VISTA — A proposal to construct 15 single-family homes at a vacant site along West Bobier Drive earned the Planning Commission’s approval last month, with a commitment from the developer to safeguard a famous frog that currently resides on-site.
This frog in question is no small creature. It’s actually a large, painted boulder visible from the roadway that has served for decades as a community landmark at the city’s western entrance from Oceanside.
Once the site of a single-family home, the 1.67-acre parcel at 552 West Bobier Drive has sat largely empty for nearly 20 years, aside from Frog Rock and other large boulders on the north end of the site.
Recently, however, SWS Engineering proposed a project for 15 attached homes on the site, along with dedicated open space and a private road.
Some community members who learned about the project called for Frog Rock to be preserved. One resident, Michael Pawelski, made a video on social media that drew over 100,000 views, sharing his concerns about the rock being removed as a result of the proposed development.
“I just would love if development goes through with 15 attached homes, that the boulders can somehow be preserved. Frog Rock has been beloved by many Vistans who enter that way through Oceanside Boulevard,” Pawelski told the Vista City Council in early June.
At a June 16 Planning Commission meeting, SWS Engineering President Mike Schweitzer addressed the recent social media buzz about Frog Rock and said it would be preserved as part of an open space area on-site, along with a walking trail for residents. 
“It was kind of one of the key points when we did the site design, to maintain Frog Rock,” Schweitzer said. “We are maintaining all the large granite boulders that are on the property. That was kind of one of the key things, we wanted to keep that feel of what the property is.”
He also agreed to add a condition that the homeowners association for the homes would be responsible for maintaining the paint on the rock.
Planning Commissioners unanimously approved the project and thanked the applicant for preserving the frog.
“I’m glad you’re on the record for the frog. It was a social media sensation. So thank you for that,” said Commission Chair Lisa de Jesus.
“It is an interesting project, and it’s a bit of a tough site,” said Commissioner Bill Martin. “I’m very pleased that the boulders are remaining and incorporated into the site.”
Project details
All of the homes in the project would be two-story, three-bedroom residences, with a driveway and a two-car garage, for a total of four parking spaces per home. The project would also include five guest parking spaces on-site.
The project has a density of nine units per acre, which is less than the maximum allowed density of 10 units per acre permitted for the site in the city’s General Plan. SWS Engineering requested a waiver of local zoning requirements that limit the total number of allowed units on the site to 12. 
The developer was also granted waivers for other design standards, including no side setbacks rather than the minimum of 5 feet; an average lot size of 3,808 square feet rather than the minimum of 6,000 square feet; and 77% lot coverage, exceeding the 60% maximum.
As part of the project, the developer would also complete roadway improvements along West Bobier Drive, including a new sidewalk, curb, and gutter and enhanced paving. Access to the project would be provided from West Bobier.
Commissioner Carl Redding, who said he lives near the project site and sees it almost every day, said that developing the lot will help beautify the area.
“I think this project anchoring this one corner for Vista is a good thing,” Redding said.
Commissioners had mixed opinions about the proposed colors for the project, which include reddish brown, light brown, and gray. Some commissioners said the colors looked too busy, while others said they thought the developer created an attractive project.
A couple of residents also raised concerns about the project’s density at this particular site. One resident, Glenn McGraw, said it looked similar to many other projects that have popped up in Vista.
“I believe that it’s designed for the maximum profit and minimum consideration for the city, but I do understand the need for additional housing. So, it’s a tough cookie,” McGraw said.
The site is surrounded by other residential developments to the north, south and east. The lot directly west is the site of the 323-unit Modera Melrose apartment project in the city of Oceanside.
The site did not need to be rezoned for the project.
