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.
Housing
Learn about housing programs and services
2023-2031 Housing Element
Annual Progress Report
2023 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
Updated, Adopted, and Certified!
Carmel-by-the-Sea 6th Cycle Housing Element (2023-2031)
Please visit our Long-Range Planning Initiatives page for background information on the 6th-cycle 2023-2031 housing element update, including its 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 explore and develop alternative affordable housing sites and programs to inform an amendment to the adopted Housing Element that would remove 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.
Draft Amendment Submitted to HCD for Review
On November 13, 2026, a draft Housing Element Amendment was submitted to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for review. Below are the sections of the adopted Housing Element that contain revisions as part of the Amendment. All other sections remain unchanged.
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Goals, Policies, and Programs (redlined)
Chapter 2 Goals, Policies, and Programs (clean)
Appendix A Housing Needs and Fair Housing Report
Appendix
B Housing Constraints
Appendix
C Sites Inventory
On January 13, 2026, HCD provided a comment letter on the draft Housing Element Amendment.
HCD Comment Letter dated January 13, 2026
Objective Design and Development Standards
Community Meeting #1
January 14, 2026
Presentation
Video
Proposed Municipal Code Amendments
Planning Commission Workshop
February 25, 2025
Presentation
Video
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Coming Soon!
2025 State of California Income Limits
The Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of Housing Policy Development, has published the 2025 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.
