Title 15 of the Carmel Municipal Code requires construction permits (building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and fire codes) for certain work within the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Failure to obtain a required permit PRIOR to beginning work is unfair to the City’s legitimate construction industry; wastes taxpayers dollars; puts building owners in jeopardy; is a violation punishable by law; and will result in a Stop Work Order being issued.

In an effort to discourage illegal work without permits, beginning July 1, 2019 the Carmel City Council has approved a Stop Work Investigation Fee in addition to double permit fees for any work requiring a permit which is begun before said permit is issued, and for which a Stop Work Order is issued. Said fee shall be payable prior to issuance of a permit for the work. 

Emergency Work Permit Requirements

In the event of “emergency work” on existing systems and structures (mitigating an active threat to the health and safety of building occupants and the public) which, due to the emergent nature, must begin outside of normal business hours, the contractor responsible for the work is required to submit a permit application including all required plans, specifications, and calculations prior to 10:00 am on the next business day on which the Community Planning and Building counter is open. All work conducted during business hours must still have valid permits before construction may begin. Failure to apply within the allotted time frame will result in a Stop Work Order and imposition of the Investigation Fee and double permit fees.

For full information on Emergency Work Permits see SOG 18-09 Emergency Work Permit Requirements.