San Diego Coastal Group Proposes Ballot Measure to Replace “I-5 Highway Redline” with Fair Housing
Ballot initiative would fix 1972’s arbitrary I-5 boundary, a major driver of housing inequity and sprawl
SAN DIEGO, CA November 17, 2025 – A San Diego coastal community group submitted a ballot proposal to the City Clerk to correct what it calls a “53-year-old mapping error” that worsens the housing crisis. Respect Bird Rock is advocating for an update to the 1972 Coastal Height Limit (Proposition D), arguing the core problem is not coastal protection but an arbitrary boundary that uses Interstate 5 as a “concrete redline” of exclusion.
“This was never about the coastline; it's about a concrete redline. We fully support protecting our immediate coast. Using the I-5 highway as a housing border has been a five-decade mistake that fuels inequality and forces sprawl. It’s time to draw a line based on common sense.”
The group points to the rule's history, noting the chief proponent's strategic rationale for a key boundary. He openly admitted it was "an arbitrary decision," explaining that a more accurate and complex proposal was deliberately avoided because, in his view, voters "would not take the time to understand it and would not sign it." Source: LINK. The electorate of San Diego has changed in many ways since and deserves a vote today.
The “I-5 Divide” and Two San Diegos
The Nixon-era law has created a stark divide. Coastal neighborhoods west of I-5 have produced a minuscule number of new homes, while communities to the east bear a disproportionate burden for the region's housing needs. This leads to longer commutes, higher costs, and increased traffic for everyone.
The proposal calls for a public process to redraw the boundary to truly protect the immediate coastline, while allowing suitable areas further inland—currently trapped by the arbitrary I-5 line—to contribute to solving the housing crisis.
Key Benefits of the Proposal:
Fairness for All Neighborhoods: Ends the I-5 divide and creates a balanced approach to housing.
Homes for San Diego Workers: Makes it possible for teachers, nurses, and essential workers to live in the communities they serve.
Revenue for City Services: Generates millions in new tax revenue to fix streets, improve parks, and support public safety without raising taxes.
A Greener, Safer City: Reduces long commutes and curbs sprawl into high-fire-risk areas.
Proven Need: The Rose Creek Village Test
The much-needed modest 5-story Rose Creek Village development for veteran housing had to rely on state law to bypass the city's arbitrary height limit—despite being over two miles from the coast. “This old Nixon-era rule is so broken it almost blocked housing for veterans,” Bubbins added. “We have to rectify this historic error and inequity. We urge the City Council to place an update on the 2026 ballot and let the people choose a smarter, fairer future for San Diego. More homes equals more access, not less.”
The proposal will be on the agenda of the City Council’s Rules Committee on November 19, 2025.
Supporting links and background:
San Diego Union-Tribune Op Ed Opinion: Time to change San Diego’s outdated coastal height limit
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About Respect Bird Rock: Respect Bird Rock is a group of coastal San Diego residents advocating for clean beaches, safe streets and welcoming new neighbors in high resource areas. www.respectbirdrock.org