Carmel officials outline new ADU strategies and church property housing initiatives

The Planning Commission of Carmel-by-the-Sea convened on May 14, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and housing strategies in the community. The meeting highlighted the city's efforts to align local regulations with state legislation aimed at increasing housing availability.

Nancy Toomey, a key speaker at the meeting, emphasized the importance of leveraging existing state laws to streamline the approval process for ADUs. The city aims to facilitate ministerial approvals for these units, which are seen as a vital component in addressing housing needs. Toomey noted that recent updates to the ADU ordinance would allow for more tailored regulations specific to Carmel, while still adhering to state guidelines.

A notable aspect of the discussion was the introduction of an amnesty program for existing primary dwelling units, which would recognize and convert these into legitimate ADUs. This initiative aims to minimize disruption in residential neighborhoods while increasing the number of full-time residents in the village. Toomey reported that approximately 20 units have already been permitted as conversions of existing structures, showcasing early success in this area.

The meeting also addressed the need for a renter match program to assist low-income individuals in finding suitable ADU rentals. Additionally, a presales inspection program is being considered to ensure that properties meet code requirements, potentially uncovering unpermitted structures that could qualify as ADUs.

In terms of broader housing strategies, the commission discussed the potential for developing affordable housing on church-owned properties, following the recent passage of Senate Bill 4. This legislation allows for increased density and streamlined approvals for affordable housing projects on faith-based lands. Three church sites in Carmel have shown interest in this initiative, which could yield approximately 65 affordable units.

The commission's proposed housing strategy aims to achieve the regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) by identifying fewer sites than previously required, focusing on efficiency and effectiveness in meeting housing goals. The current proposal suggests that 12 sites could meet the RHNA, with a total of 469 units projected.

Overall, the meeting underscored Carmel-by-the-Sea's commitment to enhancing its housing stock through innovative programs and collaboration with community stakeholders. The commission plans to continue refining these strategies to ensure they align with both local needs and state mandates, with further updates expected in the coming months.