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Council approves AvalonBay’s 138‑unit Ava Pacific Beach infill project in Pacific Beach
Summary
The council certified an EIR and approved AvalonBay’s 138‑unit infill project in Crown Point/Pacific Beach (including seven deed‑restricted very‑low‑income units). The decision was unanimous after public comment raised parking, sewer capacity and VMT/CEQA concerns; staff included a condition requiring Tier 4 diesel construction engines.
The council voted to certify the environmental impact report and approve AvalonBay’s proposed redevelopment at 3823 Ingram Street in the Crown Point neighborhood of Pacific Beach. The project adds 138 new dwelling units on a site currently occupied largely by surface parking, including 7 deed‑restricted very‑low‑income units dispersed throughout the development and access to the same amenities as market‑rate units, staff said.
Staff presented the project as an infill redevelopment that would replace underutilized private recreational space and surface parking with three new buildings, two partially wrapped parking structures and public frontage improvements, including a linear park and expanded tree canopy. The project will be all‑electric, include electric vehicle and e‑bike charging, and provide water‑efficient landscaping, staff said.
The EIR found significant impacts in some areas (notably transportation VMT) that were identified as significant and unavoidable, and staff prepared CEQA findings including a statement of overriding considerations. Staff also recommended a permit condition requiring Tier 4‑final diesel construction equipment. Public commenters offered mixed views: the Pacific Beach Planning Group and business improvement district supported the project and noted community outreach and tree gains; other commenters raised technical objections about VMT mitigation adequacy under Appendix T, sewer capacity and recurring sewage odor on La Playa, and requested further review of off‑site infrastructure.
Council deliberations covered parking management during construction, sewer capacity questions, CEQA/VMT mitigation sufficiency and coastal height compliance. Staff confirmed the project complies with the 30‑foot coastal height overlay and that on‑site sewer improvements are proposed; city water and sewer staff said they would coordinate with Public Utilities on off‑site concerns. The council approved the project unanimously 8‑0 (Councilmember Campeo absent).
Next steps: Applicant and staff will proceed with the permits process, the city will track off‑site sewer follow‑up, and Coastal Commission review is required for the local coastal program amendment.
