Monterey County, CA Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Loading zones in the unincorporated county are addressed both on private property and on public streets. On private property, the county zoning ordinance, Chapter 20.58 (Regulations for Parking), requires off-street loading. Section 20.58.050(H) requires at least one off-street loading space for qualifying commercial and industrial structures, plus one additional loading space for each additional 20,000 square feet or major fraction thereof. These loading spaces are in addition to required parking and must be designed to the county's parking standards, including arranging access so vehicles can enter and exit a right-of-way in a forward direction (Section 20.58.050(I)). On public streets, curb-color loading zones follow the California Vehicle Code. Section 21458 provides that a yellow curb means 'stopping only for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or freight,' and a white curb means stopping only for loading or unloading passengers or depositing mail. Vehicle Code Section 22500 prohibits stopping or parking in a marked bus loading zone except for authorized transit vehicles. Because curb colors and street loading zones are state-defined, a county may establish a curbside loading zone by ordinance and curb painting, but enforcement depends on the markings being properly placed.