Sec. 38-189. Review Procedures.

A. Minor and Major Architectural Review. The Planning Commission shall adopt and maintain a list of project types that are eligible for either minor or major architectural review. Minor and major architectural review shall be conducted as follows:

1. Major architectural review shall be conducted by the Planning Commission at a public meeting.

2. Minor architectural review shall be conducted administratively by the City Manager or designee. The following process shall apply to administrative reviews as identified in this section:

   • a. Pre-Decision Referral. City staff shall refer any project to the Planning Commission for consideration prior to administrative decision at their discretion or at the request of any interested party.

b. Post-Decision Referral. Except as specified in subsection (B) of this section, if specifically requested by any interested party within 10 days of an administrative decision, a project shall be referred to and considered by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission’s review shall not be considered an appeal. Rather, it is a formal referral and standard findings for decision shall apply.

The Monterey City Code is current through Ordinance 3716, passed February 3, 2026.

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Ch. 38 Zoning Ordinance | Monterey City Code

• c. Exception. This subsection (A)(2) does not apply to qualifying housing projects subject to administrative review under subsection (B) of this section. (Ord. 3715 § 16, 2025)

B. Administrative Approval. Architectural review for qualifying housing developments in the Multifamily Overlay District and Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay District shall be conducted administratively by the Community Development Director or designee. The following process shall apply to administrative review of housing projects:

1. The Community Development Director or designee may deny or approve an application with conditions of approval which are either standard or required to bring the project into compliance with the applicable objective standards. Prior to issuance of a building permit, the owner shall enter into an agreement with the City to record a covenant in a form prescribed by the City Attorney, which shall run with the land and provide for the affordable housing requirements and a prohibition against renting the property for fewer than 30 consecutive calendar days. A copy of the recorded covenant shall be filed with the Building Division prior to issuance of the building permit.

2. The Community Development Director’s decision on a ministerial application for qualified housing developments under this Section is final and not appealable.

C. Noticing Requirements. When an application for architectural review includes construction of a new building, an increase in height, or addition of floor area, written notices shall be sent by U.S. Mail at least 10 days prior to the public meeting or administrative decision to all owners of property located within 100 feet of the perimeter of the project site. In addition, story poles and netting shall be installed at least 10 days before the public meeting or administrative decision for the following project types:

1. Construction greater than one story;

2. Projects that involve an increase in building height; or

3. If safety concerns or other issues preclude installation of story poles and netting, alternative means of illustrating a project may be used at the discretion of the City Manager or designee. Said concerns or issues shall be clearly identified and the alternative means provided in the written notice. (Ord. 3715 § 28, 2025; Ord. 3688 § 10, 2024; Ord. 3458 § 1, 2010)