San Diego City Council: Overriding County Ban on Childcare Centers Near Jobs

The San Diego City Council voted 6-0 last week to begin the process of overriding a county ban on new childcare businesses in several neighborhoods.

The decision targets areas including University City, Mira Mesa, Clairemont, Kearny Mesa, and parts of Sorrento Valley. These locations fall within the transition zone for Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The city aims to allow new childcare centers to operate in these specific zones despite previous county restrictions.

The dispute stems from a zoning change the council approved unanimously in May. That change allowed new childcare facilities in the airport transition zone. In July, the county Airport Land Use Commission rejected the city's zoning update. The commission argued that large groups of children are vulnerable during aviation emergencies because they cannot evacuate as quickly as adults.

Council members stated that the need for childcare outweighs the safety concerns raised by the commission. Much of San Diego is classified as a childcare desert by social service agencies. Councilmember Kent Lee, who represents much of the affected area, acknowledged the importance of airport safety. He noted that the transition zone includes existing commercial and office development. Lee clarified that the city is not seeking to place childcare in the airport's most sensitive accident zones. He also pointed out that the city's move does not exempt businesses from noise rules in the transition zone.

Lee described childcare as the second largest expense for many families, behind only housing costs. Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera emphasized that location is a major factor in the crisis. He stated that having childcare options close to people's jobs is essential for working families.

The affected areas include University City and Sorrento Valley, which is the county's primary job center. A growth blueprint approved two years ago for Mira Mesa is expected to increase job growth in that area. Council President Joe LaCava noted that city rules have long permitted existing childcare centers in the transition zone to operate and expand. LaCava argued that single parents often cannot secure employment without convenient and affordable childcare nearby.

The council's vote sends the issue to the city Planning Commission. That body is expected to review the matter this month and return it to the council for a final vote in January. Before the final approval, officials from MCAS Miramar and the state Department of Transportation will provide their input. The city is seeking to modify part of the airport land use compatibility plan for Miramar. The plan currently states that children are less ambulatory occupants who may have difficulty evacuating swiftly during an aviation emergency.

The proposed zoning change was part of a municipal code update containing 134 zoning and regulation changes. The council approved that package on May 11. San Diego has previously overruled the Airport Land Use Commission to allow taller buildings in the transition zone for San Diego International Airport in neighborhoods like Little Italy and Bankers Hill. In 2022, voters approved a measure allowing childcare centers in public parks and recreation facilities. That measure received 68% of the vote, but no centers have opened at those locations yet due to funding issues.