Del Mar Commission Recommending Approval For Housing In Commercial Zones

Press release from the City of Del Mar:

August 12, 2020

On a unanimous vote, the Planning Commission on Aug. 11 approved issuing formal recommendations to the City Council to adopt housing-related amendments in two commercial zones.

The amendments would introduce multiple-dwelling residential units as allowed uses in the North Commercial Zone (on Jimmy Durante Boulevard and San Dieguito Drive) and the Professional Commercial Zone (on Camino del Mar at 9th and 8th streets).

Planning Commissioners agreed to recommend that the City Council on Sept. 8:

• Adopt a resolution to certify the Program Environmental Impact Report that analyzed the proposals. The report found that by applying a mitigation, monitoring and reporting program to future development projects, the amendments would cause no significant environmental impacts; and
• Introduce an ordinance to amend the Del Mar Community Plan, Zoning Code, and Local Coastal Program relating to the North Commercial and Professional Commercial zones. The amendments would apply to a total of 20 parcels in the two zones.

The requested action is required for Del Mar to comply with State Housing Element law.

As proposed, the amendments would allow for up to 20 dwelling units per acre in the North Commercial and Professional Commercial zones. All existing zoning limits on height, floor area ratio and setbacks would continue to apply. Existing non-residential uses would continue to be allowed. Future commercial development proposals would not be required to include housing.

City Council approval will maintain local control over future housing and avoid exposure to a range of State penalties.

Open the staff report to the Planning Commission

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