Encinitas commission reviews focused Resource Management Element update to comply with SB 1425 and AB 1889

Planning staff and consultants told the Encinitas Environmental Commission on Feb. 2026 that a focused update to the city’s Resource Management Element is intended to meet new state law requirements, including equitable access to open space and habitat connectivity.

Planning manager Patty Anders introduced Eric DeCock of Ascent Environmental, who said the update responds to two recent state laws — SB 1425 and AB 1889 — and summarized four primary areas the draft addresses: equitable access to open space, "rewilding," climate resilience and habitat connectivity. "SB 1425 asks local governments to address access to open space in a way that considers social, economic and racial equity," DeCock said. He also described "rewilding" as opportunities to preserve, enhance or expand a connected network of open space for habitat, recreation and water…