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Encinitas native plant ordinance moves forward after consultant focus meeting; commission discusses aligning fire-abatement notices
Summary
Staff reported that the consultant SWCA met with the Native Plants for Encinitas group and other partners in January to advise a draft native plant ordinance; commissioners discussed coordinating the ordinance's goals with the city's fire-abatement notices and the Fire Department is reviewing suggested language.
City staff reported that the consultant SWCA and city staff held a stakeholder focus meeting on Jan. 21 with the Native Plants for Encinitas group and other partners to review resource lists of Southern California native species as part of a draft native plant ordinance.
Crystal (staff) said the consultant is preparing a draft ordinance outline, which will be released for public input at a first public workshop that has not yet been scheduled. The public can follow project updates on the native plant ordinance webpage or sign up for e-notifications via the city website.
Commission discussion focused on aligning the ordinance's goals with the city's fire-abatement notices. A commissioner said they had met with Crystal and Deputy Fire Marshall Jordan Villegomez to brainstorm ways to clarify weed-abatement notices so they better protect native plants while meeting fire-safety requirements. Crystal reported that Fire Marshal Villegomez is reviewing suggested language with the fire chief and will respond when ready.
Why it matters: A native plant ordinance could influence landscaping standards and restoration projects across Encinitas and interact with public-safety rules governing vegetation management.
No formal action or vote on the ordinance occurred at the meeting; staff described the next step as preparing the draft ordinance outline and scheduling a public workshop.
