GROVERBEACH.ORG
Kyle Bell
Senior Planner
Megan Martin
Community Development Director
City of Grover Beach
2024 Development
Code Amendments &
State Feedback
Development Code Amendment – Intro & Guide
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• Copies of the Amendments are available for public review in the Council Chambers.
• Purple underline indicates amendments to Code Sections as presented to the Council on February 24, 2025.
• Red underline indicates amendments to Code Sections in accordance with HCD comments, Coastal Commission review, and Planning Commission recommendations.
Development Code Amendment Objectives
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• Revise for consistency with changes in State Law
• Changes are intended to:
• Update permitting process to be clear, concise, and efficient, especially for housing development projects consistent with State Law
• Establish objective standards to streamline approval processes • Improve internal consistency for both staff and applicants to navigate and apply.
• Remove ambiguity and clarify intent to improve certainty for developers, neighbors, and staff.
Development Code Background
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• November 2020 – Housing Element adopted
• June 2022 – Development Code Update adopted
• Funded through three State grants, $250,000 (REAP, LEAP, SB2) • Staff committed to performing annual review of the Development Code • May 28, 2024 – Council Study Session
• June 18, 2024 – Community Workshop and Survey
• September 9, 2024 – City Council Adoption
• Pending Coastal Commission review
Development Code Background
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• September 12, 2024 – Referral to HCD Required
• Coastal Commission requires HCD review prior to consideration. • December 24, 2024 – Received HCD Comment Letter
• Staff revised the project to reflect consistency with HCD’s comment letter.
• February 26, 2025 – City Council 1st Reading (Introduction) • Council remanded changes for review to Planning Commission. • July 1, 2025 – Planning Commission Review
Legislative and Regulatory Context
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• Recent State Legislation
• SB 1123 – Urban Lot Subdivisions in R1 zones
• Coastal Act
• Coordination with Coastal Commission review
• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Legislation
• HCD “Flyover” review and feedback on ADU regulations
Proposed Amendments Overview
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• Housing Related Changes
• ADUs must be permitted within Industrial zones when accessory to any primary residential use (Live/Work Units qualify).
• Edge Conditions – Added note for consistency with ADU setback allowances
• Urban Lot Subdivisions – updates to address consistency with SB 1123.
• Updates to three definitions for consistency with ADU State Law Proposed Amendments Overview
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• Development Standards & Procedures
• Height Limits and Exceptions – Minor amendment for elevator shaft height.
• Admin Development Permits – Cross reference to Admin Coastal Permits
• Admin Coastal Development Permits – Cross reference to Admin Permits, and new reference to Zoning Clearance for clarity.
Environmental Review
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Ordinance and Local Coastal Program (LCP) Amendments are not defined as a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The revisions to the Development Code are considered
administrative and will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment and are therefore exempt from CEQA.
Planning Commission Recommendation
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The City Council adopt amendments to the Grover Beach
Municipal Code Article IX, Development Code; and approve the Local Coastal Program Amendment.
City Council Recommendation
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The City Council introduce the 1st Reading of amendments to the Grover Beach Municipal Code Article IX, Development Code; and a Local Coastal Program Amendment; and,
Schedule the 2nd Reading to adopt the amendments to the Grover Beach Municipal Code Article IX, Development Code, and the Resolution for a Local Coastal Program Amendment.
Next Steps
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• City Council Adoption – August 25, 2025
• State Agency Review
• California Coastal Commission
• Ordinance effected
Megan Martin, Community Development Director
[email protected]
Kyle Bell, Senior Planner
[email protected]
Contact Information
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Development Code – Height Exceptions
GROVERBEACH.ORG
3.10.030.D Exceptions to height limits. The following structures and structural features may exceed the height limits of this Development Code as noted:
1. Architectural features. A steeple, tower, cupola, monument, or similar unoccupied architectural feature may exceed the height limit by up to eight feet subject to approval of a Modification to Standards (Section 6.20.072).
Architectural features that exceed the height limit and are greater than eight feet require Use Permit approval.
4. Elevator shaft or stairway. An elevator or stairway to a rooftop deck/upper story open space that is no more than 100 square feet in area and set back from any building edge by at least five feet may exceed the maximum height limit by up to eight feet subject to approval of a Modification to Standards (Section 6.20.072).
Previous Development Code (2019)
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3..10.030.D Exceptions to height limits. The following structures and structural features may exceed the height limits of this Development Code as noted:
1. Architectural features. A chimney, cupola, monument, mechanical equipment, vent, or similar structure may exceed the height limit subject to approval of a Use Permit by the Review Authority; except a chimney or vent may exceed the maximum height of the applicable zone if required to meet Building Code requirements.
2. Telecommunications facilities. The height of telecommunications facilities, including antennas, poles, towers, and necessary mechanical appurtenances shall comply with Section 4.40 (Telecommunications Facilities).
Director’s Interpretation – Height
GROVERBEACH.ORG
• The 2022 Development Code does not provide a discretionary mechanism to approve elevator shafts that exceed the 8-foot heights. However, other architectural features may exceed the 8-feet, subject to Use Permit approval.
• This discrepancy may indicate an unintended gap in the 2022 Development Code update.
• Prior to the 2022 amendments, height exceptions for structures such as chimneys, cupolas, and mechanical equipment were allowed through Use Permit approval.
Planning Commission Modifications
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Remove the exemption from the additional setback requirement for Upper Story Open Spaces that are less than 50 square feet. Establish objective design standards for guardrails to effectively screen personal belongings.
Revert to the original review thresholds for Administrative Development Permits that are subject to the Director’s review without a public hearing.
Community Outreach & Survey
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• Council Study Session (May 28, 2024)
• Council provided direction to staff for community engagement • Reviewed changes with Coastal Commission Staff
• Coastal Staff provided direct input on the changes
• Launched the 2024 Development Code Amendments Website • Centralizing information and resources, including a public draft of the proposed changes • Hosted Community Workshop (5 participants)
• Participants received a brief presentation and engaged in a Q&A session with City staff • Conducted Online Survey (38 responses)
• Designed to facilitate feedback regarding specific changes to the Development Code