Carmel-by-the-Sea, a picturesque coastal town in California’s Monterey County, is known for its fairy-tale cottages, scenic charm, and one very unusual law.
If you plan to walk its streets in high heels taller than two inches, you’ll need an official city permit.
Though it sounds like an urban legend, the regulation is real. Enacted in 1963 at the request of the city attorney, the law was introduced to protect the municipality from lawsuits resulting from injuries caused by uneven sidewalks. The town’s tree-lined streets, particularly those lined with large cypress and Monterey pine trees, are prone to upheaved pavement and tripping hazards caused by tree roots.
The rule specifically targets heels that are over two inches high with less than one square inch of surface area, making stilettos a potential legal hazard. To comply, visitors must stop by City Hall to obtain a free permit. Despite not being actively enforced, the law serves as a legal safeguard: without a permit, you cannot sue the city if you fall in such shoes.
Interestingly, many tourists request the permit as a quirky souvenir. Signed by a city clerk and personalized with the recipient’s name, it’s a fun memento of a truly unique travel fact.
Carmel’s concern for unusual legal liabilities doesn’t stop at footwear. Until recently, the town also banned eating ice cream in the downtown area — again, to prevent sticky sidewalks and potential accidents.
While the cobblestone paths and brick walkways aren’t ideal for showcasing stilettos, Carmel’s high-heel permit remains a charming (and slightly bizarre) reminder that this town does things its way.
