Amortization is a process to terminate a nonconforming use after a period of time that is sufficient to allow the owner of the property and/or business to recover their investment in the use/business.  Amortization periods are determined by a property valuation consultant that would consider various factors as provided in the Municipal Code. 

In 2010, 96 properties/businesses in the Westside Specific Plan area were identified as nonconforming and ranked using methodology developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the City.  A nonconforming use is a use that was lawfully established under previous zoning regulations, but which is no longer permitted under current zoning and is therefore considered nonconforming.  In general, nonconforming uses may continue indefinitely until the use is discontinued by the property/business owner.  However, the Municipal Code (Section 18.11.100.D) allows for the termination of nonconforming uses through amortization.  Two properties have so far been amortized through this program.

Map - Existing Uses 2009 (PDF)
Map - Prior Zoning (PDF)
Map - WSP Area (PDF)
Map - WSP Zoning (PDF)
Municipal Code Chapter 18.11 Nonconforming Uses (PDF)
Ranking Factors (PDF)
2020 Ranking List of Nonconforming Uses (PDF)
Westside Specific Plan (PDF)
WSP Land Uses (PDF)

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer