Monterey Park · Land use · Church or place of worship
Where is a church or other place of worship allowed in Monterey Park?
In Monterey Park, a church or other place of worship is allowed in 4 base zones (N-S, C-B, C-S and C-P), needs a conditional use permit in 3 (R-1, R-2 and R-3) and not allowed in 2 (Monterey Park use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: N-S, C-B, C-S and C-P
- Needs a permit: R-1, R-2 and R-3
- Not allowed: S-C and R-S
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Monterey Park Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a church or other place of worship can go
Monterey Park's code calls this use “Assembly hall”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
The code defines “Assembly Hall”: “Assembly hall" means a building, or portion of a building, used for large scale public or private gatherings of people. For example, and without limitation, assembly halls include private educational facilities; religious institutions; clubs; lodges;” (§ 21.04.097)
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| N-S | Allowed | § 21.10.030 |
| C-B | Allowed | § 21.10.030 |
| C-S | Allowed | § 21.10.030 |
| C-P | Allowed | § 21.10.030 |
| R-1 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| R-2 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
| R-3 | Needs a conditional use permit | § 21.08.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- S8 (C) Assembly hall and (BB) Religious institution: ancillary uses (day care, private school) need their own conditional use permit; off-street parking must be provided; buildings must be compatible with the surroundings. "Accessory use to church" (S5 C, C, C) and "School, Accessory Use to Church" (S7 C-B C, S-C C) are separate rows. S10 O-P has "Auditorium" C only.
- State law: Federal law (RLUIPA) bars zoning rules that treat religious assembly worse than other assembly uses.
- Not covered here: Section 21.08.040 (limitations for residential L cells) and § 21.12.030 (O-P provisions) are not in the packet; Chapter 21.04 definitions not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Monterey Park
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the R-1 zone in Monterey Park?
Only with a conditional use permit. Monterey Park's use table lists it that way in R-1 (§ 21.08.030).
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the S-C zone in Monterey Park?
No. Monterey Park's use table does not allow it in S-C (§ 21.10.030).
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the N-S zone in Monterey Park?
Yes. Monterey Park's use table lists it as allowed in N-S (§ 21.10.030).
General information, not legal advice.
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