San Clemente : Industrial Park Map Approved by Council

The City Council unanimously approved a final tract map for what is to become the first of four industrial parks planned for San Clemente’s sprawling Rancho San Clemente area.

Overall, 299 acres out of 1,943 allocated for development are slated for commercial construction in the sprawling backcountry off Avenida Pico. The 117-acre site approved Wednesday represents about a third of the total real estate earmarked for business development.

John Ochsner, vice president of Church Engineering, a Newport Beach firm retained by the developer, Costa Mesa-based Western Savings & Loan Development Corp., said grading on the site is nearly complete and construction of streets and other improvements can begin almost immediately.

The developer hopes the tract, which will accommodate 48 individual parcels ranging in size from a half-acre to 11 acres, will attract research and development firms and light manufacturing companies that would erect their own buildings. Ochsner said two such firms are already considering moving into the park.

Ochsner said construction of buildings can get under way soon after streets are laid and other on-site improvements, such as sewers, are installed. According to City Planner Steve Flint, site plans for individual parcels will require Planning Commission approval.