The Encinitas City Council introduced an ordinance codifying its new developer impact fees at its Wednesday, Aug. 26 meeting. Council members also directed staff to begin planning a citywide Evacuation Master Plan, according to the meeting agenda.

Ordinance 2026-17, presented by Finance Director Gallup, amends Title 23 of the Encinitas Municipal Code to formalize the sharply higher development impact fees the council unanimously adopted in May. Those increases, which took effect July 20, raised the cost of building an average 1,736-square-foot home from $15,843 to $47,827 in total impact fees, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Some individual fees rose 300% to 500%.

"I think this is a long time in coming and I'm glad we're talking about it today," Councilmember Jim O'Hara said in May when the council first approved the rate increases.

The ordinance introduction is a first reading. A second reading and adoption vote is expected at a future meeting.

Evacuation route planning

Fire Chief Josh Gordon presented the council's response to its own earlier request for information on Assembly Bill 747 evacuation technology. AB 747, a 2019 state law, requires cities to identify evacuation routes in their General Plan and evaluate those routes' capacity under emergency scenarios.

The agenda called for the council to receive a summary crosswalk document and direct staff to develop a scoped work plan and cost estimate for a full Evacuation Master Plan. The city's fiscal year 2026-27 work plan already includes a goal to evaluate evacuation routes and report findings to the council, according to a city planning document.

User fees and conflict of interest code

The council also held a public hearing on adjustments to its Cost of Services Schedule for user fees. Resolutions 2026-69 and 2026-70, presented by Assistant Finance Director Chalfant, would update fees for Development Services, Planning Services, Engineering Services, and Fire Prevention and Marine Safety Services effective Oct. 1.

Separately, City Clerk Pete Weichers introduced Ordinance 2026-18, which amends the city's Conflict of Interest Code to update the list of designated city positions required to file financial disclosures.

The next regular City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9.