Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pacific Grove public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in zoning with high priority
Large new homes squeezing historic Retreat neighborhood
Two remodels of century-old homes — one modest, one major — were approved with historian sign-off that they meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards, keeping character-defining features intact.
Historic Preservation Permit for 801 Lighthouse Avenue
Staff asked for more information from the applicant, so this historic preservation permit was pushed to the July 22 meeting.
Objective Development Design Standards
Staff wants to create clear, graphic-heavy design standards for multi-family and mixed-use projects — replacing subjective review. Money will be requested in the March mid-year budget, with an RFP for consultants and public workshops to follow.
Lack of roof deck guidelines in the municipal code
Board members discovered the city has no rules for roof decks — no size limits, no setback standards — and asked the council liaison to push for a moratorium until guidelines exist.
Penthouse and roof deck at 529 Central Avenue
Residents of 529 Central asked for reserved spots in City Lot 5, but the residential permit program only covers streets. The request was denied; they can buy regular unrestricted-time permits for the lot instead.
Delisting 421 Eardley Avenue from the Historic Resources Inventory
The committee removed the Martine Inn at 105 4th Street from the city's historic inventory after a historian documented two sweeping remodels — the 1920s and 1984 — that stripped away the original Victorian's tower and character. Residents noted future construction there would face seal-rookery timing limits.
Zoning regulation amendments (R-3, C-1, C-2, R-3-M)
The Council started the process to update zoning rules in several commercial and residential districts. These changes could affect what can be built and where in Pacific Grove neighborhoods.
Minimum density requirements for R-3, C-1 and C-2 zoning districts
The state housing department told Pacific Grove its zoning must require at least 20 units per acre on multi-family and commercial parcels. The commission endorsed the fix, which now heads to the City Council. It's part of the broader housing element update the state must certify.
685 Mermaid Avenue permit appeal
The City Council unanimously denied an appeal of the commission's approval of a project at 685 Mermaid Avenue — but because it's near the shoreline, it could still be appealed to the Coastal Commission.