Zoning Restrictions: Monterey vs Salinas
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Monterey, CA and Salinas, CA?
Salinas has fewer restrictions than Monterey.
Monterey, CA
Monterey County
Monterey County § 20.64.090 / § 21.64.090 limits home occupations to incidental businesses using only equipment and materials 'normally found in the home,' staffed solely by the resident and immediate family, conducted entirely inside the residence or on-site structures, with no noxious odors, fumes, or measurable increase in neighborhood traffic. The provisions apply countywide in every zoning district that permits home occupations.
View full Monterey rules →Salinas, CA
Monterey County
Salinas issues home occupation permits for businesses operated from residences. No outdoor storage or signage. No customer visits except in designated zones. Agricultural consulting and farm-related home businesses are common given the region's economy.
View full Salinas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Monterey | Salinas |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section (Coastal) | Monterey County Code § 20.64.090 | - |
| Code Section (Inland) | Monterey County Code § 21.64.090 | - |
| Employees | Only the resident and immediate family on-site | No on-site employees |
| Location of Work | Inside the residence or on-site structures | - |
| Equipment Limit | Only items 'normally found in the home' | - |
| Traffic & Odors | No noxious odors/fumes; no traffic increase above residential normal | - |
| Modification | Coastal Administrative Permit (Coastal Zone, § 20.64.090(D)) | - |
| Permit | - | Required |
| Signage | - | Prohibited |
| Customers | - | Generally not allowed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Monterey FAQ
Can I hire employees for my Monterey County home business?
Only if they live in your home. § 20.64.090(C)(2) provides that 'no persons other than the resident and immediate family residing on site may be employed.' Hiring an outside employee to work at your residence violates the ministerial home occupation standards and requires a discretionary Administrative Permit.
Can I see clients or customers at my Monterey County home?
The ordinance does not list 'no customers' as a separate rule, but it caps traffic at residential levels and prohibits any non-resident employees. In practice, retail or appointment-based businesses with regular customer visits generally cannot meet the traffic and 'limited scale and impact' tests in § 20.64.090(A) and (C)(4), and the County will require an Administrative Permit for such activity.
Can I work in my detached garage or shed?
Yes. § 20.64.090(C)(3) requires that 'all work must be contained in the residence or inside structures on-site.' A detached accessory structure (garage, shed, workshop) on the same parcel qualifies, but outdoor work, outdoor display, or outdoor storage are not allowed under the home occupation standards.
Salinas FAQ
Can I run a business from home?
Yes, with a home occupation permit and business license. The business must be secondary to residential use.
Can I have customers visit?
Most cities limit or prohibit customer visits to home businesses. Check Salinas zoning conditions.
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