San Juan Capistrano : Panel OKs Annexation of ‘Spotted Bull’ Area
A county commission voted unanimously Wednesday to let San Juan Capistrano go ahead with plans to annex a controversial island of land just outside the city’s northern boundary.
The five-member Local Agency Formation Commission, which reviews proposed boundary changes within Orange County, went along with the wishes of local residents and the city government in approving the annexation of an 82-acre parcel known as the “Spotted Bull” area.
The area lies just south of Via Escolar along Rancho Viejo Road and, except for 23 acres on the western edge, is occupied by housing developments off Spotted Bull Lane.
The owners of the undeveloped acreage had initially opposed the annexation because they were concerned that it would disrupt plans to build offices along Rancho Viejo.
The Country Hills Estates and Spotted Bull Homeowners associations favored the move because they were concerned about commercial development in the local open space.
City Manager Stephen Julian said the zoning and building requirements will be substantially the same after annexation.
The city now must hold hearings to formalize the annexation, Julian said.
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