California Coastal Commission Unanimously Approves National City Balanced Plan, Marking a Historical Milestone for the City and the Bayfront Community

The Plan will deliver a more accessible, sustainable, and vibrant waterfront that benefits residents, visitors, and the regional economy.

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NATIONAL CITY, CA – After a decade-long effort between the City of National City and the Port of San Diego, the National City Balanced Plan received final approval from the California Coastal Commission to create a more accessible, sustainable, and community-oriented waterfront.

The goal of the plan is to rebalance the 77-acre Bayfront planning area by expanding public accessibility, improving recreation areas, and modernizing maritime and commercial operations. The plan includes a 2.5-acre expansion of Pepper Park, new public access and bike/pedestrian corridors, realignment of Marina Way to separate industrial and recreation uses, and opportunities for future visitor-serving development such as hotels and waterfront amenities.

“This approval marks a major, long-anticipated win for National City,” said Mayor Ron Morrison. “It moves us closer to a waterfront our residents can truly be proud of, one that is more accessible, cleaner, supportive of maritime operations, and a catalyst for new economic development.”

The Balanced Plan is the product of 11 years of extensive community engagement and feedback. Outreach efforts included virtual workshops, design surveys, public meetings, and in-person pop-up events at local establishments such as the Aquatic Center and Olivewood Gardens. Outreach was conducted in English, Spanish, and Tagalog to ensure that historically underrepresented groups had meaningful opportunities to shape the future of their Bayfront.

“We are grateful to our partners at the Port for working diligently to ensure the needs of our residents were incorporated into this plan,” said Acting City Manager Alejandro Hernandez. “Their extensive outreach and community surveying engaged hundreds of residents and truly reflect our City’s priorities.”

While full implementation will occur in phases, several major improvements are already in progress at Pepper Park:

• Phase 1 began in late 2024, including new playgrounds, a splash pad, improved plazas, and waterfront amenities.
• Additional work including restroom upgrades, fishing pier improvements, and enhanced green space is underway, with anticipated completion in early 2026.

“National City has spent decades waiting for a real chance to shape its own waterfront, said Councilmember Luz Molina, who represents the coastal area in District 1. “This approval finally opens the door. It means the future of National City's coast can reflect the story and priorities of the people who actually live here. This is an important first step, and now the work begins to ensure this momentum turns into real results for National City's future.”

With the California Coastal Commission approval now secured, this milestone moves us closer to transforming the waterfront into a vibrant public space that reflects our values, our vision, and our future.