Carlsbad council adopts code and permit changes to assert local control over Palomar Airport

Carlsbad’s City Council voted unanimously to adopt a set of resolutions and an ordinance aimed at ensuring the city retains land‑use authority over Palomar (McClellan) Airport, a move staff and residents said responds to recent county actions and clarifies long‑standing annexation terms.

The action implements staff recommendations to amend the general plan, zoning code and local coastal program, incorporate state Public Utilities Code definitions for “airport” and “airport expansion,” require a new or amended conditional use permit for proposed airport expansions, and preserve the airport boundary established at annexation, staff said. Assistant Community Development Director Mike Strong told the council the proposed amendments “merely restate, rather than change” prior policy but provide clearer procedures and time limits for permit review.

The public hearing drew extensive comment from neighborhood advocates and organized groups. Vicky Sajid, president of Citizens for a Friendly Airport (C4FA), told the council the initiative “is a culmination of seven years of work and over $1,000,000 in legal fees” and urged members to accept staff’s recommendations to protect local control. Several residents recounted the 1978 annexation and a recent court decision, saying the package was needed to avoid future county actions that could alter airport operations or boundaries.

Jamie Abbott, San Diego County director of airports, told the council the county had submitted letters expressing a different legal view and asked the city to consider the county’s position before finalizing changes. "We ask that the city council take our position into consideration," Abbott said, while affirming the county’s intent to remain a partner on airport operations.

Council members praised staff work and resident advocacy before voting. Council Member Bob Patel moved the staff package; Council Member Luna seconded. The council approved the resolutions and ordinance unanimously. Mayor Blackburn said the action was about preserving “local control” and commended staff and residents for the collaborative effort.

What’s next: City staff will finalize ordinance language and coordinate any required transmittals for portions of the amendments that affect the coastal zone. Staff advised that some changes affecting the coastal zone will require Coastal Commission review before taking effect.