Del Mar Fairgrounds CEO Carlene Moore gave a briefing to the Del Mar City Council Oct. 20 about the fairgrounds master plan.
Fairgrounds staff has been hosting community gatherings throughout the county as part of its outreach for the master planning process.
The first three were in Poway, La Mesa and at the Balboa Park Club in San Diego. The last three will be held at the San Elijo Recreation Center in San Marcos on Oct. 29, Elks Lodge in Chula Vista Nov. 13 and at the fairgrounds on Nov. 18, where Del Mar and Solana Beach residents will be able to give their feedback. All start times are at 6 p.m.
Moore said that the staff and board of directors at the fairgrounds are looking to “guide the development of a new master site plan for the fairgrounds.”
“As the world changes, what should the Del Mar Fairgrounds look like for generations to come?” Moore said.
There was no mention of housing at the fairgrounds during the presentation or by council members. Through the master planning process, the board is going to make a decision about whether to build an affordable housing project with more than 60 units that help the city meet a state housing mandate.
The two sides signed an agreement to negotiate from April 2024 to April 2026. Fair board members have said they’re unsure whether they want housing. If there is no agreement for housing on the fairgrounds, Del Mar would have to instead upzone properties on the north and south bluff as the alternative, based on the city’s state-certified housing element.
Moore added that the master planning process is meant to “cohesively and comprehensively” address factors ranging from traffic, noise, trash, entrances and exits at the annual county fair, and other aspects of fairgrounds operations.
The master plan, once it’s completed, will also be subject to California Coastal Commission approval.
“There’s a lot that will be considered through this process, that’s why we want to hear from everyone early on,” Moore said.
Originally Published: October 24, 2025 at 4:40 AM PDT