Planning commission approves code amendments and procedures to limit airport expansion beyond Palomar Airport boundary

The Carlsbad Planning Commission on Oct. 16 recommended approval of a package of amendments intended to clarify the city's role in any future proposals to expand or alter Palomar Airport. By a 6–1 vote the commission recommended adoption of (1) an addendum to the housing‑element supplemental environmental impact report, (2) general plan, zoning and Local Coastal Program amendments, and (3) procedures to implement Public Utilities Code section 21661.

Assistant community development director Mike Strong told the commission the package would require that any future county proposals to acquire land or expand uses outside Palomar Airport’s current boundary be submitted to the city for public hearings and a decision consistent with state code. Staff framed the measures as clarifying existing law and implementing…