Building and Safety

NOTICE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF OVER-THE-COUNTER PERMITS
WINDOW HOURS ARE AVAILABLE FROM 1:00-3:00 PM ON Mon/Wed/Fri
(NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED)

This is for the issuance of permits that DO NOT require plans or approvals by other departments.  
Examples are:

• On-site sewer permits and/or some plumbing permits
• Electrical service panel replacements
• Residential mechanical/HVAC permits
• In-kind roof replacements
• Other similar single-trade permits

PERMITS MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED BY EMAILING GOGREEN@MONTEREY.ORG

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF ACTIVITY AND THE CONSTRAINTS OF WORKING UNDER A PANDEMIC, THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF REQUESTS MAY NOT BE ADDRESSED AT THE WINDOW AND MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL TO GOGREEN@MONTEREY.ORG

(If you are in line for any of the following, please do NOT stay in line)

• Encroachment permits
• Residential Property Inspections
• Solar permits
• Historic record searches
• General inquiries
• Building projects that require plan review (remodels, additions, ADUs, new projects)
• Planning and Zoning questions (PLANNING@MONTEREY.ORG)
• Plan resubmittals
• Technical code questions
• Plan review questions
• Temporary business permits for outdoor dining and sales
• Temporary tent permits

Please call 831-646-3890 if you have questions. Leave a message if no one answers.  We will get back to you as soon as possible.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

Please email all questions, project submittals, phone call requests, and building permit inquiries to gogreen@monterey.org. Please allow up to 24 hours for return phone calls. When calling, leave a message because we may not be able to take your call at that time.

NEW! 8/11: Parklet Standard Specifications (PDF)

7/24: Businesses in Monterey can apply for a Temporary Outdoor Business Permit to move portions of their business operations out into the adjacent sidewalk or parking lot. Instructions for applying are as follows:

- Fill out the Temporary Outdoor Permit
- Attach proof of insurance (naming the City as additionally insured)
- Attach a drawing of the outdoor work plan with dimensions - show 48" clear for pedestrian access
- Submit the permit, insurance, and plan to gogreen@monterey.org
 - If you want to erect a tent over 400 square feet, you will also need to apply for a building permit. See Permits for Temporary Tent Structures for more information.
Related information: 
- Emergency Order, June 26, 2020 - Order of the Director of Emergency Services to Allow Covid-19 Temporary Encroachment Permits for Businesses to Establish or Expand Outdoor Dining and Retail Areas
- Emergency Order, July 23, 2020 - Order of the Director of Emergency Services to Allow Temporary Outdoor Business Permits
- Fire Code Requirements for sidewalk cafe, tents, canopies, cooking and heating applications for outdoor gatherings, seating and eating
- Standards and Requirements for Special Events in Tents, Temporary Structures, and Other Temporary Membrane Structures

5/01: Monterey County Health Officer Amends and Extends Shelter-in-Place Order through May 31, 2020 | Order | Appendix B - Construction Safety Protocol | Appendix C - Social Distancing Protocol

• Accessibility
• Code Compliance
• Fees for Services (PDF)
• Procedures for Obtaining Public Works Permits (PDF)

Welcome to the City of Monterey Building and Safety Division. This division of the Community Development Department is responsible for reviewing plans and inspecting all phases of construction for compliance with applicable local and State codes.

Sanitary Sewer Lateral Inspection Program - see details on the Property Inspections web page

As of January 1, 2019, in accordance with the Monterey City Code 30-1.2 (Ordinance 3579), the City of Monterey began implementing a mandatory "Sanitary Sewer Lateral Inspection and Repair Program". The new program updates the process and uses a new form. The new form replaces the previously accepted "Plumber's report" regarding the condition of the sewer lateral, backwater valve, and sewer relief vent. See page 14 of the Master Fee Schedule for the cost of this permit.

"The mission of Building and Safety Division is the protection of life, health, property and public welfare through effective administration and enforcement of the building codes. In accomplishing this mission, we strive to maintain the highest levels of fairness, professionalism and ethical conduct towards the citizens of Monterey whom we serve."