Pacific Grove · Land use · Emergency shelter
Where is an emergency shelter allowed in Pacific Grove?
In Pacific Grove, an emergency shelter is allowed in 4 base zones (C-D, C-FH, C-2 and I, all with a condition) and not allowed in 3 (Pacific Grove use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: C-D, C-FH, C-2 and I
- Not allowed: C-1, C-1-T and C-V
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Pacific Grove Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where an emergency shelter can go
Pacific Grove's code calls this use “Emergency shelters 9”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| C-D Downtown Commercial | Allowed — see note Note 9: Outside the coastal zone only. In addition to the requirements of PGMC § 23.31.040 , emergency shelters shall be subject to the following standards: a. Maximum of 25 beds. b. Off-street parking shall be provided at a rate of one space per each staff person on duty. c. On-site management shall be provided at all times the shelter is open. A management and security plan shall be prepared in consultation with the city manager or his or her designee which shall describe hours of operation; staffing; house rules and occupant screening procedures; on- or off-site services to be provided; security measures to ensure the safety of the occupants of the shelter and surrounding areas; and communications protocols to ensure effective coordination between shelter management, adjacent property owners and residents, and public safety personnel. d. No emergency shelter shall be established closer than 300 feet from another emergency shelter, measured from the nearest property line. e. Waiting and intake areas shall be screened from view from the public right-of-way. | § 23.31.030 |
| C-FH Forest Hill Commercial | Allowed — see note Note 9: Outside the coastal zone only. In addition to the requirements of PGMC § 23.31.040 , emergency shelters shall be subject to the following standards: a. Maximum of 25 beds. b. Off-street parking shall be provided at a rate of one space per each staff person on duty. c. On-site management shall be provided at all times the shelter is open. A management and security plan shall be prepared in consultation with the city manager or his or her designee which shall describe hours of operation; staffing; house rules and occupant screening procedures; on- or off-site services to be provided; security measures to ensure the safety of the occupants of the shelter and surrounding areas; and communications protocols to ensure effective coordination between shelter management, adjacent property owners and residents, and public safety personnel. d. No emergency shelter shall be established closer than 300 feet from another emergency shelter, measured from the nearest property line. e. Waiting and intake areas shall be screened from view from the public right-of-way. | § 23.31.030 |
| C-2 Heavy Commercial | Allowed — see note Note 9: Outside the coastal zone only. In addition to the requirements of PGMC § 23.31.040 , emergency shelters shall be subject to the following standards: a. Maximum of 25 beds. b. Off-street parking shall be provided at a rate of one space per each staff person on duty. c. On-site management shall be provided at all times the shelter is open. A management and security plan shall be prepared in consultation with the city manager or his or her designee which shall describe hours of operation; staffing; house rules and occupant screening procedures; on- or off-site services to be provided; security measures to ensure the safety of the occupants of the shelter and surrounding areas; and communications protocols to ensure effective coordination between shelter management, adjacent property owners and residents, and public safety personnel. d. No emergency shelter shall be established closer than 300 feet from another emergency shelter, measured from the nearest property line. e. Waiting and intake areas shall be screened from view from the public right-of-way. | § 23.31.030 |
| I Restricted Industrial | Allowed — see note Note 9: Outside the coastal zone only. In addition to the requirements of PGMC § 23.31.040 , emergency shelters shall be subject to the following standards: a. Maximum of 25 beds. b. Off-street parking shall be provided at a rate of one space per each staff person on duty. c. On-site management shall be provided at all times the shelter is open. A management and security plan shall be prepared in consultation with the city manager or his or her designee which shall describe hours of operation; staffing; house rules and occupant screening procedures; on- or off-site services to be provided; security measures to ensure the safety of the occupants of the shelter and surrounding areas; and communications protocols to ensure effective coordination between shelter management, adjacent property owners and residents, and public safety personnel. d. No emergency shelter shall be established closer than 300 feet from another emergency shelter, measured from the nearest property line. e. Waiting and intake areas shall be screened from view from the public right-of-way. | § 23.31.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Note 9 limits emergency shelters to areas outside the coastal zone; check coastal-zone coverage before the page says allowed.
- State law: State law (Gov. Code § 65583, SB 2) requires every city to allow emergency shelters by right in at least one zone.
- Not covered here: O, U, M-H and PUD districts have no use-by-use list; Residential zone names are not stated in the packet; R-1 narrative list does not say unlisted uses are prohibited, so no "no" cells are given for residential districts. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Pacific Grove
Who this affects
HomeownersBuyersReal estate agentsSmall developers
Frequently asked questions
Can I have an emergency shelter in the C-1 zone in Pacific Grove?
No. Pacific Grove's use table does not allow it in C-1 (Light Commercial) (§ 23.31.030).
Can I have an emergency shelter in the C-D zone in Pacific Grove?
Yes, with a condition. Pacific Grove's use table lists it as allowed in C-D (Downtown Commercial) (§ 23.31.030). The code adds a condition: “Outside the coastal zone only. In addition to the requirements of PGMC § 23.31.040 , emergency shelters shall be subject to the following standards: a. Maximum of 25 beds. b. Off-street parking shall be provided at a…”
General information, not legal advice.
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