In a move that could significantly shift the housing landscape in San Diego, the City Council is slated to make a crucial decision regarding a contentious zoning amendment known as "Footnote 7." This amendment came into the spotlight for reducing minimum lot sizes for single-family homes in the Encanto Neighborhoods Community Plan area from 20,000 to 5,000 square feet without the transparency expected from such changes. Introduced in 2019, this measure has been challenged for its localized approach, which runs counter to the best practices of citywide application for zoning amendments, as reported by the City of San Diego.

Laden with community concerns and calls for more inclusive urban planning, the Planning Commission voted to scrap the footnote last December. City Planning Director Heidi Vonblum emphasized the need for clarity and public engagement in the planning process, stating, "Transparency and inclusive public engagement are so critical in City Planning." Vonblum told the City of San Diego that removing the footnote would affirm our "commitment to transparency and ensuring that future amendments to the Land Development Code are evaluated properly." If the City Council removes Footnote 7, the potential for housing developments in Encanto could drop markedly from 642 to 177 homes on lots designated for single-family residences.

Leading up to this decision, the path has been marked by a timeline of events stretching back to 1997, when the City Council adopted a comprehensive update to the Land Development Code. It also included significant community engagement in 2015 during the adoption of the Encanto Neighborhoods Community Plan. Although Footnote 7 was integrated into the city's Land Development Code under Item 335 on December 17, 2019, City Council agenda, the amendment did not undergo public scrutiny, which is typical for such changes.

After substantial pushback from community groups like the Chollas Valley Community Planning Group and the Community Planners Committee, the City Council finds itself at a juncture on January 28 to potentially reverse the footnote's implications. "The City appreciates the community's active involvement and feedback throughout this process," according to the City of San Diego. Civic engagement has been highlighted as instrumental in shaping San Diego's future, playing a crucial role in advising city officials on development and planning matters.