CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, California — No one in this wealthy California community known for its white-sand beaches and fairytale charm has an address. But unlike the homes in Carmel-By-The-Sea, those days may soon be numbered.
After more than a century of being addressless, this seaside tourist destination where Clint Eastwood once served as mayor is moving ahead with a plan to assign street numbers to homes and businesses.
Many residents who have lived there for a long time are not happy about it.
The city’s residents and visitors must navigate a 2.5-square-kilometer (1-square-mile) wooded landscape where houses, shops, restaurants and other buildings have no numbers. At night, it’s even more difficult, as the city has few street lights.
When asked for their address, residents describe the color or style of their home, nearby landmarks like cypress trees and fire hydrants, or their location relative to the nearest side street. Many homes have signs with whimsical names like Neverland, Dreamcatcher, and Pinch Me, or descriptions like “San Antonio 3 SE of 9th.”
There is no mail delivery, so residents must pick up their mail at the U.S. Post Office, the only building with an official address.
But street addresses may finally be coming to this coastal city of 3,300, about 120 miles (193 kilometers) south of San Francisco. In July, the City Council voted 3-2 to move forward with a plan to assign street numbers.
“When emergency responders respond, especially at night, it’s very difficult to count houses to find the right house,” said Councilwoman Karen Ferlito, who noted the city has an aging population. “Sometimes they go to the wrong house and that wastes valuable time.”
Residents complain that many government agencies and businesses require a physical address for service. They say delivery people and taxi drivers can’t find their homes and often deliver packages and food orders to the wrong house.
“We’ve had flowers delivered that were worthless. We’ve had fruit baskets delivered when my dad passed away that were six weeks old,” said Betty Kullas, who moved to Carmel 15 years ago. “Sometimes when you know it’s been delivered somewhere, you have to go out at night with a flashlight and go door to door and see if you can find it.”
Kullas said her husband’s $13,000 worth of medications never arrived and that having them taken to the post office doesn’t work because they need to be refrigerated. It’s been a struggle to get water, electricity and cable service without a physical address.
However, many people do not see the need for street addresses, even in this day and age when people increasingly use their addresses to shop online and obtain important legal documents.
“I was born in Carmel 67 years ago. I grew up without street addresses, and it’s just something you get used to,” Grant Johnson, a lifelong resident, said outside the post office. “That’s one of the charms of Carmel. It’s one of the stories we get to tell.”
Among the opponents is the mayor, who voted against the measure.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Mayor Dave Potter said during an interview at his home. “I just don’t think it’s necessary. I mean, honestly, we’ve been living this way for 100 years. We don’t need them.”
The issue of street addresses has been a source of controversy in Carmel since its founding in 1916, often pitting business owners against residents who want to preserve the character, culture and charm of the village.
City officials passed an ordinance requiring house numbering in 1926, but preservationists resisted. Three years later, the city passed an ordinance to keep Carmel’s residential streets free of sidewalks, streetlights, neon signs, tall buildings and mailboxes. It also banned street addresses.
In 1953, Carmel threatened to secede from California over a state bill requiring house numbers. The bill failed to pass.
The issue resurfaced as a hot topic during the pandemic, as in-person interactions were curtailed and more residents wanted packages and meals delivered to their homes.
Local law enforcement and firefighters spoke out in support of speeches made at the July 9 council meeting, pointing out that the lack of house numbers violates fire and building codes.
Potter dismissed safety concerns, pointing out that local emergency services have detailed knowledge of the city and can be on the scene within minutes.
Some long-time residents fear that the house numbers will detract from Carmel’s cozy character.
“I’ve lived here so long, I’ve kind of forgotten what it’s like to get mail delivered, so it doesn’t bother me,” said resident Virginia Crapo. “I think it’s more communal when you have to go to the post office to get your mail, because you can see your neighbors.”
Even after homes are given street addresses, the post office remains open and mail is no longer delivered to residents, Ferlito said.
After the council vote, city staff were tasked with developing a numbering plan that would have to be approved by the U.S. Postal Service.
But the story isn’t over yet. In November, residents will vote on city council members and a mayor who will determine whether addresses will be provided to residents.
“This is a very political issue and I don’t know what will happen after the election, but I hope the new council will continue on the same course,” said Councilman Jeff Baron, who is running for mayor and voted in favor of street addresses.
Others agree that it is time to join the modern world.
“I don’t think house numbers will ruin the charm,” said part-time resident Bruce Edwards, who picked up mail at his post office box. “I’m in favor of it because of the delivery issues. Uber will work better. The ambulances can find us if I have a heart attack. And my UPS driver can deliver my books.”