The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a notice of availability on February 2, 2026, announcing receipt of an application from Quail Meadows Properties, LLC for a 10-year incidental take permit (ITP) under ESA section 10(a)(1)(B). The project involves construction of 448 residential units on an 11.96-acre former greenhouse site along Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas, San Diego County, California. Construction would impact 8.22 acres, including about 0.54 acres of native coastal sage scrub used by the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher. The applicant's HCP proposes a 3.31-acre on-site preserve, habitat restoration, and construction-phase biological monitoring. The Service preliminarily determined the action qualifies for a categorical exclusion under NEPA. Comments are due March 4, 2026.1