Housing Unlocked: Webinar Tonight on Streamlining Pathways for Housing and Agriculture

Public Announcement
Apr 16
3 min read

Formerly known as the

Grading Ordinance and By-Right Housing

Join Us: Introduction and Early Engagement Webinar

We invite you to attend a public meeting to learn about the Streamlining Pathways for Housing and Agriculture (formerly known as the Grading Ordinance and By-Right Housing Program).

This virtual meeting will provide an overview of the project, outline the next steps, and gather your input on the project.

Please register in advance for the public meeting using the link provided below.

When: April 16th, 2026, from 6 pm to 7 pm
Where: Virtual Meeting, Zoom Registration Link(External link)

If you would like interpretation services available at the meeting, please contact Margie Rycewicz, requesting your preferred language by April 9th, 2026.

Please help us spread the word - share this message with your friends and colleagues!

For more information about the Project, please visit the Streamlining Pathways for Housing and Agriculture | Engage San Diego County webpage.

If you have any questions, please contact Margie Rycewicz

Project Overview

The County is making it easier to build housing in unincorporated communities — especially near jobs and services. Updates will also simplify rules for local agriculture. This effort updates key ordinances while continuing to protect environmental resources.

The two ordinances are:

The Grading, Clearing, and Watercourses Ordinance (also called the Grading Ordinance)
The Resource Protection Ordinance

This project has two main goals:

Make it simpler and faster to get permits for building homes in areas that are already developed or have little impact on the environment.
Help farmers keep land in agriculture by making the permit process simpler for farming activities.

This effort does not propose any specific development projects. The County will study the potential environmental effects of the proposed ordinance updates. They will share the findings in an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

Your feedback is important and will help shape this project to better serve your community.

You will be able to inform:

•   Draft ordinance language

•   Eligibility criteria for streamlined housing

•   Final recommendations to the Board of Supervisors

Together, we can create a balanced approach that supports both agriculture and housing, while also protecting the environment. 

How can you participate in the process? 

•   Sign up to follow this project and receive regular status updates  

•   Share this page's information with others 

•   Ask questions 

•   Comment on draft materials when released 

•   Check back often - more opportunities to get involved will be available soon!

PUBLIC MEETINGS

ASK A QUESTION

FAQs

What actions by the County Board of Supervisors led to this project?

This project will implement various aspects of Board direction received at several hearings, including:

2018 – Agricultural Clearing & Grading Streamlining Direction

The Board asked staff to simplify grading and clearing rules, especially for agriculture. Read the 2018 Board directive summary.(External link)

2021 – Explore By-Right Housing Options

The Board approved updates to the General Plan and directed staff to explore By-Right Housing Options to reduce barriers for affordable housing. Read the 2018 Board directive summary.(External link)

2023 – By-Right Housing & Ordinance Modernization

The Board directed staff to develop a By-Right Housing Program as part of its housing strategy, modernizing grading and environmental ordinances to clarify, standardize, and reduce costs in permitting while protecting sensitive lands. Read the 2018 Board directive summary.(External link)

What is a ministerial permit?

A ministerial permit is a type of permit that is approved if a project meets all the set requirements – like checking off items on a list. No discretion or public hearing is required.

What is a discretionary permit?

A discretionary permit requires staff review and professional judgment by a public agency. It often includes opportunities for public input and an environmental review.

What is infill development?

Infill development means building new homes or buildings in already developed areas. It’s like filling gaps in a neighborhood. These areas often have roads, utilities, and services close by, which makes them more efficient places to grow.

What is the PEIR process?

A Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) is a specific type of Environmental Impact Report (EIR) used to report the environmental effects of a program. The County evaluates how a proposed program or policy might impact the environment and communicates the results of the assessment and opportunities to mitigate significant impacts in the PEIR. The process to develop a PEIR includes a public review component, allowing stakeholders to review and comment on potential impacts before decision-makers approve the project.