First Time Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Program
Programa de Asistencia con el Enganche para Primeros Compradores
( Para obtener informacion sobre este programa en español, oprima aquí )
The County of Monterey offers a First Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Program with HOME funds provided by the State of California. The County can lend part of the down payment to purchase a home in the unincorporated areas of the County, to income-qualified households.
Please keep the following guidelines in mind as you search for your home:
• Eligible homes must be located in the unincorporated areas of Monterey County.
• Homes must be “modest”, and not to exceed three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage.
Contact our office if you have a large family or a disability that requires an exception.
• Must occupy the property as the primary residence, non-occupant co-borrowers are not allowed.
• Maximum purchase price is $396,000 for all unincorporated areas of the County.
Homebuyer Eligibility: The homebuyer must qualify as “First Time Homebuyer” as defined under the County of Monterey Homebuyer Program Guidelines.
Maximum Amount of Loan: The Maximum Loan Amount may not exceed the lesser of the maximum HOME subsidy limit, 20% of the purchase price, or the amount needed as determined by underwriting criteria. The maximum loan amount shall never exceed the amount of the primary loan.
Homebuyer Contribution: The buyer must contribute towards the down payment. The standard requirement is 3.5% of the purchase price, but may contribute more if desired.
Income Limits: FTHB down payment assistance is available to households with annual incomes at or below 80% of the area median income for Monterey County.
Income Limits: FTHB down payment assistance is available to households with annual incomes at or below 80% of the area median income for Monterey County.
Homebuyer Application:
If you are interested in the FTHB Program, please contact the Housing Office at (831) 755-5390 to discuss the home buying application process.
Program Forms:
Inclusionary Housing Programs
What is Inclusionary Housing? Affordable housing is a top priority of the Monterey County Board of Supervisors. The County has a requirement that housing developers include a certain percentage of affordable housing units in their projects. These “inclusionary” housing units are located throughout the unincorporated area of the County. The Inclusionary Housing Program provides home ownership and rental opportunities for households who have very low, low and moderate household incomes.
What is the difference between an Inclusionary Home and a market rate home? The main difference between an “Inclusionary Home” and a “Market Rate Home” is that the Inclusionary Home is price restricted to sell and resell at a price which is generally lower than market rate homes.
When an Inclusionary Home is sold, the maximum resale price is determined by the percentage increase in the County’s median household income from the time it was purchased, rather than the increase in market value. This assures that the Inclusionary Home will remain affordable to targeted households in the future. In the long run, an owner may make a profit on an Inclusionary Home, but it will be less than that made on a market rate home.
The County keeps the Inclusionary Homes affordable through an Inclusionary Housing Agreement which is signed by the home buyer and the County and is recorded against the property. This Agreement is also signed by subsequent property owners upon purchase of the property.
Who is Eligible to Purchase Inclusionary Housing? Because Inclusionary Homes are priced less than market rate homes, they are available only to households who earn less than certain income limits. The amount of income a household can earn and be eligible for the Inclusionary Housing Program depends on the current median income for Monterey County as adjusted for household size, the number of people in the household and the amount of liquid and property assets held by that household. Some of the County’s Inclusionary homes are designated for low-income households and some are designated for moderate-income households. There are specific details in the fact sheet below. You may also request a fact sheet and application form by calling (831) 755-5390.
Regulations:
County of Monterey Inclusionary Housing Program Administrative Manual
County of Monterey
Ordinance No. 5175 (revises Ch. 10.40 of County Inclusionary Ordinance)
Adopted by Board of Supervisors on April 26, 2011
County of Monterey Ordinance No. 04185 (2003 Revision to the County Code)
Fact Sheet and Program Application / Caracteristicas y Aplicacion del Programa
Inclusionary Program Fact Sheet
Inclusionary Program Application
East Garrison Brochure
Hoja Informativa del Programa de Vivienda Economica
Solicitud Para el Programa de Vivienda Economica
Folleto de East Garrison
Charts:
2018 Energy-Efficient-Utility Allowance-Apts-Townhouse & Detached House
2018 Utility Allowance-Detached-House & Apts-Townhouse
Welcome, below, you will find information on Monterey County Housing Programs, the Housing Advisory Committee (HAC) and Housing Related Documents.
Staff Contact: Rosa Camacho-Chavez
If you would like to to be notified o f upcoming Housing Advisory Committee meetings, please contact Anita Nachor at nachoram@co.monterey.ca.us to be added to our agenda distribution list.
Housing Advisory Committee
The Housing Advisory Committee (HAC) is an appointed body that is charged with reviewing and considering housing related issues for the County. For certain issues, the HAC serves an advisory function to the Planning Commission and/or Board of Supervisors. These issues typically involve policy documents such as the Housing Element, funding recommendations, and Inclusionary Housing Program procedures. Other functions include review and recommendations on proposed grant and loan applications related to specific housing projects.
Legislative Reference: Formed by Ordinance No. 3093 (Chapter 18.40) adopted September 17, 1985.
Membership: Shall consist of 10 members and be comprised as follows: Two (2) appointees from each Supervisorial District. Appointees shall reside in the district from which they are appointed. Membership terms are for 2 years.

Qualifications & Function: To advise the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission on matters relating to the Housing Element, the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, and other affordable housing programs. The Committee may conduct public hearings on housing problems and potential solutions; study, review and make recommendations on private housing programs; make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.
Meeting Dates, Times, and Place: Generally meets the second Wednesday of every other month, 5:00-7:00pm, Thyme Room, 1441 Schilling Place - North, Salinas.
Staff Contact: Rosa Camacho-Chavez 755-5389.
Housing Advisory Committee Members:
District 1: | Wes White |
Virginia H. Mendoza |
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District 2: | Ignacio "Mog" Cabatu | Mark Trabing | |
District 3: | Vacant | Rosi Gonzalez |
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District 4: | Karen Araujo | Natalia Molina |
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District 5: | Tyller Williamson | Vacant |
HAC Agendas:
01-09-2019 Agenda rev 1.7.19
09-12-2018 Agenda
03-14-2018 Agenda
01-24-2018 Agenda
09-27-2017 Agenda
03-08-2017 Agenda
HAC Packets:
01-09-2019 rev 1.7.19
09-12-2018
03-14-2018
01-24-2018
09-27-2017
03-08-2017
If you would like to be notified of upcoming Housing Advisory Committee meetings, please contact Anita Nachor at nachoram@co.monterey.ca.us to be added to our agenda distribution list.
HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE AGENDAS
01-14-2015 Agenda
04-08-2015 Agenda
05-27-2015 Agenda
07-08-2015 Agenda
01-27-2016 Agenda
03-09-2016 Agenda
04-20-2016 Agenda
07-13-2016 Agenda - Cancelled
09-14-2016 Agenda - Cancelled
01-14-2015 Packet
04-08-2015 Packet Part 1
04-08-2015 Packet Part 2
05-27-2015 Packet
07-08-2015 Packet
07-08-2015 Draft Housing Element
01-27-2016 Packet
03-09-2016 Packet
04-20-2016 Packet
07-13-2016 Packet - Cancelled
09-14-2016 Packet - Cancelled
Housing Projects:
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**** East Garrison Homes Available now ****
For those interested in the homes being built at East Garrison (both market rate and affordable), please contact Benchmark Communities, LLC, at (831) 384-7320.
Additional information regarding this development can be found at http://eastgarrison.com/. Interested parties can add their email address to receive the latest updates.
East Garrison Inclusionary Housing Brochure Combined
East Garrison Inclusionary Housing Brochure English
East Garrison Inclusionary Housing Brochure Spanish
Housing Related Documents:
Draft PY2018 Annual Action Plan


Program Year 2016-17 CAPER Public Hearing Notice
Monterey County CDBG Urban County Action Plan 2016-2017
Amended Consolidated Plan Final
FY 2013 - FY 2017 Consolidated Plan (Amended)
FY2015-2016 Urban County Annual Action Plan Second Substantial Amendment
CDBG Urban County 2015-2016 Action Plan
Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for FY 2013-14.pdf
PR03 - CDBG Activity Summary Report Program Year 2013-14.pdf
PR06 - Summary of Consolidated Plan Projects for Report Year.pdf
PR23 - CDBG Summary of Accomplishments Program Year 2013-14.pdf
PR 26 - CDBG Financial Summary Report Program Year 2013-14.pdf
Monterey Urban County Community Block Grant Program FY15-16 Draft Action Plan (April 2015).pdf
Monterey Urban County Community Development Block Grant Program FY14-15 Action Plan (April 2014)
Monterey Urban County Community Development Block Grant Program FY13-14 Consolidated Plan and Fy13-14 Action Plan (April 2013)
Monterey Urban County Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (April 2013)
Urban County Standing Committee Meetings:
Meeting Agenda Packet - March 8, 2018
Meeting Agenda Packet - March 9, 2017
Meeting Agenda Packet - March 6, 2015
Meeting Agenda Packet August 25, 2014
Meeting Agenda - March 6, 2014
Meeting Agenda - June 24, 2013
Meeting Agenda - March 6, 2013
Meeting Agenda - February 19, 2013
NOFA Overview: This NOFA provides important information on the funding process, funds available, eligible activities, review and selection process, and the federal requirements associated with this funding. Please take the time to carefully review the information contained in this NOFA prior to completing the application for funding to ensure that you proposal meets program eligibility requirements. |
2018-2019 URBAN COUNTY WORKSHOP POWERPOINT
2019-2020 Urban County Community Development Block Grant Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
Housing Element 2015-2023 (Adopted 01-26-16)
Housing Element 2015-2023 (Resolution and Board Order)
The Housing Element is one of seven elements required to be included in the County of Monterey General Plan. State law identifies the subjects that must be addressed in a Housing Element. These guidelines are identified in Article 10.6 of the State of California Government Code (Sections 65580 et.seq.)
State law specifies that the Housing Element must assess housing needs and evaluate the current housing market in the County and then identify programs that will meet housing needs. The housing market evaluation includes a review of housing stock characteristics as well as housing costs, household incomes, special needs households, availability of land and infrastructure and various other factors. Also included is the community's "Regional Housing Needs Allocation" which provides an estimate of the number of housing units that should be provided in the community to meet its share of new households in the region. In addition to this information, the Housing Element document must review and evaluate its past housing programs and consider this review in planning future housing strategies. The County's current Housing Element was adopted in 2016.