Planning
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.
Zoning Code Updates
In January 2018, the City Council authorized staff to initiate an update to the Zoning Code.
Applications & Informational Handouts
- General Planning Application
- Bench Application
- Design Study Track One
- Lot Line Adjustment
- Preliminary Site Assessment
- Mills Act
- Commercial Sign
- Use Permit
- Variance
- Best Management Practices (BMP) Implementation Tracking Form
- Scope of Work Declaration Form
- Design Study Track Two
- Reasonable Accommodations Policy C11-01
- Story Pole Policy
- Wine Tasting Policy
- Appeal - Administrative Decision
- Appeal - Planning Commission Decision
- Planning Service Fees 07/01/2018
- Appeal - Historic Resources Board Decision
- Landscaping Commercial Cut-Outs
- Accessory Dwelling Units
- Artificial Turf
- Base Floor Area & Site Coverage
- Bonus Floor Area
- Design Study Flowchart
- Exempt Projects
- Fences & Walls
- Exterior Lighting
- Non-Conformities
- Right-of-Way Vision Statement
- Setbacks & Height Limits
- Transient Rentals in the Commercial District
- Windows & Skylights
- Guesthouses
- Sidewalk Vending Application
- Sidewalk Vending Urgency Ordinance
- Read more
Design Study/Review Process
Most building or site alterations require some level of review and approval. Minor modifications may be approved by the Director while more substantial modifications may require approval by the Planning Commission. If the property has been designated as a historic resource, approval by the Historic Resources Board may also be required.
Historic Preservation
It is a goal of the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea to promote the identification and preservation of historic resources that represent the unique architectural, cultural, historic, and prehistoric identity of the City. The City maintains a Historic Context Statement that, along with the Historic Preservation Ordinance, provides a framework for identifying historic resources and determining their relative significance. The City also maintains an Inventory of Historic Resources that includes all properties that have been identified as historically significant to date.
General Plan
The General Plan is a comprehensive statement of the planning goals and policies for the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and its surrounding Sphere of Influence. State law requires each community to prepare, adopt and periodically update the General Plan.
- General Plan Introduction & Purpose
- Land Use and Community Character Element
- Circulation Element
- Housing Element
- Coastal Access and Recreation Element
- Coastal Resource Management Element
- Public Facilities and Services Element
- Open Space/Conservation
- Environmental Safety Element
- Noise Element
- Appendix A
- Appendix B
- Appendix C
- Appendix D
- Appendix E
- Appendix F
- Appendix G
- Appendix H
- Appendix I
- Appendix J
- Read more
Local Coastal Program
The California Coastal Commission has jurisdiction over land use projects within one mile of the Ocean. However, the Commission will transfer most permitting authority to local jurisdictions if they obtain a certified Local Coastal Program (LCP). Carmel had its LCP certified by the Coastal Commission in 2004. The LCP consists of the Land Use, Circulation, Coastal Access and Recreation, and Coastal Resource Management elements of the General Plan, the Zoning Ordinance(Implementation Plan), and the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Appendices (see below).
Planning Division FAQ’s
Please refer to the FAQ section for any questions you may have. If your questions is not answered below, feel free to contact Planning & Building Staff at (831) 620-2010.
- Design Study Flowchart
- Exemption from Design Study
- Scope of Work Declaration
- Historic Inventory
- Windows and Skylights
- Base Floor Area and Site Coverage
- Malpaso Water Review Form
- Setbacks and Height Limits
- Fences & Walls
- Historic Inventory
- Windows
- Base Floor
- Setbacks and Heightlimits
- Business License Application Fixed Location
- Read more