SAN MARCOS — Residents of San Marcos will have the opportunity Nov. 4 to vote on Proposition N to affirm or reject the ridgeline protection ordinance passed unanimously by City Council last April.
Under the ridgeline protection ordinance, residential and commercial development is prohibited on San Marcos’ primary ridgelines and heavily regulated on the secondary ridgelines radiating from them.
Developers must get city approval to build on these secondary hills and construct in such a way as to minimize visual and environmental impact. Since the measure’s first enactment two years ago, virtually no developers have come forth to build on the ridgelines.
Just as the original ordinance was the result of an extensive dialog between citizens and city government, Proposition N was crafted in response to voiced concerns that the ordinance might be overturned by future councils. If Proposition N passes, amendment of the ordinance will take majority approval by the people in an election.
Mayor Jim Desmond said he and his fellow councilmen completely support the measure.
“The city hasn’t taken a formal position other than ‘yes’,” Desmond said.
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