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RCA board unanimously approves Murrieta fee-credit tied to large land donation
Summary
The Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority approved a fee‑credit request from the City of Murrieta allowing a developer to transfer land for conservation in exchange for mitigation‑fee credit; staff says roughly 546 acres qualify for credit with an appraised value of $62,435 per acre and an estimated fee impact of $3 million.
The Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority unanimously approved a fee‑credit request from the City of Murrieta on Feb. 2, authorizing the executive director to enter a fee‑credit agreement with the city.
Aaron Gabbie, Director of Regional Conservation, told the board the Murrieta Hills specific plan amendment involves a proposed 965‑acre development by Plutie Homes with a land donation of roughly 615 acres proposed for conservation. "The appraisal concluded a valuation of the land at $62,435 per acre," Gabbie said. He said approximately 546 acres qualify for the fee credit, with a total qualifying‑land valuation of $34,095,753 and an estimated local development mitigation fee of about $3,000,000.
Under the RCA mitigation‑fee implementation manual, fee credit may be awarded only for land that would be developable in the absence of the MSHCP and must be conveyed in fee title to the RCA or an entity able to hold conservation easements. Gabbie said conveyance must occur prior to the point when fee payment is due, and the member agency must not issue occupancy permits until conveyance and any fee balance are resolved.
Board members praised staff and the developer for bringing a complex package together. One director said the donation reflected "a very generous donation to the RCA" and thanked staff for months of analysis. A public commenter representing the project, Jarrett Grama, said he appreciated working with staff and was available for follow‑up questions.
Banning moved to approve the fee‑credit request; Corona seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Next steps, as described by staff, include determining the timing of the land conveyance and whether a budget adjustment is needed to recognize the donation.
