Remodeling in Pebble Beach: ARB, Permits & Rules
Building or remodeling in Pebble Beach: the Del Monte Forest ARB, county permits, and the rules in between
Every Pebble Beach home sits under two layers of approval: the Del Monte Forest Architectural Review Board, set up through the deed restrictions on each lot, and Monterey County. Here is how the two fit together, taken from the ARB’s own published standards.
The short version: Before you change the outside of a Pebble Beach home, add on, or significantly change the landscaping, plans go to the Del Monte Forest Architectural Review Board (ARB). The ARB generally answers within 30 days of a complete submittal, and its approval lapses after one year unless work has started. ARB approval does not replace Monterey County approval, and coastal-zone lots may also need California Coastal Commission approval. Building work is limited to 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
ARB response
Typical, from a complete submittal.
Approval life
Unless work has begun or it is extended.
Usual height cap
27 ft in some subdivisions; some lots single-story.
Work hours
Monday–Saturday; none on Sundays or holidays.
Two separate approvals
The ARB and Monterey County review different things, and you need both.
Del Monte Forest ARB
Reviews design, appearance, and fit with the forest: size, materials, colors, siting, landscaping, and setbacks. Its authority comes from the CC&Rs recorded with each lot’s deed, as confirmed by the Del Monte Forest Area Land Use Plan.
Six members: five resident property owners appointed by Pebble Beach Company, plus a Pebble Beach Company senior executive who chairs it. Three votes approve a design.
Monterey County
Pebble Beach is unincorporated, so land-use, design, and building permits come from Monterey County. Height, lot coverage, and floor area limits come from county zoning and vary by subdivision and location.
Lots in the coastal zone may also need California Coastal Commission approval.
Your lot’s own deed
Setbacks, height, and single-story limits can be set by the deed or the recorded subdivision map. Where county rules and the deed differ, the more restrictive setback applies. Copies of the CC&Rs come from a title company or the Monterey County Recorder.
The ARB encourages owners to get preliminary ARB approval before applying to the county. ARB approval does not guarantee county or Coastal Commission approval.
The ARB process, step by step
From the Del Monte Forest Architectural Standards and Residential Guidelines (effective April 1, 2022).
What needs review
Building, rebuilding, additions, a change of use, any exterior change, and any significant change to landscaping or vegetation. Pools, spas, solar panels, generators, antennas and dishes, irrigation water tanks, and storage sheds also need ARB approval.
Preliminary or final plans
For large or complex projects the ARB prefers preliminary plans first, so changes cost less. Simpler projects can go straight to final construction plans. Neighbors may be notified of major applications as a courtesy.
Fees
Review, inspection, and road encroachment fees are paid at submittal and are based on estimated construction cost. They are not refunded if the project is abandoned, denied, or downsized. The current fee schedule is available from the Architectural Review office or dmfpo.org.
The decision
Usually within 30 days of a complete submittal, in writing: approval, conditional approval, disapproval, or continuance. Approval is revoked after one year unless work has begun or the ARB grants an extension.
Exceptions
The ARB can grant exceptions, for example to save significant trees or avoid unnecessary grading. The applicant carries the burden of proof and must explain the request in writing.
Skipping review
Building without ARB approval can bring double fees, legal action under the deed’s CC&Rs, and removal of the work at the owner’s expense.
Questions about construction projects go to the Del Monte Forest Architectural Review office at (831) 625-8455, per the DMFPO FAQ.
Key design rules
A selection of the standards most owners run into. The full document has more.
Height
The main house may not exceed 30 feet, 27 feet in certain subdivisions, and some lots are limited by deed to one story. Accessory structures are capped at 15 feet and ADUs at 16 feet. County zoning applies too.
Garages and parking
A garage for at least two cars is required, plus at least two more parking spaces on site. Carports are not permitted, and a garage can be converted to living space only if an approved replacement garage is built.
Driveways
One driveway entrance per property. Circular driveways only when no other solution works. Driveways steeper than 25% are prohibited.
Roofs
Slate, wood shake or shingle, cement tile, and terra cotta are preferred. Asphalt shingles are discouraged and need at least a 40-year warranty. All roofing must be Class A fire-resistive.
Colors and lighting
Natural earth tones that blend in. Exterior lighting must be unobtrusive and aimed only where needed, and private tennis courts may not be lit at night.
Fences and walls
No higher than six feet, measured from existing grade. The ARB encourages openings for wildlife where appropriate, and extra review may apply between 17-Mile Drive and the ocean.
ADUs
Most Del Monte Forest lots are limited to one single-family use. An ADU may be allowed only if it meets state and county rules, and the application must include the original grant deed with its CC&Rs.
Wells
Private wells and other independent water systems are prohibited unless approved by Pebble Beach Company and the relevant agencies.
Site work in the forest
Protecting trees is a central goal of the standards.
Tree removal
No tree may be removed without a tree permit from both Pebble Beach Company and Monterey County. Monterey pine, Bishop pine, coast live oak, Monterey cypress, and Gowen cypress are especially protected.
Tree protection during work
Barricades around trees to be kept, no storage or parking within drip lines, no soil removed and no more than 2 inches of fill within drip lines, and tree work monitored by a qualified forester.
Foundations near trees
Footings should sit outside the drip line of trees that stay. Inside a drip line, a pier and grade beam foundation is required.
Grading and drainage
Homes should fit the existing slope with minimal cut and fill. A drainage plan is required when applicable, and runoff may not be sent onto neighbors or roads.
During construction
Rules the ARB and its staff enforce while work is underway.
Before work starts
Final ARB approval, a Monterey County building permit, Coastal Commission approval where required, and a Pebble Beach Company Construction Agreement signed by the contractor or owner.
Working hours
8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. No work on Sundays or holidays. Workers may be on site outside those hours only for work that makes no disturbing noise.
Inspections
ARB staff inspect trees to be removed and building staking, then footing locations before concrete is poured, then the finished project before occupancy. New homes need a surveyor’s affidavit on location.
Road cuts and utilities
Trenches in Pebble Beach Company roads need pre-approval, an encroachment permit, 48 hours’ notice, and full pavement restoration at the owner’s cost.
Buying a Pebble Beach home to remodel?
Before you commit, I’ll help you find out what the deed, the ARB, and the county are likely to allow on that lot, and connect you with local architects who work in the forest.
I represented the buyer of 1424 Oleada Road in Pebble Beach in 2025.
Pebble Beach homesLodge areaCountry Club West
Talk through a project or a purchase
Call or text 831-747-0310, or book a 30-minute call.
Before you rely on this
- Summarized from the Del Monte Forest Architectural Standards and Residential Guidelines, effective April 1, 2022, “subject to revisions,” as posted on dmfpo.org. Confirm the current version with the Architectural Review office.
- Monterey County and Coastal Commission rules are separate and are not covered in detail here.
- Deed restrictions vary by lot. Read your own CC&Rs.
- This is general information, not legal or design advice.
Remodeling in Pebble Beach: quick questions
Do I need ARB approval to remodel in Pebble Beach?
Yes, for any exterior change, addition, rebuild, change of use, or significant landscaping change on Del Monte Forest lots covered by the architectural deed restrictions. You also need Monterey County permits.
How long does Pebble Beach ARB review take?
The ARB generally responds within 30 days of a complete submittal, though complex or incomplete applications can take longer.
How long is an ARB approval good for?
One year, unless construction has begun or the ARB grants an extension.
What is the height limit in Pebble Beach?
Under the ARB standards the main house may not exceed 30 feet, or 27 feet in certain subdivisions, and some lots are single-story by deed. Accessory structures are limited to 15 feet and ADUs to 16 feet. County zoning also applies.
Can I cut down a tree on my Pebble Beach property?
Only with a tree permit from both Pebble Beach Company and Monterey County. Native pines, oaks, and cypress are especially protected.
What are construction hours in Pebble Beach?
8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with no work on Sundays or holidays.
Can I build an ADU in Pebble Beach?
Possibly. Most lots are limited to one single-family use, but an ADU may be allowed if it meets state and Monterey County rules. ADUs are capped at 16 feet under the ARB standards.
Updated October 2026 · Facts checked Oct 29, 2026 against the ARB standards and DMFPO FAQ
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