Our Guiding Principles

Guiding the Master SIte Planning Process

On September 10, 2024, the 22nd District Agricultural Association adopted a set of 16 guiding principles — divided among five categories — to guide the master site planning process. These principles are meant to help shape public discussion around the future of the Del Mar Fairgrounds and other District properties.

The Board is committed to developing a pragmatic, fiscally responsible land-use plan, including appropriate upgrades and improvements to existing facilities and grounds and the addition of new facilities to support current and new program opportunities.

Read about these principles below.

PDF: Full Board Resolution

Guiding Principles

Community Focus

1. The District will remain committed to serving the San Diego County community, and therefore a broad countywide community outreach and input process will be foundational to the master site planning process. In addition, previous relevant community input will also be considered.

2. In addition to outreach to civic leaders and the public, the District will solicit the views of thought leaders, experts, and top minds in the fields related to the master site planning process.

3. As part of the master site planning process, the District must continue to serve as a community gathering place that includes open space for recreation.

4. The District shall provide updates on the master site planning process through a website and other communications channels.

Purposeful Planning

5. The master site planning process will analyze the opportunities for success of prospective land uses within the context of the District’s previously adopted Purpose, Mission, Vision, Values, and Objectives.

6. A new master site plan must enable the annual San Diego County Fair to continue to thrive for generations to come.

7. Under a new master site plan, the Fairgrounds main campus — and potentially other District properties — must be able to continue to serve as an emergency resiliency center for San Diego County.

8. The master site planning process shall consider the current conditions of existing structures and the costs, benefits, and economics of repurposing buildings and/or financing replacements, repairs, renovations, or demolition.

Accessibility

9. The master site plan should seek to maximize access and minimize impacts to surrounding communities in the Cities of San Diego, Solana Beach, and Del Mar. This includes providing adequate event parking, practical ingress and egress routes, traffic management and alternative transportation accessibility to the Fairgrounds and other District properties.

10. The District should work closely with governmental and regulatory bodies to support or enhance existing and potential transportation, accessibility, safety, and environmental goals.

11. A new master site plan should not infringe upon — and should seek to increase — safe access to the Coast and to local beaches.

12. A new master site plan should include low-cost visitor-serving uses within the coastal zone.

Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

13. A new master site plan must consider potential sea-level rise, flooding, climate change, liquefaction, impacts to the water quality of nearby beaches and lagoons, and other environmental issues.

14. The District should seek to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency.

Economic Impact & Financial Responsibility

15. A new master site plan must continue to allow District properties to serve as an economic engine for the region and should seek to maximize the District’s economic benefit for San Diego County — while remaining a community-focused asset.

16. A new master site plan — and any funding plans that provide for its implementation — must enable the District to remain financially viable into the future.