Encinitas Municipal Code Title ERSP Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan

Only a small portion of the 853-acre Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area is required to maintain the agricultural operations on-site. The remaining land is suitable for a variety of land uses. Uses outlined in this Specific Plan include: open space, golf course, park, residential, commercial, and mixed-use development. These uses shall be developed in harmony with the existing land uses of the ranch and surrounding areas.

This Specific Plan document includes a land use plan in which the Paul Ecke Ranch operations will primarily remain in their present location and the existing facilities will be upgraded as necessary.

Leucadia Boulevard will be extended from its current termination just east of Sidonia Road, eastward to connect with Olivenhain Road at El Camino Real. In addition, Quail Gardens Drive will be extended northward from its current terminus on-site to tie into the existing street system just northwest of Magdalena Ecke Preserve. Via Cantebria and Garden View Road will be extended to provide access into and through the Green Valley area of the project site.

(Reso. 98-17)

A maximum of 446 single family homes are planned at a maximum density of 3.0 du/ac in the Quail Hollow East, North Mesa and South Mesa Planning Areas, many in the vicinity of an 18-hole golf course. An approximately 16-acre portion of the Sidonia East Planning Area has been planned for 246 to 296 multifamily residential units (at a density of 25 to 30 du/ac) as part of an "agrihood" development included in the City's 2019 Housing Element Update. In addition, approximately 8.0 acres in the North Mesa Planning Area and approximately 8.2 acres in the Sidonia East Planning Area are zoned for medium density single family residential use at a maximum density of 5.0 du/ac. Half acre lots will be constructed on the remainder of the Sidonia East Planning Area adjacent to the golf course. Natural open space will surround much of the residential area and the golf course. In addition to the 172-acre golf course, approximately 115.8 acres of land will be zoned for agricultural operations on the mesa. Magdalena Ecke Preserve, owned and operated by the County of San Diego, contains 29.8 acres in the northwestern quadrant of the Specific Plan Area.

In Green Valley, on the west side of El Camino Real, a mix of regional commercial and mixed-use areas will be provided in conjunction with a 25.6-acre greenbelt containing passive and active recreational uses south of Leucadia Boulevard and natural open space north of Leucadia Boulevard. The Regional Commercial Center will be constructed on approximately 73.8 acres and is intended as a major retail complex that will serve Encinitas and surrounding communities. More than 100 acres of land, including the bluffs which separate the mesa from Green Valley, will be preserved as natural open space within the Specific Plan Area. Pedestrian paths will allow limited access into portions of this open space. A total of 24.8 acres of mixed-use development is planned in Green Valley.

In addition, mixed-use development is planned on 13.0 acres in the southwestern portion of the site, located on the west side of Saxony Road. An elementary school site will be located in the South Mesa Planning Area.

The project will also include a comprehensive recreation trail system and a network of collector and local streets to provide interior project circulation.

Approximately 12.8 acres in the southern portion of the Specific Plan Area is planned for community use development on both sides of Quail Gardens Drive. Also, a total of 115.8 acres of agricultural land will be preserved which includes agricultural operations on the east side of Saxony Road, a portion of the land northeast of the Sidonia Street/Leucadia Boulevard intersection, land north of the Magdalena Ecke Preserve, and some land in the northern portion of the South Mesa.

(Reso. 98-17; Ord. 2019-04)

The Specific Plan, as originally adopted in 1994, was designed to permit either one of two land use plans, to be implemented on the subject property. Land Use Plan Alternative A assumed that the existing ranch and greenhouse operations would move from their present location on the east side of Saxony Road to the South Mesa area. Land Use Plan Alternative B assumed that the ranch and greenhouse operations would remain in their present location and the existing facilities would be upgraded as necessary.

In 1997, the ranch and greenhouse operations owner determined that Land Use Alternative Plan B, as modified, would best accommodate its business plans for the future. Except for a remote greenhouse location north of the Magdalena Ecke Preserve to store and manage genetic material, the ranch and greenhouse operations would require only the area east of Saxony Road on which to rebuild its facilities.

Also at that time, the owner of the other main agricultural operation (Dramm & Echter, Inc.) within the Specific Plan Area, located along Sidonia Street and north of Leucadia Boulevard, determined that it would retain its land in long term agricultural use. In order to enhance the viability of its agricultural operations by providing a larger area for its use, it was also determined that acreage adjacent to its existing greenhouse operations, along with additional acreage in the south mesa, would be zoned for agricultural use.

The 1997 Specific Plan Amendment deleted all references to the two alternative land use plans as references to Land Use Plan Alternative A became unnecessary. The Specific Plan now reflects only Land Use Plan Alternative B, as modified and approved by the City of Encinitas City Council and the California Coastal Commission.

(Reso. 98-17)

The 2003 Specific Plan Amendment incorporated one revision to the Specific Plan in Green Valley Planning Area. The revision to the Green Valley Planning Area added 30,000 square feet to the Regional Commercial Center by increasing the permitted total of the Regional Commercial Center from 650,000 square feet to 680,000 square feet.

(Reso. 2004-13)

The 2008 Specific Plan Amendment incorporated one revision to the Specific Plan in the Green Valley Planning Area. Previously, development in the Regional Commercial Center in the Green Valley Planning Area was permitted to a maximum of 680,000 square feet, plus 15,000 square feet for a performing arts theater, for a total of 695,000 square feet of uses. The 2008 revision increased the total permitted development in the Regional Commercial Center to 750,000 square feet.

(Reso. 09-47)

The 2019 Specific Plan Amendment incorporated revisions to the Specific Plan in the Sidonia East Planning Area. In 2019, as part of the City's Housing Element Update, an approximately 16-acre portion of the Sidonia East Planning Area was designated for 246 to 296 multifamily residential units (at a density of 25 to 30 du/ac) as part of an "agrihood" development. The site sits at the junction of a major 4-lane arterial and a local 2-lane road. The owner had expressed interest in developing 250 residential units in conjunction with a working agricultural practice. The Agricultural Zone provisions of this Specific Plan encourage the continued agricultural use of portions of the Specific Plan Area and the provision of a favorable setting in which to continue agricultural operations. The "agrihood" concept proposed allows for the continued viability of an agricultural business on the site.

(Ord. 2019-04)

The Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan is intended to encourage the development of the largest remaining parcel located within the City of Encinitas' Sphere of Influence. This Specific Plan attempts to maintain the site's agricultural heritage, while permitting development that complements the character of the various existing Encinitas communities, especially New and Old Encinitas and Leucadia. Areas of greater land use intensity are permitted by this Specific Plan in certain specific locations adjacent to El Camino Real, Leucadia Boulevard, Quail Gardens Drive, and Saxony Road. These areas of greater intensity will help meet the needs of project area and city residents for retail and office services, mixed-use development, and multi-family housing. Other uses proposed within the Specific Plan include community-serving uses such as parks, an elementary school site, areas for theaters and museums, and a possible expansion site for Quail Botanical Gardens.

(Ord. 2019-04)

The Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan is designed to allow agricultural uses to continue operating as a viable business, while permitting a mix of residential, commercial, mixed use, recreation, and open space uses to develop on the remaining portions of the project site.

To facilitate discussion of the Land Use Plan, the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area has been divided into eight separate segments which have been designated as "Planning Areas" as shown in Figure 5, Planning Areas. Each Planning Area has been given a name based on its geographical position and historical context in the community. All Planning Areas have been planned in this document to a level of detail permitting these areas to proceed directly to the tentative map stage.

The Land Use Plan provides that the Agricultural Zone will remain in the locations of the existing green-houses in the East Saxony Planning Area and a portion of the Sidonia East Planning Areas, in addition to areas in the North Mesa and South Mesa Planning Areas.

(Reso. 98-17; Ord. 2019-04)

The Land Use Plan, as depicted in Figure 6, proposes residential, commercial, and mixed-use development in addition to a substantial amount of natural open space, recreational area, and agricultural uses on a total of 852.8 acres, which includes the 29.8-acre Magdalena Ecke Park. No development is proposed within the Magdalena Ecke Park; the park will remain as permanent natural open space. A statistical summary of the Land Use Plan is shown in Table 3-1.

In developing the Specific Plan for Encinitas Ranch, every effort has been made to ensure preservation of existing poinsettia agricultural activities on-site and the continued viability of agriculture within the Specific Plan Area. The City of Encinitas, in its General Plan, recognizes that portions of the land within the Specific Plan Area are desirable agricultural lands. As such, the General Plan designates it for long term preservation as agriculture. The Land Use Plan assumes that the existing ranch farming facilities and uses in the East Saxony Planning Area of the project site will remain in continued operation at their present location. This plan designates 115.8 acres of land for agricultural use in the East Saxony, Sidonia East, South Mesa and North Mesa Planning Areas. (See Figure 6, Land Use Plan, and Table 3-1, Land Use Plan Summary.) It is anticipated that the majority of agricultural operations within the East Saxony Planning Area will take place in large greenhouses. Secondary uses may include biotechnical and bioresearch laboratories and facilities.

TABLE 3-1 ENCINITAS RANCH LAND USE PLAN SUMMARY

Notes:

Without the need to amend this Specific Plan, any areas within Encinitas Ranch, except those designated as Open Space, may be subdivided and developed for agricultural purposes since this Specific Plan permits agricultural uses by right. For the purposes of this Specific Plan, agricultural uses will include all aspects of research, development, propagation, finishing, distribution, and wholesale marketing, together with associated functions. These uses may require a variety of structures including laboratories, greenhouses or other growing and production facilities, field nurseries, shade houses, packing and shipping facilities, offices, storage facilities and other similar facilities. Residential facilities for employees of the agricultural operations may be constructed, maintained, and occupied on the property, provided that such uses are consistent with the uses and development standards of the underlying zone.

An 18-hole golf course with clubhouse facilities and driving range is planned on 171.8 acres. The clubhouse, driving range, and nine holes of golf are located north of Leucadia Boulevard, and nine holes of golf are located on the south side of Leucadia Boulevard. The course is designed to respond to the existing site topography, incorporate existing reclaimed water storage ponds, and minimize encroachment into areas of sensitive biological resources. The clubhouse, driving range, and golf course will be available for municipal use. The entire facility will not only provide important recreational benefits to the residents of Encinitas, but will serve to attract visitors and tourists to the City of Encinitas.

Another public use on-site will be an elementary school. At the request of the Encinitas Union School District, the project will include a 10-acre school site, which is located in the South Mesa Planning Area.

The Land Use Plan is anticipated to generate a total of 253 elementary school students (grades K-6), 108 junior high school students (grades 7-9) and 215 high school students (grades 10-12). It is anticipated that these students will be accommodated in existing schools within the San Dieguito Union High School District, either in permanent facilities or in portable classrooms. Should the Encinitas Union Elementary School District select the designated school site within the South Mesa Planning Area for construction of an elementary school facility, then the elementary school students generated by the project are expected to attend the new school. Otherwise, the elementary students shall attend an existing school within the district. The proposed school would have a capacity of approximately 600 students.

The most intense development with Encinitas Ranch will occur in the Green Valley Planning Area, adjacent to El Camino Real. This area will include a 73.8-acre Regional Commercial Center (straddling Leucadia Boulevard) and approximately 24.8 acres to be developed as a mixed-use development with a variety of commercial, office, and multi-family residential uses along with commercial/office uses. A linear greenbelt, public recreation area, and open space area consisting of 25.6 acres will be located adjacent to El Camino Real. This open space will contain a mix of passive and active recreational areas, as well as a drainage channel with riparian vegetation and natural open space. The recreation area will contain athletic playing fields, trails, and restroom facilities. Access into Green Valley will be available from Leucadia Boulevard, Town Center Drive and the extensions of Garden View Road and Via Cantebria. Collector and local serving roads will connect the Regional Commercial Center in Green Valley to the mixed-use areas of Green Valley.

Besides the mixed-use development in Green Valley, there is a total of 13.0 acres of mixed-use development planned on the west side of Saxony Road in the southwestern portion of the project site. The West Saxony Planning Area is designed with the ability to contain community-serving uses such as a theater, and/or museum. If these uses are not built, then the area would develop with a mix of traditional residential and office uses.

In 2019, as part of the City's Housing Element Update, an approximately 16-acre portion of the Sidonia East Planning Area was designated for 246 to 296 multifamily residential units (at a density of 25 to 30 du/ac; "ER-R-30") as part of an "agrihood" development. The site sits at the junction of a major 4-lane arterial and a local 2-lane road. The owner had expressed interest in developing 250 residential units in conjunction with a working agricultural practice at the intersection of Leucadia Boulevard and Quail Gardens Drive. The Agricultural Zone provisions of this Specific Plan encourage the continued agricultural use of portions of the Specific Plan Area and the provision of a favorable setting in which to continue agricultural operations. The "agrihood" concept proposed allows for the continued viability of an agricultural business on the site.

The Encinitas Ranch project also includes single family residential development. Single family dwelling units will be constructed in the Quail Hollow East, North Mesa, South Mesa and Sidonia East Planning Areas. If any of the single family residential areas within these Planning Areas zoned Encinitas Ranch single family residential three dwelling units per acre ("ER-SFR3") or Encinitas Ranch single family residential three dwelling units per acre, variable ("ER-SFR3V") are developed with fewer than the maximum number of allowable units, based on recorded final maps, then a density transfer shall be allowed; (see "Mesa Single Family Density Transfer table in Section 6.5) provided, however (i) the density transfer shall be to another area zoned "ER-SFR3" or "ER-SFR3V" within one of these Planning Areas, (ii) any increase within a Planning Area shall not exceed 5% (i.e. the total number of units shall not exceed the approved density factor, plus 5%), and (iii) the total number of residential units within the Quail Hollow East, North Mesa, South Mesa and Sidonia East Planning Areas shall not exceed 823 units.

The Quail Gardens East Planning Area will contain 12.8 acres of community use development which is planned on both sides of Quail Gardens Drive. This community use area is designed to accommodate a variety of cultural services and recreational uses, as well as drainage and storm water detention facilities.

(Reso. 96-89; Reso. 98-17; Reso. 2004-13; Reso. 09-47; Ord. 2019-04)

The Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Circulation Concept is based on the Traffic Analysis prepared by Austin-Foust Associates for the City of Encinitas. In determining the circulation development standards for the project, the Traffic Analysis and General Plan for the City of Encinitas were used as guidelines.

In addition to a comprehensive network of vehicular roads, the Encinitas Ranch project will also provide a network of recreation trails for pedestrians, bicycles and horses. The proposed recreation trail system has been incorporated into the design of the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan to encourage movement within the Specific Plan Area. These trails allow the general public to move freely within the Encinitas Ranch property and allow access to both the natural open space and recreational amenities provided. The system identifies specific trails for pedestrian and combination bicycle and pedestrian use. Horses and non-motorized bicycles may be permitted anywhere on the trail system subject to approval by the City, taking into consideration trail width, surface, maintenance, and natural habitat; provided the City shall assume any additional costs of maintenance associated with the allowance of horses and non-motorized bicycles. In addition, the City shall not authorize the use of trails in natural open space areas (subject to the Open Space Zone) by horses and non-motorized bicycles unless such use is first reviewed and approved by the California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

An off-street recreation trail along Leucadia Boulevard will begin at Sidonia Street and continue eastward along the south side of Leucadia Boulevard until it terminates at El Camino Real. A bridge structure will be constructed near the golf course clubhouse; it is intended to ensure the safe movement of pedestrians and golf carts between the pedestrian path and the portion of the golf course located north and south of Leucadia Boulevard.

Under the plan (see Figure 20), a recreation trail shall be provided on-site along the south side of Leucadia Boulevard.

A network of public access recreation "soft" (dirt or DG) trails will also extend through much of the project site. A recreation trail will extend from Quail Gardens Drive through a 25-foot-wide easement along the southern boundary of the Specific Plan Area to connect to Via Cantebria. This trail shall be located within the 25' easement to maximize coastal views, subject to City approval. In order to traverse the bluff edge along the southern boundary, the trail shall connect to the proposed trail within the Thornton property at the top of the bluff. After traversing the bluff via the Thornton property, the trail shall then extend northerly to make the connection to Via Cantebria. After connecting to the proposed extension of Via Cantebria, the trail will veer northward through the natural open space area and bluffs in the Green Valley Planning Area. (See Chapter 9.0 for phasing requirements of trail improvements.) A minimum of four scenic overlooks shall be provided at intervals along portions of this trail, offering spectacular views of Green Valley and coastal views from the southern boundary trail. The general location for placement of these overlooks is depicted on Figure 20 of the Specific Plan and shall be subject to City approval. At least one of the scenic overlooks within this area (generally located at the eastern edge where the trail descends the bluff to Green Valley) shall be developed with enhanced facilities. The trail will continue eastward through the open space area in Green Valley, eventually connecting to a recreation trail that passes between the mixed-use development and the Regional Commercial Center to continue through the park adjacent to El Camino Real.

Two "soft" recreation trails will start at the southern boundary of the Specific Plan Area and continue north; one along each of the eastern and western boundaries of the ER-SFR3V Zone of the South Mesa Planning Area. The trail along the eastern boundary will continue north to the agricultural area located in the South Mesa Planning Area and will include a trail segment connecting to the trail within the natural open space and bluffs within the Green Valley Planning Area. The trail will continue west along the northern boundary of the area zoned ER-SFR3V to Paseo de las Flores. The trail along the western boundary of the area zoned ER-SFR3V will continue north to Paseo de las Flores. Both trails will connect to the trail system on Quail Gardens Drive via a recreational trail along Paseo de las Flores. In addition, a trail shall extend south from Leucadia Boulevard between the golf course and the agricultural area within the South Mesa Planning Area connecting to the trail segment following Paseo de las Flores. However, this trail segment is not required to be constructed until the adjacent agricultural field crop and greenhouse uses are terminated.

Another "soft" recreation trail will start at the Leucadia Boulevard golf bridge and will extend northward, between the edge of the golf course and the eastern Specific Plan Area boundary, connecting to Quail Gardens Drive north of Magdalena Ecke Park. A minimum of three scenic overlooks shall be provided at intervals along this portion of the trail north of Leucadia Boulevard. The general location for placement of these over looks is depicted on Figure 20 of the Specific Plan. At least one of the scenic overlooks shall be developed with enhanced facilities. This enhanced viewing area shall be located adjacent to the water tower north of Leucadia Boulevard. In addition, if golf course safety standards can be feasibly maintained and significant impacts to any environmentally sensitive habitat areas can be avoided (based on the configuration of the golf course and residential areas as depicted in the Specific Plan), then a trail shall also be provided from Quail Gardens Drive in the North Mesa Planning Area east to the inland bluff edge, then south and east along the inland bluff edge and golf course, then continuing eastward to the eastern boundary of the planning area.

The two scenic overlooks requiring enhanced facilities shall be located north of Leucadia Boulevard in the North Mesa Planning Area and south of Leucadia Boulevard in the Green Valley Planning Area and shall include at a minimum a shelter, benches, educational signage, and drinking water (if reasonably available) to provide an area for nature study, viewing, and resting.

An off-street recreation trail shall be located on the west side of Quail Gardens Drive. The trail shall be a minimum eight foot wide AC (asphalt concrete) surface trail that meanders and provides a linkage to the staging area (parking and trailhead) for the Magdalena Ecke Park. On the east side of Quail Gardens Drive, a "soft" (dirt or DG) recreation trail shall be provided that does not exceed six feet in width.

A public access recreation "soft" (dirt or DG) trail shall be provided to connect the Indian Head Canyon property to the Quail Gardens Drive trail system. The trail shall be located between the Magdalena Ecke Park and the northern boundary of the 8-acre area within the North Mesa Planning Area zoned ER-SFR5.

The trails adjacent to the golf course shall be designed to be compatible with the golf course and sited such that they not require tall fences. The "soft" recreation trail located on the east side of Quail Gardens Drive shall meander at points where golf course design permits, meeting safety standards. The City shall also coordinate planning for future trail alignments in the North Mesa Planning Area with any trail system planned and established by the City of Carlsbad in its LCP linking the Green Valley area with the North Mesa Planning Area and the City shall cooperate in implementing such a trail system once established in the certified Carlsbad LCP.

No trails will be provided in the East Saxony Planning Area, unless reviewed and approved by the Development Services Director in conjunction with a major subdivision application and appropriate environmental review. No trails shall be provided within agricultural areas because of potential safety and vandalism concerns, except in the Sidonia East Planning Area where trails associated with the "agrihood" development will be located within agricultural areas.

On-street bicycle lanes will be constructed along Leucadia Boulevard and the extension of Garden View Road.

The trail improvements shall include a minimum 5 foot wide improved accessway, fencing (as appropriate), trash receptacles, and interpretive signage. Signage indicating the existence and availability of the trails for use by the public shall be located at each trailhead in a conspicuous location and easily identified by the public. In addition, signage shall also indicate that parking within the Regional Commercial Center and commercial portion of the Mixed-Use area in Green Valley and at the golf course clubhouse shall be available for use by the general public to access the recreation trails.

Paragraph amended 12/4/96 (Reso. 96-89) and 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); added 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); (Reso. 95-91; Ord. 2019-04)

The golf cart bridge over Leucadia Boulevard shall be constructed of: 1) steel-reinforced concrete to City standards, or 2) of other appropriate materials that will meet the necessary structural requirements as well as the criteria set forth below. The bridge should be designed to avoid the appearance of freeway bridges and an effort shall be made to design the bridge with a semi-rustic appearance. Concrete finishes, if used on the bridge, may include variations in texture and finish to create visual interest. In addition, accent bandings and strips of brick, stone, wood, or tile are encouraged, particularly on supporting pillars and columns. Railings shall be constructed either of decorative painted metal or stained/painted wood. Materials used in construction of the bridge should require minimal maintenance and reinforce the "rural" character of the Leucadia community. The bridge also may include a variety of accent colors (such as earthtones, black, white, or soft pastels). Bold, pure hues (other than white and black) should be discouraged, except for tiles, ornamentation, and other small detailed areas.

The wildlife under crossing shall be constructed under Leucadia Boulevard to provide a connection between the open space areas along the bluff. A wildlife under crossing shall meet City and appropriate agency standards.

(Reso. 96-89; Reso. 98-17)

Water service to the Encinitas Ranch project is available from two water districts: the Olivenhain Municipal Water District and the San Dieguito Water District. Due to the 1986 - 1992 drought, water levels dropped in reservoirs throughout San Diego County. The drought has heightened awareness of water usage in Southern California, its scarcity, and the need for water reclamation facilities.

The storm drainage runoff must employ Best Management Practices to control flooding, detention, desiltation, erosion control, and urban pollution removal prior to being discharged into natural watersheds, wetlands, and coastal lagoons.

Sewage generated by the Encinitas Ranch project will be received by both the Encinitas Sanitary District and the Leucadia County Water District through existing and proposed sewer mains and trunk lines. The district boundaries and existing and proposed facilities are illustrated on Figure 21, Sewer Plan.

San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E) will provide both gas and electric services to the Specific Plan Area. The project is located within the service boundaries of Pacific Bell for telephone. Private companies will provide cable television services and solid waste removal for the site.

Construction of public facilities, services, and infrastructure will occur concurrently with the appropriate phase of development.

The only existing sewer facilities adjacent to the Specific Plan Area which may serve the project are approximately 800 feet of sewer line in Leucadia Boulevard and two trunk lines in El Camino Real. Since sewer service to the Encinitas Ranch project site is provided by two sewer districts, each will be described separately.

The Encinitas Sanitary District (ESD) provides service to the southwest portion of the site. This southwest portion will sewer into the ESD sewerage system and ultimately drain into the existing trunk main in Encinitas Boulevard, the Moonlight Beach pump station, and on to the Encina Water Pollution Control facility. The ESD sewerage system was sized using the present General Plan designations within the District. The proposed Specific Plan does not expand the requirements beyond that originally anticipated. As such, no additional major facilities will be required off-site in the ESD for development on-site.

The Leucadia County Water District (LCWD) provides service to the easterly and northerly portions of Encinitas Ranch. These areas drain to the Leucadia Pump Station, Saxony pump station, Batiquitos pump station, and on to the Encina Water Pollution Control facility.

The Leucadia County Water District Planning Study, dated 1986, recommended upgrading the existing Saxony pump station and the La Costa force main. These recommendations, however, were based upon projected growth figures at that time. Since then, the area has not experienced this expected growth, and these recommendations are not needed at present. If at some future time this growth does occur, the recommendations will be reconsidered by the District.

An internal sewer system will be required within the site, consisting of 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch sewer mains as shown in Figure 21, Sewer Plan. The proposed on-site sewer facilities are designed to connect to existing sewer lines located immediately adjacent to the project site boundaries. The ESD and LCWD sewer district boundaries, as shown on Figure 21, may be subject to change on-site depending upon the eventual build-out of the proposed development. As a condition of approval for future development, the design of the on-site sewer systems shall be required to be in conformance with the appropriate adopted district standards. In addition, the system shall be adequately maintained through ultimate development of the project.

Paragraph amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17)

The Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan is intended to preserve and promote agricultural uses, encourage recreation, and provide for natural habitat protection, while providing for the development of land in a manner consistent with the character and needs of the City of Encinitas. To accomplish these goals, this Specific Plan includes this zoning ordinance which sets forth permitted uses and development standards for various land use areas known as "zones" located within the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area. This Specific Plan identifies a total of ten separate zones within Encinitas Ranch, as follows:

In addition to the above zones, there is a Park and Recreation overlay which may be applied to any of the above zones. However, the Park and Recreation overlay does not apply to areas designated as "OS", with the exception of the linear greenbelt/recreation area located adjacent to El Camino Real in Green Valley, south of Leucadia Boulevard and portions of the open space and portions of the trail system in the South Mesa. A Park and Recreation overlay will apply to this linear greenbelt/recreation area. Also, this zoning ordinance includes standards for Agricultural Uses, Outdoor Dining, and Interim Uses.

The above zones do not relate to specific Planning Areas within the Encinitas Ranch project boundaries; rather, they refer to land uses such as commercial, residential, agriculture, open space, and mixed-use. In order to minimize confusion for individuals using this zoning ordinance who are not familiar with the various Planning Areas in Encinitas Ranch, this section of the Specific Plan has been developed to function independently of the rest of the document as much as possible. While in some cases, references to specific Planning Areas are unavoidable, it is not generally necessary to know in which Planning Area a particular zone is located in order to determine the uses permitted in the zone and the development standards which apply to each zone. To determine the applicable zone for a specific area in Encinitas Ranch, refer to Figure 25, Zoning Map, which designates the approximate sizes, configurations, and locations of each zone.

As an aid in cross-referencing between these zones and the Planning Areas, Table 6-2, Zoning Categories, is included in this Specific Plan. To use Table 6-2, find the column marked "Planning Areas". Underneath this heading, each Planning Area within Encinitas Ranch is listed separately. To the right of this column, are several other columns, each listing a particular zoning category. A small black square underneath each zoning category indicates which zones apply to each Planning Area. For example, using the Green Valley Planning Area as a typical case, the "OS", "ER-C", and "ER-MU1" zones, as well as the Interim Use Standards apply to Green Valley. The next step is to refer to the Zoning Map (see Figure 25) to determine the size, configuration, and location of each of these zones within Green Valley. To minimize possible confusion, the Zoning Map shows only the zones; no Planning Areas are delineated. If uncertain where the limits of each Planning Area are located, please refer to Figure 5, Planning Areas. Table 6-2 also indicates the zoning standards that apply to the various zoning categories. For instance, the Outdoor Dining Standards are applicable to only the "ER-C", "ER-MU1", and "ER-MU2" zones and the Interim Use Standards.

The table below designates the zoning categories that are applicable to each Planning Area within the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area. Refer to Figure 25, Zoning Map, for the location, size, and configuration of the individual zones within each Planning Area.

TABLE 6-2 ZONING CATEGORIES

Notes:

How does the Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance relate to the City of Encinitas Zoning Ordinance?

In accordance with California Government Code §65860, each city within California must adopt a zoning ordinance which is consistent with the city's general plan. The City of Encinitas has adopted a zoning ordinance that is consistent with and serves to implement the City's adopted General Plan. Both the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan and the Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance are designed to be consistent with the City's General Plan.

The nine zones identified and discussed within the Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance, as well as the Park and Recreation overlay and the Outdoor Dining Standards and Interim Use Standards apply only to the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area. These zones and standards do not apply outside of the Specific Plan Area boundaries. The Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance shall supersede all provisions, standards, and requirements of the City of Encinitas Zoning Ordinance. If a conflict arises between Title 30 and the Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance, then the standards contained in the Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance shall take precedence.

Definitions

The individual words and groups of words used in the Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance are defined in Chapter 30.04 in Title 30 of the City of Encinitas Zoning Ordinance.

Portions of the City's Municipal Code are Incorporated by Reference into this Specific Plan

To prevent unnecessary redundancy between the Encinitas Ranch and the City of Encinitas Municipal Code, the following chapters and sections in Title 30, as adopted and subsequently amended by the City of Encinitas, are incorporated in their entirety by reference into the Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance, unless otherwise amended or qualified within Section 6.0 of this document:

The following provisions and zones shall apply throughout the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area, subject to the following conditions.

List amended 8/23/95 (Reso. 95-91), 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17), 2/13/02 (Ord. 2002-02), 11/20/19 (Ord. 2019-15), 11/27/19 (Ord. 2019-16), 8/11/21 (Ord. 2021-04); paragraph amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); (Ord. 2019-04)

In all zones except the Open Space Zone, agricultural uses shall be permitted subject to the development and design guidelines of the Agricultural Zone; provided new agricultural uses in any Residential Zone shall require a Minor Use Permit. So long as any Williamson Act (Agricultural Preserve) contract is in effect for any area, use of such land shall be limited to the permitted agricultural uses. However, any land not zoned as open space and not under a Williamson Act contract may be used for agricultural operations until such land is developed pursuant to this Specific Plan.

Agricultural uses requiring permanent structures other than greenhouses and limited agricultural associated facilities (such as small laboratories, offices, packing sheds, and other similar uses), shall be permitted as a principal use in all Agricultural Zones.

(Reso. 98-17)

A. Outdoor dining areas that encroach into the public right-of-way shall require an encroachment permit and must maintain a minimum four foot clearance which excludes planter areas, fire hydrants, street lights, and other street furniture, as well as automobile parking overhangs.

B. Encroachment permits for outdoor dining within the public rights-of-way shall require that the following information be submitted to the City prior to issuance of the permit; provided that no permit shall be required for outdoor dining facilities intended to serve only the employees of an office or commercial use and which do not encroach into any public rights-of-way.

1. Location and brief description of the proposed encroachments.

2. Provide a site plan showing local conditions, including streets, sidewalks, and exact locations of all street furniture.

3. Number of tables and seating requested and not to exceed amount.

4. Hours of operations shall be pre-determined and limited to associated eating and drinking establishments in the area.

5. All outdoor lighting shall comply with performance standards and be approved by the City.

6. Prior to issuance and approval of a permit, a finding shall be made by the Director of Community Development that the outdoor dining will not adversely affect the neighborhood, nor be detrimental to persons residing, visiting or working in the area.

(Reso. 98-17; Ord. 2019-04)

This zone applies to the Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) property located in the North Mesa Planning Area, the golf course located in the North Mesa and South Mesa Planning Areas, and the community use area located in the Quail Gardens East Planning Area in the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area. This zone will also apply to the proposed elementary school location within the South Mesa Planning Area. The Public/Semi-Public Zone is intended to provide for activities operated by the City, County, or other governmental agencies (such as the OMWD and the municipal golf course.) Please refer to Chapter 30.28 of Title 30 of the City of Encinitas Municipal Code for the development standards that apply in the Public/Semi-Public Zone.

If, at some future date, conversion of the municipal golf course to a private golf club is proposed, such a conversion will require an amendment to this Specific Plan and a subsequent Local Coastal Program amendment.

(Reso. 95-91; Reso. 98-17; Ord. 2019-04)

Encinitas Ranch is a master-planned community with a well-diversified mix of complementary land uses. Through the implementation of Design Guidelines, the ideas and intentions of the Specific Plan can be realized. The Design Guidelines for the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan are provided to serve as a method of achieving a high quality, aesthetically cohesive environment for the community that will develop within the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area. In addition, the Guidelines create a framework for the development within Encinitas Ranch intended to ensure that new and future development is consistent with the goals and policies of this Specific Plan. More specifically, the objectives of these Design Guidelines are as follows:

These Design Guidelines are intended to provide the property owner, developer, architect, and designer with a framework of guidelines that, when followed, will ensure that new development will be of high quality that complements the character of existing development, while enhancing property values. The Guidelines do not discourage original or innovative designs or expressions. Applicants desiring to create innovative or experimental projects are encouraged to do so, given the understanding that such projects may be subject to higher levels of discretionary or subjective City reviews than more traditional projects.

It should be understood by the applicant that these Guidelines are not regulatory, as are the standards contained in the Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance set forth in Section 6.0 of this document. These Design Guidelines are discretionary on part of the City's approval authority. Likewise, if any inconsistencies or discrepancies between the standards contained in the Design Guidelines and those contained in the Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance (Section 6.0) of this Specific Plan, the standards in the Zoning Ordinance shall take precedence.

A. All new building, landscaping, exterior alterations, or construction projects, whether they require any other City permit or not, are subject to Design Review, unless exempted by the next section, Section 7.3, Exemptions to Design Review.

B. Unless otherwise provided herein, the provisions of this section shall apply in addition to the provisions of Chapter 23.08 of the City Municipal Code and Section 6.0, Encinitas Ranch Zoning Ordinance, in this document. Where conflicts between these sections and documents arise, Section 6.0 in this document and the City's Municipal Code shall take precedence over the Design Guidelines contained in Section 7.0 of this Specific Plan for application to the area designated as the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan. Objective "Standards" included in the City's Design Standards and Guidelines shall apply to all residential development and mixed-use residential development. Where conflicts in objective standards occur, the objective design standards specified in this chapter shall supersede and apply. Where the Specific Plan is silent, the City's Design Guidelines shall apply.

Paragraph amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); (Ord. 2022-02)

Except as otherwise provided in this Specific Plan, the provisions of Section 23.08.030B of the City of Encinitas Municipal Code concerning exempt projects shall apply to all development within the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan Area.

Paragraph amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17)

A. Any person aggrieved by a final determination made under the authority of this section may file an appeal with the next higher authority pursuant to Chapter 1.12 of the Encinitas Municipal Code.

B. If appeals are filed, a final determination by the Director of Community Development or the Planning Commission shall be appealed only to the City Council.

Paragraph amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17)

The Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan was prepared in accordance with relevant goals, policies, and provisions of the City of Encinitas General Plan. The following are pertinent goals and policies specified under each section of the General Plan followed by a discussion of the Specific Plan's conformance to the General Plan.

GOAL 1: Encinitas will strive to be a unique seaside community providing a balance of housing, commercial, light industrial/office development, recreation, agriculture and open space compatible with the predominant residential character of the community.

POLICY 1.1: Office, research and development, and light industrial development that does not result in land use conflicts with the quality of other development will be permitted when it fulfills the needs of the individual community and City.

POLICY 1.2: Encourage the development of unified commercial centers and neighborhood commercial centers rather than the continued development of "strip commercial." The Highway 101 corridor may be an exception because of its existing configuration and land uses. (Coastal Act/30250)

POLICY 1.3: New office/light industrial, and commercial development will only be permitted in areas both served by roadways capable of handling projected truck traffic, and in areas where adequate buffering is provided.

POLICY 1.5: Encourage the development of community shopping centers, when and where a demonstrated community need arises, in areas centrally located and with good access.

POLICY 1.7: Provide regional shopping centers only when a demonstrated need exists; and locate them in areas adjacent to major highways to provide convenient access.

POLICY 1.8: Encourage the types of commercial activities which will supply the community with a diverse economic base.

POLICY 1.9: Maintain a proper balance between acreage of commercial land and population served.

POLICY 1.12: The residential character of the City should be substantially single-family detached housing.

POLICY 1.15: Commercial and industrial uses shall be required to provide easy and safe pedestrian, bicycle and handicapped access. (Coastal Act/30250)

GOAL 3: To assure successful planning for future facilities and services, and a proper balance of uses within the City, the City of Encinitas will establish and maintain a maximum density and intensity of residential and commercial uses within the city which will:

POLICY 3.2: The City will designate land use categories/zones for residential development which provide housing opportunities for all segments of society at densities consistent with the goals of this Element.

POLICY 3.3: The City will designate land use categories/zones for commercial development which provide for the commercial needs of the community with use and intensity regulations consistent with the goals of this Element.

POLICY 3.4: The City will allow those commercial uses which are necessary to satisfy the current and projected needs of the individual communities as indicated on the Land Use Map and under the policies of this plan.

POLICY 3.5: Commercial areas/zones shall be designated to avoid undue concentrations of commercial development which would increase traffic to levels beyond the current and projected capability of the City's services and facilities to deal with the increased traffic.

POLICY 3.6: Except where overriding considerations are found to exist, property will not be designated so as to allow or otherwise encourage commercial development along circulation roads in a continuous or "strip" manner.

GOAL 4: The City of Encinitas will ensure that the rate of residential growth:

POLICY 4.2: The City will plan to provide services and facilities concurrent with projected need, sufficient to allow issuance of the maximum annual number of dwelling unit building permits. To guard against an unforeseen shortfall of services or facilities, the City will determine adequacy of services and facilities for each residential development at the discretionary review stage. For dwelling units not subject to discretionary review, such determination shall be made with the earliest development permit submittal. No unit shall be approved or permitted for which inadequate services or facilities are available.

POLICY 4.6: Any land which is annexed to the City will be pre-designated for a land use(s) as a condition of annexation, to a density and use that will be consistent with the small-town quality and character of the City.

GOAL 6: Every effort will be made to ensure that the existing desirable character of the communities is maintained.

POLICY 6.1: Permit commercial land uses and other types of non-residential development only in those areas where such development presently is concentrated or where indicated by the General Plan as long as such development does not result in land use conflicts with surrounding residential development.

POLICY 6.5: The design of future development shall consider the constraints and opportunities that are provided by adjacent existing development. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 6.6: The construction of very large buildings shall be discouraged where such structures are incompatible with surrounding development. The building height of both residential and nonresidential structures shall be compatible with surrounding development, given topographic and other considerations, and shall protect public views of regional or statewide significance. (Coastal Act/30251/30252/30253)

POLICY 6.7: Require commercial development to provide sufficient landscaping to soften the visual impact of commercial buildings and parking areas.

POLICY 6.8: The City will develop standards for congregate care rooms and beds in nursing facilities in relationship with land use categories.

GOAL 7: Development in the community should provide an identity for the city while maintaining the unique identity of the individual communities.

POLICY 7.1: Establish design themes for commercial districts located within individual communities.

POLICY 7.2: Each community may establish one or more design themes for their community.

POLICY 7.3: Although common themes for each of the communities may be established, each community may also promote variety in the design of individual projects.

POLICY 7.4: Develop regulations and incentives for residential, commercial, and industrial developers to vary design, setbacks, driveways, rooflines, materials, colors, landscaping, etc. to ensure variation in the design of individual residential units within larger subdivisions and commercial/industrial projects.

POLICY 7.5: A streetscape specific plan(s) for the Highway 101 corridor and El Camino Real corridor shall be prepared. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 7.6: Private development shall coordinate with street/public improvements, i.e. streetscape, landscape, site design and the like.

POLICY 7.10: Both residential and non-residential development shall be limited to a maximum height of two stories and 30 feet. Limited exceptions for non-residential development may be allowed, but only for designated specific sites as developed and adopted through area specific plans. Exceptions may also be made for Medical complex development projects at the discretion of the City pursuant to conditional use permit applications as provided by the Zoning Code, to allow building heights up to a maximum of three stories.

GOAL 8: Environmentally and topographically sensitive and constrained areas within the City shall be preserved to the greatest extent possible to minimize the risks associated with the development in these areas. (Coastal Act/30240/30253)

POLICY 8.1: Require that any improvement constructed in an area with a slope of more than 25% and other areas where soil stability is at issue to submit soils and geotechnical studies to the City for review and approval. These studies shall document that the proposed development will not adversely affect hillside or soil stability and that no future protective measures will be required. (Coastal Act/30253)

POLICY 8.2: Development within coastal and floodplain areas identified in the Land Use and Resource Management Elements must be limited, designed to minimize hazards associated with development in these areas, and to preserve area resources. Within the floodway, channelizations, dams, or other substantial alterations of rivers and streams shall incorporate the best mitigation measures feasible, and be limited to necessary water supply projects, flood control projects where no other method for protecting existing public or private structures is feasible and where such protection is necessary for public safety or to protect existing development, and other development where the primary function is the improvement of fish and wildlife habitats. No development shall occur in the 100-year Floodplain that is not consistent and compatible with the associated flood hazard. Only uses which are safe and compatible with the periodic flooding and inundation shall be considered, such as stables, plant nurseries, a minimum of intrusion of open parking, some forms of agriculture, and open space preservation, as appropriate under zoning, and subject to applicable environmental review and consistency with other policies of this plan. No grading or fill activity other than the minimum necessary to accommodate those uses found safe and compatible shall be allowed. Such grading shall not significantly redirect or impede flood flows or require floodway modifications. Exceptions from these limitations may be made to allow the following:

a. Minimum private development (defined as one dwelling unit per legal parcel under residential zoning, and an equivalent extent of development under non residential zoning) only upon a finding that strict application thereof would preclude a minimum use of the property.

b. Development of circulation element roads, other necessary public facilities, flood control projects where no feasible method for protecting existing public or private structures exists and where such protection is necessary for public safety or to protect existing development, and other development which has as its objective the improvement of fish and wildlife habitat.

c. Limited reconfiguration of the floodplain in previously degraded areas provided it is determined by the City that the reconfiguration of the flood plain is incidental to the improvement of an overall storm water system and that the reconfigured storm water system is substantially based on natural channels with vegetation to accommodate storm water management. This is applicable to the El Camino Real creek corridor draining into Encinitas Creek.

POLICY 8.3: Residential development on land that has physical constraints shall exclude or discount areas subject to specified constraints from density allowance. Portions of development sites subject to the following constraints shall be excluded from the net lot area uses to figure density: floodplains, beaches, permanent bodies of water, significant wetlands, major utility easements, railroad track beds or rights-of-way, and rights-of-way and easements for public/private streets and roads. The remaining net lot area shall then be calculated for density allowance, based on the assigned land use category density range... density allowance shall be limited to the mid-point of the land use category range, as specified by the zoning code, unless findings can be made that the proposed project excels in design excellence and/or provided extraordinary community benefits. Upon such findings, up to the maximum density level of the range may be allowed. In no case shall less than one dwelling per legal lot be allowed.

POLICY 8.4: Within single family residential areas, lot averaging and PRDs may be allowed to preserve areas of unique topographic features, riparian woodlands, and other significant open space areas of importance to the community based on the following criteria:

POLICY 8.6: Significant natural features shall be preserved and incorporated into all development. Such features may include bluffs, rock outcroppings, natural drainage courses, wetland and riparian areas, steep topography, trees, and views. (Coastal Act/30240/30250/30251)

POLICY 8.7: Non-developable or constrained areas should be evaluated for possible use as open space or recreational use. (Coastal Act/30240)

POLICY 8.8: The properties located in the City's Sphere of Influence west of El Camino Real shall be designated as a Specific Plan Area, except for the lands west of Saxony Road designated as Open Space/Parks, and lands in the southeast corner of the upper mesa beyond the Ecke holdings designated Residential 2-3 units per acre. Development will be allowed within the Specific Plan Area only through prior approval of the entire Specific Plan as described... [in the Encinitas General Plan Land Use Element, pages LU-21 to LU-24].

POLICY 8.9: The City will adopt land use categories for environmentally sensitive areas for the purposes of the Local Coastal Plan and will implement these categories by such ordinance and policy measures as may be appropriate. (Coastal Act/30250)

POLICY 8.10: Ecological Resource/Open Space/Parks is a category intended to be applied to both active and passive parklands; lagoons; wetland habitat areas and their adjacent buffers; and other areas of significant environmental quality or public resource value. Lands in the Ecological Resource/Open Space/Parks category, other than public parks, and similar areas for active recreation, will be limited to uses and activities related to habitat enhancement; educational and scientific nature study; passive recreation which will have no significant adverse impact on habitat values; and, aquaculture having no significant adverse effect or negative visual impact on natural processes or scenic quality. All areas possessing wetland resource values, including coastal salt marsh and freshwater marsh habitat types, shall be protected by appropriate buffers. Buffer zones sufficient to protect wetlands shall generally be minimum 100 feet in width, and buffer zones to protect riparian areas shall generally be minimum 50 feet in width, unless a use or development proposal demonstrates that a smaller buffer will protect the resources of the wetland/riparian area based on site-specific information, including but not limited to, the type and size of the development and/or proposed mitigation (such as planting of vegetation) which will also achieve the purposes of the buffer. The buffer should be measured landward from the wetland or riparian area. Maps and supplemental information submitted as part of the application should be used to specifically determine these boundaries. The California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shall be consulted in such buffer determinations and their comments shall be accorded great weight.

Development permitted in wetland and riparian buffer areas shall be limited to access paths, passive recreational uses, fences and similar improvements necessary to protect the wetland or riparian resource, and shall be restricted to the upper or landward half of the buffer. Wetland/riparian areas and their associated buffers shall be permanently protected from development through the application of an open space easement or other suitable instrument. Developments shall be located and designed so as not to contribute to increased sediment loading of the wetland/riparian area, cause disturbances to its fish and wildlife values, or otherwise impair the functional capacity of the resource. Exceptions from this policy for intrusion of development into wetland or riparian areas and their associated buffers shall only be considered as specified in Resource Management Policy 10.6. (Coastal Act/30240)

GOAL 9: Preserve the existence of present natural open spaces, slopes, bluffs, lagoon areas, and maintain the sense of spaciousness and semirural living within the I-5 view corridor and within other view corridors, scenic highways and vista/view sheds as identified in the resource management element. (Coastal Act/30240/30251)

POLICY 9.2: Encourage retention of buffer zones such as natural vegetation or earth barriers, bluffs, and canyons to protect adjacent areas of freeway corridor from pollutants of noise, exhaust, and light. (Coastal Act/30240/30251)

POLICY 9.4: Encourage all landscaping along major arterials to enhance, harmonize with, and not detract from the natural features of the surrounding area. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 9.5: Discourage development that would infringe upon scenic views and vistas within the I-5 corridor.

POLICY 9.6: Where it is necessary to construct retaining or noise-attenuating walls along the I-5 corridor, they should be constructed with natural-appearing materials and generously landscaped with vines, trees and shrubbery. (Coastal Act/30251)

(Reso. 98-17; Ord. 2019-04); Goal 8 amended 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32) and 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); paragraph added 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); Policy 6.6 amended 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32) and 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); Policy 8.1 amended 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32) and 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); Policy 8.2 amended 1/30/91, 9/21/94 (Reso. 94-29), 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32) and 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17)

GOAL 1: The City will encourage the provision of a wide range of housing by location, type of unit, and price to meet the existing and future housing needs in the region and City. (I-A through H; II-A through D; III-C and D; IV-A through F; V-B through G; VI-A, C through 1; VII-C; VIII-C)

POLICY 1.1: Strive to maintain a balance of housing types in the City. [I-a through g; II-b, c, d; IV-e, f; V-b, c, d; VI-a, e, j, k; VIII-c]

POLICY 1.2: Strive to provide a wide variety of housing types so that a range of housing needs and tastes will be made available to existing and future residents. (I-a through h; II-b, c, d; IV-e, f; V-b, c; VI-a, e, j, k, l; VII-e; VIII-c)

GOAL 2: Sound housing will be provided in the City of Encinitas for all persons regardless of age, family status, income level, race, or ethnicity.

POLICY 2.1: Make every reasonable effort to ensure that the provisions of the Federal and State laws that prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of age, sex, and race are enforced. [VI-b; VII-d]

POLICY 2.2: Support ongoing efforts of the State and County to enforce "fair-housing" laws. [VI-b]

POLICY 2.3: Encourage developers to provide a balance of housing opportunities. [I-a, b, e, h; II-a, b; VI-a through i; VII-d]

GOAL 3: The City will encourage the maintenance and preservation of the existing housing stock as well as quality workmanship in new housing.

POLICY 3.2: Enforce the building, safety and housing codes through vigorous code enforcement efforts.

POLICY 3.4: Continue to assess development fees on new residential units adequate to pay for all related local and regional impacts on public facilities. [VIII-a]

POLICY 3.6: Allow for some cluster-type housing and other innovative housing design that provides adequate open areas around and within these developments. (I-a)

POLICY 3.7: Coordinate the provision of open areas in adjoining residential developments to maximize the benefit of the open space. [I-a]

POLICY 3.8: Adapt residential development to the terrain. (I-a)

POLICY 3.9: Encourage street planting, landscaping, and undergrounding of utilities. (I-a)

POLICY 3.10: Encourage high standards of design, materials, and workmanship in all construction and developments. (I-a)

POLICY 3.11: Discourage residential development of steep slopes, canyons, and flood plains.

POLICY 3.13: Cost effective energy-efficient housing, including the use of passive systems, will be encouraged within the City to decrease energy use. [VIII-b]

(Reso. 98-17; Ord. 2019-04)

GOAL 1: Encinitas should have a transportation system that is safe, convenient and efficient, and sensitive to and compatible with surrounding community character. (Coastal Act/30252).

POLICY 1.1: Ensure that the arterial circulation system provides adequate connections across the freeway for convenient circulation and rapid emergency access.

POLICY 1.2: Endeavor to maintain Level of Service C as basic design guidelines for the local system of roadways understanding that the guideline may not be attainable in all cases.

POLICY 1.3: Prohibit development which results in Level of Service E or F at any intersection unless no alternatives exist and an overriding public need can be demonstrated.

POLICY 1.4: Require, where feasible, interconnecting off-street pedestrian and vehicular circulation between adjacent commercial and office land uses. This policy should be required along major transportation corridors to minimize traffic conflicts associated with pedestrian and vehicular movement to and from these properties.

POLICY 1.6: Minimize freeway, prime arterial, major, collector, and augmented local access to encourage their use as throughways rather than as access to adjacent properties.

POLICY 1.7: Encourage adjacent properties to use common access points to access prime arterials, major roads, collectors and augmented local streets.

POLICY 1.8: Locate major roads and prime arterials where they will bypass rather than divide residential neighborhoods.

POLICY 1.9: Minimize private driveway access onto both major and collector roads.

POLICY 1.10: Encourage the design of roads and traffic controls to optimize safe traffic flow by minimizing turning, curb parking, uncontrolled access, and frequent stops.

POLICY 1.11: Construct roads following the natural contours to minimize cuts and fills; avoid grid street patterns where feasible.

POLICY 1.12: The City will require increased off-street parking for expansions and additions to existing and future commercial and residential uses in the near coast area, will minimize curb cuts for new development in the vicinity of beach access points in order that the maximum amount of curb parking will be available to the beach users, and will encourage remote parking/shuttle service and park-and-ride facilities in the Coastal Zone. The City will require that all commercial, industrial and residential uses be designed and constructed with sufficient off-street parking and loading facilities to assure adequate parking is provided with new development such that no adverse impacts on coastal access are documented. Parking ratios shall be utilized as specified and detailed in the City's Zoning Code and in implementing Specific Plans which provide sufficient parking spaces so as not to require patrons/employees/residents to utilize parking which is necessary/required for other approved uses or street and other public parking that should otherwise be available for public use. (Coastal Act/30252)

POLICY 1.14: A coordinated traffic signal system shall be developed and implemented.

POLICY 1.15: The City will actively support an integrated transportation program that encourages and provides for mass-transit, bicycle transportation, pedestrians, equestrians, and carpooling. (Coastal Act/30252)

POLICY 1.17: Standards shall be established and implemented to provide for adequate levels of street lighting, based on criteria of safety and related to volumes of vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle activity and potential points of conflict. Such standards shall be designed to respect different community and neighborhood needs for lighting, different community standards for design and special attention given to preservation of dark sky.

POLICY 1.18: Standards shall be established and implemented to provide for a comprehensive system of traffic control devices and signing, based on sound traffic engineering principles, to assure traffic safety and preservation of community character.

GOAL 2: The City will make every effort to develop a varied transportation system that is capable of serving both the existing population and future residents while preserving community values and character. (Coastal Act/30252/30153)

POLICY 2.1: Adopt and implement standards for rural, semi-rural, and urban roadways within the City consistent with community character.

POLICY 2.2: Require new residential development to have roadways constructed to City standards before the roads can be dedicated to the City.

POLICY 2.3: Design the circulation system serving new development in such a way to minimize through traffic in all residential neighborhoods.

POLICY 2.4: When considering circulation patterns and standards, primary consideration will be given to the preservation of character and safety of existing residential neighborhoods. Where conflicts arise between convenience of motorists and neighborhood safety/community character preservation, the latter will have first priority.

POLICY 2.5: Route major thoroughfares and plan future road construction so that development pressure on undeveloped areas is minimized.

POLICY 2.8: Where necessary, require acquisition of right-of-way as a condition of approval of all final subdivision maps. Encourage landscaping of rights-of-way if not being used for public roads, hiking/riding trails or beach access trails.

POLICY 2.10: Establish landscaping buffer and building setback requirements along all roads which are local augmented status or larger, except where inappropriate. (Coastal Act/30252)

POLICY 2.12: Encourage unique characteristic community design standards for traffic signals and intersection signing and other street improvements, structures, and furniture.

POLICY 2.13: Encourage landscaped medians and parkways on all roadways where practical.

POLICY 2.15: Establish neighborhood specific standards for streetlights including lighting levels, spacing and uniformity in appearance while recognizing that street lighting is not appropriate in dark sky areas.

POLICY 2.17: New City road standards shall be established to reflect the character and image of each community.

POLICY 2.19: Minimize road widths in rural and semi-rural areas. (Rural defined as 1/2 acre and above; and semi-rural defined as having a feeling of country even if lot sizes are less than 1/2 acre).

POLICY 2.20: When major roads must pass through neighborhoods, large right-of-way widths should be acquired to allow for landscaping, trails, etc. to offset and minimize disruption to the community.

POLICY 2.23: No roadway link established by this Plan shall be re-classified to a greater capacity category and no new link shall be added without the affirmative vote of a majority of those voting in an election to approve such change.

GOAL 3: The City of Encinitas will promote the use of other modes of transport to reduce the dependence on the personal automobile. (Coastal Act/30252)

POLICY 3.1: The needs of the handicapped will be considered in new development plans including handicapped parking, loading, etc.

POLICY 3.2: Continue to assist in expanding public transportation and emphasize public transportation in future development with preference given to cost-effective alternatives. (Coastal Act/30252)

POLICY 3.3: Create a safe and convenient circulation system for pedestrians. (Coastal Act/30252)

POLICY 3.4: Cooperate with San Diego County, SANDAG and other jurisdictions to help plan and implement a regional multi-modal transportation system that is accessible to residents in the City. (Coastal Act/30252)

POLICY 3.6: The City should provide and encourage efficient links between possible rail transit service and other transportation modes, including rerouting of bus service to interface with transit stops.

POLICY 3.8: A program shall be developed to install sidewalks or paths, where appropriate, around schools, churches, active parks, commercial and other areas of pedestrian activity where public safety or welfare is at issue. (Coastal Act/30252)

POLICY 3.9: A program to install handicapped access ramps at all corners with sidewalks shall be developed.

POLICY 3.10: Standards shall be established for the location and design of news racks, signs, walls and other improvements which encroach into the public right-of-way. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 3.11: The City will strive to implement a safe, direct, and convenient circulation system for commuting and recreational bicycle traffic. The City will support the development of additional bicycle facilities in the Coastal Zone, including the following:

GOAL 4: The City should make every effort to develop a circulation system that highlights the environmental and scenic amenities of the area. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 4.1: Design roads to enhance scenic areas. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 4.2: Promote and encourage roadside and median landscaping. (Coastal Act/30252)

POLICY 4.3: Separate pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic by encouraging adequate space for walking and biking by striping roadways, excepting freeways. (Coastal Act 30252)

POLICY 4.4: Where possible, establish a separate system of hiking trails, bicycle paths, and equestrian trails from which motorized vehicles shall be banned.

POLICY 4.7: Encourage consistent signing throughout the City using international sign standards when appropriate. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 4.8: Develop and enforce a system of truck routes which discourages truck traffic on residential streets and roads.

POLICY 4.10: Develop street lighting standards, where appropriate, consistent with neighborhood/community character and night sky viewing.

POLICY 4.11: Keep street lighting, curbs, and gutter requirements consistent with individual neighborhood character.

POLICY 4.12: Encourage undergrounding of utilities within street right-of-way and transportation corridors. (Coastal Act/30252)

POLICY 4.14: Where feasible, minimize the dependence on private motor vehicles.

GOAL 5: Leucadia Boulevard between I-5 and Olivenhain Road is planned as a Major Arterial - Augmented. Prior to any improvements of any portion of this link above the capacity (at LOS "D") of a two-lane local roadway, all of the following policies shall be satisfied.

POLICY 5.1: The specific plan required by the Land Use Element for the unincorporated sphere area through which the Leucadia Boulevard alignment passes shall be adopted by the City.

POLICY 5.2: The annexation of the sphere area to the City of Encinitas shall have been accomplished.

POLICY 5.3: Full design and improvement plans for the length of Leucadia Boulevard between I-5 and Olivenhain Road shall be a scenic roadway completed and adopted by the City subject to the following:

GOAL 7: Every effort will be made to have new development, both in the City and in the region, provide for all costs of the incremental expansion of the circulation system necessary to accommodate that development. Costs include, but are not limited to, costs of right-of-way and construction, including costs of moving utilities and structures, and costs for landscaping and intersection improvement.

POLICY 7.1: The City shall seek to recover circulation system expansion costs from all available sources, without limitations, including development fees for projects both inside and outside the City limits.

(Reso. 95-32; Reso. 98-17; Ord. 2019-04); paragraph amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17)

GOAL 1: Public health and safety will be considered in future land use planning. (Coastal Act/30253)

POLICY 1.1: Development and grading or filling in drainage courses, floodways and floodplains shall be prohibited except as provided by Land Use Element Policy 8.2. An exception may be made upon the finding that strict application of this policy would preclude any reasonable use of property (one dwelling unit per legal parcel.) Exceptions may also be made for development of circulation element roads; necessary water supply projects; flood control projects where no other method for protecting existing structures in the floodplain is feasible and where such protection is necessary for public safety or to protect existing development; developments where the primary function is the improvement of fish and wildlife habitat; and other vital public facilities, but only to the extent that no other feasible alternatives exist, and minimum disruption to the natural floodplain, floodway or drainage course is made. When flood/drainage improvements are warranted, require developers to mitigate flood hazards in those areas identified as being subject to periodic flooding prior to actual development.

POLICY 1.2: Restrict development in those areas where slope exceeds 25% as specified in the Hillside/Inland Bluff overlay zone regulations of the zoning code. Encroachment into slopes as detailed in the Hillside/Inland Bluff overlay may range from 0 percent to a maximum of 20 percent, based on a sliding scale of encroachment allowances reflective of the amount of the property within steep slopes, upon the discretionary judgment that there is no feasible alternative siting or design which eliminates or substantially reduces the need for such encroachment, and it is found that the bulk and scale of the proposed structure has been minimized to the greatest extent feasible and such encroachment is necessary for minimum site development and that the maximum contiguous area of sensitive slopes shall be preserved. Within the Coastal Zone and for the purposes of this section, "encroachment" shall constitute any activity which involves grading, construction, placement of structures or materials, paving, removal of native vegetation including clear-cutting for brush management purposes, or other operations which would render the area incapable of supporting native vegetation or being used as wildlife habitat. Modification from this policy may be made upon the finding that strict application of this policy would preclude any reasonable use of property (one dwelling unit per legal parcel). Exceptions may also be made for development of circulation element roads, local public streets or private roads and driveways which are necessary for access to the more developable portions of a site on slopes of less than 25% grade, and other vital public facilities, but only to the extent that no other feasible alternatives exist, and minimum disruption to the natural slope is made.

POLICY 1.3: The City will rely on the Coastal Bluff and Hillside/Inland Bluff Overlay Zones to prevent future development or redevelopment that will represent a hazard to its owners or occupants, and which may require structural measures to prevent destructive erosion or collapse. (Coastal Act/30240/30251/30253)

POLICY 1.4: Develop a master plan for drainage and flood control. (Coastal Act/30236)

POLICY 1.5: Where significant irrigated slopes are included in industrial, commercial, and higher density residential development, their required maintenance shall be funded by a landscape maintenance assessment district. (Coastal Act/30251/30240)

POLICY 1.6: The City shall provide for the reduction of unnatural causes of bluff erosion, as detailed in the Zoning Code, by:

POLICY 1.8: New residential and commercial construction shall provide for smoke detector and fire sprinkler systems to reduce the impact of development on service levels.

POLICY 1.9: Adequate safety service levels shall be maintained and provided for by new development.

POLICY 1.12: The City will observe and apply measures to reduce earthquake structural risk through building and construction codes.

POLICY 1.13: In areas identified as susceptible to brush or wildfire hazard, the City shall provide for construction standards to reduce structural susceptibility and increase protection. Brush clearance around structures for fire safety shall not exceed a 30-foot perimeter in areas of native or significant brush, and as provided by Resource Management Policy 10.1.

POLICY 1.14: Where development creates the need for new public safety services and/or equipment, that development shall be responsible for the cost of such services/equipment.

GOAL 2: The City of Encinitas will make an effort to minimize potential hazards to public health, safety, and welfare and to prevent the loss of life and damage to health and property resulting from both natural and man-made phenomena.

POLICY 2.4: Setbacks, easements, and accesses, necessary to assure that emergency services can function with available equipment, shall be required and maintained.

POLICY 2.6: Except as provided in Public Safety Policy 1.1, no development or filling shall be permitted within any 100-year floodplain.

Paragraph added 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); paragraph amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); Policy 1.2 amended 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32) and 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); Policy 1.6 amended 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32) and amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17)

GOAL 1: The City will conserve, protect, and enhance the water resources in the Planning Area.

POLICY 1.1: Require new development to utilize measures designed to conserve water in their construction.

POLICY 1.10: Promote the use of water efficient sprinkling and gardening systems to include ordinances and technology to encourage drought resistant plants.

POLICY 1.11: If a development can be connected to the sewer system, the system must have the capacity to handle the additional load of the proposed project.

GOAL 3: The City will make every effort possible to preserve significant mature trees, vegetation, and wildlife habitat within the planning area. (Coastal Act/30240)

POLICY 3.2: Mature trees shall not be removed or disturbed to provide public right-of way improvements if such improvements can be deferred, redesigned, or eliminated. This policy is not meant to conflict with the establishment of riding/hiking trails and other natural resource paths for the public good, or with the preservation of views.

POLICY 3.5: A street tree planting program shall be developed and implemented.

POLICY 3.6: Future development shall maintain significant mature trees to the extent possible and incorporate them into the design of development projects.

GOAL 4: The City, with the assistance of the State, Federal and regional agencies, shall provide the maximum visual access to coastal and inland views through the acquisition and development of a system of coastal and inland vista points. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 4.6: The City will maintain and enhance the scenic highway/visual corridor viewsheds. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 4.7: The City will designate the following view corridors as scenic highway/visual corridor viewsheds:

POLICY 4.9: It is intended that development would be subject to the design review provisions for the Scenic/Visual Corridor Overlay Zone for those locations within Scenic View Corridors, along scenic highways and adjacent to significant viewsheds and vista points with the addition of the following design criteria:

GOAL 7: The City will make every effort to ensure significant scientific and cultural resources in the planning area are preserved for future generations. (Coastal Act/30250)

POLICY 7.1: Require that paleontological, historical, and archaeological resources in the planning area are documented, preserved, or salvaged if threatened by new development.

POLICY 7.4: The City will encourage the development of cultural facilities to be made available to the public, such as performing arts theaters, museums, and libraries. (Coastal Act/30250)

GOAL 9: The City will encourage the abundant use of natural and drought tolerant landscaping in new development and preserve natural vegetation, as much as possible, in undeveloped areas. (Coastal Act/30240/30251)

POLICY 9.1: The City will initiate and pursue the landscaping of appropriate median and parking areas with trees on all new and existing arterial streets. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 9.2: All natural drainage courses should be maintained in natural or semi-natural vegetation utilizing existing topography as opposed to concrete ditches or pipes. (Coastal Act/30231/30240)

POLICY 9.3: Where possible, bridges should be used in lieu of pipes, box culverts, or underground channels to preserve the integrity of the natural stream courses, in keeping with community character in the Planning Area. (Coastal Act/30231/30240)

POLICY 9.4: Encourage and adopt standards for the use of drought tolerant and/or natural landscaping and efficient irrigation systems throughout the City. (Coastal Act/ 30231/30240)

POLICY 9.6: Require landscaping in the design of new residential, commercial, and industrial areas and buildings as detailed in the City Zoning Code regulations. (Coastal Act/30251/30253)

POLICY 9.8: Brush clearing and grading for agricultural, construction and non-construction purposes shall be subject to City review. (Coastal Act/30240)

POLICY 9.9: The City shall develop and implement a program to preserve natural drainage courses and their associated vegetation. (Coastal Act/30240)

GOAL 10: The City will preserve the integrity, function, productivity, and long term viability of environmentally sensitive habitats throughout the city, including kelp-beds, ocean recreational areas, coastal water, beaches, lagoons, and their up-lands, riparian areas, coastal strand areas, coastal sage scrub and coastal mixed chaparral habitats. (Coastal Act/30230/30231/30240)

POLICY 10.1: The City will minimize development impacts on coastal mixed chaparral and coastal sage scrub environmentally sensitive habitats by preserving within the inland bluff and hillside systems, all native vegetation on natural slopes of 25% grade and over other than manufactured slopes. A deviation from this policy may be permitted only upon a finding that strict application thereof would preclude any reasonable use of the property (one dwelling unit per lot). This policy shall not apply to construction of roads of the City's circulation element, except to the extent that adverse impacts on habitat should be minimized to the degree feasible. Encroachments for any purpose, including fire break brush clearance around structures, shall be limited as specified in Public Safety Policy 1.2. Brush clearance, when allowed in an area of sensitive habitat or vegetation, shall be conducted by selective hand clearance. (Coastal Act/30240/30250/30251/30253)

POLICY 10.4: The City will develop a program to acquire or preserve the entire undeveloped riparian corridor within the City that drains into the San Elijo Lagoon and Batiquitos Lagoon. Methods of financing acquisition may include, but are not limited to, use of available State and Federal grants for such purpose; the application of developer or mitigation fees specifically for open space preservation; and creation of a non-profit or joint-powers agency for lagoon and drainage sheds acquisition and management. (Coastal Act/30231/30240)

POLICY 10.5: The City will control development design on Coastal Mixed Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub environmentally sensitive habitats by including all parcels containing concentrations of these habitats within the Special Study Overlay designation. The following guidelines will be used to evaluate projects for approval.

POLICY 10.6: The City shall preserve and protect wetlands within the City's planning area. "Wetlands" shall be as defined and delineated consistent with the definitions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Army Corps of Engineers, the Coastal Act and the Coastal Commission Regulations, as applicable, and shall include, but not be limited to, all lands which are transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water.

There shall be no net loss of wetland acreage or resource value as a result of land use or development, and the City's goal is to realize a net gain in acreage and value when ever possible.

Within the Coastal Zone, the diking, filling, or dredging of open coastal waters, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes shall be permitted where there is no feasible less environmentally damaging alternative, and where feasible mitigation measures have been provided to minimize adverse environmental effects, and shall be limited to the following newly permitted uses and activities:

a. Incidental public service projects.

b. Mineral extraction, including sand for restoring beaches, except in environmentally sensitive areas.

c. Restoration purposes.

d. Nature study, aquaculture, or other similar resource dependent activities.

POLICY 10.9: The City will encourage the preservation and the function of San Elijo Lagoon and Batiquitos Lagoon and their adjacent uplands as viable wetlands, ecosystems and habitat for resident and migratory wildlife, by prohibiting actions (subject to the detailed provisions of RM policy 10.6) which:

POLICY 10.10: The City will encourage and cooperate with other responsible agencies to plan and implement an integrated management plan for the long-term conservation and restoration of wetlands resources at San Elijo Lagoon (and where it applies, Batiquitos Lagoon), Escondido and Encinitas Creeks and their significant upstream feeder creeks, according to the following guidelines (The following text is a summarization of Policy 10.10. Please see the City of Encinitas General Plan, Policy 10.10, for the comprehensive list of the guidelines below.):

GOAL 11: The City recognizes the important contribution of agricultural and horticultural land uses in the local economy and the emphasis of the need to maintain these activities.

POLICY 11.1: Investigate the feasibility of establishing and instituting an incentive program for preservation of land within the City suitable for agricultural production. Institute such a program if fiscally sound within the City.

POLICY 11.2: Support agricultural water rates for agricultural/horticultural operations and explore the use of treated wastewater for agricultural operations.

POLICY 11.3: Support efforts of the floriculture industry and/or the University of California Extension Service in establishing a farm cooperative and/or flower auction in the City of Encinitas.

POLICY 11.4: Encourage and support the establishment of a horticultural park in the Encinitas area.

POLICY 11.5: Encourage the establishment and preservation of new agricultural preserves for areas within the coastal zone designated for agricultural land use.

POLICY 11.8: Preserve and promote the right to produce unique horticultural crops and community gardens in Encinitas.

POLICY 11.9: Recognize agriculture/horticulture, with proper mitigation to preserve wetland habitats when present, as one of the highest and best uses for those areas within the planning area located in floodplains.

POLICY 11.10: Provide an economic advantage, where possible, to agriculture in competing with the forces of urbanization to minimize pressures to redevelop to urban land uses.

POLICY 11.11: Enforce regulations and ordinances with regard to maintenance and upkeep of greenhouses and other agricultural accessory buildings.

POLICY 11.13: Encourage agricultural/horticultural practices which minimize adverse impacts on surrounding areas.

POLICY 11.14: Encourage the producers of agricultural/horticultural products to provide suitable housing for farm laborers.

GOAL 12: The City will encourage the preservation of "prime" agriculture lands within its sphere of influence. (Coastal Act/30241)

POLICY 12.1: For the purpose of this plan and the LCP, "prime" agriculture is defined as land in the sphere of influence of the City of Encinitas Coastal Zone presently producing or with the future potential for commercial production of agricultural products and with a soil classification of Class I-IV. (Coastal Act/30241)

POLICY 12.2: No "prime" agriculture lands are located within the City of Encinitas Coastal Zone. However, the Ecke Holdings, et. al., are within the City of Encinitas' Coastal Zone sphere of influence, and may, therefore, be influenced by the City's LCP and General Plan policies. The City recognizes this land as "prime" agriculture suitability and as such, designates it for long term preservation as "Agriculture/Open Space Preserve." (Coastal Act/30241)

GOAL 13: Create a desirable, healthful and comfortable environment for living while preserving Encinitas' unique natural resources by encouraging land use policies that will preserve the environment. (Coastal Act/30250/30251)

POLICY 13.2: The City shall plan for compatible land uses within and adjacent to recreation areas, natural preserves and agricultural areas. (Coastal Act/30240/30250)

POLICY 13.3: Encourage the use of buffer zones to separate major thoroughfares from adjacent areas and protect them from pollutants of noise, exhaust, and light. (Coastal Act/30250/30251)

POLICY 13.4: Minimize visual pollution by establishing design review standards. (Coastal Act/30251/30253 (5))

GOAL 14: The City shall stringently control erosion and sedimentation from land use and development to avoid environmental degradation of lagoons and other sensitive biological habitat, preserve public resources and avoid the costs of dealing with repair and sedimentation removal. (Coastal Act/30231/30240/30250/30253)

POLICY 14.1: The best strategy to reduce erosion and sedimentation is to reduce to the maximum extent feasible, grading and removal of vegetation. It is the policy of the City that, in any land use and development, grading and vegetation removal shall be limited to the minimum necessary. (Coastal Act/30240/30250)

POLICY 14.3: The City will reduce the rate of sedimentation of the lagoons by requiring procedures for controlling runoff and erosion associated with upland grading and development based on a minimum 10-year, six-hour storm event. The City shall provide regulations for the use of sedimentation basins and the potential transfer of sediment as beach replenishment (if of an acceptable material). (Coastal Act/30250/30251)

POLICY 14.4: Revegetation and appropriate landscaping of all areas graded and scraped of vegetative cover shall be required with land use and development. Plantings, hydroseeding, and irrigation systems used shall be selected on the bases of minimizing erosion and conserving water. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 14.5: To minimize erosion and allow sedimentation control systems to work, no grading or vegetation removal shall be allowed to occur during the wet season, October 1 - April 15, without all systems and devices per an approved erosion control plan and program being in place. During other times of the year such systems shall be provided and operative as required by a comprehensive City erosion control ordinance. No grading shall occur during the rainy season within the Special Study Overlay area, or in areas upland of sensitive areas including lagoons, floodplains, riparian or wetland habitat areas, unless by site-specific determination, the grading would not be occurring on sensitive slopes, in floodplain areas or upland of floodplains, where sedimentation might occur in other sensitive habitat areas. Then, if grading is determined to be allowable, all necessary erosion control devices must be in place and monitored throughout. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 14.6: To achieve the ends of erosion control, a comprehensive erosion control plan shall be required with final building permit and improvement plans, subject to review and approval prior to commencement of grading and construction. (Coastal Act/30251)

POLICY 14.7: Minimize extensive or premature grading or filling, and penalize illegal grading or filling.

GOAL 15: The City will make every effort to conserve energy in the city thus reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

POLICY 15.1: The City will encourage the use of alternate energy systems, including passive solar and architectural and mechanical systems, in both commercial and residential development. (Coastal Act/30253)

(Ord. 2019-04); paragraph added 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); paragraph amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); Policy 10.5 amended 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32) and Paragraph added 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17); Policy 10.6 amended 1/30/91 and 5/11/95 (Reso. 95-32)

GOAL 1: The maintenance of the open space resources in the planning area will continue to be emphasized. (Coastal Act/30240)

POLICY 1.1: Continue to cooperate with property owners, the County of San Diego and others to preserve and maintain the riparian habitats within the planning area. (Coastal Act/30240)

POLICY 1.2: Consider the enactment of a "Quimby Ordinance" to insure that new residential development is provided with open space/recreational amenities. In addition, explore all other available funding resources and alternatives for acquisition and development of park and open space lands.

POLICY 1.4: Establish a balance of natural open space and "improved" recreational open space and implement measures to preserve, and maintain the natural environment. (Coastal Act/30252)

POLICY 1.5: Provide a minimum of 15 acres of local recreational area for each 1,000 population for the entire community. This area should be devoted to neighborhood and other close-at-hand recreation facilities, community parks, and passive open space in undeveloped preserves and wilderness areas. This policy shall not be construed to reduce the minimum standards established under this Element for provision of mini, neighborhood, community, or other park land based on population or service distance.

POLICY 1.6: Establish mini-parks and playlots in high density areas where larger parks are inaccessible or impractical to provide, and only when the provision of neighborhood parks to serve local neighborhood park needs is not possible.

POLICY 1.7: Provide a neighborhood park within convenient, and where possible, walking distance for all urban area residents.

POLICY 1.9: Develop parks in conjunction with schools wherever possible and encourage joint use of facilities. (Coastal Act/30252)

POLICY 1.10: Encourage the development of private and public recreational and meeting facilities throughout Encinitas.

POLICY 1.11: Develop an open space program that will link the various communities together with parks, recreation/pedestrian access and natural visual corridors.

POLICY 1.12: Active parks, passive parks, and natural open space shall be provided in each of the communities to the extent possible.

POLICY 1.13: Encourage appropriate multiple use of open space wherever possible.

POLICY 1.15: Provide the playing fields necessary to serve the community.

POLICY 1.16: Future trails in addition to those planned for in this element may be added to the existing systems to enhance the recreational opportunities of the City.

GOAL 2: The City will make every effort to preserve open space areas that represent a significant environmental resource in the community. (Coastal act/30240)

POLICY 2.1: The City should identify and seek to acquire floodplain areas for appropriate public uses. (Coastal Act/30212.5/30231/30240)

POLICY 2.2: Provide and maintain an inter-linking network of trails for horseback riding, hiking, and bicycling; and minimize the cost of the trail system by encouraging the use of drainage channels, flood plains, existing trails, public lands, excess street right-of-way, and major utility right-of-way. (Coastal Act/30212.5/30252)

POLICY 2.3: Encourage the preservation and protection of areas for the recreational activities characteristic of Encinitas such as horseback riding, surfing, skin-diving, bicycling, walking, and jogging. (Coastal Act/30212.5/30252)

POLICY 2.4: Leave appropriate areas of neighborhood and community parks in a natural state, retaining natural topography and vegetation where preservation is feasible. (Coastal Act/30240)

POLICY 2.6: Encourage the provision of a full range of recreational facilities distributed throughout the area. (Coastal Act/30212.5)

POLICY 2.8: Encourage the maintenance of the bluffs, beach, shoreline, reefs and ocean and discourage any use that would adversely affect the beach and bluffs except a reasonable number of access public stairways, lifeguard towers and similar public beach facilities. (Coastal Act/30211/30213)

GOAL 4: A City-wide system of parks which combine established standards and community desires shall be established and maintained.

POLICY 4.2: Wherever possible, neighborhood parks should be associated with elementary schools.

POLICY 4.3: Neighborhood parks should be accessible by pedestrians living in the immediate area.

(Reso. 98-17; Ord. 2019-04)

GOAL 1: Provide an acceptable noise environment for existing and future residents of the City of Encinitas.

POLICY 1.1: Review actions or projects that may have noise generation potential to determine what impact they may have on existing land uses. If a project would cause an increase in traffic noise levels, the policy of the City of Encinitas is to accept an increase up to an Ldn of 55 dB in outdoor residential use areas without mitigation. If a project would increase the traffic noise level by more than 5 dB and the resulting Ldn would be over 55 dB, then mitigation measures must be evaluated. If the project, or action, would increase traffic noise levels by 3 dB or more and the resulting Ldn would exceed 60 dB in outdoor use areas in residential development, noise mitigation must be similarly evaluated. The impact of non-transportation projects must generally be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The following guidelines will aid in evaluating the impacts of commercial and industrial projects.

a) Performance Standards Adjacent to Residential Areas.

New commercial construction adjacent to residential areas should not increase noise levels in a residential area by more than 3 dB (Ldn) or create noise impacts which would increase noise levels to more than an Ldn of 60 dB at the boundary of the nearest residential area, whichever is more restrictive.

b) Performance Standards Adjacent to Commercial and Industrial Areas.

New commercial projects should not increase noise levels in a commercial area by more than 5 dB (Ldn) or increase noise levels to an Ldn in excess of 70 dB (office buildings, business and professional) or an Ldn of 75 dB (industrial) at the property line of an adjacent commercial/industrial use, whichever is more restrictive.

These criteria may be waived if, as determined by a noise analysis, there are mitigating circumstances (such as higher existing noise levels) and/or no uses would be adversely affected. Where conditions are unusual or where backgrounds are unusually low and the characteristics of a new noise source are not adequately described by using the Ldn noise descriptor, additional acoustical analysis is encouraged and the conclusions of such analysis will be considered by the City.

POLICY 1.2: An Ldn of 50 dB is the maximum acceptable outdoor noise level in residential outdoor use areas. The City recognizes that there are residential areas in which existing noise levels exceed an acceptable level. The City will adopt a Noise Wall/Barrier Installation Policy for determining which areas should receive soundwalls along the major street system and to evaluate possible cost participation programs for constructing these soundwalls.

POLICY 1.4: The City will limit truck traffic in residential and commercial areas to designated truck routes. Limit construction, delivery, and through truck traffic to designated routes. Distribute maps of approved truck routes to City traffic officers.

POLICY 1.6: Include noise mitigation measures in the design of new roadway projects.

POLICY 1.7: Apply Title 24 of the California Administrative Code, associated with noise insulation standards, to single-family dwellings.

GOAL 3: Ensure that residents are protected from harmful and irritating noise sources to the greatest extent possible.

POLICY 3.1: The City will adopt and enforce a quantitative noise ordinance to resolve neighborhood conflicts and to control unnecessary noise sources that can be controlled through the use of such an ordinance. Unnecessary noise sources shall be deemed to include barking dogs; noisy mechanical equipment such as swimming pools and hot tub pumps; amplified music in commercial establishments; etc.

GOAL 4: Provide for measures to reduce noise impacts from stationary noise sources.

POLICY 4.1: Ensure inclusion of noise mitigation measures and operation of new and existing development.

The Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan has been prepared in conformance with Section 65451 of the California Government Code which requires that a specific plan include the financing measures necessary to implement a proposed project. The Specific Plan and Development Agreement identify phasing and financing for road improvements, water and sewer lines and facilities, drainage facilities, park facilities, golf course, school site, and financing, etc.

The phasing of development and infrastructure is specifically identified in the Development Agreement. The Development Agreement sets forth the project phasing of the required infrastructure improvements and construction of community facilities, as well as financing measures and financing responsibility. Such financing strategies identify the use of Community Facilities Districts (CFD) for the financing and construction of infrastructure improvements. A revenue bond is also identified as a means to finance the construction of the golf course and related improvements. The financing measures require all debt service to be secured by the project development.

Paragraph amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17)

Consistent with State law, the City and applicant have entered into a Development Agreement for the implementation of the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan. The Development Agreement for the project will eliminate uncertainty in planning for and securing orderly development of the project, ensure attainment of the maximum efficient utilization of resources within the City at the least economic cost to its citizens, and achieve the provision of public services, public uses, urban infrastructure, and other goals and purposes for which the Development Agreement Act was enacted. In exchange for these and other benefits to the City, assurance is provided that the project may proceed during the term of the Development Agreement.

Attached to this Specific Plan is the Development Agreement for the Encinitas Ranch Specific Plan. The Development Agreement is key to implementing the Specific Plan. It identifies the phasing of development and improvements; the timing of dedications of public parks, cultural facilities, and public facilities; and the environmental mitigation measures as required by the Final EIR.

Paragraph amended 3/18/98 (Reso. 98-17)

Home Depot Specific Plan