Development Code

Grover Beach Municipal Code Article IX

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On June 13, 2022, the Grover Beach City Council adopted Ordinance 22-06, a Development Code amendment which revised most of the Chapters. Effective July 13, 2022, the amendment applied to the the area of the City that is not within the Coastal Zone . The amendment became effective for properties within the Coastal Zone on December 16, 2022. 

Please see the map below showing properties within the coastal zone versus properties outside of the coastal zone (properties in grey are outside the coastal zone).

Table of Contents (PDF) 



Chapter 1 (PDF) - Purpose and Applicability

  • Applicability of Development Code
  • Rules of Interpretation
  • Relationship to General Plan and Local Coastal Program

Chapter 2 (PDF) - Zones and Allowable Land Uses

Establishment and Designations of Zones, Development Standards, Design Standards, Allowable Uses, and Permit Requirements
  • Residential Zones
  • Commercial Zones
  • Industrial Zones
  • Public Facilities Zone
  • Parks & Recreation Zone
  • Open Space Zones
  • Urban Reserve Zone
  • Overlay Zones

Chapter 3 (PDF) – Standards for All Development and Land Uses 

Additional Development Standards, Design Standards, and Permit Requirements related to site planning, project design, and operation of land uses 
  • Fences, Walls and Screening
  • Fractional Density for Multi-Unit Developments 
  • Height Limits and Exceptions
  • Lot Coverage and Exceptions 
  • Outdoor Lighting
  • Open Space for Residential Uses 
  • Performance Standards
  • Reasonable Accommodation
  • Screening 
  • Setback Requirements and Exceptions
  • Trash Enclosures 
  • Upper Story/Rooftop Decks and Open Space
  • Affordable Housing Density Bonuses and Concessions/Incentives
  • Landscaping Standards
  • Mobile Home Park Conversion Process
  • Parking Regulations
  • Sign Regulations

Chapter 4 (PDF) – Standards for Specific Development and Land Uses

Additional Development Standards, Design Standards, and Permit Requirements related to site planning, project design, and operation for specific land uses
  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
  • Accessory Retail and Service Uses
  • Accessory Structures
  • Commercial Cannabis Activity & Uses
  • Caretaker's Residences
  • Child Day Care - day-Care Home 
  • Live Entertainment
  • Live/Work Units
  • Low Barrier Navigation Centers 
  • Massage Establishments
  • Mobile Vendors
  • Outdoor Storage and Work Areas
  • Personal Health/Fitness Studios
  • Personal Storage Facilities
  • Recycling Facilities
  • Resale Stores
  • Senior Housing
  • Short-Term Rentals
  • Sidewalk Seating for Outdoor Dining
  • Single Room Occupancy Facilities
  • Thrift Stores
  • Tiny Houses in Residential Zones
  • Adult Businesses
  • Residential and Mixed Use Objective Design Standards
  • Telecommunications Facilities

Chapter 5 (PDF) – Site Development Standards


  • Flood Hazard Area Use Control
  • Street Improvements
  • Street Tree Regulations
  • Utility Undergrounding
  • Grading and Drainage
  • Stormwater Construction and Post-Construction Management

Chapter 6 (PDF) – Procedures

Permit Types, Procedures, and Requirements
  • Permit Application Filing and Processing
  • Permit Review and Decisions
  • Permit Implementation, Time Limits, Extensions, and Revocations
  • Affordable Housing Streamlined Review 

Chapter 7 (PDF) – Administration

  • Public Hearings
  • Appeals
  • Amendments
  • Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots

Chapter 8 (PDF) – Subdivision Regulations


  • General Provisions
  • General Requirements
  • Subdivision Maps, Vesting Tentative Subdivision Maps, and Parcel Maps: Procedures
  • Tentative Subdivision or Parcel Map, and Vesting Subdivision Map: Preparation, Form, and Other Requirements
  • Final Map Form, Preparation, and Other Requirements
  • Lot Line Adjustment
  • Subdivision Design and Improvements
  • Dedications
  • Subdivision Improvement Requirements
  • Subdivision Exceptions
  • Reversion to Acreage
  • Lot Merger
  • Condominium Conversions
  • Fees
  • Enforcement
  • Urban Lot Splits

Chapter 9 (PDF) – Definitions

Definitions of terms and phrases used in the Development Code that are technical or specialized, or that may not reflect common usage
  • Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases
  • Coastal Act Definitions
  • Adult Business Definitions
  • Short-Term Rental Definitions
  • Sign Regulation Definitions

Appendix A (PDF) – Planned Development Overlay Zones