Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Clemente public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues with critical priority
Citywide Emergency Management Strategic Plan Implementation
The council will consider declaring a local emergency for Tropical Storm Rachel while extending the existing emergency proclamation for Hurricane Marie.
Norte Fire Local Emergency Ratification
Following the Norte Fire that destroyed several homes and forced massive evacuations, city and fire officials are rushing to install sandbags and clear storm drains before impending El Nino rainstorms trigger dangerous mudslides and debris flows.
Emergency Proclamations for Tropical Storm Rachel and Hurricane Marie
The council will consider declaring a local emergency for Tropical Storm Rachel while extending the existing emergency proclamation for Hurricane Marie.
Gateway Overlay and Economic Development Initiatives
The city is exploring sweeping zoning changes, including higher floor area ratios, height increases, and hotel-friendly policies along El Camino Real to boost transient occupancy tax revenue. Residents and commissioners raised concerns that blanket development incentives could harm neighborhood character and increase overdevelopment.
Fiscal Years 2026-28 Strategic Implementation Program
The city reviewed its $200 million proposed biennial budget, noting a small operating surplus and stable reserves, while addressing funding shortfalls in stormwater management and street sweeping.
OCTA Coastal Rail and Bluff Protection
OCTA officials updated the council on multi-million dollar stabilization projects along the coastal rail corridor and discussed long-term planning for the San Diego railway line.
Sand Replenishment Public Outreach Initiative
Commissioners discussed a proposal by Chair Johnson to allocate funds for public education and outreach regarding coastal sand replenishment, ultimately voting to table the item.
Inclusionary Housing Program Set-Aside Rate and In-Lieu Fees
The city reviewed a consultant study recommending raising the inclusionary housing set-aside requirement from 4% to 15%. Commissioners and residents pushed back, arguing that a 15% requirement and high in-lieu fees would harm project feasibility and halt local infill housing. The commission voted to keep the rate at 4% while urging the council to update outdated in-lieu fees and study a tiered approach.
Golf Course Activity Reporting and Financial Tracking
The city is moving forward with funding and designing a major irrigation upgrade for the municipal golf course. A new subcommittee was formed to help guide staff and consultants through the design and construction process.
Temporary Parklet Program Extension & Design Standards
Business owners and residents voiced intense frustration over downtown parklets, arguing that dining decks block retail storefronts, reduce critical parking spaces, and create sanitation and safety issues. The subcommittee agreed to rethink parklet sizes, transparency, and consolidation.
Hanson Hotel Development Project Appeal
The City Council considered an appeal against a proposed 61-room boutique hotel in North Beach. Union and environmental representatives argued the project requires a full environmental impact report due to sensitive plant species and habitat proximity, while city staff and the developer maintained the project complies with CEQA streamlining.
Citizen-Led 1% Sales Tax Initiative (Measure Review)
City Manager Andy Hall and committee members discussed San Clemente's unique residential tax structure, property tax caps, and the challenge of funding essential public safety services without commercial hotel revenues.
State-Mandated Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations
New state laws force cities to allow lot splits and multiple units on single-family parcels with minimal oversight. While local uptake has been low, commissioners debated whether to allow discretionary review paths and ensure local infrastructure and mapping standards are respected.
Downtown Parking Time Limits and Enforcement
City planners updated the commission on parking management strategies, upcoming paid parking evaluations, and a new yellow trolley line coming to connect parts of San Clemente.
Downtown Parklet Dining Program & Parking Congestion
Downtown retail and restaurant owners debated the future of the outdoor dining parklet program. While restaurants praise the economic boost and vibrant atmosphere, boutique and retail shop owners raised serious concerns about lost storefront visibility, blocked signage, and worsening downtown parking shortages.
Transportation Corridor Agency Property Transfer & Land Swap
The city acquired about 30 acres of former toll road land from the TCA and executed land exchanges with Talega developers. This agreement officially closes the door on past toll road plans and places permanent restrictions against battery storage facilities.
Federal Marine Surveillance System Concerns
Multiple residents voiced strong opposition to the city's previously approved Department of Homeland Security marine surveillance camera system, citing privacy violations and lack of public notice, while council members discussed potential public education efforts.
Proposed Water Rate Increases through 2030
The city is raising water rates by 9.5% in the first year and up to 3.5% annually through 2030 to cope with rising imported water costs from MET and MWDOC, as well as the need to repair San Clemente's 100-year-old water infrastructure.