Council Supports SR-52 Scenic Highway, Won't Affect Proposed Toyota Sign

The Santee City Council approved a letter in support of designating Route 52 from Santo Road to Mast Boulevard as a "scenic highway" at the council meeting last week. This designation wouldn't affect the proposed large electronic sign that would stand about 44 feet over Route 52 adjacent to the Toyota dealership.


Right now the scenic highway goes to Santo, and it would be extended to the city of San Diego jurisdiction at Mast, according to Councilmember Jack Dale, who proposed the letter to Caltrans.

Mayor Randy Voepel asked Dale what affect this might have on the proposed electronic billboard. Dale said the sign wasn't eve on his mind when he proposed the letter, and city staff confirmed it would have no affect because the scenic highway would end at Mast Boulevard.

The scenic highway designation would "prohibit billboards and regulate on-site business signs so that they do not detract from scenic views," according to the Caltrans website.

Councilmember Rob McNelis and John Ryan asked if the letter could be changed to support a scenic highway on Route 52 through Santee to Route 67. City staff said that could be considered, but would require further action by council.

Caltrans explains the intent of the California Scenic Highway Program "is to protect and enhance the natural scenic beauty of California’s highways and adjacent corridors, through special conservation treatment."

"I absolutely want to see way more about the toyota sign before any decision is made," said McNelis.

City staff confirmed that it is council's decision to move forward on the sign or not.

Multiple groups have filed objections to the City of Santee about a Negative Declaration denying the need for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) concerning a large electronic billboard proposed to be built along SR-52 in Santee.

The sign, called for by the Toyota Certified Center of Santee, would be atop a 70-foot pole over the area where state routes 52 and 125 meet, according to city documents.