Farris Hall of Albert A. Webb Associates told the Riverside County Planning Commission on July 16 that the applicant seeks FGPA 240060 to increase the community development light‑industrial designation on a 13.34‑acre property north of Highway 74 and east of Interstate 15. The change would expand the light‑industrial acreage from roughly 1.22 acres to about 3 acres to cover an existing contractor’s yard and reconcile split land‑use and zoning lines.
Hall said the site has operated as a contractor’s yard since the 1990s and that the current owner purchased the property in 2021 without confirming permit status. A 2009 HANS letter (habitat acquisition negotiation strategy) previously designated about 6.15 acres in the northern portion of the parcel for conservation under the MSHCP; Hall said equipment previously stored in that conservation area has been removed and the owner seeks to correct unpermitted activity through the FGPA and subsequent entitlements.
Staff noted the property is close to Highway 74, near existing commercial and storage uses, and is screened by topography. Commissioners expressed support for initiation and praised the owner’s steps toward compliance; several commissioners said the change would allow the business to pursue permits and remain a local employer. Farris Hall said the business employs about 52 people.
Planning staff warned that if the item proceeds, implementing project approvals could require amended HANS/MSHCP coordination, a conditional use permit or change of zone, and technical studies including grading and circulation alignment with county plans. The commission summarized four votes in support of initiating the FGPA and encouraged coordination with county and wildlife agencies as required by the MSHCP process.