San Diego, January 6, 2026
The California Supreme Court has reinstated the 30-foot height limit in San Diego’s Midway District, overturning a 2022 voter-approved measure aimed at removing the restriction. This decision preserves community character and coastal views, while complicating the Midway Rising project that proposed over 4,000 new apartments and a sports arena. San Diego officials are now exploring alternative strategies for development that comply with the reinstated limit, amidst legal and environmental considerations.
San Diego, California – California Supreme Court Restores 30-Foot Height Limit in Midway District
San Diego’s Midway District will revert to its original 30-foot building height limit following a recent decision by the California Supreme Court. This ruling effectively nullifies the city’s 2022 voter-approved measure that sought to remove the height restriction, aiming to facilitate redevelopment in the area.
Background of the Height Limit
The 30-foot height limit in San Diego’s Midway District was established in 1972 to preserve coastal views and maintain community character. In 2020, voters approved Measure E to lift this restriction, but the measure was invalidated for not adequately assessing environmental impacts. A subsequent measure, Measure C, was introduced in 2022 with a supplemental environmental impact report (SEIR). However, the 4th District Court of Appeal found the SEIR insufficient, leading to the recent Supreme Court decision.
Implications of the Ruling
The Supreme Court’s denial of the city’s petition for review and depublication request means the appellate court’s decision stands. This outcome reinstates the 30-foot height limit, posing challenges for proposed developments like the Midway Rising project, which plans to build over 4,000 new apartments and a new sports arena.
City’s Response
San Diego officials, including Mayor Todd Gloria, expressed disappointment over the ruling. They emphasized the city’s commitment to redeveloping the sports arena site and are exploring alternative strategies to advance the project within the constraints of the reinstated height limit.
Legal and Environmental Considerations
The legal challenges centered on the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which mandates thorough environmental reviews for significant projects. The courts determined that the city failed to adequately study the environmental impacts of taller buildings before placing the measure on the ballot, leading to the invalidation of the height limit removal.
Future Prospects
Despite the setback, the city remains committed to revitalizing the Midway District. Officials are considering alternative development strategies that comply with the 30-foot height limit, including potential use of state density bonus laws that allow for increased building heights in certain circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the 30-foot height limit in San Diego’s Midway District?
The 30-foot height limit was established in 1972 to preserve coastal views and maintain community character in the Midway District of San Diego.
Why was the city’s 2022 measure to remove the height limit invalidated?
The measure was invalidated because the city failed to adequately assess the environmental impacts of taller buildings before placing the measure on the ballot, violating the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
What is the Midway Rising project?
The Midway Rising project is a proposed development aiming to build over 4,000 new apartments and a new sports arena in the Midway District, which would require exceeding the 30-foot height limit.
How does the California Supreme Court’s decision affect the Midway Rising project?
The decision reinstates the 30-foot height limit, posing challenges for the Midway Rising project, as it would need to comply with the original height restriction.
What are state density bonus laws, and how might they impact future developments?
State density bonus laws allow developers to exceed local height and density restrictions in exchange for including affordable housing units in their projects. The city is considering this option to advance development within the constraints of the reinstated height limit.
Key Features of the Midway District Height Limit Restoration
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Original Height Limit | 30 feet, established in 1972 to preserve coastal views and community character. |
| Measure E | 2020 voter-approved measure attempting to remove the height limit, invalidated for inadequate environmental review. |
| Measure C | 2022 measure with a supplemental environmental impact report, also invalidated for insufficient environmental analysis. |
| Midway Rising Project | Proposed development aiming to build over 4,000 new apartments and a new sports arena, now facing challenges due to the reinstated height limit. |
| California Supreme Court’s Decision | Denied the city’s petition for review, reinstating the 30-foot height limit and invalidating the measures to remove it. |
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