Do You Need a Permit To Wear High Heeled Shoes In Carmel by the Sea, CA.

Yes, a permit is required

If you are wearing high heeled shoes that are two inches or higher and the heel is one square inch or less of bearing surface, then you need a permit.

Permits obtained at City Hall

A  permit can be obtained at City Hall and there is no fee for obtaining the permit.

Carmel by the Sea

The city of Carmel-by-the-Sea is a beautiful and picturesque 1-square mile village that is a popular tourist destination in California. The population is approximately 3,897 (2017).

The permit requirement is not enforced

Although Carmel by the Sea has the requirement, it is not enforced. This charming town is very unique in many other ways, for instance it does not allow fast food establishments or mail boxes, you have to pick your mail up at the local post office.

Chapter 8.44
PERMITS FOR WEARING CERTAIN SHOES

Code Purpose  8.44.010

It is recognized that much of the charm and appeal of the City to residents and visitors alike is due to its urban forest character, featuring the maintenance of Monterey pine, oak and other native trees or shrubs throughout the City.

The City has determined to maintain this character which benefits both the residents, by giving them quiet, semi-forested neighborhoods in which to live, and the business community, whose prosperity is so closely linked to the attractiveness of the City to visitors. The maintenance of an urban forest throughout the City necessarily involves some informality in the lighting, location and surfacing of street and sidewalk areas, which in turn involves greater risk to those wearing high heeled shoes more adaptable to formal city life. (Ord. 87 C.S. § 1, 1963; Code 1975 § 639.1).

Permit Required   8.44.020

The wearing of shoes with heels which measure more than two inches in height and less than one square inch of bearing surface upon the public streets and sidewalks of the City is prohibited, without the wearer’s first obtaining a permit for the wearing of such shoes. (Ord. 87 C.S. § 1, 1963; Code 1975 § 639.2).

Permit Conditions – Nonliability for City  8.44.030

Any person desiring to wear shoes with heels in excess of the limitations set out in CMC 8.44.020 may do so by obtaining a permit from the City Clerk acknowledging that the permittee is familiar with the provisions of CMC 8.44.010 and by agreeing that upon the issuance of such permit s/he thereby relieves the City from any and all liability for damages to her/himself or to others caused by her/his falling upon the public streets or sidewalks of the City while wearing such shoes. (Ord. 87 C.S. § 1, 1963; Code 1975 § 639.3).

Bottom Line

Although a few permit requirements are light hearted, many others can be serious and the failure to obtain permits can have serious consequences. Homeowners and buyers should be aware of what requires a permit, especially when doing additions, remodeling or projects where safety or injuries may occur.

David Jones - General Contractor, Home Inspector, Consultant

David has over 45 years’ experience as a general contractor, inspector and professional instructor. He writes articles for homeowners, new home buyers and Real Estate Agents. Read more