Housing & Development · Monterey County
Monterey County Approves Winery Zoning Rules, Asks Staff to Revisit Size Limits in 90 Days
On Sept. 29, Monterey County supervisors voted 5-0 to approve new zoning rules for winery-related development in three rural areas: River Road, Metz Road in the central Salinas Valley, and Jolon Road in South Monterey County. The ordinance creates a clearance process allowing up to 10 new full-scale wineries, with events of 500 or more attendees requiring a special permit. Supervisors directed staff to return within 90 days with further information on kitchen and dining-area size limits (currently proposed at 1,500 square feet), employee housing, and groundwater concerns. The rules implement the Agricultural and Winery Corridor Plan originally included in the county's 2010 General Plan.