The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea plans to install 16 new stop signs beginning Oct. 26 to address safety concerns at several intersections, staff said at the Oct. 17 meeting.

“...there will be stop signs installation that will start happening this October 26. And the first location would be on Fifth in San Carlos,” staff said, citing a press release issued by Chief of Police Todd Traeger.

Mayor Byrne said the council had ensured the changes would not include traffic signals: “There's no stoplights going in. We made sure that, Council made sure of that, no stoplights, but there are stop signs.”

Why it matters: The city framed the change as a safety improvement for pedestrians and drivers at confusing intersections. Staff identified the location above the post office (Fifth and San Carlos) as the first site and said installations will begin the week of Oct. 26.

Details and scope: Staff said 16 stop signs are scheduled for installation and that the Public Works team will handle the work. The first installation is at the intersection above the post office on Fifth in San Carlos. The meeting record did not provide a full list of all planned locations or a map.

Process and authority: The announcement referenced a police department press release. No ordinance, council motion or formal vote on the installations was recorded in the transcript excerpt; the change was discussed as a staff-implemented safety measure.

Community guidance: City leaders urged residents to exercise caution during the changeover and to secure property during the upcoming holiday season. No traffic studies, cost estimates, or permit details were provided in the meeting record.