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Economy

Encinitas Tackles Height Limits Again

Encinitas city council will consider possible ballot measures Wednesday to address the state’s mandate to provide affordable housing.

Encinitas Tackles Height Limits Again
Encinitas city council will consider tonight possible 2014 ballot measures to address the state’s mandate to provide affordable housing.

Encinitas residents who want to preserve their community’s beach town character voted this summer on a strict height limit for new development. The measure requires that any project taller than 30 feet must go to a vote.

But Encinitas Mayor Teresa Barth said this makes it a challenge to meet California’s laws mandating that all cities build a certain amount of low-income housing.

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“I’m a native" Barth said, "I remember what this place was like before Interstate 5 — there were a lot fewer people. We recognize that people get married, have children and want to live in this community, and I want to make sure there are options to stay in this community if that’s what they chose.“

Encinitas city council will now consider two possible ballot initiatives to put to voters in 2014.

One option, called “Plan Up, Not Out” would raise the height limit for new development. The other, called “Plan Out, Not Up“ would rezone more land for denser, more affordable housing.

Without a plan, the city risks being sued for failing to meet its affordable housing goals.