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Council approves Kingsbarn’s 128‑unit downtown project despite business concerns over parking
Summary
After a lengthy public hearing and debate, the Escondido City Council approved ordinance 2026‑02 and resolution 2026‑12 authorizing a Kingsbarn Realty plan to develop 128 multifamily units on a 1.04‑acre downtown parking lot; the sale proceeds must be reinvested in parking per the vehicle parking district rules, but critics said the project lacks affordability and removes public parking.
The Escondido City Council on Thursday approved a development package allowing Kingsbarn Realty to build a 128‑unit market‑rate apartment project on a downtown public parking lot, awarding the applicant density transfers and related entitlements amid intense public comment about loss of public parking and lack of affordable units.
Ivan Flores, principal planner, told the council the project site at 137 West Valley Parkway is about 1.04 acres and would use a downtown density transfer to increase the site’s base density from roughly 78 units to 128 units. The applicant requested plan amendments to permit ground‑floor residential uses and a slight height increase; staff said the building’s ultimate height would be approximately 61 feet. Planning staff reported the applicant would provide about 113–115 parking stalls in a…
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