Gaslamp Quarter Alters Rules to Boost Growth

Moving to invigorate the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego City Council on Tuesday raised the height limit on buildings in the historic downtown district and relaxed restrictions on alcohol sales to encourage development of restaurants and nightclubs.

At the same time, the council tightened restrictions on the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption in Centre City East to help combat public drunkenness.

In the Gaslamp--a 2-block-wide, 8-block-long downtown historic district long targeted for revitalization by the city--the council voted to raise building heights from 60 feet to 75 feet in the area north of Island Avenue. The vote was 6 to 1, with Councilman Bob Filner dissenting.

South of Island Avenue, the building height limit was increased from 60 feet to 125 feet, but any structure taller than 75 feet requires council approval.

At the request of a developer planning a residential tower next to the San Diego Convention Center, the council allowed a 325-foot height limit for a triangular parcel bounded by 5th Avenue, 3rd Avenue, K Street and a linear park that is to be built where railroad tracks now run alongside Harbor Drive.

Mayor Maureen O’Connor and council members Ron Roberts, Gloria McColl, Wes Pratt and Ed Struiksma approved the move. Filner and Councilwoman Judy McCarty opposed it. Councilwoman Abbe Wolfsheimer was absent, and Councilman Bruce Henderson abstained.

At the same time, the council changed its alcohol regulations in the Gaslamp, eliminating saloons and pubs from the list of establishments eligible for alcohol beverage permits and replacing them with “entertainment clubs and comedy clubs.” Another change allows clubs and restaurants to use amplifiers.

The regulations apply to new or renovated restaurants, clubs and stores.

In Centre City East, where complaints of public drunkenness and loitering are on the rise, the council extended restrictions on the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption that now apply to the Gaslamp Quarter.

Wine will be limited to a 15% alcohol content, beer must be sold in six-packs, and the quarterly gross sales of alcohol cannot exceed 20% of a store’s total gross sales.