RFQ 2026-06 North Bluff Environmental and Planning Consulting Services

CITY OF DEL MAR
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
No. 2026-06
ENVIRONMENTAL AND PLANNING CONSULTING SERVICES FOR
NORTH BLUFF AMENDMENTS AND REZONE
I. INTRODUCTION
A. General Information
The City of Del Mar (City) is seeking Statements of Qualifications and Proposals
(SOQ/proposals) from qualified professional consulting firms (Consultants) to provide
environmental and planning consulting services related to proposed amendments to the City of
Del Mar Community Plan (General Plan), Zoning Code, and Local Coastal Program and rezone
of properties located in the North Bluff planning area. On May 19, 2026, the City Council
provided directions for staff to initiate planning and zoning amendments related to affordable
housing in preparation for the 7th Cycle Housing Element. See Item 9 Agenda Report link below:
https://www.delmar.ca.us/AgendaCenter#docaccess-dd68479353df6f36e2e2f6b6ecc5f484
The City is seeking a consultant team with experience preparing policies and development
standards specific to multiple-dwelling unit development and related land use policy and zoning
code documents for implementation of a Local Coastal Program. Experience preparing policies,
plans, and regulations involving vacant properties with separate ownerships or in a sensitive
blufftop context is highly desired.
The purpose of this RFQ is to solicit qualifications and select firm(s) to provide environmental
and planning consultant services related to compliance with State laws relating to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California Coastal Act, and California land use planning,
zoning, and housing laws.
Based on the qualifications presented in the response to this RFQ, the City will select a
consultant team that is best able to provide the requested services to meet the City's needs.
All services provided by the selected consultant(s) shall be performed by individuals who meet
the qualifications, education, and certification/licensing requirements required to complete the
identified work assignment(s). The selected consultant(s) shall also have the resources
necessary to provide cost-effective and timely services, including providing customer service
delivery and quality control to the City.
The City intends to enter into a three-year agreement with the selected Consultant(s), with the
option of extending the agreement for an additional two-year period. A copy of the City's
standard agreement is included with this RFQ as Attachment A.
B. About the City
Incorporated in 1959, the City of Del Mar is a Charter Law City with a Council-Manager form of

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government. The Del Mar City Council consists of five members, one of whom is chosen on a
rotating basis for a one-year term as mayor. Del Mar is located just 20 minutes north of
downtown San Diego on the southern California coast. Approximately 3,900 residents call this
2.2 square mile city their home. The famed horse racing and annual County Fair that take place
at the State-owned Del Mar Fairgrounds and over two miles of white sandy beaches make Del
Mar an inviting tourist destination. Residents and visitors enjoy excellent weather and a variety
of outdoor activities at the City's parks and Downtown Village.
C. Inquiries
Questions and inquiries regarding this RFQ must be received by 4:30 p.m. PST on Friday, July
31, 2026, and directed in writing by email to Nestor Machado, Associate Management Analyst
at nmachado@delmar.ca.us. All inquiries must reference "RFQ 2026-06 [North Bluff
Environmental and Planning Consulting Services]" in the title or subject line. Questions and
inquiries submitted over the telephone will not be accepted.
D. Submittal Requirements
Proposals are due on or before Friday, August 21, 2026, no later than 4:30 p.m. PST and
should be submitted via ShareFile hyperlink: https://tinyurl.com/3y5nmvhe. The submittal must
reference "RFQ 2026-06 [North Bluff Environmental and Planning Consulting Services]" in the
title or subject line. Facsimile submittals will not be accepted.
II. ANTICIPATED TIMELINE
Anticipated timeline for RFQ process is outlined below and is subject to change without notice:
Action Tentative Timeline/Deadline
Notice of RFQ July 23, 2026
Questions Due Friday, July 31, 2026, by 4:30pm (PST)
Responses to Questions Posted Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Deadline to Submit Proposals Friday, August 21, 2026, by 4:30pm (PST)
City Staff Review of Proposals August 24- August 28, 2026
Selected Firm Notified September 2, 2026
Council Consideration of Agreement for Services September 22, 2026
Agreement Start Date September 22, 2026
III. SCOPE OF SERVICES REQUIRED
To demonstrate planning experience, firms must be prepared to effectively address experience
preparing policies and development standards specific to multiple-dwelling unit development and
related land use policy and zoning code documents for implementation of a Local Coastal Program.
Experience preparing policies, plans, and regulations involving vacant properties with separate
ownerships or in a sensitive blufftop context is highly desired.
Requested services generally include preparation of environmental review documentation and policies,
regulations, and map exhibits for a new land use designation and base zone that will be applied to real
property as identified in greater detail below:
1) Analysis, preparation, and processing of environmental review documentation in accordance
with CEQA. The Consultant may be able to tier from the HE PEIR and prepare either a Finding
of Conformance or Addendum. If higher level of CEQA review is recommended, a letter
discussing the reasons for that level of review will be required. The Consultant should include
the potential for additional CEQA review as an additional task in the proposal if the Consultant
identifies higher level CEQA documentation is needed beyond a Finding of Conformance or

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Addendum. Consultants may partner with an environmental sub-consultant if they do not have
the expertise in-house.
The Final 6th Cycle Housing Element PEIR is available online at the following link:
www.delmar.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/7171/Final-PEIR-91020
Deliverables:
Initial draft and final versions of CEQA documentation. Provide two (2) hard copies and an
electronic version for each draft.
NOD as applicable to be submitted following adoption.
2) Preparation and processing of an amendment to the Del Mar Community Plan to create policy
language for a new RM North land use category and corresponding land use map exhibit.
The Del Mar Community Plan is available online at the following link:
https://library.municode.com/ca/del_mar/codes/community_plan
Deliverables:
Initial draft and final version of the text amendment to the Community Plan to reflect the new
land use designation. Provide in both hard copy and electronic format (Word and PDF)
Initial draft and final version of the amended Community Plan land use designation map
exhibit to reflect the new land use designation. Provide in both hard copy and electronic
format (PDF and GIS shape file)
3) Preparation and processing of an amendment to the Del Mar Zoning Code (Del Mar Municipal
Code Title 30) to create a new RM-North zoning category to implement density of 20 dwelling
units per acre that includes development standards (i.e., building height, setbacks, minimum lot
size, etc.) that could include a mixture of housing types that will achieve the 20-dwelling unit per
acre density. Identify and include any additional amendments that may be needed to establish
consistency with applicable overlay zones (i.e., Bluff, Slope, and Canyon Overlay Zone and
Coastal Bluff Overlay Zone.)
The Del Mar Municipal Code (Title 30) Zoning Code is available online at the following link:
https://library.municode.com/ca/del_mar/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT30ZO
Deliverables:
Initial draft and final version of the text amendment to the DMMC to reflect the new zoning
designation. Provide in both hard copy and electronic format (Word and PDF)
Initial draft and final version of the amended DMMC zoning designation map exhibit to reflect
the new land use designation. Provide in both hard copy and electronic format (PDF and
GIS shape file)
4) Preparation and processing of an amendment to the Del Mar Local Coastal Program (LCP)
Land Use Plan to create policy language for a new RM North land use category and an amended
LCP Land Use Plan map exhibit (consistent with the land use designation in task #2); and
preparation and processing of an amendment to the LCP Implementing Zoning Ordinances in
DMMC Title 30 (consistent with the zoning designation created in task #3).

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The LCP Land Use Plan is available online at the following link:
https://www.delmar.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/9114/LCP-Land-Use-Plan-Complete-Rev-1-
2024
Deliverables:
Initial draft and final version of the text amendments to the LCP Land Use Plan and LCP
implementing regulations in the DMMC to reflect respectively the new land use designation
and zoning designation. Provide in both hard copy and electronic format (Word and PDF)
Initial draft and final version of the map exhibits for the LCP Land Use Plan and LCP
implementing regulations in the DMMC to reflect respectively the new land use designation
and zoning designation. Provide in both hard copy and electronic format (PDF and GIS
shape file)
5) Preparation and processing of a Rezone to apply the new RM-North zone to real property on
the North Bluff with the corresponding map exhibit.
Deliverable:
Initial draft and final version of the Rezone map exhibit to reflect applicability of the new RM
North zone to real property on the North Bluff in accordance with direction by City Council.
(PDF and GIS shape file)
6) Preparation of a fee recapture Ordinance for the North Bluff properties to recover the City funds
expended to increase housing densities on these properties, develop objective design and
development standards, complete CEQA documentation, and other related costs.
Deliverable:
Initial draft and final version of the Ordinance. Provide in both hard copy and electronic
format (Word and PDF)
7) Preparation of presentation and materials to support staff preparation of the Agenda Reports
for the associated public hearings, which at a minimum will involve a noticed public hearing for
review and recommendation by the Planning Commission, noticed public hearings for City
Council adoption of a Resolution and introduction and adoption of an Ordinance, and a noticed
public hearing of the California Coastal Commission.
Deliverables:
Initial draft and final versions of PowerPoint presentations and supporting materials (i.e.,
graphics) for the public hearings
Scope for at least four pre-meetings to coordinate with the City staff team in preparation for
each public hearing for the project.
In accordance with CEQA, the City follows CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations - Title
14, Chapter 3) as its procedures for the review of development projects and other activities to ensure
that the environment is protected and enhanced. Following are links to locally adopted guidelines and
guidance for Transportation Impact Analysis / Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT):

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(www.delmar.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/247/California-Enviornmental-Quality-Act-
guidelines?bidId=)
(www.delmar.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/6851/Combined-Transportation-Guidelines).
To demonstrate environmental experience, firms are requested to: 1) indicate their ability to perform
services on the following environmental topics; and 2) clarify if the services would be performed in-
house or by subconsultant(s). All proposed subconsultants shall be described in the proposal. The City
reserves the right to require the use of approved subconsultants and not permit the use of
subconsultants that have not been approved.
Environmental Topics:
1. Aesthetics
2. Agriculture and Forestry Resources
3. Air Quality
4. Biological Resources
5. Cultural Resources
6. Energy
7. Geology and Soils
8. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
9. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
10. Hydrology and Water Quality
11. Land Use and Planning
12. Mineral Resources
13. Noise
14. Population and Housing
15. Public Services
16. Recreation
17. Transportation
18. Tribal Cultural Resources
19. Utilities and Service Systems
20. Wildfire
Additional Environmental Topics:
21. Lighting
22. Sea Level Rise
23. FEMA/Floodplain
24. Other related environmental topics as needed
Further, firms must be prepared to effectively address the following as part of their proposal. Include
subconsultants if proposed.
A. Demonstrate expertise to provide consulting services related to the above-referenced planning and
environmental topics. Firms are encouraged to emphasize their experience as they further relate
to both Project-level and Program-level environmental documents.
B. Demonstrate experience in providing consulting services related to multiple-dwelling unit
development on sites in coastal bluff environments; single-family development; public
infrastructure; subdivisions; Specific Plans; Community (General) Plan amendments; Local Coastal
Program amendments; rezones; and implementation programs associated with a Housing Element
and Local Coastal Program.
C. Emphasize the firm's ability to manage complex and/or multiple projects and competing priorities
while maintaining: 1) quality control within an environmental document; 2) meeting schedules; and

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3) staying within budget.
D. Ability to assist City staff in managing the process for this City-initiated project, including preparation
of environmental documents, attendance for participation in at least four public hearings, regular
interface with City staff and other City consultants, and attendance at scheduled coordination
meetings as necessary when work is in progress.
E. Provide all necessary documentation and filings to the County, State and/or Federal agencies as
appropriate.
F. Communicate and cooperate as a team with City staff and other City consultants as necessary.
While it is intended that the scope of work described above include all elements essential to the required
services, it describes the minimum baseline level of services required under this RFQ. Consultants are
welcome to expand and submit cost-effective proposals that exceed the minimum levels of service.
IV. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND REQUIREMENTS
To be considered, proposals/SOQs submitted in response to this RFQ need to include the following
content:
1. Title Page
The title page must show the RFQ number and subject, name of the firm, local address,
telephone number; name, title, and email address of contact person; and date of proposal
submission.
2. Table of Contents
Include a clear and complete identification of the materials submitted by section and page
number.
3. Qualifications and Experience
The following information must be included to demonstrate qualifications and experience:
o An understanding of the work to be performed and why the firm believes itself to be
the best qualified to perform the services requested.
o Number of years the firm has been in business.
o Description of the firm's experience providing the services listed above, examples of
municipal projects that the firm worked on, and the outcomes of these
projects/services.
o Anticipated organizational structure, core team that will be performing services, and
brief summary of the qualifications and experience of each team member, including
length of service with the company and resume. Also include an organization chart of
senior and middle management.
o Provide name of contact person for the project, phone number and email address.
o Provide name, title, and contact information for the authorized contract signer.
4. Service Delivery and Quality Control
Describe the following components of delivery:
o Technical review process.
o Approach to completing the project successfully; methodologies and technologies
you would employ; key milestones and processes you would employ.
o Information you would expect the City to supply.
o Consultant's policies and procedures for assuring high quality work.
o Methods of communication with the City.

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5. Conflict of Interest
Consultant is required to issue a brief statement disclosing potentially conflicting interests,
including any litigation involving the Consultant or Consultant's personnel which is adverse to
the City; and the listing of services currently being provided or provided within the last four years
to any person, corporation, partnership, or other entity that made application to the City for a
discretionary land use entitlement or City project.
6. Client References
List a minimum of three (3) references from California municipalities or other public sector
clients for services provided by your firm. For each reference listed provide the name of the
organization, dates for which the service(s) are provided, type of service(s) being provided and
the name, email, and telephone number of the person responsible within the reference's
organization. The City reserves the right to contact any or all the listed references regarding
the services performed.
7. Cost and Fee Structure
Provide a detailed cost description and fee schedule for all applicable services, including all
anticipated reimbursement costs.
Consultants shall expressly state the proposed fees are valid for the entire initial agreement
term, or specify the requested fee increases for the term of the agreement. Typically, the City
will not consider annual increases of more than 3% or the San Diego Area Consumer Price
Index (CPI), whichever is lower.
8. Acceptance of or Requested Changes to the City's Standard Agreement
Proposing firm must acknowledge review of the City's standard agreement (Attachment A)
and either expressly state their acceptance of the terms of the agreement or include requested
changes to the agreement as part of their submittal. If changes to the agreement are
requested, proposing firms must provide an explanation for each change. Requested changes
after the close of the RFQ solicitation period will not be considered.
The City will not agree to make any modifications to the indemnity and insurance requirements
sections, or to other non-substantive requests. Generally, the City will only consider changes
that would be legally required for the City's agreement to be in compliance with federal, state,
or local laws and regulations.
9. Acceptance of RFQ Addendums
Proposing firm must expressly acknowledge review and acceptance of all addendums to the
RFQ if any are issued before the close of the RFQ solicitation period.
10. Other Information
Respondents are invited to submit other optional information believed to be relevant to the
selection process.
V. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Selection of the successful proposal shall be generally based on the information provided by the
Consultant in response to the RFQ and any subsequent interviews that may be conducted. Respondent
interviews will be held solely at the option and discretion of the City. At a minimum, proposals and firm
selection will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
A. Experience and history of the firm in providing the services identified in this RFQ.
B. The character, integrity, reputation, judgment, experience, and efficiency of the proposing
firm and assigned staff members.

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C. The quality of performance on previous contracts or services.
D. Experience in meeting the needs of other governmental organizations or any organization
that utilizes similar services.
E. The ability, capacity, skills, and financial resources to perform the work or provide the required
service promptly or within the time specified, without delay or interference.
F. The degree of completeness of response to the specific requirements of this RFQ.
G. The cost of the services to be provided.
H. Other evaluation criteria described or included by reference in the solicitation.
VI. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A. Reserved Rights by the City
The rights reserved by the Cities include, but are not limited to, the following:
The City reserves the right to select, and subsequently recommend for award the firm(s)
that best meets the needs of the City.
The City reserves the right to require further documentation or information prior to
entering into an agreement for services.
The City reserves the right to conduct interviews or require oral presentations of any
selected or all Consultants. The City does not guarantee that an interview or an
opportunity to demonstrate services will take place.
The City reserves the right to reject any or all submittals. The City further reserves the
right to waive technicality and formalities in submittals, as well as to accept in whole or
part such submittals where it is deemed in the best interest of the City.
The City reserves the right to amend, alter, or revoke this RFQ at or before the due date
and time of proposal. Any modifications, clarification, or additions will be posted on the
City's website as an addendum.
Under the City's best value evaluation method, the Respondent with the lowest rates
may not necessarily be awarded this contract.
B. Proposal Withdrawal
Respondents may modify or withdraw their proposal, either personally or by written request, at
any time prior to the scheduled closing time of proposals. Such requests should be directed to
Nestor Machado, Associate Management Analyst at nmachado@delmar.ca.us.
C. Business License
Prior to the start of the Agreement, the selected firm shall obtain a City of Del Mar Business
License.
D. Incurred Costs
The City of Del Mar is not liable for any costs incurred by a respondent in the preparation and/or
presentation of their proposals.
E. Equal Opportunity
The City of Del Mar requires all proposers to comply with equal opportunity policies. Del Mar's
programs, services, employment opportunities, and volunteer positions and contracts are open
to all persons without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation,
marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic disability, military or veteran status, or political
affiliation.
F. Public Information
All materials received relative to this RFQ will become public information and be available for
public inspection. Any information deemed confidential or proprietary should be clearly identified
by the Consultant as such. The City reserves the right to retain all proposals submitted, whether

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or not the proposal was selected or judged to be responsive. Companies submitting proposals
which contain information deemed to be proprietary, may submit that information separately
under closed cover so designated and clearly identified. Pricing information may not be so
submitted and is non-privileged.
G. Inaccuracies or Misinterpretations
If, in the course of the RFQ process or in the administration of a resulting contract, the City
determines that a Respondent has made a material misstatement or misrepresentation or that
materially inaccurate information has been provided to the City, the Respondent may be
terminated from the RFQ process or in the event a contract has been awarded, the contract
may be immediately terminated.
H. Assignment of Rights or Obligations
Except as noted hereunder, Successful Respondent may not assign, transfer or sell any rights
or obligations resulting from this solicitation without first obtaining the specific written consent
of each City.
I. Representations
No representations or guarantees of any kind, made orally, expressed or implied, are made with
regard to the matters contained in this document, including any attachments, letters of
transmittal, or any other related documents including addendums. Respondents must rely solely
on their own independent assessment as the basis for the submission of any offer made.
J. ADA and WCAG Compliance
If awarded the contract/agreement, the selected firm shall ensure that all digital documents, web
content, applications, and other deliverables created, provided, or delivered under this
Agreement comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act, and meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
VII. ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A - Standard Professional Services Agreement

Attachment A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DEL MAR AND [NAME OF CONSULTANT]
FOR [NATURE OF SERVICES]
This Professional Services Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into this _____
day of ____________, 202X by and between the City of Del Mar, a Charter City and a municipal
corporation ("City"), and [Name of Consultant] ("Consultant") (collectively "Parties").
WHEREAS, the City desires to employ a consultant to provide [detailed description of
the nature of the services] ("Consulting Services"). Said work is to be performed in accordance
with the terms and conditions set forth below and as described in the scope of services,
attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein; and
WHEREAS, the City has initially determined that Consultant is qualified by experience
and ability to perform the services desired by City, and Consultant is willing to perform such
services; and
WHEREAS, Consultant will conduct all the work as described and detailed in this
Agreement to be provided to the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereto mutually covenant and agree with each other as
follows:
1. CONSULTING SERVICES.
1.1 Scope of Services. The Consultant shall perform the Consulting
Services as set forth in the written Scope of Services, attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and
incorporated herein. Such services shall be provided at the direction of the City.
1.2. Designated Point of Contact. City shall provide Consultant access to
appropriate staff and resources for the coordination and provision of services. Prior to the start
of services, each Party shall identify for the other a designated point of contact (Project
Coordinator) for administration and oversight of the services to be provided under this
Agreement, with notification of any change to the point of contact within thirty (30) days.
1.3. City Modification of Scope of Services. City may order changes to the
Scope of Services within the general scope of this Agreement consisting of additions, deletions,
or other revisions. If such changes cause a change in the Consultant's cost of, or time required
for, completion of the Scope of Services, an equitable adjustment to Consultant's compensation
and/or contract time shall be made, subject to the City's approval. All such changes shall be
authorized in writing, executed by Consultant and City. If such a change results in an extension
of the term of this Agreement or increases the maximum amount to be paid under this
Agreement, no such change shall have any force or effect unless an amendment to this
Agreement is approved by the City Council.
2. DURATION OF AGREEMENT.
2.1 Term, Time for Performance. This Agreement shall be effective for a
period of three (3) years beginning on XX and ending on XX. The agreement may be extended
for an additional two (2) year period, upon written approval of both parties. Time is of the
essence for this Agreement and each provision of this Agreement, unless otherwise specified in
this Agreement.