Part II — Base District Regulations
Article 7
Monterey Zoning Code · 2026-07 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Monterey
VAF VISITOR ACCOMMODATION FACILITY DISTRICT
Sections:
§ 38-34. Specific Purpose.
§ 38-35. Land Use Regulations.
§ 38-36. Property Development Standards.
§ 38-37. Review of Plans.
§ 38-38. Limitation on VAF Rezoning.
Sec. 38-34. Specific Purpose. ¶
In addition to the general purposes listed in Article 1, the specific purpose of the VAF Visitor Accommodation Facility District is to establish the requirements for development of visitor accommodation facilities in the City of Monterey.
Sec. 38-35. Land Use Regulations. ¶
In the following schedule, the letter “U” designates use classifications allowed on approval of a use permit. The “Additional Regulations” column includes references to regulations located elsewhere in this chapter which apply. If a use classification is not listed, it is prohibited.
- Hostel. The City Council may, upon recommendation from the Planning Commission after a public hearing, with a Conditional Use Permit approved by Ordinance, permit the construction, operation and maintenance of hostels operated by non-profit agencies on any parcel of the City not zoned for single-family residential use (R-1), or low density multi-family residential use (R-2).
VAF DISTRICT LAND USE REGULATIONS
Additional Regulations
The Monterey City Code is current through Ordinance 3716, passed February 3, 2026.
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VAF DISTRICT LAND USE REGULATIONS
| Commercial Uses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Accommodation Facilities | U | (a),(b) |
| Limited-Occupancy | U | (a),(b),(c) |
| Accessory Uses | U | (a),(d) |
a Any conditions of a preexisting use permit or special permit shall apply.
b Vacation Time Share Facilities are prohibited.
c The property owner shall occupy and manage a limited-occupancy visitor accommodation facility. No cooking facilities in rooms or long term rental of rooms shall be permitted, breakfast to guests shall be the only meal and person served, and the maximum stay of guests shall not exceed 14 days.
d Allowable accessory uses, such as sale of candy, magazines, sundries, and similar items; beauty and barber shops; recreation facilities to serve the public, guests and employees; living accommodations for manager or caretaker; facilities for conferences and meetings; commercial restaurant businesses, clothes and cleaning pick up agency; and related personal visitor sales and services when related to and developed as an incidental part of a visitor accommodation facility. Accessory uses may be added to visitor accommodation facilities with a use permit.
Sec. 38-36. Property Development Standards. ¶
The following schedule prescribes minimum lot dimensions and property development standards for the VAF District.
VAF DISTRICT PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
| Hotels | Limited-Occupancy | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor | Additional | ||
| and | |||
| Motels | Accommodation | Regulations | |
| Facilities | |||
| Minimum Site Area | - | 0.5 acre | |
| Minimum Site Area (sq.ft.) per Sleeping | (a) | ||
| Unit (Guest Room) | |||
| -One story structure | 1,000 | 5,000 | (b) |
| -Two story structure | 800 | 5,000 | (b) |
The Monterey City Code is current through Ordinance 3716, passed February 3, 2026.
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VAF DISTRICT PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
| -Three stories or more | 600 | 5,000 | (b) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Yards | |||
| Front (ft.) | 10 | 10 | |
| Side (ft.) | 10 | 10 | |
| Corner Side (ft.) | 10 | 10 | |
| Rear (ft.) | 10 | 10 | |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (%) | 30 | 30 | |
| Parking and Loading | See Article 18 | ||
| Nonconforming Structures | See Article 28 |
a When computing the number of units permitted, land devoted to accessory uses, such as restaurants, cocktail lounges, retail and service stores, service stations and similar uses, including related parking areas, shall be deducted from the gross site area.
b No more than 10 rental rooms shall be permitted in limited-occupancy visitor accommodation facilities. This shall not include manager’s quarters or accommodations.
Supplemental regulations applicable to all zoning districts in the city are contained in Article 17, and off-street parking requirements are in Article 18.
- A. Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required.
Hotels and Motels One per guest room; plus two for every 50 rooms for hotels and motels with over 49 rooms; plus parking, as required for accessory uses. Bed and Breakfast Inns Up to eight rooms, one per guest room plus two spaces; over eight rooms, two per guest room. Youth Hostel As specified by Use Permit.
Accessory Uses. The Planning Commission may reduce the number of off-street parking spaces required by Article 18 for accessory uses by no more than 50 percent upon finding that:
The Monterey City Code is current through Ordinance 3716, passed February 3, 2026.
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All required parking to be provided for all uses will occupy the same parking facility; and
Both the required parking and the uses served are located on the same site under one ownership or the required parking is located on an adjacent site under the same ownership.
Computation of Spaces Required. If, in the application of the requirements of this article a fractional number is obtained, one parking space or loading berth shall be required for a fraction of one-half or more, and no space or berth shall be required for a fraction of less than one-half. (Ord. 3678 § 1, 2024)
- B. Planting Areas. Site areas not used for access, parking, circulation, buildings, and services shall be completed and permanently landscaped.
C. Signs. The maximum sign area for a limited-occupancy facility shall not exceed four square feet, and all signs shall be subject to approval of the Planning Commission. Each establishment shall be referred to as an “Inn.” Wording such as “motels,” “hotels,” “motor hotels,” and “lodges” is not permitted. Such signs may only be externally illuminated. (Ord. 3715 § 16, 2025)
D. Expansion of Preexisting Facilities. Any visitor accommodation facility may be expanded, provided it meets the development standards of this section. Any preexisting facility that exceeds these standards, and is substantially destroyed by fire, earthquake, or other natural disaster may be reconstructed substantially as it was prior to such destruction.
Sec. 38-37. Review of Plans. ¶
A. Ordinary nonstructural repairs, alterations, exterior remodeling, changes in landscaping or planting areas, or maintenance shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission. Any structural alteration shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission. Procedures for such review, including the right of appeal, shall be the same as for a use permit.
B. Expansion of visitor accommodation facilities shall be subject to review and approval by the Development Review Committee and the Planning Commission.
C. New limited visitor accommodation facilities shall be subject to review and approval by the Development Review Committee and the Planning Commission in deciding whether to approve or deny the project. (Ord. 3715 § 23, 2025)
Sec. 38-38. Limitation on VAF Rezoning. ¶
A zoning map amendment that would change the boundaries of a VAF District or add or delete land subject to the VAF District regulations may only be approved after an advisory vote of the people of the City of Monterey.
The Monterey City Code is current through Ordinance 3716, passed February 3, 2026.
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