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Oakland City Zoning Code

Chapter 17.114

NONCONFORMING USES

17.114.010 - Title, purpose, and applicability.

The provisions of this Chapter shall be known as the Nonconforming Use Regulations. The purpose of these regulations is to control, ameliorate, or terminate uses which do not conform to the zoning regulations. These regulations shall apply to all nonconforming uses.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; prior planning code § 7400)

17.114.020 - Definitions.

As used in this Chapter:

"Alteration" means an enlargement; addition; demolition; removal; relocation; repair; remodeling; change in number of living units; development of or change in an open area; development of or change in a Sign, by painting or otherwise; or any other change in a facility, but excluding painting except as provided above for Signs, and ordinary maintenance for which no building permit is required.

"Nonconforming activity" means an activity which, under the zoning regulations, is not itself a permitted activity where it is located or does not conform to the off-street parking or loading requirements, performance standards, or other requirements applying to activities. However, an activity of the character described above shall not be deemed a nonconforming activity to the extent that it has been or is hereafter authorized by a subsisting conditional use permit, variance, or other special zoning approval.

"Nonconforming facility" means a facility which, under the zoning regulations, is not itself a permitted facility where it is located or does not conform to the density, Floor-Area Ratio (FAR), height, yard, court, buffering, landscaping or screening, or usable open space requirements; limitations on Signs; or other requirements applying to facilities. However, a facility of the character described above shall not be deemed a nonconforming facility to the extent that it has been or is hereafter authorized by a subsisting conditional use permit, variance, or other special zoning approval.

"Nonconforming use" means a nonconforming activity or a nonconforming facility.

"Substitution of activities" means the replacement of an existing activity by a new activity, or a change in the nature of an existing activity. It does not include a change of ownership, tenancy, or management where the previous line of business or other function is substantially unchanged.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 12999, § 4(Exh. A), 3-16-2010; Prior planning code § 7401)

17.114.030 - Effect of prior permits.

A.

Fundamental Vested Rights Not Abrogated By Code Adoption or Amendment. The adoption of, or amendment to, the Planning Code (Chapter 17), including without limitation, ordinances enacted pursuant to Oakland City Charter Section 213 (Emergency Ordinances) and/or ordinances enacted pursuant Government Code Section 65858 (Urgency Measure/moratoria), shall not abrogate any fundamental vested rights established pursuant to State law, including, without limitation, those established pursuant to the prior valid adoption and execution of a development agreement under Section 17.138.015 and the development agreement procedure in Chapter 17.138. Absent the prior establishment of such vested rights, any Planning Code adoption or amendment shall apply.

B.

Alcoholic Beverage Control Licenses. On premises for which a valid State of California Alcoholic Beverage Control license had been issued, and which premises had been used in the exercise of the rights and privileges conferred by the license at a time immediately prior to the effective date of the applicable provisions of Section 17.103.030, the premises may hereafter be used in the exercise of the same rights and privileges without requiring a conditional use permit or having to meet the provisions of the aforesaid section. The uses as they result that do not conform to the zoning regulations shall be deemed a nonconforming use and subject to the nonconforming use regulations, except as otherwise provided in Sections 17.114.020 and 17.114.030. For the purposes of this Subsection, the word "premises" shall mean and include only the actual space within a building devoted to the sale of alcoholic beverages on said effective date.

(Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Prior planning code § 7402)

17.114.040 - Right to continue nonconforming use, subject to limitations.

A.

Right to Continue. A nonconforming use which is in existence on the effective date of the zoning regulations or of any subsequent rezoning or other amendment thereto which makes such use nonconforming, and which existed lawfully under the previous zoning controls, or which is subsequently developed or changed pursuant to Section 17.114.030, may thereafter be continued and maintained indefinitely, and the rights to such use shall run with the land, except as otherwise specified in the nonconforming use regulations. However, no substitution, extension, or other change in activities and no alteration or other change in facilities is permitted except as otherwise provided in Section 17.114.030 and except as specifically provided hereinafter.

B.

Limitation on Right to Continue Nonconforming Auto and Truck-Related Activities in All Districts. As used in regards to all such nonconforming Auto and Truck-Related Activities, the word "activity" refers solely to the unique function or operation occurring on the affected property, and does not refer to any other activity within an activity type with which that activity is grouped. Any right to substitute, extend or alter an existing auto or truck-related activity refers solely to the specific existing function or operation, and does not provide any right to substitute, extend or alter that activity with any other type of activity within the activity type with which the activity is grouped.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Ord. No. 12999, § 4(Exh. A), 3-16-2010; Ord. 12368 § 3, 2001: prior planning code § 7403)

17.114.050 - Nonconforming Activity—Discontinuance.

A.

Activity Nonconforming Because It Is Not a Permitted Activity. Other than: 1) an Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial Activity, 2) an Automotive Servicing or Automotive Repair and Cleaning Activity in the D-BV Zones, or 3) Truck-Intensive Industrial Activities as defined in Section 17.103.065, Trucking and Truck-Related Industrial Activities, and Recycling and Waste-Related Industrial Activities in the M-40, CIX, IG, IO, D-DT-JLI, D-CE-5, D-CE-6, D-CO-5, and D-CO-6 Zones, whenever an activity that is nonconforming wholly or partly because it is not itself a permitted activity where it is located, occupies four hundred (400) square feet or more of floor area and hereafter discontinues active operation for a continuous period of one (1) year, or occupies less than four hundred (400) square feet of floor area and hereafter discontinues active operation for a continuous period of six (6) months, and the facilities accommodating or serving such activity are not utilized for another activity during such period, said facilities may thereafter be utilized only for a normally permitted or conditionally permitted activity pursuant to Subsection 17.114.070.A., except the former activity may be resumed after a longer period upon the granting of a conditional use permit pursuant to the conditional use permit procedure in Chapter 17.134.

B.

Whenever a nonconforming Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial Activity, or sale of alcoholic beverages at any full-service restaurant in a location described by Subsection 17.103.030.B, discontinues active operation for more than ninety (90) days or ceases to be licensed by the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, it may only be resumed upon the granting of a conditional use permit pursuant to the conditional use permit procedure in Chapter 17.134. However, if another activity has replaced it, the former activity may thereafter be resumed if and only if such resumption would constitute an allowable change under Subsection 17.114.070.A. Section 17.114.060 shall also apply.

C.

Whenever a nonconforming Automotive Servicing or Automotive Repair and Cleaning Activity in the D-BV Zones discontinues active operation for more than six (6) months, it may only be resumed upon the granting of a conditional use permit pursuant to the conditional use permit procedure in Chapter 17.134. However, if another activity has replaced it, the former activity may thereafter be resumed if and only if such resumption would constitute an allowable change under Subsection 17.114.070.A. Section 17.114.060 shall also apply.

D.

Whenever a nonconforming Truck-Intensive Industrial Activities as defined in Section 17.103.065, Trucking and Truck-Related Industrial Activity, or Recycling and Waste-Related Industrial Activity in the M-40, CIX, IG, IO, D-CE-5, D-CE-6, D-CO-5, and D-CO-6 Zones discontinues active operation for more than zero (0) days, based on purposeful abandonment, the right to continue the nonconforming use shall expire immediately upon discontinuance of use. However, if another activity has replaced it, the former activity may thereafter only be resumed if and only if such resumption would constitute an allowable change under Subsection 17.114.070.A. Section 17.114.060 shall also apply.

E.

Activity Nonconforming for Other Reasons. A nonconforming activity which is itself a permitted activity where it is located, and which is nonconforming only as to applicable off-street parking or loading requirements, performance standards, or other requirements applying to activities, may be resumed regardless of the period during which it may have discontinued active operation. However, if another activity has replaced it, the former activity may thereafter be resumed only if such resumption would constitute an allowable change under Section 17.114.070B. Section 17.114.060 shall also apply.

(Ord. No. 13812, § 4(Exh. A), 7-30-2024; Ord. No. 13763, § 5, 10-3-2023; Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13270, § 3(Exh. A), 11-18-2014; Ord. No. 13251, § 5(Exh. A), 7-29-2014; Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Ord. No. 12999, § 4(Exh. A), 3-16-2010; Ord. No. 12939, § 4(Exh. A), 6-16-2009; Ord. 12899 § 4, Exh. A (part), 2008; Ord. 12017 § 2, 1997; prior planning code § 7420)

17.114.060 - Nonconforming Activity—Damage or destruction.

A.

Nonconforming Nonresidential Activities. Facilities accommodating or serving a nonconforming Nonresidential Activity which are damaged or destroyed to the extent of not more than seventy-five percent (75%) may be restored to their prior condition and occupancy. If such damage or destruction exceeds seventy-five percent (75%), the facilities may thereafter only be restored to accommodate or serve the prior nonconforming activity upon the granting of a conditional use permit pursuant to the conditional use permit procedure in Chapter 17.134.

B.

Nonconforming Residential Activities. Facilities accommodating or serving a nonconforming Residential Activity which are damaged or destroyed to the extent of not more than seventy-five percent (75%) may be restored to their prior condition and occupancy. If such damage or destruction exceeds seventy-five percent (75%), the facilities may thereafter only be restored to accommodate or serve the prior nonconforming Residential Activity provided all of the following conditions are met:

1.

That documentation is provided which substantiates that such damage or destruction occurred involuntarily with respect to the owner of said facility or unit(s);

2.

That no expansion in the number of living units occurs;

3.

That plans for the proposal are approved pursuant to the design review procedure in Chapter 17.136; and

4.

That a building permit is sought and obtained no later than three (3) years after the date of the facility's damage or destruction; the facility is repaired or replaced in compliance with the building code; and construction pursuant thereto is diligently pursued to completion.

If all of the preceding requirements are not met, the replacement or restoration of such facilities may be permitted upon the granting of a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to the Conditional Use Permit procedure in Chapter 17.134.

(Ord. No. 13763, § 5, 10-3-2023; Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Ord. No. 13064, § 2(Exh. A), 3-15-2011; Ord. No. 12999, § 4(Exh. A), 3-16-2010; Ord. 12776 § 3, Exh. A (part), 2006: Ord. 11861 § 7, 1996: prior planning code § 7421)

17.114.070 - Nonconforming Activity—Allowed substitutions and other changes in activity.

A.

Activity Nonconforming Because It Is Not a Permitted Activity. The activities specified in the following table may be substituted for any of the indicated activities which is nonconforming wholly or partly because it is not itself a permitted activity where it is located:

Zone Prior Nonconforming Activity Activity Which May be Substituted for Prior
Activity, Subject to the Provisions Listed Below This Table
Any zone. Any such activity. Any activity otherwise permitted or, upon the granting of a Conditional Use Permit pursuant to the Conditional Use Permit procedure in Chapter 17.134, any activity otherwise conditionally permitted in the same location.
Any Residential Zone or S-1 or S-3 Zone. Any such Industrial Activity where it is not a permitted or conditionally permitted activity. Any Commercial Activity permitted in the CN-4 Zone.
The following such Commercial Activities where they are not a permitted or conditionally permitted activity:
Research Service (see below)
General Wholesale Sales (see below)
Building Material Sales (see below)
Automobile and Other Light Vehicle Sales and Rental (see below)
Automotive and Other Light Vehicle Repair and Cleaning (see below)
Taxi and Light Fleet-Based Service (see below)
Animal Care (see below)
Animal Boarding (see below)
Undertaking Service (see below)
Scrap Operation (see below)
Any Commercial Activity permitted in the CC-2 Zone.
The following such Commercial Activities where they are not a permitted or conditionally permitted activity:
General Food Sales (see below)
Full-service restaurant (see below)
Limited Service Restaurant and Cafe (see below)
Fast-Food Restaurant (see below)
Convenience Market (see below)
Alcoholic Beverage Sales (see below)
Mechanical or Electronic Games (see below)
General Retail Sales (see below)
Consumer Service (see below)
Consumer Cleaning and Repair Service (see below)
Consumer Dry Cleaning Plant (see below)
Group Assembly (see below)
Personal Instruction and Improvement Services (see below)
Business, Communication, and Media Service (see below)
Broadcasting and Recording Service (see below)
Any Commercial Activity permitted in the CN-4 Zone.
The following such Commercial Activities where they are not a permitted or conditionally permitted activities:
Medical Service (see below)
Consultative and Financial Service (see below)
Administrative (see below)
Administrative Civic Activities. Administrative Commercial Activities. Medical Service. Consultative and Financial Service.
Any other Commercial Activity where it is not a permitted or conditionally permitted activity. Any Commercial Activity permitted in the CC-2 Zone.
Any Commercial Zone. Any such Commercial or Industrial Activity where it is not a permitted or conditionally permitted activity. Any Commercial Activity permitted in the CC-2 Zone.
Any Industrial Zone. Any such Commercial or Industrial Activity where it is not a permitted or conditionally permitted activity. Any Commercial Activity permitted in the CC-2 Zone.

 

Changes that do not constitute substitutions may be made in any activity which is nonconforming wholly or partly because it is not itself a permitted activity where it is located. The above substitutions and other changes may be made without regard for requirements on off-street parking and loading, conduct of activities within enclosed buildings, means of customer access, and total floor area which normally apply to activities, except as otherwise provided in Section 17.116.020.C. However:

1.

If the nonconforming activity is itself conditionally permitted where it is located, no substitution or other change shall be made in it which would conflict with, or further conflict with, any requirement on off-street parking or loading, conduct of activities within enclosed buildings, means of customer access, or total floor area which normally applies to activities. (Changes which are allowed by Section 17.116.020B shall not be deemed to conflict or further conflict with the parking or loading requirements).

2.

Conversions of dwelling units to use by a Nonresidential Activity shall be subject, where applicable, to the provisions of Section 17.102.230.

3.

If the nonconforming activity is located at ground level on any lot in the CN-1 or CN-2 Zone, no change shall be made in the nature of the particular activity, except when the result is itself permitted in the same location, unless a Conditional Use Permit is granted pursuant to the Conditional Use Permit procedure. This does not restrict a change in ownership, tenancy, or management where the previous line of business or other function is not changed.

4.

For any nonconforming Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial Activity presently located in any zone in which it is not a permitted activity, no change shall be made in the activity which change requires obtaining a different type of alcoholic beverage sale retail license from the state of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

5.

No substitution or other change shall be made in any nonconforming activity which would conflict, or further conflict, with any applicable provision of the performance standards in Chapter 17.120, or of any kind of requirement not mentioned hereinabove which applies to activities.

6.

In cases of discontinuance, damage, or destruction, the pertinent provisions of Sections 17.114.050 or 17.114.060 shall also apply.

If the activity resulting from a change allowed above is not a normally permitted and otherwise conforming activity, and is not authorized by a Conditional Use Permit or other special zoning approval, it shall be deemed a nonconforming activity and changes in it shall be subject to this Section.

B.

Activity Nonconforming for Other Reasons. Except as otherwise provided in Sections 17.114.050 and 17.114.060, an activity which is itself permitted or, upon the granting of a conditional use permit pursuant to the conditional use permit procedure, an activity which is itself conditionally permitted may be substituted for any activity which is itself a permitted activity where it is located and which is nonconforming only as to applicable off-street parking or loading requirements, performance standards, or other requirements applying to activities. Changes other than substitutions may also be made in such activities. However, no substitution or other change shall be made which would create any new nonconformity, or increase any existing nonconforming, with respect to said requirements. (Changes which are allowed by Section 17.116.020.B shall not be deemed to conflict or further conflict with the parking or loading requirements.) If the activity resulting from the change does not meet such requirements, and is not authorized by a conditional use permit or other special zoning approval, it shall be deemed nonconforming and changes in it shall be subject to this Subsection.

(Ord. No. 13812, § 4(Exh. A), 7-30-2024; Ord. No. 13763, § 5, 10-3-2023; Ord. No. 13596, § 2(Exh. A), 6-2-2020; Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Ord. No. 13064, § 2(Exh. A), 3-15-2011; Ord. No. 12999, § 4(Exh. A), 3-16-2010; Ord. No. 12939, § 4(Exh. A), 6-16-2009; Ord. 12899 § 4, Exh. A (part), 2008; Ord. 12289 § 4 (part), 2000; Ord. 12016 § 2 (part), 1997; prior planning code § 7422)

17.114.080 - Nonconforming Activity—Allowed alterations and extensions.

A.

Nonresidential Activity Nonconforming Because It Is Not a Permitted Activity. Except as otherwise provided in Section 17.114.060, a Nonresidential Activity which is nonconforming wholly or partly because it is not itself a permitted activity where it is located may be extended, and the facilities accommodating or serving such activity may be altered or otherwise changed, subject to the requirements normally applying to uses where the activity is located and subject to the following provisions and exceptions:

1.

Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (A)(3) of this Section, the floor area and overall outside dimensions of any building, or portion thereof, devoted to such activity shall not be increased; no open parking, loading, sales, display, service, production, or storage area accommodating or serving such activity shall be relocated or increased in size; and no such building or open area shall be wholly reconstructed. However, in the case of an establishment classified as an Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial Activity, the total floor area, open areas, or outside building dimensions occupied by the establishment may be increased as long as the amount of space actually devoted to the sale of alcoholic beverages is not increased by more than twenty percent (20%) of that already existing. See Tables 17.15.01 (L4), 17.17.01 (L4), and 17.19.01 (L7) for restrictions to this allowable expansion in the RD, RM, and RU Zones.

2.

In the case of an establishment classified as an Alcoholic Beverage Sales Commercial Activity, the percentage of actual floor area devoted to the sale of alcoholic beverages shall not be increased by more than twenty percent (20%) of that already existing, except upon the granting of a conditional use permit pursuant to the conditional use permit procedure in Chapter 17.134.

3.

New, wholly reconstructed, enlarged, or relocated structures or open areas devoted to off-street parking or loading serving such activity may be provided wherever Automotive Fee Parking Commercial Activities are permitted or, upon the granting of a conditional use permit pursuant to the conditional use permit procedure in Chapter 17.134, wherever Automotive Fee Parking Commercial Activities are conditionally permitted. In Residential Zones, such facilities for off-street parking may be provided in the situations, and subject to the conditions, prescribed in Section 17.116.075.

4.

New Signs may be provided for such activity, but the aggregate area of display surface of all Signs serving such activity shall not be increased. All Signs shall be subject to the limitations, other than aggregate area of display surface, normally applying to Signs where they are located.

5.

During any five-year period, beginning on or after the effective date of the zoning regulations or of any subsequent rezoning or other amendment thereto which makes such activity thus nonconforming, the aggregate cost of all alterations for which a building or sign permit is required, and which are intended for any activity subject to this Subsection, shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the replacement cost, as estimated by the Building Services Department, of the facilities accommodating or serving such activity at the beginning of said period. However, the cost of alterations ordered by any governmental agency or permitted by Section 17.114.060 shall be exempt from said maximum cost.

6.

No facility accommodating a nonconforming Automobile and Other Light Vehicle Gas Station and Servicing or Automotive and Other Light Vehicle Repair and Cleaning Commercial Activity shall be altered in exterior appearance, unless plans for the proposal have been approved pursuant to the design review procedure in Chapter 17.136.

7.

A nonconforming Automobile and Other Light Vehicle Gas Station and Servicing or Automotive and Other Light Vehicle Repair and Cleaning Commercial Activity in the HBX-1 Zone may be extended, and the facilities accommodating or serving such activity may be altered or otherwise changed upon the granting of a conditional use permit (see Chapter 17.134) and approval pursuant to the Regular design review procedure in Chapter 17.136. This conditional use permit and design review approval may be granted only upon determination that the proposal is adequately buffered from the street and surrounding Residential Activities through landscaping and fencing.

B.

Residential Activity Nonconforming Because It Is Not a Permitted Activity. Except as otherwise provided in Section 17.114.060, a Residential Activity which is nonconforming wholly or partly because it is not itself a permitted activity where it is located may be extended, and the facilities accommodating or serving such activity may be altered or otherwise changed, subject to the following provisions:

1.

The number of living units shall not be increased.

2.

The amount of added or wholly reconstructed floor area devoted to such activity shall not exceed in the aggregate twenty percent (20%) of that already existing on the affected lot. If a new or wholly reconstructed floor area is developed, usable open space shall be provided for all living units on the lot in the amount required in the RU-2 Zone.

3.

Existing usable open space shall not be reduced below, or if already less than shall not be reduced further below, the usable open space requirements applying in the RU-2 Zone.

4.

All alterations and other changes shall conform to, or not further conflict with, the minimum yard and court and maximum height requirements and the limitations on Signs generally applying in the RM-3 Zone, as well as to the requirements generally applying to uses where the activity is actually located.

C.

Activity Nonconforming for Other Reasons. Except as otherwise provided in Section 17.114.060, any activity which is itself a permitted activity where it is located and which is nonconforming only as to off-street parking or loading requirements, performance standards, or other requirements applying to activities may be extended, and the facilities accommodating or serving such activity may be altered or otherwise changed, in any way which does not result in a greater degree of nonconformity with respect to such requirements and which conforms to the requirements normally applying to uses where the activity is located.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13251, § 5(Exh. A), 7-29-2014; Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Ord. No. 13064, § 2(Exh. A), 3-15-2011; Ord. No. 12939, § 4(Exh. A), 6-16-2009; Ord. 12772 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. 12240 § 8, 2000; prior planning code § 7423)

17.114.090 - Nonconforming Massage Service and Adult Entertainment Activities—Discontinuance required within one year.

Within one (1) year after the effective dates of Sections 17.102.160, 17.102.170 and 17.148.050, all previously legal but now nonconforming Adult Entertainment and Massage Service Activities shall be discontinued or shall be brought into full conformance with said sections except that such activities may continue for up to an additional two (2) years upon the granting of a conditional use permit, pursuant to Section 17.102.160B and the conditional use permit procedure in Chapter 17.134, and upon a determination that the activity is obligated under a written lease at the nonconforming location which exceeds one (1) year from the effective dates of Sections 17.102.160, 17.102.170 and 17.148.050 or that the activity has incurred such an investment of money in leasehold or other improvements such that a longer period is necessary to prevent undue financial hardship.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; prior planning code § 7425)

17.114.100 - Nonconforming Scrap Operation Commercial Activities—Discontinuance required within one year.

Within one (1) year after the effective date of this Section or of any subsequent rezoning which makes an existing Scrap Operation Commercial Activity a nonconforming activity, all nonconforming Scrap Operation Commercial Activities located within a Residential Zone or within one hundred (100) feet of a Residential Zone and which wholly or partially occupy an open facility shall be discontinued or may continue only upon the granting of a conditional use permit, pursuant to the conditional use permit procedure in Chapter 17.134; provided, however, that if the proposal does not conform to the use permit criteria at Section 17.134.050, but as an alternative a finding is made that the activity involves investment of money in leasehold or improvements such that a longer period is necessary to prevent undue financial hardship, then a conditional use permit shall be granted for a period not to exceed two (2) additional years.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Ord. No. 13064, § 2(Exh. A), 3-15-2011; prior planning code § 7426)

17.114.110 - Nonconforming Facility—Allowed alterations.

A.

When Occupied by Conforming Activity. Except as otherwise provided in Section 17.114.120, or in Section 17.103.080 for Accessory Dwelling Units in conjunction with an existing One-Family, Two- to Four-Family, or Multifamily Dwelling, a nonconforming facility which accommodates or serves a conforming activity may be altered or otherwise changed, and the lot lines of the lot containing it may be changed, in any way which does not create any new nonconformity or increase the degree of any existing nonconforming with respect to any requirement applying to facilities. Any new, relocated, or wholly reconstructed part of a facility shall itself conform to all applicable such requirements. Nonconforming Residential Facilities containing a total of more than one primary dwelling unit on a lot, when located in a zone where only one primary dwelling unit is permitted on a lot, shall be subject to the requirements generally applying in the RU-2 Zone with respect to side yards opposite living room windows; courts; and usable open space. Nonconforming Nonresidential Facilities which are not themselves permitted facility types in the zone where they are located shall not be increased in floor area or overall outside dimensions, except when permitted to remove a nonconformity, or to be wholly reconstructed with the same floor area and outside dimensions.

B.

When Occupied by Nonconforming Activity. Except as otherwise provided in Section 17.114.120, a nonconforming facility which accommodates or serves a nonconforming activity may be altered or otherwise changed, and the lot lines of the lot containing it may be changed, subject to the conditions of Section 17.114.080 as well as those of Subsection A. of this Section. In such a case, new Signs of a type not otherwise permitted may be developed as authorized by Subsections A. and B. of Section 17.114.080.

C.

Conversion from Advertising Sign in the CN, CR-1, or S-15 Zones. No nonconforming Advertising Sign in the CN, CR-1, or S-15 Zones shall be converted, by change of copy or otherwise, to any other type of Sign unless the entire Sign as converted meets all the requirements of said zone for a new Sign, including design review approval.

D.

Conversion from Advertising Sign Within One Thousand (1,000) Feet of, and Primarily Viewable from, Rapid Transit Route. No Advertising Sign shall be converted, to any other type of Sign unless the Sign as converted is approved, in a content-neutral manner, pursuant to the design review procedure in Chapter 17.136 and the provisions of Section 17.104.040A.

(Ord. No. 13763, § 5, 10-3-2023; Ord. No. 13677, § 4(Exh. A), 1-18-2022; Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Ord. No. 13064, § 2(Exh. A), 3-15-2011; Ord. 12146 § 2, 1999; Ord. 12073 § 2, 1998: Ord. 11892 § 11, 1996; prior planning code § 7430)

17.114.120 - Nonconforming Facility—Damage or destruction.

A.

Nonconforming Nonresidential Facilities. Nonconforming nonresidential facilities which are damaged or destroyed to the extent of not more than seventy-five percent (75%) may be restored to their prior condition and occupancy. If such damage or destruction exceeds seventy-five percent (75%), the facilities may thereafter be restored to their prior condition upon the granting of a conditional use permit pursuant to the conditional use permit procedure in Chapter 17.134.

B.

Nonconforming Residential Facilities. Nonconforming Residential Facilities which are damaged or destroyed to the extent of not more than seventy-five percent (75%) may be restored to their prior condition. If such damage or destruction exceeds seventy-five percent (75%), the facilities may thereafter be restored to their prior condition provided all of the following conditions are met:

1.

That documentation is provided which substantiates that such damage or destruction occurred involuntarily with respect to the owner of said facility or unit(s);

2.

That no expansion in the number of living units occurs;

3.

That plans for the proposal are approved pursuant to the design review procedure in Chapter 17.136; and

4.

That a building permit is sought and obtained no later than two (2) years after the date of the facility's damage or destruction; the facility is repaired or replaced in compliance with the building code; and construction pursuant thereto is diligently pursued to completion.

If all of the preceding requirements are not met, the replacement or restoration of such facilities may be permitted upon the granting of a conditional use permit pursuant to the conditional use permit procedure in Chapter 17.134.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Ord. No. 13064, § 2(Exh. A), 3-15-2011; Ord. No. 12999, § 4(Exh. A), 3-16-2010; prior planning code § 7431)

17.114.130 - Nonconforming open storage on same lot as Residential Facility—Screening required within three years.

On any lot containing a Residential Facility, any open area which is devoted to storage or display of goods or materials shall, within three (3) years after the effective date of the zoning regulations, be either removed or made to conform to the applicable screening requirements of Section 17.110.040A.

(Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Prior planning code § 7432)

17.114.140 - Nonconforming open storage in the CN, CR-1, CIX-1A, CIX-1B, CIX-1C, CIX-1D, and D-DT-JLI Zones—Screening required within three years.

In the CN, CR-1, CIX-1A, CIX-1B, CIX-1C, CIX-1D, D-DT-JLI Zones, all open storage areas shall, within three (3) years after inclusion in said zones, be either removed or made to conform to the screening requirements of Section 17.110.040.B.

(Ord. No. 13812, § 4(Exh. A), 7-30-2024; Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13251, § 5(Exh. A), 7-29-2014; Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Ord. No. 13064, § 2(Exh. A), 3-15-2011; prior planning code § 7433)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 13064, § 2(Exh. A), adopted March 15, 2011, changed the title of Section 17.114.140 from "Nonconforming open storage in C-5, C-25, C-27, C-31, C-36, M-10 and M-20 zones—Screening required within three years" to "Nonconforming open storage in CN, CR-1 and M-20 zones—Screening required within three years." The historical notation has been preserved for reference purposes.

17.114.150 - Nonconforming Sign within 1,000 feet of, and primarily viewable from, rapid transit route—Removal required for certain categories.

A.

Basic Requirements. Within the indicated time periods, and except as otherwise provided in Subsection B. of this Section, all nonconforming Signs in the following categories which are located within one thousand (1,000) feet of the centerline of a rapid transit route shall be removed, relocated, or otherwise changed so as to conform:

Category Time Period
Any Business which is painted, or consists of a poster affixed, directly on a building wall or fence; for which design review is prescribed by Section 17.104.040A; and which is or has become primarily viewable by the passengers on the transit route. Three (3) years after the effective date of Section 17.104.040 (that date was April 8, 1971) or three (3) years after the date of official determination of the transit route, whichever occurs later.

 

The Director of City Planning shall determine which Signs are or have become so viewable, subject to appeal pursuant to the administrative appeal procedure in Chapter 17.132.

B.

Exception. Any Sign listed in Subsection A. of this Section may be retained permanently if it is approved pursuant to the design review procedures in Chapter 17.136 and the provisions of Section 17.104.040A.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Ord. 12073 § 3, 1998: prior planning code § 7434)

17.114.160 - Reserved.

Editor's note— Ord. No. 13064, § 2(Exh. A), adopted March 15, 2011, repealed the former Section 17.114.160 in its entirety, which pertained to nonconforming signs in S-8 zone—Removal required for certain categories and derived from the prior planning code, § 7435, and Ord. No. 12073, § 4, adopted 1998.

17.114.170 - Nonconforming Signs in CN-1 Zone—Removal required.

A.

Basic Requirements. Within the time periods indicated below for the specified categories, and except as otherwise provided in Subsection B. of this Section, all nonconforming Signs shall be removed, relocated, or otherwise changed so as to conform. See also Section 17.114.110.C.

Category Time Period
Any pennants, streamers, propellers, and similar devices. One (1) year after inclusion in the CN-1 Zone.
Any other Sign which is nonconforming with respect to any provision of Section 17.148.110. Three (3) years after inclusion in the CN-1 Zone.

 

The Director's determination shall be subject to appeal pursuant to the administrative appeal procedure in Chapter 17.132.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13172, § 3(Exh. A), 7-2-2013; Ord. No. 13064, § 2(Exh. A), 3-15-2011; Ord. 12073 § 5, 1998; prior planning code § 7436)

17.114.180 - Nonconforming Signs in CR-1 Zone—Removal required for certain categories.

Within three (3) years after inclusion in the CR-1 Zone, all nonconforming pennants, streamers, propellers, and similar devices shall be removed, relocated, or otherwise changed so as to conform.

(Ord. No. 13357, § 3(Exh. A), 2-16-2016; Ord. No. 13064, § 2(Exh. A), 3-15-2011; Ord. 12073 § 6, 1998: prior planning code § 7437)