OtherUnder reviewCitywide overlay districts, including south side of Garden Road (MF-1), Pacific/Munras/Soledad area (MF-2), and Aguajito Road courthouse site (MF-3)

Chapter 38 Amendment — Multifamily Residential Overlay District Minimum Density

Monterey

Description

A zoning text amendment setting a 20-unit-per-acre minimum density (60-unit maximum) in multifamily overlay areas, required by the state to keep the city's housing element compliant. It passed first reading unanimously and returns for a second reading.

Impact summary

Large Garden Road sites without enough water credits could fall below the 20-unit floor and become stuck, while smaller downtown-area sites can more easily meet the requirement.

Applicant

Name: City of Monterey (staff-initiated, per HCD corrective action)
Address: Citywide overlay districts, including south side of Garden Road (MF-1), Pacific/Munras/Soledad area (MF-2), and Aguajito Road courthouse site (MF-3)

At a glance

Hearings: 1
Public comments: 2
Total mentions: 1

Last discussed Aug 4, 2026.

Meeting timeline (1)

Aug 4, 2026

Council Regular Meeting — August 4, 2026

Related issues (1)

Minimum Density Requirement in Multifamily Residential Overlay District

The state housing department is forcing Monterey to require 20 units per acre minimum in its multifamily overlay districts, with no local exceptions for water limits or tough sites. Commissioners are frustrated but fear losing housing element certification and builder's remedy exposure.

We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda, when it's voted on and when its status changes, at most once a day.

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