Pacific Grove · Land use · Duplex
Where is a duplex allowed in Pacific Grove?
In Pacific Grove, a duplex is allowed in 10 base zones (R-2, R-3, R-3-P.G.R., R-3-M, R-4 and 5 more), needs an use permit in 2 (R-3-P.G.B. and I) and not allowed in 1 (Pacific Grove use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-2, R-3, R-3-P.G.R., R-3-M, R-4, C-1, C-1-T, C-D and 2 more
- Needs a permit: R-3-P.G.B. and I
- Not allowed: C-V
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Pacific Grove Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a duplex can go
Pacific Grove's code calls this use “Duplex”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-2 | Allowed | § 23.20.020 |
| R-3 | Allowed | § 23.24.020 |
| R-3-P.G.R. | Allowed | § 23.26.020 |
| R-3-M | Allowed | § 23.52.020 |
| R-4 | Allowed | § 23.28.020 |
| C-1 Light Commercial | Allowed | § 23.31.030 |
| C-1-T Light Commercial and Hotel | Allowed | § 23.31.030 |
| C-D Downtown Commercial | Allowed | § 23.31.030 |
| C-FH Forest Hill Commercial | Allowed | § 23.31.030 |
| C-2 Heavy Commercial | Allowed | § 23.31.030 |
| R-3-P.G.B. | Needs an use permit | § 23.57.020 |
| I Restricted Industrial | Needs an use permit | § 23.31.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
C-V.
What else applies
- State law: SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21) allows two homes on most single-family lots with a ministerial permit, also where this table says no.
- Not covered here: O, U, M-H and PUD districts have no use-by-use list; Residential zone names are not stated in the packet; R-1 narrative list does not say unlisted uses are prohibited, so no "no" cells are given for residential districts. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Pacific Grove
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a duplex in the R-3-P.G.B. zone in Pacific Grove?
Only with an use permit. Pacific Grove's use table lists it that way in R-3-P.G.B. (§ 23.57.020).
Can I have a duplex in the C-V zone in Pacific Grove?
No. Pacific Grove's use table does not allow it in C-V (Visitor Commercial) (§ 23.31.030).
Can I have a duplex in the R-2 zone in Pacific Grove?
Yes. Pacific Grove's use table lists it as allowed in R-2 (§ 23.20.020).
General information, not legal advice.
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