Via de la Valle is located in the northwestern region of the City of San Diego and is situated just east of Interstate 5, south of the City of Solana Beach and west of the County of San Diego. The City’s North City Future Urbanizing Sub area II is directly south of the planning area. West of Interstate 5 lays the community of Torrey Pines and the City of Del Mar.

The Via de la Valle Community planning area is approximately 125 acres. The community is characterized by steep canyons running in a north-south direction and separated by narrow ridges and bluffs. The steepest topography is concentrated at the most westerly, and the southeasterly portions of the site. Approximately 50 percent of the planning area consists of slopes exceeding 25 percent gradient. The steep slopes and bluffs are an aesthetic asset to the planning area. The area is visible from Interstate 5 and within the San Dieguito River Valley.

The community is comprised of residential and open space land uses. The development theme in the community is clustered single family residential with attached units in the interior of the planning area and detached units at the perimeter. The attached single-family residential areas are designed to preserve the steeper slopes, minimize grading, and still achieve a suitable density in the area. The detached single-family lot areas are located along the perimeters of the planning area to provide a buffer and transition between the higher density attached units and the adjacent homes in the County.

The open space system is comprised primarily of hillsides. Approximately 62 acres are in an open space easement to protect the open space network and to preserve its natural beauty. The open space area preserves valuable natural features and provides a transition between the developments. The north/south ridges and canyons, which front on Via de la Valle, are visible from Interstate 5, the San Dieguito River Valley and the southern bluffs of the Carmel Valley community.