Monterey County Sets November 3 Consideration of Objective Design Rules for Multifamily Housing

PRUNEDALE, Calif. — Monterey County supervisors are considering a new set of objective design criteria for multifamily and mixed-use housing in the county’s unincorporated areas. The proposal, listed as a late addition to the October 27, 2026 agenda, calls for a possible ordinance adoption hearing on Tuesday, November 3, at 10:30 a.m..

Agenda item ORD 26-020 / REF220020 would add Chapter 18.20 to the Monterey County Code. County staff describe the proposal as establishing a way for the Board of Supervisors to adopt model objective design standards by resolution.

Why the proposal matters

Objective design criteria describe features using measurable standards rather than purely subjective judgments. Developers and neighbors could use a written set of criteria to understand how proposed multifamily or mixed-use projects will be evaluated. But the October 27 agenda entry does not itself provide an approved building permit, authorize any specific project or confirm that an ordinance has already taken effect.

The county says the design-criteria item is linked to its Sixth Cycle Housing Element update, which is also scheduled for public hearing on November 3. The housing element and the design ordinance are related but distinct regulatory actions.

Who may be affected?

The proposed framework is intended for unincorporated Monterey County. That includes communities that do not have their own city council, though exact applicability depends on zoning, project type and the ultimately adopted text. City residents should check their own city’s rules instead of assuming county standards apply to every property.

Before planning a project, compare the actual draft chapter and any companion resolution with county zoning, coastal rules, building codes and applicable state housing laws.

Primary source: County of Monterey, ORD 26-020: housing element implementation / objective design ordinance.

Published October 27, 2026. The county had scheduled further consideration; passage is not established by the agenda.

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