Water restrictions in Monterey, CA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Outdoor watering in the City of Monterey is subject to Monterey Peninsula Water Management District rules — among the strictest in California — including assigned watering days, time-of-day limits, and runoff prohibitions. MWELO applies to larger new/renovated landscapes.
Outdoor watering in the City of Monterey answers to the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, whose rules rank among the strictest in California — a legacy of the peninsula's chronic water scarcity. Expect assigned watering days that shift seasonally, time-of-day limits, and a flat prohibition on runoff leaving your property. Larger new or renovated landscapes also fall under MWELO, the state's water-efficient landscape ordinance. These aren't drought-only rules; they're the permanent baseline, tightening further in dry years. Check MPWMD's current schedule before programming irrigation, and design new landscaping for low water from the outset — the district's rules reward it.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Monterey, CA
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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.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Monterey County.
See how other cities in Monterey County handle water restrictions.
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