Planning commission backs revised 48‑unit townhome project in East Hills; neighbors secure removal of pedestrian gate

The West Covina Planning Commission on May 27 recommended approval of a revised application to build 48 two‑story townhome units on three contiguous parcels in the East Hills area and certified a mitigated negative declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act.

Senior Planner Fabiola Wong told commissioners the 5.35‑acre project includes a general plan amendment, East Hills master plan review, a zone change to allow a specific plan/precise plan, a tentative parcel map for condominium subdivision, and a tree removal permit covering the proposed removal of 35 to 44 oak trees. “Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a resolution recommending approval to the City Council of general plan amendment number 13‑4, East Hills master plan review number 13, zone change number 13‑04, and certifying the mitigated negative declaration,” Wong said.

The application was continued from a May 13 meeting to allow the applicant to meet neighbors. The applicant presented a revised layout that keeps the project at 48 total units while reconfiguring unit groupings along Oak Knoll Drive to reduce the number of units with direct driveways and to shift two units from the street edge into the project interior. As a result,…