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a. Conduct a workshop to consider possible amendments to the Monterey County Code (“MCC”) Title 20 (Coastal Zoning Ordinance), Title 21 (Inland Zoning Ordinance) and Title 7 (Business Tax, Licenses and Regulations) to regulate the vacation (or short-term) rental of residential property; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
Project Title: REF250042 (Coastal) and REF250043 (Inland) Vacation Rental Ordinance Amendments
Proposed Location: Countywide
Proposed California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) action: Find this workshop statutorily exemption pursuant to Section 15262 of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines.
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RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Conduct a workshop to consider possible amendments to the Monterey County Code (“MCC”) Title 20 (Coastal Zoning Ordinance), Title 21 (Inland Zoning Ordinance) and Title 7 (Business Tax, Licenses and Regulations) to regulate the vacation (or short-term) rental of residential property; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The County adopted regulations for the vacation rental of residential property that became operative in the inland areas on October 14, 2024 and in coastal areas on October 24, 2025. On December 12, 2025, due to a lawsuit challenging the County’s vacation rental ordinances, including homestays (Monterey County Vacation Rental Alliance v. County of Monterey, Monterey County Superior Court Case No. 24CV004922), the County has suspended from permit/license consideration and enforcement, without prejudice, two provisions being challenged and generally related to ownership provisions. This pause will stay in place until such time as the court finishes its analysis and makes an official ruling. Additional information is available at
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Given the action taken, staff will present options to the Board to consider at its January 6, 2026 meeting regarding possible amendments to the Monterey C...
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