Maximum building height in unincorporated Monterey County is set by zoning district in Title 21. Residential main structures are generally capped at 30 ft (LDR/MDR/RDR) or 35 ft (HDR), with accessory structures usually 15 ft. Chapter 21.62 allows chimneys, towers and similar features to exceed the limit.
Like setbacks, height limits are district-specific under Title 21. For main structures, the Low Density Residential district (21.14.060) and Medium Density Residential district (21.12.060) cap height at 30 ft; the Rural Density Residential district (21.16.060) also caps main structures at 30 ft, while farm outbuildings such as barns and stables may reach 30 ft; the High Density Residential district (21.10.060) allows up to 35 ft. Accessory structures (habitable or non-habitable) are typically limited to 15 ft across these residential districts. The height-and-setback-exception chapter, 21.62 (inland) / 20.62 (coastal), allows certain elements to exceed the district limit: chimneys, vents and mechanical appurtenances; and towers, poles, water tanks and similar structures (the latter often requiring a permit, and a Coastal Development Permit in the Coastal Zone). An accessory structure structurally attached to the main structure may be the same height as the main structure. A height limit shown directly on the zoning map supersedes the district default. Because of these layered rules, the controlling height is parcel-specific.
Exceeding the district height limit without an approved exception or variance is a zoning violation enforced by HCD Code Compliance, which can require the structure be lowered, removed, or brought into compliance, with daily civil penalties for continued violations.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Monterey, CA
Persistent dog barking in the City of Monterey is enforced under the noise ordinance and animal provisions as a disturbance; chronic barking that disturbs ne...
Monterey, CA
Construction noise in the City of Monterey is limited to daytime hours under the noise ordinance — typically 7 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays with reduced weekend hour...
Monterey, CA
The City of Monterey regulates noise through its municipal code, prohibiting loud and disturbing noise with stricter nighttime limits (generally 10 p.m.–7 a....
Monterey, CA
Driveway approaches in the City of Monterey require an encroachment permit and must meet city standards; vehicles generally must be parked on an approved pav...
Monterey, CA
RV, trailer and boat storage on residential lots in the City of Monterey is regulated by zoning, which restricts placement and prohibits living in a parked RV.
Monterey, CA
On-street parking in the City of Monterey is governed by the vehicle code, with extensive metered and time-limited zones downtown and near the wharf, plus 72...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Monterey County.
See how Monterey's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.