Where do you live? That’s a tricky question for a California town with no address

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, California – No one in this affluent California community, known for its white-sand beaches and storybook 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 life without an address, this seaside tourist destination where Clint Eastwood once presided as mayor is moving forward with a plan to assign street numbers to homes and businesses.

Many longtime residents are not happy about this.

Residents and visitors to the city must navigate a 2.5-square-kilometre tree-lined landscape where homes, shops, restaurants and other buildings are unnumbered. It’s even more difficult at night because the city has little public lighting.

When asked about their address, residents describe the color or style of their homes, nearby landmarks such as cypress trees and fire hydrants, or their location in relation to the nearest cross street. Many houses have signs with whimsical names like Neverland, Dreamcatcher and Pinch Me or descriptors like “San Antonio 3 SE of 9th.”

There is no mail delivery service, so residents must pick up their mail at the US Post Office, the only building with an official address.

But the addresses may finally be arriving in 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 issue street numbers.

“When emergency crews are responding, especially at night, it is very difficult to count houses to find the right house,” said Councilwoman Karen Ferlito, noting that the city has an aging population. “Sometimes they go to the wrong house and that wastes precious time.”

Residents complain that many government agencies and companies require a physical address for service. They say delivery people and taxi drivers can’t find their homes and often leave packages and food orders at the wrong house.

“We received deliveries of flowers that were useless. We received fruit baskets when my father died at six weeks old,” said Betty Kullas, who moved to Carmel 15 years ago. “Sometimes, if you know it was delivered somewhere, you have to go out with a flashlight at night, going from house to house to see if you can find it.”

Kullas said her husband’s $13,000 medication never arrived and dropping it off at the post office won’t work because it requires refrigeration. It was a struggle to get water, electricity and cable TV service without a physical address.

But many don’t see the need for addresses, even in modern times 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 addresses and it’s something you’re used to,” longtime resident Grant Johnson said outside the post office. “This is one of the charms of Carmel. It’s one of the stories we can tell.”

Among those against it 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 lived like this for 100 years. We don’t need them.”

The address issue has generated controversy in Carmel since its founding in 1916, often pitting business owners against residents who want to preserve the village’s character, culture and charm.

City officials passed a law requiring house numbering in 1926, but residents concerned about preservation fought back. Three years later, the city passed an ordinance to keep Carmel’s residential streets free of sidewalks, street lights, neon signs, tall buildings and mailboxes. It also banned addresses.

In 1953, Carmel threatened to secede from California over proposed state legislation requiring house numbers. The project was not approved.

The issue resurfaced as a hot topic during the pandemic, when in-person interactions were reduced and more residents wanted packages and meals delivered to their homes.

Local officials and firefighters spoke out in support of the speeches at the July 9 council meeting, noting that the lack of street numbers violates fire and building codes.

Potter dismissed safety concerns, pointing out that local emergency service providers have detailed knowledge of the city and can respond within minutes.

Some longtime residents worry that street numbers will detract from Carmel’s uniqueness.

“I’ve lived here so long that I kind of forgot what it’s like to get mail, so it doesn’t bother me,” said resident Virginia Crapo. “I think it’s more community when you have to go to the post office to get your mail because you can see your neighbors.”

Even after homes receive addresses, post offices will remain open and there will be no mail delivery service to homes, Ferlito said.

After the council’s vote, city staff were directed to develop a numbering plan that must be approved by the U.S. Postal Service.

But the story is not over. In November, residents will vote on councilors and a mayor who will determine the fate of issuing addresses 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 continues to stay the course,” said Councilman Jeff Baron, who is running for mayor and voted on the streets. addresses.

Others agree that it is time to join the modern world.

“I don’t think the street numbers ruin the charm,” said part-time resident Bruce Edwards, who picked up mail from his mailbox. “I’m in favor for delivery reasons. Uber will work better. Ambulances will be able to find us when I have a heart attack. And my UPS driver will be able to deliver my books.”