Boards & Commissions

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. 

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.

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Building & Remodeling

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.

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:

What information is available to developers on inclusionary housing?
The Housing and Property Management Division of the Plans & Public Works 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.

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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.

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)

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 Plans & Public Works 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.

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.

Historic Properties

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.

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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. 

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.

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.

How can I start a fast food business within the City?
There are several City ordinances that govern fast food businesses. The Planning Division's Eating and Drinking Establishment Zoning Checklist (PDF) that applicants must complete help staff determine if the eating establishment is considered a fast food restaurant. The checklist is included in the applicant's user permit request documentation. Full service eating establishments are principally permitted in most commercial zones, but fast food restaurants have more restrictions. Click on one of the links below and look for "fast food" for more details. Fast food restaurants may also want to review the Sign Submittal Requirements.

• Fast Food in C-1 Districts, Section 38-28 of the Zoning Ordinance
• Fast Food in C-2 Districts, Section 38-29 of the Zoning Ordinance
• Fast Food in C-3 Districts, Section 38-30 of the Zoning Ordinance
• Fast Food in C-R District, Section 38-32 of the Zoning Ordinance
• Fast Food in I-R Districts, Section 38-40 of the Zoning Ordinance
• Fast Food in O Districts, Section 38-44 of the Zoning Ordinance

Grants & Awards

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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Litter on Highways 1 & 68      Printable PDF copy

What is the problem?
The City of Monterey prides itself on its beauty. Visitors from all over the world continue to visit our City because of its historic amenities and clean appearance and to visit attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium. When citizens and visitors drive State Highways 1 and 68 to reach our city, they are blinded by the amount of litter in view. Letters, phone calls and complaints are received daily. The litter on these highways also frequently reaches our storm drains and eventually finds its way to the Bay.

Who is at fault?
Where does litter come from? Litter flies out of open beds of pick up trucks, sometimes garbage haulers have debris in the hoppers (top portion of the service trucks) and it flies out, sometimes people hauling their material to the landfill do not secure their loads properly and material escapes, and sometimes people carelessly toss their trash out the window.

Who is responsible for removing litter from State highways?
The cleaning of highways falls on the California Department of Transportation – Caltrans. Unfortunately, the simple fact is that Caltrans Maintenance Division has four employees to maintain the areas from Garapata Bridge in Big Sur to Santa Cruz. Maintenance priorities are fence repairs and safety issues and then, if at all possible, the cleaning of the highways. Small sections of the highways may be adopted and cleaned once or twice per month. Two Monterey sections are adopted, one by Victory Toyota and one by Lexus. But many sections cannot be adopted due to safety issues. Those are the portions that continue to build up with litter causing safety and health concerns.

What is the City doing to meet these challenges?
Thanks to a generous donation from Monterey City Disposal Service, the City of Monterey has contracted to have several on and off ramps cleaned once or twice per month. This will help a great deal, but two ramps (the first ramp to exit Monterey from Carmel and the ramp exiting Monterey to Highway 68 eastbound) were not included due to safety issues. The Highway 68 ramp is by far in the worst condition and most frequently traveled by visitors going back to Highway 101 and to the airport.

The City has asked Caltrans to install the signage “Don’t Trash California” in our area. They are also working with City staff to clearly define adoptable sections. Staff will then encourage more groups to help keep this area clean and beautiful by adopting more sections of the highway.

How can I help?
Be aware! Secure loads in your vehicles. If you are transporting loose material in a truck or trailer, ensure that it is tarped properly, especially the back end. If you see vehicles or commercial vehicles with litter coming out of their vehicles, get the license plate, location, time and date and call the company. If you see any of the garbage trucks dropping litter, get the license plate number, location, time and date and call them and report it.

If you see a vehicle drop something in the road that can cause an accident (couch, box of nails, large pieces of wood, etc.), get the license plate number, time, location, date and call 911 immediately. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) can and will ticket someone that does not secure their load properly as this could cause an accident. If it is just litter, the CHP would actually have to witness this themselves in order to fine them (do not call 911 for litter only).

Do you know how long it will take to decompose certain types of litter
to a non-recognizable form.

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Miscellaneous

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.

What is the Public Works Inspector's job?
The Public Works Inspector manages Public Works construction contracts which involve: 1) inspection of work in process, to see that it conforms to the plans and specifications; 2) coordinates for all testing of material involved in the work; and 3) approves all contract progress payments and change orders for each project.

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.

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)

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

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'.

Parking

What are the commercial parking standards in Monterey?
The amount of required parking spaces for commercial properties is determined by the business type and the size of the business property. For specifics see CHAPTER 38 Article 18, Section 38-115 Commercial Parking Standards
of the Zoning Ordinance.  (READ DISCLAIMER)
CLICK TO SPECIFIC SECTIONS IN THE LEFT GREY CONTENTS AREA ON THE CITY CODE WEB PAGE.

What are the off-street parking and loading requirements?
The off-street parking and loading requirements are defined in the Zoning Ordinance. See  CHAPTER 38 Article 18, Off-Street Parking and Loading Regulations of the Zoning Ordinance for more details. (READ DISCLAIMER) 

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Signs

Can I add a mural to my business building?
Murals may be added to business buildings, but they require Architectural Review Committee approval. See ARC Resolution 94-02.

Can I install Neon or electric window signs in the City?
The City and the Architectural Review Committee have adopted several guidelines for signs.  Refer to City Resolution 93-182 for standards on Neon and electric signs and ARC Resolution 96-02 for illuminated signs.

Can I install a pole sign within the City?
Pole signs are discouraged, but not prohibited.

What are "special" or "exempt" signs?
Exempt signs as defined in Chapter 31 of the City Code are:
 (READ DISCLAIMER)

• All signs erected by the City, State, or other political subdivision
• All signs required by law or court order
• Street number signs (see City Code for sizes)
• Directional signs within private property
• Any sign on a building not exceeding 40 square inches including affiliation and credit card signs with not more than 4 such signs per premises
• Political campaign signs
• Any sign protected by the Free Speech provisions of the U.S. and California Constitutions and not exceeding 4 square feet per premises
• Menus on premises occupied by restaurants
• Nameplate not to exceed 72 square inches per premises
• Temporary real estate signs of a size, type, color scheme, and information content approved categorically by the Architectural Review Committee
• Any non-electric sign or combination of non-electric signs located in or affixed to a window provided such signs cover less than 10% of the window (see City Code for additional conditions)
• Any poster sign that advertises a community event, program and/or activity

Where do I get approval to install a banner sign?
There are two types of banners: banners that go across public Right of Ways (ROW), for example city streets, and banners attached to business frontages.  Business banners can be approved for 30 days consecutively and a business cannot have a banners up for more than 60 days in a single calendar year. The maximum banner size is 21 square feet, or just under 3' x 7' and the Planning Division approves business banners. Banners that cross a public ROW require approval from the Streets Division of the Public Works Department. For more information on these banners, contact the Streets Division at 646.3927.

Trees

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.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
Yes, for any tree that measures 6 inches in diameter or larger and is at least 4 feet, five inches tall. Permits can be obtained by contacting the Parks Division at 831.646.3860. There is no charge for permits.

Who do I call for a tree problem or to have a City tree trimmed?
Please call the Parks Division at 831.646.3860 or email us.

Will the City inspect my private trees?
Only if you wish to remove it. Please call the Parks Division at 831.646.3860.

Do I need a permit to trim my private tree?
No, reasonable pruning is permitted.

Is the City responsible for trimming the City's tree in front of my house?
Yes, the City maintains our own trees. Contact the Maintenance Division to schedule an inspection.

Will the City trim my private tree?
No, private property owners are responsible for trimming their own trees and disposing of the debris.

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Water - View Water Chart

What water limitations are there within the City for new and remodeling projects?
Applicants submitting projects within the City must be aware that before building permits can be issued for projects requiring additional water, that the applicant must have (a) valid water permit from the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District.  Before a water permit can be obtained from the District, a water allocation must be approved by the City. Due to a lack of water available for allocation, the City of Monterey currently has three water waiting lists that the Planning Division maintains: the New Residential Water Waiting List, Residential Remodel Water Waiting List, and Commercial/Industrial Water Waiting List.  Please contact the Planning Division to determine if there are adequate water credits running with your property to accommodate the new plumbing fixtures or new construction, or whether the project you will have to go onto one of the waiting lists.

Can I add another bathroom to my home in Monterey?
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) has adopted Ordinance 98, which allows a SFD on a single parcel to obtain the water credits necessary to accommodate a second full bath without having to obtain a water allocation from the jurisdiction within which it is located. Therefore, the Planning Division can sign-off on MPWMD Residential Water Release Form and Water Request Applications. Ordinance 98 and this form allows a property owner to request water credits to support a second full bath without having to deduct a like amount of water from the City's reserve. Please note that if the home has 1 and ˝ baths, then the owners can add a maximum of ˝ a bath. The maximum number of bathrooms for a SFD on a single parcel under Ordinance 98 is 2 full baths, and that includes a Master Bath.

Can I have two sinks in my Master Bath?
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) allows a maximum of 2 sinks in a Master Bath, with the first sink having a water requirement of 1 unit, and the second with a 0 unit water requirement. They also allow a separate shower and bathtub in a Master Bath, the water requirement being 2 units for both, whereas a standard bathroom can have a combination bathtub with shower head above with 2 units, but if separate, then would require a total of 4 units, (2 for bathtub and 2 for shower).

Can I retrofit old fixtures and get additional water?
Yes, if the building is a residential structure, you may be able to retrofit existing plumbing fixtures. The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) allows the exchange of existing standard type plumbing fixtures with Ultra Low Flow type fixtures, with the water usage savings applied to the installation of new plumbing fixtures. There are restrictions associated with this program, and the type of fixtures available for retrofitting are limited. Please call the MPWMD or the City of Monterey Planning Division for more information.

How do I contact the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District?
The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) Permit's Office is located at 5 Harris Court, Building G / PO Box 85 within the Ryan Ranch complex. You can visit their Web site, or or call their office directly at 831.658.5601.

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Zoning

What is a use permit?
A Use Permit is required for use classifications typically having unusual site development features or operating characteristics requiring special consideration so that they may be designed, located, and operated compatibly with uses on adjoining properties and in the surrounding area.

How can I get zoning information for a parcel within the City?
Call the Planning Division at 646-3885 or refer to the Zoning Map.

What do the zoning codes R-3, R1, R2, R3, CO, CR, C1, C2, and C3 mean?
These zoning codes prefaced by "R" are for residential areas and by "C" are commercial areas. See the Zoning page for more specific information.

What is a setback?
Frequently this term is used with the words front, rear, side, or back yard to indicate areas within a lot that as the setback areas. According to the Zoning Ordinance a "setback line" is a line within a lot that is parallel to a  corresponding lot line.  This could be the boundary of any specified front, side, cornerside, or rear yard. A setback line could be the the boundary of any public right-of-way whether acquired in fee, easement, or otherwise. The setback line could also be a line otherwise established to govern the location of buildings, structures, or use.

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What is a (setback) variation?
In planning vocabulary the word "variation" is used to describe a leeway that may be granted in terms of setback. The rule of thumb is that approval of a setback variation should be rare and only when necessary given it falls within other adopted guidelines.

What is the City's policy on condominium conversions?
A Condominium conversion is one type of subdivision.  For more details see Chapter 33 Section 33-9 of the Subdivision Ordinance. (READ DISCLAIMER) 

What is Rezoning?
Rezoning is a type of City action needed to change the basic category of permitted land use for a property.  Rezoning requires a notice of public hearing before both the Planning Commission and the City Council. A legal notice will appear in the newspaper. In addition, a mailed notice will be sent to all adjacent property owners within 300 feet. To approve a rezoning, the Planning Commission, and City Council must find: