CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Council Chamber – City Hall – 300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA The Council will not begin consideration of any item on this agenda later than 10:00 p.m. unless such consideration is approved. Any items on this agenda not considered this evening will be continued to a future meeting.
Copies of the agenda packet are available for review at the Pacific Grove Library, in the Finance Department, and electronically at www.cityofpacificgrove.org/agendas. The most effective method of communication with the City Council is by sending an email to [email protected]. In order to allow the City Council adequate time to review communication related to an agenda item, it is recommended that the communication be sent no later than 9:00 AM on the day prior to the City Council meeting. Public comments received through this email address by noon on the day of the meeting will be posted with the corresponding agenda item.
Under the Brown Act, public comment for matters on the agenda must relate to that agenda item and public comments for matters not on the agenda must relate to the subject matter jurisdiction of this legislative body. This is a warning that if a member of the public attending this meeting remotely or in-person violates the Brown Act by failing to comply with these requirements of the Brown Act, then the Mayor or Chair may request that speaker be muted. If a member of the public attending this meeting in-person engages in disruptive behavior that disturbs the orderly conduct of the meeting, they may be removed from the meeting after a warning, pursuant to Council Policy 000-17.
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AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Smith
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2. PRESENTATIONS
A. Pacific Grove Rotary Club Presentation by Arlene Hardenstein B. The Little Car Show Presentation by John Moulton
3. COUNCIL AND STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS (City-Related Items Only) A. Other
4. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
General Public Comment must deal with matters subject to the jurisdiction of the City and the Council that are not on the Regular Agenda. This is the appropriate place to comment as to items on the Consent Agenda, only if you do not wish to have the item pulled for individual consideration by the Council. Comments from the public will be limited to three minutes and will not receive Council action. Comments regarding items on the Regular Agenda shall be heard prior to Council’s consideration of such items at the time such items are called.
Whenever possible, written correspondence should be submitted to the Council in advance of the meeting, to provide adequate time for its consideration.
A. Written General Public Comment
CONSENT AGENDA
The Consent Agenda deals with routine and non-controversial matters, and may include action on resolutions, ordinances, or other public hearings for which testimony is not anticipated. The vote on the Consent Agenda shall apply to each item that has not been removed. Any member of Council, staff, or the public may remove an item from the Consent Agenda for individual consideration. When items are pulled for discussion, they will be automatically placed at the end of their respective section within the Regular Agenda. One motion shall be made to adopt all non-removed items on the Consent Agenda.
5. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Items pulled from this section will be placed under 12. Unfinished and Ongoing Business A. Minutes of the December 17, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting PG 9 Reference: Sandra Kandell, City Clerk
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
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6. RESOLUTIONS
Items pulled from this section will be placed under 12. Unfinished and Ongoing Business or 13. New Business A. Comment Letter and Resolution Opposing Offshore Drilling and Seabed Mining, and participation in the Local Government Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Coordination Program and Coalition
Reference: Councilmembers Lori McDonnell and Tina Rau PG 15 Recommended Action:
Submit a letter from the City of Pacific Grove Opposing New and Existing Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling and Seabed Mining.
1. Adopt a Resolution Opposing New and Existing Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling and Seabed Mining.
2. Discuss joining the Local Government OCS Coalition, a coordinated effort among California’s coastal cities and counties to oppose new offshore oil and gas drilling and related threats.
3. Direct staff to return to City Council with an agenda item detailing the Local Government OCS Coalition with an MOU to join the group and collaborate with coalition representatives to ensure timely engagement in federal and state processes affecting offshore drilling and deep-sea mining.
4. CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
B. Resolution Authorizing Submittal of a 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application
Reference: Phillip Anderson Housing Program Manager PG 31 Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution authorizing submittal of a 2025 CDBG grant application.
CEQA: Categorical Exemption, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
7. ORDINANCES
Items pulled from this section will be placed under 11. Public Hearings A. Second reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Salary Schedule (Minimum Wage) PG 35 Reference: Staphany Arriola, Management Analyst, Leticia Livian, Human Resources Director
Recommended Action: Hold second reading and adopt an ordinance to amend the salary classification schedule modifying salary ranges for Cashier, Intern, Lighthouse Docent Coordinator, and Recreation Assistant I.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
B. Second reading of ordinances adopting amendments to certain sections and chapters, except PGCC 1-21-26
B. Second reading of ordinances adopting amendments to certain sections and chapters, except for Chapter 23.31, of Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code and the Zoning Map and amending Chapter 23.31, Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts, of Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code.
Reference: Jon Biggs, Community Development Director PG 39 Recommended Action:
Hold second reading and adopt an ordinance of the City Council adopting amendments to certain sections and chapters, except for Chapter 23.31, of Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code and the Zoning Map.
1. Following recusal by some members of the City Council, staff recommends that the remaining members of the City Council take the following actions:
Hold second reading and adopt an ordinance of the City Council amending Chapter
23.31, Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts, of Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code.
1. CEQA: Environmental Impact Report
8. REPORTS – INFORMATION ONLY
Items pulled from this section will be placed under 12. Unfinished and Ongoing Business or 13. New Business A. Boards Commissions and Committees Quarterly Reports PG 253 Reference: Sandra Kandell, City Clerk
Recommended Action: Receive Quarterly Reports from Boards, Commissions and Committees.
CEQA: Proposed Ordinance not subject to CEQA based on Guideline Sections: 15060(c)(3) and 15378; 15060(c)(2); 15061(b)(3); and 150308
B. Monterey Salinas Transit Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2025 and December 8, 2025 Reference: Joe Amelio, Mayor Pro Tem PG 272
Recommended Action: Receive the minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
C. Core Fund Summary and Check Registers - November and December 2025 PG 286 Reference: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council Recommended Action:
1. Receive the Check Registers and Core Fund Summary.
2. Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
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D. Quarterly Update to 2025-2027 Community Goals and Workplan PG 319 Reference: Matthew Mogensen, City Manager
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025-2027 Community Goals and Workplan Matrix Quarterly Update.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
E. Report on the December 10, 2026 City/PGUSD Joint Staff Meeting PG 323 Reference: Matthew Mogensen, City Manager
Recommended Action: Receive and File a Summary Meeting Update regarding a December 10, 2026 City/PGUSD Joint Staff Meeting
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
9. REPORTS – REQUIRING ACTION
Items pulled from this section will be placed under 12. Unfinished and Ongoing Business or 13. New Business A. Appointments to City Boards, Committees, Commissions, and Task Force PG 327 Reference: Nick Smith, Mayor
Recommended Action: Approve appointments to City Boards, Committees, Commissions, and Task Force.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
B. Pacific Grove Golf Links Amendment #2, CourseCo PG 367 Reference: Daniel Gho, Public Works Director/Deputy City Manager Recommended Action:
Authorize the execution of Amendment #2, amending the lease agreement for the maintenance and operations of Pacific Grove Golf Links, between the City of Pacific Grove and CourseCo.
1. 2. Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
10. MEETING MINUTES OF COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES Items pulled from this section will be placed under 13. New Business A. Architectural Review Board Meeting Minutes: November 12, 2025 PG 379 Reference: Anna Bornstein, Associate Planner
Recommended Action: Receive the minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
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B. Library Board Meeting Minutes: November 4, 2025 PG 383 Reference: Rachel Gaither, Library Director
Recommended Action: Receive the minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
C. Task Force on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Meeting Minutes: October 13, 2025 PG 386 Reference: Sandra Kandell, City Clerk
Recommended Action: Receive the minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
REGULAR AGENDA
11. PUBLIC HEARINGS
For public hearings involving a quasi-judicial determination by the Council, the proponent of an item may be given 10 minutes to speak and others in support of the proponent’s position may be given three minutes each. A designated spokesperson for opposition to the item may be given 10 minutes to speak and all others in opposition may be given three minutes each. Very brief rebuttal and surrebuttal may be allowed in the sole discretion of the Council. In public hearings not involving a quasi-judicial determination by the Council, all persons may be given three minutes to speak on the matter.
A. First reading of an ordinance to amend the City Salary Classification Schedule PG 389 Reference: Leticia Livian, Human Resources Director
Recommended Action:
1. Request the City Attorney read the title of the ordinance;
2. Motion to waive further reading of the ordinance;
Introduce and hold first reading of an ordinance to amend the salary classification schedule salary range for Code Compliance Officer and approve the amendment; and
3. Direct that a summary of a proposed ordinance be published as approved by the City Attorney.
4. CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
B. Proposed Ordinances (Regular and Urgency) Amending Chapter 11.72 (Aircraft Landing) And Adding Chapter 9.50 (Regulation Of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) To The Municipal Code, Regulating Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Reference: Lori McDonnell, Councilmember PG 393
Recommended Action:
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Recommended Action:
Discuss proposed Ordinances Amending Chapter 11.72 (Aircraft Landing) And Adding Chapter 9.50 (Regulation Of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) To The Municipal Code, Regulating Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).
1. Request the City Attorney to read the title of the Regular Ordinance and the Urgency Ordinance
2. 3. Motion to waive further reading of the ordinances.
Motion to introduce and hold first reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 11.72 (Aircraft Landing) And Adding Chapter 9.50 (Regulation Of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) To The Municipal Code, Regulating Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).
4. Motion Adopt Urgency Ordinance Amending Chapter 11.72 (Aircraft Landing) And Adding Chapter 9.50 (Regulation Of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems) To The Municipal Code, Regulating Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).
5. Motion that publication of the ordinances will be satisfied by publication of a summary approved by the City Attorney.
6. CEQA: Categorical Exemption, CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Class I, Existing Facilities
12. UNFINISHED AND ONGOING BUSINESS
A. Review the City’s 5-Year General Fund and Infrastructure Needs and the Professional Services Agreement with Props and Measures
Reference: Matthew Mogensen, City Manager PG 427
Recommended Action:
1. Review the City’s 5-Year General Fund and Infrastructure Needs.
2. Review the Professional Service Agreement with Props and Measures Scope of Work.
Motion providing direction to the City Manager to proceed, modify, suspend or cancel the Public Services Agreement with Props and Measures.
3. CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
13. NEW BUSINESS
A. Chautauqua Hall Architectural Award and Funding Agreement PG 522 Reference: Daniel Gho, Public Works Director/Deputy City Manager Recommended Action:
Enter into an agreement with Hunter Porter Eldridge Architecture for Chautauqua Hall Architectural Services in an amount not to exceed $176,608 plus a 10% contingency.
1. Authorize the execution of a funding agreement between the Heritage Society of Pacific Grove and the City for the reimbursement for Architectural Services for Chautauqua Hall.
2. 3. Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
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B. Annual Financial Reports and Audit
Reference: Fred Marsh, Administrative Services Director PG 531 Recommended Action: Receive the reports noted in this report.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
14. FULL PRESENTATIONS
15. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
NOTICE OF ADA COMPLIANCE: Pursuant to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Codified At 42 United States Code Section 12101 and 28 Code of Federal Regulations Part 35), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the City of Pacific Grove does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, age or sexual orientation in the provision of any services, programs, or activities. The City of Pacific Grove does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. City Hall is an accessible facility. A limited number of assisted listening devices will be available at this meeting. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting or provide the requested agenda format.
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Agenda No. 5 A
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Sandra Kandell, City Clerk/DEI Coordinator
MEETING DATE: January 21, 2026
SUBJECT: Minutes of the December 17, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Approve minutes.
Attachments
Draft Meeting Minutes 12-17-25
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1 DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING
Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 6:00 P.M.
Council Chamber – City Hall – 300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA YOU MAY VIEW THE MEETING LIVE VIA ZOOM AT:
https://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/Zoom_CC
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present in Chamber: Mayor Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Amelio, Councilmembers Garfield, McDonnell, Rau and Walkingstick. Absent: Councilmember Poduri.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Amelio led the pledge of allegiance.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Amelio and seconded by Councilmember Rau, Council voted 6-0-1, Councilmember Poduri absent, to approve the Special Meeting Agenda.
2. PRESENTATIONS
3. COUNCIL AND STAFF ANNOUNCEMENTS (City-Related Items Only)
CONSENT AGENDA
Action: Upon motion by Councilmember Rau and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Amelio, Council voted 6-0-1, Councilmember Poduri absent, to approve the Consent Agenda.
4. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
A. Minutes of City Council November 5, November 12, and November 19, Special and Regular Meetings
Action: Approved minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
5. RESOLUTIONS
6. ORDINANCES
7. REPORTS – INFORMATION ONLY
8. REPORTS – REQUIRING ACTION
A. Legal Services Agreement with Fenton & Keller, LLP
Action: Approved legal services agreement with Fenton & Keller, LLP for City Attorney and Assistant City Attorney positions.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
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2 B. Proposed Agreement for Legal Services with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP Action: Authorized the Mayor to execute the Proposed Agreement for Legal Services with Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
A. Amendment to Agreement with HdL for Cannabis Services Action: Authorized an amendment to the agreement with HdL Companies for Cannabis Services increasing to increase the total contract amount by $26,000.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
B. Agreement Amendment with Robert Half for Temporary IT Staffing Action: Approved the amendment to increase the agreement with Robert Half Inc. by $60,000, extending temporary IT staffing services until March 31, 2026.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
9. MEETING MINUTES OF COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES A. Recreation Board Meeting Minutes: June 26, 2025 and July 24, 2025 Action: Received the minutes.
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT
General public comment received from Christi Metzner and Jean Anton.
REGULAR AGENDA
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Pacific Grove 2023-2031 Housing Element Update
Public comment received from Laura Davis, Patrick Nevis, Michael Nall, Matt Huerta, Andrew Miller, Melissa Walker, Larry, Mr. Olsen, Steve Tucker, Doug Philbrick, Buddy Sharp, Colleen Ingram, Kevin Carter, Drew Miller, Al Sacks, Unnamed Speaker, Nicolas Sanchez, Robert Watson, Brian Shields, Jay Tully, Susan Goldbeck, Sharon Miller, Charles Alvarez, Tyler Suttle, Christie Italiano-Thomas, Christine A., Carol Marquart, Theresa Burnham Knight, Chris Mack, Kyle Miller, and Eugene Loh.
Action: Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Amelio and seconded by Councilmember Rau, Council voted to
1. Adopt resolution (No. 25-029) certifying the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
Motion carried 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Mayor Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Amelio, Councilmembers Garfield, McDonnell, Rau, and Walkingstick.
Noes: None.
Absent: Councilmember Poduri.
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3 Action: Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Amelio and seconded by Councilmember Rau, Council voted to
2. Adopt resolution (No. 25-030) adopting the Housing Element, Health and Safety Element, environmental findings pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and statement of overriding considerations.
Motion carried 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Mayor Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Amelio, Councilmembers Garfield, McDonnell, Rau, and Walkingstick.
Noes: None.
Absent: Councilmember Poduri.
Action: Mayor Pro Tem Amelio requested the City Attorney read the title of the ordinance.
Action: Upon motion by Mayor Pro Tem Amelio and seconded by Mayor Smith, Council voted to
4. Waive further reading of the ordinance.
5. Introduce and hold first reading of an ordinance of the City Council adopting amendments to certain sections and chapters, except for Chapter 23.31, of Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code and the Zoning Map.
6. Direct that publication of the ordinance will be satisfied by publication of a summary approved by the City Attorney.
Motion carried 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote.
Ayes: Mayor Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Amelio, Councilmembers Garfield, McDonnell, Rau, and Walkingstick.
Noes: None.
Absent: Councilmember Poduri.
Action: Council took a break until 8:25 p.m.
Action: Councilmember Rau recused herself from the remaining action items because of a conflict due to her personal and business addresses.
No public comment was received as to remaining items.
Action: Upon motion by Mayor Smith and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Amelio, Council voted to
1. Adopt resolution (No. 25-031) amending the Land Use Element and land use maps.
Motion carried 5-0-1-1 by the following roll call vote:
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4 Ayes: Mayor Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Amelio, Councilmembers Garfield, McDonnell, Walkingstick.
Noes: None.
Absent: Councilmember Poduri.
Recused: Councilmember Rau.
Action: Mayor Smith requested the City Attorney read the title of the ordinance.
Action: Upon motion by Mayor Smith and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Amelio, Council voted to
3. Waive further reading of the ordinance;
4. Introduce and hold first reading of an ordinance of the City Council amending Chapter 23.31, Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts, of Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code.
5. Direct that publication of the ordinance will be satisfied by publication of a summary approved by the City Attorney.
Motion carried 5-0-1-1 by the following roll call vote.
Ayes: Mayor Smith, Mayor Pro Tem Amelio, Councilmembers Garfield, McDonnell, Walkingstick.
Noes: None.
Absent: Councilmember Poduri.
Recused: Councilmember Rau.
CEQA: Environmental Impact Report
11. UNFINISHED AND ONGOING BUSINESS
12. NEW BUSINESS
13. FULL PRESENTATIONS
ADJOURNMENT
Council adjourned the regular meeting at 8:34 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Kandell
City Clerk
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5 Attest by City Manager: ___________________________________________Date________________ DRAFT PGCC 1-21-26
Agenda No. 6 A
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tina Rau, Councilmember, Lori, McDonnell, Councilmember MEETING DATE: January 21, 2026
SUBJECT: Comment Letter and Resolution Opposing Offshore Drilling and Seabed Mining, and participation in the Local Government Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Coordination Program and Coalition
CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Submit a letter from the City of Pacific Grove Opposing New and Existing Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling and Seabed Mining.
1. Adopt a Resolution Opposing New and Existing Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling and Seabed Mining.
2. Discuss joining the Local Government OCS Coalition, a coordinated effort among California’s coastal cities and counties to oppose new offshore oil and gas drilling and related threats.
3. Direct staff to return to City Council with an agenda item detailing the Local Government OCS Coalition with an MOU to join the group and collaborate with coalition representatives to ensure timely engagement in federal and state processes affecting offshore drilling and deep-sea mining.
4. DISCUSSION
Executive Summary:
With the signing of the executive order Unleashing American Energy Act in January of 2025, federal agencies are moving quickly to open new offshore drilling opportunities. The federal government is expected to release a new Five-Year Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Plan this fall, with only limited opportunities for public comment. Additionally, in April 2025, President Trump signed the Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources executive order, which promotes deep seabed mining that poses serious threats to California’s coastal economies, marine ecosystems, and climate goals.
In response, the Local Governments Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Coordination Program, has been re-established with Supervisor Justin Cummings serving as the lead board member to ensure coordinated, science-based, and timely engagement with federal decisionmakers regarding offshore drilling and deep seabed mining. Participation in this effort will ensure that our jurisdiction’s voice is amplified alongside other cities and counties, without requiring significant diversion of local staff resources.
Background:
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Background:
Efforts to lease offshore oil drilling sites in California waters have surfaced periodically since the 1970s. In response, the Local Governments OCS Coordination Program was established to oppose these activities and protect our coastal environments (Attachment A). The group’s original membership consisted of Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, City and County of San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Humboldt, along with several cities including Santa Cruz, Laguna Beach, and Newport Beach, and SANDAG. Richard Charter was hired to coordinate and represent the group, which existed from 1980 - 1994. Through this effort the Local Government OCS Coordination Program successfully opposed those efforts, working closely with federal and state partners, which resulted in the protection of our coastal ecosystems and economies.
Today, similar threats have re-emerged. With the signing of the executive order Unleashing American Energy Act in January of 2025, the signing of the “Unleash America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources” executive order, and now the Department of the Interior’s announcement to re-open the California coast to offshore oil leases, it is critical to ensure that local governments are taking a stance against these efforts. Additionally, on November 24, 2025, the comment period opened on the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposal Program, which proposes 6 leases for oil drilling and exploration off the coast of California; three in Southern California, two in Central California, and one in Northern California. The public and local jurisdictions will have until January 23rd at 11:59 pm EST to provide comments on the proposals.
These proposals threaten California’s fishing, tourism, and visitor-serving industries—the backbone of local coastal economies—and increase the risks of climate change and marine pollution.
For these reasons we are requesting that the City Council submit a comment letter and adopt a resolution to affirm our City opposition to offshore drilling and seabed mining, and join the Local Governments OCS Coordination Program to join with our local coastal communities to protect our communities and our natural resources.
OPTIONS
1. Do nothing.
2. Provide alternate direction.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact.
GOAL ALIGNMENT: Environmental Stewardship
Attachments
OSC Historical Brochure
Letter in Opposition to Offshore Drilling
Proposed Resolution
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Acting Director Matthew Giacona
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
RE: Docket ID BOEM-2025-0483 — 11th National OCS Oil & Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program Dear Mr. Giacona:
The City of Pacific Grove respectfully submits these comments strongly opposing the proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil & Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program (Proposed 11th Program) as it pertains to the State of California and, specifically, the Central Coast of California, including waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS), which is adjacent to the City's shoreline. With over 85% of the estimated technically recoverable OCS oil and gas resources proposed to be available for leasing during the 5-year period following program approval, the Proposed 11th Program is massive in scale and represents a large-scale opening of extensive swaths of seabed adjacent to protected waters.
As these lease sales are scheduled to begin in 2027 and 2029, the Proposed 11th Program places waters adjacent to the MBNMS and the City at imminent risk.
1. The Proposed 11th Program Violates Federal, State, and Local Laws and Regulations The Proposed 11th Program, and particularly its Draft Proposed OCS Program, fails to comply with a host of long-standing state and federal laws and policies, including, but not limited to, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the National Marine Sanctuary Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. These laws enjoy bipartisan support and should not be ignored by this Proposed 11th Program. Of particular relevance to the City, the MBNMS was created by a Republican administration with bipartisan support in response to an oil spill and to protect the greater Monterey Bay environs and the Pacific Coast from oil and gas exploration and to promote protection, research, education, and compatible uses (including economic uses). Moreover, the Proposed 11th Program violates the CZMA as it is fundamentally inconsistent with California's Coastal Zone Management Program, as required and approved by the federal government.
2. Unsubstantiated Need for the Proposed 11th Program
The Proposed 11th Program, if approved, restarts a leasing schedule even though a 5-year program (2024-2029) is already in place; the Proposed 11h Program would replace or supersede parts of the prior schedule. The 11th Program is premature and redundant and undermines recent progress under the 10th Program (which had limited lease sales and no Pacific Coast lease sales), as there is no demonstrated need for expanded leasing, especially off California's coast.
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3. Economic and Community Impacts
The Central Coast economy depends heavily on ocean-dependent industries, including tourism, recreation, and fisheries. Potential oil spills, routine operational discharges, or industrial accidents could reduce tourism revenue, threaten local fisheries, and increase cleanup costs.
The City's coastal and economic resilience would be directly compromised, harming livelihoods and public well-being.
4. Environmental and Ecological Impacts
Under the statutory review process (Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Section 18), BOEM must balance environmental, social, and economic factors-including "other uses of the sea and seabed" such as fisheries, navigation, marine sanctuaries, and coastal communities. The expansive Proposed 11th Program, as summarized in BOEM's document (pp. 48-53, Section 3.2, "Environmental Considerations"), fails to adequately account for the high sensitivity of the MBNMS ecosystems and high-value fisheries. Scientific literature demonstrates that offshore oil and gas development introduces significant risks of oil spills, chronic hydrocarbon pollution, noise, and habitat disruption, which threaten marine biodiversity, including protected species such as sea otters, whales, and seabirds. Local waters are also critical for commercial and recreational fisheries. Even small spills or leaks could have catastrophic and long-term ecological impacts, compromising decades of conservation progress in the MBNMS.
5. Public Safety and Climate Considerations
Expanding offshore drilling in a seismically active region increases the risk of accidents and complicates emergency response. The Proposed 11th Program does not sufficiently integrate risks associated with earthquakes or extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.
Additionally, increased fossil fuel extraction directly conflicts with state and local climate goals, including carbon neutrality targets. The Notice of Availability explicitly states that the Proposed 11th Program "considers three of the four OCS Regions...including the program areas that are estimated to have some of the most prospective oil and gas resources." This supports the argument that the Proposed 11th Program is driven by fossil fuel extraction incentives rather than balanced coastal and environmental stewardship and thus undermines the MBNMS and climate protections as well as local economies.
6. Trade-Offs and Alternative Approaches
While proponents of offshore development argue for energy independence and economic growth, the trade-offs for the Central Coast are disproportionately high. Alternative approaches-such as investment in renewable offshore wind, solar, and energy efficiency programs-can meet energy objectives without jeopardizing the marine environment, public safety, or local economies.
The City strongly recommends that BOEM:
1. Exclude the State of California and, specifically, the Central Coast and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary waters from the Proposed 11th Program.
2. Prioritize alternatives to fossil fuel extraction that support cost-effective energy security while protecting marine ecosystems and local economies.
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3. Require and conduct additional site-specific environmental review, including cumulative impact assessments and climate risk modeling, prior to any lease consideration.
Based on scientific evidence, economic considerations, local experience, public safety risks, as well as the legal issues that the Proposed 11th Program presents, the City urges BOEM to remove California's Central Coast waters from consideration under the Proposed 11th Program.
Protecting the MBNMS and surrounding coastal communities from lease sales aligns with the law, public interest, and long-term sustainability of our economies and ecosystems. cc: Representative Jimmy Panetta
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1 RESOLUTION NO. 26-XXX
RESOLUTION OF THE PACIFIC GROVE CITY COUNCIL OPPOSING OFFSHORE
OIL AND GAS DRILLING AND DEEP SEABED MINING
WHEREAS, the ocean covers roughly 70% of the Earth’s surface, produces half the oxygen we breathe through its plant life, serves as a major highway for global trade, provides food, absorbs excess carbon from climate change, and plays a critical role in shaping weather patterns; and WHEREAS, the City of Pacific Grove and its visitors enjoy California's beaches and the Pacific Ocean for recreational and commercial activities, all of which support our local economy; and WHEREAS, in California, hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of the state’s gross domestic product rely on clean water, oil-free beaches, and abundant fish and wildlife; and WHEREAS, offshore drilling carries countless negative effects including air pollution from toxic emissions known to cause asthma, lung cancer, and other diseases; the constant threat of oil spills that harm wildlife and their habitats; and damage to the fishing and tourism industries, which are vital to California’s coastal economy; and
WHEREAS, past oil spill disasters, such as the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico, the massive oil spills in 1969 off the coast of Santa Barbara, the Refugio Spill in 2015 off the coast of Santa Barbara, and the massive oil spill off Huntington Beach in October 2021 have caused catastrophic impacts to human life, wildlife, coastal ecosystems, and local economies; and WHEREAS, the State of California prohibits new oil and gas leasing in state waters due to unacceptably high risk of harm and disruption to the marine environment; and WHEREAS, an analysis by Oceana found that protecting all unleased federal waters from offshore drilling in the United States could prevent over 19 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions—the equivalent of taking every car in the nation off the road for 15 years; and WHEREAS, on January 20, 2025 President Trump signed the Unleashing American Energy executive order, which encourages energy exploration and production on Federal lands and waters, including on the Outer Continental Shelf, and
WHEREAS, on April 24, 2025, President Trump signed the Unleashing America’s Offshore Critical Minerals and Resources executive order to permit deep seabed mining, which would have significant negative impacts on our marine ecosystems, fisheries, and local coastal economies; and
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2 WHEREAS, California’s marine sanctuaries—including the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and others along the coast—protect unique ecosystems and cultural resources, but significant areas of the Pacific remain vulnerable to offshore oil and gas development; and WHEREAS, the threat of future leasing proposals persists in the absence of a permanent nationwide prohibition on new offshore drilling; and
WHEREAS, protecting California’s coastlines from the impacts of oil and gas development is essential to safeguarding the environment, public health, Tribal cultural resources, climate resilience, and coastal economies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE that the City Council of the City of Pacific Grove a) Opposes any new or expanded offshore oil and gas drilling and deep seabed mining leases and activities, and
b) Urges federal and state decision-makers to permanently prohibit offshore drilling and deep seabed mining in all U.S. waters, including the Pacific Ocean off California.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE that the City of Pacific Grove will participate in the Local Government Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Coordination Program, in order to work collaboratively with other jurisdictions to protect California’s coastal communities, economies, and ecosystems from offshore drilling.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE this _____ day of ______________, _______, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
APPROVED:
_______________________________
NICK SMITH, Mayor
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3 ATTEST:
DATED:_______________________
_______________________________
SANDRA KANDELL, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
BRIAN A. PIERIK, City Attorney
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Agenda No. 6 B
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Phillip Anderson Housing Program Manager
MEETING DATE: January 21, 2026
SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing Submittal of a 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application
CEQA: Categorical Exemption, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt resolution authorizing submittal of a 2025 CDBG grant application
DISCUSSION
The City has a successful Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program that has been funded by sources such as this Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) opportunity. There have been many homes in the City that have been improved and made livable through this program.
Staff is requesting that the City Council adopt the attached resolution approving the submission of a grant application for CDBG in the amount of $1,177,000.00.
If awarded this grant will provide funds for the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program, an Affordable Housing Study, Economic Development funds and General Administration overhead. There are no matching funds required for this grant application.
OPTIONS
1. Adopt resolution.
2. Decline adoption of resolution.
3. Provide alternative direction.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The award of the CDBG grant will provide the City with $1,177,000.00.
FOCUSED PRIORITY AREA: Community Development
Attachments
Attachment 1
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Agenda No. 7 A
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Staphany Arriola, Management Analyst, Leticia Livian, Human Resources Director
MEETING DATE: January 21, 2026
SUBJECT: Second reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Salary Schedule (Minimum Wage) CEQA: Does not constitute a Project per California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378
RECOMMENDATION
Hold second reading and adopt an ordinance to amend the salary classification schedule modifying salary ranges for Cashier, Intern, Lighthouse Docent Coordinator, and Recreation Assistant I.
DISCUSSION
There were no substantive changes between the first and second readings of this ordinance. The City Clerk caused a summary of the ordinance to be published on November 27, 2025 and December 25, 2025.
The City salary classification schedule identifies the job classifications approved by Council (e.g., Office Assistant) and the hourly rates of pay for each classification at each step authorized by the Personnel Rules. Pursuant to Charter Article 25 and Pacific Grove Municipal Code (PGMC) Section
4.20.280, approval and amendment to the classification schedule must be adopted by the Council.
Increase to State Minimum Wage
Staff is proposing changes to the salary schedule to comply with an increase to California State Minimum Wage. California's minimum wage will increase from $16.50 to $16.90 per hour for all employers on January 1, 2026.
The salary ranges in the following classifications need to be adjusted to meet the State's minimum wage requirements:
Cashier
Intern
Lighthouse Docent Coordinator
Recreation Assistant I
The recommended approach is to increase the range of the entire classification, which preserves the City’s ability to hire personnel in the future at the lowest step, while complying with the new minimum wage law.
Proposed New Salary Ranges:
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Proposed New Salary Ranges:
Classifications Step
1A
Step
2B
Step
3C
Step
4D
Step
5E
Cashier 16.90 17.75 18.63 19.56 20.54
Intern 16.90 17.75 18.63 19.56 20.54
Lighthouse Docent
Coordinator
16.90 17.75 18.63 19.56 20.54
Recreation Assistant I 16.90 17.75 18.63 19.56 20.54
The requested change to the salary classification schedule will only impact the classifications listed in this agenda report. All other classification hourly salary ranges will remain the same. To view the entire salary schedule, please refer to the City’s website,
http://www.cityofpacificgrove.org/about-city/human-resources/salaries-benefits-and-mous.
OPTIONS
Provide alternative direction to staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact since the minimum wage was taken into consideration for the following fiscal year.
FOCUSED PRIORITY AREA: Not Applicable.
Attachments
Proposed Ordinance
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1 ORDINANCE NO. 25-0XX
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC
GROVE AMENDING THE SALARY CLASSIFICATION SCHEDULE TO
COMPLY WITH CALIFORNIA MINIMUM WAGE
Findings
1. The State of California has increased minimum wage to $16.90 per hour effective January 1, 2026; and
2. Cashier, Intern, Lighthouse Docent Coordinator, and Recreation Assistant I, falls below the $16.90 per hour minimum requirement at the first step; and
3. Amending the salary schedule will meet the State requirements; and
4. Amending the salary schedule by adjusting the range preserves the City’s full flexibility for future hiring decisions and observes the intent of the state requirements; and
5. Amending the salary schedule avoids salary compaction issues; and
6. Amending the salary schedule will allow for the new salary rates to take effect; and
7. Amendment to the salary schedule classification plan must be adopted by the City Council pursuant to Pacific Grove Municipal Code (PGMC) Section 4.20.280; and
8. In the enactment of this ordinance, the City followed the guidelines adopted by the State of California and published in the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000, et seq. Enactment of this ordinance action does not constitute a “project” as defined by California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is an organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment pursuant Section 15378.
Ordinance
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The foregoing findings of the City Council are incorporated into this Ordinance as if set forth in full.
SECTION 2. The position classification plan approved and adopted by the City Council pursuant to PGMC § 4.20.280 is amended for Cashier, Intern, Lighthouse Docent Coordinator, and Recreation Assistant I, classifications with the following salary schedule:
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2 Classifications Step 1A Step 2B Step 3C Step 4C Step 5E Cashier 16.90 17.75 18.63 19.56 20.54
Intern 16.90 17.75 18.63 19.56 20.54
Lighthouse Docent
Coordinator 16.90 17.75 18.63 19.56 20.54
Recreation Assistant I 16.90 17.75 18.63 19.56 20.54
SECTION 3. The City Manager is directed to execute all documents and to perform all other necessary City acts to implement this Ordinance.
SECTION 4. Upon approval at second reading, this ordinance shall be given an effective date of 12/21/2025.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE this 3rd day of December 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT: APPROVED:
___________________________
ATTEST:
NICK SMITH, Mayor
DATED:
__________________________________
SANDRA KANDELL, City
Clerk APPROVED AS TO
FORM:
___________________________________
BRIAN PIERIK, City Attorney
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Agenda No. 7 B
CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE
300 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Jon Biggs, Community Development Director
MEETING DATE: January 21, 2026
SUBJECT: Second reading of ordinances adopting amendments to certain sections and chapters, except for Chapter 23.31, of Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code and the Zoning Map and amending Chapter 23.31, Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts, of Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code.
CEQA: Environmental Impact Report
RECOMMENDATION
Hold second reading and adopt an ordinance of the City Council adopting amendments to certain sections and chapters, except for Chapter 23.31, of Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code and the Zoning Map.
1. Following recusal by some members of the City Council, staff recommends that the remaining members of the City Council take the following actions:
Hold second reading and adopt an ordinance of the City Council amending Chapter 23.31, Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts, of Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code.
1. DISCUSSION
No substantive changes were made between the first and second readings of the ordinances. The City Clerk caused summaries of the ordinances to be published on December 25, 2025.
NEW INFORMATION for DECEMBER 17, 2025 SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY
COUNCIL
As the regular December 3, 2025 meeting of the City Council approached, a check on potential conflicts of interest with components of the Housing Element project (See background section below for components included in the Housing Element project) for members of the City Council was conducted.
Based on this review, some members have indicated that they will recuse themselves and refrain from taking action on certain components of the Housing Element project. Given this, consideration of the Housing Element project will be conducted in a segmented process that will allow the full Council to act on certain elements and then allow members of the City Council to recuse themselves from acting on other components of the Housing Element project. The following provides some information PGCC 1-21-26
on the segmentation of the Housing Element project and considerations by the City Council.
Full City Council Review
Following a presentation by staff with the consultant team, City Council questions, and public comment, the full City Council will be able to take action on the following:
A resolution certifying the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
A resolution adopting the Housing Element, Health and Safety Element, environmental findings pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), mitigation, monitoring and reporting program, and statement of overriding considerations.
Introduction of an ordinance amending certain chapters and sections, except for Chapter 23.31, of Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code and Zoning Map.
Recusal by some members of the City Council
Following the above actions, some members of the City Council will recuse themselves and the remaining members will consider the following:
A resolution amending the Land Use Element and Land Use Maps.
Introduction of an ordinance amending Chapter 23.31, Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts, of Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code.
The rest of the information contained in this agenda report is the same as that provided in the December 17, 2025 City Council packet.
BACKGROUND
The Pacific Grove Housing Element is a State mandated component of Pacific Grove’s General Plan that outlines how the community will meet its current and future housing needs. It includes an assessment of housing needs for all income levels, identification of suitable sites for new housing, and a program of actions to achieve housing goals like development, preservation, and rehabilitation.
Each local government must have a Housing Element and they are required to be updated every eight years.
There has been a multi-year effort to update the Pacific Grove General Plan 6th Cycle, 2023-2031 Housing Element (HE) Update (HE Update). The City Council is now holding a public hearing on the HE Update and the Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR) that has been prepared to assess the potential environmental impacts of the HE Update and associated policy and code amendments necessary to implement the HE.
In addition to the update to the HE, the policy and regulatory documents that are proposed to be amended to implement the goals, policies, and programs reflected in the HE include:
Land Use Element, Chapter 2 of the Pacific Grove General Plan Health and Safety Element, Chapter 10 of the Pacific Grove General Plan.
Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code.
Land Use Map of the Pacific Grove General Plan; and
Zoning Map of Pacific Grove.
These documents, along with the update to the HE itself, are collectively referred to as “the Project.” The Project itself does not develop housing. Rather, it is a plan to provide for the possibility of housing, supported by appropriate land use policies and zoning standards.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on this at its regular meeting of November 13, 2025 and adopted a resolution recommending the Project to the City Council. In summary, the Resolution of the Planning Commission recommends City Council approval of:
A resolution of the City Council certifying the Final EIR, PGCC 1-21-26
A resolution of the City Council approving the “Project’, which includes amending the text, policies, figures, and maps of the Pacific Grove General Plan to adopt the 2023-2031 Housing Element; amending the Land Use and Health and Safety Elements and the Land Use Map; adopting the CEQA Findings of Fact, including a Statement of Overriding Considerations; and adopting the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), and § An ordinance of the City Council adopting amendments to Title 23, Zoning, of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code and the Zoning Map.
This agenda report includes the following documents, some, due to their size, are accessed on-line by a link provided in the body of this report and are identified by an * in the list below:
Draft City Council Certifying Final EIR
Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR)*
Draft EIR Appendices*
Final EIR, Response to Comments
Draft City Council Resolution Approving Housing Element, Health and Safety Element, Statement of Overriding Considerations and Mitigation Monitoring Program CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Consideration Draft Health and Safety Element (tracked version)
Draft Health and Safety Element (clean version)
Draft Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
Draft Housing Element*
Draft CC Ordinance Amending Zoning Code, except for Chapter 23.31, and Map Draft Amendments to Zoning Code Sections (tracked version) Draft Amendments to Zoning Code Sections (clean version) Draft Zoning Map
Draft CC Resolution Approving Land Use Element and Land Use Maps Draft Pacific Grove Land Use Element (tracked version)
Draft Pacific Grove Land Use Element (clean version)
Draft Land Use Map (City Wide)
Draft Land Use Map Low Density Residential
Draft Land Use Map Medium Density Residential
Draft Land Use Map High Density Residential
Draft Land Use Map Commercial
Draft CC Ordinance Amending Chapter 23.31, Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Draft Amendments to Zoning Code Sections (tracked version) Draft Amendments to Zoning Code Sections (clean version) Planning Commission Resolution of Recommendation to the City Council Written Public Comments
*Copies of Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), Draft EIR Appendices, and Draft Housing Element, along with all the documents referenced above, can be viewed at the following link: Housing Element Documents for December 17, 2025 Special City Council Meeting.
DISCUSSION
Environmental Review
An analysis of the Project’s potential to cause adverse environmental impacts was conducted through the preparation of a Draft EIR. The Draft EIR sufficiently analyzed the Project’s potential for significant environmental impacts, and it evaluated a reasonable range of Project alternatives.
A “significant effect” as defined by the CEQA Guidelines Section 15382:
“…means a substantial, or potentially substantial, adverse change in any of the physical PGCC 1-21-26
conditions within the area affected by the Project, including land, air, water, minerals, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic significance. An economic or social change by itself shall not be considered a significant effect on the environment. A social or economic change related to a physical change may be considered in determining whether the physical change is significant.”
In the Draft EIR, the assessment of the Project’s potential to result in a significant adverse environmental impact begins with a discussion of the environmental setting related to a variety of environmental resources, which is followed by analyses of potential impacts to those resources. In each of the impact analysis sections, the first subsection identifies all assumptions made, methodologies used and “significance thresholds” applied, which are thresholds and other criteria adopted by the City and other agencies, universally recognized, or developed specifically for the analysis. The next subsection contains the actual impact analysis and describes each potential impact of the proposed Project, identifies mitigation measures needed to help avoid or reduce potentially significant impacts, and makes determinations regarding the level of significance of all potentially significant impacts after mitigation.
Ultimately, the Draft EIR makes one of the following four conclusions, reflected in bold, for all the Project’s potential impacts:
No Impact. This conclusion states that the proposed Project would have no adverse effect on environmental conditions, which could include beneficial environmental impacts. Table ES-2 (found in the executive summary section of the Draft EIR and as modified in Section 3.1 of the Response to Comments document) provides a summary of the environmental impacts and related mitigation measures, where feasible.
Less than Significant. This conclusion refers to an impact that may be adverse but does not exceed the applicable threshold of significance and thus does not require mitigation measures.
However, measures that could further lessen the adverse but less than significant environmental effect may be suggested if readily available and easily achievable.
Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated. This conclusion refers to an impact that may be potentially significant but that can be reduced to below the threshold of significance through implementation of the feasible mitigation measures identified. Such an impact requires findings if the Project is approved under CEQA Guidelines Section 15091.
Significant and Unavoidable. This conclusion refers to a potentially significant adverse impact that cannot be reduced to below the applicable threshold of significance even with implementation of all feasible mitigation measures. Such an impact requires a Statement of Overriding Considerations to be issued if the Project is approved pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15093.
The Draft EIR determined that mitigation measures were required and that the measures identified would mitigate potentially significant impacts to a less than significant level for the following resource areas:
Air Quality
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources (archaeological resources)
Geology and Soils
Noise (vibration)
Utilities
Service Systems
The Draft EIR further concluded that despite the incorporation of all feasible mitigation measures, the proposed Project would nonetheless result in significant and unavoidable impacts relating to:
Cultural Resources (historical resources)
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
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Noise (construction and operational traffic noise)
CEQA Findings and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program have been prepared for all the impacts analyzed in the EIR and must be adopted as part of any project approval. Further, as noted earlier; to approve a project with significant and unavoidable impacts, a Statement of Overriding Considerations must be adopted and so the City Council is being asked to adopt CEQA Findings that include such a Statement of Overriding Considerations because of the three significant and unavoidable impacts referenced above. A Statement of Overriding Considerations is a statement by the lead agency's decision making body identifying the Project’s benefits that, in the decision makers opinion, override and outweigh the Project's significant and unavoidable impacts, making them acceptable in light of those benefits. CEQA permits a broad range of economic, legal, social, technological or other Project benefits as permissible reasons for a Statement of Overriding Considerations. Some of the benefits to the City listed in the Statement of Overriding Consideration that are part of the CEQA Findings for this Project include:
The adoption of the Project would bring the City’s Housing Element into compliance with current State law for the 6th Housing Element Cycle and would facilitate sufficient development at all income levels to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation, supporting new housing for low- and moderate-income households.
The adoption of the Project would ensure consistency between the City’s Housing Element and Land Use Element by amending General Plan land use designations to meet future housing needs.
The adoption of the Project is necessary to bring the City into good-faith compliance with State housing laws and to remedy its current noncompliance under Housing Element law. Without adoption of the Project, the City risks significant legal and financial consequences, including exposure to enforcement actions, loss of eligibility for critical State funding programs, and potential referral to the Attorney General’s Office with possible court-imposed penalties of up to $100,000 per month.
The adoption of the Project would enable the City to maintain local control over land use and development by achieving Housing Element compliance, thereby avoiding the imposition of “Builder’s Remedy” projects that could bypass local zoning standards and community planning objectives.
The City provided Notice of Availability of the Draft EIR to the public on June 30, 2025, and the Draft EIR was circulated for a 46-day public review comment period from June 30, 2025, to August 15, 2025.
During the public review and comment period, the City received 11 written comment letters on the Draft EIR and received an acknowledgment from the State Clearinghouse that the City has complied with CEQA environmental review requirements.
On November 3, 2025, the City released its Responses to Comments document, which consists of all written comment letters received on the Draft EIR, written responses to all written comment letters received on the Draft EIR, minor revisions to the Draft EIR, and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). The MMRP is a document that will be adopted as part of any Project approval and used thereafter as a tool to track and monitor to ensure that all the mitigation measures imposed on the Project are being implemented and complied with.
The combination of the Draft EIR, its appendices, and the Responses to Comments document constitute the Final EIR. For a useful overview of the Draft EIR and its analysis plus conclusions, staff recommends reviewing at the Executive Summary Section, which begins at page ES-1 of the Draft EIR.
Housing Element Update
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Pacific Grove’s Draft 2023–2031 Housing Element provides capacity to meet the City's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) of 1,125 units across all income levels. This includes planning for 362 very-low, 237 low, 142 moderate, and 384 above-moderate income units for the 2023-2031 planning period. The Housing Element outlines a comprehensive strategy to accommodate this growth through updated policies, programs, and detailed sites inventory.
The updated housing element introduces multiple programs to facilitate housing development and preservation. For example, Program 1 (Housing Preservation and Rehabilitation) continues the City’s loan program to assist low-income residents with home repairs. Other programs encourage accessory dwelling unit (ADU) development, incentivize affordable housing, and streamline permitting. In addition, programs commit to pursuing funding and partnerships for affordable housing, updating development standards, and removing governmental constraints to meet state housing law requirements.
The updated housing element also provides an inventory of vacant and underutilized sites that can accommodate the RHNA plus a buffer. These housing opportunity sites are distributed throughout the City, focusing on infill locations near transit, services, and along commercial corridors. Notably, the plan relies on underused commercial parcels (Downtown and Forest Hill areas) being rezoned for mixed-use housing, as well as some City-owned or underdeveloped parcels. The draft element demonstrates that Pacific Grove can accommodate its RHNA of 1,125 units through the sites inventory and planned zoning changes.
The sites inventory provides data on each site’s potential unit yield, factoring in realistic development probabilities. In total, the identified sites (plus expected ADUs and pipeline projects) furnish a capacity above the RHNA – roughly on the order of 1,350+ units, which includes a buffer beyond 1,125 to account for contingencies. The State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) recommends a buffer of 15-30% in order to comply with State law including the "no net loss" requirements. The element also analyzes population and employment trends for 2031, forecasting that if the housing goals are met, Pacific Grove ’s housing stock and population will modestly increase to support local workforce and family needs. Importantly, the City has verified that infrastructure (water supply, sewer, etc.) can support the additional housing growth within this cycle, and it has included programs to monitor infrastructure capacity and pursue improvements if needed.
Consistent with state law, the Housing Element incorporates an analysis for Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH), which examines fair housing issues and access to housing opportunities in Pacific Grove. It evaluates factors such as segregation patterns, income disparities, and displacement risk. The sites selected for new housing are dispersed in a manner to promote fair housing choice – for instance, higher-density sites are not concentrated in one neighborhood but in various parts of the City, including high resource areas. The Housing Element includes programs to advance fair housing, such as outreach and education for tenants and landlords, continued support for the regional fair housing service provider, and annual monitoring of potential housing discrimination or displacement. These actions are intended to ensure the City ’s housing growth is equitable and inclusive, aligning with state and federal fair housing requirements.
Overall, the Housing Element’s revisions are geared toward creating opportunities for housing at all income levels through proactive rezoning, development incentives, and removal of barriers, while ensuring consistency with State housing laws and affirmatively furthering fair housing in the community.
On July 10, 2025, the City received a letter of conditional approval indicating the revised 2023-2031 Housing Element is in substantial compliance with state Housing Element Law following adoption of the changes and submittal of the final document to HCD.
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Land Use Element Amendments
To maintain internal consistency with the updated Housing Element, Pacific Grove’s Land Use Element of the General Plan is being amended with targeted changes to land use designations, density standards, and maps. The draft revisions focus on enabling higher density residential development in appropriate areas and reflect the new housing sites in the City’s long-range land use policy framework. Key amendments include:
Land Use Designation Changes: Certain General Plan land use categories are being updated or added to accommodate housing. For example, areas that were previously designated purely for commercial use (such as the Downtown and Forest Hill commercial districts) will be amended to allow mixed-use that allows residential uses by right. These changes ensure the General Plan land use map mirrors the Housing Element’s strategy of siting new housing in commercial corridors and other underutilized sites.
The City is also proposing to remove or modify outdated designations that conflict with housing goals – for instance, if a prior designation prohibited residential use in an area now targeted for housing, it will be amended or replaced. All told, the Land Use Element amendments will ensure zoning and land use designations are consistent with the Housing Element’s policies and the rezonings it calls for. In conclusion, the narrative text of the Land Use Element is being updated to describe these new categories and their purpose in meeting housing needs.
Density and Intensity Standards: The draft revisions adjust certain development intensity standards to support higher density housing development. For residential land use classifications, the allowable densities (dwelling units per acre) are being increased in line with Housing Element programs. As an example, the maximum density in the High-Density Residential category may be raised (e.g. from around 20–30 units/acre up to a higher figure that qualifies as suitable for affordable housing development under state law). Similarly, new Mixed-Use designations will stipulate residential density ranges to accommodate multi-story mixed-use projects. These changes are aimed at achieving “default” densities that the state deems appropriate for lower-income housing (often 20 or 30 units/acre in smaller cities). The Land Use Element change also incorporates needed policy language to support these density increases – for instance, emphasizing infill development, transit-oriented development in mixed-use areas, and the allowance of multi-family housing in zones that were formerly commercial-only. By updating density standards, Pacific Grove’s General Plan will be consistent with the rezoning/ upzoning efforts driven by the Housing Element, thereby legitimizing higher-density projects envisioned for the 2023–2031 period.
General Plan Map Updates: An updated General Plan Land Use Map will reflect changes to the allowed land use in two areas to accommodate higher density residential development that is also facilitated by changes to the zoning designation for these sites. These map changes make the General Plan a true blueprint of the City’s intended land uses, clearly identifying where higher-density housing is expected.
The revised maps will be an important reference that will assist in understanding where new housing potential exists.
Zoning Code Updates
A critical component is a rezoning program to create capacity for new housing. The draft Housing Element calls for amending the zoning code for the Commercial Downtown and Commercial Forest Hill districts, to allow higher-density residential or mixed-use development. These zoning amendments will establish “by-right” housing opportunities at target densities sufficient for lower-income housing (in line with state default density standards). Development standards such as height limits, floor-area ratios, and parking requirements (see Municipal Code Section 23.31.040 for amendments to site development standards in the commercial and industrial zoning districts) are proposed to be updated to facilitate multi-family and mixed-use projects. These modifications to the Zoning Code achieve required minimum densities and comply with recent State housing mandates (e.g. laws on accessory dwelling units, low-barrier navigation centers, and objective design standards).
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HCD has provided a preliminary review of the proposed zoning code amendments. They recommended that language be added to Section 23.31.040, Commercial and Industrial Zoning District Development Standards, that clarifies 50% of the floor area of mixed-use development projects on sites within C-1, C-2, C-D and C-FH districts identified in the 6th Cycle Housing Element Site Inventory for lower-income households be dedicated to residential use. This language has been included as End Note Number 7 to Section 23.31.040. Although the comments from HCD followed the Planning Commission meeting of November 13, 2025, the added language carries forward the applicable state law requirements and clarifies standards in and does not amend the zoning ordinance recommended by the Planning Commission.
Health and Safety Element Updates
Pacific Grove’s Health and Safety Element is being comprehensively updated to address contemporary hazards and meet new state requirements. The draft Health and Safety Element revisions add updated data, maps, and policies on emergency preparedness, natural disasters, and climate resilience. In particular, the City is aligning the Health and Safety Element with State regulations that mandate new considerations for evacuation routes and climate adaptation. Major areas of revision include:
Evacuation Planning and Emergency Access: The Health and Safety Element now includes detailed information on the City’s evacuation routes and procedures for emergency evacuation. In compliance with State regulations, the City has identified residential areas in hazard zones that have only a single evacuation route and evaluated how to improve emergency access in those neighborhoods.
The element maps out primary evacuation corridors (such as major roads out of Pacific Grove) and discusses their capacity and potential choke points. Pursuant to State regulations, an evacuation route analysis was conducted – assessing the safety, capacity, and viability of evacuation routes under scenarios like wildfires or tsunamis. The Health and Safety Element outlines evacuation plans for various disasters, designates evacuation centers, and includes policies to ensure routes remain passable (e.g. vegetation management along roadways and inter-agency coordination to handle traffic during an evacuation). The update places new emphasis on maintaining at least two emergency egress routes for all large residential developments, or, where that is not feasible due to geography, enhancing the existing route ’s resiliency and communication systems. Overall, residents will find clearer guidance on evacuation zones and the City’s commitment to improve emergency access, consistent with state law mandates.
Wildfire Hazard Updates: The revised Health and Safety Element addresses wildfire risks using the latest data and mapping from state and regional authorities. It recognizes that while Pacific Grove is largely urbanized, there are interfaces with the forested areas (such as the Del Monte Forest area near the City’s boundary) that pose wildfire danger. Updated text describes the Fire Hazard Severity Zones affecting parts of Pacific Grove and the frequency of wildland fires in the region. New policies call for enforcing defensible space around structures, supporting vegetation management in high-risk open space (in coordination with CalFire and neighboring jurisdictions), and ensuring adequate water pressure for firefighting. The element also highlights evacuation considerations for wildfire specifically – identifying neighborhoods adjacent to wildland areas that might need special evacuation plans. For example, wooded upland areas on the outskirts are noted as having elevated wildfire risk, and plans are included to conduct community outreach on wildfire preparedness in those areas. By integrating the Monterey Peninsula Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan findings, the Health and Safety Element ensures consistency with broader wildfire mitigation efforts.
Tsunami and Coastal Hazards: Given Pacific Grove’s coastal location, the Health and Safety Element now contains an updated section on tsunami hazard and coastal storm flooding. According to mapping by the California Geological Survey, most of Pacific Grove’s shoreline lies within a designated PGCC 1-21-26
Tsunami Hazard Area. The new draft includes the official tsunami inundation map for the City, showing areas that could be flooded in a worst-case scenario. It discusses warning systems (sirens, emergency alerts) and evacuation routes for low-lying neighborhoods (for instance, routing evacuees to higher ground inland or to specified safe zones). Policies are introduced to continue public education on tsunami response and to coordinate with the National Weather Service’s Tsunami Warning Center for early alerts. Additionally, the Health and Safety Element covers coastal erosion and sea-level rise threats (which can exacerbate storm surge and high tide flooding). While Pacific Grove’s cliffs provide some protection, certain beach areas and infrastructure are identified as vulnerable to future sea-level rise. The updated element recommends monitoring erosion rates and planning for shoreline protection or managed retreat where applicable. By addressing tsunami and coastal storm hazards with current data and clear policies, the Health and Safety Element ensures the City’s emergency planning is robust for these low-probability but high-impact events.
Climate Change Vulnerability: In line with State requirements, the Health and Safety Element now integrates a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and corresponding adaptation strategies. The City evaluated how climate change may intensify local hazards – including increased wildfire risk from hotter, drier conditions; greater coastal flooding from sea-level rise; and potential stress on water and power systems from extreme heat or drought. The element summarizes key findings (for example, identifying which neighborhoods or critical facilities are most vulnerable to these climate-related hazards). It then lays out climate adaptation policies to build resilience. These include actions such as incorporating sea-level rise projections into future land use decisions along the coast, expanding green infrastructure to manage stormwater from intense rain events, improving the grid’s resilience to heatwaves (through backup generators or microgrids for emergency facilities), and partnering with regional agencies on climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. The updated policies also cross-reference the City ’s Climate Action Plan and the regional hazard mitigation plan to ensure consistency. By doing this, Pacific Grove ’s General Plan will meet State requirements and formally address climate adaptation. In summary, the Health and Safety Element commits the City to continuous monitoring of climate vulnerabilities and implementing strategies to protect the community’s safety in the face of long-term climatic changes.
New and Revised Safety Policies: Throughout the Health and Safety Element, many policies and implementation measures have been added or strengthened to reflect current best practices and legal mandates. For example, new policies require regular updates to the City’s Emergency Operations Plan and conducting periodic multi-agency evacuation drills for scenarios like wildfire and tsunami. There are policies ensuring that new development in high hazard areas (fire zones, flood zones) include adequate emergency access and construction standards for resilience. The element also includes commitments to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions (Monterey, Pebble Beach/County) for emergency response, recognizing that disasters don’t stop at City limits. Another set of policies is aimed at community education and warning systems – supporting programs like Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training for residents, maintaining sirens and alert systems, and ensuring residents (especially vulnerable populations) are aware of evacuation procedures. By aligning these policies with state laws, the Health and Safety Element revisions bring Pacific Grove’s General Plan into compliance with the latest safety requirements. The result is a more robust, proactive plan that enhances public safety and emergency preparedness for the City.
General Plan Land Use and Zoning Map Amendments
This Project includes amendments to the General Plan Land Use and Zoning Maps for two areas. The first is an area identified as the Dennett, Sinex, and Grove Acre Neighborhood and the second is the church site on Sunset Drive. The land use designation changes from 8.7 to 29.0 dwelling units per acre (dua) and 17.4 to 29.0 dua respectively. The zoning changes from R-2-B-3 to R-3 and from R-2 to R-3 respectively for the sites. A third site in the Del Monte Park Neighborhood is having its General Plan PGCC 1-21-26
Land Use Map designation changed from NC (neighborhood commercial) to MDR 9.7 (medium density residential) and reflects the actual use of the property and not a change that would allow an increase in the residential density of the site.
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION REVIEW
The Housing Element Update, along with the updates to the Land Use Element, Safety Element, Health and Safety Element, Zoning Code, plus the Land Use and Zoning Maps, has been reviewed by the County of Monterey Airport Land Use Commission. At its meeting on November 17, 2025, the Commission found that the updates to these documents are consistent with the 2019 Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the Monterey Regional Airport.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
At its regularly scheduled meeting of November 13, 2025, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed project. Following presentations by staff and the consultant team, in person and on-line public comment, and debate, the Commission voted 5-0 to adopt a resolution recommending approval of the project along with certification of the EIR to the City Council.
The Planning Commission’s discussion on the Housing Element Update focused primarily on the proposed amendments to the Pacific Grove Municipal Code (PGMC) related to “by right” housing development. The amendments to the PGMC to implement the Housing Element include a new Section
23.70.020(b)(10) which provides:
“Projects which meet the following requirements are entitled to review as a use by-right:
(1) Project is located on a site suitable for residential development as defined in California Government Code Section 65583.2 and identified for lower-income households in the adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element Site Inventory that are shown to be the following:
(i) Vacant and listed in the Site Inventory of two or more consecutive Housing Elements; or (ii) Non-vacant and listed in the Site Inventory of a previous Housing Element. (2) The project is proposed to include 20 percent of the total number of housing units available to lower-income households.”
In addition, this language was added to PGMC Section 23.70.020(e):
“Appeals of Determinations. For appeals of these determinations, see PGMC 23.74.020(a). (1) Projects pursuant to California Government Code Section 65583.2 may be appealed to the Planning Commission only by the applicant or the owner of the subject property.” These sections implement Government Code Section 65583.2(c), which requires that for sites included in the Housing Element identified to accommodate lower income RHNA residential use by right has to be allowed for projects that include 20% of the units as affordable to lower income households for:
Vacant sites that have been included in two or more consecutive prior housing element cycles, and Non-vacant sites that were included in one prior housing element cycle. “Use by right” is defined in Government Code Section 65583.2(i) to mean that the City's review of the owner-occupied or multifamily residential use may not require a conditional use permit, planned unit development permit, or other discretionary local government review or approval that would constitute a “project” for purposes of CEQA. A local ordinance may provide that “use by right” does not exempt the use from design review. However, that design review shall not constitute a “project” for purposes of CEQA. However, “any subdivision of the sites shall be subject to all laws, including, but not limited to, the local government ordinance implementing the Subdivision Map Act. Use by right for “all rental PGCC 1-21-26
the local government ordinance implementing the Subdivision Map Act. Use by right for “all rental multifamily residential housing” must be provided in accordance with subdivision (f) of Government Code Section 65589.5 (the Housing Accountability Act), which imposes substantial additional limitations on local government review processes.
The Commission raised concerns regarding potential procedural due process implications related to ministerial or by-right approvals that don’t require notice and an opportunity for members of the public, particularly, neighbors of the proposed project, to provide input. As part of this discussion, one member of the Commission raised the California Supreme Court’s decision in Horn v. County of Ventura, 24 Cal. 3d 605 (1979). The Court in the Horn case described that procedural due process principles apply to governmental decisions which are adjudicative in nature and not legislative. Id. at 612. The Court noted that subdivisions are subject to environmental evaluation under CEQA and went on to determine that procedural due process applies to subdivision approvals because they involve the “… exercise of judgement, and the careful balancing of conflicting interests, the hallmark of the adjudicative process.” Id. at 615. This is in contrast to “ministerial” acts that require no notice or opportunity for hearing. Id.
Here, the California legislature had determined that certain housing projects must be processed ministerially or “by-right.” By definition, this means that the projects can not be submitted for discretionary review and in making a determination on such projects only objective standards can be applied. The legislature has also clearly stated that certain housing projects, including projects described above under Government Code Section 65583.2(c), CEQA does not apply.”
OPTIONS
Provide alternate direction.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Approximately $1,314,835.20 has been budgeted for the Consulant work on the Update to the Housing Element. This does not include time staff and the City Attorney's Office has devoted to this update.
FOCUSED PRIORITY AREA: Community Development
Attachments
1 Proposed Ordinance Amending Zoning Chapters and Map
26-002 A Zoning Code Amendments - Clean
26-002 B Zoning Map
4 Proposed Ordinance Amending Zoning Chapter 31
26-003 A Zoning Code Amendments - Clean
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ORDINANCE NO. 26-___
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE AMENDING CHAPTERS 23.08 (DEFINITIONS), 23.24 (R-3 DISTRICTS), 23.26 (R-3- P.G.R. DISTRICT), 23.28 (R-4 DISTRICT), 23.52 (R-3-M DISTRICTS), 23.64 (GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS), 23.70 (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REVIEW AUTHORITIES AND PROCEDURES), 23.79 (DENSITY BONUS REGULATIONS), AND 23.81 (REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES) OF TITLE 23 (ZONING) OF THE PACIFIC GROVE
MUNICIPAL CODE AND AMENDING THE PACIFIC GROVE ZONING MAP Whereas, on August 17, 2022, the City Council by motion and unanimous vote (7 - 0) authorized and directed City staff to initiate a focused general plan update to meet the minimum requirements in connection with the 2023-2031 6th Cycle Housing Element Update which includes the proposed amendments to the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map; and Whereas, the 2023-2031 Pacific Grove Housing Element (“Housing Element”) includes an opportunity sites inventory that designates specific densities and zoning classifications for certain parcels as needed to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) and further establishes policies and programs necessary to implement requirements of State housing law; and
Whereas, amendments to the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map are required to implement Housing Element Programs including rezoning sites in the Dennett, Sinex, and Grove Acre District, the City has considered the proposed Zoning amendments through two dedicated study sessions of the Planning Commission; and
Whereas, the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map amendments were prepared in accordance with applicable statutory requirements taking into account public comment and consistency with the City’s General Plan and related City policies; and Whereas, in accordance with Government Code Section 21676 the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance were submitted to the Airport Land Use Commission for a determination of consistency with the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for Monterey Regional Airport; and Whereas, on November 13, 2025, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing and adopted Resolution No. 25-001 recommending that the City Council certify the Final EIR, adopt amendments to the City’s General Plan, Land Use Map, Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map, and make CEQA Findings of Fact and adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; and Whereas, the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for the project which includes the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map amendments was certified by the City Council of the City of Pacific Grove on December 17, 2025, as set forth in Resolution No. 25 - ____; and Whereas, pursuant to Government Code Sections 65090, 65091, 65355, and 65856, on December 6, 2025, at least 10 days before the public hearing date, notice of the hearing before the City Council was published in the Monterey Herald, posted at City Hall, mailed to affected owners of the subject real property and property owners within 300’ of the subject real property, posted onsite at each affected property, posted on the City’s Community Development Department and PGCC 1-21-26
Housing Element webpages, and emailed to a list of interested parties; and Whereas, the ordinance was introduced at a special meeting of the City Council on December 17, 2025; and
Whereas, the City Clerk caused a summary of the ordinance to be published in the Monterey County Weekly on __________, 2025; and
Whereas, the City Council held a second reading of the ordinance at a regular meeting of the Council held on __________, 2026; and
Whereas, all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
The Pacific Grove City Council considered the Environmental Impact Report, Planning Commission and City Council resolutions, agenda reports, written and oral testimony, and administrative record as a whole, and hereby finds as follows:
A. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference each as an integral part of this Ordinance. All Attachments hereto are hereby incorporated by reference.
B. The proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map are consistent with the General Plan and, if applicable, the certified local coastal program.
C. The proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the city.
D. The proposed amendments are internally consistent with other applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
E. The sites are physically suitable (including ability to meet requested zoning regulations, access, provision of utilities, compatibility with adjoining land uses, and absence of physical constraints) for the requested zoning designations and anticipated land uses.
SECTION 2. ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS.
Chapters 23.08 (Definitions), 23.24 (R-3 Districts), 23.26 (R-3-P.G.R. District), 23.28 (R-4 District), 23.52 ( R-3-M Districts), 23.64 (General Provisions and Exceptions), 23.70 (Community Development Permit Review Authorities and Procedures), 23.79 (Density Bonus Regulations), and 23.81 (Reasonable Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities) of Title 23 (Zoning) of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code is hereby amended as set forth in Attachment A.
SECTION 3. ZONING MAP AMENDMENTS.
The Pacific Grove Zoning Map is hereby amended as depicted in Attachment B and described as follows:
A. Reclassified from R-2-B-3 to R-3: 611 Dennett Street (Assessor’s Parcel Number [APN] 006-572-012); 637 Dennett Street (APN 006-572-011); 659 Dennett Street (APN PGCC 1-21-26
006-572-009); 679 Dennett Street (APN 006-572-008); 1110 Sinex Avenue (APN 006-572- 015); 1114 Sinex Avenue (APN 006-572-016); 1120 Sinex Avenue (APN 006-572-006); 1126 Sinex Avenue (APN 006-572-007); 702 Grove Acre Avenue (APN 006-572-001); 706 Grove Acre Avenue (APN 006-572-002); 708 Grove Acre Avenue (APN 006-572- 003); 710 Grove Acre Avenue (APN 006-572-004); 720 Grove Acre Avenue (APN 006- 572-013); and 726 Grove Acre Avenue (APN (006-572-014).
B. Reclassified from R-2 to R-3: 915 Sunset Drive (APN 007-101-007).
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY.
If any section, subsection, phrase or clause of this ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this and each section, subsection, phrase or clause thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, phrase or clauses be declared unconstitutional on their face or as applied.
SECTION 5. PUBLICATION.
The City Clerk is hereby directed to certify the passage of this Ordinance by the City Council of the City of Pacific Grove, California and cause the same to be published in accordance with State law.
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effective thirty (30) days after its adoption and shall be published and posted as required by law.
*****
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE THIS ____ day of __________, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
APPROVED:
____________________________
NICK SMITH, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
SANDRA KANDELL, City Clerk
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________________
BRIAN A. PIERIK, City Attorney
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ATTACHMENT A
ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS
(to be inserted)
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ATTACHMENT B
DEPICTION OF ZONING MAP AMENDMENTS
(to be inserted)
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Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Title 23 ZONING
Title 23
ZONING1
Chapters:
23.04 Purpose and Effect of Zoning Regulations
23.08 Definitions
23.12 Districts
23.16 R-1 District and R-1-B Combined Districts
23.20 R-2 District and R-2-B-3 Combined District
23.24 R-3 Districts
23.26 R-3-P.G.R. District
23.28 R-4 District
23.29 Condominium and Community Housing Conversions
23.30 M-H Districts
23.31 Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
23.32 C-1-T Zone Condominiums
23.33 Repealed
23.34 Limited Downtown Commercial (C-D)(C-1-T) Uses
23.36 Repealed
23.40 Repealed
23.42 O District
23.43 Initiative Restriction of Use of George Washington Park
23.44 U Districts
23.45 Initiative Ordinance Enacting Regulations for Multiple Unit Developments Involving Condominiums, Planned Unit Developments and Timeshares
23.52 R-3-M Districts
23.56 R-H District
23.57 R-3-P.G.B. District
23.58 Repealed
23.60 Planned Unit Development – PUD
23.64 General Provisions and Exceptions
23.68 Nonconforming Uses and Buildings
23.70 Community Development Permit Review Authorities and Procedures
23.72 Permit Application Filing and Processing
23.73 Permit Implementation, Time Limits, and Extensions
23.74 Appeals and Call-Ups
23.76 Historic Preservation
23.77 Environmental Impact Reports
23.78 Sale of Residential Buildings
23.79 Density Bonus Regulations
23.80 Accessory Dwelling Units
23.81 Reasonable Accommodation for Persons with Disabilities
23.82 Interpretations of Permitted Use Lists
23.84 Legislative Amendments
23.86 Public Meeting and Hearing Procedures
23.88 Enforcement
23.90 Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan
23.92 Cannabis Businesses
1 For statutory provisions, see California Government Code § 65800 et seq.
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Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Title 23 ZONING
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Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.08 DEFINITIONS
Chapter 23.08
DEFINITIONS
Sections:
23.08.010 Purpose.
23.08.020 Definitions.
23.08.010 Purpose.
This chapter provides definitions of terms and phrases used in this title that are technical or specialized, or that may not reflect common usage. If any of the definitions in this chapter conflict with definitions in other provisions of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code, these definitions shall control for the purposes of this title. If a word is not defined in this chapter, or in other provisions of this title, the most common dictionary definition is presumed to be correct. [Ord. 13-003 § 5, 2013].
23.08.020 Definitions.
A. Definitions.
“Accessory building” means a subordinate building the use of which is incidental to that of the main building on the same lot, and as further defined by PGMC 23.64.180. “Accessory use” means a use incidental and accessory to the principal use of real property or a building located on the same building site, or for which a use permit has been issued pursuant to PGMC
23.64.185.
“Adult-oriented sales” means the sale, for any form of consideration, of one or more of the following:
(1) Books, magazines, periodicals, or other printed matter, photographs, drawings, motion pictures, slides, films, tapes, video cassettes, records, or other visual or audio representations that are characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or description of sexual activities or anatomical areas;
(2) Instruments, devices, or paraphernalia that are designed to be used in connection with sexual activities; or
(3) Goods that are replicas of or that simulate anatomical areas, or goods that are designed to be placed on or in anatomical areas or used in conjunction with sexual activities. “Agreement of sale” means any agreement or written instrument which provides that title to any property shall thereafter be transferred from one owner to another owner, including a lease with option to buy. “Alcoholic beverage” means any beverage meeting the definition of Section 23004 of the California Business and Professions Code (CBPC).
“Alley” means any public right-of-way for vehicular and pedestrian traffic which is 16 feet or less in width.
An alley shall not be considered a street in determining corner lots, required yard setbacks, or street frontages.
Ambulance Service. See “Medical Service.”
“Amplified music, entertainment, or speech” means electronic amplification of recorded music, live music, live entertainment, or of persons speaking at meetings or events. See “Entertainment, live.” Animal Hospital. See “Animal Keeping/Training Facility or Veterinary Service.” Animal Keeping/Training Facility or Veterinary Service.
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Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.08 DEFINITIONS
(1) Veterinary Clinic, Animal Hospital. Office and indoor medical treatment facilities used by veterinarians, including large- and small-animal veterinary clinics and animal hospitals. (2) Kennel, Animal Boarding and Training. A commercial facility for the grooming, keeping, boarding or maintaining of four or more dogs, or four or more cats, or a combination thereof, except for dogs or cats for sale in pet shops or in animal hospitals. Includes pet day care and pet training. “Antenna” means an apparatus designed for the purpose of emitting or receiving radiofrequency (RF) radiation, to be operated or operating from a fixed location pursuant to Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) authorization, for the transmission or reception of writing, signs, signals, data, images, pictures, and sounds of all kinds. For purposes of this definition, the term “antenna” does not include an unintentional radiator, mobile station, or device authorized under 47 CFR Subpart G, as may be amended.
“Apartment house” means a building or portion thereof used and designated as a nontransient residence for three or more families living independently of each other and doing their own cooking in said building.
This shall not be deemed to include cottage courts, auto courts, motels, hotels, or other buildings, used or intended to be used for the accommodation of transient automobile travelers or other transient guests. An apartment house shall not include any timeshare project as defined in Section 11003.5 of the Business and Professions Code, added by Chapter 601 of the Statutes of 1980. “Appurtenance” means the visible, functional, or ornamental objects accessory to, and part of, buildings or structures. Examples include, but are not limited to, mechanical equipment, chimneys, air conditioner units, elevator and stairway penthouses, church spires and steeples, cupolas, etc.
Automobile Court, Cottage Court, or Motor Lodge. See “Lodging.” “Automobile/vehicle repair” means all activities involving automobile and vehicle repair, including: top, body, and upholstery repair; auto glass installation; body painting; general repair, rebuilding or reconditioning of engines, motor vehicles, or trailers; and collision service including body or frame. “Automobile/vehicle sales and rental” means a retail establishment selling or renting new or used automobiles, light trucks, boats, campers, mobile homes, and/or motorcycles. Vehicles for sale may be displayed outdoors or indoors. May also include repair services and the sales of parts and accessories that are incidental to the primary use. Does not include service stations (see “Automobile/vehicle service station”).
“Automobile/vehicle service station” means a building and/or lot with pumps and storage tanks where motor vehicle fuels, lubricating oil, grease, or accessories for motor vehicles are dispensed, sold, or offered for retail sale only. May also include car washing and repair services incidental to the primary use.
B. Definitions.
“Bank or financial service” means banks and financial institutions including: banks and trust companies; credit unions; lending and thrift institutions; brokerage firms; title companies; and vehicle finance leasing agencies.
“Bar/tavern/nightclub” means a drinking establishment where food service is not required. See “Drinking establishment.”
“Base station” has the same meaning as the term used in 47 CFR Section 1.6100(b)(1), as may be amended.
Bed and Breakfast Inn. See “Lodging.”
“Block” means the properties on both sides of a street and lying between the two nearest intersecting streets or city boundary.
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Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.08 DEFINITIONS
Boardinghouse. See “Roominghouse.”
“Bona fide public eating place” means an eating establishment meeting the provisions of Section 23038 of the California Business and Professions Code (CBPC). See “Eating establishment.” “Brew pub” means an eating establishment at which beer is manufactured in limited quantities for on-site and off-site sales, distribution, and consumption, and is combined with a general restaurant, pub, or sports bar. See “Eating establishment.”
“Building” means any structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls and designed for the shelter or housing of any person, animal, or personal property. “Building coverage” means the portion of a site which is covered by the fully enclosed portion of all buildings larger than 120 square feet, as well as by open carports. Building coverage is expressed as a percentage. In determining building coverage, the following shall not be counted: eaves and/or cantilevered portions of buildings, decks, open porches, and open stairways and landings. “Building site” means a lot or parcel of land, in one ownership, and occupied or to be occupied by a main building and accessory buildings, or by a dwelling group and its accessory buildings, together with such open spaces as are required by the terms of this title, and having its principal frontage on a street, road or highway.
“Business support service” means an establishment within a building that provides services to other businesses. Examples of these services include: computer-related services (rental, repair), mailing and mail box services. Does not include printing and copying (see “Printing or creative service”) or the sales, storage, or rental of heavy equipment.
“Buyer” means any person, co-partnership, association, corporation, fiduciary, or other legal or business entity which intends to sign an agreement or instrument which on its face appears to be legally binding or is intended to be legally binding, subject to specified conditions. Such agreement or instrument shall include, but is not necessarily limited to, a deposit receipt, seller’s instructions, contract of sale, exercise of option to buy, or executed deed when there is no prior written agreement. “By-right” or “use by-right” means that the land use or development is permitted without discretionary review or public hearing, as defined and governed by Government Code Sections 65583.2(i), as may be amended.
C. Definitions.
“Catering and events” means a business that prepares food either for an on-site event or for consumption off-premises.
“Chief planner” is deemed a reference to the community development director or designee.
Clinic or Lab. See “Medical service.”
Coffee House. See “Restaurant, specialty.”
“Commercial recreation facility, indoor” means uses that include all indoor commercial recreation and amusement facilities including: bowling alleys, indoor sports arenas, indoor sports facilities, dance halls, video arcades, and billiard parlors. Does not include movie theaters (see “Theater or auditorium”). “Commercial recreation facility, outdoor” means uses that include outdoor commercial amusement facilities including: golf driving ranges, outdoor stadiums, racing facilities, music arenas, amusement parks, miniature golf establishments, water slides, and batting cages.
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Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.08 DEFINITIONS
“Commercial uses” means, in addition to the common definitions of the term, any sale or whole- sale of personal property, whether new or used, except for sales which may be permitted by Chapter 11.10 PGMC.
“Community development director” is deemed a reference to the director of the Pacific Grove community development department or designee.
“Community garden” means an area where neighbors, residents, and members of the public have the opportunity to contribute and manage the cultivation of plants. “Concealed facility” means a wireless telecommunications facility that is integrated as an architectural feature of an existing supporting structure or any new wireless telecommunications facility that is camouflaged or concealed so that the presence of the facility is either: (1) virtually imperceptible to the casual observer, such as an antenna behind louvers on a building, or inside a steeple or similar structure; or (2) camouflaged so as to blend in with its surroundings to such an extent that, to a casual observer, it does not appear to be a wireless telecommunications facility. To qualify as a concealed facility, the facility in question must match the character of its surroundings and the type of item that it is mimicking in size, scale, shape, dimensions, color, materials, function, and other attributes as closely as possible. The elements that make a facility a concealed facility are concealment elements. “Concealment element” means any design feature, including but not limited to painting, landscaping, shielding requirements and restrictions on location, proportions, or physical dimensions in relation to the surrounding area or supporting structures that are intended to and do make a wireless telecommunications facility or its supporting structure less visible or obtrusive to the casual observer. “Construction and other large-scale equipment sales and rental” means retail establishments selling or renting construction, farm, or other heavy equipment. Examples of heavy equipment include cranes, earth moving equipment, tractors, motorized farming equipment, heavy trucks, tools and machinery, and refrigeration equipment.
“Consumer-end antennas” means antennas which are either: subject to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Over-the-Air-Receiving Devices Rule (47 CFR Section 1.4000) placed at an end user’s premises location used solely for the purpose of the provision of services to that end user; or solely for amateur radio communications.
“Contract construction, no outdoor storage” means an establishment providing contract construction related services such as building construction, general contractors, and subcontractors as defined in the Business and Professions Code of the state of California with no outdoor storage. Examples of these uses include: cabinet and carpenter shops; concrete and masonry; drywall; electrical; flooring; glass and glassing; heating and air conditioning; insulation; landscaping; painting; plumbing and fire sprinkler; roofing; swimming pool installation; and similar builder and contractor businesses. “Contract construction, outdoor storage” means an establishment providing contract construction related services such as building construction, general contractors, and subcontractors as defined in the Business and Professions Code of the state of California, with outdoor storage of large equipment, vehicles, and/or materials commonly used in the establishment’s type of business. Examples of these uses include: cabinet and carpenter shops; concrete and masonry; drywall; electrical; flooring; glass and glassing; heating and air conditioning; insulation; landscaping; painting; plumbing and fire sprinkler; roofing; swimming pool installation; and similar builder and contractor businesses.
Coverage. See “Building coverage” and “Site coverage.”
D. Definitions.
“Deer fence” means fencing used specifically to prevent the passage of deer.
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“Development” means the division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any structure; any mining, excavation, landfill, or land disturbance; or any use or extension of the use of land. “Discretionary development” means a development application that, by code, is required to be considered by a review authority that has the discretion to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application. “District” means a portion of the city within which certain uses of land and buildings are permitted or prohibited and within which certain yards and other open spaces are required and certain height limits are established for buildings, all as set forth and specified in this title. “Drinking establishment” means an establishment where the primary activity is the on-site service and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The limited service of food may or may not be included. “Duplex” means a building designed for or occupied exclusively by two families living independently of each other.
“Dwelling group” means a group of two or more detached or semidetached one-family, two-family, or multiple dwellings occupying a parcel of land, in one ownership and having any yard or court in common.
This shall not be deemed to include cottage courts, auto courts, motels, hotels, or other buildings used or intended to be used for the accommodation of transient automobile travelers or other transient guests. A dwelling group shall not include any timeshare project as defined in Section 1103.5 of the Business and Professions Code as added by Chapter 601 of Statutes of 1980.
E. Definitions.
“Eating establishment” means a business primarily engaged in preparing and serving food and/or beverages for consumption on or off the premises.
“Emergency shelter” means housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or less by a homeless person. No individual or household may be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay.
“Employee Housing” means any portion of any housing accommodation, or property upon which a housing accommodation is located as defined in the California Employee Housing Act, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Entertainment, live” means a musical, theatrical, dance, or comedy performance by one or more persons. Dancing by patrons or guests is considered live entertainment. Does not include adult live entertainment (see “Entertainment, live (adult)”), but shall include belly dancing and hula dancing (see “Entertainment, live (belly dancing/hula)”).
“Entertainment, live (adult)” means live entertainment by one or more persons characterized by an emphasis on the display of anatomical areas, or the performance of physical human body activity that depicts or relates to sexual activities, whether or not anatomical areas are covered. Does not include belly or hula dancing (see “Entertainment, live (belly dancing/hula)”). “Entertainment, live (belly dancing/hula)” means a dance marked by sinuous movements of the hips, belly, arms and hands.
“Equipment/appliance rental and repair” means a service establishment that may offer a wide variety of household and business equipment, furniture, and materials for rental. Also includes repair service for business equipment and furnishings, household yard equipment and appliances, and audio, video and computer machines.
Existing Grade. See “Grade.”
F. Definitions.
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“Family” means an individual or two or more persons living together as a single household in a dwelling unit. Family shall not be construed to include a fraternity, sorority, club, or other group of persons occupying a hotel, lodging house, or institution of any kind.
Family Day Care Home.
(1) “Small family day care” means a day care facility in a single residence where an occupant of the residence provides family day care for eight or fewer clients, including adult clients, and children under the age of 10 years who reside in the home.
(2) “Large family day care” means a day care facility in a single residence where an occupant of the residence provides family day care for nine to 14 clients, inclusive, including adult clients, and children under the age of 10 years who reside in the home. “Farmers market” means a business established and operated at a specific time, oftentimes on the same day each week, which consists of individual vendors, mostly local farmers, where fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, nuts, other produce, and sometimes prepared foods and beverages and other wares are sold directly to the public. Such business may be conducted within or outside a building. “Fence” means any vertical structure, not integral to any building, used as a barrier to define boundaries, to prevent the passage of people and animals, and/or screen off or enclose a portion of property, not including structures, or portions of structures, designed to support a roof, awning, or other horizontal structure, such as the wall of a building. Wing walls or other extensions of a building wall that do not support the building shall be included in the definition of a fence for purposes of this title.
Finished Grade. See “Grade.”
Fitness Studio. See “Health/fitness studio.”
“Flea market” means a business established and operated at a specific time, oftentimes on the same day of the week, which consists of a group of coordinated vendors selling wares directly to the public. Such business may be conducted within or outside a building.
Funeral Home. See “Mortuary or funeral home.”
G. Definitions.
“Garage space” means a covered parking space of not less than nine by 20 feet. “Garden structures” includes arbors, trellises, pergolas, arches, and other similar open structures that are primarily designed to support the growth of plants or to provide shade and shelter in a garden or yard.
Garden structures do not include accessory buildings, gazebos with a solid roof and floor, cisterns, hot tubs, fountains, walls, fences, hedges, and other similar features. The area of a garden structure area is calculated from the structure’s largest horizontal dimensions.
Grade.
(1) “Existing grade” means the surface of the ground as it exists prior to disturbance in preparation for a project regulated by the Pacific Grove Municipal Code. (2) “Natural grade” means the elevation of the ground in its natural state, before grading, excavation, or filling.
(3) “Finished grade” means the final elevation of the ground level after grading, excavation, or filling. “Gross floor area” means the total enclosed areas of all floors of buildings greater than 120 square feet, plus carports, where the ceiling is at least seven feet tall. In calculating gross floor area, buildings shall be PGCC 1-21-26
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measured to the outside surface of exterior walls, and carports to the outside surfaces of supporting posts. Gross floor area is expressed in square feet.
(1) In determining gross floor area, the following shall be counted:
(A) Covered and fully enclosed porches, regardless of whether conditioned/unconditioned; and (B) Mezzanines, hallways, breezeways, and corridors.
(2) In determining gross floor area, the following shall not be counted:
(A) Accessory structures less than or equal to 120 square feet; (B) Covered open, or partially open, porches;
(C) Those portions of cellars/basements where the ceiling is not more than two feet above finish grade at any point;
(D) Eaves and/or cantilevered portions of buildings;
(E) Garden structures.
(3) In determining gross floor area, the following provisions shall also apply:
(A) Areas with an interior finished height that is greater than 16 feet shall be counted twice, with the exception of interior stairways that are no wider than eight feet. (B) If required covered parking is not provided, the allowed gross floor area shall be reduced by the equivalent square footage.
“Group quarters” means residential living arrangements, other than the usual house, apartment or mobile home, in which two or more unrelated persons share living quarters and cooking facilities. Included are “institutional” group quarters, such as orphanages, and “noninstitutional” group quarters, such as dormitories, and large boarding houses. This definition does not include residential care facilities.
H. Definitions.
“Health/fitness studio” means a fitness center, gymnasium, or health and athletic club, which may include any of the following: dancing studios or academies; indoor tennis, handball, or racquetball; yoga studios; martial arts studios; sauna, spa or hot tub facilities; and other indoor sports activities. “Height” means the vertical distance from any point on the top of a structure (minus allowable vertical appurtenances) to a line connecting grades directly below it. The lowest grade (finished, natural, or existing) shall be used in applying this definition. In zones where multifamily residential and multifamily mixed-use buildings are allowed, the allowable height shall include up to half of the vertical height of sloped roofs (i.e., half of the distance between lowest eave and the highest point within roof volume above the highest floor).
“Home business” means a use of a type customarily carried on entirely within a dwelling, which business shall be carried on by only the inhabitants of the dwelling for gain, but incidentally and secondarily to the use of the dwelling for dwelling purposes, and which does not, either by noise, attraction of customers, exterior architectural changes or signs of any kind, give any hint to the surrounding neighborhood that the dwelling is being used for other than dwelling purposes.
Hospital. See “Medical service.”
Hotel. See “Lodging.”
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“Household” means a family jointly occupying a single dwelling unit, including the joint use of and responsibility for common areas, and sharing housekeeping activities and responsibilities such as meal, chores, maintenance, and expenses.
I. Definitions.
“Impervious surface” means a surface artificially constructed so that it prevents or largely inhibits the infiltration of rainwater or runoff into the natural soils or underlying geologic materials. “Industrial, light” means a manufacturing or processing facility that is more consumer-oriented than business-oriented (i.e., produced for end users rather than as intermediates for use by other industries).
Light industries require only a small amount of raw materials, area, and power. The value of the goods is typically low, the number of products is high, and/or they are easy to transport. Light industry typically causes relatively little or no pollution or environmental impacts. Examples of light industries include the manufacture, assembly, or processing of clothes, shoes, furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances, food, and other similarly intensive activities without harmful levels of lead or chemical wastes.
Also includes dry cleaning plants and auto towing and storage yards. “Integral group quarters facilities” means one or more residential housing units within which an integral use occurs that operates in combination with a group quarters facility, which may or may not be located on the same or contiguous parcels of land.
“Integral use” means one or more licensed or unlicensed residential housing units under the control and management of the same owner, operator, management company or licensee, or any affiliate, as a group quarters facility, in which occupants are entitled to receive care, services or amenities of the group quarters facility. Examples include, but are not limited to, the provision of housing in one residential housing unit and treatment, meals, or any other service or services to those occupants in the group quarters facility or facilities, or by assigning staff or a consultant or consultants to provide services or amenities available in the group quarters facility to the occupants of the residential housing units.
J. Definitions.
“Junkyard” means the use of more than 200 square feet of the area of any lot or the use of any portion of that half of any lot, which half adjoins any street, for the storage of junk, including scrap metals or other scrap materials, or for the dismantling or “wrecking” of automobiles or other vehicles or machinery, whether for sale or storage.
K. Definitions.
Kennel, Animal Boarding and Training. See “Animal Keeping/Training Facility or Veterinary Service.” L. Definitions.
Large Family Day Care. See “Family Day Care Home.”
“Laundry or dry cleaning service” means establishments offering on-site laundry services (may be selfserve or wash/fold/press services) and dry cleaning drop-off and pick-up store fronts. For dry cleaning plants, see “Industrial, light.”
Lodging.
(1) “Bed and breakfast inn” means the use of a residential property for commercial lodging purposes, where there are at least eight rooms available to guests and where the principal buildings were constructed at least 75 years prior to the date of application for the use. (2) “Hotel” means any building or portion thereof containing six or more guest rooms used, designed or intended to be used, let or hired out to be occupied by transients, and having one principal entryway or entrance, a lobby, or other public room.
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(3) “Motel” means any building or portion thereof containing six or more guest rooms used, designed or intended to be used, let or hired out to be occupied by transients, and having dwelling units or guest rooms some or all of which have a separate entrance leading directly from the outside of the building.
(4) “Automobile court, cottage court, or motor lodge” means an establishment designed for or used primarily for the accommodation of transient automobile travelers or other transient guests and having dwelling units or guest rooms some or all of which have a separate entrance leading directly from the outside of the building.
“Low barrier” shall have the meaning set forth in California Government Code Section 65660(a), as it may be amended from time to time.
“Low barrier navigation center” means a housing-first, low-barrier, service-enriched shelter focused on moving people into permanent housing that provides temporary living facilities while case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness to income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and housing.
M. Definitions.
“Main building” means a building in which is conducted the principal use on the lot on which it is situated.
In any “R” district any dwelling shall be deemed to be a main building on the lot on which the same is situated.
Medical Office. See “Medical Service.”
Medical Service.
(1) “Ambulance service” means a facility where ambulance vehicle and crews not based at a hospital or fire department stand by for emergency calls.
(2) “Clinic or lab” means a facility other than a hospital where medical, dental, mental health, surgical and other personal health services are provided on an outpatient basis. Examples of these uses include: medical offices with five or more licensed practitioners and/or medical specialties; outpatient care facilities; urgent care facilities; and other allied health services. These facilities may also include incidental medical laboratories and testing facilities. Counseling services by other than medical doctors or psychiatrists are included under “Offices, business and professional.” (3) “Medical office” means a facility other than a hospital where medical, dental, mental health, surgical, and/or other personal health care services are provided on an outpatient basis, and that accommodates no more than four licensed primary practitioners within an individual office suite. A facility with five or more licensed practitioners is classified under “Medical service – clinic or lab.” (4) “Hospital” means a facility engaged primarily in providing diagnostic services, and extensive medical treatment, including surgical and other hospital services. These establishments have an organized medical staff, inpatient beds, and equipment facilities to provide complete health care. May include on-site accessory clinics and laboratories, accessory retail uses, on-site ambulance dispatch facilities, and meal service.
“Meeting facility, public or private” means a facility for public or private meetings, including churches and other religious facilities, Grange halls, union halls, and meeting halls for clubs, fraternal organizations, and other membership organizations. Also includes functionally related internal facilities such as kitchens, multi-purpose rooms, and storage. Does not include commercial entertainment facilities (see “Commercial recreation facility”) or conference and meeting rooms accessory and incidental to another primary use, such as office space or a hotel/motel.
“Micro-brewery” means a small-scale brewery operation that is solely dedicated to the production of specialty beers, but may include beer tasting under specified conditions pursuant to Section 23357.3 of PGCC 1-21-26
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the California Business and Professions Code (CBPC). If combined with a general restaurant, pub, or sports bar, see “Brew pub.”
“Mobile home” means a vehicle other than a motor vehicle used as semipermanent housing designed for human habitation and containing a minimum of 400 square feet of floor space. “Mobile home park” means an area of land not less than five acres in size containing facilities to accommodate semipermanent mobile homes.
“Mortuary or funeral home” means a funeral home or parlor where the deceased are prepared for burial or cremation and funeral services may be conducted. Does not include on-site cremation.
Motel. See “Lodging.”
N. Definitions.
Natural Grade. See “Grade.”
“Nonconforming use” means a use which was legal when it was created, but because of subsequent changes in regulations no longer conforms with the regulations for the district in which it is situated.
O. Definitions.
“Offices, business and professional” means premises available for the transaction of general business and services including professional, management, legal, social, or government offices, but excluding retail, artisan, and manufacturing uses. Does not include medical offices. See “Medical services – medical office” or “Bank or financial service.”
“Open yard” means a required open space other than a garage space, which open space is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except by eaves, uncovered porches or decks not more than three feet above finished grade, swimming pools, walkways, tennis courts, putting greens, or similar recreational uses, and landscaped with suitable living plant material. The area must be rectangular or composed of a series of rectangles, each having a minimum width of not less than 10 feet. Further, the yard shall not have a slope of more than five percent.
“Owner” means any person, co-partnership, association, corporation, fiduciary, or other legal or business entity having legal or equitable title or any interest in any residential property, or any realtor, real estate broker, or agent representing said owner.
P. Definitions.
“Parapet” means a portion of a wall, that extends above the roofline at the edge of a roof. “Park, playground (public)” means outdoor sports grounds, indoor sports structures within a park area, playgrounds, tot lots, passive park areas, and other areas of use to the general public for recreation or outdoor diversions, not including commercial recreation facilities (see “Commercial recreation facility”), community gardens (see “Community garden”), or community centers (see “Public or quasi-public facility”).
"Parking, covered" means a structure, building or portion of a building having a solid roof which may be open or enclosed by walls or doors, used to shelter a parking space. “Parking aisle” means the vehicular access route to allow for safe movement and effective traffic flow through a parking facility to and from parking spaces.
“Parking facility” means parking lots or structures operated by the city or private entity providing parking with or without a fee. Does not include towing, impound and storage facilities, which are defined under “Industrial, light.”
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“Parking lifts” means a mechanical system that lifts or lowers a parked vehicle to make space available for another parked vehicle above or below it.
“Parking, shared” means a public or private parking area used jointly by two or more uses. “Parking space” means an area not less than nine feet wide by 20 feet deep designated for parking a single vehicle.
“Parking space, compact” means a space not less than eight feet by 16 feet. “Parking space, tandem” means two or more vehicles that are parked on a driveway or in any other location on a lot, arranged one behind the other.
“Personal service” means establishments providing nonmedical services to individuals as a primary use.
Examples of these include barber and beauty shops, including body, skin, and nail care; therapeutic massage certified under California Business and Professions Code Section 4612; garment repair and alteration; locksmiths; and shoe repair shops and shoeshine parlors. These uses may also include accessory retail sales of products related to the services provided. “Personal service, restricted” means establishments providing nonmedical services to individuals, such as noncertified therapeutic massage, tattooing and body art parlors, or bath houses.
Pet Grooming. See “Animal Keeping/Training Facility or Veterinary Service.” Pet Training. See “Animal Keeping/Training Facility or Veterinary Service.” “Printing or creative service” means an establishment within a building that provides the following services to individuals or businesses: creative or graphic arts; copying and print shops, including blueprinting; photographic or camera shops and studios; and sign painting or manufacture. “Pub” means an eating establishment where the primary activity is split between the service of food and the service of alcoholic beverages. Pubs are regularly, and in a bona fide manner (as defined by California Business and Professions Code Section 23038), kept open for the service of meals, and maintain suitable kitchen facilities connected therewith. Includes “sports bars.” See “Eating establishment.”
“Public or quasi-public facility” means public, semi-public, and private preschools, elementary schools, high schools, civic buildings, community centers and other community buildings and uses, and governmental buildings, museums, fire houses, post offices, police stations, libraries, and essential services, any of which may have additional requirements for such use set forth herein. “Public utility” means installations, facilities or means for furnishing to the public electricity, gas, steam, communications, water, drainage, sewage disposal, or flood control, irrespective of whether such facilities or means are underground or above ground, indoor or outdoor. Utilities may be owned and operated by any person, firm, corporation, municipal department, or board, duly appointed by state or municipal regulations. “Utility” or “utilities” as used herein may also refer to such persons, firms, corporations, departments or boards. Does not include “wireless telecommunications facility.” R. Definitions.
“Radio or television station” means a building serving a broadcasting organization, consisting of one or more transmitters or receivers used for radio communications or telecommunications.
Recycling Facility.
(1) “Processor” means a state-certified receiver of redeemable recyclable materials providing either collection, storage, separation, distribution, or primary reprocessing of recycled materials.
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(2) “Retail certified” means a state-certified recycler providing convenient locations for consumers to redeem beverage containers.
(3) “Wholesale certified” means a state-certified recycler providing both consumer redemption of beverage containers and collection of redeemable containers from other certified recyclers. “Research and development facility” means a facility for scientific research, which could include the design, development and testing of electrical, electronic, magnetic, optical, computer and telecommunications components in advance of product manufacturing, and the assembly of related products from parts produced off site, where the manufacturing activity is secondary to the research and development activities. Includes pharmaceutical, chemical and biotechnology research and development.
Also includes research laboratories, defined as facilities for testing, experimenting, analysis, and/or research. Examples of research and development facilities include medical labs, soils and materials testing labs, and forensic labs.
“Residential care” means residential care facilities for alcoholism recovery, mentally disabled, handicapped, elderly, and dependent and neglected children (including residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs) as licensed by the State Department of Social Services). State-licensed residential care facilities for six or fewer persons, excluding the facility operator and staff, shall be considered a family use subject only to the same regulations as apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.
“Residential property” means all real property, whether improved or unimproved, which is or, by virtue of the zoning thereon, may be used for residential purposes. “Restaurant, drive-in/drive-through” means an eating establishment which (1) prepares food intended for consumption in vehicles that may or may not be parked on the site; or (2) provides for the ordering of food while the customers are seated in vehicles. Does not include drive-in/drive-through restaurants that are required by contractual or other arrangement to offer standardized menus, ingredients, food preparation, employee uniforms, interior decor, signage, or exterior design. See “Eating establishment.” “Restaurant, fast food” means an eating establishment that specializes in short order or quick service; serves food or beverage products primarily in paper, plastic or other disposable containers; and delivers food or beverage products in such a manner that customers may remove such products from the restaurant for consumption. Does not include formula fast food restaurants that are required by contractual or other arrangement to offer standardized menus, ingredients, food preparation, employee uniforms, interior decor, signage, or exterior design. See “Eating establishment.” “Restaurant, formula general” means an eating establishment that falls under the definition of a general restaurant, and that is required by contractual or other arrangement to offer standardized menus, ingredients, food preparation, employee uniforms, interior decor, signage, or exterior design. See “Eating establishment.”
“Restaurant, general” means an eating establishment where the primary activity is the on-site preparation and service of meals for consumption on the premises using nondisposable dishes and utensils. These include establishments where customers are served from an interior walk-up counter and establishments where customers are served food at their tables, and may include limited takeout. General restaurants are regularly, and in a bona fide manner (as defined by California Business and Professions Code Section 23038), kept open for the service of meals, and maintain suitable kitchen facilities connected therewith. See “Eating establishment.”
“Restaurant, specialty” means an eating establishment where the primary activity is selling one or more of the following specialty food or beverage products for on- or off-premises consumption: coffee, tea, juice, smoothies, ice cream, frozen yogurt, cookies, or similar specialty food or beverage. A specialty restaurant offers seating, and includes, but is not limited to, coffee and tea houses, juice bars, and ice cream/frozen yogurt shops. Such an establishment may include limited service of preprepared foods including but not limited to salads, soups, and sandwiches. A specialty restaurant does not require a full kitchen, and does PGCC 1-21-26
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not include formula specialty restaurants that are required by contractual or other arrangement to offer standardized menus, ingredients, food preparation, employee uniforms, interior decor, signage, or exterior design. See “Eating establishment.”
“Retail, general” means a retail business selling merchandise directly to the end consumer. Examples of these stores and lines of merchandise include:
Apparel and accessories Food and grocery, including
convenience markets with
accessory catering for
consumption off-premises,
produce markets,
delicatessens, bakeries,
candy shops, and cheese
shops
Antiques Furniture, including home and
office furniture
Art supplies and art galleries,
including framing shops
Hardware and garden supply,
including plant nurseries
Auctioneers Hobbies and craft shops,
including stationery stores,
toy stores, yarn shops, and
other miscellaneous hobbies
and crafts
Bicycle sales, service, and
rental
Jewelry stores
Books, new and used Luggage and leather goods
Computers and electronic
equipment
Magazine stores and
newsstands
Cameras and photographic
supplies
Music stores, including
instruments and records,
tapes, compact discs, audio
and video
Drug stores Optical stores
Department stores Sporting goods stores,
including exercise equipment
Electronics and appliances Watch and clock sales and
service
Florists Variety stores
“Retail, outdoor storage display” means a retail business where customers are encouraged to examine and/or experience merchandise in its typical configuration and/or manner of use. Examples include garden shops, plant nurseries, and stone or monument yards. “Retail, restricted” means a retail business with one of the following specialties: gunsmiths and smoke, cigar, and tobacco shops.
“Roominghouse” means a dwelling other than a hotel, motel, bed and breakfast inn, or apartment house, and accommodating a nontransient occupancy, where lodging and/or meals for three or more persons are provided for compensation.
S. Definitions.
“School, specialty” means a school that provides education and/or training, including vocational training, in limited subjects including: art; business, secretarial and vocational skills; drama; driver education; including courses by mail or on-line; language; music; professional (law, medicine, etc.); and PGCC 1-21-26
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seminaries/religious ministry training facilities. See also “Public or quasi-public facility.” Does not include family day care facilities (see “Family day care home”). “Second unit” means a second unit as defined in PGMC 23.80.020. “Shared housing building” means a residential or mixed-use structure, with five or more shared housing units and one or more common kitchens and dining areas designed for permanent residence of more than 30 days by its tenants as defined by Government Code Section 65915 (o)(7)(A)(i), as it may be amended from time to time.
"Single-Room Occupancy” or “SRO” means housing consisting of single-room dwelling units that serve as the primary residence for their occupants.
“Site coverage” means the sum of building coverage plus areas covered by impervious surfaces. Site coverage is expressed as a percentage.
(1) In determining site coverage, the following shall be counted:
(A) Sand-set bricks and/or pavers, paving and/or flagstones, asphalt, concrete, mortared brick and stone, and decomposed granite;
(B) Open porches; and
(C) All accessory structures not already counted towards building coverage. (2) In determining site coverage, the following shall not be counted:
(A) Four hundred square feet of any driveway, except for portions that serve as required parking space(s) or which occupy a required side yard;
(B) Sixty square feet of walkway, stoop, landing, stairway and/or steps in the front yard on building sites which are 50 feet or more in width;
(C) Turf block driveways and walkways, unless covered; and eaves and/or cantilevered portions of buildings.
“Site Inventory” or “Housing Element Site Inventory” means a list of suitable land identified for residential development during the planning period as part of the 6th Housing Element update process, which includes a list of parcels with their size, general plan and zoning designations, existing uses, the development capacity of the parcel, and the determination of how the parcel may meet the housing unit need by income-level.
“Site Width” means the dimension of the lot at the street line. In the case of a lot with more than one street line, it refers to the lesser dimension.
Small Family Day Care. See “Family day care home.”
Sports Bar. See “Pub.”
“Storage, self-storage facility” means a structure containing individual compartments, stalls, or lockers rented as individual storage spaces and characterized by low parking demand. “Supporting structure” means any structure, other than a wireless tower, capable of supporting, or supporting, a base station. An existing supporting structure is a structure in place at the time an application is filed; a replacement support structure is a structure that replaces an existing structure, which structure must be removed; a new support structure is a structure that is not in place at the time an application is filed, and that will be constructed as part of the placement of the base station.
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Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.08 DEFINITIONS
“Supportive housing” means housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population, and that is linked to an on-site or off-site service that assists the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live and, when possible, work in the community. “Target population” means persons with low incomes who have one or more disabilities, including mental illness, HIV or AIDS, substance abuse, or other chronic health condition, or individuals eligible for services provided pursuant to the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code) and may include, among other populations, adults, emancipated minors, families with children, elderly persons, young adults aging out of the foster care system, individuals exiting from institutional settings, veterans, and homeless people. Supportive housing is a residential use subject only to the same requirements as apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.
T. Definitions.
“Taxi service” means a facility where multiple taxis and/or limousines are stored until dispatched. May also include dispatch services, but does not include dispatch services that have no on-site vehicle storage, which are instead included under “Offices, business and professional.” “Temporary wireless telecommunications facilities” means a wireless telecommunications facility intended or used to provide wireless services on a temporary or emergency basis, such as a large-scale special event in which more users than usual gather in a confined location or when a disaster requires additional service capabilities. Temporary wireless telecommunications facilities include, without limitation, cells on wheels (COW), sites on wheels (SOW), cells on light trucks (COLTs), or other similar wireless telecommunications facilities: (1) that will be in place for no more than 60 days (or such other longer time as the city may allow in light of the event or emergency); (2) for which required notice is provided to the FAA; (3) that do not require marking or lighting under FAA regulations; (4) that will be less than 100 feet in height; and (5) that will either involve no excavation or involve excavation only as required to safely anchor the facility, where the depth of previous disturbance exceeds the proposed construction depth (excluding footings and other anchoring mechanisms) by at least two feet. “Theater or auditorium” means a facility for group entertainment, other than sporting events. Examples of these include: civic theaters, facilities for live theater and concerts, and movie theaters.
Transient. Any building or portion thereof used or designed for accommodations of persons or families staying for a period of less than 30 days, or used, designed to be used, let, or rented on a daily or weekly basis, or advertising accommodations for transient travelers, shall be deemed to be “transient.” “Transit center” means a sheltered waiting area located where public transportation routes converge.
Transit centers serve as hubs to allow transit riders from various locations to assemble at a central point to take advantage of express trips or other route-to-route transfers. “Transitional housing” means buildings configured as rental housing developments, but operated under program requirements that mandate the termination of assistance and recirculation of the assisted unit to another eligible program recipient at a predetermined future point in time that shall be no less than six months from the beginning of the assistance. Transitional housing is a residential use subject only to the same requirements as apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.
U. Definitions.
“Use” means the purpose for which land or premises of a building thereon is designed, arranged or intended or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.
V. Definitions.
Value, Market Value. The community development director’s determination of value shall be deemed prima facie correct. Any person aggrieved by such determination may appeal to the planning commission PGCC 1-21-26
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Chapter 23.08 DEFINITIONS
within 15 days of such determination. The appellant and the owner of the property shall have 10 days’ written notice of the date the planning commission will hear the appeal.
Veterinary Clinic. See “Animal Keeping/Training Facility or Veterinary Service.” “Visually insignificant” means an exterior building modification that does not noticeably alter the character or architectural style of the structure as viewed from a public street.
W. Definitions.
“Warehousing, wholesaling and distribution” means an establishment engaged in wholesale storage within a building, and selling merchandise to retailers; contractors, industrial, commercial, institutional, farm, or professional business users; other wholesalers, or acting as agents or brokers in buying merchandise for or selling merchandise to such persons or companies. Examples of these establishments include:
Agents, merchandise or
commodity brokers, and
commission merchants
Trucking and general
warehousing
Assemblers, buyers and
associations engaged in the
cooperative marketing of farm
products
Stores primarily selling
electrical, plumbing, heating
and air conditioning supplies
and equipment
Frozen food lockers Wholesale bakeries
Merchant wholesalers Wholesale trade, durable and
nondurable
Miscellaneous retail and
wholesale commercial uses,
stores or storage and service
establishments
“Wine bar” means a drinking establishment where the primary activity is the tasting and drinking of wine.
Food must be available during all hours of operation, but may be limited to snacks, appetizers, small plates, or other similar offerings. A full kitchen is not required. See “Drinking establishment.” “Wine tasting room” means a drinking establishment where wine and related products are offered for retail sale, and where on-site consumption of wine may be tasted for a fee, or without charge. Food service is not required. See “Drinking establishment.”
“Wireless eligible facilities request” has the same meaning as eligible facilities requests under 47 CFR Section 1.6100(3), as may be amended.
“Wireless telecommunications facility” means all elements of a facility at a fixed location used in connection with the provision of any FCC-licensed or authorized wireless service to the public, including the base station and tower, if any, but excluding any supporting structure to which the base station is attached or within which it is enclosed; provided, that the term does not include the following, which facilities shall remain subject to other provisions of the PGMC applicable to similar structures:
(1) Facilities entirely enclosed within an existing building outside of the rights-of-way, where no modification to the exterior of the building is required; (2) Facilities attached to the exterior of a building (including the roof), which would constitute an accessory use of the building permitted under this code, and where the wireless telecommunications facility located on the exterior is less than three cubic feet in size; (3) Customer-end antennas; or
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(4) Wireless telecommunications facilities owned and operated by the city for its use, or by any governmental agency for its own or public safety uses.
“Wireless tower” means any structure built for the sole or primary purpose of supporting any FCClicensed or authorized antennas and their associated facilities.
Y. Definitions.
“Yard” means an open space other than a court on the same lot with a building, which open space is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as otherwise permitted in PGMC
23.64.150 to 23.64.180, inclusive. [Ord. 21-008 § 2, 2021; Ord. 20-001 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 16-005 § 3, 2016; Ord. 13-008 § 2, 2013; Ord. 13-003 § 5, 2013].
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Chapter 23.24 R-3 DISTRICTS
Chapter 23.24
R-3 DISTRICTS
Sections:
23.24.010 Generally.
23.24.020 Uses permitted.
23.24.030 Building height limit.
23.24.040 Building site area required.
23.24.050 Allowed building coverage.
23.24.051 Allowed site coverage.
23.24.060 Yards required.
23.24.070 Garbage areas.
23.24.010 Generally.
The regulations found in this chapter shall apply to all R-3 districts and shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 23.64 PGMC. [Ord. 20-016 § 2, 2020; Ord. 382 N.S., 1962; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-133(1)(a), 1952].
23.24.020 Uses permitted.
The following uses shall be permitted in the R-3 district:
(a) Single- or two-family dwellings;
(b) Second units as permitted by Chapter 23.80 PGMC;
(c) Low-barrier navigation centers;
(d) Transitional and supportive housing.
(e) Employee housing.
(f) Multiple dwellings, apartment houses and dwelling groups; (g) Rooming or boarding houses, subject to first securing a use permit (except for employee housing); (h) Accessory uses and buildings normally incidental to any in this section; (i) Single-Room Occupancies (SROs) subject to first securing a use permit; (j) State-licensed residential care facilities for seven or more persons, subject to first securing a use permit. [Ord. 20-016 § 2, 2020; Ord. 16-005 § 4, 2016; Ord. 03-08 §§ 4, 5, 2003; Ord. 811 N.S., 1974; Ord. 795 N.S., 1974; Ord. 720 N.S. §§ 9, 10, 1972; Ord. 532 N.S. § 5, 1966; Ord. 453 N.S., 1964; Ord. 382 N.S., 1962; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-133(1)(a), 1952].
23.24.030 Building height limit.
The maximum height of main buildings shall be 30 feet. [Ord. 20-016 § 2, 2020; Ord. 00-18 § 6, 2000; Ord. 1141 N.S. § 3, 1979; Ord. 720 N.S. § 3, 1972; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-133(1)(b), 1952].
23.24.040 Building site area required.
For each building, or group of buildings, a minimum of 4,000 square feet and minimum width of 40 feet shall be required on interior lots. A minimum of 6,000 square feet and a minimum width of 60 feet shall be required on corner lots. In the subdivisions designated as additions to Pacific Grove Retreat and in the Pacific Grove Retreat, where the lot sizes, as legally subdivided, are 30 by 60 feet, the minimum lot size shall be 3,600 square feet, with the lot lines along the lines of said subdivisions. Nothing contained herein shall authorize such smaller minimum lot sizes for any future subdivisions.
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For each family unit in any building or group of buildings, a minimum of 1,500 square feet of land area shall be required. [Ord. 20-016 § 2, 2020; Ord. 1260 N.S. § 2, 1981; Ord. 720 N.S. § 1, 1972; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-133(1)(c), 1952].
23.24.050 Allowed building coverage.
Maximum building coverage on all sites is 50 percent. [Ord. 12-003 § 5, 2012; Ord. 1193 N.S. § 2, 1980; Ord. 720 N.S. § 8, 1972; Ord. 593 N.S., 1968; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-133(1)(d), 1952].
23.24.051 Allowed site coverage.
Maximum site coverage on all sites is 60 percent. [Ord. 12-003 § 5, 2012].
23.24.060 Yards required.
(a) Front Yards. The minimum required front yard shall be 12 feet. Driveways shall not occupy more than 40 percent of the street frontage, and on a corner lot, the combined coverage on all frontages shall not exceed 25 percent of the total street frontage. Fifty percent of the front yard area shall be landscaped.
Such areas shall not be surfaced, covered, enclosed or treated in such a manner as to make it impossible or impractical to establish and maintain landscaping and gardening thereon. The area must be rectangular or composed of a series of rectangles not less than 10 feet in width. (b) Side Yards. Side yards shall be 10 percent of lot width with a minimum requirement of three feet and a maximum of 10 feet; provided, however, on corner lots, the side yard abutting the street shall be 20 percent of the width of the lot, but need not exceed 10 feet. (c) Rear Yards. Rear yards, excluding allowable horizontal projections described in PGMC 23.64.150, shall have the following minimums:
(1) One-story building: five feet.
(2) Two-story building: eight feet.
(3) Three-story building: 10 feet.
(4) Where a rear yard fronts on a street, the minimum rear yard shall be 12 feet. (d) Special Yards and Distances Between Buildings.
(1) Distance between any buildings, which shall be free from the encroachment of overhanging eaves, shall be a minimum of eight feet. For buildings of three stories, the minimum shall be increased to 10 feet and for buildings of four stories or more the minimums shall be increased to 12 feet.
(2) Side yards providing access to single-row dwelling group: minimum 12 feet. (3) Inner court providing access to double-row dwelling group: minimum 20 feet. (e) Open Yard. Open yard required shall be 200 square feet per unit for all construction of five units or more.
(f) Decks, Porches and Parking Spaces. Decks and open porches over three feet above grade may project or extend four feet over a required yard area, but not closer than three feet to the property line and no closer to other buildings than the minimums set forth in subsection (d) of this section. Parking spaces in excess of the required space for each family unit may project into the rear yard area set forth in subsection (c) of this section. [Ord. 720 N.S. § 6, 1972; Ord. 593 N.S., 1968; Ord. 532 N.S. § 6, 1966; Ord. 478 N.S., 1964; Ord. 382 N.S., 1962; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-133(1)(e), 1952].
23.24.070 Garbage areas.
Where there are three or more units, garbage areas for holding of garbage or refuse shall be constructed with a concrete floor and curb. The area shall be enclosed by a view-obscuring wall or fence designed in PGCC 1-21-26
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harmony with the building design. The enclosure shall be not less than five feet in height and equipped with a self-closing gate or door. Trash area shall have access to a driveway or public way. [Ord. 720 N.S. § 14, 1972].
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Chapter 23.26 R-3-P.G.R. DISTRICT
Chapter 23.26
R-3-P.G.R. DISTRICT1
Sections:
23.26.010 Generally.
23.26.020 Permitted uses.
23.26.030 Building site area required.
23.26.040 Building height limit.
23.26.050 Allowed building coverage.
23.26.051 Allowed site coverage.
23.26.060 Allowed gross floor area.
23.26.070 Yard requirements.
23.26.080 Garbage/recycling areas.
23.26.090 Off-street parking.
23.26.010 Generally.
The regulations in this chapter shall apply in the R-3-P.G.R. district and shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 23.64 PGMC unless the provisions of this chapter are in conflict with said Chapter 23.64 PGMC, in which event the provisions of this chapter shall prevail. [Ord. 98-05 § 1, 1998].
23.26.020 Permitted uses.
(a) All of the uses permitted and prescribed for the R-3 district at PGMC 23.24.020 shall apply in the R-3- P.G.R. district.
(b) In addition, bed and breakfast inns are permitted, subject to first securing a use permit.
The city council shall have the authority to set forth, by resolution, standards for bed and breakfast inns including, but not necessarily limited to: the number of visitors who may be accommodated; the amount and the type of signing to be provided; the length of permissible stay; the type of cooking and dining facilities to be provided; the amount of parking to be provided; and any similar standard necessary to protect the neighborhood from unreasonable changes in character. Provided however, that in no case shall the number of rooms be less than eight, excluding the primary residence of the owner or manager.
The setting of such standards shall in no way limit the authority or the ability of the planning commission to impose such conditions as may be deemed appropriate upon any use permit granted for bed and breakfast use. [Ord. 98-05 § 1, 1998].
23.26.030 Building site area required.
(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, building site area shall be as set out in PGMC 23.24.040.
(b) The minimum land area for each unit other than bed and breakfast units shall be 2,200 square feet. (c) Any parcel which has the following characteristics shall constitute a separate building site for future building purposes:
(1) It has, prior to March 15, 1986, been designated on the assessor’s map as a separate parcel. (2) It has at least 1,800 square feet, but not more than 3,600 square feet, and is not part of a larger building site.
(3) It has been unimproved with any building or structure for a minimum of five years immediately preceding March 15, 1986.
(4) It has access to a public street.
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(5) Its transfer will not create additional aspects of nonconformity to this title. (d) Development of parcels qualifying as building site pursuant to subsection (c) of this section shall, at a minimum, be subject to the following:
(1) A use permit shall be first secured in each case.
(2) Architectural review board approval shall be required. (3) Any construction shall conform to the requirements with respect to separate parcels in the R-3- P.G.R. district; however, in considering a use permit application the planning commission is authorized to prescribe requirements other than those prescribed by PGMC 23.26.670 where it finds that the qualification of PGMC 23.72.090 apply to the land, building or use. [Ord. 98-05 § 1, 1998].
23.26.040 Building height limit.
The maximum height of main buildings shall be 30 feet; provided, the maximum height of the top plate shall be no more than 24 feet. [Ord. 00-18 § 7, 2000; Ord. 98-05 § 1, 1998].
23.26.050 Allowed building coverage.
Maximum building coverage on all sites is 50 percent. [Ord. 12-003 § 6, 2012; Ord. 98-05 § 1, 1998].
23.26.051 Allowed site coverage.
Maximum site coverage on all sites is 60 percent. [Ord. 12-003 § 6, 2012].
23.26.060 Allowed gross floor area.
Maximum gross floor area is as follows:
Table 23.26.060 – Maximum Gross Floor Area*
Lot Size Floor Area
1,000 833
1,100 917
1,200 1,000
1,300 1,083
1,400 1,167
1,500 1,250
1,600 1,333
1,700 1,417
1,800 1,500
1,900 1,556
2,000 1,611
2,100 1,667
2,200 1,722
2,300 1,778
2,400 1,833
2,500 1,889
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2,600 1,944
2,700 2,000
2,800 2,044
2,900 2,089
3,000 2,133
3,100 2,178
3,200 2,222
3,300 2,267
3,400 2,311
3,500 2,356
3,600 2,400
3,700 2,433
3,800 2,467
3,900 2,500
4,000 2,533
4,100 2,567
4,200 2,600
4,300 2,633
4,400 2,667
4,500 2,700
4,600 2,733
4,700 2,767
4,800 2,800
4,900 2,833
5,000 2,867
5,100 2,900
5,200 2,933
5,300 2,967
5,400 3,000
5,500 3,017
5,600 3,033
5,700 3,050
5,800 3,066
5,900 3,083
Lot Size Floor Area
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Chapter 23.26 R-3-P.G.R. DISTRICT
6,000 3,099
6,100 3,116
6,200 3,132
6,300 3,149
6,400 3,165
6,500 3,182
6,600 3,198
6,700 3,215
6,800 3,231
6,900 3,248
7,000 3,264
7,100 3,281
7,200 3,297
7,300 3,314
7,400 3,330
7,500 3,347
7,600 3,363
7,700 3,380
7,800 3,396
7,900 3,413
8,000 3,429
8,100 3,446
8,200 3,462
8,300 3,479
8,400 3,495
8,500 3,512
8,600 3,528
8,700 3,545
8,800 3,561
8,900 3,578
9,000 3,594
10,000 3,759
11,000 3,924
12,000 4,089
Lot Size Floor Area
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13,000 4,254
14,000 4,419
15,000 4,584
16,000 4,749
17,000 4,914
18,000 5,079
19,000 5,244
20,000 5,409
21,000 5,574
22,000 5,739
23,000 5,904
24,000 6,069
25,000 6,234
26,000 6,399
27,000 6,564
28,000 6,729
Lot Size Floor Area
* Note: For every 1,000 square feet above 28,000, add 165 square feet of floor area. [Ord. 12-003 § 6, 2012; Ord. 98-05 § 1, 1998].
23.26.070 Yard requirements.
(a) The minimum front yard shall be eight feet; however, to encourage architectural variety in footprint and massing, the front yard may be reduced to no less than four feet for up to 50 percent of the front of the building.
(b) The minimum side yards shall be 10 percent of lot width, and 20 percent of lot width for side yards abutting the street on corner lots; provided, that the minimum allowable side yard shall be three feet, and the maximum required side yard shall be 10 feet.
Exception: With a use permit, the total of side yards may be 20 percent of lot width with a minimum three feet required on each side, maximum required on either side 10 feet. (c) Rear yards shall have the following minimums:
(1) One story building: five feet.
(2) Two story building: eight feet.
(3) Three story building: 10 feet.
(4) Where a rear yard abuts a street: 12 feet.
(d) Open Yard. Open yard required shall be 200 square feet per unit for all construction of five units or more.
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(e) Decks and Porches. Decks and open porches over three feet above grade may project or extend four feet over a required yard area, but not closer than three feet to the property line. [Ord. 98-05 § 1, 1998].
23.26.080 Garbage/recycling areas.
Where there are three or more units, garbage/recycling areas for holding of garbage or recyclable materials shall be provided. The garbage/recycling area shall be enclosed by a view-obscuring wall or fence designed in harmony with the building design. The enclosure shall be not less than five feet in height and equipped with a self-closing gate or door. Garbage/recycling area shall have access to a driveway or public way. Placement and design of the garbage/recycling areas shall be approved by the public works director and the architectural review board prior to issuance of a building permit.
Garbage/recycling areas shall be maintained in a sanitary condition, free of graffiti and in good repair. [Ord. 98-05 § 1, 1998].
23.26.090 Off-street parking.
Storage or parking space to be provided, and driveway requirements, shall be as follows:
(a) Single-family dwellings:
Lot Size Off-Street Parking Required
To and including 2,700
square feet
None
Larger than 2,700
square feet
One covered and one uncovered*
* A driveway at least 20 feet in length may serve as a required uncovered space. (b) Multifamily Units. One and one-half spaces/unit having less than two bedrooms; two spaces for all other units. Mechanical parking lifts may be used, and individual units may utilize tandem parking. (c) The distance from a property line to the garage or carport opening shall be a minimum of 20 feet; provided, that a shorter driveway may be approved through the use permit process. (d) Driveway width shall not exceed 40 percent of lot width; provided, that a greater width may be permitted subject to obtaining a use permit. [Ord. 21-008 § 3, 2021; Ord. 98-05 § 1, 1998]. 1 Editor’s Note: Prior ordinance history includes Ord. 1166 and part of Ord. 1331.
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Chapter 23.28 R-4 DISTRICT
Chapter 23.28
R-4 DISTRICT
Sections:
23.28.010 Generally.
23.28.020 Uses permitted.
23.28.030 Building height limit – Site area – Lot coverage – Yards.
23.28.010 Generally.
The regulations found in this chapter shall apply in all R-4 districts and shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 23.64 PGMC. [Ord. 20-016 § 3, 2020; Ord. 382 N.S., 1962; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-133.1(1), 1952].
23.28.020 Uses permitted.
The following uses shall be permitted in the R-4 district:
(a) Single- or two-family dwellings;
(b) Second units as permitted by Chapter 23.80 PGMC;
(c) Low-barrier navigation centers;
(d) Transitional and supportive housing;
(e) Employee housing.
(f) Multiple dwellings, apartment houses;
(g) Rooming or boarding houses, subject to first securing a use permit; (h) Dwelling groups;
(i) Professional uses allowed are: accountants, advertisers, appraisers, architects, assayers, attorneys, beauty shops, building designers, chiropractors, chiropodists, clinical laboratories, collection agencies, contractors (no warehousing of material), dental laboratories, detective agencies, dentists, geologists, insurance adjusters, interior decorator services (no display rooms, retail sales, and no warehousing of materials), insurance offices, land surveyors, medical doctors, medical laboratories, oculists, opticians, optometrists, osteopaths, physical therapists, podiatrists, private detectives, professional engineers, psychologists, real estate offices, secretary services and telephone answering services, subject to first securing a use permit;
(j) Community centers, social halls, lodges, clubs and rest homes, subject to first securing a use permit in each case;
(k) Accessory uses and buildings normally incidental to any of the above; (l) Professional uses in other categories than described in subsection (f) of this section, which are found by the community development director to be similar in nature, as regards size, activity, and impact, as the professions listed in said subsection (f) of this section, subject to first securing a use permit in each case;
(m) Bed and breakfast inns, subject to first securing a use permit. Standards adopted by resolution of the council for bed and breakfast inn use in the R-3-P.G.R. district shall apply as well to that use in the R-4 district. The setting of such standards shall in no way limit the authority or ability of the planning commission to impose such conditions as may be deemed appropriate upon any use permit granted; PGCC 1-21-26
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(n) Single-Room Occupancies (SROs), subject to first securing a use permit; (o) State-licensed residential care facilities for seven or more persons, subject to first securing a use permit. [Ord. 20-016 § 3, 2020; Ord. 16-005 § 5, 2016; Ord. 03-08 §§ 6, 7, 2003; Ord. 1418 N.S. § 3, 1984; Ord. 1417 N.S., 1984; Ord. 1307 N.S. § 1, 1982; Ord. 936 N.S. § 1, 1977; Ord. 811 N.S., 1974; Ord. 795 N.S., 1974; Ord. 720 N.S. §§ 11, 12, 1972; Ord. 532 N.S. § 7, 1966; Ord. 506 N.S., 1965; Ord. 382 N.S., 1962; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-133.1(1), 1952].
23.28.030 Building height limit – Site area – Lot coverage – Yards.
Regulations for building height limit, building site area required, percentage of lot coverage, and yards required shall be those regulations set forth in PGMC 23.24.030 through 23.24.070. [Ord. 382 N.S., 1962; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-133.1(1)(b), 1952].
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Chapter 23.31 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
ZONING DISTRICTS
Chapter 23.31
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
Sections:
23.31.010 Purpose.
23.31.020 Commercial and industrial zoning districts.
23.31.025 C-V-ATC zoning district – American Tin Cannery zoning.
23.31.030 Commercial and industrial zoning districts allowable land uses and permit requirements.
23.31.040 Commercial and industrial zoning districts development standards.
23.31.010 Purpose.
This chapter lists the commercial and industrial zoning districts as established by PGMC 23.12.010 and establishes the development standards and types of land uses permitted in each commercial and industrial zoning district. [Ord. 13-003 § 2, 2013].
23.31.020 Commercial and industrial zoning districts.
(a) Light Commercial (C-1). The C-1 zoning district provides for neighborhood scale and locally oriented retail, service, office uses, as well as residential uses. (b) Light Commercial and Hotel (C-1-T). The C-1-T zoning district was enacted by citizen initiative, and the standards of the district are included in the applicable sections of this chapter without modification from the initiative.
(1) Intent of District. The intent of the C-1-T district as described by the initiative is as follows:
(A) It is the intent of the people of the city of Pacific Grove in enacting the ordinance codified in this chapter to establish a zone district in the city’s downtown area where hotel use is permitted, as are all other uses listed in the C-1 district of this code, as said district may be from time to time amended by the council. The people have determined that the area of downtown defined by subsection (b)(2) of this section is appropriate for hotel development. Further, except as modified by this chapter, all provisions of the motel/hotel regulation ballot measure enacted by the people at the June 3, 1986, special municipal election, as set out at Chapter 23.52 PGMC, shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
(B) It is also the intent of the people of the city of Pacific Grove in enacting the ordinance codified in this chapter to provide for an exception to the strict regulations governing condominium development at Chapter 23.45 PGMC, said section enacted by the people at an election held in the city on November 2, 1982. The people have determined that the area of the downtown defined in subsection (b)(2) of this section is appropriate for condominium development in a manner less restrictive than defined by regulations set out in Chapter 23.45 PGMC. Further, except as modified by this chapter, the provisions of Chapter 23.45 PGMC shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.
(2) Boundaries of District. The C-1-T district shall be that area defined by the block bounded by Lighthouse Avenue, Grand Avenue, Central Avenue and Fountain Avenue. (3) Amendment. No provision of the C-1-T zoning district shall be repealed or amended except by a vote of the people.
(c) Downtown Commercial (C-D). The C-D zoning district is intended to provide for a range of uses including retail, restaurants, services, entertainment, and upper floor residential, and other compatible uses which enhance the vitality and character of the city’s historic commercial core.
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ZONING DISTRICTS
(d) Forest Hill Commercial (C-FH). The C-FH zoning district serves as an entrance to the city, offering a variety of commercial and service uses, as well as residential uses, while respecting nearby residential uses.
(e) Heavy Commercial (C-2). The C-2 zoning district is applied to areas of the city that are appropriate for limited residential uses, service commercial and light manufacturing uses, which may involve outdoor storage or activity areas.
(f) Visitor Commercial (C-V). The C-V zoning district is applied to areas of the city appropriate for retail sales, commercial services, and institutional uses oriented to tourism. (g) Restricted Industrial (I). The I zoning district is applied to areas of the city that are appropriate for limited commercial uses, service commercial and light manufacturing uses, which may involve outdoor storage or activity areas. [Ord. 13-003 § 2, 2013].
23.31.025 C-V-ATC zoning district – American Tin Cannery zoning. (a) Boundaries of District. The C-V-ATC zoning district shall apply to the American Tin Cannery site that is comprised of Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 006-231-001, 006-234-004, and 006-234-005 and that segment of Sloat Avenue that is continuous to the American Tin Cannery site. (b) Uses Permitted. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Pacific Grove Municipal Code, the following uses shall be permitted in the C-V-ATC zoning district:
(1) Hotels and any accessory uses, such as restaurants, bars and lounges, meeting and event facilities, spa and fitness facilities, parking, and buildings, spaces, and structures incidental to such uses, subject to first securing a use permit.
(2) All uses that are permitted in the C-V zoning district and additional uses permitted by subsequent amendment to the zoning ordinance.
(c) Development Standards. Development standards in the C-V-ATC zoning district, including floor area coverage, density, setbacks and height limits shall be in accordance with the applicable standards set forth in the local Coastal Program Land Use Plan, as updated or amended, or if no such standards are provided in the local coastal Program Land Use Plan, as updated or amended, in accordance with the standards set forth in the use permit or other required permit for a use allowed in the C-V-ATC zoning district.
(d) Except as modified by this section, all provisions of the motel/hotel regulation ballot measure enacted by the people at the June 3, 1986, special election, as set out at Chapter 23.52 PGMC, shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. [Ord. 16-009A § 1, 2016].
23.31.030 Commercial and industrial zoning districts allowable land uses and permit requirements.
Key to Zoning District Symbols
C-1 Light Commercial C-FH Forest Hill
Commercial
I Restricted Industrial
C-1-T Light Commercial
and Hotel
C-2 Heavy Commercial
C-D Downtown
Commercial
C-V Visitor Commercial
P = Permitted use; counter review and determination required (see PGMC 23.70.020) UP = Use permit required (see PGMC
23.70.080)
AUP = Administrative use permit required (see PGMC 23.70.030) -- = Use not allowed PGCC 1-21-26
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.31 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
ZONING DISTRICTS
Table 23.31.030 Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirements Use
Specific
Use
Regulation
s (PGMC) C-11
C-1-
T
1 C-D1 C-FH1 C-2 C-V1
I
Industry, Manufacturing and Processing
Contract
construction – no
outdoor storage
P2 P2-- P2 P3,4 P2 P3
Contract
construction –
outdoor storage
-- -- -- -- P3,4 UP UP
Construction, largescale equipment
sales and rental
-- -- -- -- P3,4 UP UP
Industrial, light UP UP -- UP AUP3,4 UP AUP3,4
Recycling facility UP UP -- UP UP UP UP
Research and
development facility
AUP2 AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Storage – selfstorage facility -- -- -- -- AUP3 AUP2 AUP3 Warehousing,
wholesaling and
distribution
-- -- -- -- P3 P2 P3
Recreation, Education and Public Assembly
Commercial
recreation facility –
indoor (≤ 10,000 sf)
7.08, 7.12,
23.64.035
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2 P3
Commercial
recreation facility –
outdoor
AUP2 AUP
2 -- -- AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Community garden AUP5 AUP
5 AUP5 AUP5 AUP5 AUP5--
Health/fitness
studio (≤ 10,000 sf)
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2 P3
Meeting facility,
public or private (≤
10,000 sf)
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P P3
Park, playground
(public)
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2 P3
Public or quasipublic facility (≤
10,000 sf)
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2 P3
School, specialty (≤
10,000 sf)
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2--
Theater or
auditorium (≤
10,000 sf)
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2 P3
Residential
PGCC 1-21-26
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.31 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
ZONING DISTRICTS
Accessory building
or structure
P P P P P -- UP
Condominium UP UP6 UP UP UP -- UP
Duplex P P P P P -- UP
Dwelling group UP UP UP UP UP -- UP
Emergency
shelters9
-- -- P P P -- P9
Employee housing
for 6 or fewer
persons12
P P P P P UP
Home business 23.16 P P P P P -- UP
Large family day
care home
UP UP UP UP UP -- --
Low barrier
navigation centers
P9 P9 P9-- P9
Mixed-use
(residential above
or behind
commercial)
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3-- --
Mobile home park -- -- -- -- UP -- UP
Multifamily dwelling
7 or fewer units 23.28.020 P P P P P -- UP
8 or more units 23.28.020 P UP P P UP -- UP
Residential care
Housing 6 or fewer
persons
P 10 P 10 P 10 P 10 P 10--
10 UP10
Housing 7 or more
persons
UP UP UP UP UP -- UP
Rooming and
boarding house14
UP UP UP UP UP -- UP
Second unit 23.80 P P P P P -- UP
Single-family
dwelling
P P P P P -- UP
Single-Room
Occupancy
P P P P P -- UP
Transitional or
supportive housing
P P P P11 P11-- UP11
Retail Sales
Automobile/vehicle
sales and rental
AUP2 AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Automobile/vehicle
service station
AUP2 AUP
2 -- AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Bar/tavern/nightclub -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Use
Specific
Use
Regulation
s (PGMC) C-11
C-1-
T
1 C-D1 C-FH1 C-2 C-V1
I
PGCC 1-21-26
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.31 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
ZONING DISTRICTS
Brew pub with food
service
23.64.290 AUP2
AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2--
Farmers market UP UP UP UP UP UP --
Flea market UP UP UP UP UP UP --
Micro-brewery 23.64.290 -- -- -- UP UP UP UP
Pub or sports bar
with food service
23.64.290 AUP2
AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2--
Restaurant, general and formula general
w/ no alcohol sales 23.64.134 P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2--
w/ alcohol sales 23.64.134,
23.64.290
AUP2
AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2--
Restaurant, specialty (not formula)
w/ no alcohol sales 23.64.134;
if formula,
see also
23.64.115
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2--
w/ beer and wine
sales only
23.64.134,
23.64.290;
if formula,
see also
23.64.115
AUP2 AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2--
Restaurant, fast
food (not formula) –
w/ no alcohol sales
23.64.134;
if formula,
see also
23.64.115
AUP2
AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2--
Restaurant, drivein/drive-through (not
formula) – w/ no
alcohol sales
23.64.134;
if formula,
see also
23.64.115
-- -- -- UP -- -- --
Retail – general,
except the
following:
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2 UP
Adult-oriented sales UP7 UP7-- UP7-- -- --
Alcoholic beverage
sales
UP UP UP UP UP AUP2--
Auction houses P -- -- P P P P
Automobile rental P -- -- P P P P
Bail bonds P -- -- P P P P
Blood, plasma,
tissue donation
P -- -- P P P P
Body piercing/tattoo
parlor
P -- -- P P P P
Check cashing
stores
-- -- -- P P P P
Use
Specific
Use
Regulation
s (PGMC) C-11
C-1-
T
1 C-D1 C-FH1 C-2 C-V1
I
PGCC 1-21-26
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.31 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
ZONING DISTRICTS
Dollar/99 cent
stores
-- -- -- P P P P
Electric cigarette/evapor P -- -- P P P P
Gold and silver
exchange stores
P -- -- P P P P
Kennels or pet
boarding**
P -- -- P P P P
Pawn shops P -- -- P P P P
Recreational
vehicle sales
P -- -- P P P P
Meeting halls or
places of assembly
P -- -- P P P P
Tire sales and
repair
P -- -- P P P P
Businesses from
which minors
excluded by law or
owner
UP UP UP UP UP UP --
Floor area over
10,000 sf
AUP2 AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Operating between
12:00 a.m. and 7:00
a.m.
UP UP UP UP UP UP UP
Outdoor storage or
displays
AUP AUP AUP AUP AUP1 AUP AUP1
Retail – restricted UP UP -- UP UP UP UP
Wine bar 23.64.290 AUP2 AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Wine tasting room 23.64.290 AUP2 AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Services
Animal
keeping/training
facilities or
veterinary service
AUP2
AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Automobile/vehicle
repair
AUP2
AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Bank or financial
service, except the
following:
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2 P3
Floor area over
10,000 sf at street
level
AUP2
AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
w/ drive-through UP UP -- UP UP UP UP
Business support
service
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2 P3
Car wash and
detailing
AUP2 AUP
2 -- AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Use
Specific
Use
Regulation
s (PGMC) C-11
C-1-
T
1 C-D1 C-FH1 C-2 C-V1
I
PGCC 1-21-26
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.31 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
ZONING DISTRICTS
Catering and events 23.64.290 AUP2
AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 UP UP UP
Equipment/applianc
e rental and repair
AUP2
AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Laundry or dry
cleaning service
AUP2
AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Lodging
Bed and breakfast
inn –w/ beer and
wine sales only
23.64.290 AUP2
AUP
2 AUP2 AUP2 AUP3 AUP2 AUP3
Hotel or motel 23.64.290 -- UP8-- -- -- -- --
Medical service
Ambulance service UP UP -- UP UP UP UP
Clinic or lab P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2 P3
Medical office P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2 P3
Hospital UP UP -- -- UP UP UP
Mortuary or funeral
home
UP UP -- UP UP UP UP
Office, business or
professional
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 UP UP
Personal service 7.06 P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2 UP
Personal service –
restricted
UP UP UP UP UP UP UP
Printing or creative
service
P2 P2 P2 P2 P3 P2 P3
Transportation and Infrastructure
Parking facility UP UP UP UP UP UP UP
Public utility UP UP UP UP UP UP UP
Radio or television
station
UP UP UP UP UP UP UP
Taxi service 7.16 UP UP UP UP UP UP UP
Transit center UP UP UP UP UP UP UP
Wireless
telecommunication
facility
UP UP UP UP UP UP UP
Temporary wireless
telecommunications
facility
CRD CRD CRD CRD CRD CRD CRD
Wireless eligible
facilities request
AUP AUP AUP AUP AUP AUP AUP
Use
Specific
Use
Regulation
s (PGMC) C-11
C-1-
T
1 C-D1 C-FH1 C-2 C-V1
I
PGCC 1-21-26
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.31 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
ZONING DISTRICTS
End Notes:
1. No merchandise, tools, machinery, equipment, or materials shall be stored or displayed outside of a building, except as specifically permitted for retail uses under an administrative use permit. Temporary administrative use permits, good for not over 30 days, may be granted, pursuant to PGMC 23.70.030(b)(7), for temporary outdoor sales events of new merchandise by merchants holding use permits or otherwise qualified to operate within the applicable district; provided, that such outdoor sales are operated in conjunction with their established retail operations, and for Christmas tree sales, or other sales on private property, connected with festivals or holidays.
2. The permit type specified in this table applies to any new or enlarged commercial use which totals 10,000 square feet or less of interior floor space. An administrative use permit is required for any new or enlarged commercial use which results in either the use of more than one structure on a building site or a total of more than 10,000 square feet of interior floor space. A use permit is required where any new or enlarged commercial use exceeds 25,000 square feet in interior floor space.
3. A use permit is required for any new building or addition which adds more than 25,000 square feet of interior floor space or which results in a building having more than 40 feet in height.
4. Such uses may be granted subject to a use permit, when conducted within a building or enclosed by a fence, subject to architectural approval by the appropriate review authority for design and landscaping pursuant to Chapter 23.70 PGMC; and provided, that said fence and landscaping shall be of sufficient height and screening capacity to prevent the view thereof from any adjacent street or sidewalk.
5. Community gardens on vacant lots may be permitted by administrative use permit, pursuant to PGMC 23.70.030(b)(7), and shall be reviewable every six months and subject to such conditions as the administrative use permit may prescribe. The application shall be accompanied by a written agreement by the owner to grant the city a lien for any cost incurred by the city in restoring such property to its condition prior to such use, in the event the owner fails to make such restoration after such use ceases.
6. Condominium use shall be allowed, subject to first securing a use permit in each case, and subject to the building height, site coverage, and yard requirements of this chapter. The provisions of Chapter 23.45 PGMC shall not apply to development of condominiums in the C-1-T district. The council shall, by ordinance, establish standards, conditions and other regulations to govern the development of condominiums in the C-1-T district. Until and unless such standards, conditions and other regulations are in place, no application for such development shall be accepted or processed. Such standards, conditions and regulations established by the council shall be in addition to and harmonious with state law governing condominium development. See also PGMC
23.31.020(b)(1)(B).
7. Adult-oriented sales may comprise no more than 25 percent of floor area or stock-in-trade of a general retail business, must be located in the rear of the general retail business, and must not be visible from the exterior of the general retail business.
8. Hotel uses shall be allowed, subject to first securing a use permit in each case, and subject to the building height, site coverage, and yard requirements of this chapter. All other regulations and conditions of approval shall be as provided by use permit approved pursuant to this title. Said regulations and conditions shall include, without limitation, provisions for architectural review, land area per unit, neighborhood compatibility, landscaping, parking, traffic and accessory buildings. Required parking, if any, may be located on or off site, the location to be designated by the use permit. See also PGMC 23.31.020(b)(1)(A).
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.
10. Permitted subject to the same standards as apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.
11. Transitional and supportive housing developments shall be subject to the parking requirements of PGMC 23.64.190, with the exception of developments located within a one-half (0.5) mile distance of a transit stop where no off-street parking shall be required.
12. Rooming houses or boarding houses accommodating employee housing shall be subject to Employee Housing Act. See permitted uses and standards under employee housing.
PGCC 1-21-26
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.31 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
ZONING DISTRICTS
**When not associated with a veterinary clinic.
[Ord. 20-001 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 16-005 § 6, 2016; Ord. 15-013 § 4, 2015; Ord. 13-003 § 2, 2013].
23.31.040 Commercial and industrial zoning districts development standards.
Table 23.31.040 Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts Development Standards C-17 C-1-T C-D7 C-FH1,7 C-27 C-V I
Building Placement Requirements
Setbacks1,2,3,4
Front, min.
(max.)6
0’ 0' 0' 0'
(20')
0' 0' 0'
Side (min.),
except:
0’ 0' 0' 0' 0' 0' 0'
Residential/
Mixed-use
10’ 0’ 5’ 10' 0’ 0’ 0’
Adjacent to
residential
zone
5’ 5' 5' 5' 5' 10' 10'
Rear (min.),
except:
0’ 0' 0' 10' 0' 0' 0'
Adjacent to
residential
zone
5’ 5' 5' 10' 5' 10' 10'
Building Form Requirements
Building height
(max.)4
45’ 40' with max.
site coverage
of 75%; 30'
with max. site
coverage of
90%
40' 35' 40' 40' with
max. site
coverage
of 75%;
30' with
max. site
coverage
of 90%
40'
Site coverage
(max.)
90% 75 – 90%,
depending on
building height
100% 75% 90% 75 – 90%,
depending
on building
height
90%
Stepbacks for portion of building above 25 feet
Front, min 8’5 0’ 0’ 8’ 0’ -- --
Side, min 0’ 0’ 0’ 0’ 0’ -- --
Rear, min6 30’ 0’ 10’ 30’ 0’ -- --
Density Requirements
Dwelling units
per net acre
Max. 30 units
per acre.
For Coastal
Zones – Max.
allowed by
the general
plan
residential
land use
category
nearest to the
site, up to 30
units per net
acre.
Max. allowed
by the general
plan
residential
land use
category
nearest to the
site, up to 30
units per net
acre.
Max. of 45
units per acre;
with a
minimum
density
requirement of
30 units per
acre.
Max. of 45
units per
acre; with a
minimum
density
requirement
of 30 units
per acre.
Max. 30 units
per acre.
For Coastal
Zones –
Max. allowed
by the
general plan
residential
land use
category
nearest to
the site, up
to 30 units
per net acre.
N/A Max.
allowed by
the GP
residential
land use
category
nearest to
the site,
up to 30
units per
net acre.6
Floor area
ratio
Max. allowed by the general plan
Lot Requirements
PGCC 1-21-26
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.31 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
ZONING DISTRICTS
Lot area for
new parcels
(min.)
2,000 sf
Other Requirements
Landscaping See PGMC 23.64.195
Parking See PGMC 23.64.190
Signs For C-D district see Chapter 20.05 PGMC. For all other districts see Chapter 20.04 PGMC End Notes:
1. For mixed-use residential/commercial development where residential ground-floor street frontage is allowed and constructed, the setback standards in PGMC 23.31.50 shall apply.
2. Cornices, eaves, and other horizontal projections may be allowed, consistent with PGMC 23.64.150 and 23.64.160.
3. Along Central, Lighthouse, and Forest Avenues, commercial ground-floor street frontage standards in PGMC 23.31.050 also apply.
4. Chimneys and other vertical projections may be allowed, consistent with PGMC 23.64.120.
5. In C-1 and C-FH districts, front stepbacks requirements shall not apply for up to 30 feet of a building’s width.
6. Rear stepback requirements shall not apply within 70 feet of front property line, while rear setback requirements shall continue to apply.
7. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2(h)(2) for mixed-use development projects on sites within C-1, C-2, C-D and C-FH districts, identified in the 6th Cycle Housing Element Site Inventory for lower-income households, a minimum of 50 percent of the total floor area shall be residential.
The 6th Cycle Housing Element can be found on the City’s website:
https://www.cityofpacificgrove.gov/our_city/departments/community_development/housing/housing_element.php Sites within the C-1, C-2, C-FH and C-D that are identified for lower-income housing units include the following:
Site No. Address APN(s)
8 601 Lighthouse Ave. 006294017000, 006294015000
9 525, 531 Lighthouse Ave. 006284015000, 006284001000, 006284002000 18 95 Central Ave. 6238005000
20 2749 Forest Hill Blvd. 007651013000, 007651017000
21 1146, 1152 Forest Ave. 7651022000, 7651014000
22 1125, 1129, 1133, 1137 Forest Ave. 006713031000, 006713032000, 006713027000, 006713026000 26 1157 Forest Ave. 6713023000
27 1193 Forest Ave. 6713019000
29 1124, 1140 Forest Ave. 7641009000, 7641008000
30 1160 Forest Ave. 7651019000
31 1180 Forest Ave. 7611031000
33 1219 Forest Ave. 6725023000
48 2184 Sunset Dr. 7091025000
49 17 Mile Dr. 7091026000
55 801 Sunset Dr. 7101036000
[Ord. 17-009 § 3, 2017; Ord. 13-003 § 2, 2013].
PGCC 1-21-26
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.52 R-3-M DISTRICTS
Chapter 23.52
R-3-M DISTRICTS
Sections:
23.52.010 Regulations generally.
23.52.020 Uses permitted.
23.52.030 Regulations for R-3-M uses.
23.52.035 Special regulations for motels and hotels built prior to 1986.
23.52.040 Statement of intent.
23.52.050 Other provisions.
23.52.060 Amendment.
23.52.010 Regulations generally.
Effective the date of the adoption of the ordinance codified in this section by the city council or by the voters of the city of Pacific Grove, the regulations of the ordinance codified in this section shall apply in the R-3-M district in lieu of any ordinance or resolution to the contrary:
(a) The R-3-M district is defined as those areas so designated on the official zoning map of the city of Pacific Grove referred to in PGMC 23.12.020. Said districts may be classified by the city council to R-1, R -H, or R-2, where already developed as such, but no new R-3-M districts shall be created. (b) Motel and hotel uses shall be restricted to the R-3-M district, including any uses accessory or ancillary to a motel. The ordinance codified in this section shall also apply to any use described in PGMC
23.52.020 proposed for the construction or expansion in any R-3-M district, including uses accessory or ancillary to such use. [Ord. 1536 N.S. § 2, 1986].
23.52.020 Uses permitted.
The following uses are permitted in the R-3-M districts:
(a) Any use permitted in the R-3 district, subject to obtaining a use permit for any use for which such is required in an R-3 district;
(b) Motels, subject to first securing a use permit in each case; (c) Hotels, subject to first securing a use permit in each case; (d) Adult communities, retirement homes and rest homes, subject to first securing a use permit in each case. [Ord. 575 N.S., 1967; Ord. 453 N.S., 1964; Ord. 263 N.S., 1955; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-139(1)(a), 1952].
23.52.030 Regulations for R-3-M uses.
(a) A minimum of 2,500 square feet of land shall be required for each family unit and each motel or hotel unit. For other uses described in PGMC 23.52.020(d), the planning commission and/or city council shall determine the amount of land area per occupied unit by judging its similarity to a family unit or motel unit in actual use and impact. For example, a rest home affording separate apartments and parking facilities would be judged a family unit; a hotel which offers amenities identical or substantially similar to a motel would be judged a motel. In no event shall less than 2,000 square feet per occupied unit be allowed, for any PGMC 23.52.020(d) use.
(b) A minimum setback of 20 feet shall be required for all structures in a R-3-M development which abut R -1, R-H, or R-2 property, including streets abutting same. The setback shall be 10 feet for commercial or R-3-M. Eave projections may extend up to three feet into any required yard, but in no case may be closer than three feet to any property line.
PGCC 1-21-26
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Chapter 23.52 R-3-M DISTRICTS
(c) The height of the structures shall not exceed 25 feet nor two stories above grade. The height shall be one story above grade and not more than 18 feet where the R-3-M property, or any portion thereof, is within 200 feet of any portion of any property zoned R-1, R-H, or R-2. (d) The architectural review board, the planning commission and/or the city council shall require the configuration and layout of structures so as to assure that residential areas are not impacted by guest activities such as registration, parking, food and beverage services. Said bodies shall require a design which blends with the residential neighborhood and minimizes the nonresidential impact and use.
Appropriate landscaping shall be required throughout the site. Setback areas shall be landscaped and shall not be used for automobile parking, or storage of any kind. Access to the site, where feasible, shall be from a street and/or driveway which does not abut said residential areas. (e) Wood-burning fireplaces and wood-burning heaters shall be limited to the rate of six per acre, and any additional fireplaces shall be limited to natural gas fireplace inserts. (f) Any use permit for new construction or other activity resulting in an increase in the number of units or the amount of floor space shall expire one year from its issuance unless construction of the project for which the permit was issued is substantially complete.
(g) Uses which do not conform hereto as of the date of publication of the notice of intention to circulate the petition for the ordinance codified in this section may continue if legally installed prior thereto. Any expansion or alteration of such existing nonconforming use shall require complete compliance herewith for the entire use. The conversion of sliding doors to swinging doors, and similar changes, are not considered an expansion or alteration.
(h) Variances and/or exceptions hereto shall not be granted, except upon strict compliance with state and local law governing such. No variance or exception shall be granted on the basis of failure of opposition thereto.
(i) Any R-3-M district property shall be deemed to be upon a street which abuts or abutting to R-1, R-H, or R-2 property, whenever any part of the R-3-M property is within 20 feet of the abutting street or the R-1, R -H or R-2 property. [Amended by vote of the people on November 8, 2011, general election; Res. 11-061 § 4, 2011; Res. 11-060 § 4.1, 2011; Ord. 1536 N.S. § 3, 1986].
23.52.035 Special regulations for motels and hotels built prior to 1986.
This section modifies the development standards in PGMC 23.52.030 for R-3-M motels and hotels built prior to the adoption of Ordinance No. 1536, in order to enable and encourage hoteliers to upgrade and modernize their businesses to stay competitive. Where this section differs from PGMC 23.52.030, the provisions of this section shall take precedence. Where this section is silent on a provision that is in PGMC 23.52.030, the provision in PGMC 23.52.030 shall apply. (a) Motels and hotels built prior to 1986 are categorized into groups and are allowed additional guest units over the number of permitted guest units, as of the effective date of this section, as follows:
New Guest Units Allowed for Motels and Hotels Built Prior to 1986 Address
Permitted Guest Units as of
Effective Date of This Section
Additional Guest Units Allowed
over Permitted Guest Units in
Column to Left
Group A1
569 Asilomar Avenue 16 3
1095 Lighthouse Avenue 10 2
800 Asilomar Avenue 54 11
221 Asilomar Avenue 18 1
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1073 Lighthouse Avenue 27 5
701 – 709 Asilomar Avenue 28 6
775 Asilomar Avenue 18 4
1100 Lighthouse Avenue 38 8
1101 Lighthouse Avenue 33 7
Group B2
1111 Lighthouse Avenue 49 10
740 – 750 Crocker Avenue 49 3
650 Dennett Street 31 6
1150 Lighthouse Avenue 66 6
1140 Lighthouse Avenue 37 3
133 Asilomar Avenue 19 4
Group C3
635 Ocean View Boulevard 60 0
625 Ocean View Boulevard 52 0
1038 Lighthouse Avenue 24 0
Address
Permitted Guest Units as of
Effective Date of This Section
Additional Guest Units Allowed
over Permitted Guest Units in
Column to Left
1 Group A – Motels and hotels where the number of permitted guest units, as of the effective date of this section, is less than 170 percent of the 1:2,500 density ratio in PGMC 23.52.030(a). Motels and hotels in Group A may construct additional guest units or ancillary facilities by conversion of existing buildings or by new construction. 2 Group B – Motels and hotels where the number of permitted guest units, as of the effective date of this section, is greater than 170 percent, but less than 250 percent, of the 1:2,500 density ratio in PGMC 23.52.030(a). Motels and hotels in Group B may construct additional guest units or ancillary facilities by conversion of existing buildings only. 3 Group C – Motels and hotels where the number of permitted guest units, as of the effective date of this section, is greater than 250 percent of the 1:2,500 density ratio in PGMC 23.52.030(a). Motels and hotels in Group C may not construct any additional guest units.
(b) For motels and hotels in Group A, each new guest unit shall be a maximum size of 360 square feet.
Since new guest units in Group B motels and hotels must be created by conversion of existing buildings, they may conceivably be greater than 360 square feet in size. No existing guest unit that is less than 360 square feet, as of the effective date of this section, may be enlarged to exceed 360 square feet in size.
No existing guest unit that is 360 square feet or more in size, as of the effective date of this section, shall be enlarged.
(c) Motels and hotels in Group A may use up to three of the additional guest units allowed to instead create a new ancillary facility (e.g., meeting space, dining room, fitness facility), with a maximum size of 1,080 square feet (or 360 square feet for each additional guest unit substituted). Motels and hotels in Groups B and C may create new ancillary facilities only through conversion of existing buildings and are not limited in size.
(d) For motels and hotels in Group A, the setback requirements of PGMC 23.52.030(b) shall also apply to new guest units or new ancillary facilities that abut any public street or any single-family residence. (e) For motels and hotels in Group A, building height is two stories and not more than 25 feet for new guest units that are at least 50 feet from any property zoned R-1, R-H, or R-2, any public street, and any PGCC 1-21-26
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single-family residence. Building height is one story and not more than 18 feet for new guest units that are at least 20 feet from any property zoned R-1, R-H, or R-2, any public street, and any single-family residence. For property lines of Group A motels and hotels that do not abut any property zoned R-1, R-H, or R-2, a public street, nor single-family residence, building height for new guest units may be two stories and up to 25 feet within 10 feet of the property line. New ancillary facilities in Group A motels and hotels may be one story, with a maximum building height of 18 feet. (f) For motels and hotels in Groups A and B, the following additional requirements apply to new construction or conversion of existing buildings:
(1) A use permit approval is required. As part of this review, the planning commission may impose specific standards pertaining to building design (e.g., building mass, bulk, height, and wall articulation), outdoor lighting, driveway locations, parking areas, landscaping, signs, street dedication, and related public improvements, upon finding that such requirements are necessary to meet the intent of the R-3-M district.
(2) No outdoor living areas are allowed within setbacks abutting residential zones or residential uses.
This includes balconies, decks, open porches, patios, or similar outdoor guest activity areas. (3) Existing landscaping requirements in PGMC 23.52.030 are expanded to require that within setback areas adjacent to the new development or building conversion, especially abutting residential zones and residential uses, plantings include numerous trees, shrubs and plants that will reduce visual and noise impacts of the motel or hotel use on adjacent properties. (4) New guest units do not have to be built at one time, but may be developed in phases. (5) All other R-3-M standards shall apply including, but not limited to, parking and building coverage.
New guest units and ancillary facilities must have available water. (g) For motels and hotels in Groups A, B and C, a nonconforming building damaged or destroyed by catastrophic event or demolished under any other circumstance may be rebuilt to the condition or configuration of the building that existed immediately prior to the event or demolition, as long as the reconstruction is carried out in a manner consistent with PGMC 23.68.040. While reconstruction to preexisting conditions is allowed, elimination of nonconformities is encouraged. Reconstructed one-story buildings may be built to a maximum height of 18 feet, regardless of the pre-existing building height. (h) For motels and hotels in Groups A, B and C, exterior remodeling within the existing footprint of a nonconforming building may retain existing nonconformities as long as the remodel does not:
(1) Extend or expand an existing nonconformity;
(2) Add any new nonconformity; or
(3) Adversely affect the privacy of adjacent residential-zoned property or residential uses. (i) No other reconstruction or remodeling may take place, beyond what is allowed in this section for motels and hotels in Groups A, B and C, without bringing the entire property into conformance with PGMC 23.52.030. [Added by vote of the people on November 8, 2011, general election; Res. 11-061 § 4, 2011; Res. 11-060 § 4.2, 2011].
23.52.040 Statement of intent.
It is the intention of the ordinance codified in this section to preserve the essential residential character of the city, and the residential appearance of the city, and to prevent the adverse impacts of such from developments in the R-3-M districts. [Ord. 1536 N.S. § 4, 1986].
23.52.050 Other provisions.
Regulations found in this chapter are subject to the provisions of Chapter 23.24 PGMC, unless there is a conflict, in which event the regulations found in this chapter shall prevail. [Ord. 1536 N.S. § 5, 1986].
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23.52.060 Amendment.
PGMC 23.52.010, 23.52.030, 23.52.035 and 23.52.040 shall not be repealed or amended except by a vote of the people. [Amended by vote of the people on November 8, 2011, general election; Res. 11-061 § 4, 2011; Res. 11-060 § 4.3, 2011; Ord. 1536 N.S. § 6, 1986].
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Chapter 23.64
GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
Sections:
23.64.010 Application of chapter.
23.64.020 Use permit – Circus, open-air theater, racetrack.
23.64.030 Repealed.
23.64.035 Coin-operated amusement devices.
23.64.040 Accessory uses in C, I, U districts.
23.64.050 Use permit – Parking lots – R district.
23.64.055 Use permit – Downtown public gathering area.
23.64.060 Use permit – Public buildings, parks, etc.
23.64.063 Use permit – Wireless telecommunications facilities.
23.64.065 Use permit – Group quarters.
23.64.067 Use permit – Integral group quarters facilities.
23.64.070 Use permit – Earth, mineral removal.
23.64.080 Commercial uses – R-1, R-2 districts.
23.64.090 Commercial uses – R-3 district.
23.64.110 Family daycare homes.
23.64.115 Food service establishments.
23.64.119 Garden structures.
23.64.120 Height limits – Chimneys, flagpoles, clock towers, etc.
23.64.130 Height limits – Fences, hedges, or other visual obstructions.
23.64.134 Outdoor seating.
23.64.135 Prohibited fences.
23.64.140 Building site area.
23.64.145 Separate building site – R-1 district.
23.64.147 Separate building site – R-3-P.G.R. district.
23.64.150 Yards – Projection of cornices, eaves, etc.
23.64.160 Yards – Projection of open porches, stairways, etc.
23.64.170 Yards – Measured from official plan line.
23.64.180 Accessory buildings and structures.
23.64.185 Accessory use – Storage of portable or movable objects.
23.64.190 Off-street parking, storage.
23.64.195 Landscaping of front and side yards.
23.64.240 Parking or placement of large vehicles or structures in certain areas of residential premises – Prohibited.
23.64.290 Alcoholic beverage sales.
23.64.300 Application for abandonment or purchase of city property.
23.64.310 Swimming pools.
23.64.320 Unlawful sale of subdivided contiguous lots.
23.64.340 Consistency with county hazardous waste management plan.
23.64.350 Transient use of residential property for remuneration.
23.64.360 Repealed.
23.64.370 Permitting home sharing.
23.64.010 Application of chapter.
The regulations specified for this title shall be subject to the general provisions and exceptions found in this chapter. [Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1), 1952].
23.64.020 Use permit – Circus, open-air theater, racetrack.
No circus, carnival, amusement park, open-air theater, racetrack, private recreation center, or other similar establishment shall be established in any district where permitted, unless and until a use permit is PGCC 1-21-26
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first secured for the establishment, maintenance and operation of such use. [Ord. 210 N.S. § 11- 141(1)(a)(1), 1952].
23.64.030 Use permit – Dancehall, roadhouse, nightclub, etc.
Repealed by Ord. 13-003. [Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1)(a)(2), 1952].
23.64.035 Coin-operated amusement devices.
For the purposes of this section, an “arcade” shall be defined to mean any place in which any coinoperated amusement device has been installed for purposes of use and operation by the public upon payment of a consideration. Such term shall include a “video” game, or any device or machine played for amusement in exchange for payment of a consideration, howsoever activated. (a) It is unlawful to operate, maintain, or offer for operation more than two such devices or machines at any one location, business, or establishment within the city of Pacific Grove, or to operate, maintain or offer for operation any such device or machine, at any location without a use permit when a use permit is required under this section.
(b) Any coin-operated vending or amusement machines displayed outside of a building shall require a separate administrative use permit.
(c) A use permit from the planning commission shall be required for any location as to which the planning commission finds, after hearing upon 10 days’ notice, that personal supervision has not been at all times provided for the use of any such device or machine by the public. The planning commission shall establish appropriate terms and conditions, including review periods, for the issuance or denial or revocation of any such use permit. The provisions of this section shall apply in lieu of PGMC 23.31.030 for any use permit for any device or machine herein described. [Ord. 13-003 § 18, 2013; Ord. 1322 N.S. § 1, 1983; Ord. 1298 N.S. § 1, 1982].
23.64.040 Accessory uses in C, I, U districts.
Accessory uses and buildings in any C, I, or U district may be permitted where such uses or such accessory building shall be allowed only when constructed concurrent with or subsequent to the main building. [Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1)(a)(3), 1952].
23.64.050 Use permit – Parking lots – R district.
Public or private parking lots for automobiles may be permitted in any R district . adjacent to any C or I district, providing a use permit shall first be obtained in each case. [Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1)(a)(4), 1952].
23.64.055 Use permit – Downtown public gathering area.
Public gatherings and events, other than parades specified in Chapter 16.60 PGMC, may be allowed on the public streets rights-of-way within the bounds of the downtown commercial area “D” designation, as depicted on the Pacific Grove general plan land use map of commercial areas. Single occasion events, and special events approved by the city council in accord with the council special events policy, shall not require a use permit. Events that occur multiple times in any 12-month period within the public right-ofway shall require a use permit. Closures of the public right-of-way associated with either recurring and nonrecurring events shall be coordinated with the city manager to ensure emergency access, traffic flow and parking are appropriately managed during the public gathering. [Ord. 08-014 § 2, 2008].
23.64.060 Use permit – Public buildings, parks, etc.
Churches, schools, hospitals, parks and playgrounds, public utility, and public and quasi-public buildings may be permitted in any district, except the O district, providing a use permit shall first be obtained in each case. [Ord. 20-001 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020; Ord. 13-003 § 18, 2013; Ord. 96-15 § 1, 1996; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1)(a)(5), 1952].
23.64.063 Use permit – Wireless telecommunications facilities. (a) This section governs use permits for installation or modification of wireless telecommunications facilities outside of the rights-of-way, except wireless eligible facilities and temporary wireless facilities, PGCC 1-21-26
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which are permitted as otherwise provided in this title, but shall be subject to subsection (g) of this section.
(b) Wireless telecommunications facilities may be permitted in any district providing a use permit shall first be obtained in each case.
(c) With the exception of use permits for wireless eligible facilities and temporary wireless facilities, the city may only issue a use permit in any of the following locations if an applicant shows that the issuance of the permit is required by federal law:
(1) Any residential district;
(2) The planned unit development district;
(3) Within 300 feet of or within the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary; (4) Within any environmentally sensitive area (ESHA); or (5) Within any public view corridors outside the public right-of-way which is regulated under separate authority.
(d) In the O district, except for wireless telecommunications facilities placed on existing supporting structures, and complying with the city’s wireless design standards, a use permit may only issue if an applicant shows that the city is required by federal law to issue the permit. (e) In all other districts, a use permit may only be issued if applicant proposes a facility that complies with design standards in the city’s wireless design standards or if applicant shows that the city is required by federal law to issue a permit.
(f) Notwithstanding the subsections (c) and (d) of this section, a use permit may issue if applicant proposes a facility that complies with the city’s wireless design standards and be placed upon:
(1) City Hall or other city-owned buildings.
(2) City of Pacific Grove sewage treatment plant tanks adjacent to the PG Municipal Golf Course. (3) Golf course poles used to hang protective netting except along the perimeter of the fifth hole. (4) New, existing or replacement structures in any parking lot. (5) New, existing or replacement structures at the California American (Cal Am) Water Reservoir on Hillcrest Avenue.
(6) Existing or replacement supporting structures installed for lighting purposes. (g) Minimum Standards.
(1) Every wireless telecommunications facility must comply at all times with FCC standards for radiofrequency (“RF”) emissions as now existing or as hereafter amended. (2) Every wireless telecommunications facility must comply with other applicable laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. (3) No wireless telecommunications facility may be installed speculatively. (4) Every wireless telecommunications facility shall comply with the city’s wireless design standards unless an application shows that:
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(A) The city is required to issue the permit under federal law and the proposed wireless telecommunications facility varies from the wireless design standards only to the extent required in order to comply with federal law; or
(B) Because of unique characteristics of the location proposed, the design proposed better serves the city’s wireless design goals than designs otherwise preferred under the wireless design standards.
(5) Any permit for a wireless telecommunications facility shall be limited to a period of 10 years, except that permits for temporary wireless facilities shall be for the shortest period consistent with the purpose for which the permit is issued. A permit for modification of a wireless telecommunications facility does not alter the duration of the underlying permit. (h) Wireless Design Standards.
(1) The community development director shall prepare wireless design standards, which may be approved and amended by city council resolution.
(2) The wireless design standards shall prescribe designs for installation and modification of wireless telecommunications facilities consistent with this section and the general plan, so that permitted wireless telecommunications facilities are installed and modified in a manner that minimizes the impacts on the community, conceals the facilities as far as possible, avoids risks to public safety and complies with applicable law, avoids placement of aboveground facilities in underground areas, and maintains the integrity and character of the neighborhoods in which the facilities are located. (3) Wireless design standards may be developed for temporary wireless facilities and for placement of wireless facilities on property owned and controlled by the city whether or not subject to a use permit.
(i) Municipally Owned or Controlled Supporting Structures and Property. (1) While the placement of wireless telecommunications facilities may be submitted for review, in accordance with the PGMC, the review authority cannot grant access, and access shall only be by agreement, approved by the city, which agreement shall specify the designs that may be used at particular locations. City finds that it is in its interests as proprietor of these supporting structures or property to control the design of the structures used, in the same manner as any owner of a facility, and to prevent any change in the design without its permission, even if such design is also subject to review by the planning commission. In exercising its decision to agree to access to a supporting structure or property, the city will generally consider factors and consider designs consistent with this section and the Wireless Design Manual. Any design must be consistent with the supporting structure to be used, and the property on which it will be located and result in no uncompensated cost to city. Without limitation, for example, the design for a wireless telecommunications facility to be attached to a light pole in a parking lot must be consistent with designs in use at the same location.
Further, use will not be permitted if it requires the city to incur uncompensated costs, or accept risks or liability it would not otherwise face. Access will only be granted if it presents no safety issues, causes no harm to a structure, does not interfere with present or planned uses of the structure, and is in the city’s best interests as facilities owner. Subject to lawful limits imposed by state or federal law, the agreement shall specify the compensation to the city for use of the structures. Except as prohibited by law, the person seeking the agreement shall additionally reimburse the city for all costs the city incurs in connection with its review of, and action upon, the person’s request for an agreement. The agreement is not in lieu of any use permit or other permit required by the PGMC. (j) Pre-Approval of Designs.
(1) A person who wishes to install a wireless telecommunications facility with a design that does not comply with the Wireless Design Manual, but who believes that the design is fully consistent with the goals of this section, may submit a request for pre-approval of the design to the planning PGCC 1-21-26
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commission. A pre-approval request is not mandatory, and is not an application for a wireless telecommunications facility within the meaning of this section, and must be submitted with a clear statement that consideration of the request is not subject to any FCC shot clock. The purpose of permitting the request is to permit, encourage development of, and provide a means for public consideration of those designs.
(2) The proposed design will be publicly published, and the planning commission may conduct such investigations, and require the person requesting pre-approval to submit such information and provide such mock-ups as may be necessary to evaluate the impact of the design. If, after a full opportunity for public hearing, the planning commission finds that the design serves the goals of this section, it may recommend to the city council that it find that the design serves the purposes of this section, and recommend that the design be included as an approved design within the Wireless Design Manual for particular areas within the city. A facility pre-approved for an industrial area need not be pre-approved for any other area.
(3) The council may pre-approve the design, and, if approved, it shall be included in the Wireless Design Manual. The council may require any design to be removed from the Wireless Design Manual, or restricted in use at any time. [Ord. 20-001 § 2 (Exh. A), 2020].
23.64.065 Use permit – Group quarters.
As defined in Chapter 23.08 PGMC, group quarters may be permitted, provided a use permit shall first be obtained in each case, but only in those areas of R districts defined on the general plan land use map.
Group quarters meeting California Health and Safety Code 1568.0831 eligibility requirements for residential care facilities of six or fewer persons are permitted as a residential use in all districts and do not require a use permit. [Ord. 13-003 § 18, 2013; Ord. 1985 N.S. § 1, 1995].
23.64.067 Use permit – Integral group quarters facilities.
As defined in Chapter 23.08 PGMC, integral group quarters facilities may be permitted in all residential zones, subject to the following conditions, and provided a use permit shall first be obtained in each case. (a) No more than one such residential housing unit shall be permitted on any parcel that is separate from the property upon which the affiliated group quarters facility is located. (b) No more than two such residential housing units shall be permitted on any block as long as the parcels upon which the units are located are at least 300 feet apart at their closest points. (c) Each such residential housing unit must have an independent, noninstitutional appearance. Exterior areas surrounding such residential housing units must be paved and landscaped in a manner similar to other single-family homes on the block, but distinguished from any other integral group quarters facility on the block. Access to the integral group quarters facility grounds must be limited to residents and invitees of the integral group quarters facility’s resident(s).
(d) For each residential housing unit that is part of an integral group quarters facility, the owner shall pay to the city an annual fee established by council resolution. (e) This section does not affect group quarters licensed as a residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE) or residential care facilities for six or fewer persons. RCFEs are treated in accordance with Section
23.64.111 but shall be superseded by any recent state law. [Ord. 13-008 § 3, 2013].
23.64.070 Use permit – Earth, mineral removal.
The removal of minerals, earth and other natural materials, may be permitted in any district, providing a use permit shall first be obtained in each case. [Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1)(a)(6), 1952].
23.64.080 Commercial uses – R-1, R-2 districts.
Commercial uses shall be prohibited in any R-1 or R-2 district except where existing as a nonconforming use. [Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1)(a)(7), 1952].
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23.64.090 Commercial uses – R-3 district.
Commercial uses shall be prohibited in any R-3 district, except where incidental and accessory to any use permitted within the district, or where existing as a nonconforming use. [Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1)(a)(8), 1952].
23.64.110 Family daycare homes.
(a) Small family daycare homes, as defined in Division 2, California Health and Safety Code, shall be treated as an allowed residential use, to the extent required by said Division 2. (b) Establishment of a large family daycare home as defined in Division 2, California Health and Safety Code, may be allowed as a residential use, subject to first securing a use permit from the community development director. Review of said use permit application shall be to the extent allowed under applicable provisions of said Division 2. [Ord. 1634 N.S. § 1, 1988; Ord. 1534 N.S., 1986; Ord. 1065 N.S. § 9, 1979; Ord. 561 N.S., 1966; Ord. 382 N.S., 1962; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1)(a)(10), 1952].
23.64.111 Employee housing.
As defined by California Employee Housing Act (California Public Health and Safety Code Sections 17000 through 17062.5). Employee housing that provides for six or fewer employees shall be deemed a single-family structure, and shall be permitted in any zone that allows for single-family residential use.
23.64.112 Residential care facilities.
(a) Small residential care facilities of six or fewer persons, as defined in Division 2, California Health and Safety Code, shall be treated as an allowed residential use, to the extent required by said Division 2. (b) Establishment of a large residential care facility of seven or more persons, as defined in Division 2, California Health and Safety Code, may be allowed as a residential use in all zones that allow multiple dwellings, subject to the same requirements and standards as residential uses of the same type and subject to fist securing a use permit.
23.64.113 Transitional and supportive housing.
Transitional and supportive housing, as defined in Chapter 23.08 PGMC, may be allowed as a permitted use in all zones that allow multiple dwellings.
(a) Parking. See 23.64.190 for off-street parking standards.
23.64.114 Single-room occupancies (SROs).
As defined in Chapter 23.08 PGMC, SROs may be permitted through a use permit in any zone that allows multiple dwellings or mixed-use residential developments. In addition, SRO housing shall be subject to the following standards:
(a) Unit size and occupancy. The minimum size of a unit shall be one hundred fifty square feet and the maximum size shall be three hundred square feet, which may include bathroom and/or kitchen facilities. (b) Common areas. A minimum of ten square feet for each unit shall be provided for a common area. All common areas shall be within the structure. Dining rooms, meeting rooms, recreational rooms, or other similar areas approved by the city shall be considered common areas. Shared bathrooms and kitchens shall not be considered as common areas.
(c) Management: A single room occupancy management plan shall be submitted to, reviewed and approved by the Community Development Department before issuance of a certificate of occupancy. A twenty four hour resident manager shall be provided for any single room occupancy use consisting of twelve or more units.
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(d) Parking. See 23.64.190 for off-street parking standards. (e) Kitchen facilities. Each unit shall be provided a food preparation space that meets the requirements of the State of California Health and Safety Code and California Building Code Section 1208.4 or subsequent amendments. If each individual unit is not provided with a minimum of a refrigerator and a microwave oven, a complete kitchen facility available for residents shall be provided on each floor of the structure.
(f) Bathroom Facilities. For each unit a private toilet in an enclosed compartment with a door and a sink shall be provided. A full bathroom shall contain at least a toilet, sink and bathtub, shower or bathtub/shower combination. If private bathing facilities are not provided for each unit, shared bathing facilities shall be provided at a ratio of one for every seven units or fraction thereof. The shared shower or bathtub facility shall be on the same floor as the units it is intended to serve and shall be accessible from a common area or hallway. Each shared shower or bathtub facility shall be provided with an interior lockable door.
23.64.115 Food service establishments.
(a) Applications for use permits for food service establishments shall be accepted and processed under the terms of Chapter 23.72 PGMC.
(b) No use permit application shall be accepted, processed or considered for a food service establishment having all of the following characteristics:
(1) It specializes in short order or quick service food service; (2) It serves food primarily in paper, plastic or other disposable containers; (3) It delivers food or beverage products in such a manner that customers may remove such food or beverage products from the food service establishment for consumption; (4) It is a formula food service establishment required by contractual or other arrangements to operate with standardized menus, ingredients, food preparation, architecture, decor, uniforms, or similar standardized features. [Ord. 1999 N.S. § 3, 1995].
23.64.119 Garden structures.
Garden structures are allowed, subject to the following standards:
(a) A garden structure shall not encroach onto a public right-of-way. (b) If a garden structure has an area of 24 square feet or less, it may have a solid roof. (c) If a garden structure has an area greater than 24 square feet, its roof shall be at least half open to the elements, with no solid roof portion greater in area than 24 square feet. (d) A garden structure 70 square feet or less in area may encroach into a required side yard or rear yard setback, but if greater than six feet in height, shall be located at least three feet from the property line, with the following exceptions:
(1) If the property line faces a street or alley, one garden structure, over a gate or walkway, shall be allowed on the outward-facing property line. Such structures shall be no more than 24 square feet in area and shall be nine feet or less in height.
(2) In each side yard setback, a single garden structure over a gate or walkway is allowed to encroach up to the property line. Such structures shall be nine feet or less in height, and shall not have a depth greater than two feet.
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(e) In required front yard setbacks, one garden structure is allowed over a gate or walkway. Such structures shall be no more than 24 square feet in area with a height of nine feet or less, and may be located either in the setback or on the front property line. (f) Vertical trellises that serve the same function as a fence shall be treated as a fence under PGMC
23.64.130.
(g) Garden structures exceeding these standards may be allowed with a minor administrative use permit pursuant to PGMC 23.70.030(b)(7)(B). Garden structures outside of required setbacks do not require a community development department permit. [Ord. 12-003 § 11, 2012].
23.64.120 Height limits – Chimneys, flagpoles, clock towers, etc.
For each building, vertical projections may extend above maximum allowable building heights as follows:
Vertical feature Maximum projection Max. horizontal area Chimneys, cupolas, window
cleaning equipment
4 feet 20 square feet (each)
Clock tower, water tank,
stair/elevator penthouse
10 feet 100 square feet (each)
Mechanical penthouse for
roof-mounted equipment
4 feet 100 square feet
(1 per building)
Flagpoles 15 feet 1 square foot
Solar panels See PGMC 18.45 and PGMC 23.70
Wireless communications
facilities
Wireless communications facilities concealed as such structures are subject to height limits and design standards as specified in the Wireless Design Manual.
Additional height, other vertical
structures, other appurtenances
May be permitted in excess of height and horizontal area limits provided a use permit is obtained in each case.
23.64.130 Height limits – Fences, hedges, or other visual obstructions. (a) Fences, hedges, screen plantings, or other visual obstructions (other than allowed garden structures) are hereafter limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line, six feet in height on the front yard setback line, and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback along the property lines and within required setback areas.
(b) Exceptions Pertaining to Corner Lots. The purpose of this subsection is to promote traffic safety by maintaining unrestricted visibility at corners.
(1) Corner Lots Whose Intersecting Corner Property Lines Are Two Straight Lines. The height limit for a fence, hedge, screening or other visual obstruction for a corner lot whose intersecting corner property lines are two straight lines shall not exceed three feet in height within an area represented by a triangle whose apex is the property corner nearest the intersection and whose other two vertices are points located 20 feet away from the apex as shown in Figure 1. (2) Corner Lots Whose Intersecting Corner Property Lines Are Found Along a Curve. The height limit for a fence, hedge, screening or other visual obstruction - for a corner lot whose corner property lines are found along a curve shall not exceed three feet in height within the area of a polygon whose apex is the midpoint of the arc at the corner and whose furthermost vertices are points located 20 feet away from the apex as shown in Figure 2.
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(3) In the event that a corner lot has intersecting corner property lines that do not precisely conform to the characteristics defined in this section, the chief planner shall define the area in which no visual obstruction shall exceed three feet in height in a manner so as to prevent a traffic hazard. (c) A tree shall not be considered a visual obstruction. However, to maximize unrestricted visibility, a property owner shall be required to trim trees in areas covered by this section, as directed by the chief planner. (d) Exceptions Pertaining to Deer Fencing. The purpose of this subsection is to allow for protection of property from deer.
(1) Deer fencing may be permitted up to six feet in height along the front property line to the front of any dwelling if an administrative use permit is first obtained. (2) The following materials, or materials of similar aesthetics and durability, shall be used: two-inch by four-inch or four-inch by four-inch galvanized metal wire, with wrapped (not welded) joints for durability, in black, green or metallic finishes, or transparent or semi-transparent aviary mesh screen, in black or green.
(3) Deer fencing may be constructed with wood, metal, or fiberglass posts or attached at the top of an existing, and otherwise conforming, fence.
(e) Exceptions Pertaining to Fences on Retaining Walls. (1) For retaining walls located on a property line, a fence constructed on top of the wall shall be measured from the grade level on the higher side, as shown in Figure 3, with a combined height limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line along the property lines, and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback along the property lines. From the lower side, the combined height shall be limited to six feet in height forward of the front yard setback line along the property lines and eight feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback along the property lines. (2) For retaining walls located entirely on a single property, a fence constructed on top of a retaining wall shall be measured from the grade level of the same property, with a combined height limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback.
(3) If a fence is on one property and the retaining wall on the abutting property, regardless of the retaining wall height, and as measured from the grade level on the property where the fence is PGCC 1-21-26
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located, the maximum fence height is limited to four feet in height forward of the front yard setback line and six feet in height to the rear of the front yard setback, as measured from the grade level of the property upon which the fence is located.
(f) A height greater than otherwise allowed in this section may be permitted if an administrative use permit is first obtained. [Ord. 12-003 § 11, 2012; Ord. 1884 N.S. § 1, 1993; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1)(b)(2), 1952].
23.64.134 Outdoor seating.
Outdoor seating shall be allowed adjacent to eating establishments in the downtown commercial (C-D), Forest Hill commercial (C-FH), and light commercial (C-1) zoning districts on public sidewalks and similar adjacent areas, subject to the provisions of PGMC 15.16.045. [Ord. 13-003 § 18, 2013].
23.64.135 Prohibited fences.
(a) Prohibition. It is unlawful for any person to erect or maintain a fence constructed completely or in part of any of the following: wires carrying an electric current of greater than 0.006 amperes (six milliamperes), razor ribbon, barbed wire, wooden fence spikes, broken glass, protruding nails or spikes or any other like or similar material or device designed to cause trauma when touched. While not prohibited, chain link fences are discouraged for aesthetic reasons.
(b) Exceptions. Fences constructed of materials described in subsection (a) of this section shall be allowed subject to first obtaining a use permit in the following cases: fences bordering public utility facilities or facilities in the C-2 and I districts and fences in residential districts designed to protect private property.
(c) Abatement. Chapter 23.68 PGMC, allowing continuance of nonconforming uses, shall not apply to this section. Fences not conforming to this section as of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section shall be abated within six months of written notice to abate issued by the chief planner. [Ord. 12- 003 § 11, 2012; Ord. 00-03 § 1, 2000; Ord. 1687 N.S. § 1, 1989].
23.64.140 Building site area.
A lot or parcel of land which has been created or designated in a recorded subdivision or which has been described in a recorded deed transferring such parcel may, if improved with a separate integrated residential structure, constitute a valid integrated building site for future building purposes, even though less in area or width than required under this title, under the following conditions:
(a) It was created, designated or so described and so improved prior to May 1, 1981; PGCC 1-21-26
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(b) If situated in other than the R-3 Pacific Grove Beach district, it has at least 1,500 square feet of area and 25 feet of width;
(c) It has access to a public right-of-way directly or by recorded easement heretofore created or reserved; (d) Its transfer will not create conditions of nonconformity in such lot or parcel or in any lot or parcel contiguous to it, including nonconformity in area and width as to any undeveloped parcel.
Before any replacement or substantial renovation may be made for any structure on such a lot or parcel, the new or renovated structure shall conform to the requirements with respect to a parcel separately owned in the same district.
Any lot or parcel, whether or not improved, which has less area or width than required by this title, shall not constitute a valid integrated building site if it is separately sold after May 1, 1981, so as to become conjoined in single ownership with the owner of a contiguous lot or parcel. [Ord. 1253 N.S. § 1, 1981; Ord. 1083 N.S. § 1, 1979; Ord. 1058 N.S. § 1, 1979; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1)(c)(1), 1952].
23.64.145 Separate building site – R-1 district.
Notwithstanding PGMC 23.64.140 or PGMC Title 24, any parcel in an R-1 district which has the following characteristics shall constitute a separate building site subject to sale or transfer:
(a) It has, 90 days or more prior to May 15, 1981, been designated on the assessor’s map as a separate parcel;
(b) It has at least 4,000 square feet if an interior parcel, or 5,000 square feet if a corner parcel; (c) It has access to a public street;
(d) Its transfer will not create additional aspects of nonconformity to this title. [Ord. 1255 N.S. § 1, 1981].
23.64.147 Separate building site – R-3-P.G.R. district. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, any parcel in the R-3-P.G.R. district which has the following characteristics shall constitute a separate building site for future building purposes:
(1) It has, prior to March 15, 1986, been designated on the assessor’s map as a separate parcel. (2) It has at least 1,800 square feet, but not more than 3,600 square feet, and is not part of a larger building site.
(3) It has been unimproved with any building or structure for a minimum of five years immediately preceding March 15, 1986.
(4) It has access to a public street.
(5) Its transfer will not create additional aspects of nonconformity to this title. (b) Development of parcels qualifying as building sites pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall, at a minimum, be subject to the following:
(1) A use permit shall be first secured in each case.
(2) Architectural review board approval shall be required. (3) Any construction shall conform to the requirements with respect to separate parcels in the R-3- P.G.R. district; however, in considering a use permit application the planning commission is authorized to prescribe requirements other than those prescribed by PGMC 23.24.060 where it finds that the qualification of PGMC 23.72.090 apply to the land, building or use. [Ord. 1597 N.S., 1987].
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23.64.150 Yards – Projection of cornices, eaves, etc.
Architectural features such as cornices, eaves, canopies/awnings, chimneys, and bay windows (not more than 10 feet wide and separated from adjacent bay windows by not less than 6 feet) may extend not exceeding three feet into any required setback or yard, but shall be no closer than three feet to any property line except where no setback is required. [Ord. 1065 N.S. § 10, 1979; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11- 141(1)(d)(1), 1952].
23.64.160 Yards – Projection of open porches, stairways, etc.
Open porches or outside stairways may project not exceeding six feet into any required front or side yard, but not closer than three feet to any property line except where no setback or yard is required, provided, that the elevation of such porch, or outdoor stairway is within one foot of the elevation of finished grade. [Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1)(d)(2), 1952].
23.64.170 Yards – Measured from official plan line.
Whenever an official plan line has been established for any street, required yards shall be measured from such line and in no case shall the provisions of this title be construed as permitting any encroachment upon any official plan lines. [Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(1)(d)(3), 1952].
23.64.180 Accessory buildings and structures.
(a) “Accessory building or structure” means a building or structure that is subordinate and incidental to the use of the main building on the same site. There are three categories of accessory buildings and structures:
(1) Category 1. Detached nonhabitable structures (such as garages, carports, workshops, and gazebos) that are 70 square feet or more in area;
(2) Category 2. Detached nonhabitable structures (such as storage, garden, or utility sheds) that are less than 70 square feet in area;
(3) Category 3. Portable or built-in hot tubs (including equipment). (b) In any R district, the following standards shall apply:
Table 23.64.180 – Accessory Buildings and Structures – R Districts Category 1 Category 2 Category 3
Description Detached nonhabitable structures
that are 70 square feet or more in
area (such as garages, carports,
workshops, and gazebos)
Detached nonhabitable
structures that are less than
70 square feet in area (such
as storage, garden or utility
sheds)
Portable or built-in hot tubs
(including equipment)
Number Allowed in Each
Category without UP/AP1
1 1 1
Additional Allowed in
Each Category with
UP/AUP1
120 sq. ft. or less: Additional
structure(s) allowed subject to
approval of an administrative use
permit (AUP)
Larger than 120 sq. ft.: Additional
structure(s) allowed subject to
approval of a use permit (UP)
Additional structure(s) allowed
subject to approval of an
administrative use permit
(AUP)
Additional structure(s) allowed
subject to approval of an
administrative use permit (AUP)
Design Review Required 120 sq. ft. or less: No
Larger than 120 sq. ft.: Yes, see
PGMC 23.70.030(b)(2)(G) and
23.70.060(c)(3)
No No
Counted in Floor Area
and Building Coverage
120 sq. ft. or less: No No No
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Larger than 120 sq. ft.: Yes
Counted in Site Coverage Yes Yes Yes
Use Permit Required for
Plumbing
Yes Yes Yes
Building Separation At least 3 1/2 feet from any
dwelling or building on the same
building site
Not required Not required
Front Setback As prescribed by the zoning
district
As prescribed by the zoning
district
As prescribed by the zoning
district
Rear Setback 5 ft. Over 6 ft. in height: 5 ft.
6 ft. or less in height: None
required
Over 4 ft. in height: 5 ft.
4 ft. or less in height: None
required
Side Setback As prescribed by the zoning
district
Over 6 ft. in height: As
prescribed by the zoning
district up to a maximum
requirement of 5 ft.
6 ft. or less in height: None
required
Over 4 ft. in height: As
prescribed by the zoning district
4 ft. or less in height: None
required
Height 15 ft. maximum 8 ft. maximum Not regulated
Category 1 Category 2 Category 3
1. Grading, building, and/or other construction permits may be required prior to starting any work, according to the requirements of the municipal code.
[Ord. 12-005 § 3, 2012; Ord. 00-18 § 2, 2000].
23.64.185 Accessory use – Storage of portable or movable objects.
A use permit shall be required for any accessory use in the R districts which involves or includes the storage, keeping, fabrication, construction or repair of any portable or movable object, not intended to be permanently fixed, such as a boat, structure or vehicle not capable of self-propulsion, and which exceeds 15 feet in either height or width or exceeds 26 feet in length. Before a use permit may be issued hereunder the community development director shall find all of the following:
(a) The object is or will be used with relative frequency as opposed to being stored; (b) The object is not being built, fabricated or repaired for the use of anyone not occupying the property; and
(c) The use does not meet the definition of “junkyard” in Chapter 23.08 PGMC.
Nothing contained herein is intended to permit uses not otherwise accessory to the residential use of the property.
Existing uses may apply for a use permit within one month of adoption of this section. [Ord. 13-003 § 18, 2013; Ord. 1418 N.S. § 7, 1984; Ord. 1030 N.S. § 2, 1978].
23.64.190 Off-street parking, storage.
Storage or parking space for the parking of automobiles off the street shall be provided in any district as follows:
(a) Not less than two garage or carport spaces for each single-family dwelling; provided, however, in cases of single-family dwellings on lots of 5,000 square feet or less, on which the living space floor area is 1,000 square feet or less, and in which there are less than three bedrooms, one garage or carport shall be required and tandem parking shall be allowed;
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(b) For each family unit in a duplex, apartment house or dwelling group, or mixed use project, parking spaces may be tandem or may utilize mechanical lifts and shall be provided as follows:
(1) One space for efficiency or studio units and one bedroom units; (2) One and one-half spaces for each unit having two to three bedrooms (3) Two spaces for all other units; and
(4) 50 percent of all required parking shall be covered. (c) Not less than one garage space for each two guest rooms in any rooming house, excluding SROs as defined in Chapter 23.08 PGMC;
(d) Transitional and Supportive Housing. One space per employee per shift. No parking space requirement if the housing development is located within one-half mile of a transit stop. (e) Emergency Shelters and Low Barrier Navigation Centers. One space per employee per shift. (f) SROs. One for every three units, plus one space per employee per shift. (f) Not less than one garage space for each four guest rooms in any hotel and not less than one parking space for each unit in a motel. The planning commission may require additional parking at a ratio of one space for each 50 square feet of accessory dining area within the R-3-M district; (g) Not less than one parking space for each 300 square feet of floor area in each professional office building permitted, except that for office buildings located in areas assessed for the payment of off-street parking lots, parking space shall not be required except as set forth in subsection (k) of this section; (h) For commercial buildings, industrial buildings, and mixed-use buildings in which residential uses comprise less than one-third of a development project’s total floor area, the amount of non-residential parking shall be subject to a use permit;
(i) For mixed-use buildings in which residential uses comprise not less than two-thirds of a development project’s total floor area, not less than one non-residential parking space for each 500 square feet of floor area of space for retail sales, commercial services, and health/fitness studios, except for projects located in areas assessed for payment of off-street parking lots; (j) Not less than one parking space for each six seats provided for visitors to churches, community centers, social halls, lodges, and clubs and not less than one parking space for each six beds and one parking space for each employee on the shift with the maximum number of employees in any rest home, nursing home, convalescent home or hospital;
(k) The number of parking space required for other uses allowed in any district and not set forth above shall be determined by the planning commission and set forth as a condition to the granting of the use permit for such use;
(l) The minimum width of parking aisles shall be as described below:
(1) 60 degrees and less – 18 feet,
(2) 60.1 to 65 degrees – 19 feet,
(3) 65.1 to 70 degrees – 20 feet,
(4) 70.1 to 75 degrees – 21 feet,
(5) 75.1 to 80 degrees – 22 feet,
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(6) 80.1 to 85 degrees – 23 feet, and
(7) 85.1 to 90 degrees (perpendicular) - 24 feet.
(m) The review authority shall be authorized to approve compact parking spaces under the following conditions:
(1) Where a minimum of eight standard spaces are provided for commercial or industrial parking lots, 50 percent of parking in excess of the eight may be compact size; and (2) Fifty percent of the parking provided in excess of that required for any R district use may be compact size;
(n) Low Vehicle Ownership Reduced Parking Requirement. For uses that serve tenants with low vehicle ownership rates, such as special needs or supportive housing facilities for persons with disabilities, and that can demonstrate a reduced parking need, the review authority may allow for a reduction in parking spaces;
(o) Shared parking may be permitted. [Ord. 21-008 § 4, 2021; Ord. 13-003 § 18, 2013; Ord. 1715 N.S. §§ 1, 2, 1990; Ord. 1332 N.S. § 1, 1983; Ord. 1194 N.S. § 1, 1980; Ord. 1065 N.S. § 12, 1979; Ord. 975 N.S. § 1, 1977; Ord. 720 N.S. § 7, 1972; Ord. 593 N.S., 1968; Ord. 459 N.S., 1964; Ord. 382 N.S., 1962; Ord. 210 N.S. § 11-141(e), 1952].
(p) Within surface parking lots, not less than one tree shall be provided for every six parking spaces.
23.64.195 Landscaping of front and side yards.
Landscaping shall be maintained in all front and side yards except for areas devoted to uses allowable in the yards. Failure to maintain the areas with suitable garden materials and free of weeds or unsightly matter shall be unlawful. Driveways shall not occupy more than 40 percent of the street frontage, and on a corner lot, the combined coverage on all frontages shall not exceed 25 percent of the total street frontage, [Ord. 1065 N.S. § 13, 1979; Ord. 532 N.S. § 15, 1966].
23.64.240 Parking or placement of large vehicles or structures in certain areas of residential premises – Prohibited.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, it is unlawful for the owner or occupant of a premises in any R district to park or place, or to allow or suffer the parking or placing of, any structure, container or vehicle, mobile or not, which dimensions exceed eight feet in height or 20 feet in length, at any location on the premises as listed below:
(1) Between the main structure and any property line abutting a street. (2) In any side or rear yard required by the zone district in which the premises is located. (3) At any location on an undeveloped lot.
(4) Closer than three and one-half feet to any structure. (b) Exceptions:
(1) Parking or placement for less than six consecutive hours. (2) Parking for the purpose of loading or unloading household goods or furniture. (3) Parking or placement of vehicles or structures being used in connection with construction in progress on the premises.
(4) Parking in a legally existing driveway.
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(5) Parking in a required rear yard setback that abuts an alley. (6) Parking or placement inside a garage or carport legally constructed on the premises. (c) Parking in the prohibited area may be allowed subject to first obtaining a use permit under the terms of Chapter 23.72 PGMC. [Ord. 97-41 § 2, 1997].
23.64.290 Alcoholic beverage sales.
(a) Failure to maintain food service or any other applicable requirements of this section or failure to comply with any conditions of the use permit or administrative use permit shall be grounds for revocation of the use permit or administrative use permit granted, in addition to subjecting the persons responsible therefor to penalties under this code. Revocation may be effected by the planning commission, for use permits, or zoning administrator, for administrative use permits, after a public hearing to which the operator has had 10 days’ notice by certified mail, and in which the review authority finds that the operator of the restaurant has not maintained food service or any other applicable requirements herein or has not complied with all permit conditions. In the event that service by certified mail is not effected, service may be by personal service on the operator, or if personal service is not effected, the property shall be posted with a notice of the hearing, and a copy of the notice shall be published in an official newspaper of this city.
(b) The administrative use permit and use permit procedures shall be as set forth in PGMC
23.70.030 and 23.70.080, respectively. For any use listed in this section which has an approved administrative use permit or use permit, no additional community development permit is required to establish alcoholic beverage service for that use as long as such service is provided in accordance with this section. Exception: subsection (c) of this section shall continue to apply. (c) In addition to the permit requirements provided in Table 23.31.030, restaurants may be permitted to serve or sell alcoholic beverages:
(1) Where said eating establishments are located on premises owned by a public entity, as defined in Section 23824 of the Business and Professions Code of the state of California; provided, that a use permit is obtained; and
(2) In any R-3-M zone where said restaurant has been constructed under a variance, or as an accessory use under a use permit.
(d) Minimum Requirements for Eating Establishments Serving Alcoholic Beverages. (1) Restaurants and Specialty Restaurants.
(A) Any sale of alcoholic beverages shall be subordinate to the primary use, and shall comply with the State Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license requirements for a “bona fide public eating place”;
(B) Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed indoors, and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB (65 dB between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.) at the property line of any such site. Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed outdoors between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB measured at the property line of any such site; and (C) Outdoor seating is allowed in compliance with PGMC 15.16.045 and 23.64.134. (2) Pub and Brew Pub.
(A) All alcoholic beverage and food service to customers shall be discontinued between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.;
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(B) The business shall comply with the ABC license requirements for a “bona fide public eating place”;
(C) All foods from the standard menu shall be available for purchase during all but the opening and closing hours of alcoholic beverage service. This may include different menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner meals; and
(D) Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed indoors, and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB (65 dB between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.) at the property line of any such site. Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed outdoors between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB measured at the property line of any such site. (e) Minimum Requirements for Drinking Establishments.
(1) Wine Bar.
(A) All alcoholic beverage and food service to customers shall be discontinued between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.;
(B) Food must be available during all hours of operation, but may be limited to snacks, appetizers, small plates, or other similar offerings; and (C) Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed indoors, and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB (65 dB between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.) at the property line of any such site. Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed outdoors between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB measured at the property line of any such site. (2) Wine Tasting Room.
(A) All alcoholic beverage service to customers shall be discontinued between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.; and
(B) Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed indoors, and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB (65 dB between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.) at the property line of any such site. Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed outdoors between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB measured at the property line of any such site. (3) Micro-Brewery.
(A) All alcoholic beverage service to customers shall be discontinued between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.; and
(B) Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed indoors, and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB (65 dB between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.) at the property line of any such site. Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed outdoors between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB measured at the property line of any such site. (4) Catering and Events.
(A) All alcoholic beverage and food service to customers shall be discontinued between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.;
(B) Food must be available during all hours of operation, but may be limited to snacks, appetizers, small plates, or other similar offerings; and PGCC 1-21-26
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(C) Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed indoors, and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB (65 dB between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.) at the property line of any such site. Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed outdoors between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB measured at the property line of any such site. (f) Minimum Requirements for Lodging Establishments.
(1) Bed and Breakfast Inn.
(A) Bed and breakfast inns may sell or serve beer and wine to registered guests and their invited guests, pursuant to the provisions of subsections (f)(1)(B) through (E) of this section and the ABC license to the extent that it is consistent with such provisions; (B) All alcoholic beverage service to guests shall be discontinued between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.;
(C) Food must be available during all hours that alcoholic beverages are available, but may be limited to snacks, appetizers, small plates, or other similar offerings; (D) At least one meal, breakfast, shall be served daily and shall be limited to registered guests only; and
(E) The provisions of PGMC 23.26.020(b) shall also apply. (2) Motel and Hotel.
(A) Motels and hotels may be permitted to sell or serve beer and wine to registered guests and their invited guests, pursuant to the provisions of subsections (f)(2)(B) through (F) of this section and the ABC license to the extent that it is consistent with such provisions. In the case of hotels, other guests who pay a fee or charge for use of the premises for parties may also be sold or served beer and wine, pursuant to the provisions of subsections (f)(2)(B) through (F) of this section and the ABC license to the extent that it is consistent with such provisions; (B) Hotels may offer full liquor service, pursuant to the provisions of subsections (f)(2)(C) through (F) of this section and the ABC license to the extent that it is consistent with such provisions; (C) All alcoholic beverage service to guests shall be discontinued between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.;
(D) Food must be available during all hours that alcoholic beverages are available, but may be limited to snacks, appetizers, small plates, or other similar offerings; (E) Motels or hotels with an accessory dining area, meeting the definition of a “bona fide public eating place,” may offer full liquor service within the dining area, subject to approval of a use permit for the dining area and the limitations in subsection (f)(2)(C) of this section; and (F) For hotels in the C-1-T district only, amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed indoors, and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB (65 dB between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.) at the property line of any such site. Amplified and unamplified music and entertainment are allowed outdoors between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., and shall not generate noise in excess of 70 dB measured at the property line of any such site.
Table 23.64.290 Summary of Minimum Requirements for Establishments Serving Alcoholic Beverages1 PGCC 1-21-26
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Alcoholic
Beverages
Allowed
Food Service
Required
Hours of Food
and Alcoholic
Beverage
Service
Amplified Music and
Entertainment
Seating on
Public
Sidewalks
Eating Establishments
Restaurant and specialty
restaurant
Beer, wine and
distilled spirits
Bona fide public
eating place
No limits Allowed per PGMC
23.64.290(d)(1)(B)
Allowed per
PGMC
15.16.045 and
23.64.134
Pub and brew pub Beer, wine and
distilled spirits
Bona fide public
eating place
No service 12:00
a.m. –7:00 a.m.
Allowed per PGMC
23.64.290(d)(2)(D)
Not allowed
Drinking Establishments
Wine bar Beer and wine Snacks,
appetizers, or small
plates
No service 12:00
a.m. – 7:00 a.m.
Allowed per PGMC
23.64.290(e)(1)(C)
Not allowed
Wine tasting room Wine tasting None No service 12:00
a.m. –7:00 a.m.
Allowed per PGMC
23.64.290(e)(2)(B)
Not allowed
Micro-brewery Beer tasting None No service 12:00
a.m. –7:00 a.m.
Allowed per PGMC
23.64.290(e)(3)(B)
Not allowed
Catering and events Beer and wine Snacks,
appetizers, or small
plates
No service 12:00
a.m. –7:00 a.m.
Allowed per PGMC
23.64.290(e)(4)(C)
Not allowed
Lodging Establishments
Bed and breakfast inn Beer and wine Snacks,
appetizers, or small
plates
No service 2:00
a.m. –7:00 a.m.
Not allowed Not allowed
Motel Beer, wine and
distilled spirits
Snacks,
appetizers, or small
plates; bona fide
public eating place
for distilled spirits
No service 2:00
a.m. –7:00 a.m.
Not allowed Not allowed
Hotel Beer, wine and
distilled spirits
Snacks,
appetizers, or small
plates; bona fide
public eating place
for distilled spirits
No service 2:00
a.m. –7:00 a.m.
Not allowed, except in
the C-1-T district per
PGMC 23.64.290(f)(2)(F)
Not allowed
1 This table presents a summary of requirements only. For a complete set of requirements, see PGMC 23.64.290(d) through (f). [Ord. 13-003 § 18, 2013].
23.64.300 Application for abandonment or purchase of city property.
Requests for the abandonment or purchase of a city street, park, or other property shall be accompanied by the payment of a fee of $30.00 and referred to the planning commission for consideration before consideration by the city council. [Ord. 532 N.S. § 12, 1966].
23.64.310 Swimming pools.
Swimming pools shall not project into a front yard area and shall be situated no closer than five feet to any property line.
The swimming pool or all or a portion of the property containing the pool shall be entirely protected by a wall or fence of 66 inches in height and without openings except for gates containing self-latching devices at least 45 inches above ground level. [Ord. 720 N.S. § 14, 1972; Ord. 593 N.S. § 1(f), 1968].
23.64.320 Unlawful sale of subdivided contiguous lots.
It is unlawful for any owner or owners of subdivided contiguous lots, each of which may otherwise be of legal size, frontage, and area, to sell, transfer, or convey one or more of the subdivided lots where, as a result of such sale, transfer, or conveyance, the lot or lots which has or have been sold, transferred, or PGCC 1-21-26
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Chapter 23.64 GENERAL PROVISIONS AND
EXCEPTIONS
conveyed, or the lot or lots which is or are retained by said owner or owners, will not conform with the requirements of this code. [Ord. 878 N.S. § 1, 1976].
23.64.340 Consistency with county hazardous waste management plan.
All approved applications for use permits, variances, subdivisions and other land use entitlements shall be consistent with portions of the Monterey County hazardous waste management plan which identify general areas or siting criteria for hazardous waste facilities. [Ord. 1727 N.S. § 1, 1990].
23.64.350 Transient use of residential property for remuneration. (a) Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter certain terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth in this chapter, and such meanings shall prevail in case of conflict with the definitions set forth in Chapter 23.08 PGMC.
(1) “Person” means an individual, a group of individuals, or an association, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity, public or private.
(2) “Owner” means the person who possesses fee title to a transient use site. (3) “Owner representative” means any person authorized by the owner to fully manage the transient use site.
(4) “Remuneration” means compensation, money, rent, or other bargained for consideration given in return for occupancy, possession or use of real property. (5) “Residential property” means any dwelling unit, except those dwelling units lawfully established as part of a bed and breakfast inn, motel, hotel, timeshare development, or other transient use not prohibited by this section.
(6) “Responsible tenant” means a person aged 18 or older who has received notice of occupancy, parking and other limits and regulations that apply to the transient use site, and who has agreed to be responsible to ensure that impermissible or inappropriate behavior does not occur at the transient use site.
(7) “Transient” means a period of time less than 30 consecutive calendar days. (8) “Transient use of residential property” means the commercial use, by any person, of residential property for transient lodging uses where the term of occupancy, possession or tenancy of the property by the person entitled to such occupancy, possession or tenancy is less than 30 consecutive calendar days.
(9) “Transient use site” and “transient use” mean property occupied and used for transient or shortterm rental purposes. (10) “Use” means the purpose for which land or premises of a building thereon is designed, arranged or intended, or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained. (b) Transient use of residential property must comply with General Plan Policy 1.5. Specifically, transient use of residential property for remuneration is prohibited, and no transient use license may be issued, in any residential zoning district, including R-1, R-H, R-1-H, R-1-B-2, R-1-B-3, R-2, R-2-B-3, R-3, R-3- P.G.R., R-3-M, R-4, and all PUD districts, except to the extent that such use is both (1) in the coastal zone and permitted under the local coastal program, and (2) permitted by a transient use license issued by the city. Transient use of residential property for remuneration in nonresidential zoning districts is prohibited, except (1) as otherwise expressly permitted by this title, or (2) when such use is permitted by a transient use license issued by the city. Transient use of residential property for remuneration does not include “home sharing” permitted by the city or house swaps, house sitting, pet sitting, work trade, and similar noncommercial arrangements that do not involve an exchange of money.
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(c) In order to provide a reasonable phase-out of transient uses of residential property for remuneration, notwithstanding any other provision of this code, all uses that become nonconforming as a result of the amendment to this section by the Initiative to Preserve and Protect Pacific Grove’s Residential Character, including uses permitted under short-term rental licenses, shall be discontinued within 18 months from the date that the initiative was approved by the voters. Nothing in this subsection is intended to affect any city authority to terminate uses found to be a nuisance, or that are otherwise unlawful. (d) Liability and Enforcement.
(1) Any owner, owner representative, responsible tenant, person acting as agent, real estate broker, real estate sales agent, property manager, reservation service or otherwise who uses, arranges, or negotiates for the use of residential property in violation of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of an infraction for each day in which such residential property is used, or allowed to be used, in violation of this chapter.
(2) Any owner, owner representative, responsible tenant, or other person who uses, or allows the use of, residential property in violation of the provisions of this chapter is guilty of an infraction for each day in which such residential property is used, or allowed to be used, in violation of this chapter. (3) Violations of this chapter may be prosecuted pursuant to Chapter 1.16 PGMC, or enforced pursuant to Chapter 1.19 PGMC.
(4) Penalties may be assessed for violations as provided in Chapters 1.16, 1.19, and/or 7.40 PGMC.
The maximum limits set for administrative penalties in PGMC 1.19.200, however, shall not apply to any violation of this chapter or Chapter 7.40 PGMC.
(e) This section may be repealed or amended only by a vote of the people, except that amendments do not require a vote of the people if they (1) apply only in the coastal zone or (2) amend subsection (d) of this section concerning liability and enforcement. [Ord. 18-018 § 3, 2018; Ord. 16-007 § 2, 2016; Ord. 10- 001 § 2, 2010; Ord. 08-006 § 79, 2008; Ord. 1933 N.S. § 1, 1994; Ord. 1913 N.S. § 1, 1993].
23.64.360 Permitting of undocumented dwelling units.
Repealed by Ord. 17-013. [Ord. 13-005 § 2, 2013].
23.64.370 Permitting home sharing.
(a) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, certain terms used herein shall have the meanings set forth below or in PGMC 23.64.350, and such meanings shall prevail in case of conflict with the definitions set forth in Chapter 23.08 PGMC.
(1) “Guest” means a person who rents a bedroom and ancillary facilities at a home sharing site. (2) “Home sharing” means an activity whereby residents host guests in their homes, for compensation, for periods of 30 consecutive days or less, while at least one of the dwelling unit’s residents lives in the dwelling unit.
(3) “Home sharing site” means property occupied and used for home sharing purposes. (4) “Resident” means a person legally residing in a dwelling unit in excess of 30 consecutive days.
Such resident may be the owner or a tenant living there with the approval of the owner. (b) Home sharing for remuneration is allowed pursuant to this chapter; provided, that a separate home sharing permit has first been granted and validly maintained for each home sharing site. (c) Each home sharing permit shall meet all requirements of this section, including:
(1) Each “home sharing” permit shall be subject to the following conditions:
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(A) Home sharing is limited to single-family dwellings in any residential or commercial zone.
Home sharing is not permitted in dwelling units lawfully established as second units pursuant to Chapter 23.80 PGMC; in any accessory unit to a single-family dwelling; in any condominium, multifamily dwelling unit or any other “tenants in common” dwelling unit; in any room, detached rooms, or any portion of a single-family that does not provide both kitchen and bathroom facilities; or as part of a bed and breakfast inn, motel, hotel, timeshare development, or other transient use;
(B) The resident shall also occupy the home throughout the duration of any home sharing; (C) A maximum of one bedroom in the home may be rented to adults; a second bedroom may be rented to children as part of the same contract;
(D) No more than two adults shall occupy the rented bedroom; (E) Guest(s) shall have exclusive use of the rented bedroom(s) and shared use of a full bathroom and kitchen;
(F) Neither bedrooms nor bathrooms shall contain cooking facilities; (G) A designated on-site parking space for use by overnight guests, if it exists, or one parking space on any on-site driveway, if it exists.
(2) Owner or owner representative of any qualifying residential property may submit an application to the city for an administrative home sharing permit, along with payment of the approved fees, an affidavit affirming that smoke detectors are installed and maintained in all sleeping quarters and common areas, that fire extinguishers are accessible, and a carbon monoxide alarm is installed on each level. The owner or owner representative shall provide access and information to a certified inspector to ensure health and safety of the home share site, prior to issuance of the permit; a report verifying inspection of the site has occurred, and that the home sharing site conforms to all requirements of this section.
(3) A home sharing permit shall continue in force, as long the conditions are met, except upon cancellation by the owner or owner representative, or upon the sale or transfer of the property. (4) Once a permit is approved, all transient occupancy taxes as set forth in Chapter 6.09 PGMC, and fees, as adopted from time to time in the city’s master fee schedule shall be collected and remitted to the city, and are applicable.
(5) Evidence of transient occupancy of a permitted home sharing site, statements and records, failure to file statement or corrected statement, payment of transient occupancy tax, appeal of tax, additional power of city, permit nontransferability, permit denial or revocation, appeal of revocation or suspension, penalties, and liens, shall be as provided in PGMC 7.40.110 through 7.40.210, inclusive. (d) Liability and Enforcement. For the purposes of this section, liability and enforcement shall be the same as PGMC 23.64.350(c). [Ord. 16-006 § 2, 2016].
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Chapter 23.70 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
REVIEW AUTHORITIES AND PROCEDURES
Chapter 23.70
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REVIEW AUTHORITIES AND PROCEDURES Sections:
23.70.010 Purpose.
23.70.012 Types of community development permits and related review authorities.
23.70.015 Exemptions.
23.70.018 Counter review.
23.70.020 Counter review and determination.
23.70.030 Staff approvals.
23.70.040 Zoning administrator.
23.70.050 Site plan review committee.
23.70.060 Architectural review board.
23.70.070 Historic resources committee.
23.70.080 Planning commission.
23.70.010 Purpose.
This chapter identifies the types of community development permits, the roles of review authorities, and provides procedures for the approval or disapproval of the community development permits established by these regulations. Exception: Procedures and standards for the review and approval of subdivision maps are found in PGMC Title 24 (Subdivisions). [Ord. 11-001 § 2, 2011].
23.70.012 Types of community development permits and related review authorities.
Table 23.70.012-1, entitled “Types of Review, Applications, and Roles of Review Authorities,” identifies the city official or body responsible for reviewing and making decisions on community development permit applications, legislative amendments, and other actions required by these regulations.
Table 23.70.012-1:
Types of Review, Applications, and Roles of Review Authorities Roles of Review Authorities1
Type of Permit Application Director ZA SPRC ARB HRC PC CC ARB = Architectural Review Board, CC = City Council, HRC = Historic Resources Committee, HRI = Historic Resources Inventory, LCP = Local Coastal Program, PC = Planning Commission, PGMC = Pacific Grove Municipal Code Section, SPRC = Site Plan Review Committee, and ZA = Zoning Administrator.
Counter Review: Recommended preliminary staff review of projects to determine compliance with zoning code, need for further permit applications, or determination of which track below best suits the situation. (PGMC 23.70.018) Counter Review and Determination: Required director review of specific projects or land uses in order to verify compliance with zoning standards. (PGMC 23.70.020)
Staff Approvals: For timely approval of permits for the following projects and uses:
Admin. architectural permit – not on
HRI (PGMC 23.70.030)
Decision2 Hearing/
Decision
Appeal5 Appeal5
Admin. architectural permit – on
HRI (PGMC 23.70.030)
Decision2,3 Hearing/
Decision
Appeal5 Appeal5
Architectural design change – not
on HRI (PGMC 23.70.030)
Decision2 Hearing/
Decision
Appeal5 Appeal5
Architectural design change – on
HRI (PGMC 23.70.030)
Decision2,3 Hearing/
Decision
Appeal5 Appeal5
Admin. sign permit (PGMC
23.70.030)
Decision Hearing/
Decision
Appeal5 Appeal5
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