San Diego, CA, January 7, 2026
The California Supreme Court has reinstated the 30-foot height limit in San Diego’s Midway District, putting an end to attempts to lift the restriction that has been in place since 1972. This decision impacts redevelopment plans, including the Midway Rising project, which sought to construct taller buildings in the area. Community reactions are mixed, with some supporting the limit for environmental reasons, while others call for redevelopment to address housing concerns. City officials are exploring options to proceed within the current legal framework.
San Diego, CA
California Supreme Court Upholds 30-Foot Height Limit in Midway District
The California Supreme Court has declined to review a lower court’s decision, effectively reinstating the 30-foot height limit in San Diego’s Midway District. This ruling ends the city’s legal efforts to remove the restriction, which has been in place since 1972.
Background of the Case
In 2020, San Diego voters approved Measure E, aiming to lift the 30-foot height limit in the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Planning Area to facilitate redevelopment. However, the court ruled that the city failed to adequately assess the environmental impacts of this change, violating the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). A subsequent appeal in 2022, known as Measure C, also sought to remove the height limit but faced similar legal challenges. The Supreme Court’s recent decision to deny review of the appellate ruling upholds the reinstatement of the 30-foot height limit, effectively halting the city’s plans to redevelop the area with taller structures.
Implications for Midway Rising Project
The Midway Rising project, a proposed redevelopment plan for the area, had been contingent on lifting the height limit. With the Supreme Court’s decision, the project’s future remains uncertain. City officials have expressed disappointment over the ruling but have indicated a commitment to exploring alternative avenues to advance redevelopment efforts within the constraints of the existing height limit.
Community Response
Residents and community groups have expressed mixed reactions to the court’s decision. Some support the preservation of the height limit, citing concerns over environmental impacts and community character, while others advocate for redevelopment to address housing shortages and economic revitalization.
Next Steps
City officials are currently evaluating the ruling’s impact on the Midway Rising project and considering potential strategies to move forward within the established height restrictions. Further updates are expected as the city explores options to balance development goals with legal and community considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the 30-foot height limit in San Diego’s Midway District?
The 30-foot height limit is a restriction established in 1972 that limits the height of buildings in the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Planning Area to 30 feet. This measure was implemented to preserve coastal views and maintain the character of the community.
What was Measure E, and why was it proposed?
Measure E was a ballot initiative approved by San Diego voters in 2020, aiming to remove the 30-foot height limit in the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Planning Area. The measure was proposed to facilitate redevelopment and address housing shortages by allowing taller buildings in the area.
What is the Midway Rising project?
The Midway Rising project is a proposed redevelopment plan for the Midway District, which includes plans for new housing, retail spaces, parks, and a new entertainment venue. The project was contingent on lifting the 30-foot height limit to accommodate taller structures.
What did the California Supreme Court’s recent decision mean for the city’s redevelopment plans?
The California Supreme Court’s decision to decline review of the appellate ruling effectively reinstates the 30-foot height limit in the Midway District. This means that the city’s plans for redevelopment, including the Midway Rising project, are now subject to the existing height restrictions, potentially impacting the project’s feasibility and design.
How have community members responded to the court’s decision?
Community responses have been mixed. Some residents support the preservation of the height limit, citing concerns over environmental impacts and maintaining the community’s character. Others advocate for redevelopment to address housing shortages and economic revitalization, expressing disappointment over the court’s decision.
Key Features of the Midway District’s 30-Foot Height Limit Issue
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Height Limit | Established in 1972, limiting building heights to 30 feet in the Midway-Pacific Highway Community Planning Area. |
| Measure E | 2020 ballot initiative approved by voters to remove the height limit to facilitate redevelopment. |
| Measure C | 2022 ballot initiative also aiming to remove the height limit, which faced legal challenges. |
| Midway Rising Project | Proposed redevelopment plan for the Midway District, including new housing, retail spaces, parks, and an entertainment venue, contingent on lifting the height limit. |
| Supreme Court Decision | Declined to review the appellate ruling, effectively reinstating the 30-foot height limit and impacting redevelopment plans. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
