Carlsbad approves airport codes, requirements
The City Council moves forward with several reforms regarding the Carlsbad airport to address land use, zoning and other local control measures as the battle with the county continues
CARLSBAD — The ongoing saga between the city, residents and the McClellan-Palomar Airport entered another chapter on Tuesday.
The City Council unanimously approved several amendments regarding the land use and zoning, along with new procedures on the city’s role, review and approval of those reforms at the San Diego County-owned airport. Dozens of residents cheered after the council’s vote, hoping this is the end of a seven-year battle, which includes two lawsuits, over land use and the city’s local control over the airport, development and possible expansion of the footprint.
The actions by the council are in response to the county’s updated McClellan-Palomar Airport Master Plan, which was certified several years ago. The master plan includes modifying the airport from a B-II designation to a D-III, which can allow larger private jets, along with extending the runway up to 800 feet and adding an Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) for safety. It also outlines potential development projects for airport to meet current and future demand, along with keeping up with new aircraft technology and improvements.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors approved a B-II enhanced alternative design several years ago, which combines elements of the B-II and D-III options for the general aviation facility.
However, opponents of the airport fear the county will eventually expand its boundaries to create a John Wayne-like facility, which is roughly double the current size, and allow for massive cargo and commercial jets to operate and redirect cargo traffic from San Diego.
“This is all about local control,” Mayor Keith Blackburn said. “This was an opportunity to hold onto some of it.”
The council approved several amendments including the following:
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to North County Pipeline to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.