Zona Gale Estates
The Zona Gale Estates introduces nine homes, including one affordable for-sale home in the City of Encinitas. Situated across 2.6 acres off Via Cantebria, this community is designed to balance thoughtful growth with long-term environmental preservation.
About the Project
Zona Gale Estates is a proposed nine-home residential neighborhood located on approximately 2.6 acres near the intersection of Zona Gale Road and Via Cantebria in the City of Encinitas.
The plan includes:
- Nine single-family homes, each with unique architectural designs
- A new paved road and private driveways
- Infrastructure improvements, including a sewer pipeline
- An enhanced public trail
- A biofiltration basin for stormwater management
- Extensive landscaping
- Long-term environmental preservation
This project is designed to give back to the community by preserving nearly two additional acres of adjacent land as a permanent ecological preserve. This area will be protected through a conservation easement and managed under a long-term Preserve Management Plan.
Designed with Safety and Community in Mind
Design & Community Benefits
Key features:
• Distinctive 9-home residential development
• Spacious detached layouts (3,000–4,000 sq. ft.)
• Varied lot sizes from 5,000 to 12,000 sq. ft.
• Includes one dedicated very low-income residence
• Custom-crafted architecture to align with local character
• Low-density design prioritized over maximum state limits
Neighborhood Character & Quality of Life
The project design reflects your input and intentionally:
•Expands view corridors to maintain the eastern vistas for Sandalwood Court residents
• Adds landscaping and fencing buffers for privacy
• Provides downward-facing lighting to maintain softer evening light
• Protects and improves the existing trail connections
• Preserves nearby open space to keep natural areas accessible in perpetuity
Safety & Infrastructure
Enhancements:
• Stabilized and paved Zona Gale Road
• Improved fire and public safety access
• Comprehensive Fire and Brush Management Plan
• Engineered drainage and biofiltration basin for stormwater retention
• A licensed geologist engineer analyzed the site and found no stability concerns for the bluff
• We will restrict all construction traffic, staging and haul routes exclusively to Zona Gale Road
Safety & Infrastructure Upgrades
Public safety is always a top priority. The Zona Gale Estates improves access and emergency response by stabilizing and paving Zona Gale Road to meet modern fire department standards. This includes redesigning the community entrance to ensure there is proper fire lane widths and turnaround space.
A comprehensive Fire and Brush Management Plan will create a managed buffer around homes to reduce fire risk while protecting the surrounding natural habitat.
We are working closely with City fire officials to ensure these improvements enhance safety, accessibility, and overall community resilience.
Environmental Protection
Our development has been carefully planned to protect local wildlife, sensitive habitat and native plants. Biological studies found no evidence of threatened species on the site, and the project includes multiple layers of environmental protection developed in coordination with environmental specialists and regulatory agencies.
In addition to meeting the required mitigation measures, Zona Gale Estates will:
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Preserve and protect sensitive habitat areas
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Translocate and replant rare plant species
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Purchase conservation credits to support regional habitat preservation
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Follow seasonal construction restrictions to protect nesting birds
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Implement long-term habitat management and monitoring plans
As part of these efforts, we will also preserve nearly two additional acres from the Olivenhain Municipal Water District to be permanently protected open space, going above and beyond to create a lasting environmental benefit for the community.
Meet the Developer
As the project lead for the Zona Gale Estates, Jon “JR” Rodrigue brings deep local knowledge to the Encinitas community. Having previously lived in Olivenhain and raised his family here, JR has been dedicated to serving the community through volunteerism, civic involvement, and community stewardship. One of his most humbling moments was being named the 2016 City of Encinitas Outstanding Parks and Recreation Volunteer of the Year by the Encinitas City Council.
JR still lives in North County with his wife, four children, and nephew. Giving back has always been a family priority. His wife volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), advocating for children in the foster care system, and together they dedicate their time and energy to causes that make a positive impact in the region.
When he's not working, JR can often be found outdoors walking his dogs, caring for his donkeys and chickens, or playing basketball with family and friends. One of his favorite family traditions is building their annual haunted house, a labor of love whose efforts have evolved to help raise funds and awareness for local organizations such as Feeding San Diego, The Honor Foundation, and the San Diego Rescue Mission. Above all, JR values family, community, and the opportunity to contribute to the place he has proudly called home for many years.
Questions & Feedback
Please visit our FAQ page for more information. Still have questions? We'd love to hear from you, please email us at the link below: