Holiday Decorations

Santa and Kids  

CITY OF CARMEL-by-the-SEA
POLICY NO. C95-08
HOLIDAY LIGHTS

The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea allows the placement of lights on trees in the public right-of way and in or on commercial property on a temporary basis during the holiday season.  The “holiday season” is defined as the period beginning with the third Wednesday in November and continuing until the second Wednesday in January.

This Policy applies to the public rights-of-way and private properties in the CC and SC Zones and to commercial enterprises in lthe residential district.

The following guidelines shall be followed:

  1. As of the second Wednesday in January, all holiday lighting must be removed from businesses and from City-owned trees.
  2. All lights and extension cords used outdoors shall be “exterior type” UL listed.
  3. Lighting shall be secured, not loose or dangling, and well out of the public’s way.   Electrical cords shall be installed at a minimum of eight(8) feet above the public right-of-way.
  4. Lights are not permitted on trees which have a trunk diameter of less than three(3) inches, measured four and one-half(4 1/2) feet above the ground.
  5. Lights must be hung in a manner that will not damage a tree or other public property.  Nothing that will cause holes in trees-such as nails, pushpins, or staples may be used.
  6. Lights shall be removed if, in the opinion of the City Forester, they are damaging a tree.
  7. Tracer or flashing lights are not permitted.
  8. Permanent exterior lighting changes are permissible only through Planning Commission approval of an exterior design change, application for which may be made at the Community Planning and Building Department.
  9. Only lights may be installed on public trees.  No other form of decoration, such as ornaments, ribbons, tinsel artificial snow or coloring shall be permitted.