Monterey, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Monterey City Code § 38-23(D)(1) sets the R-1 District's minimum yards: a 15-foot front yard (with any garage, carport, or parking pad set back 20 feet from the front property line), a 20-foot rear yard (reduced to 20 percent of lot depth, but not less than 10 feet, on lots under 100 feet deep), and side yards set as a percentage of lot width rather than a flat number. The first-story side yard totals 20 percent of lot width along the length of the structure, never less than four feet nor more than 10 feet per side, with the combined side yards capped at 30 percent of lot width; corner side yards must be 20 percent of lot width, between 10 and 15 feet.

Second-story side setbacks step back further, to 40 percent of lot width combined (seven to 15 feet per side), and second-story corner side setbacks run 25 percent of lot width (15 to 20 feet). The Planning Commission may minimally vary any of these standards under § 38-23(D)(12) to improve compatibility with neighboring structures, protect views, or meet tree protection standards, but only after notice to adjoining owners. These figures apply specifically to the R-1 zone; the R-E, R-2, and R-3 districts carry their own yard tables under §§ 38-22, 38-24, and 38-25.

A property within the separate S Special Setback Overlay District, established under § 38-69 along scenic streets, highways, and the shoreline of Monterey Bay, El Estero, and Roberts Lake, is subject to whatever larger front or shoreline setback is delineated on that parcel's adopted Special Setback Map, which supersedes the base district figures above.