San Diego, December 20, 2025
A Los Angeles-based developer is pushing for immediate building permits for the proposed 23-story ‘Turquoise Tower’ in Pacific Beach, highlighting delays attributed to the city’s missed deadline for expedited housing approvals. While the developer argues for automatic approval under state law, city officials point to the developer’s actions as a contributing factor to the holdup. The ongoing dispute raises broader challenges in San Diego’s housing development process, balancing rapid construction needs against community concerns.
San Diego Developer Seeks Immediate Permits for Controversial Pacific Beach Tower
San Diego, California – A Los Angeles-based developer is demanding immediate building permits for a controversial 23-story tower in Pacific Beach, known as the “Turquoise Tower,” after the city missed a state-mandated deadline intended to expedite housing approvals. The developer argues that the project should be automatically approved due to the city’s failure to meet the deadline, while city officials contend that the developer’s own actions have contributed to the delay.
Developer’s Demand for Instant Approval
The developer, Kalonymus, and its legal team assert that the city’s oversight in missing the deadline necessitates the immediate issuance of building permits for the Turquoise Tower project. They claim that under state law, the project qualifies for automatic approval, bypassing the usual review process.
City’s Response and Accountability
City planners acknowledge the missed deadline but emphasize that Kalonymus has played a significant role in the project’s delay. They point to the developer’s actions, including potential missteps in the application process, as contributing factors to the holdup. The city maintains that the developer’s own decisions have impacted the timeline.
Background on the Turquoise Tower Project
The Turquoise Tower, located at 970 Turquoise St. in Pacific Beach, is a mixed-use development comprising hotel rooms and residential units, with a portion designated for low-income residents. The project has been a focal point of debate, with local residents and city officials expressing concerns about its scale and impact on the neighborhood’s character. Despite these concerns, the project has progressed through various stages of approval, leading to the current dispute over permit issuance.
Implications for Housing Development in San Diego
This dispute highlights broader challenges in San Diego’s housing development process, particularly regarding the balance between expediting construction to address housing shortages and ensuring that developments align with community standards and regulations. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for future projects and influence how the city navigates similar situations moving forward.
Conclusion
The conflict between Kalonymus and the City of San Diego underscores the complexities involved in urban development, especially when state mandates intersect with local governance and community interests. As both parties prepare for potential legal proceedings, the resolution of this issue will be closely watched by developers, city officials, and residents alike.
FAQ
- What is the Turquoise Tower project?
- The Turquoise Tower is a proposed 23-story mixed-use development in Pacific Beach, San Diego, featuring hotel rooms, residential units, and low-income housing.
- Why is there a dispute over building permits?
- The developer, Kalonymus, is demanding immediate building permits, claiming automatic approval due to the city’s missed deadline for expedited housing approvals. The city contends that the developer’s actions have contributed to the delay.
- What are the broader implications of this dispute?
- This case highlights challenges in balancing the need for rapid housing development with community concerns and regulatory compliance, potentially setting a precedent for future projects in San Diego.
Key Features of the Turquoise Tower Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 970 Turquoise St., Pacific Beach, San Diego |
| Height | 23 stories |
| Components | Hotel rooms, residential units, low-income housing |
| Controversy | Dispute over building permits due to missed state deadline |
| Potential Impact | May set precedent for future housing developments in San Diego |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
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