Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Monterey, CA (2026)
3 verified sidewalk & pedestrian rules for Monterey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Sidewalk Repair
Monterey City Code § 32-24 puts the duty to repair and maintain an abutting sidewalk on the adjacent property owner, covering everything from sweeping and weed removal to full replacement, so it never endangers the public. If the Public Works Director finds a defective sidewalk, the owner gets written notice and 90 days to begin repairs under §§ 32-25 and 32-26.
Monterey Property Owners Must Repair Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 32-24(a); § 32-26
An owner shall repair and maintain any sidewalk in such condition that the sidewalk will not endanger persons or property, and repair and maintain it in a condition which will not interfere with the public safety or convenience in the use of the sidewalk or abutting roadway. ... The owner shall commence the repairs required by the notice to repair within 90 days after service of the notice to r...
Obstruction Rules
Monterey City Code § 32-6 bars placing any box, bale, package, lumber or similar item on a sidewalk so as to obstruct it, though merchants and tradesmen may briefly use the sidewalk in front of their business to receive or ship goods. Even during that allowed use, at least four feet of clear sidewalk width must stay open for pedestrians at all times.
Monterey Rule Against Blocking Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 32-6
No person shall place any box, bale, package, lumber or other thing on any sidewalk by reason of which any such sidewalk shall be obstructed; provided that merchants, tradesmen and persons while engaged in receiving or forwarding goods or any other commodity may use a portion of the sidewalk in front of where the goods or other commodity is to be received or shipped, for a period not exceeding ...
Encroachment Permits
Anyone placing a structure or object on a Monterey street, sidewalk, alley or other public right-of-way without legal authority is maintaining an 'encroachment' under Chapter 32, Article 3, and needs a City encroachment permit. Authority to issue sits with the City Council but is delegated to the Director of Engineering & Maintenance under § 32-17, with a 15-day written appeal right to the Council.
Monterey Encroachment Permit for Right-of-Way Use
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 32-14; § 32-16
Encroachment. Any structure or object of any kind or character placed, without authority of law, either on, in, over or under any street, alley, sidewalk, right-of-way, public place, property owned by the City, or property dedicated to the public use or benefit. ... The City Council may grant an encroachment permit by notice on any City-owned property, street, public place or right-of-way over ...
Looking for Monterey County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Monterey city rules.
Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Monterey County →