Planning commission tentatively approves zone change to Scenic Highway Commercial at Van Buren and Barton

Riverside County Planning Commission on June 25 tentatively approved Change of Zone No. 24000058 to reclassify a 0.91-acre parcel at the southeast corner of Van Buren Boulevard and Barton Street to Scenic Highway Commercial (CPS) to match the parcel’s commercial-office general plan designation.

Christian Lua, the project planner, told the commission the site already has a commercial building under construction for five tenant spaces. Staff said the proposed CPS zoning is consistent with the general plan and that the building as constructed complies with the development standards of the proposed zone, so the change will not create a new legal nonconforming use. Staff also said the item is supported by advertising in the Press-Enterprise and mailed notices to property owners within 600 feet; staff received two phone calls requesting information and no written expressions of support or opposition had been received as of the hearing.

Commissioners asked whether the building under construction would meet the new zone’s standards; staff replied it does. No members of the public spoke on the item. A commissioner moved to tentatively approve the change of zone consistent with staff recommendations and another seconded; the commission voted to tentatively approve the zone change. Staff cited Environmental Assessment No. 42600 as the previously certified document that addresses potential environmental effects and recommended that no new environmental document was required.

The rezone will broaden the commercial uses allowed on the 0.91-acre parcel while leaving the general plan designation unchanged. Staff did not report any conditions beyond standard development-review requirements at the hearing.