Monterey County, CA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

These services apply to unincorporated Monterey County. Incorporated cities in Monterey County generally use their own local building departments.

Department

County of Monterey Housing and Community Development (HCD), Development Services, Building Services / Permit Center

Address

1441 Schilling Place, South 2nd Floor, Salinas, CA 93901

Phone

(831) 755-5025

Website

https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/housing-community-development/permit-center/online-permit-information

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the project needs only a construction permit or also a planning permit by contacting HCD or visiting the Permit Center. The county says constructing almost any structure requires a construction permit, and some projects also need discretionary planning approvals. Have the parcel APN ready.
2. Create an ACA account if you plan to use the online system. ACA is the county's primary online resource for unincorporated Monterey County and supports permit research, some permit applications, payments, and inspection scheduling.
3. Prepare the construction permit package. At minimum this typically includes the County construction permit application and questionnaire, a site plan, and complete signed plans. Depending on scope, the county may also require structural calculations, energy forms, geotechnical or soils documents, and other supporting reports.
4. Submit the application. If you only need a construction permit, the county says you can submit an application at the Schilling Place office; many permit functions are also available through ACA. Simple permits may be issued over the counter, while more complex projects go through plan check and agency routing.
5. Wait for review and corrections if required. County plan check staff review submitted plans for code compliance, and the county routes submittals to other agencies as needed. The Building and Planning FAQ states plan check is currently about 6 to 8 weeks.
6. Pay fees and obtain permit issuance. The county notes no new permits can be issued if the property has unresolved open code enforcement cases or expired permits.
7. Schedule and pass inspections. Inspections can be scheduled in ACA or by phone. The permit is not complete until all required inspections pass and all outside agency finals are cleared.

Typical processing time: Some simple permits may be issued the same day or within a few days; current plan check estimate for projects requiring review is about 6 to 8 weeks.

Source: County of Monterey Housing and Community Development (HCD), Development Services, Building Services / Permit Center

General Requirements

The county says constructing almost any structure will require a construction permit. A permit is also required for reroofs, retaining walls 4 feet or higher or any retaining wall supporting surcharge, and grading over 100 cubic yards, driveway grading over 50 feet, or grading on steep slopes. Some projects also need planning permits even if no construction permit is required.

Required Documents

• Construction permit application and questionnaire
• complete site plan
• complete signed construction/building plans with job address
• plans drawn to scale
• stamped/signed calculations where required
• and, as applicable, structural calculations, energy forms, geologic/geotechnical reports, soil engineer review letters, and related agency clearances.

Permit validity

The application form says an application expires 365 days after filing unless a permit is issued or the Building Official grants an extension. The FAQ says issued construction permits expire if 365 days pass since the last inspection; a one-time written extension of 365 days may be requested. Extension requests can be submitted to permitextensions@countyofmonterey.gov.

Building code

Monterey County points applicants to the current California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations) and the Monterey County Building Ordinance / County Code Title 18 for local requirements and amendments.

Owner-builder

Monterey County publishes an Owner-Builder Notice and Information page explaining owner-builder risks and the state-law disclosures required for owner-builder permits under Health and Safety Code section 19825.

Contractor requirements

The county directs users to verify California contractor licenses through CSLB. Contractors using ACA must associate a valid contractor license with their ACA account, and county staff verify the license before activation.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Building permit fee starts at $106.09 for project valuation up to $2,000 under the FY26 master fee schedule.

Plan check fee

Valuation-based. The FY26 schedule shows plan check fees starting at $106.09 for valuation up to $1,000, $148.53 up to $2,000, then increasing by bracket and increment. Hourly plan check is listed at $170.60.

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Many construction permits are valuation-based under the building permit and plan check tables; some permit types use flat fees; the county also notes unlisted fees may be calculated using valuation or hourly estimates.

Reinspection fee

Missed inspections or work not complete: $170.60. The FAQ also warns that reinspection fees may be charged if the work is not ready, plans/job card are missing, corrections are incomplete, or access is unavailable.

Penalty (no permit)

Investigative fee for work without permit(s): cost of permit.

Payment note

The online permit page says ACA payments can be made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or electronic checking/savings debit. That page lists vendor convenience fees of $0.25 for e-check and 2.38% for credit/debit card payments. The FY26 fee schedule also notes many HCD fees are subject to a 2.9% service fee, so applicants should confirm the exact payment surcharge at time of payment.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Concrete and masonry fences not over 6 feet high
• Wood, vinyl, and metal fences not more than 8 feet high
• Open metal fences not over 10 feet high
• One-story detached accessory structures for one- and two-family dwellings, such as tool sheds, storage sheds, and playhouses, when they do not exceed 240 square feet, have no electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, and are not used for hazardous materials or vehicles
• One-story detached accessory structures for commercial buildings used as tool/storage sheds and similar uses when they do not exceed 120 square feet, have no electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, and are not used for hazardous materials or vehicles

Important: Even when a building permit is not required, zoning setbacks, design review, and other planning requirements may still apply. A structure of any size with utilities requires a permit, and larger retaining walls or walls supporting surcharge require permits.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Accela Citizen Access (online)
• (831) 755-5025 (phone)

Inspection hours

Specific appointment times are not available. Inspectors are generally available by phone from 8:00 to 8:15 a.m. and 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. daily for ETA/status questions.

Time windows

Specific appointment times are not available. Inspectors are generally available by phone from 8:00 to 8:15 a.m. and 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. daily for ETA/status questions.

Typical inspection sequence: The county's published sequence for a new structure is foundation; under-floor framing for raised floor; floor/under-floor insulation; roof sheathing and shear; framing; insulation; sheetrock/exterior lath; scratch coat; shower/tub lath; and final. Other agency finals, including Planning, Health, and Fire, must clear before HCD can final the permit.

If the work is not ready, required plans or the job card are missing, corrections are not complete, or the inspector lacks access, the county may charge a reinspection fee and states no further inspections will be made until the fee is paid and issues are resolved.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Monterey County points applicants to the current California Building Standards Code (Title 24, California Code of Regulations) and the Monterey County Building Ordinance / County Code Title 18 for local requirements and amendments.
• Verify contractor license: CSLB License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Building and Planning Services FAQ
• Building inspections
• Building permit submittal requirements
• Preparing building plans
• Construction permit application
• Owner-builder notice
• License lookup guide: California Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: California Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• California hub: California Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Monterey County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Monterey County, CA?

The county says constructing almost any structure will require a construction permit. A permit is also required for reroofs, retaining walls 4 feet or higher or any retaining wall supporting surcharge, and grading over 100 cubic yards, driveway grading over 50 feet, or grading on steep slopes. Some projects also need planning permits even if no construction permit is required.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Monterey County, CA?

The minimum permit fee is Building permit fee starts at $106.09 for project valuation up to $2,000 under the FY26 master fee schedule.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Many construction permits are valuation-based under the building permit and plan check tables; some permit types use flat fees; the county also notes unlisted fees may be calculated using valuation or hourly estimates.. Plan check fee: Valuation-based. The FY26 schedule shows plan check fees starting at $106.09 for valuation up to $1,000, $148.53 up to $2,000, then increasing by bracket and increment. Hourly plan check is listed at $170.60..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Monterey County, CA?

1. Confirm whether the project needs only a construction permit or also a planning permit by contacting HCD or visiting the Permit Center. The county says constructing almost any structure requires a construction permit, and some projects also need discretionary planning approvals. Have the parcel APN ready. 2. Create an ACA account if you plan to use the online system. ACA is the county's primary online resource for unincorporated Monterey County and supports permit research, some permit applications, payments, and inspection scheduling. 3. Prepare the construction permit package. At minimum this typically includes the County construction permit application and questionnaire, a site plan, and complete signed plans. Depending on scope, the county may also require structural calculations, energy forms, geotechnical or soils documents, and other supporting reports. 4. Submit the application. If you only need a construction permit, the county says you can submit an application at the Schilling Place office; many permit functions are also available through ACA. Simple permits may be issued over the counter, while more complex projects go through plan check and agency routing. 5. Wait for review and corrections if required. County plan check staff review submitted plans for code compliance, and the county routes submittals to other agencies as needed. The Building and Planning FAQ states plan check is currently about 6 to 8 weeks. 6. Pay fees and obtain permit issuance. The county notes no new permits can be issued if the property has unresolved open code enforcement cases or expired permits. 7. Schedule and pass inspections. Inspections can be scheduled in ACA or by phone. The permit is not complete until all required inspections pass and all outside agency finals are cleared.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Monterey County, CA?

Typical processing time is Some simple permits may be issued the same day or within a few days; current plan check estimate for projects requiring review is about 6 to 8 weeks..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Monterey County, CA?

The following work is generally exempt: Concrete and masonry fences not over 6 feet high; Wood, vinyl, and metal fences not more than 8 feet high; Open metal fences not over 10 feet high; One-story detached accessory structures for one- and two-family dwellings, such as tool sheds, storage sheds, and playhouses, when they do not exceed 240 square feet, have no electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, and are not used for hazardous materials or vehicles; One-story detached accessory structures for commercial buildings used as tool/storage sheds and similar uses when they do not exceed 120 square feet, have no electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, and are not used for hazardous materials or vehicles. Note: Even when a building permit is not required, zoning setbacks, design review, and other planning requirements may still apply. A structure of any size with utilities requires a permit, and larger retaining walls or walls supporting surcharge require permits.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Monterey County, CA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Accela Citizen Access, (831) 755-5025.