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Monterey County, CA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter: Monterey County Code Ch. 18.25
Sole designation authority: Board of Supervisors
Owner consent: Required before designation
Demolition notice: 180 days' written notice to Review Board
Review Board hearing deadline: 30 days from first hearing
Appeal deadline: 10 days after decision notice
Minor-work permit review: Secretary decides within 5 working days

Summary

In unincorporated Monterey County, a building cannot be listed as a historic or cultural resource, or "landmark," without Board of Supervisors approval under County Code Chapter 18.25. Anyone, including the Historic Resources Review Board, the Planning Commission or the owner, can start the process, but owner consent is mandatory before any parcel joins the Local Official Register.

City-specific rules exist: Salinas has its own historic-cultural monuments rules that differ from Monterey County's county-level regulations. If you live in Salinas, check the city-specific page instead.

Designation of historic resources and districts may be initiated by the Board of Supervisors, the Planning Commission, the Review Board, the Secretary, or upon application of the owner of the property for which designation is requested, or the authorized representative of the owner. No property shall be designated pursuant to this Chapter without the consent of the property owner.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).

Full Breakdown

060, including the assessor's parcel number, photographs, and a statement of the structure's architectural and historic significance; property-owner consent is required before the county can list a site. 070 sets the review criteria: the resource must meet National Register or California Register standards, or show historical/cultural significance, historic/architectural/engineering significance, or community and geographic setting value. 090). 100). 150). 170).

Violations & Fines

Proceeding with construction, alteration, or demolition on a designated resource without the Chapter 18.25 permit review is unlawful under Section 18.25.150. Demolishing all or part of a designated resource, or a structure inside a designated historic district, without giving the Historic Resources Review Board 180 days' prior written notice is prohibited under Section 18.25.190(A), though the Board can waive that notice for emergencies, relocation, or extreme hardship. Permit decisions may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors within 10 days of the decision notice under Section 18.25.180.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Monterey County designate my property as a cultural monument without my consent?

No. Section 18.25.060(A) states "No property shall be designated pursuant to this Chapter without the consent of the property owner," so the county cannot force a landmark designation on an unwilling owner in the unincorporated area.

How long before I can demolish a designated historic resource?

Under Section 18.25.190(A), owners must give the Historic Resources Review Board 180 days' written notice before demolishing all or part of a designated resource or a structure inside a designated historic district, unless the Board waives that requirement for an emergency, relocation, or hardship.

What if the designation makes my property impossible to use profitably?

Section 18.25.175 lets an owner present financial-hardship evidence to the Review Board, which has up to 120 days to adopt a relief plan; if no plan restores a reasonable economic return, the Board must issue the permit for the proposed work.

Can I appeal a denied permit for work on a historic resource?

Yes. File a notice of appeal with the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors within 10 days of the decision notice under Section 18.25.180; the Board can approve, modify, deny, or send the matter back to the Review Board for further consideration.

Sources & Official References

[1]Monterey County Code, Chapter 18.25 - Preservation of Historic Resources (Municode)

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Historic-Cultural Monuments in Cities Across Monterey County

Salinas, CA