Council certifies EIR and approves El Camino Real assisted-living project after debate over traffic and fire safety

The San Diego City Council on March 17 voted to certify Subsequent Environmental Impact Report No. 675732 (SCH 200001371043) and approve the conditional use permit, site development permit and neighborhood-use permit for the El Camino Real Assisted Living facility (PRJ067573). Council President Joe LaCava moved the action, Council Member Elo Rivera seconded it, and the motion passed unanimously 8–0 with Council Member Von Wilpert absent.

The project proposed on a 3.97-acre site at 13860 El Camino Real calls for a three-story, approximately 106,568-square-foot assisted-living facility with 124 beds (described in staff materials as a mix of assisted-living units and memory-care units). Staff told the council the project is located in the AR-11 zone within Proposition A lands in the North City Future Urbanizing Area and requires a Process 5 ordinance, a conditional use permit, a site development permit and a neighborhood-use permit; staff recommended approval if required findings can be made.

Applicant…