Ritchie Ranch Tentative Subdivision Map No. 5600, Conditional Use Permit No. 2024-23

Lennar Homes of California LLC is developing the Ritchie Ranch project in Visalia, California, involving the subdivision of approximately 44.89 acres into 320 single-family residential lots. The project, governed by Tentative Subdivision Map No. 5600/5604 and Conditional Use Permit No. 2024-23, is located within the R-1-5 zoning district. The development includes non-standard lots smaller than 5,000 square feet with reduced widths and setbacks, as well as six landscaping outlots and two public pocket parks. Infrastructure improvements consist of local street construction with connections to North Demaree Street, West Shannon Parkway, and West Rivervay Avenue, along with the installation of curbs, gutters, sidewalks, streetlights, and block walls. The City of Visalia serves as the lead agency and has issued a Mitigated Negative Declaration, determining that the project will not have a significant environmental effect under the California Environmental Quality Act. Key regulatory requirements include compliance with San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District emissions rules and the City of Visalia Oak Tree Preservation Ordinance, which mandates mitigation fees of 120 dollars per inch of diameter at breast height or replacement planting for removed Valley Oaks. Technical assessments include a Traffic Impact Study confirming most intersections will operate at level of service D or better, and recommendations from the Department of Toxic Substances Control regarding soil testing for agricultural contaminants.