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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Monterey
The City's plan-submittal page says the building permit application is used for reroofs, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, solar PV systems, temporary tent structures, and all other building projects, residential and commercial, small and large. The building permit application also states it is unlawful to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish a building or structure, or install regulated equipment, without first obtaining the required permit.
The City webpages reviewed do not publish a current standalone "work exempt from permit" handout for general building work.
Under the California code framework adopted by Monterey Chapter 9, common residential permit exemptions generally include very small detached accessory structures, limited nonstructural finish work, some low fences and retaining walls below code thresholds, shallow prefabricated pools, playground equipment, and certain minor trade repairs.
- Exempt The City webpages reviewed do not publish a current standalone "work exempt from permit" handout for general building work.
- Exempt Under the California code framework adopted by Monterey Chapter 9, common residential permit exemptions generally include very small detached accessory structures, limited nonstructural finish work, some low fences and retaining walls below code thresholds, shallow prefabricated pools, playground equipment, and certain minor trade repairs.
Note: This is an inference from Monterey's adoption of the California code framework rather than from a current City exemption handout. Exemptions do not override zoning, stormwater, sewer lateral, right-of-way, historic, water district, fire, or other local approval requirements, and applicants should confirm the current exemption list with Building and Safety before proceeding without a permit.
Required documents
- Completed application
- applicant contact information with a primary email
- digital plans in PDF only
- one signed plan set
- supporting documents such as energy compliance forms and photos
- and project-specific materials such as site plan, floor plans, elevations, geotechnical report for additions or new construction over 500 square feet, water/sewer/air district clearances, stormwater items, and other routed approvals depending on scope.
- Building code
- Monterey's codified Chapter 9 currently posted online states the City adopted the 2022 California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Plumbing Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Green Building Standards Code, and California Energy Code, generally effective for applications on or after January 1, 2023. However, the City Council agenda for October 21, 2025 shows first reading of an ordinance to adopt the 2025 California Building Standards Code package; because I did not verify a newer codified code page showing final adoption and effective date, applicants should confirm with Building and Safety which code cycle is being applied to new 2026 applications.
- Permit validity
- The permit application says applications expire if no permit is issued within 180 days after filing, unless extended in writing for up to 180 days. The City's residential property inspections page states permits expire one year after permit issuance or the last inspection.
- Owner-builder
- The City publishes an owner-builder package and states it will not issue a permit until the property owner has read, initialed, signed, and returned the required owner-builder acknowledgment. The package also requires identification, notarization, or other acceptable verification when the permit is issued to verify the owner's signature.
- Contractor requirements
- The City states only licensed contractors or building owners may take out a building permit. The owner-builder package says contractors must be licensed and bonded in California and list their license numbers on permits and contracts; owners using the owner-builder route remain legally and financially responsible and must verify workers' compensation coverage where applicable.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: The City webpages reviewed do not publish a standard plan-review turnaround. The City does say required checklists help facilitate an expedited plan review process.
- 01 Determine whether the project is a building permit, encroachment permit, residential property inspection, or planning permit matter. The City's Permit Center separates these intake paths.
- 02 Prepare the application package. For building permits, the City requires a completed building permit application, one PDF plan set signed by the design professional, and supporting documents such as energy compliance forms and existing photos.
- 03 Submit the package. The current plan-submittal page says complete applications may be submitted by email to gogreen@monterey.gov, and the City's online permit portal also allows users to search, apply, upload documents, pay fees, and track status for building permits.
- 04 Include all project-specific outside-agency approvals that apply before permit issuance. The City lists possible clearances from Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Monterey One Water, Monterey Bay Air Resources District, TAMC, and City sewer/stormwater review.
- 05 Pay fees when contacted. The City states applicants will be contacted with fee payment information after submittal.
- 06 Respond to corrections and resubmit in the same sheet order if revisions are required.
- 07 After issuance, keep plans and the job card at the site and request inspections as work progresses.
Typical processing time: The City webpages reviewed do not publish a standard plan-review turnaround. The City does say required checklists help facilitate an expedited plan review process.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Monterey building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$106.09 appears to be the minimum listed building-permit fee in the FY26 valuation table
02
Plan check fee
valuation-based project plan-check schedule; hourly plan check fee is $88.35 where billed hourly
03
Permit fee formula
mixed; building permit and plan check fees are primarily valuation-based under the FY26 schedule, while many minor permits and special services are flat-fee or hourly
04
Reinspection fee
missed inspections or work not complete $133.60
05
Penalty (no permit)
investigative fee for work without permit(s) $170.60
The City says applicants will be contacted with fee payment information after submittal. The FY26 master fee schedule states fees are subject to a 2.9% service fee.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Monterey Online Service Center / myMonterey Portal (online)
- (831) 646-3890 (phone)
- (831) 646-3891 (phone)
- gogreen@monterey.gov (email)
- Inspection hours
- Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and closed Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. for staff training. Permit hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; afternoons Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Inspection requests should be called in no later than 4:00 p.m. the business day before the desired inspection date; requests received before 2:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day.
- Time windows
- Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and closed Wednesday 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. for staff training. Permit hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; afternoons Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Wednesday 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Inspection requests should be called in no later than 4:00 p.m. the business day before the desired inspection date; requests received before 2:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day.
Typical sequence: The City does not publish a full inspection-card sequence on the pages reviewed, but its adopted California residential inspection framework includes foundation, under-floor/slab, frame and masonry, lath/gypsum board where applicable, and final inspection stages. The City also says plans and the job card must be left at the site and someone must be present for inspections.
The FY26 fee schedule charges $133.60 for missed inspections or work not complete.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Monterey permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Monterey, CA? ▸
The City's plan-submittal page says the building permit application is used for reroofs, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, solar PV systems, temporary tent structures, and all other building projects, residential and commercial, small and large. The building permit application also states it is unlawful to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish a building or structure, or install regulated equipment, without first obtaining the required permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Monterey, CA? ▸
Building permit fees in Monterey, CA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $106.09 appears to be the minimum listed building-permit fee in the FY26 valuation table. Fees are calculated as: mixed; building permit and plan check fees are primarily valuation-based under the FY26 schedule, while many minor permits and special services are flat-fee or hourly. Plan check fee: valuation-based project plan-check schedule; hourly plan check fee is $88.35 where billed hourly.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Monterey, CA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Monterey, CA, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether the project is a building permit, encroachment permit, residential property inspection, or planning permit matter. The City's Permit Center separates these intake paths. 2. Prepare the application package. For building permits, the City requires a completed building permit application, one PDF plan set signed by the design professional, and supporting documents such as energy compliance forms and existing photos. 3. Submit the package. The current plan-submittal page says complete applications may be submitted by email to gogreen@monterey.gov, and the City's online permit portal also allows users to search, apply, upload documents, pay fees, and track status for building permits. 4. Include all project-specific outside-agency approvals that apply before permit issuance. The City lists possible clearances from Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Monterey One Water, Monterey Bay Air Resources District, TAMC, and City sewer/stormwater review. 5. Pay fees when contacted. The City states applicants will be contacted with fee payment information after submittal. 6. Respond to corrections and resubmit in the same sheet order if revisions are required. 7. After issuance, keep plans and the job card at the site and request inspections as work progresses.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Monterey, CA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Monterey, CA typically run The City webpages reviewed do not publish a standard plan-review turnaround. The City does say required checklists help facilitate an expedited plan review process.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Monterey, CA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Monterey, CA. The following work is generally exempt: The City webpages reviewed do not publish a current standalone "work exempt from permit" handout for general building work.; Under the California code framework adopted by Monterey Chapter 9, common residential permit exemptions generally include very small detached accessory structures, limited nonstructural finish work, some low fences and retaining walls below code thresholds, shallow prefabricated pools, playground equipment, and certain minor trade repairs.. Note: This is an inference from Monterey's adoption of the California code framework rather than from a current City exemption handout. Exemptions do not override zoning, stormwater, sewer lateral, right-of-way, historic, water district, fire, or other local approval requirements, and applicants should confirm the current exemption list with Building and Safety before proceeding without a permit. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Monterey, CA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Monterey, CA via: Monterey Online Service Center / myMonterey Portal, (831) 646-3890, (831) 646-3891, gogreen@monterey.gov.
last verified April 2026
source City of Monterey Community Development Department, Building Permit & Inspection Services / Building and Safety Office ↗
entry id permits/california/monterey/monterey-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Monterey Community Development Department, Building Permit & Inspection Services / Building and Safety Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.