Riverside County Planning Commission - 2026-02-18
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Riverside County Planning Commission approved a 36-unit apartment complex at Columbia Street near Florida Avenue in Hemet, requiring a general plan amendment from medium density to very high density residential and rezoning from split R-3/light agriculture to all R-3. The commission also approved vacation of a portion of Haskell Road in Thousand Palms for SunLine Transit Agency's expansion project. An agricultural employee housing ordinance was continued to April 22.
Key Decisions (3)
Vacation of Haskell Road portion for SunLine Transit expansion
General vacation and termination of maintenance of a portion of Haskell Road in Thousand Palms area, requested by SunLine Transit Agency to accommodate their administrative and transit operations facility expansion at 505 Harry Oliver Trail. SunLine acquired a vacant parcel north of Haskell Road, and the road now lies entirely within their property. Transportation, fire, and Coachella Valley Water District had no objections.
Agricultural Employee Housing Ordinance continued to April 22
Change of zone item regarding agricultural employee housing ordinance continued to allow more time to fine tune wording and discuss with the public.
36-unit apartment complex at Columbia Street, Hemet area
General plan amendment 2200007, change of zone 2200028, and plot plan 2200032 for Senate Development Group (Keith Tolliver). Project consists of four apartment buildings totaling 36 units (one, two, and three bedroom floor plans) on 2.4 acres. Buildings include three two-story structures (24'7" tall) and one three-story building (35'9" tall). 90 parking spaces provided. Site located northerly of Acacia Street, easterly of Columbia Street, southerly of Florida Avenue, westerly of Cornell Street in 3rd District.
Zoning Changes (1)
Northerly of Acacia Street, easterly of Columbia Street, southerly of Florida Avenue, westerly of Cornell Street, Hemet area (3rd District)
Senate Development Group (Keith Tolliver)
Development Activity (2)
SunLine Transit Agency Expansion
Administrative and transit operations facility expansion requiring vacation of portion of Haskell Road that now lies within SunLine-owned property
Columbia Street Apartments
36 units in four buildings on 2.4 acres; three two-story buildings (24'7") and one three-story building (35'9"); 90 parking spaces; one, two, and three bedroom floor plans; amenities include covered picnic tables and barbecues; wrought iron fencing at front, vinyl fencing at sides and rear
Market Signals (3)
Housing Demand
Staff and commissioners emphasized high housing need in the region, supporting density increases from medium to very high density residential to address regional housing shortages.
Infrastructure
SunLine Transit Agency is expanding its administrative and transit operations facility in Thousand Palms, indicating continued investment in public transit infrastructure.
Sentiment
Resident opposition cited concerns about parking overflow from existing Hemet apartments, overcrowded hospital services, and lack of maternity ward, suggesting infrastructure strain in the Hemet area.