Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules in Monterey County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Monterey County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Monterey County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Obstruction Rules

Monterey County's only sidewalk-obstruction ordinance is narrow. Code § 12.75.010 bans stopping, blocking, or obstructing the sidewalk or roadway of the Main Street/Porter Drive Bridge over the Pajaro River, from the Santa Cruz County line to San Juan Road and Porter Drive. It does not create a county-wide sidewalk obstruction rule for the rest of unincorporated Monterey County.

Monterey County Bridge Sidewalk Obstruction Ban

Light Restrictions

Monterey County Code § 12.75.010

It shall be unlawful for any person to stop, block, or obstruct any sidewalk or roadway of the Main Street/Porter Drive Bridge over the Pajaro River from the Monterey/Santa Cruz County line to the intersection of San Juan Road and Porter Drive which may cause or is likely to cause any of the following circumstances: A.Any sidewalk or roadway obstruction;B.Any sidewalk or roadway hazard; orC.Imp...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Encroachment Permits

In unincorporated Monterey County, a Public Works Director permit is required before digging, building a driveway, placing an encroachment, or cutting trees within any County highway right-of-way, which covers the road, curb, sidewalk and shoulder area. Salinas, Monterey, Seaside and other cities issue their own encroachment permits under separate municipal codes.

Monterey County Right-of-Way Encroachment Permits

Some Restrictions

Monterey County Code § 14.04.020

When satisfied of an applicant's right or necessity, the Public Works Director may issue to him or her a written permit, which shall not be transferable, authorizing him or her to do any of the following acts:1.Make an opening or excavation for any purpose in any County highway;2.Place, change or renew an encroachment;3.Construct, grade, or place any driveway within a County highway; but no dri...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules by City in Monterey County

1 cities in Monterey County have their own sidewalk & pedestrian rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

SalinasPop. 163,542

3 verified rules • Encroachment Permits, Obstruction Rules

All Monterey County ordinances

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