General Questions:
Where is the Planning Division located?
The Planning Division is located on the first floor
of Colton Hall that is located on the corner of Madison and Pacific Streets. The Planning
Division also has offices for Historic Preservation and Advanced Planning at 424 Madison
Street.
What is the phone number for the Planning Division?
831.646.3885, Madison Annex 831.646.3895
What is the fax number for the Planning Division?
831.646.3408, Madison Annex 831.646.3437
What are the fees associated with reviews
conducted by the Planning Division?
Click here to see fees
for various Planning Division reviews and projects.
When do the City Boards, Committees, and
Commissions meet?
Click here
to see a list of the boards and commissions that the Planning Division supports. From each
board or commissions page, you can click on a link to Meetings to see current and past
meeting dates and agendas.
How can I see what is on a
specific agenda?
Go to the Boards or Commission's main Web page and double
click on a link to a specific meeting date. The agenda displays in PDF format.
Where can I see the project
plans for items on agendas?
Staff reports and project plans for each
agenda item are part of the ARC, HPC, and PC commission/committee packets and may be
viewed by the public after 4PM the Friday prior to the meeting date in the Public Library
at Pacific and Madison Streets or in the Planning Division, City Hall, Monterey,
California 93940.
How long do I have to file an
appeal?
Decisions may be appealed to the Planning
Commission or the City Council (appeal of a PC decision) within ten (10) days on
forms
available here in Adobe PDF, or in the Planning Division during business hours. There is
an appeal filing
fee for most appeals; there is no filing fee for appeals to staff decisions and home
occupation permits.
What do ARC, CC, HPC, PC, and
ZA stand for and do?
ARC = Architectural Review Committee,
CC=City Council, HPC = Historic Preservation Commission, PC = Planning Commission, and ZA
= Zoning Administrator. The Planning Division provides staff support to these boards and
commissions as they review projects and proposals submitted to the City.
What is a "home
occupation" permit?
A home occupation permit allows you
to conduct a business from your residence whether you own the property or lease it.
In order to operate a business from your home, you need to have a business license
and a home occupation permit. There are some restrictions
that limit the kinds of businesses that can be conducted from your home. Click here for more
information on Home Occupation permits and restrictions.
Are there any grants available for projects within the City?
Periodically, the City of Monterey offers
grant programs for properties within the City. At the end of 2002 the City offered
Commercial Facade Grant and Historic Preservation Grants.
Does the City rewards excellence in architectural
design?
Periodically the City of Monterey Architectural Review
Committee (ARC) solicits nominations from the public for its Design Awards Program.
The program is designed to encourage and promote harmonious development that is related to
the setting and character of the surround area or neighborhood. The ARC reviews the
nominations and determines the winners and honorable mention winners. In 2002 the
City Council presented 17 awards to owners and designers of a wide variety of
projects. The projects ranged from residential and commercial new construction and
remodels, landscape projects, signs, and best overall project.
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Building and Remodeling Questions:
What is a Granny unit and can I add one to
my home in Monterey?
Many cities allow granny units which are similar to
guest houses. However, granny units generally contain either a kitchen or cooking
facilities, which is not allowed in a guest house. The City of Monterey does not
allow granny units.
What is a Guesthouse and can I
add one to my home in Monterey?
A guest house is a permanently constructed
living quarter without kitchen or cooking facilities, which is clearly subordinate and
incidental to the main building on the lot. Guest houses shall not be separately rented,
let or leased (by direct or indirect compensation). They may be either an attached
or detached accessory building as set forth in
CHAPTER 38, Article 5,
Section 38-26 (A) & (R) of the Zoning
Ordinance. (READ
DISCLAIMER) Guesthouses are prohibited on lots less than 8,000 square feet in
size. Owners must apply for and receive a Use Permit from the City. The
approval will contain a no rent condition and a parking space for the guesthouse.
CLICK TO
SPECIFIC SECTIONS IN THE LEFT GREY CONTENTS AREA ON THE CITY CODE WEB PAGE.
What are those strange poles and orange netting that one sees
on properties before building commences?
The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) has adopted a policy requiring staking of
building projects. All projects requiring staking are to be staked prior to ARC
Concept review. ARC field trips to the site are usually conducted on the Monday
before the ARC meeting. Staking is to be installed by the day of the field trip.
Staking requirements are:
New Construction:
a. String all property lines
b. Stake outside corners of buildings
c. Provide stake marked to show first level floor elevation
Additions over 25% Slope:
a. Stake outside corners of addition
Building Height - In cases where staff determines that building height has a potential
view impact, story poles will be required:
a. String all property lines
b. Stake outside corners of building
c. Provide stake marked to show first level floor elevation
d. Story poles with line to show highest wall of roof
What information is available
to developers on inclusionary housing?
The Housing and Property Management Division
of the Community Development Department has a 22-page document entitled Developer's Guide to the City of Monterey Moderate Income
Inclusionary Housing Ordinance No. 2416, as amended. This document can be
picked up at either the Housing and Property Management Division or at the Planning
Division.
What is a "Concept" architectural review?
An application, in
general, receives ARC Concept, Preliminary, and Final Details reviews. The ARC reviews a
plan for Concept to approve or deny the general idea and layout of the proposal.
This review is designed to initiate an initial evaluation and comment regarding the
siting, form, mass, and style of the project prior to the preparation of developmental
drawings or full working drawings. Click here to see Architectural Review Committee Resolution 98-02 Concept Review Submittal Requirements.
What is a "Preliminary" architectural review?
An application, in
general, receives ARC Concept, Preliminary, and Final Details reviews. The ARC Preliminary
review checks for detailed review of the project. This review is designed to
finalize all aspects of the plan that affect the exterior structure, materials, site
design of the project, conceptual building colors, conceptual landscaping, and conceptual
lighting. Click here to see Submittal Requirements for
ARC Preliminary Review.
I want to remodel my home; where to I start?
A
good place to start would be consulting with a planner at the Planning Division. A
planner can look at your property and tell you how your property is zoned, how large your
remodel or addition can be, and if you need any special permits or variances for what you
have in mind.
I need to get a Final inspection and an
architectural review. Who does that?
An application, in general, receives Concept, Preliminary, and Final Details reviews of
the plan prior to issuance of a building permit. Final inspections take place after the
project is built. Both the Building and Safety Division and the Planning Division conduct
final inspections to be sure the requirements have been fully satisfied. Contact
each division to schedule your final inspections.
Where can I get information on adding
awnings to my business property?
The Architectural Review Committee has
adopted ARC Resolution 92-11 detailing the awning
guidelines for the City of Monterey.
What are the City standards
for developing in the Ryan Ranch area of Monterey?
The City of Monterey adopted Resolution
95-180 for Development of Ryan Ranch. See Resolution
95-180 for more details.
Which residential projects
within the City must be approved by the Architectural Review Committee?
Review by the Architectural Review Committee
is required if the property is:
- Located in a design review area (D-10
- Located in commercial zones (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-0, VAF, I-R)
- Located in R-2 and R-3 zones
- A substandard lot
- in the New Monterey Neighborhood (additions and new construction)
- A 2-story addition (all zones)
How can I restore damaged
structures?
CHAPTER 38 Article 28,
Section 216 - Nonconforming Uses and Structures of the
Zoning Ordinance indicates the following about damaged structures:
(READ
DISCLAIMER)
CLICK TO
SPECIFIC SECTIONS IN THE LEFT GREY CONTENTS AREA ON THE CITY CODE WEB
PAGE.
All legal nonconforming uses and nonconforming
structures that have been destroyed by fire or other calamity or by the public enemy to
any extent may be reconstructed, restored, or rebuilt to their pre-damaged size and
location, provided that they are not extended beyond the original footprint and
restoration is started within 18 months and diligently pursued to completion. Any such
reconstruction, restoration, or rebuilding shall conform to adopted Uniform Codes in
effect at that time unless otherwise excused from compliance as a historical structure.
The Community Development Director will review reconstruction plans for conformity, and if
there is any significant deviation noted, plans will be referred to the Architectural
Review Committee for review.
Whenever a structure that does not comply with the standards for front yards, side
yards, rear yards, height of structures, distances between structures, driveways, courts,
or usable open space prescribed in the regulations for the district in which it is
located, or the use of which does not conform with the regulations for the zone in which
it is located, is voluntarily razed, or is required by law to be razed, the structure
shall not be restored and the nonconforming use shall not be resumed.
What is the Planning Division's policy on solar panel
installation projects in the City?
In an attempt to encourage solar panel
installation in projects within the City the Planning Division does not require a fee for
reviewing solar panel installations, however these projects must be approved by the City
with an Architectural Review Committee (ARC) application. Most will be reviewed by
the Planning Division. Highly visible solar panel installations will be submitted to
the ARC for approval. A building permit is also required.
I have an approved ARC project, but the approval
is about to expire. Can I extend my ARC approval and, if so, how do I extend the
approval?
ARC project approvals are valid for 2 years.
If your project is about to expire and you have not pulled building permits, you can
extend the approval by contacting the Planning Division and submitting a letter requesting
and extension. You request should include your name, the project type, the original
approval date, and contact information (i.e. mailing address and phone numbers).
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Historic Home Questions:
How do I know if my home is considered historic
or potentially historic?
A general rule of thumb is if your house is 50 years or
older, it has the potential for being considered historic. Call our Historic Senior
Planner, Kim Cole to see if you house is
considered historic or potentially historic at 646.3759.
Which office within the City deals with historic properties?
The Planning Division has offices for Historic Preservation
and Advanced Planning at 424 Madison Street.
Is there a commission or boards that oversees issues dealing with
historic homes?
Yes. The Historical Preservation Commission
(HPC) is responsible for overseeing historic homes and properties.
Click here to view the
Commission's agendas.
Are there any grants available for historic projects within the
City?
Periodically, the City of Monterey offers
Commercial Facade Grant and Historic Preservation Grants.
Is there any other financial incentives to help owners of
historic properties?
Yes. The Mills Act may have you save annually
by reducing the amount of taxes assessed from your property. See the Mills Act for more
details.
How do I go about adding a sign to my new business office or
changing my current sign if the property is a historic property?
The first step in changing business signs to consult with a planner in the Planning
Division and tell them that the sign is for a historic property. Next, submit an
application. In historic areas, sign programs may already be approved for specific
buildings within the City. In those instances the applicant must adhere to both the Sign
Ordinance and the building's adopted sign program.
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Miscellaneous Questions:
What is an EIR?
EIR stands for Environmental Impact Report.
In August of 1995 The City of Monterey approved Resolution 95-121 that establishes
objectives, rules, regulations and procedures for the evaluation of the environmental
impact of project within the City of Monterey, as required by the California Environmental
Quality Act. See Resolution 95-121 (PDF this) for more information on EIRs.
Where do I go if I need to change the mailing address of my property
if the property is still the same?
Contact the Building and Safety Division with readdressing questions.
How do I get a liquor license in the City?
The City does not issue
liquor licenses. Any person wishing to obtain an alcoholic beverage license should
apply at the nearest office
of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Where can a business needing a
liquor license be located in the City of Monterey?
Eating and
Drinking establishments that serve alcohol and alcohol beverage outlets are not
allowed in residential areas (i.e. R-E, R-1, R-2, R-3), but are allowed commercial
zones (i.e. C-1, C-2, C-3, and CR). Dependent on the type of establishment, a use
permit may be required.
Which City policies govern
businesses that serve alcohol?
Businesses that server or selling alcoholic
beverages are governed by many Federal, State, and City Codes. The City of
Monterey's Zoning Ordinance governs where these establishments
can be located within the City and which services they can offer.
What City policies relate to
animals or pets?
The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Monterey
defines the type and number of animals or pets that residents of the City can keep in
residential areas. See
CHAPTER 38 Article 5, Section 38-26
(K) for more details.
(READ
DISCLAIMER)
CLICK TO SPECIFIC SECTIONS IN THE LEFT GREY CONTENTS AREA ON THE CITY CODE
WEB PAGE.
What are the City's guidelines
for petitions?
The Planning Commission on March 22, 1989
adopted Guidelines for Petitions to help delineate how the Planning Commission views
petitions either for or against projects currently in the planning process. See Guidelines for Petitions for more details.
What are the City policies
governing trees on private and public property?
The City has a tree protection ordinance and
a variety of other tree
related links.
Is there any City ordinance that protects my view
to the Bay or woodlands when my neighbor is adding an addition or remodel?
It is the position of the City of Monterey that view protection is a highly important
goal in its residential areas and that all new projects shall reasonably protect existing
views to the extent feasible and equitable. See View Impact Policy
for more details.
Who do I contact so that I can add Handicapped Accessibility to
my home or business?
The Building Department at 646.3891 can tell
you more about adding handicapped accessibility to your home or business.
Who in the City validates DMV
Zoning Verification for Vehicle Dealer's License forms?
Any planner in the Planning Division can
validate OL 902 forms from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The applicant must
first apply for a business license with the City of Monterey and the property proposed
selling or reselling vehicles must be appropriately zoned for vehicle sales.
Which City department does Residential Property
Inspections?
The Building and Safety Division conducts
residential property inspections. These inspections are usually scheduled when a
property is being sold / transferred to another owner. Sometimes, realtors or
appraisers may refer to this as a title report. True title reports are conducted by
title companies.
Does the City have any standards for concrete?
The City does not have any building standards for
concrete; the City uses the standards set by the State.
Are there any limitations to how much of my yard I can
pave?
To be listed shortly.
Does exterior painting of my business or home require
City approval?
According to ARC Resolution 92-10 the City must
approve exterior colors with all new construction and for exterior alterations that
require a building permit. This means that during the planning review process the
Architectural Review Committee reviews colors for new commercial or new residential
projects. This also means that as part of the Building and Safety Division and / or
the Planning Division will review color changes made to commercial properties, apartment
complexes, churches, and single family homes during the building permit process. See
ARC Resolution 92-10 for more details.
What are the fence standards within the City of
Monterey?
Overall the maximum height of a fence within the
City of Monterey is 6', but the
the maximum height of a fence in the front yard setback is 4'. The maximum height
for side yard fences within the front yard setback or side fences adjoining a street of a
reverse corner lot is also 4'.
The combined height of a retaining wall and a separate fence on a
property line shall not exceed 8' unless the fence is set back from the retaining wall a
minimum of half the distance of the required setback, but no more than 5'. In no
case may a fence exceed in 6' height. If a fence is on one property and the
retaining wall on the abutting property, the maximum fence height is 6' regardless of the
retaining wall height. Any retaining wall over six feet in height located in a
required yard shall require a Use permit.
Is there a height maximum for commercial and
residential buildings within the City?
The maximum building height in C-1 commercial zones
is 2 stories with a maximum height of 25''. The maximum building height in C-2 and
C-3 commercial zones is either 2 stories with a maximum height of 25' or 3 stories with a
maximum height of 35'. A Use
permit is required for buildings with three stories or a height in excess of 25 feet.
The maximum building height in C-O commercial zones is either 2 stories with a maximum
height of 25' or a maximum height of 30' with a Use permit. The maximum building
height in the Cannery Row (C-R) commercial zone is 4 stories with a maximum height of 45'.
The maximum building height in residential zoned areas R-1, R-2, and R-3 zones is 2
stories and with a maximum height of 25'. The maximum building height in the R-E
zone is 2 1/2 stories and a maximum height of 30'.
How can I get approval for renovations made to my
business or home performed without benefit of a building permit?
Renovations made to a business or home performed without
benefit of a building permit are treated as new projects. Applicants must start at
the Planning Division by submitting a project application and plans detailing the
renovations. If the renovations are not areas that the require architectural review,
the applicant may be referred directly to the Building and Safety Division to pull
building permits for the renovations. The applicant must pay all associated
fees for
applications and permits and in some instances additional illegal construction fees may be
assessed.
What does "legalization" mean?
In terms of the Planning Division "legalization"
is the process of converting illegal and undocumented rental units to legal non-conforming
units. In April 1998 The City Council adopted Resolution 98-74 to define the City's
policy the conversion of illegal and undocumented units in residential zones. Resolution
98-74 breaks these units down into three categories: Pre-April 24, 1964 in
residential zones, Post-April 23, 1964 in residential zones, and Post April 23, 1964 in
multiple residential zones. Applicants should apply in the Planning Division using
a standard project application and include a completed City of Monterey Application
for Legalization of Undocumented Dwelling Unit. For more information see
Resolution 98-74 or contact the Planning Division.
What are Mixed-Use projects?
A mixed use project is one that is a combination of
commercial and residential buildings and dwellings or where commercial and residential
uses are contained in one building. For more information on mixed use projects see
CHAPTER 38 Article 6, Section 38- 33 (G). (READ
DISCLAIMER)
CLICK TO SPECIFIC SECTIONS IN THE LEFT GREY CONTENTS AREA ON THE CITY CODE
WEB PAGE.
Where can I get seismic zoning information or
flood plane information?
Contact the Building and Safety Division at
646.3891 for seismic rating information for specific properties within the City.
Contact Senior Planner Cole in the Planning Division at 646.3759 for information on the
location of fault lines and flood zones within the City.
Are youth hostels allowed in the City?
Ordinance 3207 governs hostels within the City of
Monterey. This ordinance state that the City Council may, upon recommendation from
the Planning Commission after a public hearing, with a Conditional Use Permit approved by
the Ordinance, permit the construction, operation, and maintenance of hostels operated by
non-profit agencies on any parcel of the City not zoned for single-family residential use
(R-1), or Low Density Multi-Family Residential use (R-2).
Are there any limitations
to how much of my yard I can pave?
The City's Zoning Ordinance includes restrictions on how much paving is
allowed in the front yard setback area. For lots less than 5,000 square feet and with a
street frontage of less than 50 feet, paving shall be limited to the covered and uncovered
parking space aprons. On lots 5,000 square feet or greater and with a street frontage of
50 feet or greater, paving shall continue to be limited to the parking space aprons, but
the aprons can be widened nor more than additional 10 feet, and shall not be closer than 3
feet to a side property line. The 3 feet area between the driveway apron and the side
property line shall be landscaped. Parking on non-driveway aprons is prohibited. The total
width of all driveways shall not exceed 50% of the actual lot frontage. The maximum
driveway width for any residential use is 19 feet, plus transitions. Residential Design
Guidelines require that the front yard pavement/landscape ratio be weighted towards
landscaping to avoid excessive visible pavement and its resultant high-use,
non-residential appearance. Landscaping typically includes areas devoted to native or
exotic plantings, lawn, ground cover, etc, and can include paved or decorated surfaces of
rock, stone, brick, block, or similar material. There are no restrictions on the
percentage of paving allowed in areas not located in the front setback.
Are there any standards for vending machines?
Architectural Review Committee adopted Resolution 99-01 Design Guidelines for
Outdoor Vending Machines. For details see ARC Resolution
99-01.
Who approves utility easements in the City?
Contact the Public
Works Department at 831.646.3920.
Who do I contact in the City to get Census or
Demographic information?
Contact Senior Planner Kim Cole in the Planning
Division at 646.3759.
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