LAKE FOREST
A number of residents in unincorporated Portola Hills, fearing that an undeveloped 200-acre plot south of them will become filled with businesses, have called on Lake Forest officials to rezone Portola Hills South for residential use. City officials plan to begin proceedings to annex Portola Hills next year. Portola Hills South was annexed in November, and is zoned for commercial and industrial use.
The City Council and Planning Commission held a workshop Tuesday to discuss the city’s zoning options after flights cease at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. The base will close July 3.
A number of Portola Hills residents asked the council at the workshop to zone Portola Hills South for residential use to ensure their quality of life. City Council members, however, say their hands are tied by the possibility of a commercial airport opening at the El Toro site; state and federal law regulates the types of development allowed near airports.
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