Water Allocation | County of Monterey, CA

On June 9, 2026, the Board of Supervisors adopted a Water Allocation Policy (Policy) for the management of water resources in the Monterey Peninsula Management District (MPWMD) Cal-Am Service Area. The Policy governs the process and the types of uses that are eligible for water allocation. To learn more about the Policy, process for requesting a water allocation, and additional resources please refer to the drop-down menus below.

For additional questions on the Policy and additional questions, please contact the HCD Permit Center by phone at 831-755-5025 or in-person during counter hours.

Adopted Water Allocation Policy

Remaining Water Allocation (updated July 27, 2026)

HCD will provide updates biweekly on requested water allocations here. The following amount of water is available as of July 27, 2026.

County Allocation Total: 82.945 AFY
Water Allocation Remaining: 63.651 AFY
- HCD Water Wait List: 19.294 AFY (Water Held)
- Planned Housing Growth: 50.921 (Water Remaining)
  - High Density Housing Projects: 25.46 AFY (Water Remaining)
  - ADUs, JADUs, SFDs, etc: 25.46 AFY (Water Remaining)
- First Come, First Served: 9.547 AFY (Water Remaining)
- Strategic Reserve: 3.182 AFY (Water Remaining)

Requesting a Water Allocation – Process and Required Forms

Process

Applicant applies for a Ministerial Permit (i.e. Construction Permit (CP)) or Discretionary Permit (i.e. Use Permit, Coastal Development Permit, etc. (PLN))
Applicant fills out Water Allocation Request Checklist and MPWMD Water Release Form and Permit Application.
Applicant emails completed forms to waterallocationrequest@countyofmonterey.gov to be received and processed by staff.
Staff review Water Allocation Checklist and other required forms as part of permit review process.
Determination on eligibility and reservation of water allocation is provided when completeness review is due for the project.
Water is reserved for the remainder of the review process for 12 months to allow for adequate time to receive project approval.
Once construction permit is ready for issuance, applicant submits MPWMD Water Release Form to MPWMD for approval. Construction Permit is then issued.

Required Forms

Water Allocation Checklist

MPWMD Residential Water Release Form and Water Permit Application

Non-Residential Water Release Form and Water Permit Application

Helpful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

1. How is the Policy structured?

The Policy provides background on water allocation in the MPWMD Cal-Am service area. Priority areas that provide water allocation are split into 4 main use categories: HCD Approved Water Waitlist, Planned Housing Growth (two project types), First Come, First Served, and Strategic Reserve. Each category has procedures to outline how water is allocated for ministerial or discretionary permits. The Policy also covers time limits for water allocation, the process for receiving a water reservation, and periodic review of the Policy.

2. What are the main categories for water allocation under the Policy?

The Policy has 4 main use categories. Additional information on the use categories can be found in the table below:

Use Category	Key Components	Resources	Water Allocated/ Available
HCD Water Wait List	Fixed list, previously approved projects waiting for water	Final List of Previously Approved Permits Waiting on Water (Updated June 10, 2026)	19.294 AFY Allocated
Planned Housing Growth – High Density Housing Projects	Is located inan Affordable Housing Overlay as defined in the 2010 General Plan, or is listed as a Housing Element Opportunity Site in the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update; and Providesno fewer thanthe minimum percentage of totalunitsdeed restricted to lower-income and moderate-income households as required by MCC Chapter 18.40 or provides more than 50 percent of the units at levels affordable to moderate income, workforce I, and/or workforce II households; and Meets a minimum density of 10 dwelling units/per 1 acre	Section IV.1 of Policy	40% of total remaining allocation
Planned Housing Growth – SFD, ADUs, and other housing types	An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) that does not exceed a subtotal of 0.12afy(12 fixture units) A single-family dwelling (SFD) on a vacant lot ofrecord thatdoes not exceed a proposed total fixture unit count of 0.25afy(25 fixture units) Portions of housing projects that are deed-restricted to low-income households as required by MCC Chapter 18.40 or as required by State Housing Law (i.e.State Density Bonus Law and/or Builders Remedy Law). Expansions to existing multifamily developments.	Section IV.1 of Policy	40% of total remaining allocation
First Come First Serve	Remaining uses that do not qualify under Planned Housing Growth Category. Single Family Dwelling (SFD) additions and expansions that do not exceed 0.25 AFY (25 fixture units) usage maximum. Multifamily Dwellings (MFD) additions, expansions and remodels and other non-residential uses do not have any usage maximums. Water for emergency situations (i.e. additional water for fire-related hazards on properties) are also eligible for water under this category.	Section IV.2 of Policy	15% of total remaining water allocation
Strategic Reserve	Water is available for allocation at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors Following findings are required to be made: The project has been designed to minimize the amount of water needed; and The project complies with the County’s adopted policies and regulations; and The project will provide affordable housing, create new jobs or have a public benefit.	Section IV.2 of Policy	5% of remaining water allocation

3. How do I request a water allocation?

4. What is a water reservation?

Section IV.6 of the Policy outlines the procedures for a water reservation. A water reservation is provided at the time an application is determined complete by County staff. The water reservation is debited from the County’s total remaining Water Allocation and held by a Project for the remainder of the permit approval process. The water reservation becomes a water allocation when MPWMD issues a Water Permit and the County issues a Construction Permit.

5. Are there time limits on the water reservation?

Yes. Section IV.6 of the Policy allows for a water reservation to be held by a project for 12 months to allow for processing and approval of required permits. If a project does not receive required permits by the end of the 12 month period, then the water will return to the County’s water allocation and will be made available to other projects. The HCD Director can approve an extension of up to 6 additional months if the applicant has diligently pursued permits and additional time is needed for processing the permit by the County.

6. Are there time limits on the water allocation?

7. Are there usage maximums for certain types of projects?

Yes. Sections IV.1 and IV.3 note the following usage maximums

Planned Housing Growth
1. SFDs on Vacant Lots of Record: 0.25 AFY (25 fixture unit) usage maximum (interior and exterior fixtures)
2. ADUs and JADUs: 0.12 AFY (12 fixture unit) usage maximum (interior fixtures)
First Come, First Served
1. Expansions and Remodels of SFDs: 0.25 AFY (25 fixture unit) usage maximum (includes existing and proposed fixtures)

1441 Schilling Place

South 2nd Floor

Salinas, CA 93901

831-755-5025

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