Carmel Preservation Association

Safeguarding the charming traditional architecture of Carmel-by-the-Sea

Statement of Purpose

Carmel Preservation Association (CPA) was founded to protect the traditional style architecture that has made Carmel-by-the-Sea a global destination for over one hundred years. “Modern style architecture” has been infiltrating our commercial and residential community to the dismay of most of its citizens. It is incompatible with the residential “Village Forest” character and charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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Save the Charm

We do not support any “modern style architecture” in Carmel. Supporting even a small percentage of modern style architecture would open the floodgates and make it impossible to stop a potential influx of modern design which would destroy the charm of the village. However, there are a plethora of traditional styles that would be compatible with our small-town environment.

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Our Objective

Therefore, we must create Design Guidelines, Zoning Laws and elect politicians who appoint appropriate Planning Commissioners sympathetic to our cause to achieve these goals. We encourage the Residents of Carmel to measure all their choices for Carmel elected offices accordingly. Likewise, we will need to educate staff to these goals so they will appropriately inform architects and newcomers of what is acceptable in our community. We also desire the creation of a Design Review Board to review designs specifically for the purpose of determining if they are compatible with Carmel Village Character.

Mayor Dave Potter, “Barbara Livingston has served the residents and city of Carmel-by-the-Sea for over 50 years with passion and integrity… Barbara has forcefully, consistently, compassionately and successfully promoted the imperative need to preserve the unique character of Carmel-by-the-Sea.”

We devote our mission in loving memory to: