The Turquoise Tower Threatens Pacific Beach and Sets a Dangerous Coastal Precedent.
A 23-story high-rise that violates local zoning and threatens livability could reshape San Diego’s coast — unless we act.
Why it matters
Not Anti-Housing — Just Pro-Community
Neighbors for a Better California (NFABC) supports responsible, community-centered housing development. The proposed 23-story high-rise at 970 Turquoise Street would tower 238 feet into the sky—violating local height limits and threatening the character of Pacific Beach. This project isn't about solving the housing crisis—it’s about developer profit at the community’s expense.
What’s Wrong with the Turquoise Tower?
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Exceeds the 30-foot Prop D coastal limit and local 60-foot zoning for this area.
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Just 10 out of 74 residential units are affordable—while 139 hotel units dominate the building.
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Due to state housing mandates, the City of San Diego has little authority to stop it—even if it breaks local rules.
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Built on a narrow street operating 400% over traffic capacity and used as an evacuation route.
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If allowed, this will open the door to more high-rises along San Diego’s beloved coastline.
If this tower moves forward, it will embolden similar developments across California’s coastal cities. NFABC believes that state laws should support—not steamroll—community needs. The future of our neighborhoods should be shaped by the people who live in them, not dictated by Sacramento.
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