French Hotel – Site Plan Review (SPR) 22-002

The French Hotel Site Plan Review (SPR 22-002) is a development project located in San Juan Capistrano, California, managed by the City's Development Services Department. The project involves the construction of a 70-room boutique hotel at 31861-31871 Camino Capistrano. A central component of the scope is the restoration and rehabilitation of the historic Domingo Yorba and Casa Manuel Garcia Adobes, which will be repurposed for guest rooms and dining facilities. Additional planned amenities include an event space, on-site valet parking, and various related site improvements. A critical aspect of this development is ensuring physical and aesthetic compatibility with the City's Inventory of Historic and Cultural Landmarks, specifically regarding the Don Juan Avila Adobe, El Adobe Restaurant, and the Esslinger Building. The project, led by applicant 31861-31871 Camino Capistrano QOZB LLC, has been determined to be categorically exempt from further environmental review under CEQA Section 15332 as a Class 32 Infill Development. This exemption is based on the project's consistency with the general plan and zoning, its site size of under five acres, and the determination that it will not result in significant environmental impacts.