TUSTIN : More Units OKd for Tustin Ranch Project

The Planning Commission has approved a zone change that will allow up to 100 more housing units than initially authorized in the 14-acre Tustin Ranch project.

The commission also voted to approve an agreement with the project developer, William Lyon Co., to provide $200,000 to the city’s park development fund. The money will go toward park improvements in East Tustin, senior planner Dan Fox said.

Under the approved rezoning, 25 housing units per acre will be allowed, up from the previous 18 units per acre.

“Whether they are physically able to fit that many lots on the property remains to be seen,” Fox said. “Many projects do not reach maximum density.”

Richard Sherman, executive vice president of the Newport Beach-based company, said the development will consist of single-family townhomes.

Concern was voiced by some residents about a possible increase in traffic on surrounding streets, but a report from a traffic engineer showed that though there would be an increase in daily trips through East Tustin, the overall area would not be affected, Fox said.

Fox said the environmental impact report for the Tustin Ranch project made in 1986 overestimated the number of units that would be built. As a result, there is less traffic in the area than anticipated.

The Planning Commission’s action must be approved by the City Council before it goes into effect.