Earlier editions: 2026-07
Title CSP — Cardiff-By-The-Sea Specific Plan
Encinitas Municipal Code § 7.2 Improvements
Encinitas Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Encinitas
Cite as: Encinitas Municipal Code § 7.2 · Text as of 2026-10-04
7.2.1 Overall Program¶
Implementation of public improvements must coincide with the Community Vision and Specific Plan Goals identified in Chapter 2.0. Certain basic financing needs have been identified which include improvements to traffic/circulation, drainage, and utility infrastructure. Other specific capital improvements include streetscape enhancement, community facilities, and community development programs.
An initial identification of capital needs within the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Specific Plan area includes:
| • | Water – Based on future redevelopment demand, there may be a need to replace older and smaller diameter water mains. Upgrades to meet new crossflow/ |
|---|---|
| • | The City should consider conducting a study of the potential to tap into groundwater to meet future water demand for landscaping and other needs. |
| • | Storm Drain – A detailed study of the storm drain system and its tributary areas is necessary to determine the capacity and need for additional storm drains. |
| • | Street Improvements – Upgrades are recommended regarding curb/ |
| • | Alley Improvements – Upgrades are recommended regarding paving, striping, landscaping, street furniture, lighting, etc. |
7.2.2 Public Improvement Priorities¶
The following ranking recommendations are made in regard to the sequencing of improvements:
| 1st Priority | • Alley and drainage improvements. |
|---|---|
| • Storm Drain Study and upgrades as necessary. | |
| 2nd Priority | • Pedestrian pathway linkages (missing sections of curbs & sidewalks) |
| 3rd Priority | • Prioritize streetscape design and improvement plans |
| a. Intersection improvements | |
| b. Major gateway improvements | |
| • Street improvements within balance of Specific Plan area. |
7.2.3 Public Maintenance¶
Although conditions may warrant more at certain times, frequency of public maintenance (e.g. street sweeping, trash collection, tree trimming in the right-of-way, and graffiti) shall be in accordance with the citywide schedule or as approved by the City Council.
7.2.4 Financing Strategies¶
The following is a summary of possible methods for financing the Specific Plan improvements described above. This listing is not intended to exclude any other available funding source.
A. Special Assessment Districts (1911, 1913, 1915 Act)
California law provides procedures to levy assessments against benefiting properties and issue tax exempt bonds to finance public facilities and infrastructure improvements. Assessment districts, also known as improvement districts, are initiated by the legislative body (e.g. city), subject to majority protest of property owners or registered voters. Assessments are distributed in proportion to the benefits received by each property, and represent a lien against property. The assessments are fixed dollar amounts, and may be prepaid. Only improvements with property specific benefits (e.g. roads, and sewer and water improvements) may be financed with assessments.
B. Area of Benefit Fees
Area of benefit fees may be enacted by the legislative body (i.e. city) through adoption of an ordinance, without voter approval. The fee must be directly related to the benefit received. It does not create a lien against property, but must be paid in full as a condition of approval. Its principal use is for encumbering properties that do not voluntarily enter into an assessment of a Community Facilities District (CFD), so that they pay their fair share at the time they are ready to be developed. Proceeds may be used to reimburse property owners who pay up-front cost for facilities benefiting other properties. Benefiting properties may be given the option to finance the fees by entering into an assessment district (1913/1911 Act).
C. Landscaping and Lighting Districts
Landscaping and Lighting Districts (LLD) may be used for installation, maintenance and servicing of landscaping and lighting, through annual assessments on benefiting properties. LLDs also may provide for construction and maintenance of appurtenant features, including curbs, gutters, walls, pathways or paving, and irrigation or drainage facilities. They also may be used to fund and maintain parks above normal park standards maintained from general fund revenues.
D. Development Impact Mitigation Fees
The City collects a variety of fees from new development to provide for infrastructure improvements required due to the increased demand caused by development. While impact fees may not be assessed to address existing deficiencies, fees collected from new development may be used to build new facilities or upgrade existing facilities that will serve the new development. The City collects fees for drainage, traffic impacts, parks, trails, and open space, as well as for community facilities.
E. Façade Grant Program
The program offers monetary incentives for façade renovation to stimulate the process of revitalization. The goal of the Façade Grant Program is to bring new life to older buildings by assisting current businesses in upgrading their business image and fostering a more vibrant downtown.
F. Other Funding Sources
There may be other sources available to finance improvement projects such as developer funding strategies, special assessment districts, community facilities districts, government grants, or various types of bonds not listed above that may be used to fund improvements.
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