The City of Santee is inviting residents to shape the next two decades of local development. A public review period for the Draft Land Use Element Update and its accompanying Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) opened March 6 and runs through April 20, 2026.

The update — the first comprehensive revision to the Land Use Element since 2003 — proposes to guide Santee's growth through 2045. Among the proposed changes: two new overlay areas designed to encourage mixed-use development at key locations. The Community Hub Overlay would allow development at up to 30 dwelling units per acre with a 45-foot height limit near intersections like Magnolia Avenue and Mast Boulevard. The Community Corridor Overlay would permit up to 45 dwelling units per acre with a 55-foot maximum height primarily along Mission Gorge Road.

At the same time, the city released its Draft Program Year 2026 Annual Action Plan, which outlines the proposed use of an estimated $349,400 in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. That money would support public improvements, services, and administrative activities from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The public comment period for the action plan closes April 8, with a City Council public hearing scheduled for that same evening at 6:30 p.m.

Residents can review both documents at the Santee Planning & Building Department and City Clerk's Office at 10601 Magnolia Avenue, or at the San Diego County Library Santee Branch at 9225 Carlton Hills Boulevard. Documents are also available on the city's website. Written comments on the Land Use Element can be submitted to Principal Planner Madeline Mattson at mmattson@cityofsanteeca.gov.

The next regular Santee City Council meeting is scheduled for March 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.