Planning Commission approves Vista Valley permit modification

The county’s Planning Commission approved a modification to the Vista Valley Country Club’s Major Use Permit.

The Planning Commission’s 6-0 vote October 7, with David Pallinger abstaining on conflict of interest grounds due to his nearby residence, allows a change in the clubhouse’s exterior architecture from the Tuscan theme approved in 2010 to a Mission Revival theme. No other changes from the previous permit stipulations had been requested.

“We chose to change the architectural style and upgrade it,” said land use consultant Brooks Cavanaugh.

In November 2009 the Planning Commission recommended a Major Use Permit modification, which allowed for the renovation and expansion of the clubhouse.

Although the Planning Commission normally has the authority to modify a Major Use Permit, the Vista Valley Country Club is in a specific plan area, any Specific Plan Amendment must be approved by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (the architectural change is not considered a Specific Plan Amendment and will not require Board of Supervisors approval).

That modification was approved by the Board of Supervisors in February 2010 and added a partial additional story to the clubhouse while increasing the clubhouse’s square footage from approximately 17,000 square feet to approximately 39,200 square feet. The changes did not increase the golf club and social membership limits, and an addendum to the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report, which had been approved in 1984, was also approved by the Planning Commission.

The 2010 permit modification included remodeling all areas of the clubhouse while altering the exterior architecture to a Tuscan theme which would have featured a light colored plaster facade, minor stone veneer accents, and clay tile roofing. The Mission Revival theme will emphasize a combination of light colored plaster and expansive stone facades, exposed timber elements near eaves and windows, covered walking arcades, and a rotunda-like carport tower at the front of the building. The color palate will be shifted to include richer earth tones.

“There are over 170 homes in the Vista Valley neighborhood,” Cavanaugh said. “We have no objections.”

In September 1978, the Planning Commission approved a Major Use Permit for the operation of an 18-hole golf course, a driving range, four tennis courts, a 17,000 square foot clubhouse, parking, and other golf course related amenities. Later that month the Board of Supervisors adopted a specific plan for the golf course portion only, and in January 1979 the county supervisors adopted a specific plan, which added the residential component. The original specific plan covered 429 acres comprised of 243 acres for single-family residential lots, 150 acres for the golf course and country club and for other open space use, and 36 acres for roads. In November 1979 the Planning Commission approved a Major Use Permit modification to allow immediate use of the golf course and placement of a mobile home for use as a temporary pro shop.

Modifications involving road and off-site improvements were granted in 1980. In October 1984 the county supervisors amended the specific plan to modify the configuration and location for various land uses and to provide for increased residential density. The specific plan now covers 414 acres consisting of 173.0 acres for 37 estate lots, 50.5 acres for 128 clustered lots, 125 acres for the golf course, 0.3 acres for the recreation center, 51.0 acres for six open space lots, and 15.1 acres for streets. Golf club membership is limited to 425 people while social membership is limited to 150 people.

The Bonsall Sponsor Group voted 4-0 in September 2008 to recommend approval of the 2010 changes and voted 7-0 in June 2011 to recommend approval of the architectural modification.

To comment on this story online, visit http://www.thevillagenews.com.