Riverside County Planning Commission - 2026-03-18
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Riverside County Planning Commission approved a change of zone and conditional use permit for a gas station at 28771 Central Avenue in Lake Elsinore to allow alcohol sales. The commission also voted to support initiating a foundational general plan amendment for RJ Noble's asphalt plant on Matri Road in Temescal Valley, seeking to change the designation from open space/mineral resources to community development heavy industrial. Two environmental scoping sessions were held for major projects: the Sendor Resort and Residences (a 30-acre mixed-use development in the 4th District) and the Cabazon Community Plan (planning for up to 25,000 new housing units over 30 years).
Key Decisions (2)
Change of Zone and CUP at 28771 Central Avenue, Lake Elsinore
Approved rezoning from manufacturing service commercial to Scenic Highway commercial and conditional use permit for Type 21 ABC license (off-sale beer, wine, spirits) for existing gas station and convenience store. Applicant: Sherry Olsen on behalf of property owner. Site is 1.44 acres.
FGPA Initiation for RJ Noble Asphalt Plant on Matri Road
Commission voted to support initiating foundational general plan amendment 24-00062 to change land use from open space/mineral resources to community development heavy industrial for approximately 40 acres to allow standalone asphalt plant operation separate from surface mining permits. Applicant: RJ Noble represented by Patrick Mitchell (Mitchell Chadwick) and Andrew White (Benchmark Resources).
Zoning Changes (2)
28771 Central Avenue, Lake Elsinore
Sherry Olsen (representative)
Matri Road, Temescal Valley (40-acre parcel)
RJ Noble / Martin Murata
Development Activity (3)
Sendor Resort and Residences
30 gross acres; 67-guestroom hotel with restaurant and event pavilion (38,293 sq ft amenities), 31 single-story casitas (970-1,910 sq ft each on 2.3 acres), spa/fitness center (19,844 sq ft on 1.5 acres), 32 branded residences (2,221-2,552 sq ft on 4.7 acres), 26 luxury villas (3,024-3,404 sq ft on 5.7 acres)
Cabazon Community Plan
30-year community plan for up to 25,000 new housing units; includes land use changes from rural residential/desert to mixed-use high density residential, commercial retail, and light/heavy industrial; infrastructure plan for water, wastewater, flood control, utilities, and roadways
RJ Noble Asphalt Plant Improvements
Existing 40-acre asphalt plant site seeking standalone permit; proposed additions include 15,000-20,000 sq ft truck/maintenance shop, equipment shop, truck parking, and recycled asphalt plant; current permitted production up to 1,200,000 tons per year
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Cabazon Community Plan anticipates 25,000 new housing units over 30 years, indicating significant long-term residential growth expectations in the San Gorgonio Pass area.
Commercial Demand
Sendor Resort and Residences project in the 4th District signals luxury hospitality and residential demand in currently undeveloped desert areas near existing equestrian/recreational uses.
Infrastructure
Cabazon lacks sewer infrastructure and direct state water project connection; wastewater treatment plant analysis is underway to support planned growth.
Infrastructure
Transportation access is a critical concern in Cabazon with train blockages affecting emergency services; I-10 bypass and Morongo overpass projects are in planning.
Sentiment
Community opposition exists to industrial expansion in Temescal Valley due to dust, traffic, and proximity to growing residential development.