Article 9 — Monterey Zoning Code

O OPEN SPACE DISTRICT

Sections:

§ 38-42. Specific Purposes. § 38-43. Applicability. § 38-44. Land Use Regulations. § 38-45. Development Regulations. § 38-46. Review of Plans.

Sec. 38-42. Specific Purposes. ¶

In addition to the general purposes listed in Article 1, the specific purposes of the O district are to:

A. Provide a suitable classification for large public or private sites permanently designated for open space use or currently in an open space use.

B. Protect public health and safety by limiting lands subject to flooding, slides, or other hazards to open space use.

Sec. 38-43. Applicability. ¶

The O District shall be the base district for the use classifications listed in Section 38-44

Sec. 38-44. Land Use Regulations. ¶

(Ord 3397, 10/07)

In the following schedule, the letter “P” designates use classifications permitted in “O” districts. The letter “U” designates use classifications permitted on approval of a Use Permit or temporary Use Permit, as provided in Article 22. The “Additional Regulations” column includes certain limitations on allowable uses and references to regulations located elsewhere in this chapter which apply. If a use classification is not listed, it is prohibited.

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

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O DISTRICTS LAND USE REGULATIONS

Additional Regulations

Public and Semi-public
Cultural Institutions	U
Park and Recreation Facilities	P
Public Safety Facilities	U	See note 1
Utilities -- Major	U	See note 2
Utilities -- Minor	P
Coastal Dependent Research and Education	U	See note 3
Public Serving Uses	U	See note 4
Commercial Uses
Cemetery	U	See note 7
Commercial Recreation and Entertainment	U	See note 5
Eating and Drinking Establishments	U	See note 4
Funeral and Interment Services	U	See note 7
Snack Bar	U	See note 6
Coastal Dependent or Related Uses	U	See note 4
Bicycle/Equipment Rentals	P	See note 8

Accessory Uses: Permitted on the site of a permitted use, but requires a use permit if added on the site of a commercial use or if an accessory commercial use

Temporary Uses Require administrative approval by the Community Development Director

Nonconforming Uses

See Article 28

P = Permitted U = Use Permit Required

Notes:

1 Only lifeguard facilities, small police information kiosks, harbor master office and support services/ facilities are allowed along the waterfront.

2 The following major utilities are prohibited along the waterfront: generating plants, electrical substations, above-ground transmission lines, and switching buildings.

3 Only allowed as specified in the Del Monte Beach Land Use Plan.

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

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4 Only allowed as specified in the Monterey Harbor Land Use Plan.
5 Use is prohibited adjacent to the waterfront with the exception of beach entertainment as specified in the Harbor Land Use Plan.
6 Use is prohibited adjacent to the waterfront with the exception of small snack bar facilities as specified in the Harbor Land Use Plan.
7 Use is prohibited within Coastal Zone boundary.
8 No parking spaces are required.
(Ord. 3653 § 19, 2022; Ord. 3651 § 4, 2022; Ord. 3593 § 4, 2019; Ord. 3472 § 1, 2012; Ord. 3424 § 1, 2009)

Sec. 38-45. Development Regulations. ¶

Development regulations shall be as specified by a use permit if one is required. If no use permit is required, the regulations of the nearest base district shall apply.

In addition, all development shall be subject to:

Section 38-101, Relocated Buildings;

Section 38-106, Underground Utilities;

Section 38-107, Antennae and Microwave Equipment;

Section 38-109, Screening of Mechanical Equipment;

Section 38-110, Refuse Storage Areas;

Section 38-111, Performance Standards; and

Article 16, Off-Street Parking and Loading Regulations.

Sec. 38-46. Review of Plans. ¶

Applications for new construction and exterior alterations and additions shall be submitted to the Community Development Department for review by the Development Review Committee and the Planning Commission. (Ord. 3715 § 16, 2025; Ord. 3653 § 19, 2022; Ord. 3424 § 1, 2009)

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

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