Community Planning & Building
Community Planning & Building
The Community Planning and Building Department includes the Planning, Building, and Code Compliance Divisions and is responsible for preserving community character while fostering a vibrant community and a high quality of life for its residents, businesses, and visitors.
April 10, 2025 – Call for Public Comments – Local Responsibility Area for Fire Hazard Severity Zones
The updated Local Responsibility Area (LRA) maps have been released and state law requires adoption by the fire district, in this case the City of Monterey Fire Department, within a specific timeframe. The fire department is soliciting public comment on the updated maps until May 15th.
Click here to be redirected to the City of Monterey’s webpage where you’ll find the updated GIS map illustrating the area within the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s jurisdiction. Their website has a link where you can provide public comment as well as find a detailed explanation of the difference between the severity zones (Moderate, High and Very High), some key takeaways, and Fact Sheets prepared by CAL FIRE.
City staff will be discussing the updated fire hazard severity zones map, relevant code updates and the issue of wildfire hazards at a public meeting, planned for early May.
Housing
Learn about housing programs and services
2023-2031 Housing Element
Updated, Adopted, and Certified!
Please visit our Long-Range Planning Initiatives page for background information on the 6th cycle 2023-2031 housing element update, including adoption by the City Council and certification by the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
Post-Adoption Housing Element Amendment
On July 9, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution 2024-062, directing staff to begin exploring and developing alternative affordable housing sites and programs to inform an amendment to the adopted Housing Element that removes the need for housing units at the Sunset Center and Vista Lobos properties.
Improve and Expand Strategies
The post-adoption Housing Element amendment focuses on improving and expanding adopted Housing Element programs in the following areas: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Religious Institutions, Hotel-to-Residential Conversions, and Downtown Housing Sites.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Coming Soon!
Religious Institutions
Coming Soon!
Hotel-to-Residential Conversions
Coming Soon!
Downtown Housing Sites
Coming Soon!
Housing Element Implementation
February 25, 2025, Planning Commission Workshop
PowerPoint Presentation
Meeting Video
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Coming Soon!
2024 State of California Income Limits
The Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of Housing Policy Development, has published the 2024 State Income Limits to reflect updated median income and household income levels for each County. Certain Federal and State programs use these limits to determine eligibility for affordable housing.
GIS Mapping Tool
Review Property Files and Information
The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea has digitized and provides electronic permit history for parcels within its jurisdiction. These plans and permit information are publicly available for homeowners or residents interested in Carmel’s history.
These files represent historic plans and permits. For information regarding ongoing projects, please contact the Community Planning and Building Department at (831) 620-2010.
