The Latest Updates 

NEW! Attention: Building Code Change: Effective January 1, 2026 all plan submittals MUST conform to the 2025 California Building Standards Code and Local Amendments.

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Our office will be closing at noon on November 26 through November 28, 2025 for the Thanksgiving holidays.

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NEW! The California Department of Housing and Community Development (CA HCD) sent to the County a formal Inquiry of revised timeline. Staff provided a response on September 16, 2025, to the September 10, 2025, formal Inquiry.

Letter of response from the County with enclosed CA HCD findings letter for the second draft HEU6 upon completion of the formal 60-day review period June 26 to August 25, 2025.  

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (CA HCD) completed their formal 60-day review of the County’s second draft Sixth Cycle Housing Element and provided comments on Monday, August 25, 2025. Letter from CA HCD of required revisions after completion of the formal 60-day review period (June 26 to August 25, 2025).

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NEW! 2025 Home Hardening and Defensible Space Resources for Existing Homes

• Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide
• Low-Cost Retrofit Flyer
• Low-Cost Retrofit List - Low-Cost Ways to Harden Your Home

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The Greater Monterey Peninsula and Carmel Highlands Land Use Advisory Committee (LUAC) are actively seeking new members. English | Spanish

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PUBLIC NOTICE
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CRFREE) Project HMGP-4344-539-094.

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The County of Monterey contracts with ECHO Fair Housing and Tenant/Landlord housing counseling services, English | Spanish.

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Planning Services’ Organization and Restructuring

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SB330 - Builders Remedy Resources

The “Builder’s Remedy” refers to a provision of state law that allows developers to propose, and may require cities and counties to approve, housing development projects (including mixed-use projects) that meet certain affordability criteria but do not comply with the local General Plan or zoning, under specific circumstances. Read more information about Builders Remedy Resources.

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Housing and Community Development Online Services>How to Register for a Citizen Access Account

Setting up a Citizen Access account is the first step toward submitting land use permit applications online. Visit our Online Permit Information page for the latest information regarding online application submittal.

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Storm Resources

• Stay informed!  Click here for all the latest storm updates and announcements in English and Spanish.
• The Department of Emergency Management
• FEMA Map Service Center
• SBA Disaster Assistance

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The County of Monterey has developed educational materials as part of an ongoing program to remove discriminatory language from property documents.

Old property records may contain restrictions which prevent certain people from buying, selling, or leasing property, restrictions which are now against the law.

You can find out more about this Restrictive Covenant Modification program at: Restrictive Covenant Modifications | County of Monterey, CA.

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Noise Control Ordinance Amendment, February 6, 2024 Call 831-755-5177 to reach the Noise Complaint Hotline.

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Wildfire Recovery Information for Repair & Reconstruction

Click here for Information 

Extension of Soberanes/Chimney Fire Recovery Guidelines