Riverside County held a scoping session on July 21, 2025 to begin environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act for the proposed Holland Ranch Specific Plan (SP406), a standalone project that would require a specific plan, a general plan amendment and a change of zone.

Krista Mason, project planner, told the hearing that the project site comprises six vacant parcels totaling about 716 gross acres in the Winchester community (west of Leon Road, east of Briggs Road, south of Dominagoni Parkway and north of Craig Avenue). The applicant’s submittal proposes 3,462 dwelling units across a range of densities — a target of 666 medium-density units, 2,032 medium‑high‑density units and 664 high‑density units — plus roughly 100 gross acres of water and open-space recreation and about 42 gross acres of parks and trails. The applications include General Plan Amendment No. 250,001, Change of Zone No. 250,001 and Specific Plan No. 406.

Mason explained the purpose of the Notice of Preparation (NOP) and an environmental impact report (EIR): to analyze potential environmental impacts, identify mitigation measures and provide agencies and the public an opportunity to scope the EIR. “The purpose of an EIR is to share information to the public on a project's potential impacts,” Mason said, summarizing CEQA objectives and the current process. The county’s NOP period began July 14 and closes August 13, 2025; written comments for scoping are due to the county by 5 p.m. on August 13.

Hearing officer John Hildebrand noted the project’s proximity to the City of Menifee and asked staff to ensure Menifee receives transmittals and opportunities to comment. Staff confirmed Menifee had already received an initial transmittal. Mason emphasized this EIR will be a separate, standalone environmental review from the still-pending Winchester community plan and will be processed independently.

No decisions were made at the session. The scoping session is informational; staff and the applicant (who was present online) are available to receive written comments and follow-up questions during the NOP period. Mason provided county contact information for submitting written input and encouraged agencies and members of the public to participate in the scoping process.

Next steps: county staff will prepare the EIR, circulate a draft for public review once prepared (per CEQA timelines), and accept scoping comments through the NOP close date of August 13, 2025.