Carmel-by-the-Sea from A to Z - Carmel Residents Association

Carmel-by-the-Sea
from
az
to
An alphabetically welcoming overview
to Carmel~by~the~Sea
full of interesting and important information
about our village
Carmel-by-the-Sea
is a special place and it got that way on purpose!
The city’s protective ordinances and delightful amenities,
created over the years by dedicated and hardworking citizens, property
owners and elected and appointed officials,
have kept the village a desirable place to live, work and play.
Through careful efforts, Carmel-by-the-Sea
has retained its village character and its quality of life
since its incorporation as a city in 1916.
Just look to the alphabet to see why the village is unique!
The Carmel Residents Association Board has authorized the publication of this informational
booklet - “Carmel-by-the-Sea From A-Z”, an alphabetically welcoming overview
of interesting information as well as important things to know about our village.
Out of print for many years, this booklet, originally funded and published by
the City of Carmel, has found new life. It has been rewritten, updated,
made more inclusive and more user friendly by the CRA.
www.carmelresidents.org
The Carmel Residents Association would like to thank Kelly Steele
for the generous use of his artwork and illustrations.
A
B
ADDRESSES A unique characteristic of Carmel-by-the-Sea is that
there are no street addresses. Properties are identified, for example,
as being on the “west side of San Antonio St., 3 houses south of
12th Ave”. To help identify locations, Carmel cottages often are
given names such as “Tinker Bell”, “Doll House”, “This Is It” and
its next-door neighbor, “This Isn’t”.
BEACH Carmel Beach is renowned for its brilliant white sand
beach, which is maintained by city staff as well as community
volunteers, who donate many hours keeping the sand and
landscape free of litter. Fires are allowed on the beach only
south of 10th Ave., between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Fires must be kept small (logs no more than 2 feet long) and
should be left uncovered to burn out or be put out by water from the ocean.
Beachgoers are advised to walk all supplies down the stairs and pack them all
out. Smoking is prohibited at Carmel Beach. Forest and Beach Dept. 831.620.2070
Carmel Residents Association Beach Cleanup Volunteers P.O. Box 13, Carmel, CA 93921
BEACH BLUFFS The landscaped beach bluffs are the buffer between the
heavily used beach and the Scenic Rd. residential neighborhood. A pathway
meanders around trees and invites tourists and residents alike to enjoy the
views of sea and sunset from benches along the way. The bluffs are not to be
used for throwing picnic or fire supplies down to the beach. Smoking is not
permitted on the bluff walkway. Forest & Beach Dept. 831.620.2070
BUS SERVICE Monterey Salinas Transit (MST) operates an efficient, wellmanaged shuttle service between Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Crossroads,
Barnyard and Carmel Rancho Shopping Centers. Connections to Carmel
Valley, Monterey and other peninsula cities are frequent and convenient.
Monterey Salinas Transit 831.899.2555
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CARMEL FOUNDATION The Carmel Foundation (Lincoln bet.
8th and 9th Avenues) is a private, nonprofit organization that
supports the needs of senior citizens and provides a multipleservice facility open to members 55 and older. In addition to
programs, classes and tours, the Foundation offers: transportation
for doctor appointments and grocery shopping, weekday lunch
service at the Foundation, meal delivery to the homebound and
affordable housing opportunities for seniors. The Center is equipped to offer
shelter to residents during emergencies. 831.624.1588
CARMEL HERITAGE SOCIETY The city leases the historic First Murphy House
(NW corner Lincoln & 6th Ave.) to Carmel Heritage Society, an organization
that is dedicated to the preservation of Carmel’s cultural history. The Society
operates the First Murphy House as a welcome center, a source of local
information with an extensive arts and crafts research library, and a venue
for small meetings or parties. A December holiday tour of Carmel Inns and
a Spring tour of interesting Carmel homes are conducted annually for the
831.624.4447
benefit of the organization.
CARMEL MISSION Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo was
founded in 1770 by Father Junipero Serra of Palma, Majorca. The Mission
Church is the oldest stone structure in Carmel and is listed on the national
register of historic buildings. Father Serra is interred at the foot of the basilica
altar. California artist, Jo Mora, created a cenotaph to commemorate the work
of Father Serra which is housed in the museum. The mission holds two annual
feast days: Founder’s Day (August) and Mission Fiesta (September) to honor
the work of Father Serra in the colonization of California. The Junipero Serra
School (K-8) is located on the premises. 831.624.1271
CARMEL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION The nonprofit Carmel Residents
Association (CRA) is dedicated to preserving the traditional quality of life of
Carmel-by-the-Sea. Members participate in city events, monitor city council,
planning and forest and beach commission meetings, hold public programs on
a variety of subjects, conduct candidates forums for local elections, organize
dinners at village restaurants, publish the monthly CRA NEWS and volunteer
monthly to clean the beach.www.carmelresidents.org P.O. Box 13, Carmel, CA 93921
CARMEL WOMAN’S CLUB The Carmel Woman’s Club is a private organization.
The building in which its members meet, (SW corner of 9th & San Carlos) is
rented out to the public for private and civic events.
831.624.2866
Carmel YOUTH CENTER The Carmel Youth Center (SW corner of 4th Ave.
and Torres St.) provides entertainment, including the Blueray Cinema, and
recreation for the youth of Carmel. It is available for private birthday parties
and dances. The Center is administered by a private Board of Directors who
lease the building from the city. The Youth Center is equipped to provide
shelter for residents during emergencies. . 831.624.3285
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Carmel’s Chamber of Commerce (San Carlos St.
bet. 5th & 6th) is a vast resource of visitor information for tours, inns & hotels,
dining, shopping, sports, church services, maps, activities, places to visit and
entertainment in and around Carmel. 831.624.2522
CHURCHES Carmel-by-the-Sea and the surrounding area offer opportunities
for worship. For services and locations, please consult the telephone book.
COMMUNITY CHARACTER Carmel’s character is defined by its lovely natural
setting on a southwest-facing slope, which rolls gently toward the Pacific Ocean.
The urban forest includes the native upper canopy Monterey Pine and Monterey
Cypress and the lower canopy Coast Live Oak. These trees are memorialized
in plein aire paintings by the early California artists. Architectural diversity is
derived from simple designs and use of natural materials with great attention
paid to fine craftsmanship. Narrow residential roads follow the topography
and curve around trees, some planted in the middle of streets. The commercial
district has unique shops, restaurants and courtyards. Preservation of Carmel’s
historic resources is valued. The meeting of friends at the Carmel Post Office
contributes in great measure to the community character.
construction To help preserve the peace and quiet of our village, the
hours of construction are generally limited to 8 A.M. to 6 P.M., Monday
through Saturday. Green building practices are encouraged and in some cases
required by state mandate. Planning & Building Dept. 831.620.2010
cottages The village of Carmel-by-the-Sea is dotted with fairy tale cottages,
many of them built by Hugh Comstock, “Carmel’s Builder of Dreams”.
Interesting roof lines, stonework, forged iron hardware and multi-paned
windows are characteristic of cottage architecture in Carmel.
Historic Resources Board 831.620.2018
courtyards and passageways Carmel’s unique 20-block downtown
is enlivened by 45 charming courtyards and passageways, which encourage
exploration of the interior spaces of the shopping district. The interior
courtyards and intra block passageways with links to adjacent streets are home
to small, hidden shops, which beg discovery.
cultural venues Carmel-by-the-Sea was founded in 1906 by Frank
Powers and Frank Devendorf who encouraged San Francisco artists/writers/
professors to leave the bay area, devastated by the Great Fire and Earthquake,
and establish a close-knit Bohemian artists community in Carmel. Artists
and writers such as Mary DeNeale Morgan, Jane Gallatin Powers, William
Ritschel, Armin Carl Hansen, George Sterling, Mary Austin and Robinson
Jeffers migrated here. Following are the cultural institutions in and around the
village, most of which were founded in the first quarter of the 20th century.
Carmel Art Association (Dolores St., bet. 5th & 6th Aves) Founded in 1927,
the prestigious Carmel Art Association is Carmel’s oldest gallery. It features the
work of professional local artists and is dedicated to presenting the finest art for
sale by artists living on the Monterey Peninsula. The Association (CAA) displays a
wide variety of styles and media and changes its exhibitions every month. 831.624.6176
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n Carl Cherry Center for the Arts (Guadalupe St. at 4th Ave.) Established
over 50 years ago by the pioneering modernist poet and painter Jeanne D’Orge
(Mrs. Carl Cherry), the Cherry Center consists of an intimate 50-seat theater,
sculpture garden and art gallery which provide visibility to emerging and
established artists, writers and musicians. The facility is also home to the
Jeanne D’Orge collection of rare photographs, papers and letters.831.624.7491
Forest Theater (Mountain View at Santa Rita) Nestled in a pine forest, this
city-owned facility is the oldest outdoor theater west of the Rocky Mountains.
From May through October, performances are offered by the Forest Theater
Guild (FTG) and Pacific Repertory Theatre (PacRep). The small indoor theater
operates from late October through mid-May, and is home to the Children’s
Experimental Theater (CET) and Staff Players Repertory Company. In the early
years of the 20th century, Carmelites would light their way to the theater
with improvised tin candle holders. The original productions focused on
Shakespeare and plays of local origin. Movies and musicals were added to the
mix in more recent years. A true “Carmel experience”.
Carmel Community Services Dept. 831.620.2020
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n Golden Bough Playhouse (Monte Verde St. bet. 8th & 9th Aves) Built by
Edward Kuster, a contemporary of Robinson Jeffers, the Playhouse is home
to Pacific Repertory Theatre (Pac Rep) which produces dramatic works and
musical productions, both on the main stage and the smaller Circle Theatre.
Large cast performances of family musicals and the annual Shakespeare
Festival are held in the summer at the outdoor Forest Theater. The company
features both Actors Equity performers and the fine local talent available on
the Monterey Peninsula. Box Office: 831.622.0100 Administration: 831.622.0700
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Sunset Community and Cultural Center (San Carlos St. bet. 8th & 10th
Aves) The Center, managed by the private SCC, Inc., was originally Carmel’s
elementary school. The historic and recently renovated Sunset Center Theater
brings professional performing artists from around the world and is home to
the internationally acclaimed Bach Festival and the esteemed Monterey County
Symphony, Carmel Music Society, and Chamber Music Monterey Bay. The
public can rent rooms for community meetings, events and classes. Carpenter
Hall has a kitchen available for catered events. Box Office: 831.620.2048
General Information: 831.620.2040 n Tor House The historic home of American poet Robinson Jeffers is maintained
by the Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation. It occupies a prominent site
at 26304 Ocean View Avenue off Scenic Drive on Carmel Point. The family
cottage and Hawk Tower are built of stone gathered by Jeffers from the beach
below. The site is open to the public once yearly at the May Garden Fete and by
appointment Fridays and Saturdays for docent-led tours. The October Jeffers
Festival draws scholars and poets from all over the United States. 831.624.1813
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DESIGN STANDARDS To preserve Carmel-by-the-Sea’s diverse
architectural character, all new construction, remodels and
alterations of residential and commercial buildings are reviewed
by the City for site design, mass, bulk, scale, neighborhood
compatibility, impact on trees, conformity to the Municipal
Code and the General Plan before permits can be issued. Smaller
improvements to property (e.g. fences, walls, paving, furnace or water heater
replacement) also require permits.
Planning & Building Dept. 831.620.2010
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Carmel’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC),
located underground at the Police Station (SE corner of Junipero & 4th
Ave.), is set up to deal with winter storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and
other emergencies. Staff and employees, trained in disaster relief, man the
EOC round the clock during an emergency. Disaster preparedness kits and
information are available at the Carmel Chapter of the American Red Cross
(SE corner 8th Ave. & Dolores St.)
Red Cross 831.624.6921
Police Dept. 831.624.6403
dogs Carmel-by-the-Sea is a dog-friendly village. There is a leash law in
all areas of the city, except the beach and Mission Trail Nature Preserve. In
the spirit of keeping the community clean, owners are obligated to clean up
after their dogs. As a reminder and to assist dog owners, bags are available at
Carmel Beach and Mission Trail Nature Preserve. Some restaurants and hotels
will accept dogs and many business owners are prepared to give doggy treats
to our canine friends. Police Dept. 831.624.6403
Chamber of Commerce 831.624.2522
driveways Due to the small size of a standard Carmel-by-the-Sea lot (40
x 100 ft), driveways are limited to 12 feet for a single-car garage or 14 feet
for a double-car garage, and should be constructed of pervious materials
(decomposed granite, pavers set in sand, etc.), to allow for percolation of rain
water into the ground. Public Works Dept. 831.620.2070
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elections The city has a long tradition of holding municipal
elections in April of each even-numbered year, allowing citizens
to focus on local issues. The City Council is comprised of five
members: the mayor, elected to a 2-year term, and four council
members, elected to 4-year terms. All members of the 5-person
council must reside within the city limits. It is a village tradition
for everyone to gather at City Hall on municipal election nights to learn firsthand
the results. To vote in Carmel-by-the-Sea elections, residents must fill out a voter
registration card available at City Hall and the Post Office. City Hall 831.620.2000
emergencies Dial 911 for fire, ambulance and police emergencies. Response
time to most Carmel-by-the-Sea locations is approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
Because there are no house numbers in our village, directions are given for
example as: East side Lincoln, 3 north of 8th Avenue.
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FACTS Carmel-by-the-Sea was founded in 1906 by Frank Powers
and Frank Devendorf and incorporated as a city in 1916. The one
square mile village is bound on the west by Carmel Beach, on the
north by Pescadero Canyon, on the east by Monterey St., Forest Ave.
and Ladera Dr., and on the south by the Carmel Mission. The city
operates under California municipal law and abides by a General
Plan which is a comprehensive statement of planning goals and policies, often
referred to as the City’s constitution. The village, managed by a city administrator
appointed by the council, is tourist-dependent for its revenue. The average age
of Carmelites is 54; second home owners account for more than 50% of the
approximately 4000 inhabitants, the majority of which are retired professional
people. Planning & Building Dept. 831.620.2010
fences and walls The character of the village is due in part to its traditional
fences, which are constructed of unpainted wood pickets irregularly put
in place. This time-honored design unifies the residential neighborhood by
retaining the desired rustic, rural look to the streetscape. Other fence and
wall designs will be considered by the Planning Department. Fence and wall
heights are typically limited to 4 feet adjacent to a public street and to 6 feet
Planning & Building Dept. 831.620.2010
along interior property lines. g
garage sales Garage sales are allowed without a permit, but
residents are limited to one sale each year and the sale may run
for two consecutive days. Signs are regulated as to size and may
be displayed only on site during the hours of the sale. City Hall 831.620.2000
garbage and recycling The village has an exclusive franchise agreement
with a private collector, Waste Management, Inc. Trash is collected weekly
in the residential neighborhood and daily in the commercial district. To keep
waste containers out of sight, the agreement calls for collectors to pick up
containers from back or side yards and to replace them where stored. If
the containers are not returned to the yard, residents should notify Waste
Management. There are three types of containers: garbage, yard waste and
recycle (plastic, aluminum, paper and cardboard).
Waste Management, Inc. 831.384.5000
P.O. Box 1306, Castroville, CA., 95012
guest houses Guest houses are accessory buildings to be used by members
of the family, guests or employees. These units do not contain kitchen or
cooking facilities and are generally allowed on larger lots.
Planning & Building Dept. 831.620.2010
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High heels Carmel-by-the-Sea is proud of its “quirkiness”.
Among its more unusual ordinances is one that requires a
permit to wear certain high heel shoes. Since part of the city’s
charm is its urban forest, walking here may be more difficult
than in other settings. The ordinance was passed for liability
reasons, but is rarely enforced. Copies of the quirky ordinance
are available at City Hall. City Hall 831.620.2000
HISTORIC BUILDINGS Carmel-by-the-Sea has three buildings listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. Flanders Mansion in Mission Trail Nature
Preserve, Sunset Center and the Carmel Mission. City-owned buildings that
are historically significant include: Harrison Memorial Library, City Hall (once
a church), Fire House, First Murphy House, Scout House and Forest Theater
site. The City maintains a list of buildings to be protected from demolition by
virtue of their age, architecture, architect or notable inhabitants. Residential
examples include the Camino Real residence (2 NE of 11th Ave.) of famed
photographer Arnold Genthe and the Frank Lloyd Wright house at the southern
end of Carmel Bay. The commercial district also includes numerous historic
Historic Resources Board 831.620.2018
resources.
HISTORY Archival information, including books, maps and photographs
capturing the history of Carmel-by-the-Sea, is available at the Local History
Room in the Park Branch (6th & Mission) of the Harrison Memorial Library,
as well as at the historic First Murphy House (Lincoln at 6th).
Local History Room 831.624.1615
HOSPITAL The Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (CHOMP),
designed by Edward Durrell Stone, is one of the finest hospitals on the Central
Coast. It is located between Monterey and Carmel, west of Highway 1, on
Highway 68. Satellite facilities are located throughout the Monterery Peninsula.
Community Hospital 831.624.5311
HOUSE WATCH The safety and security of our homes are enhanced by the
House Watch Service provided to Carmelites by our Police Department. Before
leaving on a trip, simply notify the Police Department of your planned absence
and, for a minor fee, a police officer will personally check your premises on a
daily basis. Police Dept. 831.624.6403
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IRRIGATION As in much of California’s Central Coast, the
climate of Carmel-by-the-Sea is semi-arid. As a convenient way
to keep our city green and minimize the use of scarce water
resources, the installation and use of drip irrigation systems for
landscapes on private property is encouraged.
Forest & Beach Dept. 831.620.2070
JUNK Four times annually, the city’s garbage collector schedules
a special collection of bulk trash. Waste Management 831.384.5000
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KNOW THE RULES As city codes and policies do change, please
check with City Hall and/or the appropriate departments listed
within this booklet before undertaking any work (e.g. tree
trimming, landscaping, construction, etc.) in the residential and
commercial districts.
City Hall 831.620.2000
LIBRARY Carmel-by-the-Sea is fortunate to have a library in
two locations: the highly regarded main Harrison Memorial
Library (Ocean Ave. at Lincoln), designed by Bernard Maybeck,
and the Park Branch (6th Ave. at Mission) which provides
children’s services and houses the city’s historic archives. The
main library offers videos, books on tape, current newspapers
and magazines, use of computers and an outstanding collection of books on
many subjects. The ambiance of the reading room, with fireplace, tables,
comfortable chairs and art entices locals to sit awhile and read. The Carmel
Public Library Foundation contributes generously to both libraries. Harrison Memorial Library 831.624.4629
Youth Services 831.624.4664
Local History Room 831.624.1615
LIGHTING Traditional village character is maintained by lighting from within,
not from without. Exterior lighting on private property is limited to 25 watts
for entrance fixtures and 15 watts per fixture for walkways. All lighting on the
public right-of-way and on private property is reviewed by the city prior to
Planning & Building Dept. 831.620.2010
installation. m
MAIL The longtime custom of picking up mail at the Carmelby-the-Sea branch of the U.S. Post Office (5th Ave. bet. Dolores &
San Carlos Streets) generates a flow of pedestrian traffic and has
created the tradition of villagers regularly running into friends
and neighbors. The city pays for limited home mail delivery to
those who request it or who are disabled. Post Office 831.624.1526
City Hall 831.620.2000
Carmel
By-the-Sea
Monterey
North
4
Carpenter
Street Exit
HIGH
WAY O
NE
Carpenter Ave
Statue
Tennis
Courts
2nd Ave
3rd Ave
Truck
Route
Ocean Avenue
Serra Avenue
Ocean
Avenue
Exit
P
ain
unt
Mo
Gas
i
7th Avenue
6th Avenue
5th Avenue
Forest Hill Park
4th Avenue
P
Playground
wc
i
P
Visitor Information
wc
Parking
Ocean Avenue
wc Public Restrooms
17 Mile Drive
Pebble
Beach
Scenic
North San Antonio
wc
The
Lodge
Printed by permission of Kelly Steele © 2009
Del Mar
Avenue
5
Carmel
Valley Village
320 M
120 M
80M
27 M
12 M
4M
4M
N
Gas
The
Barnyard
Gas
HIGHWAY ONE
Rio Road
HIGHWAY ONE
Forest
Theater
Arboretum
P
San Carlos Street
10th Avenue
Mission Street
San
Carlos
ive
Lausen Dr
13th Ave
nu
e
Junipero Ave
Junipero Ave
Santa Lucia Avenue
Mission Trail
Park
ue
ven
wA
Vie
8th Avenue
The
Crossroads
Carmel Rancho Blvd.
Carmel Valley Road
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Hearst Castle
Big Sur
Valley Village
Monterey
Point Lobos
Rio
Road
Exit
4
Point Lobos - 3 miles
Big Sur - 26 miles
Carmel
Mission
Dolores
Dolores Street
Lincoln Street
River School
Santa Lucia Avenue
Monte Verde Street
Casanova Street
Camino Real
State Park
wc
Carmelo Street
Carmelo Street
San Antonio Avenue
Road
Sce
nic
Ro
ad
Carmel
Point
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NOISE Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its silence. Except for
the gentle breezes, bird song and natural roar of the ocean, the
village is peaceful and quiet. Ordinances have been developed
over the years to reduce intrusive noise such as gas-powered
leaf blowers, barking dogs, loud music, etc.
Planning & Building Dept. 831.620.2010
Police Dept. 831.624.6403
OCEAN Carmel Bay is an area of special biological significance
and is part of the much larger Monterey Bay Sanctuary. At times
the coastal waters can be hazardous for swimmers or even those
playing in the water. There are posted warnings concerning
dangerous rogue waves, which can strike without warning.
Beach goers should stay off the rocks and enjoy the surf and sunsets from shore. Forest and Beach Dept. 831.620.2070
Public Works Dept. 831.620.2070
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PARKING To share the limited parking resources downtown,
time limitations are posted and enforced. Residents may
purchase stickers from the police department which allow extra
parking time. In the residential neighborhoods, vehicles may be
parked on the street for no more than 48 continuous hours.
Except for some neighborhoods which are designated “Resident
Permit Parking” zones, vehicles may be parked on any street in
front of any house. Free parking for business people and visitors is available at
the Vista Lobos lot (3rd Ave. bet. Junipero & Torres) and paid parking at Sunset
Center’s north lot. (8th Ave. & Mission St.) Police Dept. 831.624.6403
PARKS & PATHWAYS The city is justifiably proud of its nine parks and miles
of pathways, which lead from the upper reaches of the village to the sea.
Carmel Beach dominates the city’s entire western boundary. It provides
off leash dog walking, small fires south of 10th Avenue, and opportunities for
beach picnics, weddings and other celebratory events.
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Devendorf Park (Ocean Ave. & Junipero St.) is used for picnics, relaxing on
the grass and for community events.
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First Murphy Park (Lincoln St. at 6th Ave.) is used for resting and enjoying
the surroundings.
Forest Hill Park (off Camino del Monte) provides a children’s play area,
shuffleboard court, horseshoe pits and tennis courts.
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Forest Theater Park (Mountain View at Santa Rita) is a 2-acre park, which
is home to indoor and outdoor theaters where theatrical productions, as well
as infrequent movies, may be enjoyed.
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Mission Trail Nature Preserve, the largest of the city’s parklands, at 35 acres,
lies along the eastern border of Carmel-by-the-Sea and is used for hiking, bird
watching, photography, off leash dog walking and jogging.
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Picadilly Park (Dolores St., SW of Ocean Ave.) was renovated for the city
by the Carmel Garden Club. This pocket park is a pleasant place for visitors and
residents to relax.
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Rio Park (behind Carmel Mission) is an undeveloped open space, which
borders the Carmel River. Plans have included developing an athletic field,
picnic grounds or other options.
Vista Lobos Park (3rd Ave. bet. Junipero & Torres) was acquired by the city to
preserve open space and to protect a view corridor to the ocean. Amenities there
include a facility for community meetings and classes, picnic tables, barbecue and
a viewing deck. Vista Lobos offers free parking daily.
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There are over 90 acres of land devoted to public parks within the city limits of
Carmel-by-the-Sea. Public restrooms are located in all parks, except Mission
Trail Nature Preserve and Rio Park. Forest & Beach Dept. 831.620.2070
City Hall 831.620.2000
PERMITS Permits for any new construction, remodel, renovation or tree work
must be posted on site in a conspicuous place. Work done without posted
permits should be reported. Planning and Building Dept. 831.620.2010
Police Dept. 831.624.6403
POWER OUTAGES Occasionally during winter storms there can be power
failures lasting several days. It is prudent to have supplies on hand, including
auxiliary light sources, water, pet food and food that does not require
refrigeration or preparation on electric stoves. Power problems should be
reported to the Pacific Gas & Electric Company hot line. PG&E 1.800.743.5002
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY Public property in front of residences is dedicated
to greenbelt and open space. Encroachments in the public right-of-way,
such as pavement, rocks, lighting or steps may not be installed without prior
approval. Drought-tolerant landscaping and use of non-irrigated native
vegetation is encouraged along street edges to help maintain the city’s parklike environment. Forest & Beach Dept. 831.620.2070
Planning & Building Dept. 831.620.2010
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QUALITY OF LIFE Carmel has been recognized and acclaimed
as one of the nation’s most desirable places to visit, work and
live. The unparalleled natural beauty, the preservation of the
downtown character, clean air, safe streets and charming
neighborhoods contribute to the quality of life enjoyed by
residents and visitors alike.
RECREATION The City coordinates community activities such as
the Great Sandcastle Competition, Kite Festival, Easter with the
Bunny, Carmel’s Birthday Party, Halloween Parade, Concours
on the Park, the July 4th Picnic, and the Holiday Tree Lighting.
Community Services Dept. 831.620.2020
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES RVs may be parked for no more than six hours in
one location in the public right-of-way and are prohibited in certain areas of
the city. Police Dept. 831.624.6403
City Hall 831.620.2000
RENTAL PROPERTIES To protect Carmel-by-the-Sea’s residential character,
no home or subordinate unit may be rented for less than 30 consecutive days.
This ordinance was challenged and taken all the way to the U.S. Supreme
Court. The city’s position prevailed.
Planning & Building Dept. 831.620.2010
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SAFETY SERVICES The city’s Police and Fire Departments are
open 24/7, and provide extensive security and emergency
services. Fire Department (6th Ave., bet. Mission and San Carlos
Streets); Police Department (southeast corner of Junipero and
4th). Fire Dept. 831.620.2030
Police Dept. 831.624.6403
SCHOOLS The Carmel Unified School District (CUSD) includes: River
Elementary School (K-5) at the southern end of town, Carmel Middle
School (6-8) in the lower Carmel Valley and Carmel High School
(9-12) at Highway One and Ocean Ave. CUSD 831.624.1546
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS Service organizations which gather members for
lunches, dinners, conviviality and education, include: Rotary, Lions, Masons
and the American Legion.
SEWER PROBLEMS Sewer service is provided by the Carmel Area Wastewater
District (CAWD). All service problems should be referred to the District.
CAWD 831.624.1248
SIGNS Posting of “No Parking” signs in front of homes in the public right-ofway is prohibited. Street-side parking is for the use of all residents and visitors,
unless designated as a “Resident Permit Parking” zone. Cars parked on the
street in the neighborhoods effectively narrow the streets and slow traffic. Real
estate, garage sale and other temporary signs relating to construction should
be removed as soon as appropriate.
Planning & Building Dept. 831.620.2010
Police Dept. 831.624.6403
SMOKING It is illegal to smoke on the beach, the beach bluff path, in all parks
and on city trails. Police Dept. 831.624.6403
STREETS There are 30 miles of streets in the village, most of which are residential.
Except for the commercial district, our streets have no formal curbs or gutters, are
rarely paved to their full width and often meander around trees and landscaped
Public Works Dept. 831.620.2070
areas contributing to the village character. Forest & Beach Dept. 831.620.2070
STREET SWEEPING Residential streets are swept at least monthly to keep dust,
litter and debris to a minimum. Commercial streets are swept every two to three
days to prevent debris from clogging drainage systems and for aesthetic reasons. Public Works Dept. 831.620.2070
SUPPORT GROUPS The city has designated certain nonprofit organizations,
which work to support the culture and the environment of Carmel-by-the-Sea
through volunteerism and philanthropy. These community assistance groups
offer citizens an opportunity to volunteer their services: Friends of Carmel
Forest, Friends of Sunset Foundation, Friends of the Harrison Memorial Library,
Carmel Public Library Foundation, Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden and
City Hall 831.620.2000
Carmel-by-the-Sea Garden Club. t
TRAFFIC Carmel-by-the-Sea’s streets are pedestrian-friendly.
The maximum speed limit of 25 miles per hour is strictly
enforced to protect and ensure the safety of children, pets,
adults and wildlife.
Police Dept. 831.624.6403
TRASH Our clean air is due in part to prohibiting the burning of trash,
leaves, garden clippings or other materials in fireplaces or outdoors. Fire Dept. 831.620.2030
TREES OF CARMEL The iconic Monterey Pine is native to the Monterey
Peninsula, Cambria, Año Nuevo and an island off Mexico. The Monterey
Cypress can be found only on the Monterey Peninsula. The Coast Live Oak
with spreading limbs is the mainstay of Carmel’s lower canopy forest. The
Coast Redwood, with majestic stands as close as Big Sur, is becoming another
favorite upper canopy tree. The wind-sculpted shapes of the Monterey Cypress
have attracted renowned photographers, including Ansel Adams and Carmel’s
own Edward Weston. Carmel’s Heritage Trees have been identified in a selfguided walking tour brochure.
Forest & Beach Dept. 831.620.2070
u
URBAN FOREST The founders of the village discovered
a forested paradise in the late 1800s with a pine forest extending
from the Monterey/Carmel hill down to within a few blocks
of the beach. Carmel, a village in a forest by the sea, takes pride
in its urban forest and was the first community in California
to employ a full-time professional forester. An entire section
of our Municipal Code is devoted to the protection of the urban forest.
Permits are required for tree work on public and private property and only
certified tree contractors, licensed with the city may trim, prune or remove
Forest & Beach Dept. 831.620.2070
a tree.
Friends of Carmel Forest P.O. Box 344, Carmel, CA 93921
v
VIEWS The review of plans for new construction takes into
consideration the impact of the project on the established
viewshed afforded the public and owners of adjacent properties.
Requests to trim limbs or remove the upper crown of trees for
the purpose of improving views are strongly discouraged.
Planning & Building Dept. 831.620.2010
Forest & Beach Dept. 831.620.2070
VIOLATIONS Citizens are encouraged to report violations of city codes and
ordinances as they apply to construction, trees, traffic, noise, lighting, business
signs and window displays, or any other suspected code violations. Call
Planning and Building first, but if immediate action is required or violations
are on the weekends, call the Police Department.
Police Dept. 831.624.6403
Planning and Building Dept. 831.620.2010
VOLUNTEERS The city has several boards, commissions and ad hoc committees,
all comprised of volunteers from the residential and business sectors, who for
the most part must be residents of the village. Other volunteer opportunities
include: cleaning the beach with the Carmel Residents Association; collecting
books for the annual book sale of the Friends of the Library; working at citysponsored events; helping plant and survey city trees with the Friends of
Carmel Forest; selling refreshments at Sunset Theater for Friends of Sunset
Foundation; and working in the Lester Rowntree Native Plant Garden.
City Hall 831.620.2000
w
WATER Rainfall, in the semi-arid central coast of California,
is historically scant. Carmel-by-the-Sea averages only 16 to
18 inches of rainfall per year, making conservation of our
precious water supply very important. The Los Padres Dam on
the upper Carmel River provides water for Carmel and most of
the Monterey Peninsula. Residents are encouraged to use ultralow flow plumbing fixtures in remodeling and new construction. Questions
regarding water or water service issues should be directed to the CaliforniaCalifornia American Water Co. 831.373.3051
American Water Company. WILDLIFE To protect their health and your safety, it is illegal in Carmel-bythe-Sea to offer food to marine mammals and other non-domesticated animals.
Raccoons, for example, drawn close to homes by the scent of food, may
jeopardize the safety of pets and damage property. The feeding of wild birds
is exempt from this restriction. Dead or distressed birds, marine mammals or
other wildlife should be reported. Police Dept. 831.624.6403
x
Y
Z
XEROPHYTIC LANDSCAPING Native upper-canopy Monterey
Pines and Cypress and lower-canopy Coastal Oaks and droughtresistant native plants flourish in this semi-arid climate. Planting
of native-type vegetation is encouraged. Suggested plant lists are
available from the city to assist in planning gardens to fit in with
our forested environment. Several local nurseries specialize in native, drought-resistant plants. Forest & Beach Dept. 831.620.2070
Planning & Building Dept. 831.620.2010
YES FOR CARMEL This nonprofit organization aims to create a
sense of community through social interaction and occasional
programs that speak to Carmel’s past. Members are involved in
issues relating to the well-being of the town and volunteer to
help with city events.
P.O. Box 208, Carmel, CA 93921
ZEST It is the urban forest, parklands and roadside greenbelts,
white sand beach, clean air, temperate climate, eclectic and artistic
cultural offerings, fine dining, unique shopping, diverse blend
of architectural styles, quirky customs and most of all, the close
friendships forged here which lend zest to our lives in Carmel-bythe-Sea—the very special place that “got that way—on purpose!”
With grateful thanks to our business sponsors
Electrical Services
Cate Electric
831-624-5361
n
Architect
John Thodos
831-624-0866
n
n Bed & Breakfast Inn
SeaView Inn
831-624-8778
n Home & Garden
Homescapes
831-624-6499
n
Candy Shop
Cottage of Sweets
831-624-5170
n
n
Coffee/Sandwich Shop
Carmel Coffee and Cocoa Bar
Carmel Plaza
n
n
Dentist
Roy Thomas, DDS
831-625-2255
n
Drug Store
Carmel Drug Store
831-624-3819
n
n
Literary Consultant
Stuart Miller
www.theauthorcoach.com
Optical Services
Perspectacles
831-625-2299
Stationery & Gifts
Spencer’s
831-624-2001
Tree Care
Iverson Tree Service
831-625-5743
Thank you to our cra donors
Donna Pribble
Barbara Livingston
Elisabeth & Lou Ungaretti
Betty & Dick Dalsemer
Barry & Kathleen Swift
Shirley Humann
Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Zaslow
Carol & Glen Bell
Linda & Clayton Anderson
Joan Horton
James Silveria
Ken Talmadge
Terry Layne
Cornelia & Jim Emery
Belinda Vidor Holliday
Jonnie Webb
Peggy & Bill Grier
Roberta & Monte Miller
Margaret Young
Phyllis & Wayne Kelley
Erl Lagerholm
Midge Frick
carmel from a to z
Design & Production
VICTORIA
DESIGN
831.625.6968
Morgan Court
on Lincoln Street
between Ocean Ave. and 7th Ave.
831.624.4082
Commissioned works accepted.
www.kellysteelegallery.com
Kelly Steele has lived
in Carmel for 56 years,
and has been drawing
and painting since he
was a boy. Working in
oil, pen and ink, and
watercolor, his art and
illustrations capture the
beauty and character of
Carmel-by-the-Sea and
the Monterey Peninsula.
Carmel Residents
A ssociation
P.O. Box 13, Carmel-by-the-Sea
California 93921
www.carmelresidents.orgP