Accessory Structures in Monterey, CA (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Monterey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Monterey's Section 38-112.6 caps a detached or attached ADU at 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom and 1,000 square feet for larger units, limits detached ADU height to 16 feet (18 feet near major transit), and requires a four-foot side and rear setback unless the unit is inside an existing structure.
Monterey Accessory Dwelling Unit Size and Height
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 38-112.6(A)-(B)
A. General Requirements.All accessory dwelling units shall conform with the following: ... 2. Floor Area. ... b.The floor area of an attached or detached accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom and 1,000 square feet for a unit that contains more than one bedroom. ... 3. Setbacks. ... b.For all other accessory dwelling units, a setback of four feet is...
ADU Impact Fees
Monterey charges no impact fees at all on an accessory dwelling unit smaller than 750 square feet under City Code Section 38-112.6(E)(4). Once an ADU reaches 750 square feet or more, the City charges impact fees proportionately based on the ADU's square footage relative to the primary dwelling.
Monterey Waives Impact Fees On Small ADUs
Light RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 38-112.6(E)(4)
4.No impact fees may be imposed on an accessory dwelling unit that is less than 750 square feet in size. For purposes of this section, "impact fees" include the fees specified in California Government Code Sections 66000 and 66477, but do not include utility connection fees or capacity charges. For accessory dwelling units that have a floor area of 750 square feet or more, impact fees shall be ...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Before Monterey issues a building permit for an accessory dwelling unit, the owner must record a covenant under City Code Section 38-112.6(A)(3) promising the ADU will never be sold separately from the main house and will never be rented out for fewer than 30 consecutive days, closing off short-term vacation rental use.
Monterey Bans Short-Term Rental Of ADUs
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 38-112.6(A)(3)
3.Prior to issuance of a building permit for an accessory dwelling unit, the property owner shall record a covenant in a form prescribed by the City Attorney, which shall run with the land and provide for the following: a.The accessory dwelling unit(s) may not be sold separately from the existing or proposed single-family dwelling or multifamily dwelling; and b.Neither the accessory dwelling un...
Shed & Carport Rules
A detached shed or accessory structure in Monterey's residential districts must sit at least ten feet from the main house and at least five feet from interior side and rear property lines, and cannot occupy a required front or corner side yard.
Monterey Sets 10-Foot Shed Setback From the House
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 38-26(A)
A. Accessory Structures.Accessory structures shall not occupy a required front or corner side yard. Detached accessory structures shall be located at least ten feet from a main structure and shall be set back at least five feet from interior side and rear property lines. The minimum distance between accessory structures shall be six feet. ... Accessory structures more than four feet in height s...
Looking for Monterey County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Monterey city rules.
Accessory Structures in Monterey County →