Safety Element and Environmental Justice Element Amendments to the General Plan

Update to the City’s Safety Element

The Safety Element is a required component of the City’s General Plan (Del Mar Community Plan). The purpose of the Safety Element is to incorporate safety considerations into the planning process by establishing goals, policies, and implementation actions to meet State requirements. This is intended to minimize the risk of injury, loss of life, property damage, and environmental damage associated with natural and man‐made hazards. The proposed Safety Element amendments are consistent with the City’s emergency plans, preparedness, emergency response, and State law. This includes policies relating to flood hazards, geologic hazards, fire hazards, and hazardous waste management. 

The amendments are being processed in accordance with State law.

On November 4, 2025, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection approved the City’s draft Safety Element. The meeting recording can be viewed online using the link below:

November 3, 2025 - Board of Forestry Meeting 

The draft Safety Element will be presented to the Planning Commission on January 13, 2026, the Sustainability Advisory Committee on January 26, 2026 for a recommendations to City Council, and to the City Council for adoption by April 2026.

Following is a link to the draft Safety Element:

Draft Del Mar Safety Element

Preparation of the Environmental Justice Element

A new Environmental Justice (EJ) Element is being added to the City’s General Plan (Del Mar Community Plan) as committed to in the City’s certified 6^th Cycle Housing Element. The proposed EJ Element identifies that the City is committed to maintaining a healthy, inclusive, and accessible community for all residents and visitors.

The draft Environmental Justice Element will be presented to the Sustainability Advisory Committee on January 26, 2026 and to the Planning Commission on February 10, 2026 for  recommendations to City Council, and to the City Council for adoption by April 2026.

Following is a link to the draft Environmental Justice Element:

Draft Del Mar Environmental Justice Element (February 2026)

Project Contact

Nicole Morrow, Associate Planner

nmorrow@delmar.ca.us