Public Comment Opens for Lagoon Shoreline Project

Originally published March 18, 2026, by the City of Del Mar.

An environmental document for the San Dieguito Lagoon Levee, Habitat Enhancement and Trail Project has opened for public comment through 5 p.m. April 17. 

The document, a Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, examines a project designed to minimize flood risks by building vegetated, earthen berms along both sides of the San Dieguito River between the railroad bridge and Jimmy Durante Boulevard. 

Considered a nature-based adaptation to river flooding and sea-level rise, the planned levees—at 40 to 50 feet wide and up to 1,500 feet long—would rise two to four feet above existing grade. 

The environmental document shows pedestrian paths running atop the lengths of the berms. To the north, a 15-foot-wide pedestrian trail on Del Mar Fairgrounds property would provide a new connection for the 71-mile Coast to Crest Trail.

To the south, the berm and path would replace an existing segment of Riverpath Del Mar east of the Del Mar Public Works yard. Along the fenceline of the facility, a four-foot-tall floodwall is planned. 

Also on the south bank, west of the railroad tracks, the environmental document shows berms and floodwalls as options to protect nearby apartments and residential property.

As designed, the project is expected to improve the function of the wetlands and expand native habitat. 

To clear city facilities from a “floodway,” as identified by the federal government, the project would involve relocating the public works building which, in turn, would create expanded open space for the public.

Estimated to cost $10 million, the project has secured nearly $1.3 million and has applied for an additional $5.5 million from state and federal agencies.

Prepared by Dudek, the 692-page environmental document concludes that with mitigation, construction noise and potential impacts to biological and cultural resources can be reduced to less-than-significant levels. 

The document is scheduled for consideration by the Planning Commission in May and City Council and June.

A 12- to 18-month construction program could begin as soon as 2027, pending approvals from the 22^nd District Agricultural Association and a host of resource agencies.

The full environmental document can be viewed on the project webpage.

Staff contact: Amanda Lee, Principal Planner, 858-755-9313 or LeveeTrailCIP@delmar.ca.us

Open webpage