Montecito Ranch is a 935 acre property designed for just over 400 half acre lots, equestrian facility, trails and open space.
“This is one of the most well-planned developments I’ve seen in a long time,” County Supervisor, Dianne Jacob.
Many were impressed with the collaboration between the developer and the community because the planners had changed the plan based on community input and gained strong support in the area.
This project was approved by the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors on August 4, 2010.
As the Project Manager, Winwood Design’s involvement started with a new land plan and concluded with final approvals by the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors.
Feasibility: This initial phase of the project involved evaluating the existing land plan prepared for Chevron, the previous property owner. A new land plan would need to be financially feasible based on current market conditions and acceptable to the County of San Diego, Ramona Planning Group and the Wildlife Agencies. The County of San Diego had also recently developed new ordinances which affected the proposed development, including the General Plan Update (GPU), Traffic Impact Fees (TIF) and North County Multiple Species Conservation Program (NCMSCP).
Land Planning: Utilizing this feasibility information along with site visits, topographic mapping and aerial photos, a preliminary land plan was prepared which took into account the grading, sewer, water, drainage, biological and cultural factors. This land plan development was particularly difficult because of the extreme terrain, biological open space restrictions, and fuel management requirements.
Entitlements: A design team was developed and managed in order to prepare a tentative map, grading plans, site plans, and landscape plans, along with numerous reports to be used in the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Meetings with local Agencies, County officials and Planning Groups were held in order to determine the acceptability of the project and to determine the precise process in order to obtain final approvals for the proposed development. This project required a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Specific Plan, two Major Use Permits, Tentative Map, Site Plans and EIR. Special evaluation was necessary for the on-site sewer treatment facility and an off-site water distribution system. Approvals required a close relationship with Ramona Municipal Water District and Caltrans, and evaluation of off-site roadway improvements with the County Department of Public Works.
