Proposed changes to the landmark 2011 General Plan Update – General Plan Amendments, or GPAs – will test the integrity of that endeavor.



The General Plan is the “land use constitution” that determines where development occurs. It traditionally gets little respect in Southern California, though, where GPAs to allow increased development on former rural or habitat lands are routinely bestowed absent serious planning criteria. Weak planning departments are the norm.

The General Plan Update in San Diego County sought to change that, through a framework of towns and villages, as well as a location for major new urban development. Ample housing capacity for future needs was provided. Now, however, applicants are seeking to bust open the plan.

In Valley Center, the Accretive, or Lilac Hills Ranch project, would site 1700 units in a rural setting outside of the village center. A “bedroom” community for commuters without access to transit, it would mock the years of planning that went into the Update process. On a smaller scale, the “Valiano” subdivision presents similar issues in the San Dieguito area.

In the remote, fire-prone North County backcountry, the Warner Ranch development would lead to the widening of State Route 76, opening up the entire scenic and agricultural Pauma Valley to sprawl. Ostensibly designed to provide housing for workers at the nearby Pala Casino, this bogus rationale has been rejected by the Pala Tribe itself.

Another backcountry project, Star Ranch in Campo in the southeastern county, would contravene the concept of tying new growth to existing services and infrastructure. The Merriam Mountains project near Twin Oaks will also probably reappear, even though previously rejected by the Board.

EHL has commented on the inconsistency of the Lilac Hills Ranch proposal with the General Plan and will continue to make the case for sticking to planning principles.