Neighbors and CHP raise security, traffic concerns over proposed La Tortuga storage facility

A developer presented a preliminary request to rezone a roughly 3‑acre vacant parcel on La Tortuga Drive from C1 to C2 to allow a four‑story, roughly 110,000‑square‑foot self‑storage facility. The site is steep and would require terracing and substantial grading; the project team told council storage is a lower‑traffic, compatible buffer use and noted retail and conventional commercial uses have not been successful at the adjacent commercial center.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Oceanside lieutenant told the council a multistory building adjacent to CHP’s area office could create security risks (sightlines into secure parking), potential interference with CHP communications infrastructure and the possibility that large vehicles queuing for the facility could block patrol movements. Neighbors and other public commenters questioned whether another storage facility is needed and said the site currently attracts unhoused activity that could be exacerbated by new development.

Applicant representatives said they had multiple community meetings and that they would work with staff and CHP to address security, traffic and design concerns during formal review. Council members requested the applicant continue outreach and coordination with CHP and the neighborhood and suggested possible design mitigations (reduced height, screening, façade treatments) before the developer files a formal application. No rezoning decision was made — this was a preliminary discussion to determine whether the council will accept a formal application.