New Housing Tract Planned on Pauba

A vast open space near the will soon be dotted with homes.

The 31.86-acre lot just west of Margarita Road across Pauba Road from the library is slated for 16 houses and one open space area with two water-quality basins, according to a staff report.

The planning commission conditionally approved the project on May 4.

The plan originally included 33 residential parcels and two open spaces, the report states.

The development will be nested among large lots and mini mansions, and the homes were designed to blend in with them, the report stated.

“Semi-custom tract homes tend to fall into a challenging niche between estates with acreage and executive homes,” said longtime local real estate agent Michael Ward. “The project is a good fit for the neighborhood, however, this type of property requires a very specific buyer."

The project was in the works for nearly a decade. It started in 2002 when Larry Slusser submitted the application on behalf of Naron Pacific.

The application went on hold through 2004 and 2005 as the city updated its general plan. The general plan lays out zoning boundaries and guides development for city planners.

The project was formally resubmitted for approval at the end of 2008.

Construction is slated to occur in three phases and is anticipated to involve 172,000 cubic yards of cut and 156,000 cubic yards of fill, with the remaining dirt to be exported.

In addition, the proposed project adheres to the specific design guidelines set for the area.  These guidelines address grading, architectural styles, details and materials, color palettes, landscaping, irrigation, walls and fencing and other items related to future development.

The allowable architectural designs for the homes are California Ranch, Craftsman, Monterey and Victorian. The designs fall in line with the general plan's requirements, according to the report.