Chapter 17.190 — CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT SUBDIVISIONS

The purpose of cluster development subdivision development is to provide:

• A. Site planning and unity of design in harmony with the natural features and constraints of specific sites, and particularly on sites with unique or severe topographic or hydrologic features and biological resources.

• B. Protection of natural, historic and man-made elements of scenic, environmental or cultural significance.

• C. Design innovation.

• D. Flexibility of siting of structures and roadways.

• E. More cost-effective development due to decreased grading and more efficient servicing of the development with utilities, roads and other essential services.

• F. Additional open space for private or community purposes.

• G. A preferred planning tool for the development of land within constrained or otherwise lands suitable for preservation.

• (Ord. 247, 1/15/2025)

For the purpose set forth earlier in this chapter and to promote natural resource preservation and conservation and to minimize the construction and maintenance costs of community facilities and utilities, all directed toward the objective of fostering land development of good quality and design at reasonable economic cost, the Planning Commission is hereby authorized to review and act upon all cluster development subdivisions in accordance with the following provisions. In all cases, the Planning Commission shall have the full authority of subdivision approval, approval with conditions or denial, as authorized by the Subdivision Map Act (Government Code Sections 66410 through 66499.41 ) and Title 16 of the Wildomar Municipal Code. (Ord. 247, 1/15/2025)

This chapter applies to any proposed single-family residential development that would benefit from or achieve one or more of the purposes above. Cluster development subdivisions shall be permitted for a residential development consisting of five or more residential lots. (Ord. 247, 1/15/2025)

• A. General Standards. Cluster development subdivisions, and adjustments of residential lot standards, shall comply with the following standards:

  1. All development shall be located on the more level and unconstrained portions of the site, while steeper and environmentally sensitive areas shall be preserved in a natural state.

• B. Lots developed through cluster development subdivisions may be smaller in size than would be allowed by the underlying zone, so long as the following occurs:

  1. The resultant development generally retains the architectural mass, bulk and scale of surrounding/existing development.

  2. The resultant development preserves, as much as feasible, other environmentally sensitive areas or habitat on site.

  3. Those homes can be constructed meeting setback requirements without the need for a subsequent variance. Building areas shall be clearly marked on the development plans reviewed by the Commission.

• C. Lot Count. The permitted number of dwelling units may not exceed the number which could be permitted, taking into consideration natural and regulatory constraints, if the parcel(s) were subdivided into lots conforming to all the normally applicable requirements of this Title, including the Subdivision Ordinance, and all other applicable laws and standards. The basis for this

determination will be a conceptual conventional subdivision map layout for the subject parcel(s), and any other information as may be required by the Planning Commission.

• D. Cluster Development Subdivisions. At the written request of the applicant, the Planning Commission may modify the zoning regulations in one-family residence districts with respect to lot area and dimensions provided that:

  1. Such modifications result in design and development which promote the most appropriate use of the land, facilitate the adequate and economical provision of streets and utilities, and preserve the natural and scenic qualities of open lands.

• E. The permitted number of dwelling units in no case exceeds the number which could be permitted, in the Planning Commission's judgment, if the entire property were subdivided into lots conforming to all the normally applicable requirements of this chapter, the Subdivision Ordinance, and all other applicable standards.

• F. The maximum permitted building height and the minimum permitted floor area requirements shall be the same as those normally applicable to other dwellings in the zoning district in which the property is located.

• G. The dwelling units permitted may be detached, semi-detached or attached structures, provided there shall be no more than six dwelling units in any single structure.

• H. Open Space Requirements.

  1. Cluster development subdivisions shall be designed to save as much of the natural open space as feasible, but in no case shall the open space be less than 25% of the gross site area.

  2. Conservation open space ownership and control shall be only by one of the following:

     • a. As part of an individual, private lot with recorded open space covenants running with the land.

• b. By the City of Wildomar, as legally dedicated to and approved by the City Council.

  - c. By the Western Riverside County Resource Conservation Authority. 
  
  - d. By a qualified nonprofit conservation organization as deemed acceptable by the City. 
  

  3. Conservation open space does not include public or private streets, driveways, parking areas, channelized drainage ways and disturbed, unvegetated areas.

• I. In addition to compliance with any special standards, requirements and procedures as set forth in this chapter, cluster development subdivisions shall also be subject to review and public hearing by the Planning Commission in accordance with the same procedures as would otherwise be applicable to conventional subdivisions.

• J. Upon the filing of the subdivision map in the office of the County Clerk, a copy shall be required to be filed with the City Clerk, who shall make the appropriate notations and references thereto on the official copy of the Zoning Map.

Figure 17.190.040-1 — Cluster Development Example

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(Ord. 247, 1/15/2025)