Expanding public access and housing opportunities in the Coastal Zone
Seaside Ridge is a flagship project that provides housing for every income level and balances the Coastal Act with State Housing laws.
When the plans for Seaside Ridge were first submitted in 2022, we were hopeful the city of Del Mar would embrace this worthy project as a meaningful way to help meet its state mandate for 113 affordable housing units. Unfortunately, the city has done nothing but obstruct this proposal at every turn in violation of state law. After years of thwarted efforts, the Seaside Ridge property owner made the difficult decision to sue the city of Del Mar in February 2024.
Hopefully, the new Del Mar City Council will stop wasting significant sums of taxpayers' money on outside attorneys fighting this project and refocus its resources on essential community services, such as utility undergrounding and maintaining city beaches and parks.
Why is this happening?
In response to California’s severe housing crisis, the California Legislature has taken decisive action to create an expedited path to deliver affordable housing in and out of the Coastal Zone. Gone are the days when coastal cities get to claim immunity to development. This new legislation allows private property owners to make a meaningful impact on meeting our region’s housing needs and creates consequences for city’s like Del Mar that fail to do their part.
Sadly, the fight against housing is not unique to Del Mar. Other affluent cities are also challenging their housing obligations. The good news for local families struggling to find quality, affordable housing is that the courts are upholding state law and cities like, La Cañada Flintridge, are losing. Seaside Ridge has the potential to set important precedent for housing production in the state!
Word on the Street
Local and regional media has done a thorough job covering this complicated issue and sharing the perspectives of the numerous government agencies, elected officials and housing advocates involved.