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News from the City of Encinitas | April 9, 2026
| |  | | City Updates Fees for False Fire Alarms | | |
The Encinitas City Council has adopted updated fees for nuisance (false) fire alarm responses, the first update since 1993. The new fee structure applies to repeated false alarms within a 12-month period and is designed to encourage proper maintenance of alarm systems and reduce unnecessary emergency responses.
In 2025 alone, the Fire Department responded to nearly 500 false alarm calls. By reducing these avoidable incidents, the City aims to ensure first responders remain available for true emergencies and improve overall public safety.
Click here to learn more about the false alarm fee update.
| | San Dieguito Water District Releases April Newsletter | | The San Dieguito Water District has published its April quarterly newsletter. Stay informed and learn more about how the District is working to support water reliability in our community. | | Short-Term Rental Ordinance Updates | | |
The City is taking the next step to finalize the regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), and the process is nearing the finish line.
Key Milestones:
On February 5, 2026, the California Coastal Commission approved the City's STR Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2022-15 and Ordinance No. 2022-16) with two modifications:
- Reducing the three-night minimum stay to a two-night minimum stay for non-hosted short-term rentals.
- Adding the two-night minimum stay requirement for non-hosted units to Chapter 30.50 of the Municipal Code.
What happens next?
Before the Local Coastal Program amendment can be officially certified and implemented, the City must adopt the Coastal Commission’s modifications by approving a new ordinance.
City staff will return to the City Council on April 22, 2026, to introduce the amended Short-Term Rental Ordinance incorporating the Coastal Commission’s modifications. Approval of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance requires a second hearing at City Council for adoption. Once the ordinance is adopted by City Council, it will then be submitted to Coastal Commission for verification and final authorization, and then the ordinance becomes effective.
Stay Informed:
Stay tuned as the City works to finalize these amendments and bring the new short-term rental regulations into effect. Sign up on the City’s Updates page to receive notifications regarding the City’s Short Term Rental Ordinance and upcoming hearings.
| | City of Encinitas PRADU Program | | |
The Permit-Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (PRADU) Program encourages the construction of ADUs by offering property owners a selection of pre-approved ADU building plans that can be downloaded from the City’s website. The permit-ready plans include customizable options to allow for variations in exterior materials and door and window fenestrations to express individual owners’ tastes and respect community character. The program assists property owners in creating ADUs by providing customizable plans, expediting the process, and reducing preconstruction fees. The program also helps the City meet strategic plan goals by providing diverse housing options throughout the City.
The City adopted a program for the preapproval of ADU master plans for outside private parties. This allows private parties to create preapproved ADU plans through a review and approval process by the City, which can then be submitted for review on a specific site. Individuals that prepare and submit plans are responsible for updating the plans as new changes to state and local laws are adopted. Designers and builders with building plans that are pre-approved by the City of Encinitas can offer their customers a streamlined, lower-cost, plan review, subject to any specific property or site considerations. The plans may include associated configuration options. The plans must clearly identify the level of scope for the plan. Pre-approved PRADU plans may be used in residential and mixed-use zoning districts with existing single-family, multi-family, or mixed-use residential units, and enable city staff to more quickly review a proposed project.
The City’s webpage can be found here and includes the pre-approved building plans, a processing guide as well as further history on the PRADU program. For more information, please contact the City’s planning department by email at planning@encinitasca.gov or by phone at (760) 633-2710.
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U-Waste Collection Event April 11 | |
Calling all Encinitas residents:
Are you looking for a convenient way to dispose of unwanted electronics, batteries, bulbs, sharps? Join us next weekend for a FREE Universal Waste Collection event. ♻️
Date: Saturday, April 11th, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Encinitas City Hall, 505 South Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024
How does it work?
This is a drive-up event: no hassle & no fuss!
FREE for Encinitas Residents-just bring proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.
What items are accepted?
Electronics
Batteries (household, lithium ion, nickel-cadmium)
Fluorescent bulbs
Sharps
Can't make this event, or have additional household hazardous waste items? Consider using our door to door collection services or permanent collection facilities in Vista and Poway, simply call 800-714-1195 to make an appointment.
For more information on accepted materials and information on all disposal options, visit the City's Household Waste page! ♻️
| | Native Plant Ordinance back to City Council for Adoption | | |
On March 25, 2026, the City Council held a public hearing to introduce the native plant ordinance and to provide staff direction on native plant incentive programs. The City Council unanimously approved the ordinance 5-0 with two recommended modifications and for staff to return to the City Council with a report on the ordinance in 12-15 months. The City Council also directed staff to conduct additional research and operational analysis of the potential incentive programs need to be conducted, and the results will be brought back to City Council for consideration and can be considered as an off-cycle budget item.
On April 15, 2026, starting at 6:00 P.M., the City Council will consider the adoption of City Council Ordinance No. 2026-07 to adopt the Native Plant Ordinance with the two modifications incorporated into the ordinance.
Wednesday, April 15th, 2025, 6:00pm
Council Chambers at City Hall
505 S. Vulcan Ave
Encinitas, CA 92024
The agenda packet with all related materials will be posted on the Agendas and Webcasts page and on the Native Plant Ordinance project webpage.
| | AB 2011 and SB 6 Implementing Ordinance and Amendments to the Downtown Encinitas and North 101 Corridor Specific Plan | | |
On April 16, 2026 starting at 6:00 PM, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to make a recommendation to the City Council on the AB 2011 and SB 6 citywide implementing ordinance and amendments to reference and incorporate objective design standards into the Downtown Encinitas and North 101 Corridor Specific Plans.
The agenda packet with all related materials will be posted on the Agendas and Webcasts page and on the AB 2011 and SB 6 Ordinance and ODS for Downtown Encinitas and North 101 Corridor Specific Plans project webpage on April 9, one week prior to the meeting date.
Planning Commission Public Hearing
Thursday, April 16th, 2025, 6:00pm
Council Chambers at City Hall
505 S. Vulcan Ave
Encinitas, CA 92024
For questions, please contact Sara Cadona, Project Manager/ Planner by email at scadona@encinitasca.gov or by phone at (760) 633-2697.
Future Opportunities to Participate
The public and interested parties are also encouraged to attend future public meetings. To stay apprised of project updates and upcoming meetings visit encinitasca.gov/cityupdates to sign up to receive City newsletters and e-notifications. Select “AB 2011 and SB 6 Ordinance and ODS for Downtown Encinitas and North 101 Specific Plans” and any other topics you are interested in.
| | Help Us Plant Trees at Arbor Day 2026! | | |
The City of Encinitas invites the community to celebrate Arbor Day on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hawk View Park, located at 1309 Blue Heron Ave, Encinitas. This annual tradition reflects our commitment as a Tree City USA and offers residents a meaningful way to support the growth of our urban forest.
Participants will help plant more than 50 trees throughout the park, enjoy family activities, and connect with educational booths. The native species planted will strengthen local biodiversity, expand shade, and create lasting benefits for future generations who visit Hawk View Park.
Those taking part in tree planting are encouraged to wear closed-toed shoes and hats and will be asked to sign a waiver. This free, community-driven event welcomes all who wish to attend. Please complete the participant registration interest form at https://www.encinitasca.gov/ArborDay.
Attendees are encouraged to bring extra fruits, vegetables, and herbs to the Healthy Day Partners’ Homegrown Hunger Relief program donation stations located throughout Hawk View Park. Attendees can also take home FREE mulch, make sure to bring your own bucket or bag to collect the mulch.
For more information about Arbor Day, visit www.EncinitasCA.gov/ArborDay.
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Join us for an evening of creativity, connection, and community as Art Night returns to Encinitas on Saturday, April 18. Experience a dynamic celebration of the arts across four vibrant locations: Encinitas City Hall, Encinitas Community Center, Encinitas Library, and the Pacific View Arts Center.
Enjoy FREE shuttle service connecting these locations along with other participating galleries and community sites, making it easier than ever to experience the full spectrum of art throughout the city.
Featured Artists include Stephanie Missan at the City Hall gallery, Meisha Grichuhin, Carol Lang and George Facelo at the Encinitas Library gallery, and Kenton Hoppas, Jane Fletcher, Marcy Stinton, Shadae Talebi on display at the Encinitas Community Center.
Dates: April 18
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Locations: City Hall, Encinitas Community Center, Encinitas Library, and the Pacific View Arts Center
Cost: Free
Experience live performances throughout the evening, featuring Swan Kirtan, Leading Notes Studios School Bands and The New Sunset Strummers.
Art night offers something for the whole family this year. Bring the whole family for Carrie Dawn’s interactive Children’s Storytelling. Enjoy reading circles, sing-alongs, book signing, and a lively Q&A session that sparks imagination and creativity in young minds.
Unleash your own creativity at Art Night with free hands-on workshops for all ages.
- Arts Alive Banner: Community Banner Painting – Contribute to a collaborative public artwork displayed throughout Encinitas
- Paper Collage Art – Inspired by Stephanie Missan, with Natalia Quintero
- Butterfly Tissue Paper Craft
- Zentangle Community Board
- Fun Ceramic Figures – Shape, sculpt, and personalize your own playful ceramic creation
With live performances, artist talks, exhibitions, and a complimentary shuttle connecting venues, Art Night offers something for everyone.
For more information, visit encinitasca.gov/VisualArt
| | Music by the Sea 2026 Concert Season | | |
Kenneth Liao, Violin - May 1, 7pm
Join us for an unforgettable evening with Kenneth Liao, a distinguished violinist with the San Diego Symphony. Kenneth studied at USC and The Juilliard School, and has performed with the Royal Swedish Opera, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and on stages such as Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Hall. A passionate chamber musician, he brings vibrant energy, deep musical insight, and a love for collaboration to every performance.
Get your tickets before they’re gone. An epic night of music by the sea awaits!
Still to Come
Julian Gargiulo, Piano – May 29, 7pm
Virtuosity meets humor and storytelling
Internationally acclaimed entertainer and composer known as the “Pianist with the Hair.”
Season Finale – The Grand Finale Ensemble – June 26, 7pm
Featuring Mendelssohn’s Trio No. 1 in D minor
Cristian Fatu, violin, Dan Yu, piano, Paul Tseng, cello
A thrilling conclusion to the 2026 season.
Seats are limited, and concerts are selling quickly. Purchase tickets at www.EncinitasCA.gov/Concerts. For ticket assistance, please call (760) 633-2746 or email arts@encinitasca.gov.
| | Movie in the Park – Saturday May 2 | | |
The City of Encinitas Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department is excited to host its spring Movie in the Park showing of the animated favorite Surf’s Up! on Saturday, May 2 at Glen Park in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Bring your friends, family, beach chairs, and picnic dinners for a fun evening with activities kicking off at 6:30pm with movie inspired crafts and outdoor games, perfect for all ages. The movie will begin at dusk, so come early, get cozy, and enjoy the pre-show fun. We thank our presenting sponsors: Kickforce Martial Arts, San Diego Community Power, and Warner Pediatric Dental.
- Activities begin at 6:30pm, movie starts at dusk
- Glen Park, 2149 Orinda Dr, Cardiff by the Sea
- Bring your own chairs/blankets, food and refreshments
Please note: Glen Park is currently receiving ADA improvements to the parking lot and walkways. Parking may be a bit more limited than usual, so please plan to arrive a little early to find your spot and settle in for the show.
We can’t wait to see you there for a night of community, creativity, and surfing penguins!
For more information, visit www.EncinitasParksandRec.com
| | Download the MyEncinitas App! | | | | |
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