FAQs
How can I share my input?
The County wants to hear from residents, seniors, caregivers, and community organizations. You can share your feedback through the opportunities listed on this page.
Who is considered a "senior"?
For Senior Housing, the County considers a senior citizen to be someone who is 62 years or older. Someone who is 55 years or older and already living in a senior housing development can also live in senior housing.
What are senior housing and assisted living?
Senior housing includes independent living and assisted living options. Independent living is for seniors who don’t need daily assistance. Assisted living is for those who need help with tasks like meals or medication.
What is aging in place?
Aging in place means living safely and independently in your own home for as long as possible. The County is considering incentives for housing that meets Universal Design or Visitability standards to promote aging in place.
Universal Design is design that incorporates building features that can be used by all people and abilities. So for housing that includes stepless entrances; accessible bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and fixtures
Visitability Standards are designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities or someone who has temporary mobility issues.
Why do we need more senior housing?
The population of older adults is expected to increase in the next several decades. More senior housing is needed to ensure there are enough homes for all older adults. Also, many older adults are on fixed incomes, so more affordable senior housing is needed to prevent older adults from becoming homeless.
What incentives are being considered?
The County is considering density bonus programs to encourage building more senior housing and aging in place. Density bonus is a tool that offsets costs of constructing units. It creates flexibility by allowing a project to build more units or altering development standards like setbacks, lot sizes, or parking.
This tool is already available for affordable housing and senior housing. With this program it would enable more density bonuses for senior housing and be available for aging in place.
Where would this type of housing go?
This housing would be built in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. We are prioritizing village areas that are near shopping, transit, and parks. Use the map tool on this page to provide your input on where this type of housing should go.
What is the unincorporated area?
The unincorporated county is the part of San Diego County that is outside of city limits and tribal lands.