ADU Rules: Monterey vs Salinas
How do adu rules rules compare between Monterey, CA and Salinas, CA?
Monterey has fewer restrictions than Salinas.
Monterey, CA
Monterey County
Monterey County allows one ADU and one JADU on lots with a single-family dwelling in unincorporated non-coastal areas. Detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 sf, 16 ft tall, with 4 ft side and rear setbacks; no off-street parking is required.
View full Monterey rules →Salinas, CA
Monterey County
California law (Gov. Code §65852.2) requires cities to allow ADUs on residential lots. Salinas must comply with state standards for size, setbacks, and parking.
View full Salinas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Monterey | Salinas |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Monterey County Code § 21.64.030 | - |
| Max ADU Size | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| Max JADU Size | 500 sq ft | - |
| Max Height (Detached) | 16 ft | - |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft minimum | - |
| Parking Required | Not Required (§ 21.58.040) | - |
| Units per Lot | One ADU + one JADU | - |
| Rental Minimum | 31 days (no vacation rentals) | - |
| Max Size | - | 800 sq ft detached |
| Setbacks | - | 4 ft rear/side |
| Parking | - | None near transit |
| State Law | - | Gov. Code §65852.2 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Monterey FAQ
Do I need off-street parking for an ADU in unincorporated Monterey County?
No. Section 21.58.040 of the Monterey County Code expressly lists ADU/JADU parking as 'Not Required.'
Can I rent my Monterey County ADU on Airbnb?
No. Section 21.64.030(E)(4) prohibits using an ADU or JADU as a vacation rental, defined as rentals of 30 consecutive days or less. Rentals must be longer than 30 days.
What is the maximum size of an ADU in Monterey County?
1,200 square feet for an ADU (§ 21.64.030(E)(9)) and 500 square feet for a JADU (§ 21.64.030(E)(10)). JADUs must be created fully within the walls of the existing single-family dwelling (§ 21.06.374).
Are ADUs allowed everywhere in unincorporated Monterey County?
Not everywhere. New ADUs are prohibited in B-8 overlay areas, much of the North County planning area, designated portions of Toro and Greater Salinas, and most Specific Plan areas. However, state law still permits at least one 800-sf detached ADU or an internal conversion ADU/JADU in those resource-constrained areas (§ 21.64.030(C)).
Salinas FAQ
Can I build an ADU?
Yes. California law requires all cities to allow ADUs on residential lots. Salinas must process permits within 60 days.
Do I need to live on the property?
No owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs under current California law.
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