Parking], [Pacific Grove Overlay Districts], [Pacific Grove ADUs], [California Building Standards Code]. Use those pages for application steps — this page covers only the dimensional and siting standards in the zoning ordinance.

District-by-district development standards

Below are the key purpose/uses and the most decision-relevant dimensional standards for the principal district types in Pacific Grove. Each district subsection gives the ordinance references you should check on a specific project.

R-1 (Single-Family Residential and R-1 combined districts)

Purpose and typical uses

  • Purpose: Standard single-family neighborhoods; combined R-1-B overlay variants exist with site-specific exceptions. Uses: single-family dwellings, accessory structures, and limited accessory dwelling units subject to separate ADU rules. See PGMC § 23.16.010 et seq.

Key dimensional standards

  • Side yards: 10% of lot width, not to exceed 10 ft (for new SFDs after May 17, 1991) — § 23.64.016.
  • Maximum building coverage: 50% of lot area (citywide residential cap) — § 23.64.016 / related district chapters.
  • Maximum site coverage: 60% (citywide cap) — § 23.64.016.
  • Minimum lot area / front setbacks / other exceptions: many R-1-B combined districts carry special exceptions (for example R-1-B-3, R-1-B-4) — see the specific combined district exceptions in PGMC §§ 23.16.100–110. Example: R-1-B-4 exceptions include 20 ft front yard and larger minimum lot area in some subsections — § 23.16.110(c).

Practical note: verify the exact R-1 sub-district on the zoning map; some combined districts alter minimum lot area, front setbacks, or side yard rules. Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-2 (Two-family / Duplex)

Purpose and typical uses

  • Purpose: Duplexes and limited multifamily on lots that support two units; also allows R-1 uses. See PGMC Chapter 23.20.

Key dimensional standards

  • Maximum building height: 30 ft; maximum top plate 24 ft (special top-plate limit) — § 23.20.030.
  • Other site coverage/yard standards default to the R-1 framework unless modified by R-2 chapter — verify district chapter for parcel-specific rules. Not all numeric R-2 setbacks are repeated in the retrieved excerpts; verify with the municipality. Not found in retrieved materials for some R-2 setbacks.

R-3–P.G.B. (Pacific Grove Beach neighborhood)

Purpose and typical uses

  • Purpose: Special small‑lot, village‑scale neighborhood (Pacific Grove Beach Tract). Allowed uses include single‑family, duplexes, and multi‑family with architectural approval and use permits. See PGMC Chapter 23.57.

Key dimensional standards (explicit)

  • Maximum building height: 25 ft, limited to two stories — § 23.57.030.
  • Minimum lot area per unit: in several sub-areas minimums are 1,760 sf, 2,500 sf, etc.; to add more than one unit, 2,500 sf per dwelling unit applies in some blocks — § 23.57.040.
  • Maximum building coverage: 50% — § 23.57.050.
  • Maximum site coverage: 60% — § 23.57.051.
  • Yards / setbacks: Front yard minimum 8 ft (Mermaid Ave) or 12 ft (Ocean View Blvd); side yards = 10% of lot width (min 3 ft, max 10 ft); rear yard 5 ft (one-story) or 8 ft (two-story) — § 23.57.060.

Practical note: R-3‑P.G.B. has unusually small-lot rules and architectural approval requirements; check PGMC § 23.57.020–060 for block-by-block exceptions.

R-H (Residential Hotel / historic hotel area)

Purpose and typical uses

  • Purpose: Area around the Esplanade/Asilomar with special residential‑hotel character; see Chapter 23.56 for boundaries and standards.

Key dimensional standards

  • See cross references: R-H uses the regulations found in § 23.24.030–070 for height/site coverage/yards (the R-H district refers to those sections) — particularly § 23.24.030 sets a 30 ft maximum building height for related districts that reference it.

Practical note: confirm whether a property falls in the R-H polygon and then read the R-H and referenced sections together.

Commercial districts — C-1, C-D, C-FH, C-2, C-V, and C-V-ATC (American Tin Cannery)

Purpose and typical uses

  • C-1 / C-1-T / C-FH / C-D / C-2 / C-V: light commercial, downtown commercial, Forest Hill commercial, heavy commercial, visitor-serving commercial, etc. Allowed uses and permit types are listed in Table 23.31.030 (Table of allowable land uses). See PGMC § 23.31.030.

Key dimensional standards (common themes + district exceptions)

  • Setbacks & stepbacks: Commercial setbacks are tailored to street frontage and pedestrian frontage standards (see PGMC § 23.31.050 for ground-floor frontage requirements). Some ground-floor frontage standards override normal setbacks for certain streets. See end note references in Table 23.31.030.
  • Coverage: For visitor‑serving/visitor‑accommodation commercial, site coverage may not exceed 90% in general LUP areas; the American Tin Cannery site (C-V-ATC) may allow up to 90% site coverage only when enhanced public amenities are provided (see PGMC § 23.31.040(c)(4)(G)(i)).
  • Height caps: Visitor‑serving commercial near the shoreline can be allowed up to 40 ft, but new development must be sited and step‑back/ articulate so it does not block views (see PGMC § 23.31.040(c)(4)(B)) — 40 ft is cited as an upper cap in several LUP-related commercial standards.
  • Parking & coastal access sensitivity: Off‑street parking requirements are set “in the number necessary” to avoid conflicts with public coastal parking and access; the code factors lot size, proximity to shoreline, and public parking adequacy into its determination (§ 23.31.040(c)(4)(C)). For parking tables see PGMC § 23.64.190 and the city parking page.

Special site: C-V-ATC (American Tin Cannery)

  • Site coverage conditional allowance: 90% allowable site coverage only if consistent public amenities beyond LCP requirements are included; otherwise coverage may be reduced — § 23.31.040(c)(4)(G)(i).
  • Minor mechanical height exceptions: up to +8 ft allowed for screened mechanical appurtenances if public views are not significantly impacted — § 23.31.040(c)(4)(G)(ii).

Practical note: commercial districts have complex special rules for shoreline visibility, stepbacks on Ocean View Boulevard, and coastal public access considerations. Check the specific district chapter and LCP policies before assuming a numeric setback or coverage is fixed.

Industrial (I) district

Purpose and typical uses

  • Purpose: Light and restricted industrial uses; intensive outdoor storage and heavy industrial uses may be conditionally allowed. See PGMC § 23.31.030 (use table) and related industrial sections.

Key dimensional standards

  • Industrial districts generally use the same yard, coverage, and height rules described in their chapter or cross‑referenced sections; specific numeric values vary by use and are found in the I-district provisions. Not all numeric I-district values are reproduced in the retrieved excerpts. Verify with the district chapter. Not found in retrieved materials.

Asilomar Conference Grounds and Asilomar Dunes (special LCP area)

Purpose and typical uses

  • Purpose: Highly resource‑sensitive coastal dune ecosystem; LCP imposes stricter limits to protect dune habitat and views. See PGMC § 23.90.180(c)(4) and subsequent Asilomar-specific subsections.

Key dimensional standards

  • Heights: New Asilomar structures must not exceed 25 ft in most cases — § 23.90.180(c)(4)(B).
  • Coverage: Strongly limited; new coverage must be restricted to existing developed areas where possible and when added must be offset at ratios up to 3:1 for Asilomar (new coverage required to be mitigated by restoration elsewhere) — § 23.90.180(c)(4)(A) and (c)(4)(G).

Practical note: Asilomar has the strictest site-coverage and habitat mitigation rules; expect mandatory restoration or mitigation payments.

Quick standards table (decision‑relevant)

District Height (max) Max building coverage Max site coverage Typical front setback Typical side setback Code reference
R-1 Not single number (varies by subdistrict) — see combined district exceptions 50% 60% Varies (see R-1 subdistricts) 10% of lot width (≤ 10 ft) PGMC § 23.64.016, PGMC § 23.16.010–110
R-2 30 ft (top plate ≤ 24 ft) Default to residential caps 60% (citywide cap applies) See R-2 chapter 10% rule applies PGMC § 23.20.030, PGMC § 23.64.016
R-3-P.G.B. 25 ft, 2 stories 50% 60% 8 ft (Mermaid) / 12 ft (Ocean View) 10% of lot width (min 3 ft, max 10 ft) PGMC § 23.57.030–060
R-H See referenced sections (often 30 ft) See PGMC §23.24 60% typical cap See § 23.24 series See § 23.24 series PGMC § 23.56.020; cross-ref § 23.24.030
C‑V / Visitor commercial Up to 40 ft in some shoreline areas (subject to view protection & stepbacks) Varies (visitor-serving up to 90% site coverage in LUP areas) Up to 90% where allowed Front landscaping/8 ft where applicable 10 ft adjacent to residential PGMC § 23.31.040(c)(4)
C‑V‑ATC (American Tin Cannery) Typically follows C-V rules; minor mechanical up to +8 ft allowed if screened Up to 90% only with enhanced public amenities Up to 90% (conditional) See C-V and special ATC design standards Adjacent-to-residential 10 ft typical PGMC § 23.31.040(c)(4)(G)

If a cell above says “See …” that means the code delegates to the LUP or to other cross‑referenced PGMC sections — verify the parcel’s zoning and LUP designation before assuming a firm numeric.

Checklist (What an applicant must satisfy for dimensional compliance)

  • Confirm zoning district and any overlays at the parcel (see [Pacific Grove Overlay Districts]) and read the district chapter.
  • Verify Local Coastal Program (LCP) policies apply — LCP overrides some local numeric standards in the coastal zone (see § 23.90.180(c)). § 23.90.180.
  • Demonstrate compliance with height, setbacks, building coverage, and site coverage limits in the applicable district chapter (e.g., R-3 § 23.57.030–051) and provide calculations.
  • Prepare and submit required design review/architectural review materials (see [Pacific Grove Design Review]) and site plan showing stepbacks and articulation if in shoreline/ Ocean View Boulevard visibility area.
  • Provide parking calculations and show off‑street parking requirements and coastal-access impacts (see [Pacific Grove Parking] and PGMC § 23.31.040(c)(4)(C)).
  • If in Asilomar/Asilomar Dunes or at American Tin Cannery, prepare habitat mitigation / public amenity plans and offset calculations required by the code (see § 23.90.180(c)(4) and § 23.31.040(c)(4)(G)(i)).
  • For any proposed variance or exception, prepare the findings required by PGMC (see [Pacific Grove Variances and Exceptions] and PGMC Chapter 23.70).
  • If proposing ADUs, follow state ADU rules plus local ADU provisions — see [Pacific Grove ADUs] and California ADU law. (This page does not cover ADU construction code — see [California Building Standards Code] for building rules).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
LCP overrides / coastal policies Many numeric limits are “maximums” reduced by LCP findings; coastal views, habitat, and public access can reduce allowable height/coverage. Confirm LCP designation and whether the parcel is in the coastal zone; read § 23.90.180 and applicable LUP policies.
FAR (Floor Area Ratio) not fixed in code The PGMC text repeatedly defers FAR to the General Plan / LUP or special permit; there is not a simple citywide numeric FAR in the snippets. Verify the parcel’s General Plan residential/commercial land use category; the code often states “Max. allowed by the general plan” (see table notes). If you need FAR, ask planning staff.
District‑specific exceptions (R-1-B variants) The combined R-1‑B districts change minimum lot size and setbacks block‑by‑block. Confirm the exact combined district (R-1‑B‑3, R-1‑B‑4, etc.) and read PGMC § 23.16.100–110 for exceptions.
Stepbacks / Ocean View Boulevard rules Stepbacks and stricter articulation are triggered for lots that front or are visible from Ocean View Boulevard. If your site faces Ocean View Blvd or the recreational trail, expect required stepbacks and view analysis per § 23.31.040(c)(4)(B).
Site coverage vs. building coverage definitions The code differentiates building coverage and site coverage, and the LCP sometimes imposes both. Miscomputing coverage can cause noncompliance. Use the PGMC definitions and provide separate calculations for building coverage and site coverage; see PGMC § 23.64 series for definitions. Not all definitions reproduced here; verify with planning staff.

Plain‑English summary

Pacific Grove’s zoning ordinance sets district‑specific maximums for height, setbacks, and coverage (common caps: 25–30 ft or 40 ft in certain commercial/shoreline areas; 50% building coverage; 60% site coverage), but the Local Coastal Program and several combined districts frequently modify those numbers. Always check the exact zoning map, the district chapter (§ citations above), and the LCP policies for your parcel — coastal and resource‑sensitive sites (Asilomar, American Tin Cannery) have stronger limits or conditional allowances.

Source References

  • PGMC § 23.90.180 (Coastal community design; LCP policy controls on heights, setbacks, coverage).
  • PGMC Chapter 23.57 — R-3-P.G.B. district (uses, height 25 ft, coverage 50%, site coverage 60%, yards) § 23.57.020–060.
  • PGMC Chapter 23.31 — Commercial & Industrial districts allowable uses and design standards, including C‑V and American Tin Cannery rules (coverage/height/stepbacks) — see § 23.31.030 and § 23.31.040(c)(4)(G).
  • PGMC Chapter 23.20 — R-2 district (height 30 ft, top plate limit 24 ft) § 23.20.030.
  • PGMC Chapter 23.16 — R-1 combined districts and special exceptions (R‑1‑B‑3, R‑1‑B‑4) § 23.16.100–110.
  • PGMC § 23.64.016 and related sections — citywide coverage/site coverage/yard rules and definitions (building coverage 50%, site coverage 60%, side yard 10% rule).
  • PGMC tables and end notes (Table 23.31.030 and related table notes) — summary of district numeric standards and cross references.

External links used inline:

  • Pacific Grove zoning & planning overview: /us/california/pacific-grove
  • Pacific Grove Design Review: /us/california/pacific-grove/design-review
  • Pacific Grove Parking: /us/california/pacific-grove/parking
  • Pacific Grove Overlay Districts: /us/california/pacific-grove/overlay-districts
  • Pacific Grove ADUs: /us/california/pacific-grove/adu
  • California Building Standards Code: /us/california/building-codes

If you need parcel‑specific numeric readings (exact setback, lot area, and whether the parcel is in the coastal zone or subject to an overlay) — Verify with the jurisdiction (planning counter) because some standards are block‑specific or set by the General Plan/LUP.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (section below) High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (§ 23.31.50) High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code (section are) High relevance
  • Pacific Grove Zoning Code High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in Pacific Grove?

In Pacific Grove an R-1 lot is generally for single‑family dwellings and related accessory structures; combined R‑1‑B districts may allow specific exceptions (e.g., different minimum lot sizes or front setbacks). Check the R‑1 chapter and the specific combined district rules in PGMC § 23.16.010–110 for precise limits.

What are Pacific Grove setback requirements?

Setbacks vary by district. A common rule for residential side yards is 10% of lot width (not to exceed 10 ft) for new single‑family dwellings; R‑3‑P.G.B. has specific front setbacks (e.g., 8 ft on Mermaid Ave, 12 ft on Ocean View Blvd). See PGMC § 23.64.016 and § 23.57.060.

Do Pacific Grove heights differ in the coastal zone?

Yes. The LCP and coastal community design rules require that heights be interpreted as maximums that can be reduced to protect views and resources. For example, visitor‑serving commercial may be allowed up to 40 ft but must be designed to protect blue‑water views; Asilomar development is generally limited to 25 ft. See PGMC § 23.90.180 and § 23.31.040(c)(4)(B).

Is there a citywide FAR number in Pacific Grove?

Not as a single, unconditional numeric. The code often defers FAR to the General Plan or the LUP (“Max. allowed by the general plan”) — see the zoning tables and end notes. For parcel‑level FAR you must check the General Plan land‑use category and any LCP provisions. See the PGMC table notes and related references.

What are the coverage (building vs. site) limits?

Common residential limits in the PGMC are building coverage up to 50% and site coverage up to 60%; commercial visitor‑serving areas can allow higher site coverage (up to 90% in limited cases such as with public amenities at the American Tin Cannery site). See PGMC § 23.57.050–051, § 23.31.040(c)(4)(G)(i) and PGMC § 23.64.016.

Do I need design review for changes to building height or coverage?

Many projects (multifamily, commercial, major additions) require design or architectural review; the site plan review committee and architectural review criteria apply to multifamily, commercial, and certain residential projects. See PGMC Chapter 23.70 and SPRC rules; see the city design review page for process details.

How are setbacks handled next to residential uses in commercial zones?

Where commercial development adjoins residential uses the code typically requires 10‑ft setbacks adjacent to residential uses and landscaped front areas (for visitor‑serving/commercial LUP categories) — see § 23.31.040(c)(4)(D).

If my lot is in Asilomar, what special rules apply?

Asilomar development is subject to stricter limits: heights generally ≤ 25 ft, minimized new coverage, and strong mitigation/offset (up to 3:1 in some cases) for new coverage; see PGMC § 23.90.180(c)(4). Expect habitat restoration plans and coordination with dune restoration requirements.

Where are parking requirements found, and how do coastal concerns affect them?

Off‑street parking rules are in PGMC § 23.64.190; for coastal development the number of off‑street parking spaces must be set so as not to conflict with public coastal access parking needs — see § 23.31.040(c)(4)(C). For detailed rates see the parking chapter and the city parking page.

If the code is silent or delegates to the General Plan, what should I do?

When the PGMC delegates to the General Plan or the LCP (common for FAR, some densities, and visitor‑serving numeric caps), obtain the General Plan/LUP designation for the parcel and coordinate with planning staff. The code explicitly says “Max. allowed by the general plan” in several places — verify with staff.

More in Pacific Grove code

Ask about any Pacific Grove property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Pacific Grove zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Pacific Grove zoning topics

Pacific Grove Zoning

Pacific Grove Land Use

Pacific Grove Parking

Pacific Grove Design Review

Pacific Grove Overlay Districts

Pacific Grove Historic Preservation

Pacific Grove Signage

Pacific Grove Nonconforming Uses

Pacific Grove Variances and Exceptions

Pacific Grove Landscaping and Screening

Pacific Grove overview