HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2021-45 PA 2017-29 Residential Design Review 2021-03 Tract Map 37305
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-45
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAKE
ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 2017 -29
(RESIDENTIAL DESIGN REVIEW NO. 2021 -03) PROVIDING BUILDING DESIGNS
AND RELATED IMPROVEMENTS FOR 168 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL
UNITS LOCATED WITHIN TENTATIVE TRACT MAP NO. 37305 OF THE NICHOLS
RANCH SPECIFIC PLAN.
Whereas, Meritage Homes has filed an application with the City of Lake Elsinore (City)
requesting approval of Planning Application No. 2017 -29 (Residential Design Review No.
202103) proposing the design and construction of 168 single -family residential units, preliminary
plotting, conceptual landscaping, conceptual wall and fence plan, and related improvements
located within Tentative Tract Map No. 37305. The Project proposes seven (7) floor plans ranging
in size from 2,020 sq. ft. to 2,948 sq. ft. (excludi ng garages and unenclosed porches) and three
architectural styles (Santa Barbara, Coastal, and Farmhouse). The lot sizes for Tentative Tract
Map No. 37305 range in size from 4,549 sq. ft. to 9,468 sq. ft. and are 5,896 sq. ft. on average.
The Project is located east of Interstate 15 and south of Nichols Road within Planning Areas 1
through 6 of the Nichols Ranch Specific Plan (APN: 389-200-045);
Whereas, pursuant to Section 17.415.050 (Major Design Review) of the Lake Elsinore
Municipal Code (LEMC) the Planning Commission (Commission) has been delegated with the
responsibility of reviewing and approving, conditionally approving, or denyi ng design review
applications;
Whereas, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Cal. Pub. Res. Code §§
21000 et seq.: CEQA) and the State Guidelines for Implementation of CEQA (14 C.C.R. §§
15000 et seq.: CEQA Guidelines), public agencies are expressly encouraged to reduce delay
and paperwork associated with the implementation of CEQA by using previously prepared
environmental documents when those previously prepared documents adequately address the
potential impacts of the proposed project (CEQA Guidelines Section 15006);
Whereas, CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 establishes the standard to be used when
determining whether subsequent environmental documentation is necessary and says that when
an environmental document has already been adopted for a project, no subsequent
environmental documentation is needed for subsequent entitlements which comprise the whole
of the action unless substantial changes or new information are presented by the project;
Whereas, Final Environmental Impact Report No. 2018 -03 (SCH# 2018051051) for the
Nichols Ranch Specific Plan was adopted in 2019 and evaluated environmental impacts that
would result from maximum build -out of the specific plan and Tentative Tract Map No. 37305,
which contemplated development of single -family residential development;
Whereas, the project does not present substantial changes or new information regarding
the potential environmental impacts of development; and
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PC Reso. No. 2021-45
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Whereas, on October 19, 2021 at a duly noticed Public Hearing the Commission has
considered evidence presented by the Community Development Department and other interested
parties with respect to this item.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF LAKE
ELSINORE DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The Commission has reviewed and analyzed the proposed Project pursuant
to the California Planning and Zoning Laws (Cal. Gov. Code §§ 59000 et seq.), the Lake Elsinore
General Plan (GP), the Nichols Ranch Specific Plan, and the LEMC and finds and determine s
that the proposed Project is consistent with the requirements of California Planning and Zoning
Law and with the goals and policies of the GP, Nichols Ranch Specific Plan, and the LEMC.
Section 2: The Commission finds and determines that no new CEQA documentation is
necessary. The Project comprises the whole of an action that was analyzed in the previously
adopted Final Environmental Impact Report No. 2018 -03 (SCH# 2018051051). Approval of the
Project will not change density or intensity of use; it simply establishes standards for color
palettes, articulation, orientation, and design of single -family residential development. Therefore,
no further environmental review is necessary.
Section 3: That in accordance with Section 17.415.050.G of the LEMC, the Commission
makes the following findings regarding Planning Application No. 2017 -29 (Residential Design
Review No. 2021-03):
1. The Project, as approved, will comply with the goals and objectives of the General Plan and
the zoning district in which the project is located.
The Project site has a General Plan designation of Specific Plan and is located within the
Nichols Ranch Specific Plan. The Project is in Planning Areas 1 through 6 of the Nichols
Ranch Specific Plan and has a land use designation of Low -Medium Density Residential.
The proposed Project constitutes build out the residential portion of previously approved
Tentative Tract Map 37305 which was found to comply with the goals and objectives of the
General Plan and the Nichols Ranch Specific Plan. The proposed Proj ect does not propose
an increase in density of development than what was previously approved. Further, the
single-family residences will assist in achieving the development of a well -balanced and
functional mix of residential, commercial, industrial, open space, recreational and
institutional land uses.
2. The Project complies with the design directives contained in the Nichols Ranch Specific
Plan and all applicable provisions of the LEMC.
The Project is appropriate to the site and surrounding developments. The three (3)
architectural styles proposed will create a distinctive street scene within the Project site.
Sufficient setbacks and onsite landscaping have been provided thereby creating interest
and varying vistas. In addition, safe and efficient on -site circulation would be achieved.
3. Conditions and safeguards pursuant to Section 17.415.050.G.3 of the LEMC, including
guarantees and evidence of compliance with conditions, have been incorporated into the
approval of the Project to ensure development of the property in accordance with the
objectives of Section 17.415.050.
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Pursuant to Section 17.415.050.E of the LEMC, the Project was considered by the Planning
Commission at a duly noticed public hearing held on October 19, 2021. The Project, as
reviewed and conditioned by all applicable City divisions, departments, and agenc ies, will
not have a significant effect on the environment.
Section 4: Based upon the evidence presented and the above findings, the Commission hereby
approves Planning Application No. 2017 -29 (Residential Design Review No. 2021-03).
Passed and Adopted on this 19th day of October, 2021.
John Gray
Chair
Attest:
__________________________ FOR:
Justin Kirk
Assistant Community Development Director
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE )
I, Justin Kirk, Assistant Community Development Director of the City of Lake Elsinore, California,
hereby certify that Resolution No. 2021 -45 was adopted by the Planning Commission of the City
of Lake Elsinore, California, at a regular meeting held on this 19th day of October and that the
same was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners Peters and Carroll; Vice Chair Dobler; and Chair Gray
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: Commissioner Klaarenbeek
FOR:
Justin Kirk
Assistant Community Development Director
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