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Skylark homeowners ask San Marcos to require developer finish conservation work
Summary
Several homeowners from the Skylark subdivision asked the council to require Lennar to finish required conservation‑area work and other infrastructure tied to the development; staff said legal counsel is involved and staff will continue to work with the homeowners.
Homeowners from the Skylark subdivision addressed the San Marcos City Council on Jan. 14 asking the city to enforce development obligations tied to required infrastructure and conservation work at the northern end of Las Posas Road.
Bill Steiner, president of the Skylark Owners Association, told the council homeowners seek completion of a long list of work they say remains undone by the developer Lennar. Steiner asked the city to require Lennar to finish “city trails, water‑authority service road and gates, safety fencing around HOA retention basin, sidewalk and curb repairs, asphalt repairs and overlays, removal of excavated dirt and construction debris,” and remediation of invasive plants in the conservation zone.
“Finishing 40 plus acres of required conservation zone works… installation of 13,000 linear feet of fencing and signage to discourage people from entering the conservation zone” was the most time‑sensitive request, Steiner said, adding the HOA had been unable to obtain private insurance because the property is incomplete.
Two other Skylark residents who spoke — Robert Yafchak and Si Chen — described safety and liability concerns, unauthorized access to conservation lands, damaged fencing, and informal campsites and fishing docks around the lake. Yafchak said gates intended to restrict access were being left open and showed the council photos of vehicle tracks, motorcycles, and informal trails. Chen told the council that the area’s campfires create a fire risk and asked that the city “put their weight behind whatever you can do to help us compel Lennar to finish up what they're obligated to do.”
City response: City Manager Michelle Bender said staff has met repeatedly with homeowners and would continue the dialogue. “We will continue that dialogue and that collaboration, as we're able,” Bender said. She added legal counsel is involved and staff will work “within those bounds.”
What the council did: The item was raised during oral communications (public comment). Council did not take a formal enforcement vote at the meeting, but staff committed to investigate the homeowners’ claims, check compliance with development and recordation requirements, and report back; the record shows legal counsel will guide any enforcement steps.
Why it matters: Homeowners said incomplete conservation work raises safety and environmental concerns and prevents the Fallbrook Land Conservancy (named by speakers) from accepting management of the conservation parcel. Completing required conservation measures is also important to ensure required habitat protections and transfer of management responsibilities.
Next steps: Staff said it will continue to meet with Skylark homeowners and work with legal counsel to determine whether construction bonds or other enforcement tools should be used to compel project completion.
