Government

Overview

Government

The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is a General Law City and operates a Council-City Administrator style of government and derives its power from the California Constitution and laws enacted by the State legislature.  All legislative power is held by the publicly elected, five member City Council which consists of the Mayor and four Councilmembers.  While all Councilmembers enjoy the same powers and privileges, the Mayor has the additional responsibility of presiding over City Council meetings, signing official documents, and officiating at ceremonies and events.

Overview

City Council

Alissandra Dramov

The Mayor and four Councilmembers represent the residents of Carmel-by-the-Sea, review public policy, and adopt policies responsive to the community. The City Council meets the first Monday and Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. (with the exception of Holidays) in the Council Chamber of Carmel City Hall located on the east side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and 7th Avenues.

Overview

Boards and Commissions

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

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

Overview

Budget

The City’s fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30. Each year in June the City Council adopts its budget, including the Capital Improvement Plan and fees for City services. 

Overview

City Council Elections

The City Clerk conducts all regular and special elections and is the City’s Election Official. As the Elections Official, the City Clerk is the point of contact for all things elections-related, including but not limited to: candidates, citizen initiative petitions, measures, and campaign financial filings. The City consolidates elections with the County of Monterey.

Elections for City Council positions are held in November of even-numbered years. Council Members and the Mayor are elected at-large and serve staggering terms. The Mayor’s term is 2 years, and Councilmember terms are 4 years. 

Overview

Meetings

AGENDAS

Overview

Municipal Code

The CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA MUNICIPAL CODE is current through Ordinance 2023-05, and legislation passed through July 11, 2023.

 The City Clerk’s office has the official version of the Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code. Users should contact the City Clerk’s office for ordinances passed subsequent to the ordinance cited above.

Overview

Public Records Requests

As a public agency, the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea adheres to the California Public Records Act (CPRA) which requires that governmental records shall be disclosed to the public, upon request, unless there is a specific reason not to do so.

Public Records Act (PRA) Requests

The City has a new online PRA request portal called NextRequest. Through NextRequest you can submit a PRA request online, search for published public records and documents, track your request,and communicate with City staff.

Overview

Street Addresses
One-Stop Hub: Street Addresses Exploration and Research

“Exploring Street Address” was placed on the City Council’s Strategic Priority List in October 2021, with the first staff presentation of background and research following in October 2022.

The goal of this webpage is to serve as a community resource for the topic of street addresses. We invite you to review the documents provided, stay engaged, and continue to communicate your questions and input.

Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1928 - Map

City of Carmel-by-the-Sea Map, Year 1928