Special Events & Permits in Monterey, CA (2026)
3 verified special events & permits rules for Monterey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Park Event Permits
Monterey requires a permit from the Parks and Recreation Director before any group can use a city park or recreation facility for organized activities such as group use, adult soccer games, or inflatable playhouses and hot air balloons. These uses are flatly prohibited in every park and recreation area unless a permit has first been issued.
Monterey Park Group Use Permits
Significant RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 23-12
The Director shall, as a condition of the following listed uses of any City park and recreation area or facility, require the proposed user of such facility to apply for a permit. Such uses are specifically prohibited in all park and recreation areas unless a permit has been issued by the Director. ... The uses requiring such a permit shall include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Gro...
Parade Permits
Monterey requires a permit before anyone conducts a parade, march, procession or similar formation on a city street, sidewalk or right-of-way that does not comply with normal traffic rules, or any event on city property drawing 150 or more people. The Communications and Outreach Manager issues permits under § 32-4, with application deadlines running from two days to 90 business days depending on the event type.
Monterey Special Event Permit for Parades
Significant RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 32-4(b)(4)(A), (c)
Any organized formation, parade, march, procession, demonstration, run, motorcade, or promenade consisting of persons, animals, or vehicles, or a combination thereof, which is to assemble or travel in unison on any street, sidewalk, park path, or other public right-of-way owned or controlled by the City that does not comply with applicable traffic regulations, laws or controls or that will inte...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Monterey allows sidewalk cafes and outdoor food service tied to a restaurant only in the C-1, C-2 and CR (Cannery Row) commercial districts, under Monterey City Code § 38-33(C)(1). The outdoor seating needs a use permit, no food or drinks may be prepared outdoors, and the Planning Commission can add screening, planting or other conditions, or deny the permit outright, if the outdoor dining would harm neighboring properties.
Monterey Sidewalk Cafe Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 38-33(C)(1)
1. Where Permitted.Outdoor storage and display of merchandise, materials, or equipment, including display of merchandise, materials, and equipment for customer pick up, shall be allowed only with a use permit. Sidewalk cafes and outdoor food service accessory to an Eating and Drinking Establishment shall be permitted in the C 1, C 2, and CR districts. No outdoor preparation of food or beverages...
Looking for Monterey County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Monterey city rules.
Special Events & Permits in Monterey County →