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Planning commission approves Sunny Slope side-yard variance for new single-family home in Country Club Heights
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a variance to reduce the required 12-foot side-yard setback to 5 feet on the western side for a proposed single-family home comprising several contiguous parcels in the Country Club Heights neighborhood.
The Lake Elsinore Planning Commission approved a variance to reduce the required 12-foot side-yard setback to 5 feet along the western side for a proposed single-family home in the RH (Hillside single-family residential) zone, in the Country Club Heights neighborhood.
Principal Planner Nancy Quinn told commissioners the project site combines seven contiguous parcels totaling about 0.68 acres. Staff said physical constraints — including steep hillside topography, an irregular lot shape and narrow rear dimensions — limit the developable area and support variance findings that the property cannot otherwise enjoy the same development rights as neighboring lots. Staff recommended the commission find the project exempt from CEQA and adopt a resolution approving Variance No. 2025-07.
Hector Shabirra, a longtime area resident and project representative, addressed the commission and described the local challenges: steep topography, narrow roads, sewer and water limitations, and utility delays. He asked that the city consider broader zoning or infrastructure solutions to ease development in the area and referenced conversations about road-widening funding and utility coordination.
Commissioners praised the proposed design’s positive effect on an otherwise challenging site, noting the development would be a “first step” in the area. No members of the public requested to speak on the matter. Commissioner Peters moved the approval and Commissioner Carroll seconded; the commission recorded the motion as carried.
Why it matters: Granting the variance permits a single-family home design that adapts to difficult hillside conditions and may set a precedent for similar lots in Country Club Heights. The discussion also highlighted infrastructure constraints — sewer, water and narrow roads — that participants said limit development in the neighborhood.
Next steps: Staff will correct the draft resolution language (staff noted the resolution mistakenly referenced a rear-yard setback rather than the side-yard setback) and proceed with standard permit and plan-check processes as applicable.
