Boards & Commissions

Overview

Boards and Commissions

City Boards and Commissions advise and assist the City Council in dealing with specific projects, policies, and issues.

There are six City Boards and Commissions:

  • Building Code Board of Appeals
  • Community Activities Commission
  • Forest and Beach Commission
  • Historic Resources Board
  • Harrison Memorial Library Board of Trustees
  • Planning Commission
Term Lengths:

Terms of office are 4 years, with the exception of the Harrison Memorial Library Board of Trustees who serve 3-year terms. Terms run through May 30. Vacancies occur on a rotating basis each year and the City recruits to fill these vacancies each year in March or whenever a vacancy occurs. 

Residency Requirements:

To serve on the Planning Commission, you must reside within the City limits per City Code.

To serve on the Community Activities Commission, Forest and Beach Commission, or Harrison Memorial Library Board of Trustees, you must reside either within the City limits or within its sphere of influence. To view the Sphere of Influence map, click HERE

To serve on the Historic Resources Board, you must reside either within the City or within the County of Monterey.

Stay Informed! 

Sign up to receive notifications whenever there is a board or commission recruitment by signing up for email updates.

Applications

Applications are available at City Hall, or download a fillable PDF here Board and Commission Application

Article

Apply for a City Board or Commission by April 10, 2026

Want to get involved and help shape the future of Carmel-by-the-Sea? The City is now accepting applications for 10 open seats on the following Boards and Commissions (due to expiring terms and current vacancies):

  • Planning Commission
  • Forest and Beach Commission
  • Historic Resources Board
  • Harrison Memorial Library Board of Trustees
  • Building Code Board of Appeals