Del Mar: Amendments Approved For One Of Two Commercial Zones

Press release from the City of Del Mar:

September 10, 2020

The City Council on Sept. 8 approved amendments to allow residential uses in one commercial zone but fell short of gaining the super majority vote required to authorize the uses in a second and larger commercial zone.

On a first reading, the council approved allowing dwelling units in the Professional Commercial Zone on Camino del Mar between 9th and 8th streets. A second reading is set for Sept. 21.

In the North Commercial Zone, on Jimmy Durante Boulevard and San Dieguito Drive, the Planning Department’s package of zoning amendments did not receive the four votes needed to modify Del Mar’s Community Plan.

In both zones, the amendments to the Community Plan, Zoning Code, and Local Coastal Program call for residential occupancy of up to 20 dwelling units per acre as allowed uses.

Also on Sept. 8, the Council certified an environmental impact report. The report found that by applying a mitigation, monitoring and reporting program to future development projects, the amendments would cause no significant environmental impact.

The Planning Department brought forward the proposed amendments to keep the City in compliance with State Housing Element law and avoid exposure to a range of penalties.

As proposed, all existing zoning limits on height, floor area ratio and setbacks continue to apply and all existing, non-residential uses would continue to be allowed. Future commercial development is not be required to include housing.

On Sept. 15, the Planning Commission is set to review the City Council action as part of its consideration of the Sixth Cycle Housing Element Update.

Open the North Commercial/Professional Commercial Amendments staff report

Watch a video of the City Council hearing

North Commercial Zone

Professional Commercial Zone

This press release was produced by the City of Del Mar . The views expressed here are the author’s own.