No one in this wealthy California town known for its white-sand beaches and storybook charm has a street address. But unlike the houses in Carmel-By-The-Sea, those days may soon be numbered. After more than a century of address-free living, this seaside tourist destination where Clint Eastwood once presided as mayor is moving ahead with a plan to assign street numbers to homes and businesses. And many long-time residents aren’t happy about it. The town’s residents and visitors must navigate a woodsy 1-square-mile landscape where houses, stores, restaurants and other buildings don’t have numbers. It’s even more difficult at night because the town has few street lights. When asked for their address, residents describe their homes’ color or style, nearby landmarks like cypress trees and fire hydrants or their location relative to the nearest cross street. Many houses have signs with whimsical names like Neverland, Dreamcatcher and Pinch Me or descriptors such as “San Antonio 3 SE of 9th.” There is no mail delivery service, so residents must pick up up their mail at the U.S. post office, the only building with an official address. But street address may finally be coming to this coastal town of 3,300 residents, about 120 miles (193.12 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, particularly at night, it’s very difficult to count houses in order to find the right house,” Councilmember Karen Ferlito said, noting 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 businesses require physical address for service. They say delivery and taxi drivers can’t find their homes and often drop off packages and food orders at the wrong house. But many don’t see the need for street addresses in their town, even in modern times when people increasingly use their addresses to shop online and get important legal documents. “I was born in Carmel 67 years ago. I grew up with no street addresses, and it’s just something you’re used to,” said life-long resident Grant Johnson outside the post office. “That’s one of the charms of Carmel. It’s one of the stories we get to tell.” Those opposed include the mayor who voted against the measure. “If it’s not 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 this way for 100 years. We don’t need them.” The issue of street addresses has generated controversy in Carmel since its founding in 1916, often pitting business owners against residents intent on preserving the town’s character, culture and village charm. City officials passed an ordinance requiring house numbering in 1926, but preservation-minded residents fought back. Three years later, the city passed an ordinance to keep Carmel’s residential streets free of sidewalks, street lights, neon signs, high-rise buildings, mailboxes and .... street addresses. In 1953, Carmel threatened to secede from California over proposed state legislation that would require house numbers. The bill didn’t pass. The issue reemerged as a hot-button issue during the pandemic, when in-person interactions were curtailed and more residents wanted to have packages and meals delivered to their homes. Local law enforcement and fire officials spoke out in support of addresses at the July 9 council meeting, noting the lack of street numbers violates fire and building codes. Mayor Potter dismissed the safety concerns, pointing out that local emergency service providers have detailed knowledge of the town and can respond within a few minutes. Some longtime residents worry that street numbers will take away from Carmel’s quaintness. “I’ve lived here so long, I’ve kind of forgotten what it’s like to have mail delivered, so it doesn’t bother me,” said resident Virginia Crapo. “I think it’s more communal when you have to come down to the post office to get your mail because you can see your neighbors.” Even after homes get street addresses, the post office will remain open and there will be no delivery mail service to residences, Ferlito said. After the council vote, the city staff was directed to develop a numbering plan that must be approved by the U.S. Postal Service. But the story isn’t over. In November, residents will be voting for city councilmembers and a mayor who will determine the fate of whether to give residents addresses. Some residents say it’s time to join the modern world. “I don’t think street numbers will ruin the charm,” said part-time resident Bruce Edwards, who was picking up mail from his post office box. “I’m in favor of it because of delivery issues. Uber will work better. The ambulances will be able to find us when I have a heart attack. And my UPS driver will be able to deliver my books.”