The Proposed “New” PDU
La Paz PDU Update, February 28, 2024
The proposed PDU is a developers dream and a nightmare for Todos Santos.
Citizens and residents have loudly voiced their opposition to the replacement of their decade old PDU developed by the community that created sustainable growth and a great economy for the community by attracting ecotourists. The proposed La Paz PDU has zoning changes that would add 40,000 additional lots to the region and 125,000 residents which already does not have adequate power and water to serve the current 25,000 residents. The community has already held a rally and petition drive in October 2023. Over 1,200 people signed the petition to express their concerns about the process and oppose the proposed changes to the zoning rules.
Despite this, most of the community's concerns were disregarded by IMPLAN, and the municipality proceeded by publishing a final draft of the PDU January 29, 2024.
The final document underwent significant changes, but no further community feedback was allowed.
Protect Todos Santos is Taking Additional Action Right Now!
To fight the enactment of the proposed PDU, Protect Todos Santos has taken on the task of highlighting the egregious process flaws while giving voice to the concerns of the families of Todos Santos. Our goal is to prevent the plan from advancing to a full vote of the City Council in La Paz, and if it is approved, we will file a lawsuit to void the plan because it does not comply with 21 Articles of the federal requirements of the General Law of Human Settlements and Urban Development.
Key Issues and Changes:
Population Growth: The La Paz PDU proposes 150,242 residents (about the same number currently living in San Jose Del Cabo) compared to community developed PDU which only allows 25,252 residents.
No risk Assessments: Population growth was not based on current and accurate federally mandated assessments of water, electrical infrastructure, sewage, waste disposal and other services the new population will require.
No infrastructure investment: There is no tangible commitment to improving existing infrastructure to support their aggressive population growth and need for additional public safety, schools, health care facilities, paved roads, parks and public spaces.
Housing Type: La Paz PDU allows condos and Airbnb type development throughout the region, unlike the Todos Santos PDU, which restricted multi-family housing to urban areas.
Construction Coverage and Building Heights: The new plan significantly increases the allowable construction coverage, reducing natural areas between residences and allows additional levels of construction plus rooftop shade structures.
Smaller Lots and Higher Density: The plan significantly reduces the minimum lot sizes and increases the number of lots from 7,000 under the current PDU to 47,000 under the proposed PDU.
Our action plan:
Legal Challenge: An injunction has been filed challenging the process for inadequate community participation.
Campaign: We are supporting a community group that is running a public awareness campaign to highlight the plan's flaws.
Appeals: Formal letters are being sent to decision-makers urging them to reject the plan or allow community revisions.
Federal Lawsuit: A lawsuit is being prepared to void the plan due to violations of planning laws in the event it is approved.
How You Can Help:
The best way to help stop the proposed PDU is to donate to Protect Todos Santos, so we have the funds we need to:
Organize the local community and make their voices heard,
Educate the government officials who will vote on the plan regarding its deficiencies, and
Fight the legal battles ahead if it should be enacted.
Here is link to the zoning map and the THE PROPOSED ‘NEW’ ZONING RULES.
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If you observe any violations of the PDU and environmental regulations included on this website, please contact us, and we will investigate your concerns and take appropriate action.
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