Vice Mayor Patricia Dillard and the La Mesa City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved three separate actions to begin annexing a property at 9365 Carmichael Drive into the city so the owner can connect to La Mesa’s sewer system.

The council adopted a resolution authorizing application to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to detach the parcel from the County of San Diego and the San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District and annex it into La Mesa’s jurisdiction and the Heartland Fire & Rescue service area. The council also approved a general plan amendment assigning a “suburban residential” land-use designation and introduced for first reading an ordinance to rezone the property R1SP (suburban residential with scenic preservation overlay).

The action responds to a failing septic system on the 11,968-square-foot corner lot, staff told the council. "The subject property has a failing septic system," said Lynette, a city planning staff member presenting the item, and the owner has elected annexation to connect to the city sanitary system. Planning staff recommended assigning the La Mesa land-use designation and rezoning the parcel to match surrounding properties.

Under the process described by staff, the council’s approvals are discretionary steps that must precede a formal boundary reorganization by LAFCO. Staff said both the San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District and Heartland Fire & Rescue were routed the proposal and "agree with the proposed reorganization." The Planning Commission adopted a resolution recommending council approval on May 21, 2025.

Staff told the council the parcel’s frontage spans Carmichael Drive (a County of San Diego public street) and Golondrina Drive (a La Mesa public street), and driveway access is taken from Carmichael Drive. Staff also advised the council that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and the CEQA Guidelines (Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations), the annexation qualifies for a categorical exemption related to annexations of existing facilities and lots.

During the hearing Council members asked procedural questions about whether the County of San Diego could oppose the reorganization; staff replied the county supports this specific proposal. Council members also asked whether residents of the annexed parcel would gain the right to vote in La Mesa elections; staff answered no.

Council members voted unanimously to: (1) adopt the LAFCO application resolution; (2) adopt the general plan amendment; and (3) introduce and read the ordinance to amend the zoning map to R1SP for 9365 Carmichael Drive. The clerk recorded the outcome as "motion carries with all council members voting yes." The items will be forwarded to LAFCO for final consideration.

Background and next steps: if LAFCO adopts the required reorganization resolution the property will be detached from county jurisdiction and fire protection provided by San Miguel Consolidated Fire Protection District and become part of La Mesa with fire services from Heartland Fire & Rescue. The city staff presentation recorded that the annexation "conforms to the policies of the La Mesa General Plan which promotes the general public health, safety and welfare."