1. McClellan-Palomar Airport
  2. Master Plan Update
  3. Introduction Letter

McCLELLAN-PALOMAR AIRPORT MASTER PLAN AND PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

The County of San Diego (County) Board of Supervisors (Board) will reconsider the McClellan-Palomar Airport Master Plan (Master Plan) and its Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). Here is an overview of the Master Plan process, its status, resources to stay informed, and topics the County would like your input on. 

Public Input: Over the coming weeks, staff will be soliciting input on the role of McClellan-Palomar Airport, potential safety enhancements, and how the airport could be environmentally sustainable in the future.

McClellan-Palomar Airport:  McClellan-Palomar Airport is owned and operated by the County and is within the City of Carlsbad.  Since 1959, the airport has served as an air transportation hub, emergency response facility, and economic engine for north county.  

Airport Master Plan:  An Airport Master Plan is a 20-year vision with options for how the airport could meet FAA safety requirements and accommodate aviation demand. In 2015, the County began an update of the Master Plan in an open and public process.  During the process, design alternatives were evaluated with the potential to enhance safety, better serve current business jets, and accommodate small commercial aircraft while remaining within the current property boundaries. In 2018, the County Board of Supervisors approved the Master Plan and PEIR.   

Current Status:  After approval, a group filed a lawsuit challenging the approval of the Master Plan and PEIR. Earlier this year, a Court determined minor modifications were required to the PEIR; and as a result, the Board rescinded approval of the Master Plan and PEIR. The County has finished making the modifications required by the Court and is preparing to return to the Board to consider the Master Plan and PEIR. 

How You Can Stay Informed:  Over the next two months, there will be multiple ways to stay informed and get involved.  The Master Plan website will be the main source of the latest project information. On September 14, 2021, the County will post updated information on the website for review. Additionally, hard copies of the Master Plan and PEIR will be provided at the following locations. Information will also be shared during public meetings.

  • McClellan-Palomar Airport, Administrative Office – 2192 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011
  • Carlsbad City Library (Dove branch) – 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011
  • Carlsbad City Library (Georgina Cole branch) – 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
  • County Library (San Marcos branch) – 2 Civic Center Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069

We encourage you to visit the website, subscribe to updates, attend public meetings, and provide comments.

Thank you for your participation, and we look forward to hearing from you.