Resource Management Element RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
CITY OF ENCINITAS GENERAL PLAN
As Amended 1/30/91, 6/16/93, 3/9/94, 5/11/95 and 03/09/11
II
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
Introduction to the Resource Management Element RM-1
Purpose of the Element RM-1
Related Plans and Programs RM-2
Format and Scope of this Element RM-3
Resource Management Goals and Policies RM-3
Quality of Water and Groundwater Resources RM-4
Quality of the Ocean Waters RM-5
Preservation of Trees and Habitat RM-6
Community Views, Vistas and Aesthetic Qualities RM-8
Air Quality RM-11
Waste Management RM-12
Preservation of Cultural Resources RM-13
Preservation of Coastal Areas RM-13
Plant Resources and Landscaping RM-15
Preservation of Environmentally Sensitive Habitats RM-16
Preservation of Agriculture RM-22
Land Use Policy and Resource Management RM-25
Environmental Impacts from New Development RM-26
Energy Conservation RM_27
Related Goals and Policies RM-28
Resource Management Plan RM-30
Land Use Policy RM-30
Natural Resource Management RM-31
Preservation of Scenic Visual Resources RM-33
Cultural Resource Management RM-35
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
Table 1: Resource Management Policy Matrix RM-29
LIST OF FIGURES
Table Page
Figure 1: Special Study Overlay Zone RM-32
Figure 2: Natural Resources Sensitivity RM-34
Figure 3: Visual Resources Sensitivity RM-36
Figure 4: Cultural Resource Sensitivity RM-38
INTRODUCTION TO THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
Purpose The City of Encinitas, as well as the surrounding
This Element region, is rich in both natural and cultural resources.
Early man was attracted to the North County
region many thousands of years before the European
discovery of the New World as evidenced by the
thousands of artifacts and hundreds of archaeological
sites that have been found in the Encinitas area.
The undeveloped areas of the City are the only
remnants of an environment that existed for many
thousands of years. Plant and animal species that
were once common are now confined to habitats that are
many times smaller. Once these habitats are destroyed
a number of rare and endangered plant and animal
species may be lost as well.
Other environmental concerns also face the residents
of the City and the surrounding Southern California
region. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and
the food we eat have become increasingly polluted over
the past decades due to practices that are
environmentally unsound. Contaminants range from
hazardous materials affecting local groundwater to
careless use of pesticides.
This Element is concerned with identifying goals and
policies that are designed to preserve significant
natural and cultural resources in the Planning Area.
The Resource Management Element also builds upon goals
and policies in the other elements, especially the
Land Use Element. The Resource Management Technical
Report provides necessary background information as a
supporting document for the Element.
The Land Use Element includes a number of overlay
designations that will be useful in implementing the
policies contained in this Element. In addition, the
Land Use Policy Map identifies those areas of the City
where development densities will be reduced to
maximize any open space which will also benefit
efforts to preserve certain environmentally sensitive
areas.
This Element meets State requirements concerning the
Conservation and Open Space Elements as defined in
Sections 65302e and 65302f of the Government Code.
According to these requirements, the Conservation
Element must contain goals and policies that further
the protection and maintenance of the State's natural
resources, prevents their wasteful exploitation,
RM-1 3/29/89
degradation, and destruction. The Open Space Element
must contain goals and policies concerned with
managing all open space areas, including undeveloped
wilderness lands.
Related Plans There are a number of existing plans and programs which
and Programs are directly applicable to the aims and objectives of
this Element. These plans and programs were enacted
through federal and state legislation and are
administered by Federal and State agencies or special
districts that have been delegated with powers to
enforce federal and state law.
California Coastal Plan: This plan was prepared in
response to a public mandate (Coastal Initiative -
Proposition 20, 1972) that underscored citizen desires
that the State's coastal resources be protected. A
regional plan was prepared for the Encinitas Planning
Area by the County of San Diego. This plan included
the following policies,g p cies, a number of which have been
implemented or are included in this General Plan;
• Restore Batiquitos Lagoon to its natural state, to
the extent that this is possible, including the
restoration of tidal action, enhancement of resource
value, protection of buffer areas and the creation
of a 1000+ acre park reserve;
• Acquire additional sites to provide access to the
shoreline;
• Designate the Highway 101 corridor as a scenic
highway;
• Protect coastal floriculture and agriculture within
the coastal area;
• Link existing and future parks with a trails system;
• Retain the low density, semi-rural character of
existing "San Dieguito" communities; and
• Acquire 1000+ acres within the San Elijo Lagoon as
an ecological reserve and regional park.
The State Coastal Commission has prepared guidelines
designed to assist local governments and the Coastal
Commission staff in how to implement State relating to
the Coastal Act. These guidelines have been adhered to
in the preparation of the Local Coastal Program for the
City of Encinitas.
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Paragraphs Added Shoreline Preservation Strategy: In 1993 the San
319194 Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) adopted a
Shoreline Preservation Strategy, aimed at protecting
this region's shoreline as an environmental amenity,
and to avoid hazards to public safety. The Strategy
includes general objectives and policies, and
suggests more detailed strategies for shoreline
preservation for identified sub-regional "littoral
cells. " Encinitas is within the Oceanside Littoral
Cell system.
The Encinitas General Plan/LCP is intended to be
consistent with, and to help aide implementation of,
the objectives and policies of the Shoreline
Preservation Strategy. Detailed actions and programs
which may be pursued within Encinitas and immediately
offshore to implement the Strategy must be monitored,
and checked for consistency with the goals and
policies of this General Plan.
California Environmental Quality Act Law and
Guidelines: The California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) was adopted by the State legislature in
response to a public mandate that called for a
thorough environmental analysis of those projects
that might adversely affect the environment. The
provisions of the law, review procedure, and any
subsequent analysis are described in the CEQA Law and
Guidelines as amended in 1986. CEQA will continue to
be instrumental in ensuring that the impacts of all
potentially significant projects are assessed by City
officials (both appointed and elected) and the
general public.
San Diego County Air Quality Plan: The City of
Encinitas is located within a non-attainment area in
that Federal clean air standards prepared by the
Environmental Protection Agency have not been
achieved. To comply with the provisions of the Clean
Air Act, the State of California established a number
of special districts charged with implementing plans
and programs to achieve Federal clean air standards.
The San Diego County Air Pollution District was
responsible for preparing the 1982 State
Implementation Plan Revision for the San Diego Air
Basin which identifies strategies designed to improve
air quality compliance with Federal standards.
Other Federal laws that are concerned with the
protection of significant cultural and natural
resources include the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(as amended in 1978) , the Antiquities Act and the
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National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
Format and The Resource Management Element includes two sections
Scope of in addition to the Introduction. Resource Management
this Element Goals and Policies follow this section identifying
goals and supporting policies aimed at preserving or
managing resources in the City. This Element also
includes a Resource Management Plan which is concerned
with protecting and managing both natural and cultural
resources. The Plan establishes linkages between the
land use policy and existing resource management
programs to preserve those areas identified as being
ecologically or culturally significant.
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GOALS AND POLICIES
The goals and supporting policies included in this
Element are concerned with a diverse range of issue
and policy areas. A number of goals and policies
focus on preserving significant habitats in the
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Planning Area including habitats containing rare or
endangered plant and animal species. Another set of
policies underscore the importance of maintaining
agricultural production in the City as long as it is
economically feasible to do so. The maintenance of air
and water quality is emphasized in a number of goals
and policies that support ongoing programs that are
being undertaken to improve the quality of the air
we breathe and the water we drink. The preservation of
important viewsheds within the Planning Area is
emphasized in policies aimed primarily at preserving
views in the coastal zone as well as providing for
scenic highways. Finally, policies that emphasize the
need for development practices to be sensitive to the
environment are included in the final set of policies.
Quality of One of the most important issues facing the State of
Water and California concerns the continued polluting of the
Groundwater State's groundwater. Agricultural practices, illegal
Resources dumping of toxic chemicals, urban stormwater, and
inadequate protection against the leaching taking
place in landfills are a few of the many sources
contributing to this pollution. Increased development
has also led to a corresponding decline in groundwater
reserves. Unfortunately, water conservation measures
are practiced on a widespread basis only during
periods of prolonged drought. If the State's water
resources are to be preserved, these water
conservation practices need to be implemented at all
times.
GOAL 1: The City will conserve, protect, and enhance
the water resources in the Planning Area.
(Coastal Act/30231)
POLICY 1.1: Require new development to utilize
measures designed to conserve water in their
construction.
POLICY 1.2: Cooperate with the Federal, State, and
County governments and surrounding jurisdictions
concerning the maintenance and improvement of water
quality from local groundwater sources. (Coastal Act/
30231)
POLICY 1.3: The City will implement a program for both
the using and sale of treated wastewater from a
new wastewater treatment facility. The City should
attempt to use the treated wastewater for the
landscaping of transportation corridors, parks and
recreation areas, and other public uses. (Coastal
Act/30231)
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POLICY 1.4: The City will explore the possibilities
of establishing or promoting a tree farm or plant
growing operation to take advantage of the
possibilities for sewage sludge and wastewater
recycling.
POLICY 1.5: A study of the feasibility of
participating with other governmental agencies in the
processing of sludge into usable products should be
conducted, including the possibility of worm farming.
POLICY 1.6: Phase out the use of water softeners
which utilize salt in the water-softening process to
prevent continued degradation of the water. (Coastal
Act/30231)
POLICY 1.7: Investigate ways to reduce the reliance
of local water users on imported water. The City will
seek reductions in per capita water consumption and
will support reclaiming sewage effluent for re-use.
POLICY 1.8: The City will achieve and maintain
secondary sewage treatment through available means
such as development fees, user fees, bond issues, etc.
to prevent sewage pollution into the lagoons, ocean
waters, or ground waters. (Coastal Act/30231)
POLICY 1.9: Encourage the use of recycled liquid
wastes where appropriate. (Coastal Act/30231)
POLICY 1.10: Promote the use of water efficient
sprinkling and gardening systems to include ordinances
and technology to encourage drought tolerant 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.
POLICY 1.12: Development within unsewered areas shall
only be allowed after testing proves that septic
systems would not create potential pollution. All
development within unsewered areas shall be limited to
parcels of at least one (1) acre.
Quality of the The coastal areas not only serve as resources for
Ocean Waters recreation and relaxation for both residents and
visitors to the City, but also provide homes to many
forms of marine life. As with groundwater, a major
threat to the quality of our coastal waters comes from
pollution. Policies listed in the following section
focus on the importance of eliminating those practices
that contribute to degration and pollution of the
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coastal waters. In addition, these policies support
the aims and objectives of the Coastal Act that relate
to the improvement of water quality in coastal waters.
GOAL 2: The City shall make every effort to improve
ocean water quality. (Coastal Act/30231)
POLICY 2.1: In that ocean water quality conditions
are of utmost importance, the City shall aggressively
pursue the elimination of all forms of potential
unacceptable pollution that threatens marine or human
health. (Coastal Act/30230/30231)
POLICY 2.2: In that the San Elijo ocean wastewater
outfall lies within the jurisdiction of the City and
the Encina outfall lies north of the City, the City
shall encourage the highest feasible level of
treatment of said wastewater prior to entering the
outfalls and continually encourage the reduction of
volume of wastewater to said outfalls by this City and
other jurisdictions. (Coastal Act/30230/30231)
POLICY 2.3: To minimize harmful pollutants from
entering the ocean environment from lagoons, streams,
storm drains and other waterways containing potential
contaminants, the City shall mandate the reduction or
elimination of contaminants entering all such
waterways; pursue measures to monitor the quality of
such contaminated waterways, and pursue prosecution of
intentional and grossly negligent polluters of such
waterways. (Coastal Act/30230/30231/30233)
POLICY 2.4: The City shall prohibit support
facilities in the City for offshore exploration of oil
or drilling of oil in coastal waters within its
jurisdiction and strongly discourage such activity in
any coastal waters in San Diego County. (Coastal
Act/30232)
Preservation Trees are important in making a community attractive
of Trees both residents and visitors. In addition to the
and Habitat aesthetic value, these trees also play an important
role in providing habitats and food to a wide variety
of animals, cleansing the air, and even regulating the
climate. While the loss of mature trees in any single
community may not result in any significant adverse
affects on the environment, the cumulative impacts
associated with the cutting down of large numbers of
trees within a region might.
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In a number of areas of the City there are stands of
trees that existed in native habitats prior to
European settlement. Over many thousands of years,
complex plant and animal communities evolved with
these trees being an important component in the
ecosystem. The loss of mature trees in certain
habitats could significantly alter those habitats in
which they are located.
GOAL 3: The City will make every effort possible to
preserve significant mature trees, vegetation and
wildlife habitat within the Planning Area. (Coastal
30240)
POLICY 3 .1: Mature trees of community significance
cannot be removed without City authorization.
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 3.3: The City will examine ways to
aesthetically trim street trees and vegetation within
the public right-of-way including the possibility of
using contract services or City personnel. (Coastal
Act/30240/30251)
POLICY 3.4: A program shall be developed to trim roots
and replace sidewalks and other public facilities which
may be damaged by roots. (Coastal Act/30251/30254)
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.
POLICY 3 .7: Where trees are now encroaching into the
right-of-way, the City will establish a program that
plants replacement trees in anticipation of removal of
existing trees.
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The importance of aesthetic resources in the City are
Community underscored by local concerns that significant
Views,
Vistas, viewshed be preserved. The City will undertake a
that involves the ac
and Aesthetic program quisition and development
Qualities of sites for vista points and the establishment of a
"Scenic/Visual Corridor Overlay" land use designation
which will ensure that existing views are not
compromised by future development. Finally, a number
of scenic highways have been designated. These
policies are also consistent with policies contained
in the Coastal Act that stress the importance of
preserving significant viewsheds in the coastal areas.
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 4.1: The following Vista Points and others
will be acquired and developed, as feasible:
San Elijo & Kilkenny (overlooking lagoon & coast)
Highway 101, north of La Costa Avenue
Northeast and northwest corner of I-5 and La
Costa Avenue
- Encinitas Community Park site (Coastal Act/30251)
POLICY 4.2: The following Vista Points will be
developed and maintained as feasible:
- Orpheus Street Park site
- Oak Crest Park site
- West end of "D" Street
- West end of "F" Street
- West end of "J" Street (Coastal Act/30251)
POLICY 4 .3 : The following Vista Points will be
maintained as needed, and upgraded as necessary:
Leucadia Beach State Park
West end of "I" Street
Moonlight State Beach
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Swami's City Park
- Existing Vista Point on southbound I-5
Cardiff Beach State Park (south parking lot)
(Coastal Act/30251)
POLICY 4.4: The system of Vista Points will provide
for the differing needs of automobile, bicycle, and
pedestrian users, and will recognize as a recreational
resource, the function of Vista Points as facilities
for the passive, and occasionally remote enjoyment of
the coastal and inland view. (Coastal
Act/30251/30212.5/30210)
POLICY 4.5: The City will designate "Scenic/Visual
Corridor Overlay" areas within which the character of
development would be regulated to protect the integrity
of the Vista Points according to the following
criteria:
Critical viewshed areas should meet the following
requirements:
• extend radially for 2,000 feet (610M) from the
Vista Point; and
• cover areas upon which development could
potentially obstruct, limit, or degrade the
view.
Development within the critical viewshed area
should be subject to design review based on the
following:
• building height, bulk, roof line and color
and scale should not obstruct, limit or
degrade the existing views;
• landscaping should be located to screen
adjacent undesirable views (parking lot
areas, mechanical equipment, etc.)
(Coastal Act/30251/30253)
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:
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- Saxony Road, from Leucadia Blvd. , north to La
Costa Ave.
Highway 101 from Encinitas Blvd. south to Santa
Fe Drive
E1 Camino Real from Encinitas Blvd. north to La
Costa Blvd.
Highway 101, La Costa Ave. to South Carlsbad
Beach
- La Costa Ave. from just west of I-5 to E1 Camino
Real
- Highway 101, from Encinitas Blvd. to La Costa
Ave.
Leucadia Blvd. between Hwy 101 and E1 Camino Real
San Elijo Ave. (and Hwy 101) south of Cardiff
Beach State Park to Santa Fe Drive
Manchester Ave. from San Elijo Ave. to Encinitas
Blvd.
- Interstate 5, crossing San Elijo Lagoon (Coastal
Act/30251/30253)
POLICY 4.8: The City will designate Scenic/Visual
Corridor Overlay and scenic highway viewshed areas as
illustrated on the Visual Resource Sensitivity Map
(Figure 3) . (Coastal Act/30251)
POLICY 4.9: The City will designate historic viewsheds
in order to preserve historical views which represent a
significant cultural or historic resource to the
community. The following historic viewsheds will be
developed and maintained as feasible:
Station White
POLICY 4.10: It is intended that development would be
subject to the design review provisions of the Scenic/
Visual Corridor Overlay Zone for those locations
within Scenic View Corridors, along scenic highways
and adjacent to significant viewsheds, historic
viewsheds and vista points with the addition of the
following design criteria:
- Road Design
RM-10 3/29/89
• Type and physical characteristics of roadway
should be compatible with natural character
of corridor, and with the scenic highway
function.
Development Design
• Building and vegetation setbacks, scenic
easements, and height and bulk restrictions
should be used to maintain existing views
and vistas from the roadway.
• Off-site signage should be prohibited and
existing
• Developm
regulateu along any U.iuLL silnoueLLe line or
on adjacent slopes within view of the lagoon
areas and Escondido Creek.
• Where possible, development should be placed
and set back from the bases of bluffs, and
similarly, set back from bluff or ridge top
silhouette lines; shall leave lagoon areas
and floodplains open, and shall be sited to
provide unobstructed view corridors from the
nearest scenic highway.
• Development that is allowed within a
viewshed area must respond in scale, roof
line, materials, color, massing, and
location on site to the topography, existing
vegetation, and colors of the native
environment. (Coastal Act/30251/30253)
POLICY 4.11: The City will develop a program to
preserve views that also preserves the appropriate
vegetation and removes obstacles that impact views.
Trees and vegetation which are themselves part of the
view quality along the public right-of-way will be
retained. (Coastal Act/30251)
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Air Quality The City is located in the San Diego Air Basin which
has been designated as a non-attainment area for a
number of air pollutants including ozone, carbon
monoxide, and suspended particulates. As indicated in
the following goal and supporting policies, the City
will endeavor to contribute to ongoing efforts for
improving the air quality within the region. In
addition, the City will cooperate with current efforts
undertaken by the Federal government aimed at improving
water quality in the region.
GOAL 5: The City will make every effort to
participate in programs to improve air and water
quality in the San Diego region. (Coastal Act/30231)
POLICY 5.1: The City will monitor and cooperate with
the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, the San Diego Air Pollution Control
District, and the State of California Air Resources
Board in improving air quality in the regional air
basin. The City will implement appropriate strategies
from the San Diego County SIP which are consistent
with the goals and policies of this plan.
POLICY 5.2: The City will monitor and cooperate with
the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, the State of California Water
Resources Control Board, and the Regional Water
Quality Control Board in improving water quality in
the San Diego region.
Waste Solid and liquid waste is a necessary byproduct of our
Management society. Every person generates hundreds of pounds of
solid waste and thousands of gallons of liquid waste
every year. Commercial and industrial establishments
generate additional waste that must be disposed of.
Programs are needed to address the problems of
disposal of these wastes and ensuring that these
substances do not pollute after they have been
disposed of. The following goal and supporting
policies underscore the City's resolve towards
achieving this balance.
GOAL 6: The City will make every effort to reduce the
amount of solid and liquid waste generated in the
Planning Area and will identify ways to responsibly
deal with these wastes.
RM-12 3/29/89
POLICY 6.1: The City will phase in all practical forms
of mandatory recycling as soon as possible.
POLICY 6.2: The City will contract only with waste
haulers who will willingly cooperate with the City's
recycling effort.
POLICY 6.3 : The City will continue to oppose the
permanent location of hazardous waste disposal
facilities, trash-burning plants and inappropriate
sitings of landfills in or adjacent to the City.
POLICY 6.4: The City will cooperate with other cities
in the region to site and operate both landfill and
recycling facilities.
Preservation The City of Encinitas is rich in both prehistoric and
of Cultural historic resources. Human occupation of the area
Resources predates European settlement by many thousands of
years as evidenced by the large number of
archaeological sites that have been identified in
recent years. Just as significant, are the large
number of structures that are considered to be
historically significant by the five communities that
comprise the City. The following goal and policies
indicate how important the preservation of these
resources are to the residents of the City.
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. (Coastal Act/30250)
POLICY 7.2: Conduct a survey to identify historic
structures and archaeological/cultural sites
throughout the community and ensure that every action
is taken to ensure their preservation. (Coastal
Act/30250/30253 (5) )
POLICY 7.3: The City will pursue the development of
a historic resources program to assist in the
identification, preservation, and restoration of those
buildings, structures, and places within the City that
have historic significance.
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)
Preservation The coast is a dynamic environment undergoing
of Coastal continual change due to natural processes. Modern
Areas development, including the construction of dams on
major streams and development of the coastal areas
have radically altered the natural processes.
Furthermore, the use of the beaches by many thousands
of persons for recreation has resulted in additional
impacts. The following policies ensure that the
beaches will be maintained so they will be both clean
and safe for residents and visitors in the future. A
number of other policies focus on the replenishment of
the beaches and the maintenance of the coastal bluffs
which overlook the beaches.
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GOAL 8: The City will undertake programs to ensure
that the Coastal Areas are maintained and remain safe
and scenic for both residents and wildlife. (Coastal
Act/30240)
POLICY 8.1: Ban the possession and use of materials
or articles on beaches, lagoons, and in City parks
which are hazardous to wildlife. (Coastal Act/30240)
POLICY 8.2: Institute a comprehensive program for
maintaining all beaches within the incorporated
boundaries of the City. (Coastal Act/30220)
POLICY 8.3: Institute a program of identifying and
removing man-made hazardous obstacles from our coastal
waters, shorelines and beaches. (Coastal
Act/30220/30230)
POLICY 8.4: Utilize work release program volunteers
and other available sources to assist in the clean up
of beaches and other public areas throughout the City.
(Coastal Act/30220)
POLICY 8.5: The City will encourage the retention of
the coastal bluffs in their natural state to minimize
the geologic hazard and as a scenic resource.
Construction of structures for bluff protection shall
only be permitted when an existing principal structure
is endangered and no other means of protection of that
structure is possible. Only shoreline/bluff
structures that will not further endanger adjacent
properties shall be permitted as further defined by
City coastal bluff regulations. Shoreline protective
works, when approved, shall be aligned to minimize
encroachment onto sandy beaches. Beach materials
shall not be used as backfill material where retaining
structures are approved. Approved devices protecting
against marine waves shall be designed relative to a
design wave, at least equal to 1982-83 winter storm
waves. (Coastal Act/30235/30240/30251/30253)
POLICY 8.6: The City will encourage measures which
would replenish sandy beaches in order to protect
coastal bluffs from wave action and maintain beach
recreational resources. The City shall consider the
needs of surf-related recreational activities prior to
implementation of such measures. (Coastal
Act/30233/30235)
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POLICY 8.7: The City will establish, as primary
objectives, the preservation of natural beaches and
visual quality as guides to the establishment of
shoreline structures. All fishing piers, new boat
launch ramps, and shoreline structures along the
seaward shoreline of Encinitas will be discouraged.
(Coastal Act/30233/30235/30251)
Plant The importance of preserving natural vegetation has
Resources been emphasized in other goals and policies included
And elsewhere in this Element and is restated here. The
Landscaping following policies stress the importance of
landscaping in new development. The following
policies establish guidelines for landscaping in all
new development in Encinitas which will both enhance
the City's overall appearance and that of the
individual developments. The following policies also
support the objectives of the Coastal Act concerned
with the preservation of plant resources.
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 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 9.5: Encourage and adopt standards for
clean-up, landscaping, beautification, utility
undergrounding, and additional landscaping in parking
facilities where needed in existing commercial areas.
(Coastal Act/30251/30252)
RM-15 3/29/89
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 9.7: Encourage and adopt standards for
landscaping of existing commercial and industrial uses
to screen and buffer unsightly and congested
commercial/industrial areas from surrounding land
uses. (Coastal Act/30251)
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)
Preservation A number of areas within the City and the sphere of
of influence contain habitats, that once lost, cannot be
Environmentally replaced. Many of these areas contain plant and
Sensitive animal species that are unique to the area. Other
Habitats habitats are valued by the community for their
aesthetic or environmental value. The City seeks to
establish a balance between new development and the
maintenance and preservation of these valuable
resources. The following policies contain guidelines
and strategies aimed at preserving these
environmentally significant areas and minimizing
potentially adverse impacts from new development.
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
RM-16 3/29/89
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 10.2: To preserve and protect sensitive offshore kelp bed
areas, the City will prohibit the overcultivation overpruning, and
overcutting of kelp. (Coastal Act/30230)
POLICY 10.3: The City shall explore the prevention of beach sand
erosion. Beaches shall be artificially nourished with excavated sand
whenever suitable material becomes available through excavation or
dredging, in conjunction with the development of a consistent and
approved project. The City shall obtain necessary permits to be able
to utilize available beach replenishment sands (as necessary, permits
from the Army Corps of Engineers, California Coastal Commission,
Department of Fish and Game, EPA, etc.) . (Coastal Act/30232)
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 presentation;
and creations 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.
- conservation of as much existing contiguous area of Coastal
Mixed Chaparral or Coastal Sage Scrub as feasible while
protecting the remaining areas from highly impacting uses;
- minimize fragmentation or separation of existing contiguous
natural areas;
- connection of existing natural areas with each other or other
open space areas adjacent to maintain local wildlife movement
corridors;
- maintenance of the broadest possible configuration of natural
habitat area to aid dispersal of organisms within the habitat;
- where appropriate, based on community character and design,
clustering of residential or other uses near the edges of the
RM-17
natural areas rather than dispersing such uses within the
natural areas;
where significant, yet isolated habitat areas exist, development
shall be designed to preserve and protect them;
conservation of the widest variety of physical and vegetational
conditions on site to maintain the highest habitat diversity;
design of development, with adjacent uses given consideration,
to maximize conformance to these guidelines; and
preservation of rare and endangered species on site rather than by
transplantation off site. (Coastal Act/30240/30250)
In addition, all new development shall be designed to be consistent
with multi-species and multi-habitat preservation goals and
requirements as established in the statewide Natural Communities
Conservation Planning (NCCP) Act. Compliance with these goals and
requirements shall be implemented in consultation with the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and
Game. Policy 10.5 amended 5111195 (Reso. 95-32)
POLICY 10.6: The City shall preserve and protect wetlands within the
City's planning area. "Wetlands" shall be defined and delineated
consistent with the definitions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
U.S. 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.
RM-18
Identification of wetland acreage and resource value shall precede any
consideration of use or development on sites where wetlands are present
or suspected. With the exception of development for the
primary purpose of the improvement of wetland resource value, all
public and private use and development proposals which would intrude
into, reduce the area of, or reduce the resource value of wetlands
shall be subject to alternatives and mitigation analyses consistent
with Federal E.P.A 404 (b) (1) findings and procedures under the U.S.
Army Corps permit process. Practicable project and site development
alternatives which involve no wetland intrusion or impact shall be
preferred over alternatives which involve intrusion or impact.
Wetland mitigation, replacement or compensation shall not be used to
offset impacts or intrusion avoidable through other practicable
project or site development alternatives. When wetland intrusion or
impact is unavoidable, replacement of the lost wetland shall be
required through the creation of new wetland of the same type lost,
at a ratio determined by regulatory agencies with authority over
wetland resources, but in any case at a ratio of greater than one acre
provided for each acre impacted so as to result in a net gain.
Replacement of wetland on-site or adjacent, within the same wetland
system, shall be given preference over replacement off-site or within
a different system.
The City shall also control use and development in surrounding areas
of influence to wetlands with the application of buffer zones. At a
minimum, 100-foot wide buffers shall be provided upland of salt water
wetlands, and 50-foot wide buffers shall be provided upland of
riparian wetlands. Unless otherwise specified in this plan, use and
development within buffer areas shall be limited to minor passive
recreational uses with fencing, desiltation or erosion control
facilities, or other improvements deemed necessary to protect the
habitat, to be located in the upper (upland) half of the buffer area
when feasible.
All wetlands and buffers identified and resulting from development and
use approval shall be permanently conserved or protected through the
application of an open space easement or other suitable device.
The City shall not approve subdivisions or boundary line adjustments
which would allow increased impacts from development in wetlands or
wetland buffers. (Coastal Act/30231) Policy 10.6 amended 1130191 and
5111195 (Reso. 95-32)
POLICY 10.7: The City will urge the State to take appropriate
preservation measures relative to Coastal Strand Dune habitat in its
development of State beach areas. (Coastal Act/30240)
POLICY 10.8: The City will investigate the establishment of one or
more preserves for the preservation of endangered plant species, such
as the Encinitas Baccharis, of sufficient size to ensure perpetuation
of the species. (Coastal Act/30240)
RM-19
Policy 10.9 POLICY 10.9: The City will encourage the preservation
Amended and the function of San Elijo Lagoon and Batiquitos
1130191 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:
- involve wetland fill or increased sedimentation
into wetlands;
- adversely decrease stream flow into the wetlands;
- reduce tidal interchange;
- reduce internal water circulation; or
- adversely affect existing wildlife habitats.
(Coastal Act/30231)
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:
Plans for the west, central and eastern basins
should be treated as internal parts of the whole;
- The plan should be implemented in phases so that
discreet physical alterations can be performed as
funds become available, and so that the effects
of changes can be evaluated at each stage, and
recognizing the experimental basis of wetland
manipulations;
Wildlife corridors between the wetland shoreline
and important upland areas and upstream riparian
areas should be maintained and enhanced;
- Adequate buffer zones should be utilized when
development occurs adjacent to the floodplain and
sensitive habitats; 100 foot wide buffers should
be provided adjacent to all identified wetlands,
and 50 foot wide buffers should be provided
adjacent to riparian areas. In some cases,
smaller buffers may be appropriate, when
conditions of the site as demonstrated in a site
specific biological survey, the nature of the
proposed development, etc. , show that a smaller
RM-20 1/30/91
buffer would provide adequate protection; and
when the Department of Fish and Game has been
consulted and their comments have been accorded
great weight.
- Management plans should implement adopted State
and Federal wildlife management plans (i.e. ,
California Least Tern Recovery Plan, etc.) ;
- Human uses of the wetland and adjacent areas
should be compatible with the primary use of the
wetland as a natural value;
Passive recreational activity at the lagoons
should be encouraged to the extent there are no
substantial adverse impacts to wildlife;
There should be limited human access to the
wetland shoreline since the immediate wetland
shoreline and adjacent shallows are the most
important sensitive wildlife habitat;
Boating and other water surface activities should
not be allowed in significant wildlife habitat
areas, particularly in the central and east
basins of the San Elijo Lagoon and parts of the
west basin supporting significant waterbird
populations;
The plan should include a provision for sediment
catch basins or other control devices outside the
wetland area and should allow for periodic
removal of recently accumulated sediment from the
lagoon until a long-range sediment control plan
is operational;
Plans should attempt to optimize the habitat for
species already known to use the wetlands, as
well as certain "featured" species recognized as
depleted, rare, or endangered (California Least
Tern, Belding's Savannah Sparrow, Snowy Plover,
and other species recommended by wildlife
management agencies) to the extent feasible;
The integrity of the existing natural system (in
particular, topography, hydrology, and vegetative
cover) should not be disturbed, except as
required to restore internal lagoon water
circulation, tidal flushing, and plant habitat
improvements;
RM-21 3/29/89
Adequate monitoring of chemical, physical and
biological changes should be carried out for
periodic re-evaluation of the management plan and
maintenance of optimal conditions;
Rare and significant habitats such as coastal
strand (dunes) , salt flats and fresh water ponds
existing in and around the lagoon should not be
reduced or degraded;
- High priority shall be given to actions which
serve to remove impediments to internal lagoon
water circulation (except where such areas are
significant wildlife habitats in their own right)
and improving tidal flow with the ocean;
It shall be a long-range goal to remove the flow
blockage such as that caused by existing fills
for transportation facilities and by existing
dikes to the extent necessary to create an
adequate internal water circulation system.
(Coastal Act/30231/30233)
POLICY 10.11: In acting to maintain and, where
feasible, restore the biological productivity and
quality of San Elijo Lagoon, the City will limit
alterations and uses to minor public facilities;
restorative measures; nature study; passive,
non-degrading recreational activities; and facilities
necessarily adjunct aquaculture uses. No recreational
boating facilities will be permitted in San Elijo
Lagoon. Coastal-dependent developments (i.e. , utility
facilities, boating facilities, etc. ) shall not be
sited in the wetland area (San Elijo Lagoon and
contiguous wetlands) . (Coastal Act/30231)
Preservation A surprising amount of land within the Planning Area
of devoted to some form of agricultural production. The
Agriculture City of Encinitas and the surrounding area continues
to produce a large proportion of cut flowers for the
Statewide market. While prime agricultural land as
defined by the USDA is limited to a few areas, soils
in the region are well suited for the crops grown
there. In recent years, much of this land has been
lost due to development and there may be increased
pressure to develop the remaining agricultural lands.
The following policies underscore the City's
commitment toward preserving the remaining
agricultural lands in the City.
RM-22 3/29/89
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 11.6: Continue to support the policy of the
Metropolitan Water District and its member agencies
to provide water to agricultural users at a lower rate
than to domestic users, when conservation measures by
such users are assured.
POLICY 11.7: Encourage the San Diego County Water
Authority and the local retail water agencies to
consider additional reductions in the agricultural
water rate. The City will look at lowering current
minimum acreage requirements for agricultural water
rates.
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.
RM-23
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 11.12: Support air quality control measures to
protect against agricultural crop damage.
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.
POLICY 11.15: Encourage projects for community food
and flower producing gardens.
POLICY 11.16: Encourage projects for community garden
and surplus food and flower resources marketing.
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)
RM-24
Land Use The important relationship between the policies
Policy and contained in the Land Use Element and those included
Resource in this element are underscored in the policies listed
Management below. The following goal and supporting policies
emphasize the need to consider the environmental
consequences of future development in the City as well
as ensuring that environmentally sensitive areas are
protected from this development. The following
policies also serve to implement the Coastal Act.
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 13.1: The City shall plan for types and
patterns of development which minimize water
pollution, air pollution, fire hazard, soil erosion,
silting, slide damage, flooding and severe hillside
cutting and scarring. (Coastal Act/30250)
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) )
POLICY 13.5: The City shall promote and require the
conservation and preservation of natural resources and
features of the area in their natural state and avoid
the creation of a totally urbanized landscape.
Encourage the planting of trees and other vegetation,
especially native species, to enhance the environment.
(Coastal Act/30240/30251)
POLICY 13 .6: Establish and preserve wildlife
corridors. (Coastal Act/30231/30240)
RM-25 3/29/89
Environmental New development in the City, as has already been
Impacts pointed out, can have significant adverse affects on
from New adjacent areas. Many of these impacts arise from
Development activities related to construction of new projects,
especially when there is a significant amount of
grading and site preparation involved. Problems
associated with certain construction practices include
the build-up of sediment in watercourses and lakes and
erosion. The following policies identify strategies
the City intends to implement to reduce the affects of
erosion and sedimentation from new development.
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 14.2: The City shall develop a comprehensive
program to control sedimentation and erosion.
(Coastal Act/30233/30240)
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)
RM-26 3/29/89
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,
including sedimentation basins, must be in place, and shall
be monitored and maintained throughout the grading period.
(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.
Energy conservation is important in preserving non-
Energy renewable fuels to ensure that these resources are
Conservation available for use by future generations. There are also a
number of benefits associated with energy conservation
including improved air quality and lower energy costs.
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)
POLICY 15.2: The patterns of proposed subdivisions and the
orientation and design of structures on lots shall be
designed with the objective of maximizing the opportunities
for solar energy use and energy conservation.
RM-27
POLICY 15.3: Energy conserving construction standards
and requirements shall be enforced in the field
inspection of new construction.
Related Goals
and Policies Throughout this General Plan community resolve
concerning the protection of the City's significant
cultural and natural resources are expressed. Table
1: Resource Management Policy Matrix identifies those
elements containing policies that either directly or
indirectly supports the City's efforts at managing or
preserving these resources.
RM-28 3/29/89
TABLE 1
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POLICY MATRIX
Public
Issue Area Land Use Housing Circulation Noise Safety Recreation
Water Quality X
Preservation X X
of Trees
Aesthetic X X X X
Resources
Air Quality X
Waste X
Management
Cultural X
Resources
Coastal X X X X
Preservation
Biotic Resources X X
Protection of X
Agriculture
Energy X
Conservation
RM-29 3/29/89
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Much of the planning area is presently undeveloped
and, for the time being, is considered open space.
Over time, portions of these undeveloped areas will be
developed. Most of these areas have been designated
for residential development.
A substantial portion of this open space is currently
being used for agriculture. These agricultural
activities range from scattered green houses in the
western half of the City to larger agricultural
operations in the Ecke properties. Other open space
areas are not presently utilized for any economically
productive use. Nevertheless, these natural areas are
an important contributor to the character of the
community and an important reason why many people have
located in the sparsely developed parts of the City.
A study was conducted as part of this general plan to
identify those areas within the Planning Area subject
to development constraints. These constraints
included certain environmental factors that could
directly affect future development such as flooding
problems, excessive slopes, and soil limitations. A
substantial portion of the undeveloped land is located
in those areas that are these environmental
constraints. Other open space areas contain
significant ecological resources that require
preservation.
Land Use Land use policy outlined in the Land Use Element will
Policy be instrumental in protecting those natural and
cultural resources identified as being significant.
A single land use designation and a number of overlay
zones will be effective in either preserving
environmentally significant areas and outright or
substantially reducing potential impacts from
development. These land use categories include the
following:
Ecological Resource/Open Space/Parks: This land use
designation includes all land that has been
permanently set aside for the public's use or for the
preservation of areas deemed ecologically significant.
No private development is permitted within these area,
therefore, all land within this category is within or
will be within the public domain.
RM-30 3/29/89
Special Study Overlay Zone: This overlay designation
is shown in Figure 1 and may be applied to any number
of land use categories including residential and
commercial. While not all Special Studies Overlay
Zones will be expressly used for preserving
environmentally significant areas, they will be
effective in indicating those areas where development
standards may be more stringent to minimize any
potentially adverse impacts from development.
A primary purpose of this element is to designate
appropriate development for those undeveloped parcels
within the Planning Area. Virtually every privately
owned property in the City has been designated to
allow for some type of development. As a result, most
of the existing undeveloped areas will, over time, be
committed to development.
Another important feature of the General Plan is that
it permits a transition of uses in those areas devoted
to agricultural production. Most of these
agricultural areas consist of green houses scattered
throughout the Planning Area as well as large scale
agricultural activities within the Ecke land holdings.
Natural There are a number of goals and policies in the
Resource General Plan that are concerned with the maintenance,
Management preservation, or conservation of natural resources.
This section of the Resource Management element is
specifically concerned with those resources that can be
best managed through the implementation of land use
policies. These policies will be effective in
mitigating the impacts of development on sensitive
ecological areas within or adjacent to properties
undergoing development.
Significant natural resources within the planning area
are described in detail in the Resource Management
Technical Report. For planning purposes, three
sensitivity categories have been developed to identify
all area's sensitivity to development. This
sensitivity rating is described as follows:
Low Sensitivity: Areas with little or no ecologically
sensitive, or significant habitats are in this
classification. Past development in the urbanized
sections of the City destroyed or significantly
altered native plant communities and animal habitats.
RM-31 3/29/89
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Moderate Sensitivity: A number of areas in the City
have been developed at densities sufficiently low so
remnants of environmentally significant areas remain.
In addition, some development is located adjacent to
ecologically significant zones, which could be
adversely impacted by any increase in density or
intensity of development.
High Sensitivity: The Resource Management Technical
Report identified those portions of the Planning Area
that are judged to be ecologically significant by
biologists and naturalists. These areas correspond
with those zones in Figure 2 identified as having a
high sensitivity. Many of those areas identified as
having a "high sensitivity" are included within a
Special Studies Overlay designation on the Land Use
Policy Map. Other significant areas are designated
Ecological Resource/Open Space/Parks if they are
located on properties that are publicly owned.
Development proposals within those areas with high
sensitivity ratings identified in Figure 2 will be
reviewed to determine the extent of significant
ecological resources on the property and the potential
impacts new development will have on these resources.
The location of sensitive lands as shown in Figure 2
is generalized and not parcel-specific. Figure 2 is
a tool used as an aid in locating sensitive lands, but
is not an exact or exclusive determinant. A detailed
identification and review of the presence of sensitive
resources will be required with each development
proposal. The review may include environmental impact
assessments or EIRs to identify significant plant
and/or animal species present. After this evaluation
has been completed, appropriate modifications to the
site plan, development densities, etc. , may be
required to mitigate any potential adverse impacts.
Preservation A number of elements in the Encinitas General Plan
of Scenic are concerned with preserving scenic and visual
Visual resources in the Planning Area. The Recreation
Resources Element provides for the development and maintenance
of vista points along the coast, the Land Use Element
promotes urban design that is sensitive to significant
viewsheds, and the Circulation Element identifies
scenic highways in the City.
The Land Use Element and Map includes a Scenic/Visual
Corridor Overlay Zone that identifies those areas
where significant aesthetic and visual resources are
present.
RM-33 3/29/89
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Proposals for new development need to be evaluated to
ensure that significant views will be preserved. This
designation is also applied to those roads that have
been identified as Scenic Highways. Figure 3
indicates those areas and roadways that have been
placed within a Scenic/visual Corridor Overlay.
Cultural Cultural resource management and historic preservation
Resource require the cooperation of many government agencies.
Management Encinitas alone, however, has the ability to preserve
and enhance many of the City's cultural resources.
Furthermore, it is the City's desire to establish
facilities and programs which will inspire
appreciation for the City's past and will encourage
participation in a wide range of educational and
social activities.
The existence of rich cultural resources in the
planning area present some challenges for future
development in the City. The California Environmental
Quality Act requires that a project be considered
"significant" in terms of impact if it will disrupt or
adversely affect a site of archaeological,
paleontological, or historical significance.
Protection of these resources during construction
activities generally involve the salvage and curation
of materials discovered at the site. Future
development within the planning area and surrounding
region is certain to result in the discovery of new
sites. Other sites will also undoubtedly be
discovered through the efforts of future
archaeological field surveys.
A map indicating cultural resource sensitivity is
provided in Figure 4. This figure identifies those
areas where there is a high probability of discovering
archaeological sites in the course of new development.
A sensitivity rating has been applied to all of the
planning area and is described as follows:
Low Sensitivity: Areas of low cultural resource
sensitivity include those lands which have been
surveyed with the express purpose of identifying
cultural resource sites but which provided negative
results. Low sensitivity areas also include land
where development or grading has resulted in the
movement or relocation of massive amounts of earth.
Moderate Sensitivity: Areas of moderate sensitivity
include those lands which have been developed or
altered by means which may not have resulted in the
removal or relocation of earth on a large scale.
RM-35 3/29/89
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Depending on the methods by which urbanization was
accomplished, variable degrees of destruction to
cultural resources can result. For example,
agricultural fields represent areas where the surface
has been disturbed though any buried artifacts have
been preserved.
High Sensitivity: High sensitivity areas within the
Encinitas planning area include those areas which have
not been previously surveyed or have been subject to
historic human disturbance other than agriculture.
Based on the demonstrated prehistoric settlement
pattern for coastal southern California and on the
density of recorded archaeological sites within the
planning area, those portions of the planning area
which retain their natural character and which have
not been subject to surveys specifically related to
the identification of cultural resources are
considered to have a high potential for the presence
of cultural resource sites.
A substantial number of archaeological sites have been
discovered in those areas of the City that have
undergone past development. For this reason, any
proposed project that involves a significant amount of
grading should have an archaeological survey conducted
prior to construction. In addition, archaeological
resources may be discovered in the course of
construction and appropriate measures should be taken
to ensure that artifacts are recorded and salvaged.
California State Assembly Bill AB 492 and the adoption
of the Appendix K in the CEQA Law and Guidelines
provide direction with regard to the mitigation,
preservation, or salvage of significant archaeologic
resources that are affected by development (OPR,
1986) . The measures identified below are excerpts
from Appendix K and will only be applied in the event
that an archaeological site is discovered during
excavation or construction phases of any new project.
If a site and/or artifacts are discovered, the
following mitigation measures will be enacted:
• An excavation plan will be prepared according to
the requirements outlined in CEQA-Appendix K;
• If it is impossible to avoid disturbing the site
through revisions in project design, the Lead Agency
will initiate salvage efforts according to the
parameters outlined in Appendix K, Section VII of
the CEQA Law and Guidelines.
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• In the event of the discovery of human remains,
procedures outlined in Section VIII of Appendix
K contained in the CEQA Law and Guidelines will
apply.
Numerous sites of historical significance are
identified in the Resource Management Technical
Report. Certain sites may be incorporated into future
parks, while others may be recorded using historical
markers. A policy included in this Element indicates
the City will inventory all of the historically
significant sites and/or structures that require
protection. Implementation of this policy may involve
nomination to the Federal Register of Historic Places
or the establishment of City historic guidelines that
will protect these structures from future demolition
or alteration.
Based on the results of the City-wide survey, the City
may also consider an historic preservation program and
ordinance, which may include expansion of an Historic
Preservation Overlay zone designation in the City's
zoning and development code. A combination of
appropriate use and development incentives may be
included as part of an overall program to achieve the
objectives of historic preservation.
RM-39 3/29/89