Carmel By The Sea Council Addresses Emergency Response and Dispatch Challenges

The Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council held a special meeting on August 27, 2025, focusing on the critical topic of street address management and its implications for public safety and emergency response. The meeting highlighted the need for compliance with state fire codes regarding address visibility and identification, particularly for properties accessed via private roads or driveways.

City officials emphasized that clear address identification is essential for emergency responders. They discussed the importance of maintaining visible address postings to ensure that emergency services can locate properties quickly, especially in areas where buildings are not easily visible from public roads. This is particularly relevant for certain streets in the city that may resemble long driveways, which could confuse responders.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the current address system's noncompliance with state code. Officials noted that any potential election to address this issue would not be legally valid if it allowed the city to remain in noncompliance. This led to discussions about the responsibilities of elected representatives in making decisions regarding the address system without relying on public votes.

The meeting also addressed the effectiveness of local emergency response services. City leaders praised the Carmel Police Department's dispatch unit, which operates independently from the county's centralized dispatch system. This unique setup allows local dispatchers to better understand the city's address system, improving response times. However, officials acknowledged that response times could be affected by the location of emergency assets, as fire and ambulance services may not always be stationed within the city.

In conclusion, the City Council's discussions underscored the importance of updating the address system to enhance public safety and ensure compliance with state regulations. The city plans to continue evaluating its emergency response capabilities and address management practices to better serve its residents.