Land Use and Housing Committee Meeting - March 5, 2026

The Land Use and Housing Committee met on March 5, 2026, chaired by Council President Pro Tem Lee, with Vice Chair Ila Rivera and Councilmembers Whitburn and Moreno present. The committee approved a consent calendar, received an update on the online permitting procurement strategy, voted on the 2026 Land Development Code update with amendments, approved a 10-year lease at Mission Bay Golf Course with a condition, and heard an informational presentation on adaptive reuse practices.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1: Approval of committee minutes from January 14, 2026.
• Item 2: Authorize the Mayor to enter into a purchase and sale agreement with Padre Dam Municipal Water District for a segment of the El Capitan pipeline (approx. 11,444 linear feet).
• Item 3: Declare three city-owned properties as exempt surplus land pursuant to California Government Code section 54221(f)(1)(B).
• All items were approved unanimously (4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agenda Public Comment: Multiple speakers addressed global political concerns (Blair Beekman, “the original”), allegations of fraud in an ADU project (Doreen), support for smoke-free multi-unit housing (Madison, Joy Sunyata, Kathleen Lippitt), and other topics.
• Consent Agenda Comments: Blair Beekman and “the original” criticized the bundling of items and expressed distrust of city policies.
• Item 6: Jeff Quitter requested public inclusion in the RFP process and better access to permit information. Other speakers supported the modernization effort.
• Item 4: Public speakers included Randy LeChance (supported item 87 but asked for NUP timeline clarification and removal of frontage improvement requirements), Stephanie Benvenuto (Building Industry Association – generally supportive, requested amendments on items 6, 7, 31), Jeff (supported transition planes and hoped the item would return), Fred Takeo (San Diego County Lodging Association – requested item 109 on pool/spa heating be tabled), Elizabeth Berstein (opposed changes to item 7 that could disincentivize small homes), and others. The Community Planners Committee opposed 13 items, including appeal fee increases and wireless facility changes. “The original,” Kathleen Lippitt, and others spoke against various provisions.
• Item 5: Blair Beekman questioned the 10-year lease length; Andrea Ebbing suggested the city could focus on higher-revenue leases.
• Item 7: Joyce Sunyata supported the concept, “the original” expressed skepticism about affordability, and Blair Beekman passed.

Discussion Items

• Item 6 – Development Services Department Online Permitting Procurement Strategy Update: Elise Lowe (DSD Director) presented a timeline for issuing an RFP in August 2026, with full transition by 2029. The department will establish a technology working group and explore AI tools. Councilmembers Moreno, Elo Rivera, and Whitburn asked about stakeholder engagement, data governance, AI accountability, and benchmarking. No action taken (informational).
• Item 4 – 2026 Update to the San Diego Municipal Code (Land Development Code): Megan Cabrubius and Jacob Bassinger presented 136 proposed amendments (105 citywide, 31 downtown). Key items included: Item 7 (development impact fee waiver for micro-units), Item 87 (previously conforming uses), Item 109 (pool and spa heating systems), and downtown incentives for green roofs, tree preservation, and small lots. The Planning Commission had recommended removal of two items and amendments to several others. After public comment, Chair Lee moved to approve the package with two amendments: (1) modify item 7 by removing the requirement for 10% two‑bedroom units, keeping only the 10% three‑bedroom condition; (2) direct staff to work with Council District 6 to refine the in‑lieu fee options for frontage improvements under item 87. Councilmember Whitburn added an amendment to return item 109 (pool/spa heating) to staff for clarification. The City Attorney noted that language may be adjusted between committee and council. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
• Item 5 – 10-Year Lease with Harlan Brewing Company, LLC at Mission Bay Golf Course: Jim Manler (Real Estate Division) presented a lease for a 2,000‑sq‑ft restaurant space with starting annual base rent of $102,000, 3.5% annual escalations, and percentage rent. Councilmember Ila Rivera moved to approve actions 1 (authorize lease) and 3 (CEQA exemption), and to refer action 2 (deposit of revenue into Golf Enterprise Fund) to the Department of Finance and IBA to explore allowing lease revenue to benefit the entire Parks and Recreation Department. The motion was seconded by Vice Chair Moreno and passed unanimously (4-0).
• Item 7 – Adaptive Reuse Practices: Kelly Farrell (Gensler) presented case studies from Calgary, New York, and Baton Rouge, highlighting the roles of zoning flexibility, permitting speed, incentives, and code adaptations. Councilmembers Whitburn, Elo Rivera, and Lee discussed potential applications in San Diego, including expedited permitting and incentive structures. Informational only; no vote taken.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar: Approved 4-0.
• Item 4 (2026 LDC Update): Approved with amendments (item 7 modified, item 109 returned to staff, item 87 refinement directed) – unanimous 4-0.
• Item 5 (Harlan Brewing Lease): Approved with amendment to refer revenue use study – unanimous 4-0.
• Items 6 and 7: Informational, no votes.