Savi Ranch properties are expected to play a larger role in Yorba Linda’s new housing plan designed to meet a state mandate to create opportunities for 2,415 new housing units for a time period extending to 2029.
A previous effort to rezone sufficient land to meet the state requirement failed by a 75% “no” vote in November. The new plan – anticipated for a November 2024 vote – adds eight acres in Savi Ranch to the rezoning plan for a 400% increase in the number of housing units.
In addition, Savi Ranch properties would see an increase in density from 35 units per acre to 60 units per acre, to bring the Savi Ranch contribution to meet the mandate to 790 units from the previous 200 units. Housing heights in Savi Ranch would be limited to five stories.
The Savi Ranch recommendation came from a 17-member, city-selected working group of residents that met six times under the guidance of a city-hired consultant, the Irvine-based marketing, technology and public affairs company Tripepi Smith.
A key reason for recommending the large increase in housing units in Savi Ranch is to revitalize a region that has some retail establishments struggling to survive and other areas needing new investment.
According to a lengthy report detailing the working group’s recommendations, the members “are excited at the possibility of a ‘downtown’ experience with mixed-use integrated into (the area), creating a retail and residence district that is similar” to other new development.
A major concern about the added housing numbers is increased traffic. The working group’s report noted the city is in the design phase of traffic improvements in the area, but additional units could return traffic conditions “back to what they are, as of June 2023.”
However, the city traffic consultant has reported that 850 units could be added to Savi Ranch without signalized intersections exceeding their target level of service numbers.
The 275-page report with the working…
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