Environmental Rules in Monterey, CA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Monterey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Monterey bans discharging anything but storm water into the municipal storm drain system or waters of the state, listing 18 specific prohibited discharges from vehicle washing to concrete washout. New development and construction projects must install and maintain best management practices under the city's NPDES permit, and violators face administrative citations plus nuisance abatement at their own expense.
Monterey Storm Drain Discharge Ban
Significant RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 31.5-12
No person or entity shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the municipal storm drain system or waters of the state, any materials, including but not limited to pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that may cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than storm water. Wastes deposited temporarily in the street in proper waste receptacles for ...
Erosion Control
Monterey requires every construction project's building or land-use permit to build in site-specific erosion and sediment control measures under the storm water ordinance, not as a suggestion but as a condition the owner and developer must carry out and maintain for the life of the job.
Monterey Construction Site Erosion Control
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 31.5-15(c)
Construction Sites.BMPs to reduce pollutants in any storm water runoff activities shall be incorporated in any land use entitlement and/or construction or building-related permit. The owner and developer shall comply with the terms, provisions, and conditions of such land use entitlements and/or building permits as required by the City and as required by the NPDES General Permit and as amended ...
Flood Zones
Any construction or development within a designated area of special flood hazard in Monterey needs a Development Permit before work begins, issued under Monterey City Code §§ 9-69 through 9-72. The Chief of Inspection Services/Building Official serves as Floodplain Administrator, reviewing plans against the city's 1986 Flood Insurance Study and FIRM.
Monterey Flood Zone Development Requires a Permit
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 9-69.1; § 9-70.1
9-69.1. Lands to Which This Ordinance Applies.This ordinance shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of the City of Monterey. ... 9-70.1. Establishment of Development Permit.A Development Permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazards established in Section 9-69.
Boat Dock Permits
Storing a dinghy or other small vessel on a City-owned dock in Monterey Harbor requires a permit from the Harbormaster under Monterey City Code § 17-44. Only berth or mooring licensees and their authorized sub-licensees qualify, and the dinghy must actually be used to reach the permittee's moored vessel.
Monterey Dinghy Dock Storage Permits
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 17-44
a.The berthing of dinghies or other vessels on the City owned and operated docks shall be by permit only as issued by the Harbormaster. The City Council shall set, by resolution, fees for the storage of dinghies. Only licensees or authorized sub-licensees shall be eligible for permits to store dinghies in the Harbor. The dinghies must be owned by licensees or authorized sub-licensees and used t...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New construction and any substantial improvement in a Monterey flood hazard area must have its lowest floor, including any basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation, defined as the flood with a 1% annual chance of occurring (Monterey City Code § 9-71.1(C)(1)). Manufactured homes carry an explicit two-foot freeboard recommendation (§ 9-71.4(C)).
Monterey Requires Elevating Above Base Flood Level
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 9-68; § 9-71.1(C)(1); § 9-71.4(C)
“Base flood” means the flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (also called the “1 00-year flood”). ... 1.All new construction and substantial improvement ... of any structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation. ... will be securely fastened to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist ...
Looking for Monterey County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Monterey city rules.
Environmental Rules in Monterey County →