2003 General Plan for Village Character
We reference the June 2003 General Plan Introduction to reinforce that our mission has been already endorsed by the City:
“Carmel-by-the-Sea is internationally recognized as a unique small coastal community with a residential village character. Early development was predominantly residential. Commercial development began as small-scale village enterprises designed to serve the needs of the local residents. Through the years, these commercial uses have expanded to cater largely to visitors.
Located adjacent to Carmel Bay with gently rising slopes, the City has conscientiously retained its residential village character in a forest setting, dominated by Monterey Pines. The special character of this residential coastal community is considered a unique asset of statewide and national significance that should be maintained as a resource both for local residents and for visitors.”
The above states that the special character of this “residential” coastal community is a state and national asset. Since modern style architecture evokes a “commercial” character, modern style is not in keeping with the valuable “residential village character” of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Modern Style Architecture Elements
(Some traditional style homes may include certain details below on occasion)
- Box like appearance
- Cubism architecture
- Large surfaces without relief
- Undivided glass windows
- Elements without detail or trim
- Artificial/Man-made vs natural or authentic materials
- Starkly contrasting colors (e.g., Bright white with black trim)
- Ribbed-metal, asymmetrical, flat and/or shallow pitched roofs
- Use of industrial materials such as steel, glass and concrete, or obvious faux materials
- Horizontal wood or wire fencing
General appearance evoking reactions of a, cold, unfriendly, machine-like, lifeless, impersonal, sensational, trendy, ubiquitous, powerful, stunning, ostentatious, commercial, and/or overpowering building
Traditional Design Elements
- Natural materials
- Pleasant open spaces
- Abundant landscaping where home fits into its natural environment
- Carmel Stone and local granite
- Wooden hand carved doors
- Wood, or authentic appearing window frames, sills, and moldings
- Wooden, stone, or authentic appearing roofing materials
- Detail and craftsmanship
- Embellished work with detail
- Create interest and continual delight in design
- Surfaces are broken up by ridges, insets, decorative tiles, cavities, niches, and changes of material
- Textures show great variety from smooth troweled plaster, brick, stone, rock, painted, carved, stained or rough-cut wood
- Corners exhibit bevels, bullnoses, cornices, and moldings
General appearance evoking reactions of a warm, friendly, unassuming, inviting, magical, whimsical, cozy, welcoming, heartwarming, and human scale home
