The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 4–1 on Dec. 10 to approve a three‑year ground lease with United Airlines for McClellan‑Palomar Airport, authorizing a director to execute the agreement and approving a first‑year partial fee waiver.

County Airports Director Jamie Abbott told the board staff had negotiated a standard commercial lease and recommended approval, saying, “We are here to present and seek your approval for a lease agreement with United Airlines.” Staff said United plans to operate Embraer 175 aircraft (about 70 seats) beginning March 30, 2026, with up to four daily departures (two to San Francisco and two to Denver) and that the county expects to receive more than $1 million a year in revenue after a first‑year fee waiver that reduces estimated receipts to roughly $538,722.

Why this matters: Supporters said renewed commercial service will boost North County jobs and connectivity without requiring the county to use general fund dollars. Opponents argued the lease risks changing the airport’s operational character, increases noise for nearby communities and may run afoul of the city of Carlsbad’s conditional use permit (CUP) and pending litigation.

Public comment was sharply divided. Gretchen Ashton, speaking for Carlsbad residents, challenged staff’s interpretation of FAA grant assurances and minimum standards and urged the board to respect the city’s land‑use role. Citizens for Friendly Airport warned that expanded commercial activity could trigger a requirement for a CUP amendment. Vicky Saaj said a 2021 court ruling left local control intact and that the county should seek a CUP amendment before approving a lease. Opposing speakers also raised concerns that increased scheduled service could be used to justify future runway expansion.

Business and aviation representatives defended the measure. Tim Obits, representing a long‑standing tenant at the airport, called United’s interest “a clear signal that the North County deserves and can sustain convenient accessible air service.” A United Airlines representative said the carrier looked forward to restoring service and would engage with the community on concerns.

Board discussion focused on legal constraints and noise mitigation. County counsel and staff explained that Palomar’s 2021 master plan and certified environmental impact report (EIR) anticipated increased commercial activity and that staff concluded no new EIR was required for the proposed lease. Staff also noted the county’s obligations under FAA grant assurances and explained that only the FAA can impose mandatory operational restrictions (such as curfews); the county can pursue voluntary noise abatement programs or seek FAA action through established federal processes.

Supervisor Desmond, who moved to approve the recommendation, and Vice Chair Montgomery Stepp, who seconded, emphasized the county’s limited authority over flight operations once aircraft are in FAA airspace and said the action before the board was approval of a ground lease for terminal use. Supervisors sought and received assurances that the county had expanded noise monitoring (two new monitors) and would continue community engagement; United said it would take a request back to consider a contractual commitment to not schedule flights before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m.

The motion to approve the lease, including authorization for a three‑year term with two one‑year extension options, and to authorize the director of airports to execute the lease and partially waive roughly $517,600 in first‑year fees passed 4–1, with Chair Lawson Reimer voting no.

What’s next: The lease will take effect as specified in the contract if executed by the director of airports; staff will continue noise monitoring and community outreach. Several speakers and the city of Carlsbad asked the county to pause action pending the outcome of litigation or to pursue a CUP amendment; the board approved the lease despite that opposition.

Authorities and documents referenced: county staff cited the 2021 Palomar Airport master plan and certified program EIR and referenced compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and federal FAA grant assurances. The city of Carlsbad cited its conditional use permit and a pending lawsuit that it says bears on the airport’s use.

Ending: The board approved the lease and directed continued monitoring and community engagement. Several community groups said they would pursue legal remedies if they believe the board’s action violates court orders or the CUP.