Pop. 30,218 · Monterey County
Monterey City Code Chapter 20 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic) regulates parking. Vehicles may not be parked on any city street for more than 72 consecutive hours. Section 20-85.5 restricts overnight parking (with district-specific provisions in 20-85.3 and 20-85.4 for Fairground Road and Sand Dunes Drive). Commercial vehicles loading or delivering to a specific address are exempt from overnight restrictions.
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.
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-hour abandoned-vehicle enforcement (CVC §22651).
Driveway approaches in the City of Monterey require an encroachment permit and must meet city standards; vehicles generally must be parked on an approved paved surface, not on the lawn.
Unincorporated Monterey County has no blanket oversized-vehicle street ban. The California Vehicle Code controls: Section 22507 lets local authorities restrict parking of vehicles 'six feet or more in height' on designated streets, but only where signs or markings are posted. A vehicle left 72 hours can be towed under Section 22651(k).
Monterey County reviews EV-charging installations through its building and planning permit process; the county has no special on-street EV ordinance, so EV-charging space rules follow the California Building/Green Building Standards Codes and state law. On public roads, curb access and parking remain governed by the California Vehicle Code.
Monterey County zoning requires off-street loading spaces for larger commercial and industrial buildings (Section 20.58.050(H)). On public streets, loading-zone curb colors are set by California Vehicle Code Section 21458 (yellow = freight/passenger loading, white = passenger loading), and stopping in a marked loading zone is restricted.
Curb-color meanings in unincorporated Monterey County follow California Vehicle Code Section 21458: red = no stopping/parking, yellow = freight/passenger loading, white = passenger loading or mail, green = time-limited parking by local ordinance, blue = disabled parking. Only authorities or their agents may lawfully paint regulatory curbs.
Monterey County Code Chapter 12.72 (Abandoned Vehicles) makes it unlawful to leave an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicle on private or public property more than 30 days unless fully enclosed in a building. Vehicles are abated under Chapter 12.72 and California Vehicle Code Sections 22660, 22661, and 22669.
Unincorporated Monterey County has no general overnight street-parking ban. Overnight parking on county roads is governed by the California Vehicle Code, including the 72-hour limit in Section 22651(k). Local overnight restrictions are only enforceable where signs or curb markings are posted under Vehicle Code Section 22507.
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 hours. Work outside the window is a violation; confirm exact hours with the city.
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.m.). California sets no statewide residential dB limit, so the city defines its own standards.
Persistent dog barking in the City of Monterey is enforced under the noise ordinance and animal provisions as a disturbance; chronic barking that disturbs neighbors can be cited.
Unincorporated Monterey County has no stand-alone leaf-blower ordinance. Leaf blowers and other powered garden equipment are governed by the general device limit in County Code Sec. 10.60.030 (any time of day, measured 50 feet away) and by the Sec. 10.60.040 nighttime standards. There is no fixed daytime curfew on garden equipment in Chapter 10.60.
Amplified music is the County's top noise complaint, especially at large parties in North Monterey County. Under County Code Sec. 10.60.040, nighttime amplified sound that is loud and unreasonable, plainly audible at 50 feet, or above 45 Leq / 65 dBA is prohibited. Large events also require HCD special-event permits.
Monterey County Code Chapter 10.60 uses two decibel frameworks. Sec. 10.60.030 caps noise-producing devices at a level measured 50 feet away at any time of day (originally 85 dBA; a 2024 amendment reduced the maximum). Sec. 10.60.040 sets nighttime exterior standards of 45 Leq dBA (hourly equivalent) and 65 dBA maximum, measured at the property line.
Monterey County Code Chapter 10.60 does not contain a dedicated motor-vehicle noise section; on-road vehicle noise is primarily controlled by the California Vehicle Code, enforced by the Sheriff and CHP. A loud vehicle, generator, or off-road machine operating off the roadway can still fall under the Sec. 10.60.030 device limit and the Sec. 10.60.040 nighttime standards.
Outdoor music in unincorporated Monterey County is regulated under County Code Sec. 10.60.040, which prohibits loud and unreasonable sound during the nighttime period and caps noise at 45 Leq / 65 dBA at the property line. Section 10.60.040(C) provides a narrow exemption for outdoor gatherings, dances, shows, and entertainment events on commercial or institutional premises that hold the required permits.
Industrial and stationary equipment in unincorporated Monterey County is controlled by County Code Sec. 10.60.030, which prohibits any machine producing noise above the code's cap measured 50 feet away at any time, with a carve-out for equipment more than 2,500 feet from any dwelling. Nighttime operation faces the Sec. 10.60.040 standards.
Aircraft noise is not controlled by the Monterey County noise ordinance: County Code Sec. 10.60.030 expressly states its prohibition 'shall not apply to aircraft.' Aircraft operations are regulated by the FAA, with voluntary noise-abatement programs run by the Monterey Peninsula Airport District at Monterey Regional Airport, including preferred runways and a voluntary overnight non-operation period.
The City of Monterey strictly limits short-term rentals; STRs are prohibited in most residential zones and allowed only under limited circumstances or in specific zones with a permit. California has no statewide preemption. Confirm current rules before listing.
Any permitted STR guests in the City of Monterey are bound by the noise ordinance — loud or disturbing noise, especially at night, can be cited.
Lawful transient lodging in the City of Monterey is subject to the city's Transient Occupancy Tax (around 10–12%) plus a tourism assessment on stays under 30 days. Operators must register and remit.
Lodging parking in the City of Monterey must comply with zoning off-street parking standards; on-street parking is limited, metered in many areas, and subject to the vehicle code.
Every short-term rental in unincorporated Monterey County must register for a Vacation Rental Operation License and a Transient Occupancy Tax certificate. Inland operators had to apply or comply by April 14, 2025; coastal operators by December 24, 2025.
Monterey County's vacation rental ordinance limits guest occupancy based on the number of bedrooms, generally about two adults per bedroom with an overall maximum for larger homes. Exact limits are set as license conditions by Housing and Community Development.
Monterey County does not ban non-owner-occupied rentals outright, but Homestays must be the owner's residence, and Limited and Commercial Vacation Rentals (non-hosted) face caps and zoning limits. Commercial rentals are banned in several residential areas.
Homestays require the owner to live on site and occupy a bedroom during stays. Non-hosted Limited and Commercial Vacation Rentals do not require host presence but must designate a 24-hour local contact who responds quickly to complaints.
Monterey County's Vacation Rental Operation License is established under County Code Chapter 7.120, which sets license, inspection, and operating conditions. Operators should confirm any liability-insurance requirement directly with Housing and Community Development, as a specific dollar amount is not published in the County's summary materials.
Monterey County defines short-term rentals as stays of 30 days or fewer. Limited Vacation Rentals may be rented whole-house up to three times per year; Commercial Vacation Rentals (more than three times/year) are capped at about 4% of housing units per planning area.
All fireworks — including California 'Safe and Sane' fireworks — are illegal in the City of Monterey, along with Carmel and Pacific Grove. Only professional permitted displays are allowed. Neighboring Seaside, Marina and Salinas allow Safe and Sane, but Monterey does not.
Recreational fires in approved fire pits using clean, dry wood are generally allowed in the City of Monterey subject to fire-code clearances and no-burn day restrictions; beach fires are allowed only in designated areas.
Open burning in the City of Monterey is regulated by the Monterey Bay Air Resources District and the fire department; residential yard-waste burning is generally prohibited and barred on no-burn days.
Backyard burning of vegetation in unincorporated Monterey County is tightly controlled: it requires an MBARD burn permit, is allowed only on declared burn days during a limited winter season, and is suspended by CAL FIRE during peak fire season. Recreational warming/cooking fires are separate and follow the California Fire Code.
Properties in unincorporated Monterey County must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures under California Public Resources Code 4291. The requirement applies in the State Responsibility Area and very high fire hazard severity zones, and a compliant defensible space inspection is required when selling property in high or very high fire hazard severity zones.
Smoke alarm requirements in unincorporated Monterey County come from state law. California Health & Safety Code section 13113.7 requires operable smoke alarms in every dwelling unit intended for human occupancy, and a separate state law (Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act) requires carbon monoxide alarms in dwellings with gas appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.
Propane (LP-gas) storage in unincorporated Monterey County follows the California Fire Code (adopted via County Code Ch. 18.09) and NFPA 58. Larger stationary tanks must meet location and separation distances based on container size, and disconnected grill cylinders cannot be stored on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.
About 80% of Monterey County is rated high, very high, or extreme fire threat. CAL FIRE maps Fire Hazard Severity Zones (moderate, high, very high) across the State and Local Responsibility Areas. Very high zones trigger 100-foot defensible space, Wildland-Urban Interface building codes, and seller disclosure.
City of Monterey zoning typically allows fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3–4 feet in front yards, with corner sight-visibility limits and view considerations in some areas. Taller fences require a permit or variance.
City of Monterey zoning permits standard residential fence materials (wood, vinyl, masonry, ornamental metal, chain link). Barbed wire, razor wire and electric fencing are generally restricted in residential zones.
A building/zoning permit is generally required in the City of Monterey for fences over 6 feet or masonry/retaining walls; pool barrier fences must meet the California Building Code. Coastal approvals may apply.
Shared boundary fences in California are governed by the Good Neighbor Fence Act (CA Civil Code §841), presuming adjoining owners share the cost equally after 30 days' notice. Spite fences over 10 feet are a private nuisance (§841.4).
Monterey County requires a construction permit for any retaining wall 4 feet or greater in height, measured bottom of footing to top of wall, OR a retaining wall of any height that supports a surcharge. Permit submittals require engineered drawings, structural calculations, and typically a geotechnical report.
Fences on unincorporated Monterey County land must comply with Title 21 (inland) or Title 20 (coastal): generally no taller than 6 ft unless the accessory-structure setback is met, no encroachment on utility or road easements, plus Design Approval in Design Control Districts and possibly a Coastal Development Permit in the Coastal Zone.
Monterey County's building-permit exemptions distinguish fence materials: concrete/masonry fences are exempt up to 6 ft, wood/vinyl/metal up to 8 ft, and open metal up to 10 ft. Above those heights a permit is required. Design Control Districts add material and appearance review through Design Approval.
California's Swimming Pool Safety Act in Health and Safety Code Section 115920 mandates statewide drowning prevention barriers around residential pools, with cities prohibited from adopting weaker standards.
California prohibits breed-specific bans, so the City of Monterey cannot ban a breed outright; only breed-specific spay/neuter rules are allowed. Dangerous dogs are regulated by behavior.
California restricts exotic pets through the Fish & Game Code and CDFW regulations — ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal statewide, and many wild/exotic species are prohibited. These restrictions apply in the City of Monterey.
The City of Monterey requires dogs to be leashed or confined and prohibits dogs running at large; animal control enforces and may impound loose dogs. California requires dog licensing. Some beaches/trails have specific dog rules.
Beekeeping is permitted in the City of Monterey subject to local zoning standards on hive number, placement and setbacks. California has no statewide ban; hives must be registered with the county agricultural commissioner.
Keeping chickens in unincorporated Monterey County is governed by zoning. The County's low-density residential rules allow animal husbandry and small livestock farming on suitably zoned land. Roosters are tightly regulated: a Rooster Keeping Operation Permit is required when 5 or more roosters are kept on a single property under the County's rooster ordinance.
The Salinas Valley is heavy agriculture, and livestock keeping in unincorporated Monterey County is governed by zoning. Low-density residential rules allow animal husbandry and small livestock farming, limited to roughly one horse, mule, or cow per 20,000 square feet, with setbacks for barns and stables. Larger operations are allowed in agricultural districts.
Unincorporated Monterey County does not set a flat numeric cap on pet dogs or cats per home in its animal control materials. Instead, breeding triggers kennel status: under MCC 8.04.010, anyone who breeds a cat or dog more than once a year, or keeps two or more litters per year, is a kennel and needs a Breeder/Kennel permit.
Cat licensing is voluntary in unincorporated Monterey County, but cats must be rabies-vaccinated by 4 months of age. A female cat in season must be confined to prevent breeding (MCC 8.20.030). There is no cat leash law, and the County and SPCA support trap-neuter-return for community (feral) cats.
Unincorporated Monterey County prohibits feeding wildlife in any way, with the only exception being a bird feeder in your yard, under Monterey County Code section 8.42.012. Drivers must also render or call for assistance after knowingly hitting a deer, other wildlife, or a domestic animal (MCC 8.44.050).
Animal hoarding and neglect in unincorporated Monterey County are handled through the County's nuisance and animal-care rules plus California's cruelty law. Penal Code section 597 criminalizes neglect and conditions like overcrowding, and MCC 8.44.010 makes abandoning an animal a misdemeanor. Animal Services investigates and can seize at-risk animals.
Owners maintain trees on their own property in the City of Monterey; street trees and designated heritage/significant trees are managed by the city, which requires approval before pruning or removing them.
The City of Monterey requires a permit to remove protected or significant trees, even on private property; street-tree removal requires city approval. Replacement plantings may be required.
The City of Monterey enforces a property-maintenance/weed-abatement code requiring owners to control overgrown grass, weeds and brush as a fire and nuisance hazard. Violations can lead to abatement and a cost lien.
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.
Unincorporated Monterey County regulates weeds two ways: Chapter 10.46 of the County Code (Weed Control) and fire-driven hazardous-vegetation abatement under California's defensible-space laws. Dry weeds, dead grass, and flammable vegetation that become a fire menace must be cleared, or the County/fire district can abate and bill the owner.
Capturing rooftop rainwater is legal in unincorporated Monterey County, governed mainly by California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. No state water-rights permit is needed for rooftop, non-potable outdoor use, and simple rain barrels generally need no plumbing permit. Larger or plumbed systems may trigger building-code review.
Homeowners aren't forced to plant natives, but water-efficient landscape rules push qualifying projects toward low-water, climate-appropriate plants and limit thirsty turf. California's MWELO applies countywide, and on the Monterey Peninsula MPWMD's Rule 142.1 imposes even stricter water-efficient landscape standards. State law also protects low-water plantings from HOA bans.
Unincorporated Monterey County has no countywide ban on artificial turf. Synthetic lawns are a water-saving option treated as a landscaping/site matter, and may need to appear on a required landscape plan for qualifying projects. California Civil Code 4735 bars HOAs from prohibiting artificial turf that resembles grass.
Under California SB 1383, effective January 1, 2022, residents in unincorporated Monterey County must keep organic waste (food scraps, yard trimmings, food-soiled paper) out of the trash and use the required green-cart organics collection. Backyard composting is still allowed and encouraged but does not by itself exempt a household from service.
Home-occupation signage in the City of Monterey is tightly limited by the zoning sign rules — typically no exterior commercial signage in residential zones.
Home occupations in the City of Monterey are permitted as an accessory use under zoning with a home-occupation permit/business license, subject to conditions keeping the business subordinate to the residence.
Home occupations in the City of Monterey must not generate traffic, parking demand or deliveries beyond what is normal for a residence; significant customer visits can disqualify the use.
Monterey County does not issue a separate home occupation permit. A home-based business that meets all five standards in Section 21.64.090 / 20.64.090 is allowed by right in residential and farmland districts. A County business license/tax certificate and any state licenses still apply, and a deviation from the standards requires an Administrative Permit.
Cottage food operations in unincorporated Monterey County are allowed under California's Homemade Food Act. State law (Government Code 51035) bars the County from prohibiting them in a residence and requires classifying them as a permitted residential use. Class A operations register and Class B operations get a permit and inspection through County Environmental Health.
Under California SB 234, small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family daycare homes are a residential use by right in unincorporated Monterey County. The County cannot require a zoning permit, business license, or fee, and cannot apply parking, noise, spacing or sign rules that do not apply to all homes in the same zone. Operators must hold a state license.
Pools in the City of Monterey must be enclosed under the California Building Code and Swimming Pool Safety Act: a barrier at least 60 inches (5 feet) high with self-closing, self-latching gates, plus at least one additional drowning-prevention feature.
Above-ground pools holding more than 18 inches of water in the City of Monterey require a building permit and the same barrier protection as in-ground pools; ladders must be removable or secured when unattended.
Pool construction in the City of Monterey must meet the California Building Code and Swimming Pool Safety Act — barriers, anti-entrapment drain covers, and electrical bonding. A building permit and inspections are required.
Building a swimming pool, spa or hot tub in unincorporated Monterey County requires a building permit from the Housing and Community Development Department. Work must meet the adopted California Building Standards Code and Monterey County Code Chapter 18.22, which governs unincorporated swimming pools, spas and hot tubs.
Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated Monterey County are regulated under Monterey County Code Chapter 18.22 and the California Pool Safety Act. A spa or hot tub equipped with an approved locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 is exempt from the full enclosure rule; without one it is treated like a pool and must meet barrier requirements.
Sheds in the City of Monterey must meet zoning setback rules for accessory structures. Under the California Building Code, a building permit is generally required for sheds over 120 square feet; smaller sheds still must meet placement rules.
California's statewide ADU law (Gov. Code §65852.2) requires the City of Monterey to allow accessory dwelling units on residential lots by right — detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, 4-foot side/rear setbacks, no owner-occupancy requirement, and no added parking within ½ mile of transit.
Converting a garage to living space in the City of Monterey requires a building permit and zoning review for egress, light/ventilation and parking; converting to a separate unit is often processed as an ADU under state law.
Monterey County treats carports as accessory structures subject to Title 21 zoning setbacks and building permits. Under the county ADU ordinance and state law, when a carport is demolished or converted to build an ADU, the county does not require the lost off-street parking spaces to be replaced.
Monterey County recognizes a 'tiny home' as an ADU only if it qualifies as a manufactured home under Health & Safety Code section 18007. Per section 21.06.372, a qualifying tiny home is treated as a manufactured home and may serve as an ADU (max 1,200 sq ft inland). Movable tiny homes on wheels are not separately permitted as dwellings.
The City of Monterey participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain-development standards in FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas along the bay and creeks. The Coastal Commission regulates shoreline development. Building in a flood zone requires elevation to or above base flood elevation.
Coastal shoreline development in Monterey County is governed by MCC Title 20 (Coastal Implementation Plan) and the County's certified Local Coastal Program (LCP) - including the Big Sur Coast LUP, Carmel Area LUP, Del Monte Forest LUP, and North County LUP. Shoreline armoring (seawalls, riprap) generally requires a Coastal Development Permit and is allowed only to protect pre-1977 structures or essential public infrastructure. The Big Sur Coast LUP bars almost all shoreline alteration.
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.
California Water Code sections 13260 and 13383 implement the federal Clean Water Act through statewide MS4 NPDES permits issued by the State and Regional Water Boards, binding all municipal stormwater dischargers uniformly.
Outdoor BBQ and propane grilling in unincorporated Monterey County follows the California Fire Code (adopted via County Code Ch. 18.09). Charcoal and open-flame grills may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in multi-family buildings, with exceptions for one- and two-family homes, small camp-size LP cylinders, and sprinklered buildings.
Backyard smokers count as open-flame/charcoal cooking devices under the California Fire Code (adopted via County Code Ch. 18.09). In multi-family buildings they may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction; single-family homes are exempt but must mind extreme wildfire risk.
Setbacks in unincorporated Monterey County are set per zoning district in Title 21. Examples: LDR/MDR main structures require a 30 ft (LDR) or 20 ft (MDR) front setback; RDR requires 30 ft front, 20 ft side and rear. Architectural features and uncovered decks get limited encroachment exceptions under Chapter 21.62.
Maximum building height in unincorporated Monterey County is set by zoning district in Title 21. Residential main structures are generally capped at 30 ft (LDR/MDR/RDR) or 35 ft (HDR), with accessory structures usually 15 ft. Chapter 21.62 allows chimneys, towers and similar features to exceed the limit.
Maximum building site coverage in unincorporated Monterey County varies by Title 21 district: LDR allows 35% on lots under 20,000 sq ft and 25% on larger lots; MDR allows 35%; RDR allows 25%; HDR allows up to 60%. Minimum building site sizes are also set per district.
Unincorporated Monterey County does not have a specific garage-sale or yard-sale permit ordinance in its zoning or property code. Occasional residential garage sales are generally treated as a normal residential activity, but sellers must avoid creating a nuisance, blocking the public right-of-way, or running an ongoing retail business from home.
In unincorporated Monterey County, blighted or unsanitary property is handled as a public nuisance under the County Code's administrative code-enforcement chapter. The County's Code Compliance Division investigates complaints, issues notices, and can escalate to administrative citations, abatement, and liens against the property.
Unincorporated Monterey County requires every occupied home and business to have weekly solid-waste service under County Code Ch. 10.41. Carts are supplied by the County's franchised hauler, which sets container placement and removal rules - including keeping carts at the curb only on collection day and clear of obstacles.
Owners of vacant parcels in unincorporated Monterey County must keep them free of hazardous weeds, rubbish, and other nuisance conditions. The County enforces this through its Weed Control chapter (Ch. 10.46) and the general code-enforcement/nuisance chapter (Ch. 1.22), with abatement and liens for non-compliance.
Unincorporated Monterey County regulates hazardous weeds and combustible vegetation under County Code Ch. 10.46 (Weed Control). Property owners can be required to abate dry weeds and brush that pose a fire or health hazard; if they don't, the County abates and bills the owner. Specific grass-height limits are not set countywide.
Unincorporated Monterey County requires a Tree Removal Permit to remove protected native trees (oaks, Monterey pine, Monterey cypress, redwood). Up to three trees can be handled administratively; more than three needs a Use Permit. Coastal Zone removals also require a Coastal Development Permit, and an arborist report is generally required.
California provides statewide protections for native oak woodlands and heritage trees through CEQA review, Public Resources Code, and Forest Practice Rules that apply uniformly.
Unincorporated Monterey County requires weekly solid-waste collection from every occupied home and business under County Code 10.41.030. Service is provided by the County's franchised hauler under the Unified Franchise Agreement that began January 1, 2025, with residential collection allowed roughly 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.
In unincorporated Monterey County, carts must be set out near the curb for collection and removed promptly. The franchise agreement requires material to be placed within about three feet of the curb or accessible roadway, and the hauler's terms direct residents to set carts out by the morning deadline with clearance around them.
Unincorporated Monterey County residents get an annual on-call bulky-item pickup through the franchised hauler. The Unified Franchise Agreement provides one free On-Call Collection per calendar year for up to five bulky items; additional pickups carry a per-event charge. Items must be set out near the curb when scheduled.
Recycling is mandatory in unincorporated Monterey County. Every single-family dwelling must have recyclables collection service alongside trash and organics under the Unified Franchise Agreement, and California's commercial recycling laws (AB 341) require businesses and multi-family complexes to recycle as well.
California's SB 1383 makes organic-waste (food scraps and yard waste) recycling mandatory statewide. In unincorporated Monterey County, every single-family dwelling must have organic-waste collection under the Unified Franchise Agreement, multi-family complexes of five or more units must subscribe, and large food businesses must recover edible food.
Unincorporated Monterey County allows temporary political signs on private property with the owner's permission. Signs may be posted no earlier than 60 days before an election and must be removed within 10 days after. A Statement of Responsibility must be filed with the Director of Housing and Community Development. Signs on public property or utility poles are prohibited.
Monterey County's sign code does not single out garage or yard sale signs. Such signs fall under general temporary-sign limits in Title 21 (inland) and Title 20 (coastal). Off-site temporary signs are limited in size, may not be placed in the road right-of-way, and must be promptly removed; comparable off-site open-house signs are capped at 7 square feet.
Monterey County General Plan Policy LU-1.13 requires all exterior lighting to be unobtrusive and located so only the intended area is illuminated, the long-range visibility of the light source is reduced, and off-site glare is fully controlled. The Board of Supervisors adopted Design Guidelines for Exterior Lighting (implemented through Title 21, Chapter 21.63) to protect night-sky views.
Monterey County addresses light trespass through General Plan Policy LU-1.13, which requires exterior lighting to be located so only the intended area is illuminated and off-site glare is fully controlled. There is no fixed footcandle limit at property lines, but fixtures spilling light onto neighbors can be shielded through Title 21 design review.
Commercial drone operations in California follow uniform federal rules under 14 CFR Part 107 plus statewide California provisions in Civil Code 1708.8 and Public Utilities Code 21401, with local rules limited to ground-based regulation.
Recreational drone flight in California is governed primarily by FAA regulations under 14 CFR Part 107 and 49 USC 44809, with state-level rules added by Civil Code 1708.8 and Government Code 853 applying uniformly statewide.
California sets a statewide minimum wage floor under Labor Code 1182.12, currently $16.50 per hour for all employers as of 2025. Local governments are not preempted and may set higher minimums; many cities exceed the state rate substantially.
California's Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act under Labor Code 245-249 mandates paid sick leave for nearly all employees statewide. SB 616 (2023) raised the minimum to 40 hours or five days annually effective January 2024, applying universally.
California regulates concealed carry weapons licenses statewide under Penal Code 26150 through 26225. Senate Bill 2 (2023) imposes uniform sensitive-place restrictions and applicant standards, preempting local variations on issuance criteria and qualifications.
California preempts most local firearm regulation under Government Code 53071 and Penal Code 25605, reserving licensing, registration, and manufacture authority to the state. However, local governments retain limited authority over discharge, sensitive places, and zoning of gun businesses.
California broadly prohibits open carry of firearms statewide under Penal Code 25850 (loaded firearms in public) and Penal Code 26350 (open carry of unloaded handguns). The prohibition applies uniformly across all California cities and counties without local variation.
California prohibits carrying loaded firearms in vehicles statewide under Penal Code 25400 and 25850. Unloaded handguns transported in private vehicles must be in a locked container or the vehicle's locked trunk; long guns must be unloaded but need not be locked.
California Retail Food Code (Health and Safety Code 113700-114437) sets uniform mobile food facility permit, equipment, and food safety standards enforced by counties statewide.
California's Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946) preempts most local bans on sidewalk vending, allowing only objective health, safety, and welfare regulations.
California HOAs may levy regular and special assessments, charge late fees and interest, record liens, and ultimately foreclose on delinquent owners under the Davis-Stirling Act. State law (Civil Code sections 5650-5740) caps fees and interest and imposes strict notice steps and a delinquency threshold before any foreclosure may proceed.
California tightly regulates HOA governance. The Common Interest Development Open Meeting Act (Civil Code 4900-4955) governs board meetings and member access, sections 5100-5145 mandate secret-ballot elections with independent inspectors, and sections 5200-5240 give members broad rights to inspect association records.
California HOAs enforce recorded CC&Rs and architectural rules, but Civil Code section 4765 requires architectural decisions to be fair, reasonable, and in good faith, and sections 5900-5965 require internal dispute resolution plus an attempt at alternative dispute resolution before most enforcement lawsuits can be filed.
California HOAs may fine members for rule violations, but only under a published schedule of fines and after strict due-process steps. Civil Code section 5855 requires written notice and a hearing before any monetary penalty, and section 5725 bars fines from becoming a foreclosable lien on the home.
California overrides HOA governing documents on several owner protections. The Davis-Stirling Act and related Civil Code sections bar HOAs from prohibiting solar systems, U.S. flag displays, drought-tolerant landscaping, EV charging stations, and most noncommercial signs, even where local city rules are silent.
California prohibits state and local governments from requiring private employers to use the federal E-Verify system except where federal law mandates it, under Government Code 7285.1 and 7285.3. The restriction applies uniformly to every California city and county.
The California Values Act (SB 54, 2017) codified at Government Code 7284-7284.12 limits state and local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It applies uniformly to every California agency and bars participation in most civil immigration enforcement.
California evictions run through the unlawful detainer process. Under Code of Civil Procedure § 1161, nonpayment requires a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit (excluding weekends and holidays), and lease violations require a 3-day notice to cure or quit. No-fault terminations of covered tenancies require 30, 60, or 90 days. Self-help lockouts are illegal.
California landlords must keep rentals fit to live in. Civil Code §§ 1941 and 1941.1, reinforced by Green v. Superior Court, imply a warranty of habitability covering plumbing, heat, water, electricity, and sanitation. If repairs fail after notice, a tenant may repair and deduct up to one month's rent under § 1942 or withhold rent.
Civil Code 1946.2 requires landlords statewide to have just cause to terminate tenancies of qualifying tenants who have lived in a covered unit at least 12 months.
California Civil Code § 1954 limits when a landlord may enter a rented home. Except in emergencies, abandonment, or with tenant consent, the landlord must give reasonable written notice (24 hours is presumed reasonable) and may enter only during normal business hours, for specific permitted reasons such as repairs, inspections, or showings.
California sets no fixed dollar or percentage cap on rent late fees, but a late fee in a residential lease is treated as liquidated damages. Under Civil Code § 1671, such a fee is valid only if it reasonably estimates the landlord's actual loss from late payment; arbitrary penalty fees are unenforceable.
To end a California month-to-month tenancy, a tenant gives 30 days' written notice. A landlord gives 30 days if the tenant has lived there under a year, or 60 days if a year or more, under Civ. Code § 1946.1. AB 1482 requires just cause after 12 months; military and DV tenants may exit early.
California limits annual rent increases statewide to 5% plus the local change in the cost of living, capped at 10%, under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB-1482). It also lets cities and counties enact their own stricter rent-control ordinances, subject to the limits of the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act.
California requires written notice before raising a month-to-month tenant's rent. Under Civ. Code § 827, increases of 10% or less in 12 months need 30 days' notice; increases above 10% need 90 days' notice. AB 1482 separately caps yearly increases on covered units.
As of July 1, 2024, California landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit, regardless of whether the unit is furnished. The deposit, minus any lawful deductions, must be returned with an itemized statement within 21 days after move-out, or the landlord risks penalties of up to twice the deposit.
California adverse possession requires five years of continuous, open, hostile possession AND payment of all property taxes during that period under Code of Civil Procedure § 325. A squatter or trespasser who has not paid taxes gains no ownership and can be removed by unlawful detainer, ejectment, or a police trespass action.
The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Williamson Act), Government Code 51200-51297.4, allows landowners to enter contracts with counties restricting land to agricultural use for ten-year minimum terms in exchange for reduced property tax assessment based on farming income.
The California Right to Farm Act under Civil Code 3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors who moved in after farming began. The law applies statewide and limits both private and local government nuisance actions.
California prohibits grocery stores and large retailers from providing single-use plastic carryout bags under Public Resources Code 42280-42288, enacted by SB 270 (2014) and ratified as Proposition 67 in 2016. Recycled paper or reusable bags require a 10-cent minimum charge.
California restricts expanded polystyrene food containers statewide through SB 54 (2022) packaging requirements under Public Resources Code 42040-42081. The law mandates that polystyrene foodware achieve 25 percent recycling by 2025 or face statewide sales prohibition.
California Public Resources Code 42270-42273, enacted by AB 1884 (2018), prohibits full-service restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws unless requested by the customer. The on-request rule applies uniformly to dine-in restaurants statewide.
Civil Code section 714 voids HOA covenants and rules that prohibit or unreasonably restrict residential solar energy systems, preempting private and local restrictions.
California's Solar Rights Act and the SolarAPP+ mandate (SB 379) require expedited permit review of small residential solar systems, preempting restrictive local processes.
California prohibits sale of tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 21 statewide under Business and Professions Code 22958, enacted by SBX2-7 in 2016. The Tobacco 21 standard applies uniformly across all California jurisdictions.
California bans retail sale of most flavored tobacco products statewide under Health and Safety Code 104559.5, enacted by SB 793 (2020) and upheld by voters via Proposition 31 in November 2022. The ban applies uniformly to all California retailers.
California requires statewide licensing of tobacco and vape retailers under the STAKE Act and the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act. Business and Professions Code 22970 establishes uniform retailer licensing, while local governments may adopt stricter rules.