Fire and Police Leaders Support Standardized Addressing for Public Safety

In a pivotal discussion during the City Council Special Meeting on August 27, 2025, Carmel-by-the-Sea officials underscored the urgent need for standardized street addresses, a move championed by both fire and police leadership. This shift aims to enhance public safety and streamline emergency response, as current address systems have been deemed inadequate.

City leaders revealed that fire and police departments have historically hesitated to engage in the address standardization debate, viewing it as politically charged. However, they are now advocating for a more practical approach focused on public safety. "We’re just trying to turn it into a public safety conversation," one official stated, emphasizing the necessity of this change.

The meeting also introduced a prototype addressing system designed to meet the requirements of the Address Management System (AMS). This prototype aims to avoid altering street names or increasing signage while ensuring that the new system is intuitive and logical for residents and first responders alike. The city plans to engage with key stakeholders, including the post office and county officials, to refine the proposed addressing scheme.

Four models were presented for consideration, with the quadrant model being one of the primary options. The council's commitment to this initiative reflects a broader goal of improving emergency services and maintaining the city's unique character. As discussions progress, the city anticipates further collaboration with various entities to finalize a standardized addressing system that prioritizes safety and efficiency.