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Council extends Lewis Ranch subdivision map for one year; project remains active
Summary
Council approved a 12-month discretionary time extension for the Lewis (Lotus) Ranch tentative subdivision map, extending its expiration from Aug. 5, 2025 to Aug. 5, 2026; the project remains planned for up to 547 single-family lots and associated public facilities.
The El Centro City Council voted 5-0 to grant a 12-month time extension for the Lewis Ranch (Lotus Ranch) tentative subdivision map, a large single-family development south of Interstate 8 that was first approved in 2016.
Planning staff said the Lewis Ranch project covers roughly 213 acres between Bruce Street Avenue and the Lewis Canal and is proposed to include about 547 single-family lots, a roughly 10-acre public park, school sites, retention basins and phased development. “The project was initially approved by the city council back in September 06, 2016 and encompasses 213 acres south of Interstate 8…proposed to have 547 single family lots,” city staff said during the presentation.
Under the City’s subdivision rules and the State Subdivision Map Act, a tentative map has an initial two-year life. Staff explained the map may be extended by automatic two-year extensions when a phase map is recorded, and separately by discretionary 12-month extensions; the council granted one 12-month discretionary extension tonight, which will move the map’s expiration from Aug. 5, 2025 to Aug. 5, 2026 if the resolution is adopted as recommended.
Staff reported that two phase maps (B1 and B2) have been recorded and that 22 existing homes in B1 and 22 homes under construction in B2 show active progress on the site. The planning commission unanimously recommended approval of the time extension at its May hearing; staff said notices were published and surrounding property owners were notified and that no public comments were received during the hearing. A representative for the builder, Matthew Cowie of Princeton Associates Realtors, told the council the homes being built are semi-custom “high-end” units and said there is strong buyer demand, with construction staged so that as units are completed the next tranche is started.
Council approved the discretionary 12-month extension by motion and second; the vote was 5-0. Staff said the extension gives the applicant additional time to record a phase map or to request another 12-month extension before the new expiration date.
