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Planning Commission approves PoolRX and Rhinos rugby training academy in Rancho San Clemente Business Park
Summary
The commission approved a conditional use permit (Resolution 26‑015) for PoolRX to operate a warehouse/office with a rugby training academy and an ancillary takeout canteen at 1120 Via Callejon, subject to an off‑site parking agreement and conditions addressing loading, noise, and use limits.
The San Clemente Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit on May 20 for PoolRX to operate a hybrid warehouse/office and a rugby training academy (CUP 22‑204) at 1120 Via Callejon in the Rancho San Clemente Business Park.
Staff described the 21,000‑square‑foot existing building and said the mixed use (warehouse/distribution, office, group instruction and a limited takeout canteen) is consistent with the specific plan and commercial zoning when conditioned. Because the code treats part of the building as office space, staff used a conservative parking calculation that required an off‑site parking agreement for 18 additional spaces; staff recommended adoption of Resolution 26‑015 approving the CUP and a minor CUP to formalize the parking arrangement.
Why it matters: The approval allows an established pool‑supply/warehouse business (PoolRX) to co‑locate a rugby training academy operated by PolarX/Rhinos and provides a new local sports‑training resource while preserving logistics operations and limiting public‑facing food service to takeout.
Architect James Spencer described the site layout and explained deliveries would occur at the rear loading dock so daytime distribution and evening training would not conflict. Owner/representative (introduced on the record as Andre Trefasu and Derek Nalebias) said the rugby program invests in youth and community programming, runs international collaborations, and uses vans to transport athletes; he said indoor activities will be the primary use and evening turf use will be limited.
On parking and operations: Commissioners asked whether the proposed artificial turf would convert parking spaces to outdoor training; the architect said the turf is a low‑profile, roll‑up mat painted to show stalls and that the area can be reconfigured and removed for fire access. Staff confirmed the group instruction use and a small canteen for takeout are permitted ancillary uses subject to the conditions in the staff report. Noise limits in the commercial zone (65 dB) and the on‑site/off‑site parking calculations were discussed; staff characterized the parking estimate as conservative and noted the off‑site agreement is already in place.
Action taken: A commissioner moved to adopt staff recommendations and find the project categorically exempt from CEQA, and the commission approved Resolution 26‑015 adopting the conditional use permit and associated minor CUP for the parking agreement by unanimous vote.
Next steps: The applicant may proceed with the typical permit issuance process after the planning commission action clears the council minutes/appeal window; staff encouraged outreach to the business park association as a follow‑up.
