Local zoning · Monterey
Monterey — Parking
Parking under the Monterey local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Monterey’s Zoning Ordinance establishes detailed, use-based minimums for off-street parking and loading, with targeted exceptions and area-specific rules. Core standards live in Article 18 of the City’s Title 38 Zoning Ordinance and apply alongside district rules in residential, commercial, industrial, and overlay areas. Parking design, location, and bicycle parking are regulated in addition to the base ratios, and special programs exist for shared, reduced, and in‑lieu parking. See the citywide framework under Monterey Zoning.
The key rule: provide off-street parking and loading at initial occupancy, construction, or enlargement per the City’s schedules and standards, and don’t reduce required parking unless you qualify for an approved adjustment or alternative. See § 38-114 and § 38-115 for applicability and minimums.
Citywide parking framework (what applies everywhere)
- When parking is triggered and how to count:
- Off-street parking and loading are required with initial occupancy, construction, or enlargement; fractional spaces round up at 0.5 or more. § 38-114(A), (E).
- Existing uses aren’t “nonconforming” solely for lacking off-street parking; additions/changes add spaces in addition to existing unless existing exceeds minimums. § 38-114(B)–(C); also see Monterey Nonconforming Uses.
- Where parking can be located (distance rules):
- Dwellings: on the same lot; uncovered spaces not in front yard setbacks. Hospitals/rooming/lodging/clubs: within 150 ft. All other uses: within 400 ft; off-site lots must be near transit as set by the Planning Commission. § 38-115 (Location).
- Design and operations:
- Stall size and access: established by Planning Commission standards adopted by resolution (verify the current resolution with staff). § 38-121; see Monterey Development Standards.
- Surfacing, drainage, striping: required; mark spaces visibly. § 38-122.
- Screening: 5+ space lots must be screened when near residential; 6 ft wall/fence with lower height near R-district front yards. § 38-123; also see Monterey Landscaping and Screening.
- Lighting: shield sources so they are not visible off site. § 38-124.
- Loading: Not in buildings; not in required front/street-side yards; stay 50 ft from R lots unless 8‑ft masonry/concrete wall; serve from alleys where present; avoid backing across property lines unless approved. § 38-125.
- ADA/accessible spaces: City code requires compliance with the state accessibility rules and Vehicle Code signage; see California Building Standards Code. § 38-119.
Minimum off-street parking ratios (Schedule A — selected)
Monterey sets use-by-use minimums in § 38-115 (Schedule A). Highlights below; confirm your exact classification in the ordinance. For mixed projects, add up components unless a shared/adjusted plan is approved.
| Use | Minimum Off-Street Parking | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family dwelling (lot ≥3,600 sq ft) | 2, incl. 1 covered, both behind front setback | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Single-family dwelling (lot <3,600 sq ft) | 1 covered, behind front setback | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Guest house | 1, behind front setback | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Multifamily rental: Studio | 1.2, incl. 1 covered | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Multifamily rental: 1-bedroom | 1.5, incl. 1 covered | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Multifamily rental: 2-bedroom | 2, incl. 1 covered | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Multifamily rental: 3+ bedrooms | 2.5, incl. 1 covered | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Multifamily building with ≥25 units | 2 per unit | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Condominium (studio/1/2-bedroom) | 2, incl. 1 covered | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Condominium (3+ bedrooms) | 3, incl. 1 covered | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Senior/elderly housing | 0.5 per unit (project-specific for “elderly housing” by study) | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Retail sales, not otherwise listed | 1/400 sq ft first 1,000; 1/500 sq ft thereafter | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Vehicle/equipment repair | 1/400 sq ft first 1,000; then 1/500 sq ft | § 38-115 (Schedule A) |
| Hotels/motels | 1 per guest room; plus 2 per each 50 rooms; loading per Schedule B | § 38-115 (Schedule A & B) |
Bicycle parking is also required for commercial and public/semi‑public uses in C and PS districts (2% of required auto spaces; several categories are exempt), with specific rack/locker standards in § 38-120.
Adjustments, alternatives, and special areas
- Adjustments and joint/shared/off-site:
- Multiple uses on a site: sum each use’s requirement (with possible joint/shared reductions). § 38-116(A)–(B).
- Off-site parking for nonresidential uses is allowed within 150 ft (customers/visitors) or 400 ft (employees) from the main entrance; restrict by recorded agreement for at least 10 years. § 38-116(C)–(D).
- Shared parking by use permit can reduce totals up to 20% with findings and a recorded agreement. § 38-116(E).
- Reduced parking (nonresidential) by use permit is possible with data showing lower demand, design unlikely to increase demand, or significant nearby public parking. § 38-117.
- In-lieu fees: within Council-designated parking districts, nonresidential parking may be met by cash in-lieu (subject to limits). § 38-118.
- Parking Management Plan: may be required by the Community Development Director on appropriate projects. § 38-115.
- Area-Specific standards called out in the code:
- Downtown, North Fremont, and Lighthouse Avenue areas: refer to their adopted Specific Plans for parking; the zoning defers to those documents. § 38-114(F).
- Cannery Row parking area: except for visitor accommodations, cultural institutions, and residential uses, parking must meet 1/400 sq ft for first 1,000 sq ft and 1/500 sq ft thereafter; changes of use/rebuilds do not add parking; Residential and Employee Parking Plans may be required; on-street residential permits won’t be granted; a fee-based “parking adjustment” may be allowed. § 38-114(G)(2)–(7).
- Safe Parking Program (overnight vehicle shelter): allowed by use permit under detailed standards; limited to specified lots or as approved by Council; not a substitute for required project parking. § 38-126.
ADUs and parking
- Accessory Dwelling Units: No additional parking is required for ADUs that meet any of the City’s listed conditions (e.g., within ½‑mile walking distance of transit, within one block of car share, wholly within existing structures, on streets with permit parking not offered to ADU occupants, or in architecturally/historically significant districts). Replacing a garage/carport with an ADU does not require replacement parking. § 38-112.6(B)(7)(c)–(d); see Monterey ADUs.
District-by-district highlights (parking-specific)
These are parking-related takeaways from key base and overlay districts. See each district’s full standards in Monterey Zoning and related Monterey Overlay Districts.
R-1 Residential Single-Family (R-1)
- Purpose/uses: Single-family neighborhoods with typical accessory residential uses.
- Parking: Lots ≥5,000 sq ft require 2 spaces (≥1 covered) behind the front setback; lots <5,000 sq ft require 1 covered; tandem allowed. Keep parking in front setbacks to driveways only, with limits on driveway widening and edge landscaping; garage doors on corner lots must be 20 ft from the street side line. R-1 development standards; Off-Street Parking item. § 38-115 (Schedule A); R‑1 standards pages show these limits.
- Dimensional context: Garage, carport, or parking pad minimum front setback is 20 ft. R-1 development standards.
R-E Residential Estate (R-E)
- Purpose/uses: Larger-lot single-family settings.
- Parking: 2 spaces including 1 covered; same driveway apron/front-yard parking limits as R-1. R-E development standards.
- Dimensional context: Any garage/carport/parking pad must be 35 ft from the front property line. R-E development standards.
R-3 Residential Medium-Density Multifamily (R-3)
- Purpose/uses: Multifamily housing. On small R‑3 lots (<5,000 sq ft), the code sets special development standards. § 38-26 (R districts); R-3 small-lot standards.
- Parking: Unit-by-unit minimums are set in § 38-115 (Schedule A) (see table above). Condominium conversions in R‑3 must meet R-3 parking and set aside distributed visitor parking. § 38-26(M) (Condominium Conversions).
- Substandard residential lots (citywide R lots): No required parking space may be located in a front yard; minimums scale with lot size. See substandard-lot standards.
C-1 Neighborhood Commercial (C-1)
- Purpose/uses: Neighborhood-serving retail/services.
- Parking: Must meet Article 18 minimums; no parking in the front setback area. C-1 development regs.
- Screening/location: When across from R districts, follow the district screening/landscaping rules linked to parking areas. C-1 regs.
C-3 General Commercial (C-3)
- Purpose/uses: Auto-oriented and service commercial (e.g., vehicle sales/repair, warehousing).
- Parking: Apply Article 18 minimums. No parking in front setbacks; add a 10‑ft landscaped strip when parking/loading faces an R district across a street. C-3 development regs.
I-R Industrial Research (I-R)
- Purpose/uses: Industrial/research campuses.
- Parking: Use Article 18 minimums; no parking in front or corner side setbacks. I-R development regs.
Cannery Row Parking Area (mapped area)
- Purpose: Tailored parking standards in Cannery Row. Most uses: 1/400 sq ft first 1,000; 1/500 sq ft thereafter. Residential and visitor accommodations follow § 38-115. Changes of use/rebuilds do not add parking; Residential/Employee Parking Plans may be required; fee-based parking adjustment may be available. § 38-114(G).
Multifamily Residential Overlay Districts (MF1–MF3)
- Purpose/where: Garden Road (MF1), Pacific/Munras/Cass (MF2), Aquajito (MF3); see overlay maps. § 38-99.5–.6.
- Parking: Minimum 0.5 spaces per unit; tandem allowed; shared off-site within ½‑mile by agreement; also 1 secure bicycle space per unit. § 38-99.6(A)(3)–(4).
Bicycle parking
- Where required: In commercial (C) and Public/Semi-Public (PS) districts; quantity is 2% of the required auto spaces (with listed exemptions). § 38-120(A)–(B).
- Design: Secure both wheels and frame; lockers or secure fenced areas allowed; spacing clearances specified. § 38-120(C).
Loading (Schedule B — highlights)
- Number and berth size vary by use group and building area; common loading facilities can satisfy requirements if the total berths are provided and a recorded joint-use agreement is filed. § 38-114(D), § 38-115 (Schedule B).
Checklist
- Identify your exact use classification(s) and applicable district or overlay. Start with § 38-115 (Schedule A/B) and any area-specific references like § 38-114(F)–(G).
- Confirm any special district rules that add location/siting limits (e.g., no parking in front setbacks in C‑1/C‑3 or I‑R; R‑district front-yard apron limits).
- Check if your site is in Downtown, North Fremont, or Lighthouse areas where Specific Plans control parking. § 38-114(F).
- Determine if you qualify for an adjustment: joint/shared parking, off-site parking within allowed distances/terms, reduced parking, or in‑lieu fees. § 38-116–§ 38-118.
- Meet bicycle parking where required and design it per City specs. § 38-120.
- Lay out stalls/aisles per the current Planning Commission standards and meet surfacing, drainage, striping, screening, and lighting rules. § 38-121–§ 38-124.
- Provide loading berths as required and site them per § 38-125.
- For ADUs, apply the City’s exemptions and replacement rules. § 38-112.6(B)(7); also see Monterey ADUs.
- Coordinate required reviews/approvals; some districts/overlays involve Monterey Design Review. Verify if a Parking Management Plan is required. § 38-115.
Risks & Ambiguities
| Issue | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Stall dimensions set by resolution | § 38-121 defers to Planning Commission standards, not codified text | Ask staff for the current adopted stall/aisle standard and any compact/EV stall provisions. |
| Specific Plan areas | Downtown, North Fremont, Lighthouse override base ratios/locations | Confirm which Specific Plan applies and its current parking chapter. § 38-114(F). |
| Cannery Row boundary and plans | Different ratios and plan approvals apply | Confirm parcel is within the mapped Cannery Row parking area and whether Residential or Employee Parking Plans are required. § 38-114(G). |
| Shared/off-site terms | Reductions depend on distances, recorded agreements, and findings | Map entrance-to-lot distances; secure a 10‑year instrument; prepare demand surveys if requested. § 38-116(C)–(E). |
| ADA counts | Accessible spaces are governed by state building standards (not detailed in zoning text) | Coordinate accessible stall count/layout and signage with your designer under state code; City requires compliance. § 38-119. |
| Nonresidential reductions | Requires use permit and evidence of lower demand | Prepare parking surveys or shared-parking analyses for Commission review. § 38-117. |
Plain-English Summary
Monterey assigns parking by what you’re building and where. Most homes need two spaces (one covered), while multifamily, retail, and hotels follow Schedule A ratios. Some districts ban parking in front setbacks, Cannery Row has its own counts, and the City can approve shared or off-site parking under specific limits. Bicycle parking is required in most commercial/public districts, and ADUs often don’t trigger extra parking. Design, screening, lighting, and loading placement rules also apply.
Source References
- Monterey City Code — Zoning Ordinance, Article 18: Off-Street Parking and Loading Regulations: § 38-113–§ 38-125 (purposes; when required; schedules; adjustments; ADA; bicycle parking; size/access; design; screening; lighting; loading).
- Area-specific: § 38-114(F)–(G) (Specific Plans; Cannery Row parking area standards, Residential/Employee Parking Plans, and parking adjustment).
- Residential districts (parking provisions in development standards): R-1 and R‑E property development standards (off-street parking counts, driveway apron/front-yard limits).
- Commercial/Industrial districts (front-setback parking prohibitions and screening): C‑1, C‑3, I‑R development regulations.
- Multifamily Residential Overlay Districts (MF1–MF3) parking/bicycle standards: § 38-99.6(A)(3)–(4).
- ADUs: City parking exemptions and replacement rules in § 38-112.6(B)(7).
Sources
Retrieved passages
- Monterey Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (§ 19) High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (§ 19) High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
- CBC § 2 (Section 38-115) High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (§ 19) High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (article may) High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (§ 16) High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (§ 5) High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (§ 19) High relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (§ 5) Medium relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (Section 38-112.6) Medium relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code Medium relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (Article 17.) Medium relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (Section 38-26) Medium relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (Section 65450) Medium relevance
- Monterey Zoning Code (Article 17) Medium relevance
Cited sections
- Monterey City Code — Zoning Ordinance, Article 18: Off-Street Parking and Loading Regulations: **§ 38-113–§ 38-125** (purposes; when required; schedules; adjustments; ADA; bicycle parking; size/access; design; screening; lighting; loading). (Article 18)
- Area-specific: **§ 38-114(F)–(G)** (Specific Plans; Cannery Row parking area standards, Residential/Employee Parking Plans, and parking adjustment). (§ 38-114)
- Residential districts (parking provisions in development standards): **R-1** and **R‑E** property development standards (off-street parking counts, driveway apron/front-yard limits).
- Commercial/Industrial districts (front-setback parking prohibitions and screening): **C‑1**, **C‑3**, **I‑R** development regulations.
- Multifamily Residential Overlay Districts (MF1–MF3) parking/bicycle standards: **§ 38-99.6(A)(3)–(4)**. (§ 38-99.6)
- ADUs: City parking exemptions and replacement rules in **§ 38-112.6(B)(7)**. (§ 38-112.6)
- Monterey_ZoningCode.md
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic off-street parking triggers in Monterey?
You must provide off-street parking and loading at initial occupancy, construction, or enlargement of a site or building. Fractional spaces round up at 0.5. If you change a use or enlarge a building, the added requirement is on top of existing spaces unless you already exceed minimums. See § 38-114(A)–(E).
Can I count shared or off-site parking toward my requirements?
Yes, with limits. Off-site nonresidential parking must be within 150 ft (customers/visitors) or 400 ft (employees) and tied to a recorded instrument for at least 10 years. Shared parking via use permit can reduce totals up to 20% with findings; survey data may be required. See § 38-116(C)–(E).
Do Cannery Row properties follow different parking rules?
Yes. Most uses must meet 1/400 sq ft for the first 1,000 sq ft and 1/500 sq ft thereafter; residential and visitor accommodations default to Schedule A. Change-of-use/rebuilds don’t add parking; Residential/Employee Parking Plans may be required, and the City may allow a fee-based “parking adjustment.” See § 38-114(G).
What are the multifamily parking minimums?
Schedule A sets typical minimums (e.g., 1.2 per studio, 1.5 per 1‑bedroom, 2 per 2‑bedroom, 2.5 per 3+ bedroom), and 2 per unit for buildings with 25 or more units; condos have 2 spaces (3 for 3+ bedrooms), including 1 covered. See § 38-115 (Schedule A).
Do I need bicycle parking?
In C and PS districts, yes—provide bicycle spaces equal to 2% of required auto spaces (some uses are exempt). Racks/lockers must secure the frame and both wheels; spacing clearances apply. See § 38-120.
Are there front setback limits on where I can park?
Yes. Residential districts limit parking in front setbacks to the driveway apron with width and landscaping controls; commercial (C‑1 and C‑3) and industrial (I‑R) districts prohibit parking in front setbacks entirely. See R‑district standards and § 38-30 (C‑3), I‑R tables.
How do ADA spaces factor in?
Accessible stall counts and layout must comply with state standards; Monterey’s zoning requires compliance and proper signage. Coordinate with your designer under the California Building Standards Code. See § 38-119.
Do ADUs require additional parking?
Often no. ADUs are exempt if they meet any listed conditions (e.g., near transit, within existing space, in historic districts, or on permit-parking streets where permits aren’t issued to the ADU). Replacing a garage with an ADU doesn’t require replacing those spaces. See § 38-112.6(B)(7).
Can the City reduce my nonresidential parking?
Possibly. A use permit for reduced parking may be granted if demand is shown to be lower, the building design won’t increase demand, or significant public parking is nearby. See § 38-117.
What if my project is Downtown, on North Fremont, or Lighthouse?
Your parking rules come from the applicable Specific Plan, not the base schedules, so check that document first. See § 38-114(F).
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