California's New Accessory Dwelling Unit Having an Effect in Monterey

The city of Monterey has been compelled by a new state law to loosen prohibitions on accessory dwelling units after failing to so earlier in the year.

1 minute read

November 18, 2016, 2:00 PM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Monterey City Council revisited a half-century-old ban on building and renting out second units in 2016, and despite a well-documented housing shortage, voted to uphold that ban," according to an article by Nick Rahaim.

But a new state law, signed into law in September of this year, "is forcing the city to change course," reports Rahaim. Now "the Monterey Planning Commission will hold public comment on a proposed ordinance to accommodate the new state law" in November, with council action expected before the end of the year. Liam Dillon reported at the time of the bill's approval that it was "aimed at forcing local governments to approve the secondary housing units."

Monterey's new ordinance, resulting from the state law's influence, "would allow accessory dwellings in homes and existing detached structures in single-family neighborhoods to be converted to residences then rented out. A building permit and water credits would be required, but not additional parking…." 

Thursday, November 17, 2016 in Monterey County Weekly

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Rendering of Shirley Chisholm Village four-story housing development with person biking in front.

San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning

SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.

June 8, 2025 - Fast Company

Yellow single-seat Japanese electric vehicle drivign down road.

The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs

The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.

June 6, 2025 - PC Magazine

People riding bicycles on separated bike trail.

With Protected Lanes, 460% More People Commute by Bike

For those needing more ammo, more data proving what we already knew is here.

9 seconds ago - UNM News

Bird's eye view of half-circle suburban street with large homes.

In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City

If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.

2 hours ago - Investopedia

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star