Advance Planning oversees long-range planning for unincorporated Monterey County. Advance Planning staff’s primary responsibilities are creating, maintaining, and implementing the County's development policies and regulations, primarily through the administration of the General Plan, Community Master Plans and the Zoning Ordinance.

Through its role in General Plan implementation, Advance Planning staff support County planning efforts related to housing, economic development, sustainability, agriculture, and land conservation. In addition, Advance Planning staff coordinate with other agencies to ensure that Monterey County’s long-term planning goals and policies are considered during development of regional plans.