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You've seen the signs, and now you need to know what's actually on the agenda regarding the proposed development known as Melia Homes.
This is NOT regarding the oddly named "Mission Hills" project on Mission Trail and Como. From what the agenda says, that's being pushed to another day.
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Since this is an active item and could find its way to the City Council, I'm going to avoid any opinions about this project... other than elections have consequences, and this type of thing is 100% due to the continued Democrat stranglehold on Sacramento.
If you voted for the blue team, you voted for these types of projects to be greenlit in Wildomar.
If you voted for the blue team, you voted for these types of projects to be greenlit in Wildomar.
Here are the facts:
This agenda item is for a 95-home development project (PLN25-0048 / Tentative Tract Map No. 39266) located near the southwest corner of Palomar Street and Wesley Street.
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What is Being Proposed?
A developer wants to build 95 single-family homes on roughly 16 acres of land at Palomar Street and Wesley Street.
Why is it Controversial?
Normally, City rules for this property (Medium Density Residential / R-1 zoning) cap development at 80 homes. However, the developer is using California’s State Density Bonus Law to add 15 extra homes, bringing the total to 95.
To qualify for these extra homes under state law, the developer only has to set aside 4 homes (5%) as low-income affordable housing.
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| I had Google Gemini make this graphic based on information in the agenda. As you can see, the smallest home is 4 bedrooms. I couldn't find a distinction between the market value homes, and the low income versions in the agenda. I'm guessing those will be the micro sized lots mentioned below. For a comparison, my home is 2150sf, and it sits on over 10,000sf. I'm curious as to what the price point will be for the 4 "low income" homes. |
What Else is the Developer Asking For?
Because the developer is using state housing laws, the City is required to consider several waivers and exemptions that bypass normal Wildomar rules:
- Much Smaller Lots: City rules require home lots to be at least 7,200 square feet. The developer is asking to make lots as small as 3,429 square feet so they can squeeze 95 homes onto the land.
- Narrower Streets & Yards: The developer wants waivers to allow narrower lot widths, shorter front yards (less than the standard 20-foot setback), and tighter side yards.
- Taller Walls (Up to 13 Feet): Standard City rules limit property walls and fences to 6 feet. The developer is asking for permission to build retaining walls up to 13 feet tall to handle land grading and drainage.
- Power Pole Exemption: City codes normally require developers to put power lines and utilities underground along main streets. The developer is asking for a special financial concession to avoid putting the power poles underground along Palomar Street, claiming it costs too much.
- No Detailed Environmental Impact Report (CEQA Exemption): Staff is recommending that the project be declared exempt from further environmental study under state guidelines (CEQA Section 15183).
Keep in mind
Under state laws like the Housing Accountability Act (SB 330), cities in California have very limited power to turn down housing projects that include affordable units or to force developers to reduce the number of homes, as long as basic standards are met.
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Link to Agenda
