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.
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Outdoor Seating in the Public Way
Updated June 4, 2020
Temporary Encroachment Permit Application for Outdoor Seating in the Public Way
Standard Conditions of Approval
Current Orders & Directives
On May 26, 2020, the Monterey County Health Officer updated the shelter-in-place order for Monterey County. Please review the revised order and the industry guidance for construction.
A Social Distancing Protocol (see Appendix A below) must be posted at every construction site and shall be easily viewable by the public and employees. A copy must also be provided to each employee performing work at the construction site.
The construction industry no longer needs to comply with the Construction Site Requirements set forth in the May 1, 2020 order, Appendix B; however, you must comply with the COVID-19 Industry Guidance for Construction (see Industry Guidance: Construction below).
City Hall remains CLOSED to the public. Permit
applications can be submitted electronically through the Building
Safety Division’s Electronic Permit
Submittal webpage.
Monterey County Health Order dated May 26, 2020
COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Construction
Health Order Requiring Face Coverings dated April 28, 2020
Face Coverings Required FAQ
Prior Orders & Directives
Monterey County Health Order dated April 3, 2020
Letter from the Acting Community Planning & Building Director dated April 6, 2020
Monterey County District Attorney Press Release April 14, 2020
Pandemic Safety Plan (English)
Pandemic Safety Plan (Spanish)
Coronavirus Jobsite Infection Prevention Measures (English)
Coronavirus Jobsite Infection Prevention Measures (Spanish)
SOG 20-02 COVID-19 Safety Measures
SOG 20-03 Essential/Emergency Work Description
SOG 20-04 - COVID-19 Emergency Work Only Allowed
Monterey County Health Order dated April 30, 2020
Appendix B - Construction Safety Protocols dated April 30, 2020
Letter from the Acting Community Planning & Building Director dated May 2, 2020
SOG 20-05 Construction Site Pandemic Prevention
Jobsite Infection Prevention Poster (English)
Jobsite Infection Prevention Poster (Spanish)
Strategic Plan
The Community Planning and Building Department recently completed
a departmental Strategic Plan. The Plan identifies the Values,
Vision and Mission of the Department as well as Goals and
Objectives to guide the Department over the next 3 years.
Community Planning & Building Strategic Plan
Building Safety Division
The Building Safety Division is responsible for permitting and inspection of construction projects within the City. The Carmel Municipal Code in Title 15 adopts the codes enumerated in the CA Code of Regulations, Title 24; including the CA Administrative, Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, Energy, and Green Building Standards Codes.
Code Compliance Division
Carmel-by-the-Sea is internationally recognized as a unique small coastal community with a distinctive residential village character. The Code Compliance Division ensures compliance with the Carmel Municipal Code and provides public education and outreach on existing laws as well as resolving code violations.
Planning Division
The Planning Division processes current development applications, maintains the General Plan and Local Coastal Program, and ensures that capital programs, zoning and other activities of the City are consistent with the goals and policies of the General Plan.