Coastal Commission approves short term rental regulations

After 10 years in the making and final approvals this week, Del Mar has a short term rental ordinance and implementation schedule on the books.

On Feb. 5 in Half Moon Bay, the Coastal Commission certified short term rental regulations as adopted by the City Council in 2024. With that approval, the ordinance takes effect immediately.

Earlier this week, on Feb. 3, the City Council set a 60-day period, from March 2 to May 1, for the 150 registered operators of existing short term rentals to complete and submit permit applications. Approved permits would be good for two years and subject to renewal every two years thereafter. 

Looking ahead:

• On Feb. 17, the City Council will consider a fee schedule for short term rental permits; and
• On March 1, Del Mar will launch an online portal to facilitate permit processing, enforcement and community awareness.

Short Term Rentals webpage

Introducing Interim Fire Chief Colin Stowell

Interim Fire Chief Colin Stowell was introduced to the City Council Feb. 3. He will play an important role in preparing Del Mar and Solana Beach for an upcoming change of command structure.

In his role as interim chief, Stowell, a 35-year veteran of the fire service and recently retired chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, will lead the fire departments in Del Mar and Solana Beach while developing proposals for a shared fire administration to serve both cities.

He is also assisting in the recruitment and selection of a permanent chief.

Stowell told the Council he is making sure front-line crews in both cities feel supported and that “services will not be any different through this transition.”

On March 31, the City of Encinitas plans to exit an existing fire management services agreement that includes Del Mar, Solana Beach and Encinitas.

Shared fire department administration began locally in 2009 as a way to reduce costs.

Watch meeting

Closures begin on NB Jimmy Durante Boulevard

Temporary closures of northbound Jimmy Durante Boulevard between Luzon Avenue and David Way began this week to allow for construction on the adjacent hillside. 

Closures can be expected from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. A detour route will direct northbound traffic onto Camino Del Mar to Via de la Valle.

The project on City-owned property will extend an existing steel-and-timber retaining wall built in 2019 as an emergency project after a significant bluff failure. A recent geotechnical report recommends extending the structure 45 feet to prevent future failures.

Surveying and vegetation clearing started this week. The project also includes landscaping and drainage improvements.

Direct questions to Del Mar Public Works: 858-755-3294 or PublicWorksGroup@delmar.ca.us.

Monday and Tuesday: Night work for bluffs project

In its weekly notice to the City of Del Mar, SANDAG reports that overnight construction near Ocean Avenue and 8th Street is scheduled for the Del Mar Bluffs 5 Stabilization Project.

Residents could hear noise from construction equipment and see bright lights illuminating work areas. Bluff trails and some street parking may be inaccessible.

Below the railway, construction activity is expected to increase on the beach.

Open weekly SANDAG notice

Crime blotter: Jan. 30-Feb. 5

Incidents: 0

Source: San Diego County Sheriff's Department

Feb. 19: County workshop on Hazard Mitigation Plan

The County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services is hosting an online workshop covering the Multi Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 19 on Zoom.

During the workshop, participants can learn about the a five-year process to update the plan and how they can contribute.

Register

Ball game tickets are prizes for online scavenger hunt 

Answer three questions about the Clean Energy Alliance. Score tickets to a ball game.

CEA has launched an online scavenger hunt in which participants scour the organization's website to find answers to the questions. 

Prizes include tickets to San Diego Soccers and San Diego Clippers games at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside.

Open webpage

Trash Talk: Did you know...

...that greasy pizza boxes go in the green organic recycling cart?

Go Green Del Mar webpage

Feb. 14: Beach cleanup

What could be sweeter than a Valentine's Day beach cleanup?

You and your sweetie can show your love to Del Mar beach by participating in DMVA's Community Cleanup from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 14.

Register

Feb. 13: Champagne and Chocolate

Del Mar Community Connections is hosting its Champagne & Chocolate open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 at the Del Mar Community Building, 225 9th St.

As part of San Diego Love Your Heart week, sweethearts can get a blood pressure screening and information on heart health.

Register

Traffic and Parking Advisory Committee (1 voting resident member). Closes 4:30 p.m. Feb. 13.

Design Review Board (1 voting resident member). Closes 4:30 p.m. Feb. 13.

Parks and Recreation Committee (2 voting members). Closes 4:30 p.m. Feb. 13.

Underground Project Advisory Committee (2 voting, resident members). Closes 4:30 p.m. Feb. 13.

Committees, Vacancies and Volunteer Requirements