Commission approves annexation ordinances for two adjoining properties; applicant intends PD rezoning and historic-mansion preservation

The City Commission voted at first reading on Sept. 11 to approve ordinances to annex two adjoining properties into the city and change their future land-use designation to city low-density residential.

The two annexation items concern:
- Ordinances 25-24 and 25-25: annexation and future land-use map amendment for approximately 0.66 acres at 15359 East Oakland Avenue (from Orange County low-density residential to city low-density residential).
- Ordinances 25-27 and 25-28: annexation and future land-use map amendment for approximately 5.59 acres at 15373 State Road 438 (from Orange County low-density residential to city low-density residential).

Planning staff said both properties were submitted by the same applicant, are contiguous, and are expected to be brought forward later as a single PD (planned development) rezoning application. The smaller parcel currently has a single-family home built in 2005; the larger parcel contains two single-family homes built in 1919, including a historic mansion. Staff said the applicant intends to renovate the historic mansion and preserve the site’s largest heritage oaks. Staff also indicated an arborist report has identified trees on site and that the proposal will aim to save the largest, healthiest specimens.

Commissioners asked for clarification on what “low density residential” allows; staff replied that the future land-use designation sets a limit (stated in discussion as up to six units per acre under the city’s low-density designation) and that the eventual PD will specify detailed zoning and design standards. No members of the public spoke during the annexation public hearings. The commission approved the annexation/future land-use ordinances at first reading; second readings and final public hearings are scheduled for Sept. 25, 2025.

Staff recommended approval of all four ordinances and noted the annexations are preparatory steps prior to a PD application that would include design review, tree preservation commitments and historic-preservation elements.