Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Subdivision topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves Rancho Calera Block 3 tentative map for 82 lots
Summary
The council approved the tentative subdivision map for Block 3 of the Rancho Calera specific plan, a 21‑acre portion of the larger 82‑acre site, allowing 82 residential lots (5 outlots) to move forward with a notice of exemption under CEQA.
The Chowchilla City Council on Feb. 25 approved the Rancho Calera Block 3 tentative subdivision map (24‑0112), clearing the way for a 21‑acre phase that will create 82 lots and five outlots within the wider Rancho Calera specific plan.
Planning staff told the council the overall Rancho Calera site is about 82 acres; the Block 3 map being considered covers roughly 21 acres. The subdivision will split that block into 82 residential lots ranging from about 5,000 to 7,700 square feet, with primary access from Genoa Lakeway and South Lake Tahoe Drive. Staff said the site is zoned medium‑density residential and is consistent with the city’s general plan and the Rancho Calera specific plan; the council was presented with a notice of exemption under CEQA Guidelines §15182(a)(c), consistent with residential projects implementing a specific plan and with the specific plan’s previously adopted EIR (2011).
Doug Collins, superintendent of Chowchilla Elementary School District, urged the council to prioritize student safety and pedestrian access near Ronald Reagan School, noting concern about traffic patterns and the number of access points onto Robertson Boulevard. Developer representatives said safety features — including slip roads, landscaped medians, internal promenades and a planned 10‑foot pedestrian/bike path along East Robertson — are part of the design. The developer also said the portion adjacent to the school will be rear‑loaded so there are no driveways directly in front of the school.
Staff said Block 4 had previously received approval at final map stage and that the developer is processing maps for blocks 3, 4 and 13 to enable engineering drawings and utility trenching to be provided to builders. The council approved the tentative map and accompanying notice of exemption by roll call vote 5–0.
Planning staff said the tentative map allows the developer to record the map, post bonds and proceed toward grading and construction permitting as lots are sold; additional project phases and commercial components will return to the council as required.
