Development Feasibility Analysis

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The Development Feasibility Analysis (DFA) identifies factors that impact development (e.g., lack of infrastructure, small lot size, or zoning) down to the parcel and how to best facilitate housing development near transit, jobs, and public facilities. Through this study, we will identify strategies to meet the region’s critical housing needs and support healthy, resilient, and equitable communities.

Community input is crucial to the County’s efforts to tackle the housing needs. Your feedback will inform the study and final recommendations to be taken to the Board of Supervisors.


DFA Objectives

Through the DFA, we aim to:

  1. Bring stakeholders together to gather diverse perspectives and insight on community priorities.
  2. Assess the economic and financial viability of potential development projects.
  3. Investigate potential adjustments to zoning regulations to enhance development opportunities.
  4. Evaluate necessary infrastructure enhancements that are crucial for facilitating housing growth.
  5. Implement strategies that drive transformative change in the identified communities by eliminating housing barriers, fortifying infrastructure, and addressing community requirements.


DFA Focus Communities

To keep our study manageable, we’ve started with four communities of focus: Buena Creek, Valle de Oro/Casa de Oro, Lakeside*, and Spring Valley. These four communities were selected based on a variety of factors, including their number of vacant and re-developable parcels as well as other unique attributes. Buena Creek is the County’s only community with rail service. Valle de Oro/Casa de Oro, is primed to attract funding with the recent adoption of the Specific Plan in Casa de Oro. As Environmental Justice community, Spring Valley represent the County’s commitment to prioritizing communities disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards and socio-economic injustices. Lakeside is adjacent to an Environmental Justice community where aging and insufficient infrastructure may have contributed to limited development.

*Previously referred to as North El Cajon/South Lakeside




OUTREACH

The recordings and summary from the public workshop held on September 24, 2024, are now available!

The summary is available here, and the recordings in both English and Spanish can be found below:


The Development Feasibility Analysis (DFA) identifies factors that impact development (e.g., lack of infrastructure, small lot size, or zoning) down to the parcel and how to best facilitate housing development near transit, jobs, and public facilities. Through this study, we will identify strategies to meet the region’s critical housing needs and support healthy, resilient, and equitable communities.

Community input is crucial to the County’s efforts to tackle the housing needs. Your feedback will inform the study and final recommendations to be taken to the Board of Supervisors.


DFA Objectives

Through the DFA, we aim to:

  1. Bring stakeholders together to gather diverse perspectives and insight on community priorities.
  2. Assess the economic and financial viability of potential development projects.
  3. Investigate potential adjustments to zoning regulations to enhance development opportunities.
  4. Evaluate necessary infrastructure enhancements that are crucial for facilitating housing growth.
  5. Implement strategies that drive transformative change in the identified communities by eliminating housing barriers, fortifying infrastructure, and addressing community requirements.


DFA Focus Communities

To keep our study manageable, we’ve started with four communities of focus: Buena Creek, Valle de Oro/Casa de Oro, Lakeside*, and Spring Valley. These four communities were selected based on a variety of factors, including their number of vacant and re-developable parcels as well as other unique attributes. Buena Creek is the County’s only community with rail service. Valle de Oro/Casa de Oro, is primed to attract funding with the recent adoption of the Specific Plan in Casa de Oro. As Environmental Justice community, Spring Valley represent the County’s commitment to prioritizing communities disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards and socio-economic injustices. Lakeside is adjacent to an Environmental Justice community where aging and insufficient infrastructure may have contributed to limited development.

*Previously referred to as North El Cajon/South Lakeside




OUTREACH

The recordings and summary from the public workshop held on September 24, 2024, are now available!

The summary is available here, and the recordings in both English and Spanish can be found below:


  • The Development Feasibility Analysis (DFA) Report is Now Available!

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    Dear Interested Stakeholder,

    The County of San Diego Planning & Development Services (PDS) is pleased to inform you that the Development Feasibility Analysis (DFA) report is now available for review. The DFA report presents the DFA’s findings, a summary of the outreach conducted, technical analyses, and recommendations.

    The DFA was conducted to understand the opportunities and barriers to housing development, such as infrastructure or zoning. While the primary intent of the DFA was to identify parcel-specific barriers to development, the analysis revealed broader challenges that must be addressed to support housing development. The DFA outlines eight actionable recommendations to address these barriers to housing development by identifying investments and key actions needed to advance housing.

    The study was conducted in four unincorporated communities: Buena Creek, Valle de Oro/Casa de Oro, Lakeside, and Spring Valley. These communities were selected for their potential to streamline new housing due to factors such as proximity to transit, location in VMT-efficient or infill areas, availability of vacant parcels, funding opportunities, alignment with other County initiatives, and environmental justice considerations. The County met with residents, businesses, and community organizations to support technical analyses that explore the market and financial feasibility of housing development and existing infrastructure to support development.

    The DFA report can be found here:


Page last updated: 18 Aug 2025, 11:58 AM