Monterey County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

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.