El Cajon council adopts zoning changes, closes loophole on 'intoxicating hemp' and eases tiny-home rules

The El Cajon City Council on May 14 adopted an ordinance to update Title 17 of the municipal code covering economic development, housing and other technical edits.

City staff presented the package as changes to three broad areas: allowing additional recyclable materials in certain recycling centers, aligning multifamily definitions with recent state law for accessory dwelling units, and easing design rules so covered front porches may encroach slightly more into front-yard setbacks. Noah Alvegan, deputy director of community development, told the council the changes also include options for movable tiny homes and clarified parking-lot landscaping and acceptable fencing materials.

Members of the public and regional groups urged the council to close an enforcement gap for newly formulated hemp products that can be intoxicating. "The current lack of regulation surrounding intoxicating hemp raises concerns about their accessibility, particularly to our youth," said Jimena Villasenor of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. Land-use attorney Gina Austin described on-the-shelf gummies and vape products she purchased in the region and said they can contain intoxicating compounds at much higher doses than regulated dispensary products.

Council members discussed standards for temporary shade structures and permanent covered porches. Staff had proposed minimum 4x4 posts to exclude flimsy pop-up tents; Council amended the draft to set the 4x4 post minimum and to strike language that would have limited front-yard temporary shade structures only when no other option exists. Council also removed a proposed addition to allow cardboard and e-waste at commercial-zone recycling centers, keeping recycling centers subject to a conditional-use permit and enclosed operations.

After amendments were made on the council floor, the council voted unanimously to adopt the CEQA exemption and introduce the zoning-code ordinance (Zoning Code Amendment No. 2024-0001) as amended.

What happens next: Staff will prepare the final ordinance for adoption at a subsequent meeting per the council’s direction and will publish materials at the planning counter as requested by the Planning Commission.