ADU permit process in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Monterey County, California
Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error
We haven’t written Carmel-by-the-Sea’s permit guide yet.
We publish permit process guides one city at a time, and we would rather publish nothing than guess at Carmel-by-the-Sea’s rules using another city’s process. Permit steps, submittal requirements, and review timelines are set locally, so a guide copied from a neighboring city would be wrong in ways that cost you time.
Here is what is useful for Carmel-by-the-Sea right now.
See the fee estimate for Carmel-by-the-SeaStart here instead — official and primary sources for Carmel-by-the-Sea
- CityBudget
The live City Budget page links the adopted FY2026-27 fee schedule and identifies it as effective July 5, 2026.
Accessed August 29, 2026
The current adopted City schedule makes Building Plan Check and Inspection valuation-based, lists the 15% General Plan Update, and lists a $9 Building Technology Surcharge per permit.
Accessed August 29, 2026
- CityBuilding Safety
The live City Building Safety page retains the City’s Permit Valuations and Fees guidance as its linked Building Safety resource.
Accessed August 29, 2026
Accessed August 29, 2026
The City’s live applications page publishes and links the March 2026 Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook.
Accessed August 29, 2026
The City-hosted official March 2026 HCD handbook describes the statewide ADU/JADU impact-fee, school-fee, and utility connection/capacity rules now in effect.
Accessed August 29, 2026
What to ask the Carmel-by-the-Sea building department
- The current building permit fee schedule, and the date it took effect.
- Whether development impact fees apply at your square footage — many California cities waive them for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
- Plan submittal requirements: what drawings they expect, in what format, and whether submittal is online or in person.