Monterey, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Monterey City Code § 38-23(D)(2) sets maximum lot coverage for the R-1 Residential Single-Family District, the city's most common single-family zone, at 40 percent of the lot for one-story buildings and 35 percent for buildings of two or more stories. The same table separately caps Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) at 40 percent under § 38-23(D)(3), a distinct limit measured against total enclosed floor area rather than building footprint; the ordinance excludes up to 250 square feet of an unequipped garage, carports, decks, uncovered patios, and landscaping areas from that FAR calculation.

40 for lots of 3,600 square feet or more, under § 38-23(E)(1). The R-E, R-2, and R-3 districts carry their own lot coverage and FAR tables under §§ 38-22, 38-24, and 38-25, so the 40/35 percent standard applies specifically to R-1 zoned lots rather than citywide. Coverage and FAR figures are calculated by the Community Development Department as part of building permit plan review, and any single-family residence proposed on a lot under 5,000 square feet, on a site exceeding 15 percent slope, or whose design fails neighborhood design guidelines must go to the Planning Commission for review under § 38-23(G), rather than being approved administratively.