792-Acre Development Project Near The Farm Gets Wildomar City Council Approval

The proposed “Spring Meadows Ranch Community” situated on 792 acres near The Farm in Wildomar is the largest project considered by the city since its incorporation in 2008. On Dec. 11, that project received approval from Wildomar City Council. 

With a 5-0 vote, the council approved a request by project applicant Rancho Santa Fe–based Shapouri & Associates to amend Wildomar's general plan and allow the project to move forward.

According to Ali Shapouri, principal at Shapouri & Associates, the company wants to develop a "world class" non-gated community that includes 403 acres of medium-density housing, a large equestrian center with boarding, a retail center, parks, community center, pool, clubhouse, and trails, all surrounded by open space. In total, the community would be 792 acres in size.

"We're going to take the time to do it right," Shapouri said during a November Wildomar Planning Commission meeting, noting that his firm would be the master planner for the project with guest builders constructing in "well-planned out" phases.

Shapouri said he would like to see development start in 2015.

Although the proposed project falls within The Farm specific plan, Farm residents George and Gail Taylor objected to the project if it infringed on roads within their community.

"We oppose any use of our streets," Gail said.

Council members Bridgette Moore and Bob Cashman worried about lack of ingress and egress in the area for public safety vehicles.

"It's remote," Moore said.

"I really don't think [the project is] suitable for this area," Cashman said. 

There are still many requirements before construction can begin on the project. An environmental impact report, tentative tract map, design plans, etc., must all be submitted to the city and approved before building gets underway.