Standards

LIVING IN THE COASTAL ZONE

Carmel Point zoning ordinances pertain to the unincorporated portion of Monterey County lying in the Coastal Zone as established by the Coastal Act of 1976. We are required to abide by the local Land Use Plan (LUP). The LUP was adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Monterey County and certified by the Coastal Commission as the governing land use plan for Carmel Point and other areas of the Coastal Zone lying in the unincorporated area of the County of Monterey.

Generally speaking, construction activities here are intended to be mindful and protective of the coast and the coastal habitat which is why there are requirements that limit development, protect sensitive habitats, preserve water quality, limit outdoor lighting, protect coastal trees and beaches, and incentivize green building and landscaping. 

These requirements are specified in the Coastal Commission's certified Local Coastal Program (LCP) that applies to Carmel Point. LCPs are basic planning tools used by local governments to guide development in the coastal zone, in partnership with the Coastal Commission.  Carmel Point’s local office is:

Central Coast District Office

725 Front Street #300, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

(831) 427-4863

(831) 427-4877

While the Coastal Commission retains ongoing authority over building permits and construction, it delegates to Monterey County the responsibility to ensure that all Carmel Point permit approvals and construction conform to the local LCP. 

Last Updated 5/29/16