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El Cajon council moves to repeal 1997 downtown dog prohibition after residents urge change
Summary
After public comment urging a change, the council introduced for first reading an ordinance to repeal the municipal-code section that has banned dogs in the downtown Superblock since 1997; staff said special-event permits could still restrict dogs at crowded events and the repeal will return for a second reading in December.
The El Cajon City Council took the first step toward repealing a decades-old city ordinance that prohibits dogs in the downtown "Superblock." After staff explained the original 1997 ordinance and members of the public urged repeal, the council voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance that would repeal section 6.12.015 of the El Cajon Municipal Code.
Assistant City Manager Vince DiMaggio reviewed the history of the ordinance, telling the council it was adopted in 1997 based on concerns at the time and that those conditions have not materialized. "This has also become an issue of public interest," DiMaggio said, noting staff have received calls asking whether the ban is still in effect and whether it can be changed.
Two public commenters, Karen Anderson and Bobby, urged repeal. Anderson cited national pet-ownership statistics and examples of nearby downtowns that provide waste stations; Bobby said downtown restaurants and businesses are largely dog-friendly and asked the council to repeal the prohibition so dog walking is legal.
Councilmembers asked whether staff retain flexibility to restrict dogs at special events. DiMaggio said that if the ordinance is repealed, special-event permits would allow conditions (for example, prohibiting dogs at very crowded events such as Hot Fest), and those conditions can be imposed through the special-event permit process.
Councilmember (speaker 9) moved to introduce the ordinance; staff and the council noted this was an introduction and that a second reading will return in December. The motion to introduce carried unanimously.
What happens next: the ordinance will return for a second reading and potential adoption in December. If adopted, the repeal would permit leashed dogs in the named Superblock areas (Prescott Promenade, Centennial Plaza, the Civic Center Complex, Judson Park and other defined areas), while staff can still address safety through permit conditions for special events.
Sources: Assistant City Manager Vince DiMaggio’s presentation and public comments at the Nov. 12, 2024 council meeting.
