Room Enough: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Over the last five months, LandWatch has conducted its own survey of available land for residential development in Monterey County. In conducting its survey, LandWatch used the County's data and existing land use classifications.

In addressing the housing required until 2020, LandWatch used the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments' (AMBAG's) population forecasts and the County-wide existing average of persons per household. Looking at both incorporated and unincorporated areas, the County's total household population in 2020 is projected at 506,678 ; with a countywide average of 3.14 persons per household, a total of 40,093 housing units are required.

The results of the survey are conclusive: Monterey County can meet its projected housing needs by following the steps listed below:

1. Build on existing legal lots of record in the cities and the unincorporated areas;
   
   
2. Build at medium residential density in existing Spheres of Influence and immediately adjacent to Spheres where acreage is insufficient;
   
   
3. Build the permitted number of new residential units at Ft. Ord;
   
   
4. Utilize existing units scheduled for rehabilitation at Ft. Ord;
   
   
5. Assume projects in the pipeline will be built.

Based upon adopted projections and per household average densities, LandWatch has demonstrated in this study that the existing lots, current projects and spheres of influence provide more than enough opportunity to provide for needed housing in Monterey County.

Further, in providing the needed housing, LandWatch found that only 1,112 acres of agricultural land would be required.

In the accompanying pages, we outline our methodology and sources of data.