The San Diego County Board of Supervisors meeting on April 23, 2025, focused on significant discussions surrounding the county's Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) guidelines and ongoing litigation related to these regulations. The meeting began with board members expressing their intent to gather public comments before posing questions to staff, emphasizing the importance of transparency regarding the legal status of the VMT litigation.

A key point of discussion was the recent court ruling concerning the county's VMT threshold, which was adopted in September 2022. This threshold is crucial for determining the significant impact of transportation projects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The court had previously upheld the county's guidelines, but this decision was appealed, leading to a recent ruling that found the county's infill and small project thresholds to be unsupported by sufficient evidence.

The board learned that the Court of Appeals agreed with the petitioners, stating that the county's broader definition of infill areas, which allowed more projects to avoid VMT mitigation, was invalid. The county is now appealing this decision to the California Supreme Court and has also filed a petition for rehearing at the Court of Appeals.

The discussion highlighted the implications of the ruling on the county's housing development plans, particularly regarding the inclusion of more areas that do not require VMT mitigation. The board members stressed the need for public understanding of these legal challenges, as they are central to ongoing conversations about the county's general plan and housing elements.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to addressing transportation impacts while navigating complex legal frameworks. The outcome of the appeal could significantly influence future housing development strategies in San Diego County.