Construction Staking is the critical first step in any construction, as it provides horizontal and vertical definition of any new development. It is performed when a surveyor takes the data from the approved plans and applies it to the building site. The surveyor will mark the site usually with construction stakes to indicate what is to be done at each location, whether it is a building corner or cut/fill for grading, this information is based from the bench mark shown on the site plans and must be marked on the site for inspectors to see. For planning’s staking and flagging requirements for discretionary permits, see CountyWide Staking and Flagging Criteria.

As part of the Monterey County building inspection process, inspectors are required to verify that the proposed work has been surveyed by a surveyor licensed by the State of California. The surveyor must mark the property boundaries, benchmark location, structure corners and grading limits.

Type of projects that requires staking: Buildings, building additions, accessory structures, decks, pools, storage buildings, detached garages, barns, stables, driveways, private roads, retaining walls, water tanks, and similar projects.

Parcel and boundary markers: Each parcel shall have a minimum of four (4) corner markers (steel pins driven into the earth) indicating the boundary/property lines of the property.

Location of structure markers: A minimum of four (4) wooden stakes shall be driven in the ground to indicate the location of building/ structure corners. They must be identified by their purpose and compass orientation using a dark marker. (Example, House, SW corner). Additional staking may be required for irregular shaped structures.

Private driveway markers: A minimum of two (2) stakes driven in the ground and identified with a dark marker to indicate the driveway entrance and/or exit.

Tree identification markers: Any and all tree removal outside the building envelope must be identified by visible marker and approval given by Monterey County Planning Division.

Pre-site inspection requirements: At the time of application for a building permit, applicants must complete a pre-site inspection form and check the appropriate box for construction staking. If the construction staking is not complete, provide the date when the work is scheduled to be completed. A grading inspector will then schedule a site visit to make a pre-site inspection and verify construction staking and site conditions of the proposed development site

NOTE: For Pre-site inspections, in areas where it is not possible to place wood stakes, (Example, concrete, asphalt or gravel surface) marking paint may be used provided it is well marked and easy to locate.