A summary of key actions and decisions from the Encinitas City Council. 

The Council Rundown provides a brief overview of significant actions and decisions considered by the Encinitas City Council at its regular and special meetings, helping residents stay informed about matters affecting the community.

New recaps are posted each Thursday following a Council meeting.

Topics may include major projects, policy decisions, community programs, City services and other matters of interest to Encinitas residents.

Council Recap - August 26, 2026 

Special City Council Meeting - Roadway Safety and Traffic Enforcement  

The discussion focused on strategies to improve traffic safety and address concerns about traffic enforcement throughout Encinitas.  

As a next step, staff will bring the Local Road Safety Plan and Comprehensive Safety Action Plan to City Council for consideration in the near future.  

The City Manager will work with Sheriff’s Department to look into the need, logistics, and funding of adding two additional deputies at the mid-year budget and look into a co-sponsored event with the Sheriff’s Department for e-bike safety and have the event video recorded.  Staff will also write a letter to approach other Cities within the County to discuss entry points into the city.

To view a list of FY25-27 expenditures for roadway projects, programs, and initiatives click HERE.

New Rules for Housing on Certain Commercial Sites 

The City Council adopted an ordinance implementing state housing laws AB 2011 and SB 6, for certain housing development on qualifying properties throughout Encinitas. The ordinance also incorporates objective design standards into the Downtown Encinitas and North 101 Corridor Specific Plans.  

The ordinance was introduced by Council on August 12 and adopted August 26. 

 La Costa Avenue Pedestrian Path 

Council awarded a $1.2 million construction contract for the La Costa Avenue Pedestrian Path Project. The project will construct a new pedestrian path along La Costa Avenue, improving connectivity and pedestrian access in the area.  

The contract with Prestige Prime Engineering is for up to $1,197,539, including a construction contingency. 

Environmental Commission Work Plan/ Mobility & Traffic Safety Commission Work Plan 

Council received and approved the Environmental Commission Work Plan and the Mobility & Traffic Safety Commission Work Plan for FY 2026-27. 

Development Impact Fees Ordinance 

Council introduced Ordinance 2026-17, updating the Encinitas Municipal Code provisions governing Development Impact Fees. These are one-time charges on new development that help fund growth-related public facilities and infrastructure, including capital facilities and infrastructure. 

The ordinance updates the City's code to align with the City's recently updated Development Impact Fee program.  

The ordinance is scheduled to return to Council for a second reading and final adoption on September 16, 2026. 

User Fees 

Council approved updates to City user fees for Planning, Land Development Engineering, and Fire Prevention and Marine Safety services following a comprehensive review of the cost of providing those services.  

The updated fees are intended to bring cost recovery closer to the City's actual service costs. The changes are expected to increase cost recovery from approximately 43% to 60% and generate an estimated $1.46 million in additional annual revenue. The new fees take effect October 25, 2026. 

Evacuation Planning 

The City Council directed staff to develop a scoped work plan and preliminary cost estimate for an Evacuation Master Plan to strengthen the City’s emergency evacuation planning.  

The action follows a Council-initiated effort to evaluate tools and technology that can help analyze evacuation routes and the capacity, safety and viability during emergencies, as required under Assembly Bill 747 and the future development of objective standards.