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 management.

The draft focuses on undeveloped open space—creek corridors, lagoons and conserved lands—and maps existing protections to identify where the city can expand connectivity. Staff said the update will not replace the city’s Habitat Stewardship Program (the local MHCP implementation program), but will reference it as an implementing tool.

Staff summarized outreach: a project website, pop-up booths and a hybrid workshop held earlier in the week (about six or seven attendees plus one online). The draft was released Jan. 26 for a 30‑day public review; written comments will be accepted through Feb. 27. Staff encouraged written input and said they have already begun receiving comments.

Commissioners asked technical and policy questions. One asked about tribal consultation; staff said SB 18 tribal consultation is required for general-plan amendments, that the city performed informal outreach and is now in formal consultation after hearing from one tribe and contacting others. Commissioners also asked whether beaches, often state parkland, are included; staff replied the city does not control state parkland but will document and "take credit" for city actions such as the Cardiff Living Shoreline where appropriate.

DeCock said the update proposes a new goal (RM‑16) to "expand and improve equitable access to high-quality open space, nature and recreational opportunities for all Encinitas residents," supported by several proposed policies and programs (site connections, targeted land acquisition, ADA and access improvements, and coordination with trails and parks master plans). Staff noted that the element is a policy document: implementation actions (master-plan changes, capital projects or programs) would require separate funding and council authorization.

Several commissioners asked that language acknowledging multi‑benefit outcomes be clarified—specifically, that invasive-plant removal and native-habitat restoration can support both defensible space/fire fuel reduction and wildlife corridors. Staff said they will review the suggested wording and aim to avoid redundancy while preserving the multi‑benefit framing.

Next steps: the draft is under public review through Feb. 27 and staff plans to forward the item to Planning Commission for a public hearing; the native plant ordinance (a related but separate item) was noted as tentatively scheduled for the Planning Commission hearing on the 19th. Staff said the Resource Management Element update is expected to come to City Council after Planning Commission review and subsequent revisions.