Carmel-by-the-Sea meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Carmel agendas take up housing ordinance, El Niño emergency, $98,576 truck; no minutes posted yet

Carmel-by-the-Sea posted agendas for two City Council meetings in the past two weeks, along with sessions of the Planning Commission, Forest and Beach Commission and Community Activities Commission. Minutes for all of those meetings have not yet been published, so none of the outcomes below are confirmed. What follows is what was scheduled for discussion or action, as stated in the agendas.

Council, Oct. 6: housing law ordinance and El Niño emergency

The Oct. 6 council agenda listed a public hearing on the first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-005, which would amend Municipal Code Chapters 17.08, 17.14, 17.18, 17.38, 17.64 and 17.68 to implement General Plan Housing Element programs and comply with State housing law.

The same agenda listed Resolution 2026-076, ratifying a local emergency proclamation issued by the Acting City Administrator due to an anticipated El Niño event in 2026-2027, and a presentation on El Niño and storm preparedness, shoreline projects and resource allocation. Also scheduled: Resolution 2026-075 adopting the FY 2026-27 At-Will (Unrepresented) Compensation and Benefits Plan, described in the agenda as including reduced CalPERS retirement contributions and a new City Administrator salary range; a Car Week after-action report; and a proposal for shared use of the First Murphy House by the Chamber of Commerce and Carmel Heritage Society, with direction on whether to draft a lease.

Council, Oct. 5: truck purchase, rooftop deck appeal

The Oct. 5 special meeting agenda listed Resolution 2026-071, purchase of a 2027 Ford F-550 truck with dump bed and lift gate from National Auto Fleet Group for $98,576.14.

Resolution 2026-072 would partially grant the appeal of Bruce and Linda Taylor (APP 26270, McWhorter), denying the rooftop deck and otherwise upholding Planning Commission approval of a Coastal Development Permit and Final Design Study at Carmelo Street 2 NE of Ocean Avenue. Resolution 2026-070 would approve a Girls on the Run Central Coast "Family 5K" on January 9, 2027, with an exemption to Municipal Code Chapter 8.56 covering sound amplification and street and Del Mar parking lot closures. Resolution 2026-074 would authorize a $1,917.00 refund of Design Study application fees to Jill Layman.

A closed session covered labor negotiations with the General Employees Unit and Management Employees Unit (LiUNA), and lease price and terms for Sunset Center, 908 San Carlos Street (APN: 010-143-001-000).

Planning Commission, Oct. 14

Commissioners scheduled a tour of project sites followed by a meeting. Listed items included a use permit to convert office space to two apartments at 470 4th Avenue; a use permit amendment for a full line restaurant at 436 Ocean Avenue; an appeal of a denied use permit for a drinking place at 653 Lincoln Street; a proposal to replace a 1,460-sq-ft home with a 1,943-sq-ft home at 590 Casanova Street; and a use permit for a specialty food store at 438 7th Avenue.

Trees, storms and events

The Forest and Beach Commission scheduled a public hearing on removal of one Monterey Pine at Junipero Ave 2 SE of 10th Ave (TR 26-135 - 1012 Junipero), plus reports on beach cleanup, El Niño preparation and a draft Fire Defense Plan from the Wildfire Prevention Committee. A community meeting on Oct. 12 was to cover storm alerts, sandbag pickup locations at Vista Lobos and Sunset Center, and a panel of City staff and partner agencies. The Community Activities Commission met Oct. 13 to review past and upcoming events.

Historic Resources Board meeting canceled

The Historic Resources Board regular meeting scheduled for Oct. 19 at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 662 Monte Verde Street was canceled. The notice contains only the cancellation and posting information; no agenda items were noticed or decided. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2026.

Coming up

• **Oct. 19, Building Code Board of Appeals:** site tour and public hearing on Appeal 250598, a request by Jennifer Blevins to waive requirements for a public restroom and fire sprinkler system at the southwest corner of Mission Street and Ocean Avenue (Mad Dogs & Englishmen).
• **Oct. 21, Planning Commission:** draft Residential Design Guidelines Update for a Local Coastal Program amendment, a draft Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance with related Objective Design and Development Standards, Use Permit UP 26173 for 470 4th Avenue, Design Study DS 26268 at 1311 Monte Verde Street, and Design Review DR 26317 for 613 Lincoln Street and 325 Ocean Avenue.

Carmel-by-the-Sea agendas take up truck purchase, housing ordinance and El Niño emergency; minutes pending

Over the past two weeks, Carmel-by-the-Sea's City Council, the Forest and Beach Commission and city staff set agendas covering a $98,576.14 truck purchase, a housing-law ordinance, ratification of an El Niño emergency and a downtown streetscape plan. Minutes for all four recent meetings have not been published, so the items below are what was scheduled or proposed, not confirmed outcomes. No vote tallies appear in the material supplied.

City Council, Oct. 5

A special meeting with a consent agenda and discussion items. The agenda listed:

• Resolution 2026-071: purchase of a 2027 Ford F-550 truck with dump bed and lift gate from National Auto Fleet Group for $98,576.14
• Resolution 2026-072: partially grants the appeal of Bruce and Linda Taylor (APP 26270, McWhorter), denying the rooftop deck and otherwise upholding Planning Commission approval of a Coastal Development Permit and Final Design Study at Carmelo Street 2 NE of Ocean Avenue
• Resolution 2026-070: approves a Girls on the Run Central Coast "Family 5K" on January 9, 2027, with an exemption to Municipal Code Chapter 8.56 on sound amplification and street/Del Mar parking lot closures
• Resolution 2026-074: authorizes a $1,917.00 refund of Design Study application fees to Jill Layman

Discussion items included a library restoration update, a draft drone policy for the police department, the city administrator recruitment process, and a downtown streetscape plan continued from September 1. Closed session covered labor negotiations with the General Employees Unit and Management Employees Unit (LiUNA) and lease price and terms for Sunset Center, 908 San Carlos Street (APN: 010-143-001-000).

City Council, Oct. 6

Scheduled for 4:30 PM, with a public hearing on the first reading of Ordinance No. 2026-005, amending Municipal Code Chapters 17.08, 17.14, 17.18, 17.38, 17.64 and 17.68 to implement General Plan Housing Element programs and comply with State housing law.

Also listed: Resolution 2026-076 ratifying a local emergency proclamation by the Acting City Administrator due to anticipated El Niño event 2026-2027; Resolution 2026-075 adopting the FY 2026-27 At-Will (Unrepresented) Compensation and Benefits Plan, including reduced CalPERS retirement contributions and a new City Administrator salary range; proposed shared use of the First Murphy House by the Chamber of Commerce and Carmel Heritage Society, with direction on whether to draft a lease; a presentation on El Niño/storm preparedness, shoreline projects and resource allocation; and a Car Week after-action report.

Forest and Beach Commission, Oct. 8

The commission scheduled a public hearing to approve or deny removal of one Monterey Pine tree at Junipero Ave 2 SE of 10th Ave (TR 26-135 - 1012 Junipero). It was also set to receive the Carmel Cares Beach Cleanup Annual Report, a presentation on city preparation for the upcoming El Niño storm, a presentation on the draft Fire Defense Plan from the City's Wildfire Prevention Committee, and a discussion on the Tree Replacement Process.

El Niño community meeting, Oct. 12

City staff and partner agencies were scheduled to present information on community preparations for a likely strong El Niño winter, covering storm alerts and city coordination, sandbag pickup locations at Vista Lobos and Sunset Center, and an expert panel.

Coming up

• **Oct. 13 — Community Activities Commission:** review of past events, discussion of upcoming events, reports from Ad Hoc Committees, and approval of the September 8, 2026 meeting minutes.
• **Oct. 14 — Planning Commission:** a tour of project sites followed by a meeting on a use permit to convert office space to two apartments at 470 4th Avenue; a use permit amendment for a full line restaurant at 436 Ocean Avenue; an appeal of a denied use permit for a drinking place at 653 Lincoln Street; a proposal to replace a 1,460-sq-ft home with a 1,943-sq-ft home at 590 Casanova Street; and a use permit for a specialty food store at 438 7th Avenue.
• **Oct. 19 — Historic Resources Board:** canceled. The notice states no agenda items were noticed or decided, and that the next regular meeting is Monday, November 16, 2026. The cancellation notice was posted Sept. 29, 2026 at City Hall, Harrison Memorial Library, the Post Office and the city webpage.

Note on sourcing: the four recent meetings are documented by agendas only. Minutes have not been published, so this roundup does not report any item as approved, denied or adopted.

Carmel boards take up housing, hotel tax, and historic roof projects

Over the past two weeks, Carmel-by-the-Sea's boards and commissions met to review a range of items, from a hotel tax ballot measure to housing code changes and roof replacements at historic buildings. No minutes have been published for any of these meetings, so no decisions are confirmed yet. The most consequential item under consideration was the City Council's response to a ballot measure on the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).

City Council

The City Council held a special meeting on Aug. 14 to consider a proposed rebuttal argument to the primary argument against the TOT ballot measure. The council was scheduled to vote on whether to approve the rebuttal or give other direction to staff. That was the only substantive item on the agenda.

The council also has a special meeting scheduled for Aug. 24 with a single closed-session item: the appointment of a City Administrator under Government Code Section 54957. Public comment is allowed before the closed session.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission held a special meeting on Aug. 19 to review the administrative draft Sea Level Rise and Coastal Hazards chapter of the Local Coastal Program (LCP). The consent agenda included approval of the Jan. 29, 2026 joint meeting minutes.

Later that day, the commission held public hearings on a resolution recommending the City Council adopt an ordinance amending six Municipal Code chapters (17.08, 17.14, 17.18, 17.38, 17.64, 17.68) to implement Housing Element programs and comply with state housing law. The commission also considered seven design studies and coastal development permits, including:

• DS 24046 (Teresi): Demolish a 1,818 sq ft home and build a 2,797 sq ft home plus an 800 sq ft ADU on Carmelo Street.
• DS 25272 (Gartner): Demolish a 1,718 sq ft home and build a 1,800 sq ft home plus an 800 sq ft ADU on Dolores Street.
• DS 25095 (DCV Enterprise Partners II, LLC): Demolish a 1,990 sq ft home and build a 2,654 sq ft home plus a 797 sq ft ADU on Camino Real.
• UP 26129 (Char Steakhouse): Expand into an adjacent unit, increasing interior seats from 86 to 106 on Dolores Street.

A five-year extension of a coastal development permit for North Dunes habitat restoration was also on the agenda.

Historic Resources Board

On Aug. 17, the Historic Resources Board held a tour and public hearing on three Track 1 Design Review requests for roof replacements at historic properties, each requiring a determination of consistency with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards:

• DS 26262 (Moon): Replace wood roof with clay tile at L.L. Spillers Guest Cottage, Carpenter Street 4 SW of 3rd Ave.
• DS 26284 (White-Cox): Replace straight-edge wood roof with storybook-style chipped edge lay wood roof at Comstock Studio, NW corner Santa Fe St and 6th Ave.
• DS 26263 (McCarthy): Replace wood roof with simulated Cedur roof at Murphy Barn/Powers Studio, San Antonio Ave 3 SW of 2nd Ave.

The board also discussed templates for documenting eligibility determinations for the Carmel Inventory of Historic Resources and a $10,500 Certified Local Government grant with a $4,200 minimum match, with a spending period of Aug. 1, 2026–Jul. 31, 2027.

Other meetings

The Community Activities Commission met Aug. 18 for a special hybrid meeting to review past events, discuss upcoming events, receive reports from ad hoc committees, and hold a workshop on the Annual Community Events Volume and Policy Discussion. No specific decisions or dollar amounts were listed.

The Forest and Beach Commission met Aug. 20 with a tour of Forest Hill Park, followed by discussion of the July Forester's Report, a CEQA update on the Community Forest Management Plan, and a Leadership Carmel project demonstration.

Coming up

• Aug. 24: City Council special meeting (closed session) to discuss the appointment of a City Administrator.
• Aug. 26: Harrison Memorial Library Board of Trustees — tour of the Church of the Wayfarer, approval of July minutes and check register, and reports on the library restoration project, foundation activities, local history services, strategic plan progress, and Saturday hours at the Park Branch Library.

Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council weighs administrator search, beach repairs, theater fee waiver

The Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council met four times last week, with agendas covering the selection of a recruitment firm for a new City Administrator, a $364,417.13 contract for beach access stairs repairs, and a $196,648.71 fee waiver for the Golden Bough Theatre renovation. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so no decisions are confirmed.

City Administrator recruitment

On July 30, the council heard presentations from three recommended recruitment firms and intended to select one and adopt Resolution 2026-055 to authorize an agreement for the City Administrator recruitment. On August 4, a special meeting was held with a single closed-session item to appoint a City Administrator; no other business was discussed or decided.

Beach access stairs repair and related items

On August 4, the council considered a construction contract with Silcon Constructors for the Beach Access 12th and 10th Avenues Stairs Repair Project, not to exceed $364,417.13. The same agenda included adoption of a Fee Schedule Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Fee Schedule, discussion on permitting of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and draft amendments to Title 17, direction regarding a potential Urgency Ordinance for home hardening and wildfire safety regulations, and discussion and direction on a Financial Stewardship Workgroup ad hoc.

Theater fee waiver and other council business

On August 3, the council considered a request from Pacific Repertory Theatre for a $196,648.71 building permit fee waiver for the Golden Bough Theatre renovation. Also on that agenda: adoption of Resolution 2026-056 for the Monterey Bay Regional Climate Project Working Group MOU, Resolution 2026-057 authorizing alcohol service on public property for the Tutti a Tavola lunch on Oct 11, 2026, consideration of Resolution 2026-059 approving a settlement agreement with Verizon (GTE Mobilenet v. City of Carmel-by-the-Sea), and direction on issuing Notices of Non-Renewal for existing Mills Act contracts.

Building Code Board of Appeals

On August 5, the Building Code Board of Appeals met to decide an appeal filed by Jennifer Blevins regarding a requirement to install a public restroom and fire sprinkler system at the Mad Dogs & Englishmen restaurant. The appeal had been continued from a previous meeting. The board also approved minutes from January 16, 2026, and July 2, 2026.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.

Carmel-by-the-Sea meeting roundup: Recent boards convened, council to weigh $196K theater fee waiver and $364K beach stairs contract

Carmel-by-the-Sea's advisory boards and City Council held a series of meetings in late July, though minutes have not yet been published for any of them, so outcomes cannot be confirmed. The most consequential items on the horizon are two upcoming City Council sessions: a proposed $196,648.71 building-permit fee waiver for the Golden Bough Theatre renovation and a proposed construction contract of up to $364,417.13 for beach access stair repairs at 10th and 12th Avenues.

Recent meetings: agendas set, outcomes not yet confirmed

Five public meetings were scheduled between July 20 and July 30. Because minutes have not been published for any of them, this roundup reports only what each agenda listed — not what was ultimately decided.

Historic Resources Board (July 20). The board was scheduled to adopt June 15 minutes, give direction on including "A Visual History of Carmel" in the Draft Residential Design Guidelines, and hold public hearings on three historic-resource matters: a National Register nomination for Stonehouse Terrace (APN 010-145-018-000), a removal request for the Isabel Winslow House from the Carmel Inventory of Historic Resources (APN 010-171-005-000), and a consistency determination for additions to the John L. Hinds House (APN 010-184-004-000).

Traffic Safety Committee (July 21). The committee was set to review a proposed parking bulb-out on 6th Avenue between Lincoln and Dolores, tied to the Harrison Memorial Library Centennial Restoration Project, and consider changing enforcement of the 10-minute parking limit on 5th Avenue between Dolores Street and San Carlos Street from 24-hour coverage to 8 AM–7 PM.

Harrison Memorial Library Board of Trustees (July 22). This meeting was canceled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 26, 2026.

City Council (July 30). The Council was scheduled to hear presentations from three recruitment firms, select one, and adopt Resolution 2026-055 authorizing an agreement for the City Administrator recruitment. The outcome is not yet confirmed in published minutes.

Coming up: City Council, August 3

The Council meets in a hybrid session with several notable items:

• **Golden Bough Theatre fee waiver.** Pacific Repertory Theatre has requested a $196,648.71 building-permit fee waiver for the Golden Bough Theatre renovation project.
• **Verizon settlement.** The Council will consider Resolution 2026-059 approving a settlement agreement with Verizon in the matter of GTE Mobilenet v. City of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
• **Mills Act contracts.** The Council will give direction on issuing Notices of Non-Renewal for existing Mills Act contracts, which affect property owners receiving tax reductions in exchange for preserving historic homes.
• **Climate MOU.** Resolution 2026-056 would adopt a memorandum of understanding for the Monterey Bay Regional Climate Project Working Group.
• **Alcohol service.** Resolution 2026-057 would authorize alcohol service on public property for the Tutti a Tavola lunch on October 11, 2026.
• **Evacuation drill report.** The Council will receive an after-action report on a recent evacuation drill.

Coming up: City Council, August 4

A second Council session covers budget, housing, and safety topics:

• **Beach stairs contract.** The Council will consider a construction contract with Silcon Constructors for the Beach Access 12th and 10th Avenues Stairs Repair Project, not to exceed $364,417.13.
• **Fee schedule.** Adoption of a Fee Schedule Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Fee Schedule.
• **Accessory dwelling units.** Discussion of ADU permitting and draft amendments to Title 17.
• **Wildfire safety.** Direction on a potential urgency ordinance for home hardening and wildfire safety regulations.
• **Financial stewardship.** Discussion and direction on a Financial Stewardship Workgroup ad hoc.

Coming up: Building Code Board of Appeals, August 5

The board will decide Appeal 250598, filed by Jennifer Blevins, regarding a requirement to install a public restroom and fire sprinkler system at the Mad Dogs & Englishmen restaurant. The appeal was continued from a previous meeting. The board will also approve minutes from its January 16 and July 2, 2026 meetings.

Note on sourcing

All recent meetings listed above are marked "agenda only (minutes not yet published)" in the city's records. Decisions, vote tallies, and any amendments made during those sessions cannot be confirmed until minutes are released. Readers seeking authoritative records should consult the official agendas and minutes posted by the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Weekly Meeting Roundup: Housing Element, Design Reviews, and Historic Resources on the Docket

Carmel-by-the-Sea's city boards and commissions covered a wide range of topics in the week of July 6–14, from a state-mandated Housing Element amendment to residential design reviews and a proposed tree fine policy. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, this roundup reports what was on each agenda — not what was decided. Residents should watch for posted minutes to confirm outcomes.

City Council — July 6 (Special Session)

The Council's special session agenda included a public hearing on an appeal of a coastal development permit for an accessory dwelling unit on Scenic Road (APN 010-312-012), with a recommended continuance to August 3. Orders of business included discussion on funding for See Monterey marketing services and adoption of Resolution 2026-052 amending the FY 2026/27 budget. The agenda also listed a lease agreement with Church of the Wayfarer for a temporary library location during the Harrison Memorial Library Restoration, approval of street projects for the FY 2026/27 Capital Improvement Plan funded by SB1, and a closed session on lease negotiations for Sunset Center (San Carlos Street between 8th and 10th Avenues).

City Council — July 7

The Council scheduled public hearings on adopting the 6th Cycle 2023–2031 Housing Element Amendment (Resolution 2026-053/054, including an Addendum to a Mitigated Negative Declaration) and on updating the FY 2026-2027 Fee Schedule for citywide, planning, public safety, and public works fees, with a fee waiver policy discussion. Also on the agenda: discussion and approval of primary arguments for ballot measures on Transient Occupancy Tax and Transactions and Use Tax, a discussion on a Financial Stewardship Workgroup ad hoc, and an update and direction on architectural services for the new Police and Public Works Facilities Project.

Planning Commission — July 8

Commissioners were set to tour project sites at 2:30 p.m. before reconvening at 4:00 p.m. for public hearings on several design studies and coastal development permits:

• **DS 26081 (P&T 2024 LLC):** Final Design Study and Coastal Development Permit for demolition of an existing single-family residence and construction of a new 3,523-sq-ft residence with attached garage at 11th Avenue 2 NE of Torres Street.
• **DS 25019 (McWhorter):** Final Design Study and Coastal Development Permit for demolition and construction of a 1,555-sq-ft two-story residence with attached garage at Carmelo Street 2 NE of Ocean Avenue.
• **DS 26084 (Britannia California):** Combined Concept and Final Design Study and Coastal Development Permit for substantial alterations to a single-family residence at San Antonio Avenue 2 SW of 11th Street.
• **DS 26117 (Louth):** Concept Design Study for demolition of an existing residence and construction of a new 1,797-sq-ft two-story dwelling with garage at Lincoln Street 3 NE of 12th Avenue.
• **UP 26131 (VIN by the Sea):** Use Permit Amendment and Design Review to expand the VIN by the Sea restaurant into a separate unit at Su Vecino Court (Dolores Street 2 NW of 6th Avenue).

Forest and Beach Commission — July 9

The agenda called for adopting June 2026 meeting minutes, reviewing the June 2026 Foresters Report, discussing a tree fine, hearing the June 2026 Public Works Director's Report, and considering future agenda items.

Community Activities Commission — July 14

The commission was scheduled to approve minutes from the June 9, 2026 meeting, conduct the annual election of a Chair and Vice-Chair for 2026, review past events, discuss upcoming events, and receive reports from its Ad Hoc Committees.

Coming Up

• **July 20 — Historic Resources Board:** Consent agenda includes adopting June 15, 2026 minutes. Public hearings cover a National Register nomination for Stonehouse Terrace (APN 010-145-018-000), a removal request for the Isabel Winslow House from the Carmel Inventory of Historic Resources (APN 010-171-005-000), and a consistency determination for additions to the John L. Hinds House (APN 010-184-004-000). The board will also give direction on including "A Visual History of Carmel" in the Draft Residential Design Guidelines.
• **July 21 — Traffic Safety Committee:** Feedback on a proposed parking bulb-out on 6th Avenue between Lincoln and Dolores, tied to the Harrison Memorial Library Centennial Restoration Project, and review of a request to change 10-minute parking enforcement on 5th Avenue between Dolores Street and San Carlos Street from 24-hour coverage to 8 AM–7 PM. Public comment accepted in person and via Zoom.

Note: All recent meetings listed above are marked "agenda only" — minutes have not yet been published. Outcomes reported here reflect what was scheduled for discussion or action, not confirmed decisions.