Tighter city controls over any expansion of the runway or other facilities at McClellan-Palomar Airport were unanimously approved Tuesday by the Carlsbad City Council.
The changes amend the city’s general plan, zoning ordinance, and local coastal program to specify and clarify code requirements and permit review procedures for development at the airport.
San Diego County, which owns the facility, has proposed long-term improvements that include lengthening the airport’s only runway, which would allow larger aircraft to land. City officials and residents have long fought any increased activity there because of concerns about noise, air pollution and other adverse effects.
“This is a testament to how cities should work,” said resident Hope Nelson, a member of the group Citizens for a Friendly Airport. Like other speakers Tuesday, she thanked the City Council and staffers for their extensive work on the issue, which has involved multiple court cases.
The Carlsbad Planning Commission voted 6-1 last month to recommend the council’s approval of the proposed changes. Commissioner Peter Merz voted no, and said he tends to agree with the county that changes within the airport’s existing boundaries are allowed under a conditional use permit issued years ago by the city.
County officials have long maintained that improvements are needed to better serve the region and keep the facility safe for the airplanes already using it. Their plans are outlined in the airport’s updated master plan approved by the county Board of Supervisors on Dec. 8, 2021.
“The development of Palomar Airport is within the current authority of the conditional use permit and federal pre-emption guidelines from the Federal Aviation istration,” Jamie Abbott, the county’s airport manager, said Tuesday.
Carlsbad council thanked everyone involved in the changes, which are spelled out in a 192-page staff report.
“It’s clearly a lot of work,” said Councilmember Teresa Acosta. “We understand there are rights of the county and rights of the FAA, but we also have rights.”
The airport opened at its present location in 1959, when it was relocated from Del Mar to accommodate construction of Interstate 5. Carlsbad annexed the airport and surrounding property in 1978.
