Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in San Clemente public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture & Zoning Height Regulations
The Planning Commission explored ways to encourage Spanish Colonial Revival architecture in residential zones, potentially offering height or pitch exemptions to help architects achieve modern ceiling heights without sacrificing traditional pitched roofs.
Coda on Del Mar Full Alcohol Permit
A new downtown restaurant at 124 Avenida Del Mar secured approval to serve full alcohol alongside food, replacing a previous winery establishment.
Modern Architectural Design Review for 116 Elevante
The Abbasi brothers proposed a modern-style single-family home development, sparking a discussion about neighborhood design consistency.
San Clemente Materials Guide Standardization
The city is rolling out a new standardized color and materials guide to help streamline architectural reviews for Spanish-style developments.
Fourth of July Public Safety and Crowd Control
The city is considering a new ordinance to crack down on illegal fireworks and strengthen local enforcement mechanisms.
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.
Enhanced Fireworks Enforcement Ordinance
The council introduced a new municipal code chapter to crack down on illegal fireworks using stricter local penalties and exploring modern surveillance and drone technologies.
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.
Fire Chief Labor Negotiations
The council was scheduled to discuss labor negotiations concerning the Fire Chief position in a closed session.
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.
Tree Removal
San Clemente locals are fighting to save 70 trees at Lantern Bay Park before the City Council votes on November 17. If you love the shade and green space at the park, this is your chance to make some noise.
2026 Historic Property Preservation Agreements (Mills Act)
Property owners are seeking Mills Act contracts with the city, which provide property tax savings in exchange for agreeing to maintain and restore their historic homes and buildings. The subcommittee reviewed the proposed 10-year maintenance work lists and adjusted timelines with owners before sending the agreements to the City Council.
Residency Verification Policy for Municipal Discounts
The city is considering a new policy to verify residency for community programs and facility use. This could change how residents sign up for local recreation services.
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.
Sora Sora Nordic Baths Development on El Camino Real
A preliminary application was reviewed for an outdoor wellness and bathing destination utilizing modular buildings on S. El Camino Real.
Olympic Preparations and Infrastructure Coordination
Public works officials outlined 56 proposed capital projects totaling $41.6 million, including beach sand replenishment, street repairs, and parking coordination for the upcoming LA28 Olympics.
Digester No. 2 Rehabilitation Completion
The city is officially accepting completed structural and mechanical improvements for Digester No. 2.
Historic Resources Survey and North Beach Signage Updates
Residents and historical society representatives asked the city to speed up plans to update San Clemente's 20-year-old historic building survey and install North Beach monument signs before the 2028 Olympics and centennial. Council members agreed to look into grant options, app enhancements, and potential volunteer or AI assistance to accelerate the preservation work.
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.
Building Code Updates and Enforcement
The city is updating Chapter 15.04 of the municipal code to refine building regulations and construction enforcement standards.
Ballot Measure
San Clemente locals are rallying behind a new ballot measure designed to protect the coastline and tighten up local development rules. If you love hitting the beach, this is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Avila's El Ranchito Sidewalk Seating and ADA Compliance
Avila's El Ranchito requested permission to add 13 outdoor seats on the public sidewalk at 204 Avenida del Mar. Commissioners debated whether the seating would block pedestrian traffic, given existing tree wells and posts, ultimately approving the setup with protective railings and conditions to ensure ADA compliance.
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.
Proposed Four-Unit Condominium Development at 139 Avenida Florencia
Developers are proposing a four-story, four-unit condominium building on a steep hillside lot using state housing laws that streamline approvals and waive standard parking requirements. Neighbors and commissioners discussed whether the Spanish Colonial Revival style fits the site and raised concerns about parking congestion.
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.
Scam Invoices Targeting Planning Applicants
City staff warned commissioners and the public about fraudulent emails and invoices being sent to planning applicants demanding wire transfers for bogus fees. Staff has added warning notices to auto-responses and plans to post flyers in the lobby.
Voter ID and Election Integrity Resolution
The council debated and passed a resolution supporting Proposition 39, sparking intense discussion among residents regarding election security, voter access, and local government overreach.
Wildfire Awareness and OCFA Preparedness
The city continues to review its wildfire protection plans, relying heavily on targeted goat grazing and seasonal prevention measures to protect residential areas. Officials coordinate closely with the Orange County Fire Authority to address fire hazards before peak risk periods.
Real Estate Asset Management Program (REAMP) Adoption
The council adopted a comprehensive program to manage city-owned real estate, update lease and sale policies, and establish a formal surplus property list.
Encroachment Permit Appeal for Wall at 1202 Avenida de la Estrella
The council reviewed an appeal over whether to allow stucco infills on the Miramar Theater's outdoor courtyard wall. Residents argued it would block historic views and create security blind spots, while the applicant noted it is necessary for sound privacy and wedding events. The council ultimately approved the wall changes with a requirement for operable, historically compatible sliding panels.
Lifeguard Compensation and Staffing Retention
San Clemente lifeguards faced record-breaking rescue numbers in March due to warm ocean temperatures and heavy beach crowds, prompting concerns about long-term staffing and retention amid rising minimum wages.
Miramar Event Center Signage and Site Improvements
The applicant proposed a new master sign program incorporating Wedgwood branding, landscape tree modifications along El Camino Real, and a concrete bench replacing non-compliant ADA stairs. Subcommittee members provided feedback on font consistency, historic naming, and lighting options.
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.
Seacliff Hotel Expansion in Pier Bowl
Adding rooms to the Seacliff Hotel helps boost local tourism and hospitality offerings in the Pier Bowl area.
Abbasi Residence Hillside Development
A new modern-style home is coming to El Levante, bringing construction activity and parking concerns to a narrow hillside neighborhood.
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.
Victoria Sidewalk Stabilization and Pier Bowl Improvements
The city is moving ahead with sidewalk widening and improvements at Avenida Victoria near the pier, but residents raised concerns about losing shade and process transparency.
Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide Use
Residents raised alarms over pesticide spraying near trails, parks, and goats, prompting the council to tighten oversight and study HOA rules.
Community Amphitheater Development
The city is exploring turning an underused bowl at Forster Ranch Community Park into a community amphitheater for concerts and events.
CSERP Pension Plan Policy and Governance Review
Staff and the committee outlined steps to update governance and investment policy for the non-CalPERS pension program (CSERP), including coordinating with City Council and exploring third-party advisory services.
City Investment Portfolio Performance & Credit Allocation
The committee reviewed the $155 million consolidated portfolio performance and discussed potential strategies like adding TIPS for inflation protection and increasing credit allocations.
Historic Home Rehabilitation at 122 E. Escalones
Following a partial roof collapse, a 1928 historic home is undergoing a massive reconstruction and rehabilitation. The owners are fixing severe structural damage while preserving character-defining features like tapered porch columns and clay tile roofs.
AT&T Rooftop Wireless Facility Upgrade
AT&T wants to upgrade its cell equipment on top of the Travelodge at 2441 South El Camino Real, expanding the equipment footprint and raising the height above the standard limit. The design review board agreed that a simple, unadorned screen box matching the building's stucco is best, steering clear of fake windows or decorative tile roofs.
Zebra House Cafe Expansion and Streetscape Enhancement
Zebra House Cafe requested a patio expansion and pergola on El Camino Real to improve pedestrian connection and customer experience. Commissioners supported the natural wood aesthetic and flexibility over strict conformity.
La Ronda Townhome Subdivision Density and Massing
Developers revised a multi-family project at 111 La Ronda to adopt a Spanish architectural style and lower the unit count, earning praise from the subcommittee.
Homelessness Strategy and Housing Solutions
The Homelessness Subcommittee is working to identify primary barriers preventing unhoused individuals from finding stable housing and is exploring potential locations for future housing solutions. Committee members are actively reviewing local point-in-time statistics to guide future interventions.
E-Bike Safety and Enforcement Challenges
Subcommittees and local law enforcement are ramping up educational outreach at schools and distributing safety information to parents to curb dangerous e-bike riding habits. Officials are also considering promotional bicycle events to foster better traffic habits among young riders.
Street Rehabilitation and Bidding Standards
The city awarded a nearly $1 million street repair contract while navigating a bid protest involving conflicting subcontractor listings.
Urban Water Management and Conservation
San Clemente adopted updated water management and shortage plans, showing local residents are successfully reducing per capita water use.