Planning Commission Staff Report
Report Prepared by: Francisco Mendoza-Gonzalez, Planning Division, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Workshop on the Virginia Smith Trust Specific Plan, including background information and updates on upcoming applications. The subject is located south of the University of California Merced campus boundary, on the east side of Lake Road, approximately 5,000 feet north of Yosemite Avenue.
ACTION
No action is required by the Planning Commission. This item is being presented for informational purposes.
Body
DISCUSSION
VST Land Use Plan
The Specific Plan includes a mix of land uses, featuring a range of residential densities and housing types such as single-family homes, cluster homes, "flat" apartments, and multi-family units. It also includes areas designated for commercial uses, as well as sites for a school, a combined police/fire station, and parks and open space. The plan incorporates a network of bike trails and walking paths. The land use plan map is included at Attachment B.
Below is an outline of land uses within the specific plan by acreage:
* Residential Uses - 410 acres (approximately 3,560 residential units not including density bonus)
* Commercial Uses - 44 acres (approximately 856,200 square feet of retail/office space)
* Open Space and Parks - 113 acres for open space and parks, 78 acres specifically for parks
* K-8 Elementary School - 19 acres
* Roads and other Infrastructure - 79 acres
Pending Applications
VST has submitted seven vesting tentative subdivision maps that are scheduled to be heard by the Planning Commission early 2026. These maps include one large-lot map and five small-lot maps. The large-lot map establishes the boundaries for the small-lot maps, which together cover approximately 654 acres. These maps represent all of Phase 1 of the project. Phase 2 comprises roughly 45% of the VST Specific Plan area and will be processed at a later date.
If approved, the Phase 1 small lo...
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