Development Services
About HCD Development Services
The mission of HCD Development Services is to promote economic vitality and enhance the quality of life for the people of Monterey County. HCD Development Services consists of the following divisions:
- Building Services
- Environmental Services
- Engineering Services
The Building Services team reviews project plans and supporting documentation to ensure that California Building Codes and County of Monterey Code regulations have been incorporated into the proposed project. The team performs routine inspections to confirm that all completed work is to the approved plans and assists the customer through the process of construction. The team also responds to and investigates complaints of violations regarding State and County building, zoning, housing, and grading codes/ordinances and works with the owners to bring their properties into compliance.
The Environmental Services team consolidates regulatory land use oversight for Monterey County Grading and Erosion Control ordinances, the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, the FEMA Community Rating System, and the Phase II MS4 General Permit. Environmental Services staff conducts site inspections to ensure compliance Federal, State, and local regulations, as well as, assist the public with drainage inquiries. Environmental Services also provides floodplain mapping services such as flood zone determination reports, and is the repository for FEMA Elevation Certificates, FEMA Letter of Map Changes, Flood Insurance Studies, and Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
Engineering Services is responsible for ensuring that new development projects comply with applicable regulations and provide the necessary public infrastructure including, but not limited to:
- Streets
- Sidewalks
- Storm and sanitary sewers
- Traffic improvements
In addition to reviewing, approving and inspecting the public infrastructure necessary for new development, our division is also responsible for the following:
- Encroachment Permits
- Extra-Legal Load Permits
- House Numbering/Addressing
Services provided by HCD may be subject to a fee. HCD fees also may be associated with Construction and Planning Permits - these fees are included in the Permit Application fee. The current Fee Schedule is available on the HCD Planning Department's webpage under "Current Land Use Fees"
Traffic Mitigation fees may be required from new development projects. Traffic mitigation fees vary depending on the area of the County and are adjusted annually. Traffic mitigation fees related to Construction and Planning Permits can be paid at the Building Department during the construction permit process.
Transportation Permits are required for transporting extra legal loads over County roads. Single trip and annual permits are available through our Encroachments section. For permits and information, please contact our office at (831) 755-5025 and request a referral to the Transportation Permit Agent.
Street address requests should be made at (831) 755-5025. Please have your assessor's parcel number (APN) and road name available.
Both the Transportation Permit Application and the Address Request Form are located on our Forms & Applications page under Development Services.