(

a) Prior to noticing a public hearing on a proposed zoning ordinance or amendment to a zoning ordinance reducing the density permitted on property authorized for multifamily dwelling uses, the planning commission and legislative body shall approve a nonconforming use ordinance for multifamily dwellings that are involuntarily damaged or destroyed, which may be conditioned on the approval of an ordinance or amendment to a zoning ordinance reducing the density permitted on property authorized for multifamily dwelling uses. (

b) The planning commission and legislative body shall hold a public hearing on the proposed nonconforming use ordinance. Notice of the public hearing shall be given pursuant to

Section 65090. If this hearing is held at the same time as a hearing under

Section or 65854, notice for the hearings may be combined. (

c) A nonconforming multifamily dwelling ordinance need not apply to multifamily dwellings which have been abandoned for a specified period prior to being involuntarily damaged or destroyed, or to multifamily dwellings constituting a public nuisance prior to being involuntarily damaged or destroyed. (

d) For purposes of this section, “multifamily dwelling” means any structure designed for human habitation that has been divided into two or more legally created independent living quarters. (

e) This

section shall not apply to either of the following:

(1) A city, county, or city and county that has adopted a nonconforming use ordinance that applies to multifamily dwellings that are involuntarily damaged or destroyed.

(2) A proposed zoning ordinance or amendment to a zoning ordinance reducing the density permitted on property authorized for multifamily dwelling uses, that has been requested by the owner of the property authorized for multifamily dwelling uses. (

f) Notwithstanding

Section 65803, and except as provided in subdivision (e), this

section shall also apply to a charter city.