MISSION VIEJO

The Planning Commission approved on Monday what it considers a compromise ordinance to control landscaping at Lake Mission Viejo. For more than a year, the city has unsuccessfully tried to force the Lake Mission Viejo Assn. to remove a stretch of oleanders that grow on the south shore of the lake. The city contends that the shrubs could grow to heights that block views of the artificial lake from Alicia Parkway. The ordinance, which must still be approved by the City Council next week, would limit landscaping along an 800-foot, center section of shoreline to 18 inches in height. The ordinance would allow remaining landscaping on the south shore to grow to the height of the curb. Association officials consider the restrictions unfair.