Escondido Land Use

League of Women Voters^®
of Escondido

Development is Taxing Region's Water and Sewer Capacity. This is a key issue which is at the basis of many local controversies involving the environment and land use.

Planning for Land Use & Development. Detail Stories. Opinion.

Planning for Land Use & Development

Development is Taxing Region's Water and Sewer Capacity
A key issue which is at the basis of many local controversies involves the environment and land use. Over the past twenty years, there has been phenomenal growth in the North County inland region. Foreign (often illegal) immigration is only part of the reason. A major cause of growth has been a shift in the national economy to industries which are not dependent on a region's natural resources. As a result, with its outstanding climate, the San Diego metropolitan area has been a natural location for many startup technological companies. Typically, these companies recruit employees at the higher end of the pay scale, a factor which has led to the substantial increase in upscale residential development in the region. The San Diego region and North County in particular has also attracted many affluent recent retirees.
The growth has prompted a division of interests within the community. Many long time residents of the area value the beautiful but fragile natural environment of the region which they regard as being severely threatened by development. They argue that there are limits to growth and deplore the tactics used by developers to persuade local governments to adopt growth strategies which deviate from the general plan.
Local organizations supporting limited growth in Escondido achieved a major victory in 1998 when voters passed a ballot measure requiring voter approval of projects which deviate from the city's general plan.
On the other side of the controversy are the would-be newcomers to the area whose interests tend to be represented by builders, realtors and local merchants.
The struggle between these two interests is consistently replayed as projects are considered by the Escondido and San Marcos City councils.
A current concern involves sewer and water resources. There are limits to Escondido's sewage treatment capacity but that has not stopped developers from outside the city limits from trying to use Escondido's sewer system. The current drought and a recent court decision which may limit the region's use of Northern California water may also be a reason for limiting regional growth.

Detail Stories

Apr 2008 Valley Center growers search for ways to get more water - North County Times
Jan 2008 Mayors meet to discuss water crisis - North County Times
Aug 2007 Judge's ruling could cut water supplies by 30 percent - North County Times
Jul 2007 Water leaders push for state funding, approve conservation blueprint - North County Times
Jun 2007 Drought, pump shutdowns have water officials worried about 2008 - North County Times
May 2007 Escondido won't privatize sewer system - North County Times
Jan 2007 Engineers recommend Escondido sewer plant improvement - North County Times
Jan 2006 Sewage spill pollutes Escondido park creek, lake - North County Times
Sep 2006 Leaders call for water conservation plan - North County Times

Opinion

Nov 2007 Fire crisis highlights fragile water supply situation - North County Times
Aug 2007 Prop. S helped save Escondido - North County Times
Sep 2007 Is conserved water fueling overgrowth - North County Times
Jun 2007 Immigration policies also affect water use - North County Times
Jul 2007 Bonds not only water solution - North County Times

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