New To Monterey? Utilities, Permits And Services Setup

Just closed on a home in Monterey and wondering what to do first? You’re not alone. The first month can feel like a maze of accounts, rules, and schedules, especially on the Monterey Peninsula where water, coastal, and permit guidelines can be unique. This guide gives you a clear 30-day plan so you can connect essential services, avoid missteps, and line up trusted help. Let’s dive in.

Your first 30 days checklist

• Confirm access: keys, gate/garage codes, alarm login, and any HOA or property manager contacts.
• Save emergency and non‑emergency numbers for Monterey Police and Fire, and note the nearest hospital.
• Set up electric and gas with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and confirm meter access.
• Identify your retail water provider and contact Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) for conservation rules.
• Confirm sewer connection with the regional wastewater agency or locate septic records if applicable.
• Start trash, recycling, and organics service; learn pickup days and local rules.
• Check internet and phone availability by address and schedule installation.
• Contact City of Monterey Planning & Building for any remodeling or exterior work; check permit triggers before hiring.
• If renting short term, confirm transient occupancy tax (TOT) and business license requirements.
• Book early maintenance: HVAC, plumbing, pest, gutters, smoke/CO detectors, and irrigation.

Who to call first and why

Starting with the right agencies saves time and avoids backtracking.

1. Emergency contacts and property access

• Save 911 for emergencies. Add Monterey Police and Fire non‑emergency lines from official city pages. Keep your property address handy for first responders.

2. PG&E for electric and gas

• Transfer or open service, confirm start date, ask about meter access, rate plans, and any planned work near your street.

3. Water provider and MPWMD

• Confirm your retail water supplier, open service, and ask about meter size, irrigation meters, current restrictions, and conservation rebates. MPWMD sets peninsula‑wide conservation rules and may affect landscaping plans.

4. Sewer or septic

• Many city properties are on municipal sewer managed regionally by Monterey One Water. If your home is on septic, locate records, last pump date, and any county health requirements.

5. Trash, recycling, and organics

• Start service with the city‑contracted hauler. Ask about pickup days, bulky‑item scheduling, and the correct way to handle household hazardous waste (HHW). HHW does not go in regular bins.

6. Internet and phone

• Check availability by address with common providers serving the Peninsula and compare speeds and install times. Confirm upload speeds if you work from home.

7. City or County planning offices

• Inside city limits, contact the City of Monterey Planning & Building. If your property is in unincorporated county, contact Monterey County Planning & Building. Ask about permits before you design or demo.

Utilities setup: what to ask

Electric and gas with PG&E

• Service start date and any deposit requirements.
• Meter accessibility, known outages, or upcoming utility work.
• Rate plan options, time‑of‑use programs, and incentives for energy efficiency or EV chargers.
• If you plan electrical upgrades, check permits with the City and coordinate any utility work with PG&E early.

Water and MPWMD

• Confirm the retail water provider at your address and open or transfer service.
• Ask about separate irrigation meters, current watering rules, and rebate programs.
• If you’re planning landscaping, pools, or irrigation changes, confirm rules with MPWMD first.

Wastewater: sewer vs. septic

• If connected to municipal sewer, contact the regional wastewater agency for any connection questions.
• If on septic, gather records, schedule inspections as needed, and follow county health guidance. Coastal properties can have additional restrictions on discharge and irrigation.

Trash, recycling, and HHW

• Confirm your pickup schedule and container sizes.
• Learn what goes in compost, recycling, and landfill to avoid contamination.
• Set up bulky‑item pickup when needed and confirm HHW drop‑off procedures for paint, solvents, pesticides, certain batteries, and electronics.

Internet and phone

• Use an address‑based availability check for speed tiers and install dates.
• If you need reliable video calls or multi‑user streaming, verify upload speeds and whether fiber is available.
• For second homes, consider flexible plans or mobile hotspot options if visits are intermittent.

Permits and local rules to know

Building permits: when they’re required

Most structural changes require permits. Common triggers include room additions, major window or door changes, water heater replacement in some cases, new HVAC systems or major replacements, panel upgrades, new circuits, and significant plumbing work. When in doubt, ask the City of Monterey or Monterey County building department.

Coastal and exterior work

If your property sits in the coastal zone, exterior work can require review under the local coastal program and may involve the California Coastal Commission. Confirm whether a Coastal Development Permit applies before you design or schedule contractors.

Short‑term rentals and TOT

If you plan to rent short term, contact the City of Monterey Finance office or the County revenue office for transient occupancy tax (TOT) registration, any business license requirements, and local rules such as parking, occupancy, and noise.

How to approach permits as a new owner

• Contact the building department before hiring a contractor for projects involving structure, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC.
• Ask contractors to specify whether permits are included in their bid.
• If unsure, submit a brief description to the building department to get a determination on permit needs.

For second homes and estates

• Decide whether to leave water on or winterize. Confirm irrigation schedules that meet local conservation rules.
• Secure the property: rekey locks, confirm alarm monitoring, and verify gate/garage system access.
• Consider a local property manager or check‑in service if the home will sit vacant.
• Adjust your trash service for intermittent occupancy and set up a plan for HHW disposal if you will do maintenance during visits.

Vendor setup and vetting

Priority vendor categories

• Locksmith and security system service
• HVAC technician
• Plumber
• Electrician
• General contractor
• Pest control and termite inspector
• Landscaper and irrigation specialist
• Chimney and fireplace service
• Housekeeper or property management

How to verify professionals

• Use the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to verify license status and classification. For pest control, confirm proper certification.
• Request proof of general liability and worker’s compensation. Ask to be named as an additional insured when appropriate.
• Seek recent local references in Monterey or nearby towns and check multiple review sources.

Contracts, payments, and scope

• Require a written scope, timeline, and whether permits are included.
• Avoid large upfront payments; milestone billing is standard for larger projects.
• Keep copies of invoices and warranty documents for resale and insurance.

Documents to gather from day one

• Seller’s final utility bills and account details for smooth transfers.
• Septic records and last pump date, if applicable.
• Appliance manuals and warranties.
• HOA rules and management contacts, if applicable.
• Past permits, plans, and any as‑built drawings.
• Insurance policy confirmations and property tax mailing registration.

Practical local tips

• Verify every provider by your exact address. City limits and unincorporated areas can change which agency you need.
• Check MPWMD rules before altering irrigation or landscaping. Water policies can shift with conditions.
• Coastal properties may have added rules for exterior work, drainage, and discharge. Ask first, build second.
• For HHW, never use curbside bins. Plan drop‑offs with the regional facility.

When you understand the Monterey Peninsula’s utility setup, conservation rules, and permit triggers, you protect your investment and save time. If you’re exploring a move or settling into a recent purchase, La Tierra offers the local perspective and discreet advisory high‑net‑worth owners value. Book a Tour with La Tierra to talk through neighborhoods, land use nuance, and a smooth plan for your first 30 days.

FAQs

How do I find my water provider in Monterey?

• Contact the local water utility serving your address and confirm conservation rules with Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD).

Is my Monterey home on sewer or septic?

• Many city homes use municipal sewer managed regionally; if not, locate septic records and follow county environmental health requirements.

Do I need a permit to remodel in the City of Monterey?

• Most structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC projects require permits; confirm with City of Monterey Planning & Building before hiring contractors.

What are the Monterey Peninsula’s water conservation rules?

• MPWMD sets conservation policies and may limit irrigation and landscape changes; verify current rules before altering your yard.

How do I dispose of hazardous household waste in Monterey?

• Use the regional HHW facility rather than curbside; confirm drop‑off hours and accepted materials with the regional waste authority.

What should second‑home owners prioritize in Monterey?

• Secure access and alarms, decide on water/winterization, verify irrigation schedules and trash service, and consider a local check‑in or management service.