Carmel-by-the-Sea · Land use · Single-family home
Where is a single-family home allowed in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
In Carmel-by-the-Sea, a single-family home is allowed in 4 base zones (R-1, R-4, CC and P-2, 2 with a condition), needs a conditional use permit in 2 (SC and RC) and not allowed in 1 (Carmel-by-the-Sea use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-1, R-4, CC and P-2
- Needs a permit: SC and RC
- Not allowed: P-1
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a single-family home can go
Carmel-by-the-Sea's code calls this use “Single-Family”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 R-1 District | Allowed | § 17.08.040 |
| R-4 | Allowed | § 17.08.040 |
| CC | Allowed — see note Note L-5: Limited to sites that are already developed with a single-family dwelling, or that were originally developed as, or used as, a single-family dwelling but have since been converted to another use. Existing single-family dwellings can be maintained, altered, repaired and/or redeveloped. R-1 district floor area ratio standards shall apply to these sites. | § 17.14.030 |
| P-2 | Allowed — see note Note L-1: Limited to the use and maintenance of existing buildings for nonprofit organizations, governmental buildings and uses, and residential use. | § 17.18.030 |
| SC | Needs a conditional use permit | § 17.14.030 |
| RC | Needs a conditional use permit | § 17.14.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
P-1.
What else applies
- Standards for this use: CMC 17.08.050(H) Single-Family Residential Dwellings.
- State law: State law lets most single-family lots add an ADU and a JADU (California ADU law) and a second home or a lot split under SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21).
- Not covered here: Zone names not stated in the packet. Schedules: II-1 residential R-1/R-4 (S1), II-B commercial CC/SC/RC (S5), II-C park P-1/P-2 (S7), II-D A-1/A-2/A-3 (S8). Overlay and community plan districts have no use table in the packet.. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a single-family home in the SC zone in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Only with a conditional use permit. Carmel-by-the-Sea's use table lists it that way in SC (§ 17.14.030).
Can I have a single-family home in the P-1 zone in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
No. Carmel-by-the-Sea's use table does not allow it in P-1 (§ 17.18.030).
Can I have a single-family home in the R-1 zone in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
Yes. Carmel-by-the-Sea's use table lists it as allowed in R-1 (R-1 District) (§ 17.08.040).
General information, not legal advice.
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