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Supervisors approve Harmony Grove Village live‑work amendment, adding 27 units
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Summary
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved amendments allowing live‑work units at Harmony Grove Village and authorized associated entitlements including a tentative map and site plan; staff said the change responds to market conditions and preserves a historic house.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a General Plan and specific plan amendment on Feb. 25 to allow live‑work residential units at a vacant village‑center site in Harmony Grove Village, adding 27 housing units to a previously approved specific‑plan area.
"The department is before you today recommending approval of the project," Aiden Pulley of Planning and Development Services told the board, summarizing staff's recommendation and the entitlements required, including a tentative map, a major‑use permit modification and site‑plan approval.
The project covers roughly 3 acres in the village center and proposes a 24‑lot subdivision: 14 residential lots, two condominium lots containing 13 units and a separate lot to rehabilitate the historic Johnston Ward House. Pulley told supervisors that the specific plan originally envisioned commercial uses at the site but permitted live‑work as an alternative if retail proved infeasible; staff said market conditions now favor live‑work or residential uses.
The project has local support, Pulley said: the community planning group recommended approval by a 10–0 vote and the planning commission recommended approval on Jan. 9, 2026. The staff report said the project "complies with all relevant codes and regulations" and recommended the board adopt the required findings.
During public comment, a nearby resident who identified herself as Tara questioned whether adding housing to a site with constrained evacuation routes was prudent and referenced separate litigation about a different development. Ted Shaw of the Atlantis Group, speaking for Newey Capital, said the applicant supported staff's recommendation and stood ready to answer questions.
Supervisor Desmond moved to accept staff's recommendation; the motion was seconded and the clerk announced the motion passed unanimously with all supervisors present voting aye.
The board's action approves the plan amendments and directs staff to proceed with associated approvals. No amendments or conditions that would change the project's unit count were reported during the hearing.
