Commission approves final plats for Finch Branch Sections 3 and 4, adding 78 lots in medium‑density neighborhood

The La Verne Planning Commission on May 20 approved final plats for Sections 3 and 4 of the Retreat at Finch Branch, adding 78 lots across roughly 37.66 acres in an R‑2 (medium‑density residential) area.

Planning staff presented both plats and described street extensions, cul‑de‑sac bulb designs and creek crossings associated with the proposals. "This is a request for final final plat approval at the retreat at Finch Branch. And, this plat, this is section 4, and they're proposing 38 lots on 16.91 acres," staff member Logan said of Section 4. For Section 3, Logan described 40 lots on 20.75 acres, noting the extension of Spring Street and Purple Finch Court and the box culvert under construction for a roadway crossing.

A project representative confirmed that, except for the identified common areas, the lots are buildable. The commission asked about paving and bond estimates; city staff responded that the paving topping layer (one‑and‑one‑half‑inch asphalt) was the relevant bonded item and that staff used median/average comparisons with similar projects to validate the $210,000 estimate in the packet.

Commissioners moved to approve each final plat "as submitted," and both motions carried by voice vote. Staff reminded the commission and applicants to remove "review purposes only" language from documents prior to final signatures.

Next steps include the applicant recording the plats and constructing the street and drainage improvements shown in the plans. The plats sit adjacent to industrially zoned land on several sides, but planning staff said mature landscaping and buffers currently separate the residential area from surrounding warehouses and distribution uses.