Local zoning · Hanford

Hanford — Nonconforming Uses

Q: What is a “nonconforming use” in Hanford?

It’s a use that was lawful when it began but no longer matches the current permitted uses in the zone; annexed county uses that became inconsistent also qualify (§ 17.90.030(A)–(B)). A parking or loading shortfall by itself does not make a use nonconforming (§ 17.90.030(C)).

Q: Can I expand or remodel a nonconforming building?

Routine maintenance and repairs are allowed, but you cannot move, alter, or enlarge a nonconforming structure in a way that increases floor area or increases the deviation from standards, unless the work makes it fully conforming or is required by law (§ 17.90.040(B), (D)).

Q: Can I change from one nonconforming use to another?

Possibly. You need a Conditional Use Permit, and the City must find the new use does not worsen neighborhood character, traffic, nuisance impacts, or public welfare compared to the existing nonconforming use (§ 17.90.110(A)–(B)). Plan to document each finding.

Q: Do parking shortages make my use nonconforming?

No. A lawful use is not deemed nonconforming just because it lacks the current minimum on-site parking or loading (§ 17.90.030(C)). However, any new expansion or change must meet today’s parking standards.

Q: What happens to nonconforming agricultural uses?

Nonconforming crop production may continue, but intensity cannot increase (§ 17.90.060(B)). Nonconforming animal raising may continue without changing the type or number of animals, and the abandonment/discontinuance rule does not apply to that category (§ 17.90.060(C)).

Q: Can I build on a nonconforming lot?

Yes, a structure that otherwise conforms to today’s standards may be built on a legally created nonconforming lot, and the lot may be used for any use allowed in its zone (§ 17.90.050(C)–(D)). Subdividing or adjusting lot lines must reduce nonconformity and cannot create a new nonconforming situation (§ 17.90.050(B)).

Q: If cited for a violation, how fast must a nonconforming use be removed?

The Code allows the City to require removal within 30 days unless a different deadline is in the notice (§ 17.90.090(A)). Nonconforming uses with no structure or with structures assessed at less than $1,000 must be discontinued and removed or converted to conforming (§ 17.90.090(B)).

Q: Which districts do these nonconforming rules cover?

All zone districts, unless a chapter specifically says otherwise (§ 17.50.020; § 17.90.020). Whether a use is currently allowed is checked against the land-use tables in § 17.08.020 or § 17.08.030 as cited by district chapters (§ 17.12.020; § 17.14.020; § 17.36.020; § 17.42.020).

Nonconforming Uses under the Hanford local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Quick answer

In Hanford, a nonconforming use that stops for a continuous 6 months loses its status and cannot be reestablished (§ 17.90.060(A)). Nonconforming structures cannot be moved, altered, or enlarged to increase floor area or noncompliance, though routine maintenance is allowed (§ 17.90.040(B), (D)). Certain nonconforming uses must be removed within 30 days of a violation, and those in structures assessed under $1,000 must be discontinued or converted (§ 17.90.090(A)–(B)).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Hanford's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Hanford planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

Hanford’s Title 17 Zoning, Chapter 17.90 governs how legally established but now-out-of-compliance uses, structures, and lots are treated. The city allows many of these to continue, but it does not encourage expansion and sets clear limits on change, discontinuance, and removal. The rules apply citywide across all base districts and land use tables referenced in Title 17 (§ 17.90.010, § 17.90.020; see also § 17.12.020, § 17.14.020, § 17.36.020, § 17.42.020).

Plain-English anchor rule: A lawful use that no longer matches today’s zoning may continue, but if it stops for a continuous 6 months, it loses its status and cannot be reestablished (§ 17.90.060(A)).

Core rules for nonconforming uses, structures, and lots (Title 17.90)

Purpose and scope
- Hanford intends to let nonconforming uses, structures, and lots continue until termination, without encouraging expansion (§ 17.90.010).
- Chapter 17.90 applies to uses/structures/lots that were lawful when created but now fail one or more current zoning provisions; nonconforming signs are handled separately under Chapter 17.56 (§ 17.90.020). See related Hanford Signage.
What counts as a nonconforming use
- A use that was lawful before adoption/amendment of Title 17 but no longer conforms is nonconforming (§ 17.90.030(A)).
- A formerly lawful county use that became nonconforming upon annexation is nonconforming (§ 17.90.030(B)).
- A use is not “nonconforming” solely because it lacks the minimum on-site parking or loading area (§ 17.90.030(C)).
Nonconforming structures
- A lawfully built structure that now fails applicable standards is a nonconforming structure (§ 17.90.040(A)).
- No moving, altering, or enlarging if it increases floor area or increases the degree of noncompliance (coverage, yards, height, spacing), unless required by law or the work brings the structure into full compliance (§ 17.90.040(B)).
- Do not enlarge space occupied by a nonconforming use within a structure (§ 17.90.040(C)).
- Routine maintenance and repairs are allowed (§ 17.90.040(D)).
- No new structure is allowed if it would contribute to a nonconforming use, except as provided in § 17.90.070 (§ 17.90.040(E)).
Nonconforming lots
- A lot legally created under the Subdivision Map Act that now fails current lot standards is nonconforming (§ 17.90.050(A)).
- No subdivision or lot line adjustment unless it brings the lot closer to or into conformity and doesn’t create a new nonconforming use or structure (§ 17.90.050(B)).
- A nonconforming lot may be used for any use allowed in the zone where it lies, and a conforming structure may be built on it (§ 17.90.050(C)–(D)). See also Hanford Land Use and Hanford Development Standards.
Discontinuance and special agricultural rules
- If a nonconforming use is abandoned, discontinued, or changed to a conforming use for a continuous 6 months, it cannot be reestablished (§ 17.90.060(A)).
- Nonconforming agricultural crop production may continue with no increase in intensity (§ 17.90.060(B)).
- Nonconforming animal raising may continue with no change/increase in type or number of animals; the abandonment/discontinuance rule does not apply to this category (§ 17.90.060(C)).
Change from one nonconforming use to another
- Allowed only with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) under Chapter 17.80 when findings on character, traffic, nuisance factors, and public welfare are met (§ 17.90.110(A)–(B)). Consider whether Hanford Design Review may also apply to any site/structural changes.
Removal of certain nonconforming conditions
- Upon a violation, removal is required within 30 days unless another deadline is set in the notice (§ 17.90.090(A)).
- A nonconforming use with no structure, or in a structure with an assessed valuation of less than $1,000, must be discontinued and removed or converted to conforming status (§ 17.90.090(B)).
- Nonconforming fences, walls, and hedges affecting intersection visibility or encroaching into the right-of-way must be removed or modified to conform (§ 17.90.090(C)).
Deviations from standards
- The Community Development Director or City Council may approve a deviation from Title 17 standards if necessary to achieve chapter purposes and if no adverse health, safety, or welfare effects are found (§ 17.48.080). See also Hanford Variances and Exceptions.

How Chapter 17.90 applies across Hanford’s districts and land-use tables

Citywide applicability: Chapter 17.90 applies in all zone districts unless a chapter states otherwise (§ 17.50.020; § 17.90.020). Base-zone permitted uses are determined by the land-use tables referenced in the district chapters.
District families and their use tables:
- § 17.12.020 and § 17.14.020 cite the land-use table in § 17.08.020.
- § 17.36.020 and § 17.42.020 cite the land-use table in § 17.08.030.
Practical effect: Whether a current use “conforms” depends on how it aligns with the applicable table today. If it doesn’t align but was lawful when established (or pre-annexation), it is treated under Chapter 17.90. For area-specific controls, also check any Overlay Districts and, where applicable, Hanford Historic Preservation.

Districts referenced by § 17.12.020 (permitted uses via § 17.08.020)

Purpose: Not found in source materials.
Typical permitted uses: Governed by the land-use table in § 17.08.020; see also § 17.12.020.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.
Nonconformity rules here: A lawfully established but now-disallowed use may continue; no enlargement of the nonconforming use area; structural work cannot increase noncompliance; discontinuance for 6 months ends the right (§ 17.90.040–§ 17.90.060).

Districts referenced by § 17.14.020 (permitted uses via § 17.08.020)

Purpose: Not found in source materials.
Typical permitted uses: See § 17.08.020; § 17.14.020 confirms the table governs this district family.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.
Nonconformity rules here: Same Chapter 17.90 controls (continuance allowed; expansion restricted; 6‑month discontinuance standard; CUP needed to change to a different nonconforming use) (§ 17.90.040–§ 17.90.060; § 17.90.110).

Districts referenced by § 17.36.020 (permitted uses via § 17.08.030)

Purpose: Not found in source materials.
Typical permitted uses: Governed by § 17.08.030 per § 17.36.020.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.
Nonconformity rules here: Continuance but no intensification; structural alterations cannot increase noncompliance; 30-day removal possible on violation for certain low-value or no-structure uses (§ 17.90.040; § 17.90.060; § 17.90.090).

Districts referenced by § 17.42.020 (permitted uses via § 17.08.030)

Purpose: Not found in source materials.
Typical permitted uses: As listed in § 17.08.030 per § 17.42.020.
Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
Where it applies: Verify with the jurisdiction.
Nonconformity rules here: Use may continue if lawfully established; changing to another nonconforming use requires a CUP; parking deficits alone do not make a use nonconforming (§ 17.90.110; § 17.90.030(C)).

Decision-relevant nonconforming standards (quick compare)

Topic	Rule of Thumb	Code Reference
What is a nonconforming use?	Lawful when started; now disallowed by current use regs	§ 17.90.030(A)
Annexed county uses	Lawful county uses that don’t match Hanford regs after annexation are nonconforming	§ 17.90.030(B)
Parking-only shortfall	Parking/loading deficiency alone does not create a nonconforming use	§ 17.90.030(C)
Nonconforming structures	No moving/altering/enlarging that increases floor area or noncompliance; routine maintenance ok	§ 17.90.040(B), (D)
Space for nonconforming use	Cannot enlarge area occupied by the nonconforming use within a structure	§ 17.90.040(C)
New structures tied to NC use	New structures that contribute to a nonconforming use are prohibited, except per § 17.90.070	§ 17.90.040(E)
Nonconforming lots	Can’t subdivide/adjust lines unless conformity is improved; may build a conforming structure; any allowed use may occur	§ 17.90.050(B)–(D)
Discontinuance	After continuous 6 months of stop/change to conforming, NC use cannot be reestablished	§ 17.90.060(A)
Ag. crop production	May continue; no increase in intensity	§ 17.90.060(B)
Animal raising	May continue; type/number cannot change; abandonment rule doesn’t apply	§ 17.90.060(C)
Removal on violation	Removal required within 30 days unless otherwise stated	§ 17.90.090(A)
Low-value/no-structure NC uses	If no structure or structure assessed < $1,000, discontinue/remove or convert to conforming	§ 17.90.090(B)
Deviations authority	Director/City Council may approve deviations where necessary and safe	§ 17.48.080

Practical guidance for applicants

Confirm your use was lawful when it began; gather permits, licenses, and dated records. Use status is determined against the applicable land-use table in § 17.08.020 or § 17.08.030 (see § 17.12.020; § 17.14.020; § 17.36.020; § 17.42.020). Start at the Hanford Zoning and Hanford Land Use pages.
Track operations carefully: a continuous 6-month shutdown ends nonconforming use rights (§ 17.90.060(A)).
Avoid expanding floor area or intensifying any nonconformity; only routine maintenance is clearly allowed for nonconforming structures (§ 17.90.040(B), (D)). If bringing a structure into full compliance, standard Hanford Development Standards apply.
To change one nonconforming use to a different nonconforming use, prepare a CUP showing no greater impact on character, traffic, or nuisance factors (§ 17.90.110).
Parking shortfalls alone do not make your use nonconforming, but any expansion or change still must meet today’s parking requirements (§ 17.90.030(C)).
Watch for area-specific rules in Overlay Districts and potential Design Review triggers for site or facade work.
If cited for a violation, note that certain nonconforming uses must be removed within 30 days and some low-value/no-structure situations require discontinuance (§ 17.90.090).

Checklist

Document the use/structure/lot was lawfully established (permits, dates, annexation history) (§ 17.90.020; § 17.90.030).
Confirm you are not “nonconforming” solely due to a parking/loading shortfall (§ 17.90.030(C)).
For nonconforming structures, limit work to routine maintenance unless the work makes it fully conforming (§ 17.90.040(B), (D)).
Do not enlarge the space devoted to a nonconforming use (§ 17.90.040(C)).
If operations stop, avoid a continuous 6‑month gap that would terminate rights (§ 17.90.060(A)).
For agricultural NC uses, maintain or reduce intensity; do not change type/number of animals (§ 17.90.060(B)–(C)).
For nonconforming lots, avoid subdivisions/lot line adjustments that don’t reduce nonconformity (§ 17.90.050(B)).
To switch to another NC use, prepare a CUP and findings under Chapter 17.80 (§ 17.90.110(A)–(B)).
If a violation notice is issued, comply with any 30-day removal or conversion requirements (§ 17.90.090(A)–(B)).
If needed, discuss a potential deviation with staff under § 17.48.080 (not a guarantee).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Evidence of “continuous 6 months” discontinuance	Losing NC status can force a full change to conforming use	Business licenses, utility bills, lease records; align with § 17.90.060(A)
What is “routine maintenance” vs. an “alteration”	Crossing the line can trigger a violation	Scope of work with staff; ensure no floor area increase or standards gap per § 17.90.040(B), (D)
“Increase in intensity” for ag uses	Can invalidate agricultural NC continuance	Crop acreage, cycles, yields; animal counts/types; § 17.90.060(B)–(C)
Assessed valuation < $1,000	Triggers mandatory removal/conversion	Which assessment (county roll), valuation date, documentation; § 17.90.090(B)
New accessory structures to NC uses	Generally prohibited if they contribute to the NC use	Whether § 17.90.070 allows a narrow exception; Not found in source materials; § 17.90.040(E)
Subdividing/lot line adjustments on NC lots	May worsen nonconformity or create new NC situations	Demonstrate the change reduces nonconformity; § 17.90.050(B)
District-specific dimensional standards	Influence whether a structure is NC and how to make it conform	Current setbacks, height, coverage by district; Not found in source materials
Overlay/historic constraints	Separate rules may affect changes even if NC rules allow continuance	Overlay maps and any historic review; Overlay Districts, Historic Preservation

Plain-English Summary

Hanford lets legally established but now-out-of-compliance uses, buildings, and lots keep operating, but it draws hard lines: no expansions that deepen the mismatch, and stopping for six months ends the right to restart. Special carve-outs let some agricultural uses continue without intensifying. To swap one nonconforming use for another, you need a CUP showing no added impacts. Parking shortages alone don’t make your use nonconforming.

Information Gaps

Specific base district names (e.g., “R-1,” “C-N”) and their dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
The detailed allowance in § 17.90.070 referenced by § 17.90.040(E): Not found in source materials.
The exact contents of the land-use tables in § 17.08.020 and § 17.08.030: Not found in source materials.
District purposes and geographies (“where it applies”) for chapters tied to § 17.12.020, § 17.14.020, § 17.36.020, § 17.42.020: Not found in source materials.

Source References

Hanford Zoning Code Title 17, Nonconformities: § 17.90.010 (Purpose); § 17.90.020 (Applicability); § 17.90.030 (Nonconforming uses); § 17.90.040 (Nonconforming structures); § 17.90.050 (Nonconforming lots); § 17.90.060 (Discontinuance); § 17.90.090 (Removal); § 17.90.110 (Change of nonconforming uses).
Applicability and deviations: § 17.50.020 (Applicability to all zones); § 17.48.080 (Deviation from standards).
District chapters referencing land-use tables: § 17.12.020; § 17.14.020; § 17.36.020; § 17.42.020.
Land-use tables: § 17.08.020; § 17.08.030 (as cited in the above sections).

Sources

Source passages

Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.90.050) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.90.030) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.90.010) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.90.020) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.90.060) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.42.020) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.90.040) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.48.080) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.14.020) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.90.090) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.50.020) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.12.020) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.90.110) Medium relevance
Hanford Zoning Code (§ 17.36.020) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Official Hanford code library

Frequently asked questions

What is a “nonconforming use” in Hanford?

It’s a use that was lawful when it began but no longer matches the current permitted uses in the zone; annexed county uses that became inconsistent also qualify (§ 17.90.030(A)–(B)). A parking or loading shortfall by itself does not make a use nonconforming (§ 17.90.030(C)).

How long can a nonconforming use stop before I lose it?

If a nonconforming use is abandoned, discontinued, or changed to a conforming use for a continuous period of six months, it cannot be restarted; the site must thereafter comply with current zoning (§ 17.90.060(A)). Keep clear records to avoid disputes.

Can I expand or remodel a nonconforming building?

Routine maintenance and repairs are allowed, but you cannot move, alter, or enlarge a nonconforming structure in a way that increases floor area or increases the deviation from standards, unless the work makes it fully conforming or is required by law (§ 17.90.040(B), (D)).

Can I change from one nonconforming use to another?

Possibly. You need a Conditional Use Permit, and the City must find the new use does not worsen neighborhood character, traffic, nuisance impacts, or public welfare compared to the existing nonconforming use (§ 17.90.110(A)–(B)). Plan to document each finding.

Do parking shortages make my use nonconforming?

No. A lawful use is not deemed nonconforming just because it lacks the current minimum on-site parking or loading (§ 17.90.030(C)). However, any new expansion or change must meet today’s parking standards.

What happens to nonconforming agricultural uses?

Nonconforming crop production may continue, but intensity cannot increase (§ 17.90.060(B)). Nonconforming animal raising may continue without changing the type or number of animals, and the abandonment/discontinuance rule does not apply to that category (§ 17.90.060(C)).

Can I build on a nonconforming lot?

Yes, a structure that otherwise conforms to today’s standards may be built on a legally created nonconforming lot, and the lot may be used for any use allowed in its zone (§ 17.90.050(C)–(D)). Subdividing or adjusting lot lines must reduce nonconformity and cannot create a new nonconforming situation (§ 17.90.050(B)).

If cited for a violation, how fast must a nonconforming use be removed?

The Code allows the City to require removal within 30 days unless a different deadline is in the notice (§ 17.90.090(A)). Nonconforming uses with no structure or with structures assessed at less than $1,000 must be discontinued and removed or converted to conforming (§ 17.90.090(B)).

Which districts do these nonconforming rules cover?

All zone districts, unless a chapter specifically says otherwise (§ 17.50.020; § 17.90.020). Whether a use is currently allowed is checked against the land-use tables in § 17.08.020 or § 17.08.030 as cited by district chapters (§ 17.12.020; § 17.14.020; § 17.36.020; § 17.42.020).

Can the City approve a deviation related to a nonconforming condition?

The Community Development Director or City Council may approve a deviation from Title 17 if necessary to achieve the chapter’s purposes and if it won’t harm public health, safety, or welfare (§ 17.48.080). Verify process and criteria with staff.

General information, not legal advice.

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