News Summary
The Coronado City Council is encountering significant backlash from residents and developers regarding high housing in-lieu fees and proposed changes to beach bonfire regulations. The council’s recent meeting highlighted the highest housing construction fee in San Diego County, raising concerns about its impact on new development and affordability. As discussions continue, community members stress the urgency for a plan that addresses the growing housing crisis. The council also plans to discuss beach bonfire regulations and the city budget in an upcoming session.
Coronado, CA – The Coronado City Council is facing increasing backlash from residents and developers due to newly implemented high housing in-lieu fees and proposed changes to beach bonfire regulations. These issues were highlighted in recent meetings and are expected to be addressed further in an upcoming council session.
The city has set the highest housing construction fee in San Diego County, with an implementation fee of $118,000 for a 2,000 square foot apartment. A consulting firm was hired by the city to establish these maximum fees for new developments comprising two or more units. Critics argue that the exorbitant costs are detrimental to housing development and contradict the city’s aim to address the ongoing housing shortage.
California’s Senate Bill 9 allows homeowners in Coronado to split their properties and construct duplexes. However, the steep fees discourage this option, potentially leading to a trend of building larger single-family homes, often referred to as McMansions, which are exempt from such high taxes. The rebranding of the inclusionary housing fee appears to aim at encouraging affordable housing but may not yield the anticipated results, as the new fees could further disincentivize the construction of apartments.
The implications of this financial burden extend beyond developers. Advocates for affordable housing assert that if the high fees dissuade new projects, competition for the limited existing housing will intensify. This could place even more pressure on low-income families, exacerbating the housing crisis in the region.
The City Council convened on May 6, where developers articulated concerns regarding the rapid increase in housing in-lieu fees from previously $7,000 per unit to $59 per square foot. Many expressed that these fees could render future developments financially unfeasible. Recognizing the urgent concerns raised, Council Member Mark Fleming has indicated plans to propose a review of the fee increase in an upcoming meeting.
Another major topic for the City Council meeting scheduled on May 20 will focus on the proposed changes to beach bonfire regulations. Currently, bonfires are allowed only with propane on South Beach, which has been a point of contention for residents of nearby Coronado Shores due to smoke disturbance. Discussions will also cover the city’s budget and other pertinent issues affecting the community.
Community members have provided feedback, voicing their frustration over existing housing shortages and the adverse impact of high in-lieu fees. Many insist that the City Council needs to act swiftly to develop a plan that mitigates the situation before it worsens.
Residents and advocates alike believe that an emphasis on increasing the availability of market-rate housing may be essential to alleviating the current housing crisis. As the council prepares for public hearings on proposed condominium projects, they are also set to discuss staff vacancies and recruitment in light of Assembly Bill 2561, which addresses workforce development in the state.
As this situation continues to evolve, the Coronado City Council faces increasing pressure to reconcile its goals for affordable housing with the financial realities imposed by substantial taxation on new housing development. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for ensuring all residents have access to housing within the community.
In summary, the Coronado City Council’s actions on housing fees and regulations hold significant implications for the future of housing development and availability in the area. With ongoing community concerns and impending council discussions, the outcome may set a precedent for addressing housing shortages in Coronado.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: City Council Agenda
- Housing Finance: Coronado Drives Financing Innovation
- Patch: San Diego County Property Tax Deadline
- Axios: Elections California Propositions Results
- Google Search: California housing crisis
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
