Board Elections / Running for a Seat

Four (4) of our 12 seats are up for election each year. Board members are elected to 3-year terms. Board members are volunteers and receive no compensation.

Voting in the 2025 election

The 2025 election concluded on March 4th. Congratulations to our newest member, Barbara Guerra-Jankowski. As of October 2025, one (1) seat is vacant. See instructions below to apply for appointment.

Running for a seat on the Board in the March 2026 Election

Any eligible member of the community may apply to run for a Board Member seat. You must be at least 18 years of age and reside, own property, or own/operate a business within the Ocean Beach Planning Area (see map below). Bylaws require that the Board be composed of at least (2) residential property owners, (2) renters, and (1) business owner/designee. Refer to the bylaws for more details.

GATHER SIGNATURES AND SUBMIT APPLICATION (Deadline dates TBD): 

  • Complete the Candidate Application & Signature form (to be posted in Jan 2026)
  • Obtain signatures from 20 residents, property owners, or business owners/licensees within the Ocean Beach Planning Area.
  • Submit via e-mail to: elections@oceanbeachplanning.org,
  • or Submit by mail to: Ocean Beach Planning Board, 4967 Newport Ave #133, San Diego, CA 92107.
  • To be listed on the ballot, your application & signatures must be received by February__ , 2026 (TBD).
  • After this date, you may still run as a write-in candidate if your application & signatures are received by the conclusion of the Board meeting on March ___ , 2026 (TBD).
  • You are also invited to submit a candidate statement (max. 200 words recommended). This may be published on the Board’s website.

Appointments to a vacant seat

Vacancies shall not be filled by appointment during the 60-days preceding and following the election at the March Board meeting, unless necessary to maintain the minimum membership requirement of ten (10) members.

HOW TO SEEK APPOINTMENT: 

  1. Demonstrate eligibility by being at least 18 years of age and a Resident, Property Owner/Agent, or Business Owner/Licensee, within the Ocean Beach Planning Area (see map below).
  2. Present to the Board a completed Vacancy Application. This includes a nomination petition signed by at least 10 eligible members of the community.  
  3. You are invited to attend a regularly scheduled Board meeting to announce your intention to apply for a seat and why you want to serve on the Planning Board.
  4. Candidates must receive a 2/3 vote at a regular Board meeting to be appointed to a vacant seat.

Ocean Beach planning area boundary