Horn urges property owners to check proposed zoning changes

County Supervisor Bill Horn held an informal public meeting Oct. 1 at Fallbrook Public Utility District during which he urged area property owners to review maps he brought along and check whether the zoning of their property is noted for a change in the latest proposal by the County Department of Planning and Land Use in regards to General Plan 2020.

“I want you to look at your property on this map, see what is planned and whether you want to recommend something different,” Horn urged attendees. “You need to make your opinion known now.”

Horn said his concern was that “some people don’t realize they are being down-zoned.” Being down-zoned would mean fewer homes would be permitted on a parcel of land than previously allowed. The supervisor said he is not in favor of a change that causes a property to be devalued, because there will be no monetary compensation for it.

“I’m not for it,” said Horn. “If you bought a parcel with the understanding you could you could put eight homes on it, you should be able to do that.”

Regardless of his personal opinion, the proposed plan includes significant down zoning.

“I’m telling you there is a lot of down-zoning in [GP2020] and they are not going to give you a dime for it; it’s a taking of your land with no compensation,” he said.

Horn said the next proposal on GP2020 will come before the Board of Supervisors on October 20.

“We’d like to have your input before that,” he said to the crowd. “This is not over yet.” In encouraging property owners to check the new zoning map carefully, Horn said concerns should be directed to his office.

“Let my office know what your concerns are on your particular property; call us with your parcel (APN) number and talk to us,” he said.

“I’m trying to put out a warning signal on this,” said Horn, with frustration. “I’m not mad at [the Department of Planning and Land Use], but I’m not happy with the process. I don’t want to down-size any property without the owner’s permission.”

For those who were unable to attend the public meeting, property owners should look up their parcel number(s) on their tax bill, Horn said, and call his San Diego office at (619) 531-5555, check on its proposed zoning in the GP2020 plan, and give their input.

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