An overview of Montecito Ranch
The Proposed Project would include the development of a rural residential community consisting of 417 single-family residential units, in addition to associated public facilities and infrastructure improvements.
The paramount objective of the Project is to create an environmentally sensitive residential community compatible with the rural character of the surrounding area. The proposed homes would be consolidated within the eastern half of the SPA on lot sizes ranging from approximately 0.5 acre (20,000 square feet [s.f.] minimum) to 1.8 acres. A total of up to 573.8 acres of the Project site would be dedicated as open space, of which approximately 220.5 acres have been set aside as mitigation for past farming activities on site.
The Project site is divided into two units. All open space in Units 1 and 2 would be dedicated upon completion of Unit 1. The dedicated open space areas would include steep slopes, sensitive biological habitat, important archaeological resources, buffer areas, and other environmentally sensitive areas to create viable wildlife corridors and linkages.
The Proposed Project would be phased relative to the two separate units noted above, althoughgrading/construction could simultaneously be occurring in both units at once. Unit 1 would include 244 single-family residences within five neighborhoods, and Unit 2 would include 173 residences,within three neighborhoods. Lots 1 through 30 in Unit 1 would be allowed to keep up to two horses each. The Proposed Project would fully develop and dedicate an 8.3-acre local park, as well as dedicate land for and a 10.6-acre charter high school site and an 11.9-acre historical site surrounding the existing historic Montecito Ranch House. The Project would include renovation of the historic Montecito Ranch House. The historical site would include an equestrian staging/overflow parking area. The equestrian staging area would include several horse pens, an animal wash down area, hitching posts, an arena, a picnic area, and parking.
The draft environmental review, with all sub sections pertaining to the project, are available for download below. All comments are due back to the Ramona Community Planning Group at their July 3rd meeting at 7pm, at the Ramona Community Center, so that all comments can be incorporated into the record. Please come to this meeting to let your Planner representatives know how you feel about this project, either for or against.
