OCEANSIDE — Planning commissioners last month approved 83 single-family detached homes on nearly 17 acres next to Guajome Lake Regional Park, following a previous vote rejecting the project’s environmental impact report over the summer.
The Guajome Lake Homes project proposes subdividing the 16.78-acre parcel into 83 single-family lots and six common lots, followed by the construction of 83 detached homes.
The Oceanside Planning Commission first considered the project Aug. 11 but voted 4-2 against certifying its environmental impact report after raising concerns about coastal sage scrub mitigation, baseline density calculations, access points into the development and consistency with the general plan and zoning standards, particularly the site’s Scenic Park Overlay and Equestrian Overlay.
Public testimony also raised concerns about potential impacts to wildlife and habitat, equestrian safety, increased traffic and evacuation capacity.
Jennifer Jacobs, a biologist and regular visitor to Guajome Lake Park, previously told The Coast News she was concerned about disruption to habitat for the federally threatened California coastal gnatcatcher.
“I’m super concerned how the birds are going to get through with all of the houses,” Jacobs said.
Oceanside resident Mike Tenhover also worried about wildlife impacts over the summer, calling the development “a total barrier” for wildlife.
Staff returned Oct. 13 with revisions and clarification. Because the commission had already held a public hearing, it did not reopen the public comment period, although commissioners acknowledged additional letters submitted by residents, Preserve Calavera, and the Chatten Brown Law Group.
Under the state density bonus law, four homes would be reserved for very low-income households, entitling them to a 20% density bonus. Based on net acreage, the site could support 74 homes, allowing for an additional 15, for a total of 89, although the developer proposed six fewer. City staff noted gross acreage calculations could have allowed up to 120 homes.
The project would develop roughly 10 acres along Guajome Lake Road, southeast of Albright Street and about a half-mile south of state Route 76, within Oceanside city limits near the Vista boundary.
Plans call for two access points along the currently unpaved Guajome Lake Road, which would be upgraded to a 34-foot-wide paved road with a 5-foot parkway and 5-foot sidewalk within an existing 40-foot easement. The interior would feature a private loop road, 28 to 32 feet wide, with a central 35,000-square-foot recreation area.
Each home would include a two-car garage and driveway space for two more vehicles. Floor plans range from 1,869 to 2,220 square feet, with lots measuring between 2,464 and 5,390 square feet. Approximately seven acres would remain as open space to preserve sensitive habitats and riparian areas, including a stream and a coastal sage scrub hillside.
A 45-year-old Quonset hut and former equipment repair site would be removed. An abandoned home also sits at the back of the property.
Although the site is not located within a High Fire Severity Zone, developer Rincon Homes has voluntarily proposed a fuel modification plan and other fire safety measures that exceed code requirements. Lots on the north side would use ignition-resistant materials.
Commissioner Louise Balma again questioned the developer’s plan to mitigate habitat impacts in Carlsbad’s Quarry Creek area rather than in Oceanside. Development Services Director Darlene Nicandro said the city is working on establishing mitigation banks at El Corazon and a site referred to as Vista de la Valle, but does not currently have one available.
Balma and Commissioner Tom Rosales also previously questioned the project’s request to waive Scenic Park and Equestrian overlay standards. City planner Manuel Baeza noted the developer may request waivers under density bonus, and the city could not deny them without objective findings of specific adverse impacts. He also stated that the site is outside the park boundaries and would not impact the park.
Commissioners approved the project 5-1-1, with Graciela Redgate abstaining and Emily Gonzales opposed.
“It’s not a perfect project – it’s certainly got some things I struggle with,” Rosales said, though he also acknowledged improvements to fire-safety plans.
