Riverside County Planning Commission - 2026-01-07
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Riverside County Planning Commission approved two development projects on January 7, 2026. Highland Grove 5, a 73-lot single-family residential subdivision on 36.5 acres north of El Sobrante Road, was approved 4-0 with a general plan amendment, zone change from light agriculture to R-1-10000, and agricultural preserve diminishment. Tentative Parcel Map 39275, an 11-building industrial condominium subdivision on 4.21 acres near French Valley Airport, was also approved 4-0.
Key Decisions (3)
Consent Calendar Item 1.1 - Time Extension Request
Time extension request approved as part of consent calendar.
Highland Grove 5 Residential Subdivision - Tentative Tract Map, GPA, Zone Change, and Ag Preserve Diminishment
Approved tentative tract map to subdivide 36.5 acres into 73 residential lots and 10 open space lots, located north of El Sobrante Road, east of McAllister Street, south of Lily Lane in Lake Matthews area. Includes general plan amendment consolidating land use to Low Density Residential (2 units/acre), zone change from Light Agriculture 10-acre minimum to R-1-10000 (single family residential 10,000 sq ft minimum lots), and agricultural preserve diminishment from El Sobrante Number One preserve. Developer: Highland Grove 5 (Steve Waddell, general manager). Builder: Trumark Homes. Average lot size approximately 13,000 sq ft. Community benefit includes either per-unit fee or two-mile water line construction with Western Municipal Water District.
Tentative Parcel Map 39275 - Industrial Condominium Subdivision
Approved tentative parcel map for 4.21 gross acres as Schedule E condominium subdivision for 11 individual industrial buildings on Parcel 1 of Parcel Map 33691 R1. Located north of Wells Street, south of Ald Road, east of Scott Canyon Drive, west of Industrial Way in French Valley area near French Valley Airport. Applicant represented by Temecula Engineering Consultants (Stan Heaton). Waiver of final map granted due to prior subdivisions and improvements.
Zoning Changes (1)
North of El Sobrante Road, East of McAllister Street, South of Lily Lane, Lake Matthews area (two parcels totaling 36.5 acres)
Highland Grove 5 (Steve Waddell)
Development Activity (2)
Highland Grove 5
73 single-family residential lots on 36.5 acres with 10 open space lots. Lots average approximately 13,000 sq ft (minimum 10,000 sq ft). Includes trail connectivity, water quality basin, conservation areas, and landscaped slopes. HOA and CFD maintenance. Grading expected within 6-9 months.
Tentative Parcel Map 39275 Industrial Condominiums
11 individual industrial buildings on 4.21 gross acres as condominium subdivision. Part of larger Burrell Airport Center Specific Plan 265, Planning Area 2 (manufacturing and service commercial).
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Multiple community members testified about low housing inventory in ZIP code 92503 and strong demand from Orange County residents seeking to relocate to Riverside County.
Infrastructure
Water pressure problems in the Tremontae/Citrus Heights area are significant enough that the developer is investing approximately $300,000 in potholing, plans, and CEQA documents to expedite a two-mile water line improvement with Western Municipal Water District.
Housing Demand
The El Sobrante policy area has a housing cap of 1,500 units, with only 439 units remaining after this 73-unit approval, indicating limited future residential development capacity in this area.
Sentiment
Community sentiment strongly positive toward continued residential development in Lake Matthews area, with testimony citing reduced transient problems and break-ins following prior development.
Commercial Demand
Industrial condominium development near French Valley Airport continues with variety of building sizes to accommodate range of business types.