Building Setbacks & Zoning in Monterey, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Monterey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Monterey's R-1 Residential Single-Family District requires a minimum 15-foot front yard, a 20-foot rear yard, and side yards calculated as a percentage of lot width, under Monterey City Code § 38-23(D)(1). Properties inside the separate S Special Setback Overlay District can face additional, map-specific setbacks along scenic streets and the shoreline.
Monterey Residential Yard Setback Minimums
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 38-23(D)(1)
1. Minimum Yards (in feet): ... a. Front 15 (a) ... f. Rear 20 (f) ... bA combined total of 20 percent of the lot width may be varied along the length of a structure, but not less than four (4) feet nor more than 10 feet (except on corner sides). The sum of the side yard setback on any lot shall not exceed 30 percent of the width of the lot. ... fOn lots less than 100 feet in depth, the minimum...
Structure Height Limits
In Monterey's R-1 Residential Single-Family District, a dwelling is capped at two stories and 25 feet, and a detached accessory structure at one story and 12 feet, under Monterey City Code § 38-23(D)(4). Certain rooftop features like chimneys, spires and solar equipment are exempt from those limits under § 38-106.
Monterey Residential Building Height Limits
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 38-23(D)(4); § 38-106
4. Maximum Number of Stories and Maximum Height (feet) ... a. Dwelling: Two (2) stories and 25 feet. ... b. Accessory Structure(s): One (1) story and 12 feet. ... Height limitations stipulated in this chapter shall not apply: a.to church spires, belfries, cupolas and domes, monuments, water towers, fire and hose towers, observation towers, distribution and transmission towers, lines and poles, ...
Lot Coverage Limits
Monterey caps how much of an R-1 single-family lot a building may cover: one-story homes may cover up to 40 percent of the lot, while structures with two or more stories are limited to 35 percent, under Monterey City Code § 38-23(D). A separate 40 percent floor area ratio cap applies on top of the coverage limit for most homes.
Monterey Residential Lot Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 38-23(D)(2)-(3), (E)(1)
2. Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent) ... a. One-story Buildings 40% ... b. Buildings with 2 or more stories 35% ... 3. Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 40% (g) ... Lots less than 3,600 square feet: 0.35 ... Lots 3,600 square feet or more: 0.40
Looking for Monterey County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Monterey city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Monterey County →