Community Character
By Kathy Pickard and Linda Hamilton
Location, Physical Characteristics, Population
Elfin Forest geographically sits to the east of La Costa and Encinitas. It is situated in two intersecting valleys, one running north-south, and the other running east-west. Both valleys are cradled by dramatic brush-covered hills and granite formations. The valleys are isolated by the topography of the surrounding hills and are rural in character. The valleys are home to a diverse population of native plants and animals, including deer, coyotes, bobcats, red fox, golden eagles, hawks and other raptors, Bells vireos, gnatcatchers, ravens and numerous plant species. A multitude of species that thrive in this area are on protected lists.
The Escondido Creek extends from the eastern edge of Harmony Grove and continues through Elfin Forest to the northern edge of Rancho Santa Fe.
Historical Context
Elfin Forest is characterized by its abundance of chaparral, a word derived from the Spanish word “chaparro” meaning live oak. Chaparral is consists of certain species of vegetation found mostly covering hillsides and mountain slopes along the coast of southern California. Elfin Forest contains one of the best examples of this native plant collection.
Community Character
Our character is based on a feeling of openness: open land, open spaces, undeveloped countryside with a low density of homes. Many homes are well hidden. The community of Elfin Forest covers approximately 6 square miles that are primarily made up of custom single-family homes and equestrian ranches on large estate lots ranging from 2 to 10+ acres. Homes and ranches have been nestled into the hills keeping ridgelines and slopes intact to preserve the natural topography of the area and to help preserve wildlife corridors and native plant species. There are several agricultural businesses in the form of nurseries, flower growers, and a seed production farm that provide a rural flavor. In addition, there are commercial lemon and avocado growers and many home orchards. The community has no industrial uses.
Private equestrian trails extend throughout the Elfin Forest Community. Split rail fences, native trees and a staging area near the fire station lend community character and beauty to these trails. Open space, dark nighttime skies, low traffic volume and access to the abundant wildlife through protected nature trails are valued by Elfin Forest residents. There are no street lights, lighted signs, traffic signals, or sidewalks. In addition to the physical attributes of the community, there is a community spirit of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”. Examples of this are the EFHG Volunteer Fire Department and Fire Auxiliary, the EFHG Town Council, The Escondido Creek Conservancy, the Elfin Forest Foundation, the neighborhood Block Captains, EFHG Playgroup, and the EFHG Trails Committee. Community events such as the EFHG Town Council Fourth of July Picnic and Parade Fundraiser, the Annual EFHG Pancake Breakfast, and the EFHG Fire Auxiliary Chili Cook Off, promote and preserve the unity and focus of Elfin Forest residents.
Vision Statement
This area is rural and equestrian in nature. It is extremely peaceful, quiet and generally remains in its natural state. The dark night sky is an important aesthetic resource. The most scenic views in Elfin Forest are of the hills, valleys and riparian habitat. These visual qualities shall be preserved. The area shall remain non-industrial and low-density to preserve its rural character. The “grassroots” community spirit shall be maintained through careful development of the remaining parcels into residences similar in character to the existing ranches and custom homes which promotes unity and a “know your neighbors” environment.
All existing properties in the Elfin Forest community are 2 acres minimum and have septic systems for sewage management. All future property development shall be a 2 acre minimum and be on septic systems.
The Trails Committee will continue to work within the community to develop more private trails and to maintain them in keeping with the guidelines they have established. Any and all land development shall include, within its boundaries, equestrian trails which shall connect to the Regional trails at the Elfin Forest Reserve. The Elfin Forest Reserve and its Regional Trails shall be connected to the Elfin Forest area.
Our EFHG Fire Department shall continue to be a major force in our community, protecting us, uniting us and leading us into a safer future.
The protection of open space in order to preserve biological species native to the EFHG will continue to be the highest priority. Wildlife corridors shall be included in all future land development. These corridors shall remain pristine; i.e. without footpaths or trails of any kind, and shall be dedicated with a conservation easement to preclude a different use in the future.
There shall be no Subdivisions or Cluster Developments within the boundaries of Elfin Forest because they are out of character with the existing community. Ridgelines shall be protected from grading in order to maintain the natural terrain for the preservation of microclimates, wildlife protection and a rural atmosphere.
Our vision is to re-classify Elfin Forest Road and Harmony Grove Road to the status of a two-lane Scenic Highway in order to preserve the rural lifestyle, protect the Oak Groves along the Escondido Creek, and to leave this dramatic and scenic roadway for posterity.
The land use element identifies the proposed general distribution and intensity of uses of the land for housing, business, industry, open space, and other categories of public and private uses.
Large lot (2-10+ acres) rural residential and agricultural uses. Dedicated open space, established equestrian and hiking trails, 2 equestrian staging areas, unspoiled views, preserved creeks and valleys, wildlife corridors, riparian areas and the Elfin Forest Reserve. The following do not exist now and shall not exist in the future: commercial development; streetlights, traffic lights, curbs, sidewalks, extractive land uses, commercial or non-agricultural industry.
Policies: Lot sizes shall be 2 acres or more and be zoned for residential horse keeping. There shall be no high-density housing of any kind including cluster developments or subdivisions. An open-space greenbelt style buffer shall be maintained between urban areas and the rural community to preserve the character of the unincorporated community. Wildlife corridors and trail systems that connect to regional trail systems shall be required as a condition of land development. All or any mitigation land shall be purchased within the community of Elfin Forest.
Dark nighttime sky; open access community design that fosters a feeling of “one-neighborhood” in a rural, equestrian and agricultural setting. Open space and wildlife preservation shall remain a vital part of the residential community.
Policies: All homes shall be custom and maintain the rural character of the community in their design. Space shall be allowed for the keeping of equestrian animals. The main floor or living floor area shall not be less than 2,000 square feet or more than 8,000 square feet nor shall there be any building more than 2 stories high. All outbuildings shall be built in the same style as the home. Residential lighting shall preserve dark nighttime skies, there shall be no street lighting or lighted signage.
Commercial
There is no existing commercial development or use in Elfin Forest nor shall there be any commercial uses or developments in Elfin Forest.
There is no existing industrial use in Elfin Forest nor shall there be any industrial use in Elfin Forest.
The topography is characterized by open valley floors associated with Escondido Creek surrounded by gently to steeply sloping hills and by sharp granite escarpments. A significant portion of the valleys, hills and ridgelines are in their natural condition, providing natural open space and scenic vistas. Habitats include: sensitive riparian wetlands, oak woodlands, native grasslands, chaparral and coastal sage scrub. The Escondido Creek wildlife corridor is home to a plethora of rare, sensitive, threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Elfin Forest is home to 800+ acres of dedicated open space.
Goals: The sensitive habitats, riparian wetlands, wildlife corridors, valleys, hills, ridgelines, native grasslands, chaparral and coastal scrub described above, shall be protected and preserved. Dedicated open space shall continue to be purchased and maintained. Pristine; i.e., no human intrusion, areas for wildlife shall be set aside.
To preserve open space in Elfin Forest, any construction project which requires mitigation lands shall purchase them within the boundaries of CSA 107.
Water Resources
Goals: To preserve and maintain existing natural sources of water and their surrounding environments. To continue to work with the water districts involved to mitigate any and all water construction projects that may impact this area. To keep all water storage tanks off of ridgelines and out of view.
Policies: Escondido Creek shall be preserved in its natural state. Any residential development shall be adequately separated and buffered from the creek. Buildings shall be integrated with the native habitat in such a way as to preserve vast amounts of open space and continuous wildlife corridors.
Existing Conditions: Dedicated open space preserves of coast live oak riparian forests, oak woodland chaparral, native grasslands and coastal scrub.
Goals: To preserve and protect the existing conditions mentioned above and to increase the number of acres of dedicated open space with forested area through grants, donations and private endowments.
Policies: Potential land shall be integrated into the community plan. Preservation of open space banks of native habitat is a key element of this plan. Developers shall mitigate for damages by purchasing open space within the boundaries of the CSA 107 and in conjunction with the local preservation groups.
Existing Conditions: Native soil and topography moderately interspersed with low impact residential and agricultural uses.
Goals: The existing conditions mentioned above shall be preserved and maintained.
Policies: All development shall be consistent with the community plan and shall minimally impact soil resources. Ridgelines shall remain in tact as well as the topography wherever possible.
Existing Conditions: The Escondido Creek and the surrounding open space in Elfin Forest is home to many unique and endangered species. This watershed area is an invaluable resource deserving protection. This watershed accommodates a variety of natural habitats, including riparian wetlands, oak woodlands, native grasslands, chaparral, and coastal scrub. The upland areas support many rare plants species such as wart-stemmed ceanothus, summer holly, mesa club moss, and California adolphia. Expanses of coastal sage scrub provide refuge for threatened California gnatcatchers, San Diego horned lizards and orange-throated whiptail lizards. Sticky dudleya and sea dahlia grace the rocky cliffs above the creek while marsh elder and Orcutt’s brodiaea can be found along its sandy banks. Great blue herons, mountain lions, coyotes, mule deer, bobcats, fox, roadrunners, owls, hawks, turkey vultures, and golden eagles all play a part in this delicate ecosystem.
Goals: To protect, preserve and restore natural resources and open spaces within the Escondido Creek watershed and the Elfin Forest Community.
Policies: Any developments will be in compliance with MSCP, MHCP (Multiple Species Conservation Plan). Development shall comply with the community development plan wherein large banks of open space including ridgelines are preserved in their natural habitat. Multiple species habitat shall comply with the county wildlife corridor. Pristine dedicated open space with no trails or human intrusion shall be set aside. The riparian continuous corridor shall be preserved and protected. Runoff of any kind into the stream shall be prevented. Land developers are required to mitigate loss of habitat and impact to a critical population of sensitive species by purchasing mitigation land in the CSA 107 to be enjoyed as open space for all in conjunction with local land and public trusts. Sensitive habitat shall be preserved through designation as open space and through dedication of conservation easements prior to development.
Existing Conditions: Significant agricultural resources including, seed farms, citrus and avocado groves, nurseries, flower growers and deciduous fruit growing operations exist and uphold the rural community character.
Policies: Agricultural resources shall be preserved and protected.
Existing Conditions: A clean safe community with fresh air to breathe.
Policies: Land developers shall not conflict or obstruct the implementation of the San Diego Regional Air Quality Strategies.
Existing Conditions: A community of significant prehistoric and historic cultural resources. Prehistoric resources include petroglyphs, pictographs, some habitation sites, bedrock milling sites, a lithic scatter and a private artifact collection. This area may have housed the prehistoric village of Japatul. Luiseno and Diegueno occupation is evident.
Policies: Any and all development shall incorporate the prehistoric and historic rural theme of this community. These cultural resources are valued by our community; they remind the residents of the continuity of the past and the present and provide a valuable and educational and societal resource. These resources shall be preserved.
Existing Conditions: A community with dark, open nighttime skies.
Policies: Any and all development shall conform to preserving dark nighttime skies. Residential lighting shall remain limited, there shall be no street lighting or lighted signage.
Existing Conditions: A rural and residential community with enough power to meet the needs of its residents.
Policies: Elfin Forest shall not be overbuilt with respect to the amount of power required to fuel existing development.
Existing Conditions: Elfin Forest Road and Harmony Grove Road are the only improved roads into and out of the community. These roads are narrow, two lane roads without shoulders or off road parking.
The view from these roads in some areas is extremely picturesque, with native live oaks forming canopies over the road making it a beautiful scenic drive.
Harmony Grove Road has many curves with rocks cut on one side and Escondido Creek (Impact Sensitive LU 24) and rugged mountains lining the other. These dramatic areas will be the perfect area for a California Scenic Highway.
Goals: Continue the process of making Elfin Forest Road and Harmony Grove Road California Scenic Highways.
Policies: Protect, preserve and maintain the rural and dramatic roadways in Elfin by making them California Scenic Highways to be enjoyed by future generations. Future development shall not increase the cumulative traffic level and overall quality of life of the community. Roads shall not be widened.
Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove Volunteer Fire Department (EFHGFD) provides emergency medical and fire fighting service; California Highway Patrol (CHP) provides traffic control and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department provides local law enforcement.
Goals: Safe environment through community design and participation.
Policies: Ensure community design is consistent with overall safety and crime prevention theme; work with the neighborhood watch groups (Elfin Forest Block Captains) to prevent crime; continue to maintain close contact and communication with citizen’s groups and the CHP and county sheriff’s department.
Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services
Existing Conditions: County Service Area (CSA 107) falls under the governance of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. CSA 107 is funded by a special tax and is governed by locally elected residents (Advisory Board) who provide input to the Board of Supervisors. CSA 107’s tax revenue is marginal and requires augmentation with grants, private donations and numerous fund raising activities. In response to increased costs and demand for services, the board with input from residents, recommended a benefit increase. In a tremendous show of support, Proposition S was approved by the citizens of Elfin Forest by an 89% margin and is effective July 1 2001-July 30, 2015.
The EFHG Volunteer Fire Department is at the core of our community. The high level of commitment, personnel, service, and training lend a sense of pride, continuity and, security to the neighborhood.
Goals: As a part of the increased benefit, over the next 15 years, EFGHFD will continue to provide the high quality protection and services that it has in the past and will move toward the following as part of its effort to expand its services:
Preserve the quality of the community’s rural atmosphere “Neighbors Helping Neighbors”.
Ensure the continuity of the Elfin Forest and Harmony Grove communities.
Provide the speedy delivery of fire and emergency medical services while maintaining an advanced level of training.
Provide state-of-the-art fire apparatus and medical equipment.
Provide 24/7 staffing of the department.
Help maintain property values and assist in reducing insurance premiums.
Policies: Support the EFHGFD with fundraising activities and the EFHG Fire Auxiliary.
Goals: Structures that withstand reasonable seismic activity. Continue to provide the community with a Disaster Preparedness program.
Policies: Follow county guidelines.
Existing Conditions: Good ingress and egress to the community during heavy rains.
Goals: Unspoiled floodplain shall function as regional open space resource.; control of path/volume of drain water.
Policies: Floodplain development shall support the rural lifestyle such as equestrian ranches, agriculture, or recreational uses; use types and patterns of development shall minimize water pollution, soil erosion, silting, slide damage, flooding, hillside cutting and scarring; prohibit excessive and unsightly elevation of pads in floodplain.
Existing Conditions: Quiet area.
Goals: The community shall continue to be quiet.
Policies: This shall remain a quiet area free of excessive noise. Noise standards shall be applied for a rural area as opposed to urban or suburban community. No industry shall be allowed.
Existing Conditions: There are no public facilities in the Elfin Forest area with the exception of the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, see Parks and Recreation.
Goals: The area shall remain rural in nature without public facilities.
Policies: The are has no sewer system and uses only septic systems for waste disposal.
Existing Conditions: The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a 750 acre open space park. Hilly trails traverse otherwise undisturbed chaparral with beautiful views, picnic areas and water.
Goals: To welcome the public to enjoy the area set aside for their enjoyment.
Policies: The Reserve is owned and maintained by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District in cooperation with the U. S. Department of the Interior-Bureau of Land Management.
Existing Conditions: Through the efforts of the Elfin Forest Trails Committee, private trails have been designated throughout the Elfin Forest Community.
Goals: To continue developing a system of trails that link properties in Elfin Forest with the Recreational Reserve, and with surrounding trail systems, including Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe, Lake Hodges, San Marcos and the County Regional Trail System. And continue to develop recreational use throughout some open space.
Policies: Acquire open space along proposed trail routes; make dedication of linking trails a condition of development; require developers to consult current county trails maps for the area before submitting permit applications.
The Elfin Forest Community is on septic systems for all waste management.
09/18/2006 Copyright Elfin Forest/Harmony Grove Town Council. All rights reserved. Web design by Evelyn Alemanni