HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-050 PA No. 2021-19 (Rome Hill Commercial - TPM No. 39493) SubdivisionRESOLUTION NO. 2026-50
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP NO. 39493 TO
SUBDIVIDE A 6.77-ACRE SITE INTO TWO PARCELS (2.19-ACRES AND 4.53-
ACRES) AND A 0.05-ACRE LETTER LOT FOR THE ROME HILL
COMMERCIAL PROJECT LOCATED AT APN 371-150-017
Whereas, Guy Selleck, GEM Investments, LLC, has filed an application with the City of
Lake Elsinore (City) requesting approval of Planning Application No. 2021-19 (Tentative Parcel
Map No. 39493) to subdivide the existing 6.77-acre site of the Rome Hill Commercial Project into
two parcels including one (1) 2.19-acre parcel and one (1) 4.53-acre parcel, and one (1) 0.05-
acre letter lot. Access for the parcels would be provided by a new driveway along Grand Avenue
(the “Project” or “TPM”). The proposed TPM involves no changes to the Rome Hill Commercial
project’s previously approved entitlements. The site is located at the corner of Grand Avenue and
Kathryn Way (APN: 371-150-017);
Whereas, on November 15, 2025, the City Council conducted a duly noticed public
hearing and approved the Rome Hill Commercial project which included General Plan
Amendment (GPA) No. 2022-01, Zone Change (ZC) No. 2022-02, Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
No. 2022-17, Commercial Design Review (CDR) No. 2022-12, and Variance (VAR) No. 2025-
08; all collectively processed under Planning Application No. 2021-19;
Whereas, Section 6.0 of the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP)
requires that all discretionary projects within a MSHCP Criteria Cell undergo the Lake Elsinore
Acquisition Process (LEAP) and the Joint Project Review (JPR) to analyze the scope of the
proposed development and establish a building envelope that is consistent with the MSHCP
criteria;
Whereas, Section 6.0 of the MSHCP further requires that the City adopt consistency
findings demonstrating that the proposed discretionary entitlement complies with the MSHCP
Criteria Cell, and the MSHCP goals and objectives;
Whereas, pursuant to Lake Elsinore Municipal Code (LEMC) Chapter 16.24 (Tentative
Map) the Planning Commission (Commission) has been delegated with the responsibility of
making recommendations to the City Council (Council) pertaining to the tentative map review;
Whereas, on April 21, 2026, 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, and adopted a resolution recommending that the Council Approve
TPM No. 39493; and
Whereas, on May 12, 2026, at a duly noticed Public Hearing, the City Council (Council)
has considered evidence presented by the Community Development Department and other
interested parties with respect to this item.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The Council has considered the project and has found it acceptable.
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Section 2: That in accordance with the MSHCP, the Council makes the following findings
for MSHCP consistency:
1. The Project is a project under the City’s MSHCP Resolution, and the City must make an
MSHCP Consistency finding before approval.
Approximately 4.28 acres of the project site is located within an MSHCP criteria cell. Pursuant
to the City’s MSHCP Resolution, the project has been reviewed for MSHCP consistency,
including consistency with “Other Plan Requirements.” These include the Protection of
Species Associated with Riparian/Riverine Areas and Vernal Pool Guidelines (MSHCP, §
6.1.2), Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant Species Guidelines (MSHCP, § 6.1.3), Additional
Survey Needs and Procedures (MSHCP, § 6.3.2), Urban/Wildlands Interface Guidelines
(MSHCP, § 6.1.4), Vegetation Mapping (MSHCP, § 6.3.1) requirements, Fuels Management
Guidelines (MSHCP, § 6.4), and payment of the MSHCP Local Development Mitigation Fee
(MSHCP Ordinance, § 4).
2. The Project is subject to the City’s LEAP and the Western Riverside County Regional
Conservation Authority’s (RCA) Joint Project Review processes.
Approximately 4.28 acres of the project site is located in Criteria Cell 5038, which is in MSHCP
Elsinore Area Plan, Subunit 3 (Elsinore). Therefore, a formal and complete LEAP application,
LEAP 2022-02 was submitted to the City on January 12, 2022.The JPR application, JPR 22-
03-11-01 was submitted to the Regional Conservation Authority (RCA). The RCA completed
the review on August 19, 2022 and found the proposed development consistent with both the
Criteria and Other Plan Requirements.
3. The Project is consistent with the Riparian/Riverine Areas and Vernal Pools Guidelines.
On November 22, 2021, Hernandez Environmental Services conducted a field survey of the
site to determine whether the project site includes riparian/riverine area or vernal pools.
The project area does not contain any streams or drainages or riparian habitat. The project
site is flat with elevations ranging from 1,272 feet AMSL in the northwest corner to 1,289 feet
AMSL, which is above the 1,265 feet AMSL limit of CDFW jurisdiction around Lake Elsinore.
No defined bed, bank, channel, or obvious shifts in vegetation that would suggest a drainage
feature occur on the site. Furthermore, no vegetation associated with riparian or wetland
habitats was found on the site. Therefore, the project site does not contain habitat that may
be considered riparian/riverine areas as defined in Section 6.1.2 of the Western Riverside
County MSHCP. Due to the lack of suitable riparian habitat on the project site, focused
surveys for riparian/riverine bird species listed in Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP are not
warranted.
Vernal pools are seasonal depressional wetlands that occur under Mediterranean climate
conditions of the west coast and in glaciated conditions of northeastern and midwestern
states. They are covered by shallow water for variable periods from winter to spring but may
be completely dry most of the summer and fall. Vernal pools are usually associated with hard
clay layers or bedrock, which helps keep water in the pools. Vernal pools and seasonal
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depressions usually are dominated by hydrophytic plans, hydric soils, and evidence of
hydrology.
The entire site was evaluated for the presence of habitat capable of supporting branchiopods.
The site was evaluated as described in the USFWS Survey Guidelines for the Listed Large
Branchiopods (May 31, 2016). The project area is primarily comprised of sandy loams. The
onsite soils do not allow for water pooling on the site for any significant length of time after
rain events. No vernal pools, swales, or vernal pool mimics such as ditches, borrow pits, cattle
troughs, or cement culverts with signs of pooling water were found on the site. In addition, the
site does not contain areas that showed signs of ponding water, hydrophytic vegetation, or
soils typical of vernal pools that would be suitable for large branchiopods.
The Project is therefore consistent with the Riparian/Riverine Areas and Vernal Pool
Guidelines set forth in Section 6.1.2 of the MSHCP. No further action regarding this section
of the MSHCP is required.
4. The Project is consistent with the Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant Species Guidelines.
Approximately four acres of the project site are located within the Narrow Endemic Plant
Species Survey Area (NEPSSA). The species in this survey area include the following Narrow
Endemic Plant Species: Munz's onion (Allium munzii), San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia
pumila), Many-stemmed dudleya (Dudleya multicaulis), Spreading navarretia (Navarretia
fossalis), California Orcutt grass (Orcuttia californica), Hammitt's clay-cress (Sibaropsis
hammittii), and Wright's trichocoronis (Trichocoronis wrightii).
On November 22, 2021, Hernandez Environmental Services conducted a field survey of the
site to determine whether the project site contains suitable habitat for narrow endemic plant
species. It was determined that the project site is continually disturbed by the use of motor
vehicles and the storage of large materials. No suitable habitat for the above-listed Narrow
Endemic Plant Species is present on the site.
The proposed project is therefore consistent with the Protection of Narrow Endemic Plant
Species Guidelines.
5. The Project is consistent with the Additional Survey Needs and Procedures.
The MSHCP requires additional surveys for certain species if the project is located in certain
locations. Pursuant to MSHCP Figure 6-2 (Criteria Area Species Survey Area), Figure 6-3
(Amphibian Species Survey Areas with Criteria Area), Figure 6-4 (Burrowing Owl Survey
Areas with Criteria Area), and Figure 6-5 (Mammal Species Survey Areas With Criteria Area),
burrowing owl surveys and surveys for Criteria Area species are required for the subject
property prior to approval of a development proposal.
Criteria Area Species
The species in this survey area include the following Criteria Area Species: San Jacinto Valley
Crownscale (Atriplex coronata var. notatior), Parish's brittlescale (Atriplex parishii), Davidson's
saltscale (Atriplex serenana davidsonii), Thread-leaved brodiaea (Brodiaea filifolia), Round-
leaved filaree (Californica macrophylla), Smooth tarplant (Centromadia pungens ssp. laevis),
Coulter's goldfields (Lasthenia galbrata var. coulteri), little mousetail (Myosurus minimus var.
apus).
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Approximately 4.28 acres of the project site are located within the survey area for Criteria Area
Species. The above-listed Criteria Area Species were not observed on the Project site during
the November 22, 2021 field survey. Although a very small amount (0.01 acre) of Traver soils,
which are known to retain moisture, are mapped within the northern portion of the site, this
area consists of a slope containing artificial fill and debris. It was determined that suitable
habitat for these species does not exists on the Project site.
Burrowing Owl
A burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) habitat assessment was conducted by Hernandez
Environmental Services during its November 2021 field survey of the project site. The habitat
assessment conducted for this species found that the project site is continually disturbed by
the use of motor vehicles on site. No suitable habitat is present on the site due to the lack of
small mammal burrows and manmade structures that could be utilized as burrows, such as
earthen berms; cement, asphalt, rock, or wood debris piles; or openings beneath cement or
asphalt pavement. No suitable burrowing owl habitat occurs on site. This species is not
present.
Nevertheless, as a mitigation measure for the proposed project, the City of Lake Elsinore will
require a pre-construction presence/absence survey for burrowing owl to be conducted within
30 days of the commencement of project-related grading or other land disturbance activities
including vegetation clearing, clearing and grubbing, tree removal, or site water, to ensure that
the species has not moved onto the site since completion of the surveys. If burrowing owl
have colonized the property site prior to the initiation of construction, the Project proponent
shall immediately inform the Wildlife Agencies and the RCA, and prepare a Burrowing Owl
Protection and Relocation Plan for approval by RCA and the Wildlife Agencies, prior to
initiating ground disturbance. Additionally, if ground-disturbing activities occur, but the site is
left undisturbed for more than 30 days, a pre-construction survey will again be necessary to
ensure burrowing owl have not colonized the site since it was last disturbed. If burrowing owl
are found, the same coordination described above will be necessary.
Therefore, the subject project is consistent with the Additional Survey Needs and Procedures
of the MSHCP.
6. The Project is consistent with the Urban/Wildlands Interface Guidelines.
Section 6.1.4 addresses potential indirect impacts to the MSHCP Conservation Area via the
Urban Wildland Interface Guidelines. As the Project is urban in nature and is located near the
Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) conserved lands, the
Project must comply with all MSHCP Urban/Wildland Interface Guidelines (UWIG) as set forth
in Section 6.1.4 of the MSHCP.
7. The Project is consistent with the Vegetation Mapping requirements.
On November 22, 2021, Hernandez Environmental Services conducted a field survey of the
project site. The field survey identified plant and animal species found on the project site.
The project site contains approximately 0.05 acre of habitat dominated by Tamarisk (Tamarix
sp.). This habitat is located at the northwest corner of the site. The project site contains
approximately 6.71 acres of habitat classified as disturbed. These areas are graded and
predominantly unvegetated. The only vegetation present within these areas includes
scattered ornamental trees including tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and gum tree
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(Eucalyptus sp.).
This mapping is sufficient under the MSHCP and is consistent with the MSHCP vegetation
mapping requirements.
8. The Project is consistent with the Fuels Management Guidelines.
Section 6.4 of the MSHCP requires that new developments adjacent to the MSHCP
Conservation Area or other undeveloped lands incorporate any fuel/brush management zones
and Best Management Practices.
The Project will required to incorporate the BMPs outlined in Volume I, Appendix C of the
MSHCP as part of the development pursuant to regulatory and/or County requirements.
Therefore, the Project is consistent with the Fuels Management Guidelines as set forth in
Section 6.4 of the MSHCP.
9. The Project will be conditioned to pay the City’s MSHCP Local Development Mitigation Fee.
As a condition of approval, the Project will be required to pay the City’s MSHCP Local
Development Mitigation Fee at the time of issuance of building permits.
10. The Project is consistent with the MSHCP.
Approximately 4.28 acres of the project site is located in the southern portion of Criteria Cell
5038, which is in MSHCP Elsinore Area Plan, Subunit 3 (Elsinore). The balance of the project
site is not located within either a criteria cell or Subunit 3. Target conservation in Criteria Cell
5038 will range from 35%-45% of the Cell focusing in the eastern central portion of the Cell.
Conservation within this Cell will focus on grassland habitat. Areas conserved within this Cell
will be connected to grassland habitat proposed for conservation in Cell #5036 to the east.
The project site does not contain the grassland habitat sought for conservation in Criteria Cell
5036. Further, the site is not located within the eastern central portion of Criteria Cell 5038
which would provide a connection to Criteria Cell 5036 to the east. Therefore, conservation of
the project the site would not contribute to the conservation goals of the Criteria Cell due to
the absence of grassland habitat with connectivity to grassland habitat within Criteria Cell
5036 to the east. The proposed project is consistent with the MSHCP.
Section 3: The Council finds and determines that the Project is exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (Cal. Pub. Res. Code §§21000 et seq.: “CEQA”) and the CEQA
Guidelines (14 C.C.R. §§ 15000 et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 and Section
15315 because the proposed project would not have a significant effect on the environment, and
no new environmental documentation is necessary since all potentially significant effects have
been adequately analyzed in an earlier Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH No. 2025090173)
which was prepared for the Rome Hill Commercial project on November 15, 2025. Approval of
the TPM will not change the density or the intensity of the use; it simply proposes to subdivide the
6.77-acre into two (2) parcels (2.19 acres and 4.53 acres) and one 0.05-acre letter lot. No
substantial changes that require major revisions to the MND exist and no new information of
substantial importance that require revision of the earlier MND exist. Therefore, no further
environmental documentation is necessary at this time.
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Section 4: That in accordance with State Planning and Zoning Law and the LEMC, the
Council makes the following findings to approve TPM No. 39493:
1. The proposed subdivision, together with the provisions for its design and improvement, is
consistent with the General Plan. The proposed subdivision is compatible with the
objectives, policies, general land uses and programs specified in the General Plan
(Government Code Section 66473.5).
The project is located within the General Plan’s Limited Industrial (LI) district. The proposed
project is compatible with the objectives, policies, general land uses and programs as
identified in the General plan. The proposed project complies with the minimum standards
of the Commercial Manufacturing (C-M) district for minimum lot size and street frontage
requirements. The proposed project is consistent with the provisions of the LEMC and is
therefore found to be consistent with the General Plan.
2. The site of the proposed subdivision of land is physically suitable for the proposed density
of development in accordance with the General Plan.
The site is an existing undeveloped parcel that is suitable for the proposed Rome Hill
Commercial project since it meets the minimum lot area and access requirements. In
addition, the project was previously analyzed and determined to comply with all applicable
development standards and requirements of the LEMC.
3. The effects that this project are likely to have upon the housing needs of the region, the
public service requirements of its residents and the available fiscal and environmental
resources have been considered and balanced.
The project would create an additional parcel without altering existing entitlements, land use
designations, or environmental conclusions previously adopted under Mitigated Negative
Declaration (SCH No. 2025090173) for the approval of the Rome Hill Commercial project.
The subdivision does not introduce new residential components since the approved
development is for a commercial manufacturing warehouse use.
4. The proposed division of land or type of improvements is not likely to result in any significant
environmental impacts.
The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Cal. Pub. Res. Code
§§21000 et seq.: “CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines (14 C.C.R. §§ 15000 et seq.) pursuant
to CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 and Section 15315 because the proposed project would
not have a significant effect on the environment, and no new environmental documentation
is necessary because all potentially significant effects have been adequately analyzed in an
earlier Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH No. 2025090173).
5. The design of the proposed division of land or type of improvements is not likely to cause
serious public health problems.
TPM No. 39493 has been designed in a manner consistent with the General Plan and the
Lake Elsinore Municipal Code and does not divide previously established communities. In
addition, the TPM does not involve any type of improvement(s) since its purpose is to create
two new parcels for future construction of the Rome Hill Commercial project.
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6. The design of the proposed division of land or type of improvements will not conflict with
easements acquired by the public at large for access through or use of property within the
proposed division of land.
The project has been reviewed by all applicable City departments, including the Engineering
Department and outside agencies, and it has been determined that TPM No. 39493 will not
conflict with easements for access or use of the property. Legal access to both parcels will
be provided via public improvements and access easements to be constructed by the
previously approved Rome Hill Commercial project, satisfying the access standards set forth
in Lake Elsinore Municipal Code Sections 16.12.030 and 16.12.040.
Section 5: Based upon the evidence presented, both written and testimonial, and the above
findings, and the conditions of approval imposed upon the project, the Council hereby finds the
project is consistent with the MSHCP and approves TPM No. 39439..
Section 6: This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
Passed and Adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Lake Elsinore,
California, this 12th day of May 2026.
Robert E. Magee
Mayor
Attest:
Candice Alvarez, MMC
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE )
I, Candice Alvarez, MMC, City Clerk of the City of Lake Elsinore, California, do hereby certify that
Resolution No. 2026-50 was adopted by the City Council of the City of Lake Elsinore, California,
at the Regular meeting of May 12, 2026 and that the same was adopted by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Tisdale, Manos, and Carroll; Mayor Pro Tem Sheridan; and Mayor
Magee
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Candice Alvarez, MMC
City Clerk
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