McClellan-Palomar Airport Master Plan Rescission Information
The McClellan-Palomar Airport Master Plan provides a framework to guide future airport development over a 20-year horizon with a primary focus on safety improvements to accommodate aircraft currently operating at the airport. The Master Plan does not expand the airport footprint; all proposed improvements remain within the fence-line of the airport. Here is a brief history of the project and current issues:
On December 16, 2015, the Board of Supervisors (Board) directed staff to proceed with the McClellan-Palomar Airport MPU
On October 10, 2018, the Board approved the MPU and certified the Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
On November 6, 2018, Citizens for a Friendly Airport (C4A) CFA filed suit challenging the Board’s approval of the Master Plan and certification of the EIR.
On January 26, 2021, the trial court denied most of CFA’s claims, but found that a portion of the EIR’s noise impact analysis was incomplete and that the County was required to obtain an amendment to a Conditional Use Permit issued by the City of Carlsbad for the airport.
On March 4, 2021, the Court issued a judgment and writ of mandate ordering the County to set aside its (a) approval of the Master Plan and (b) certification of the EIR.
On April 7, 2021, the Board voted in closed session to not appeal, which required the County to rescind approval of the Master Plan and decertify the EIR.
On May 5, 2021, in response to a Superior Court ruling, the Board rescinded approval of the McClellan-Palomar Airport Master Plan Update MPU and decertified the Program Environmental Impact Report.
For more information or questions, please contact County Airports at (619) 956-4800 or by email at Airports@sdcounty.ca.gov.
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