Pacific Grove · Zoning · C-1
Pacific Grove C-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Pacific Grove's C-1 zone, buildings can be up to 45 ft tall and the front setback is 0 ft (Pacific Grove code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 90%
- Maximum density: 30 units per acre
C-1 is a zoning district in Pacific Grove. Every value below was read from the Pacific Grove Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in C-1
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 45 ft § 23.31.040 · code textTable row “Building height (max.) 4”, column “C-1 7”: 45' |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft § 23.31.040 · code textTable row “Front, min. (max.) 6”, column “C-1 7”: 0' |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 23.31.040 · code textTable row “Side (min.), except:”, column “C-1 7”: 0' |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft § 23.31.040 · code textTable row “Rear (min.), except:”, column “C-1 7”: 0' |
| Maximum lot coverage | 90% § 23.31.040 · code textTable row “Site coverage (max.)”, column “C-1 7”: 90% |
| Maximum density | 30 units per acre See note 7 below the table in the code. § 23.31.040 · code textTable row “Dwelling units per net acre”, column “C-1 7”: Min. 20 units per acre, rounded up to the nearest whole unit. 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. Note 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% of the total floor area shall be residential. |
Uses in C-1
Uses the code's use tables allow in C-1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs an use permit
- Church or place of worship — Allowed — see note
- Community garden — Needs an administrative use permit — see note
- Kennel — Allowed — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-1:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Residential/mixed-use § 23.31.040
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — Adjacent to residential zone § 23.31.040
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — Adjacent to residential zone § 23.31.040
- Maximum density: up to 30 units per net acre — in Coastal Zones: the maximum the nearest general plan residential category allows, never above 30 per net acre § 23.31.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, FAR limit for C-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Pacific Grove Municipal Code.
Other Pacific Grove zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Pacific Grove's C-1 zone?
45 ft — Pacific Grove Municipal Code § 23.31.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Pacific Grove's C-1 zone?
0 ft — Pacific Grove Municipal Code § 23.31.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Pacific Grove's C-1 zone?
0 ft — Pacific Grove Municipal Code § 23.31.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Pacific Grove's C-1 zone?
0 ft — Pacific Grove Municipal Code § 23.31.040.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Pacific Grove's C-1 zone?
90% — Pacific Grove Municipal Code § 23.31.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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