Monterey County, California Building Permit Guide

Building Services is part of Monterey County Housing and Community Development. HCD’s Accela Citizen Access portal gives online permit information and payments for the unincorporated areas of the county; under Building you can create an application, search applications and schedule an inspection. HCD began using the ePermitHub Digital Plan Room on September 1, 2026.

Monterey County’s website could not be checked, so HCD’s office address, hours and phone number, and Environmental Health and Public Works contacts, are not given here; use the Accela portal or contact HCD directly.

What requires a building permit in Monterey County?

Monterey County’s amendments exempt from a building permit:

• One-story detached arbors, pergolas, sheds and playhouses up to 240 square feet with no electrical, plumbing or mechanical work.
• Detached decks up to 200 square feet and no more than 30 inches above grade.
• One one-story agricultural building up to 500 square feet on a lot of 2.5 acres or more, with no electrical, plumbing or mechanical work and no storage of hazardous materials or vehicles.

Other County rules: all dwellings need at least a Class B roof covering, and Class A for all residential structures in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Fire access rules require a turnout near the midpoint of driveways 150 to 800 feet long and turnouts at least every 400 feet beyond 800 feet; turnarounds are required on driveways over 150 feet.

California builds on one statewide code, Title 24, whose 2025 edition took effect on 1 January 2026; the editions in effect when the application is submitted apply, and cities and counties may adopt local amendments only with findings filed with the state (new residential amendments are largely frozen until June 2031). Title 24 and local amendments

Monterey County local amendments

Monterey County adopted the 2025 California Building Standards Code with County amendments for the unincorporated area by Ordinance No. 5442 (ORD 25-019, final action 12/9/2025), amending Title 18 of the County Code. The exemptions, roof covering and fire access rules above come from that ordinance. Appeals of building decisions are filed with the Building Official within 30 days after written notice of the decision is mailed to the applicant.

Monterey County permit costs and fees

Building Services’ building permit fees are based on estimated construction valuation. Fees are paid online in the Accela portal.

How to get a building permit in Monterey County

A building permit carries a validity period and can expire if work does not start or stalls between inspections; confirm the expiry with Monterey County Housing and Community Development on phased or delayed work. Permit validity in California

Septic systems in Monterey County

Monterey County approves septic systems (OWTS) under its own Local Agency Management Program, approved by the Central Coast Regional Water Board on May 10-11, 2018.

Building permits in Salinas

Building permits in the City of Salinas, the county seat, are handled by Permit Services at the city’s Permit Center, 65 West Alisal Street, phone 831-758-7251, email epermit@salinas.gov. The Permit Center is open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with payments accepted until 4PM; on the first Friday of each month it is open 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. City building inspections are requested by phone at (831) 758-7251 (Option 1) or, for authorized users, in the eTRAKiT Portal; email and voicemail requests are not accepted.

Official Monterey County permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Monterey County HCD Accela Citizen Access
• Ordinance No. 5442: 2025 building code adoption
• Central Coast Water Board: local septic programs
• City of Salinas Permit Center
• City of Salinas building inspections

Frequently asked questions

Does a shed need a permit in Monterey County?

Not if it is one-story, detached, up to 240 square feet and has no electrical, plumbing or mechanical work.

How long does a Monterey County application stay open?

One year after filing, unless a permit has been issued or the Building Official grants an extension.

What roof covering does Monterey County require?

At least Class B on all dwellings, and Class A for residential structures in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

Simplify Monterey County permitting with Alliance Permitting

• Confirm whether the parcel is in the County’s area or inside a city, and which County offices must sign off
• Prepare the application, plans and forms in the format the County portal accepts
• Track plan review, pay fees and book inspections within the County’s cut-off times

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in California. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Monterey County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.