DEL MAR — In a brief meeting Tuesday evening, the City Council gave final approval to an ordinance reducing speed limits on eight stretches of road and approved a study for the San Dieguito Lagoon Levee, Habitat Enhancement and Trail Project.
The speed limit ordinance received its first reading at the Oct. 6 council meeting.
State law requires two votes on new ordinances at least five days apart, giving residents an opportunity to weigh in. No speakers addressed the issue Tuesday night, and the ordinance was approved on the consent agenda, which allows multiple items to be considered with a single vote and no discussion. City staff can now begin posting the new speed limits on the affected roads.
The Planning Commission initially approved the lagoon study on Sept. 15, which will allow the city to begin filing permit applications with regional and state agencies for the proposed work. The study found that none of the proposed projects would cause environmental harm.
The city wants to add a vegetated berm along the south bank of the channel near its public works yard, where a hiking trail already exists. The berm would provide additional flood protection. The public works building may have to be moved to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency flood zone requirements.
The council also approved a development agreement for the La Atalaya proposal, which the Planning Commission approved at its September meeting. The agreement aligns all permit expiration dates to Feb. 6, 2031.
The proposed development — sometimes referred to by locals as the “Snake Wall” parcel because of the wall surrounding the property — lies on the west side of San Dieguito Drive, south of Jimmy Durante Boulevard. The agreement requires completion of all project-related improvements, including utility conduits and a driveway, by that date.
The 18-acre parcel contains eight residential lots, two of which have single-family homes. There are no immediate plans to develop the remaining lots.
The city attorney reported that the council took no reportable action during a closed session before the public meeting.
The council also announced that it will move its next meeting to Nov. 10 to avoid a conflict with Election Day.
