SAN CLEMENTE : Developers to Get All Permits Requested

Despite limits set by a slow-growth law, residential developers for the first time in five years will be able to receive all the construction permits they have requested, planning officials said.

Because the land development economy has slowed in South County, developers this year have requested only 481 permits in the city--just shy of the annual limit of 500 specified by the slow-growth law, said Bob Goldin, principal planner.

If developers meet minimum city standards for residential projects, they will be guaranteed the permits they request, according to a report by City Atty. Jeffrey M. Oderman.

“This is the first time we’ve seen less than 500 units,” Goldin said. “It’s because there is a glut of residential units.”

Goldin said another reason the developers came in under the 500-home limit is that one firm which sought permits for 300 units last year did not apply this year.

The city Planning Commission reviewed the plans this week and is expected to approve seven residential projects at its July 18 meeting. The City Council will then give final approval to the plans, Goldin said.

In previous years, residential developers vied for their permit allotments in a review process that lasted several months and often resulted in elaborate presentations before the City Council.

Goldin predicted that the numbers will go up when the economy springs back. “This is just a lull in the storm,” he said.

This year’s largest proposal is 333 homes to be built by Arvida Co. in Talega Valley, the city’s newest residential community. The area includes 1,600 acres inside San Clemente’s boundaries and 1,900 acres in adjoining county territory.