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Staff says big-box vacancies are filling; plan-check turnaround among fastest in county
Summary
City staff told the Planning Commission that while small-suite vacancies remain typical, several large retail vacancies in Rancho Santa Margarita have been or are being repurposed (including a proposed pickleball facility at the former Bed Bath & Beyond); staff noted fast plan-check timelines under contract with Charles Abbott and Associates.
A commissioner raised concerns about commercial vacancies in town during the Feb. 4 Planning Commission meeting; city staff responded that many vacancies — particularly large-format retail spaces — are actively being filled and that smaller-suite vacancies remain typical.
City staff (Mr. Cooter) told the commission that the former Bed Bath & Beyond is slated to become a pickleball facility and is in plan check, with a resubmittal received earlier that week and an expectation to issue permits soon. “We have been able to fill all of the empty big boxes in town,” staff said. Staff also described another large tenant (referred to as Eos in the transcript) as progressing through inspections and plan check.
Staff described the city’s plan-check turnaround as comparatively fast: about 10 days for first plan check and five days for second plan check, facilitated through the city’s contract with Charles Abbott and Associates. Staff said when permit processing appears delayed it is often because applicants have not resubmitted revised plans or requested inspections; inspections occur when applicants call for them.
Staff noted a recent shift in permit revenue: commercial permit revenue has increased while residential project activity has declined, a pattern staff said will be reflected in the midyear budget review to be presented to City Council. Commissioners thanked staff and commended city economic-development outreach.
The commission did not take formal action on vacancies; the exchange was informational.
