San Diego’s housing shortage is colliding head-on with fire safety fears in North County. The San Diego County Planning Commission has unanimously approved the long-debated Harmony Grove Village South project, a 453-home development located between Escondido and San Marcos.

A Long Road to Approval

This project isn’t new—it’s been winding through approvals and lawsuits for over a decade. Originally greenlit in 2018, it was later blocked after lawsuits from residents and environmental groups citing fire and environmental risks. An appellate court recently cleared most objections, allowing the project to return with some updates: solar panels, a small percentage of affordable housing, and union labor agreements.

Now, after years of delays, the development is back on track and scheduled for a final vote before the County Board of Supervisors on October 1st.

Why It’s Controversial

For many neighbors, the concern isn’t about whether housing should be built—it’s about where and how. Harmony Grove sits in a rural, high fire-risk area that was devastated by the Cocos Fire in 2014, which destroyed 30 homes. The community’s biggest issue? There’s only one main road in and out.

Experts estimate that once the development is complete, 3,500 cars could clog that single evacuation route. In a wildfire scenario, it could take up to seven hours for residents to escape—a frightening prospect in a region where fire can spread in minutes.

As longtime resident Jonathan Dummer put it:

“We’ve all had a friend who died in the Harmony Grove fire… when we have fires like the Cocos Fire, it is extremely hard to get out.”

Supporters Say: Housing First

Developers and housing advocates argue the project addresses San Diego’s ongoing housing crisis. With rising home costs pushing middle-income families out, Harmony Grove Village South promises more “missing middle” housing options.

Project manager David Kovach has dismissed the fire concerns as “scare tactics,” pointing out that county fire officials and evacuation experts have already signed off on the plans. The project will also set aside 10% of homes as affordable units and include parks, trails, and open space.

The Bigger Question

This debate highlights one of San Diego County’s toughest challenges: balancing the urgent need for more housing with the realities of climate risk and infrastructure limitations.

• Housing advocates say every project matters to ease affordability.
• Neighbors and environmental groups worry new residents will be placed directly in harm’s way.

As the October 1st vote approaches, all eyes are on the County Board of Supervisors. Their decision will not only shape the future of Harmony Grove but also set the tone for how San Diego handles housing development in high-risk fire zones.