Any development in the Monterey County Coastal Zone requires a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) under MCC Title 20 Chapter 20.70 and the California Coastal Act (Cal. Public Resources Code section 30600). The Coastal Zone covers Big Sur, Carmel Highlands, Carmel Valley coastal portions, Pebble Beach (Del Monte Forest), the Monterey Peninsula coast, Marina, Moss Landing, and Pajaro Dunes. The Big Sur Land Use Plan is among the most restrictive in California.
Monterey County's Coastal Zone covers roughly 90 miles of coastline from the Santa Cruz County line at the Pajaro River south to the San Luis Obispo County line south of Big Sur. Under Cal. Public Resources Code section 30600, any 'development' in the Coastal Zone - construction, demolition, change of intensity of use, grading, vegetation removal, or land division - requires a Coastal Development Permit. The County administers CDPs through MCC Chapter 20.70 under its certified Local Coastal Program. Permit types include: Categorical Exclusion (minor projects in pre-approved categories), Coastal Administrative Permit (most ministerial projects including ADUs), Coastal Development Permit (most discretionary projects), and Combined Development Permit (where multiple Title 20 permits are combined). Decisions are appealable to the California Coastal Commission for development between the sea and first public road (statewide appeal area), within 100 feet of wetlands, within 300 feet of the mean high tide line, and certain other 'appeal zone' areas. Big Sur projects face additional scrutiny under the Big Sur Coast LUP (1986), which preserves the area as 'open space, a small residential community, and agricultural ranching' and severely limits viewshed-visible development. Pebble Beach (Del Monte Forest LUP) has its own LUP coordinated with the Pebble Beach Company. Vegetation removal of native species in Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA) requires CDP and CEQA review.
Unpermitted Coastal Zone development is enforceable under MCC Title 20 general penalty provisions and Cal. Public Resources Code sections 30820-30822. Coastal Commission penalties can reach $15,000 per day per violation plus restoration. Properties with unpermitted development cannot close escrow until cleared.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Monterey, CA
Persistent dog barking in the City of Monterey is enforced under the noise ordinance and animal provisions as a disturbance; chronic barking that disturbs ne...
Monterey, CA
Construction noise in the City of Monterey is limited to daytime hours under the noise ordinance — typically 7 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays with reduced weekend hour...
Monterey, CA
The City of Monterey regulates noise through its municipal code, prohibiting loud and disturbing noise with stricter nighttime limits (generally 10 p.m.–7 a....
Monterey, CA
Driveway approaches in the City of Monterey require an encroachment permit and must meet city standards; vehicles generally must be parked on an approved pav...
Monterey, CA
RV, trailer and boat storage on residential lots in the City of Monterey is regulated by zoning, which restricts placement and prohibits living in a parked RV.
Monterey, CA
On-street parking in the City of Monterey is governed by the vehicle code, with extensive metered and time-limited zones downtown and near the wharf, plus 72...
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See how Monterey's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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