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Monterey County, CA · all Monterey County meetings

Monterey County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Plain-English weekly recaps written from official meeting records. 7 weeks available.

Weeks

Week of 2026-08-17

Monterey County roundup: Dam contracts, General Assistance options, and land-use reviews ahead

All recent Monterey County meetings were agenda-only, with no final decisions published. The most consequential items on the horizon include a $939,541 contract for dam environmental work and a proposal to cut General Assistance costs by up to $309,892.

Water Resources Agency

The Water Resources Agency Board of Directors meets Aug. 17 to consider a $939,541 professional services agreement with GEI Consultants for environmental consulting on the San Antonio Dam Spillway Replacement and Nacimiento Dam Plunge Pool Erosion Control projects. The board will also vote on a 10-year grazing lease with Heartland Mark LLC for the Nacimiento 5 lease area at $28,672 in year one, increasing 2.5% annually, and an amendment to extend a groundwater sustainability MOU through June 2029. A separate item would increase a Hollenbeck Consulting contract by $250,000 to $500,000 for Nacimiento Dam services.

The agency's Finance Committee met Aug. 7 with an agenda that included a proposed $884,910 contract with GEI Consultants for similar environmental work, plus a financial status report through June 30, 2026.

Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors meets Aug. 18 to consider five options to reduce General Assistance costs, including time limits and grant reductions, with savings ranging from $304,466 to $309,892. The board will also hear an ordinance to allow point-of-use/point-of-entry water treatment for new construction on vacant lots or accessory dwelling units, and a public hearing on an appeal of a Coastal Development Permit for a commercial vacation rental. Consent items include a $835,000 bridge design contract for the Boronda Road Bridge Replacement Project in Carmel Valley, with potential amendments up to $918,500, and a $604,424 amendment with Change Healthcare for software services.

At its Aug. 11 meeting, the board's agenda included ratifying an emergency proclamation for the Timber Fire in Big Sur (requiring a 4/5 vote), approving a property tax transfer for a 771-acre annexation to Gonzales, and receiving an update on the Moss Landing battery storage site cleanup.

Land Use and Planning

The Planning Commission meets Aug. 12 to hold public hearings on an ordinance implementing the Agricultural and Winery Corridor Plan, which would add a new zoning district for inland unincorporated areas; allowing eight concerts per year at the Monterey County Sheriff's Posse grounds in Salinas; an appeal of a vacation rental permit; a regional water system consolidation in Pajaro Sunny Mesa; and removal of 11 protected trees in Carmel Valley.

The Zoning Administrator holds hearings Aug. 13 on six vacation rental permits in Pebble Beach and Carmel, including one after-the-fact application tied to a code enforcement case.

Several Land Use Advisory Committees (LUACs) meet this week. The North County LUAC on Aug. 19 reviews a 17-lot subdivision on 47.81 acres at 19445 Pesante Rd in Salinas, including removal of about 108 protected oak trees and expansion of a mutual water company. The Del Monte Forest LUAC on Aug. 20 reviews two Pebble Beach projects, including a 5,825 sq ft home with tree removals at 3199 Cortez Rd and an 800 sq ft ADU at 3978 Ronda Rd. The Big Sur LUAC meets Aug. 25 to review the Rocky Point Restaurant replacement (120 seats, 55 parking stalls) and after-the-fact permits at 30740 Aurora Del Mar in Carmel.

Other Committees

The Parks Commission met Aug. 6 to discuss Royal Oaks Park's 60th anniversary, FY 2027 Measure AA projects, and equestrian use. The Cannabis Committee met Aug. 6 to review the Outdoor Commercial Cannabis Cultivation Pilot Program and tax collections. The Capital Improvement Committee met Aug. 10 to receive status reports on the Job Order Contract Program.

Several meetings were cancelled for lack of projects, including the Castroville, North County, South Coast, Toro, and Big Sur LUACs, as well as the Legislative Committee and the Workforce Development Board.

Coming up

Week of 2026-08-10

Monterey County roundup: No decisions made; $884,910 dam contract, $28,672 grazing lease on tap

All Monterey County government meetings held in the past week were agenda-only, with no votes or final decisions taken. The most consequential items under consideration include a proposed $884,910 contract for environmental work on two dam projects and a $28,672 grazing lease for Nacimiento lands. Residents can expect these items to return for action at future meetings.

Water Resources Agency Finance Committee

The Finance Committee met Aug. 7 to discuss a proposed $884,910 professional services agreement with GEI Consultants for environmental work on the San Antonio Spillway Replacement and Nacimiento Plunge Pool projects. The committee also reviewed a recommendation to ratify Amendment No. 3 to a memorandum of understanding with the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency, extending the term to June 30, 2029, and updating the rate structure. No vote was taken; the committee received a FY 2025-26 financial status report through June 30, 2026, and reviewed a Monterey One Water expenditures report for May 2026.

Water Resources Agency Planning Committee

On Aug. 5, the Planning Committee considered a 10-year grazing lease with Heartland Mark LLC for the Nacimiento 5 lease area, valued at $28,672 with a 2.5% annual increase. The committee also discussed recommending support for the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency's Portfolio 3A and received an update on the agency's 2026 Strategic Plan. No votes were recorded.

Housing and development proposals

Several land-use advisory committees reviewed residential and commercial projects, all at the feedback stage.

Cancellations

Several meetings were cancelled due to lack of projects: Airport Land Use Commission (July 27), Big Sur Land Use Advisory Committee (July 28), South Coast Land Use Advisory Committee (July 28), Castroville Land Use Advisory Committee (Aug. 4), North County Land Use Advisory Committee (Aug. 5), and Toro Land Use Advisory Committee (Aug. 10).

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled with business to conduct. The next three listed meetings—Toro Land Use Advisory Committee (Aug. 10), South Coast Land Use Advisory Committee (Aug. 11), and Carmel Unincorporated/Highlands Land Use Advisory Committee (Aug. 17)—have all been cancelled. Residents should check the county's meeting calendar for newly scheduled sessions.

Week of 2026-08-03

Monterey County Meeting Roundup: Land Use Reviews Dominate Quiet Week as Several Committees Cancel

Recent Meetings: Outcomes Not Yet Known

Most Monterey County advisory bodies met the week of July 20–30, 2026, but minutes have not yet been published for any of them. That means no final decisions, vote tallies, or outcomes can be reported from this week's meetings. Several committees cancelled outright due to a lack of projects to review.

Cancelled meetings included the Water Resources Agency Board of Directors (July 20), Carmel Unincorporated/Highlands Land Use Advisory Committee (July 20), Cachagua Land Use Advisory Committee (July 22), Airport Land Use Commission (July 27), Big Sur Land Use Advisory Committee (July 28), and South Coast Land Use Advisory Committee (July 28). Each agenda stated there were no projects to review or no business to conduct.

Carmel Valley LUAC Reviewed Two Development Permits

The Carmel Valley Land Use Advisory Committee met July 20 to consider a Combined Development Permit (PLN230269) for four single-family dwellings at 9700 Venado Drive, Carmel. The committee also reviewed an after-the-fact Combined Development Permit (PLN260051) for a 658-square-foot accessory workshop with a 110-square-foot patio at 212 Crest Road, Carmel, tied to code enforcement violation 25CE00206. A Coastal Development Permit for development on slopes exceeding 30% at the same Crest Road property was also on the agenda. Minutes approval from June 15, 2026 was listed. Outcomes are not yet available.

Chief of Planning Considered Pebble Beach ADU

On July 27, the Chief of Planning held an administrative hearing on a proposed 798-square-foot attached accessory dwelling unit with 220 square feet of porches and terraces at 1170 Signal Hill Road, Pebble Beach. The project involves development within 100 feet of an Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area, slopes exceeding 30 percent, removal and relocation of one Monterey Cypress tree, and development within 750 feet of a known archaeological resource. The recommended CEQA action was a categorical exemption under Section 15303. A public hearing was scheduled only if requested in writing by July 24.

Toro LUAC Reviewed 85-Foot Wireless Tower

The Toro Land Use Advisory Committee met July 27 to discuss a Use Permit for an 85-foot wireless communication tower at 225 River Road in Salinas. The committee was asked to provide feedback on site design and neighborhood compatibility. The agenda also included approval of April 13, 2026 minutes and a preliminary courtesy presentation on potential projects.

Zoning Administrator Heard Car Week Event Permits, Vacation Rentals

On July 30, the Zoning Administrator held public hearings on several event permits tied to Monterey Car Week: PLN260088 for up to 150 people at 1062 Spyglass Woods Drive, PLN240173 for up to 125 people at 22 Poppy Lane, PLN240172 for up to 150 people at 28 Poppy Lane, and PLN240216 for up to 150 people at 32 Poppy Lane. Commercial vacation rental requests for 4041 Los Altos Drive and 2691 15th Avenue were also on the agenda. Outcomes are not yet published.

Water Resources Advisory Committee Received Project Updates

The Water Resources Advisory Committee met July 30 for an informational session. Staff presented updates on the Nacimiento Intake Actuator Replacement Project and the San Antonio Spillway Replacement Project. The agenda also covered reservoir conditions, dam operations, grazing lease renewals, the Water Year 2026 Quarter 3 Salinas Valley Quarterly Water Conditions Report, recreation status, San Luis Obispo County activities, and invasive mussel protection. No votes on major policy or spending decisions were scheduled.

Coming Up

Cancelled upcoming meetings: Castroville LUAC (Aug. 4), North County LUAC (Aug. 5), Historic Resources Review Board (Aug. 6, no items listed), Toro LUAC (Aug. 10), and South Coast LUAC (Aug. 11).

Week of 2026-07-20

Monterey County Boards Review Affordable Housing, Sewer Charges, and Land Use Permits

Monterey County's advisory boards and commissions held a busy stretch of meetings from July 6 through July 16, 2026, with agendas covering affordable housing, sewer service charges, labor negotiations, and multiple residential development proposals. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, the items below reflect what was scheduled for review or action, not confirmed outcomes.

Board of Supervisors — July 7

The Board of Supervisors scheduled a closed session to discuss two lawsuits — *Romo v. County of Monterey* and *Mario Gonzalez et al. v. State of California* (Case No. 23CV004194) — and to provide direction to labor negotiators for all employee units. Open-session items included appointments to the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency, appointment of Sa'Cora Goodin to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, and reappointment of Alma Diaz and appointment of Isaiah Madrigal to the Workforce Development Board.

Sanitation Districts Set FY26-27 Charges

The Boronda County Sanitation District scheduled adoption of a resolution certifying compliance with state law for levying taxes, assessments, and property-related fees, along with review of FY26-27 service charges. The Pajaro County Sanitation District scheduled approval of its FY26-27 annual sewer service charges resolution and a state law compliance certification. No specific dollar amounts were listed in either agenda.

Planning Commission — July 8

The Monterey County Planning Commission scheduled public hearings on a 22-unit affordable housing project at Carmel Reserve LLC's September Ranch in Carmel Valley, a 798-square-foot ADU at 1170 Signal Hill Road in Pebble Beach, and a major single-family remodel expanding a home to 7,071 square feet. Staff were also set to present an informational workshop on updating the Agricultural and Winery Corridor Plan (Chapter 9.J).

Zoning Administrator — July 9

The Zoning Administrator scheduled four public hearings: demolition of a 4,252-square-foot home and construction of a 6,651-square-foot residence plus ADU at 1651 Crespi Lane in Pebble Beach, and commercial vacation rental permits for 1047 Laurel Lane (Pebble Beach), 25691 N. Mesa Drive (Carmel), and 26200 Scenic Road (Carmel). The Laurel Lane item is an after-the-fact permit.

Administrative Permits — July 15

The Chief of Planning considered two administrative permits: a three-year extension for a coastal permit and design approval for a 5,822-square-foot home at 1536 Cypress Drive in Pebble Beach, and a 2,545-square-foot addition plus a 512-square-foot ADU with garage at 24368 San Juan Road in Carmel. Both projects were proposed as categorically exempt from CEQA.

Land Use Advisory Committees

Several LUACs reviewed development proposals. The Carmel Unincorporated/Highlands LUAC reviewed a proposal by Kshire Property Investments LLC to demolish a 646-square-foot dwelling and build a 2,531-square-foot home with an 800-square-foot attached ADU at 2755 15th Avenue, including removal of three oak trees. The North County LUAC reviewed a single-family home and ADU at 1907 San Juan Road in Aromas on terrain with slopes exceeding 25%. The Castroville, South County, and North County LUACs each reviewed the countywide General Plan Environmental Justice Element (File REF220017).

Cancelled Meetings

Meetings for the Carmel Valley, Toro, Big Sur, South Coast, Del Monte Forest, Housing Advisory, Water Resources Agency Finance Committee, and Workforce Development Board LUACs were cancelled due to no projects to review or no business to conduct.

Coming Up

Week of 2026-07-13

County Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission tackle housing, appointments, and litigation in busy week

Monterey County's Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission headlined a packed two weeks of meetings, with the Board scheduled to take up litigation, labor negotiations, and regional appointments while the Planning Commission prepared to review a 22-unit affordable housing project in Carmel Valley. All meetings listed below are agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes of votes and discussions are not yet confirmed.

Board of Supervisors — July 7

The Board was scheduled to meet in closed session to discuss two lawsuits: *Romo v. County of Monterey* and *Mario Gonzalez et al. v. State of California*. Closed-session items also included labor negotiations for all employee units.

In open session, the Board was set to consider appointing Primary and Alternate directors to the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency. Additional appointments on the agenda included Sa'Cora Goodin to the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, the reappointment of Alma Diaz to the Workforce Development Board, and the appointment of Isaiah Madrigal to the same board.

Planning Commission — July 8

The Monterey County Planning Commission was set to hold public hearings on several land use matters. The largest item was a public hearing for 22 affordable housing units at Carmel Reserve LLC's September Ranch project in Carmel Valley.

Additional public hearings included a 798-square-foot accessory dwelling unit at 1170 Signal Hill Road in Pebble Beach and a major single-family home remodel expanding to 7,071 square feet. Staff were also scheduled to present an informational workshop on updating the Agricultural and Winery Corridor Plan (Chapter 9.J). Consent calendar items included approval of June 24 meeting minutes and Land Use Advisory Committee member changes.

Sanitation Districts Set FY26-27 Charges

Two sanitation districts met July 7 to handle annual fiscal business. The Boronda County Sanitation District was scheduled to adopt a resolution certifying compliance with state law regarding the levying of taxes, assessments, and property-related fees, and to review FY26-27 service charges. The Pajaro County Sanitation District board was set to approve annual sewer service charges for fiscal year 2026-27 and a state law compliance certification for property-related fees. No specific fee amounts were listed in either agenda.

Water Resources Agency

The Joint Water Resources/Board of Supervisors Leadership Committee met July 2 to review a Civil Grand Jury report titled "Seawater Intrusion - A Shared Problem in Monterey County," discuss a Deep Aquifers Management Recommendations Memorandum, and receive updates on Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency project portfolios.

The Water Resources Agency Board of Directors held a special meeting July 8 as a strategic planning workshop to develop the agency's 2026 Strategic Plan. Two other Water Resources Agency committee meetings — the Planning Committee on July 1 and the Finance Committee on July 10 — were cancelled.

Land Use and Development Proposals

Several advisory bodies reviewed residential development proposals. The North County Land Use Advisory Committee on July 1 considered two Chinar LLC permit requests on San Juan Road in Aromas: a 3,277 sq ft home and garage at 1905 San Juan Rd, and a 4,745 sq ft home with an 875 sq ft ADU at 1907 San Juan Rd, both requiring use permits for slopes exceeding 25%.

The Carmel Unincorporated/Highlands LUAC on July 6 reviewed a Kshire Property Investments LLC proposal to demolish a 646 sq ft dwelling and build a 2,531 sq ft home with an 800 sq ft attached ADU at 2755 15th Avenue, including removal of three oak trees and development within 750 feet of known archaeological resources.

The Zoning Administrator on July 9 held public hearings on a demolition and rebuild at 1651 Crespi Lane in Pebble Beach — replacing a 4,252 sq ft home with a 6,651 sq ft residence plus ADU — and three commercial vacation rental permit applications in Pebble Beach and Carmel.

The Historic Resources Review Board on July 2 considered design approval for Casa de la Estrella at 3322 17 Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, involving window replacement and a new covered walkway, and an after-the-fact design approval at 20 First Street in Spreckels to resolve code enforcement case 24CE00295.

Other Meetings

The Equal Opportunity Committee on June 29 reviewed equity survey findings, launched a Title VI compliance review for county programs, and discussed a Theory of Impact framework. The Castroville LUAC on July 7 reviewed the General Plan Environmental Justice Element (REF220017) and held elections for chairperson and secretary. The Administrative Permit review on July 1 covered a 2,812 sq ft residence and 725 sq ft ADU in Carmel, a 680 sq ft snack bar at Pebble Beach Golf Links, and a 3,193 sq ft home in Salinas.

Coming Up

Several upcoming LUAC meetings — Toro (July 13), Big Sur (July 14), South Coast (July 14), Del Monte Forest (July 16), Carmel Highlands (July 20), and Cachagua (July 22) — are cancelled due to no projects available for review.

Week of 2026-07-06

Monterey County roundup: Workforce contracts, Natividad leadership, and water policy on the agenda

Monterey County boards and advisory committees met throughout late June and early July to weigh workforce funding, hospital leadership, water resource management, and dozens of land use applications. All meetings listed below were agenda-only at publication time; minutes have not yet been released, so outcomes and vote tallies are not yet confirmed.

Workforce Development Board considers $2M in service contracts

The Monterey County Workforce Development Board was scheduled to approve its 2026-27 budget and extend three service contracts totaling $2,000,000 at meetings on June 24 and June 25. The agenda included extending the Equus Workforce Solutions contract for adult and dislocated worker services at $1,300,000, a separate Equus contract for youth services at $350,000, and a Turning Point of Central California contract for youth services at $350,000. The board was also set to approve three-year appointments for business and state employment representatives and consider a lease for the HRCC Pre-Apprenticeship program at 117 Pajaro St., Salinas.

Board of Supervisors: Natividad leadership, appointments, and litigation

The Board of Supervisors met on three separate days. On June 23, the agenda included nominating Supervisor Church as primary director to the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency, appointing one member to the Monterey County Regional Fire District board for a four-year term, and reappointing three members to the Big Sur Byway Organization. A closed session covered six active lawsuits, including Hopkins v. County and Gonzalez v. State.

On June 25, the Board held closed-session performance evaluations for the Civil Rights Officer, County Counsel, and the Natividad Medical Center CEO.

On June 26, the Board was scheduled to authorize the County Administrative Officer to sign an employment agreement for Nancy Buscher as interim CEO of Natividad. A closed session that day included performance evaluations for the Public Defender and County Administrative Officer.

Budget Committee reviews Natividad Q3 finances

The Budget Committee met June 24 to review Natividad Medical Center's third-quarter financial report covering January through March 2026. The agenda included discussion of funding reductions related to H.R.1.

Water resources: grazing lease, seawater intrusion, and strategic planning

The Board of Supervisors of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency met June 23 to consider adopting a resolution approving a grazing lease for lands around San Antonio and Nacimiento Reservoirs, including directing staff to advertise for bids and authorizing the General Manager to modify lease and bid forms. A closed session addressed litigation in Mario Gonzalez v. State of California (Case No. 23CV004194).

On July 2, the Joint Water Resources/Board of Supervisors Leadership Committee was scheduled to review a Civil Grand Jury report titled "Seawater Intrusion - A Shared Problem in Monterey County," discuss a Deep Aquifers Management Recommendations Memorandum, and receive updates on Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency project portfolios.

Planning Commission and Zoning Administrator weigh development permits

The County Planning Commission met June 24 to discuss an implementation ordinance for the Agricultural and Winery Corridor Plan, a fence and gate replacement at 35986 Highway 1 in Big Sur, and a parcel subdivision into three lots at 1451 Ondulado Road in Pebble Beach.

The Zoning Administrator met June 25 to consider residential projects including a 2,707 sq ft home and 1,126 sq ft ADU at 26307 Isabella Avenue in Carmel, a 604 sq ft ADU at 3038 Alta Ave in Carmel, and a home addition with a 1,100 sq ft ADU at 3152 Spruance Road in Pebble Beach. Three commercial vacation rental permits were also on the agenda for properties in Carmel, King City, and Pebble Beach.

Several advisory committee meetings cancelled

Meetings of the Toro, South Coast, Cachagua, and Del Monte Forest Land Use Advisory Committees, the Water Resources Advisory Committee, and the Water Resources Agency Planning Committee were all cancelled due to no projects scheduled for review.

Coming up

Week of 2026-06-29

Workforce board approves $2M in service contracts and budget

The Monterey County Workforce Development Board approved a $2 million package of service contracts and its fiscal 2026-27 budget at a June 24 meeting, directing funds to adult, dislocated-worker and youth employment programs. The vote extended a $1.3 million contract with Equus Workforce Solutions for adult and dislocated-worker services, plus two $350,000 contracts—one with Equus and one with Turning Point of Central California—for youth services.

Multiple county land use advisory committees canceled meetings over the past two weeks because there were no projects to review, including Toro (June 22), South Coast (June 23), Cachagua (June 24) and Del Monte Forest (July 2). When panels did meet, they reviewed a range of residential proposals. The Big Sur Land Use Advisory Committee on June 23 considered a coastal development permit to replace a wood fence and entrance gate at 36000 Highway 1 with a stone wall and dark bronze gate near an archaeological resource. The North County committee on July 1 examined plans for two single-family homes and an accessory dwelling unit on steep slopes along San Juan Road in Aromas.

Water and natural resources

The Board of Supervisors of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency on June 23 weighed a resolution to approve a grazing lease on lands around San Antonio and Nacimiento reservoirs, with direction to advertise for bids. A joint committee of water and county leaders on July 2 discussed a civil grand jury report on seawater intrusion and a staff memo on deep-aquifer management for the Salinas Valley. The regular Water Resources Agency Planning Committee meeting on July 1 was canceled.

County administration and budget

The Board of Supervisors held several closed sessions to evaluate top officials, including the Natividad Medical Center CEO, the public defender and the county administrative officer. On June 26, supervisors were scheduled to vote on an employment agreement naming Nancy Buscher as interim CEO of the hospital. The Budget Committee reviewed Natividad’s third-quarter financial report and flagged possible funding reductions tied to state and federal changes. The Equal Opportunity Committee on June 29 received findings from a county equity survey and launched a Title VI compliance review of county programs.

Coming up

Key meetings in the next two weeks:

Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.