TTM 20443 Lovemore Ranch

Merrell-Johnson Companies, acting on behalf of Lovemore Investments LLC, is seeking approval for Tentative Tract Map No. 20443 to subdivide an 18.49-acre parcel in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, into 64 single-family residential lots and two lettered lots for open space and recreational facilities totaling 2.75 acres. The project includes the development of five private internal streets with primary access via Hillview Road. The scope of work encompasses grading, vegetation removal, and the installation of stormwater infrastructure, all of which must comply with the San Bernardino County Development Code, the Countywide Policy Plan 2020, and California Title 24 building energy efficiency standards. The project is subject to rigorous environmental oversight under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), featuring a recirculated Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration to address court-mandated updates to hydrology and stormwater impact assessments. Key requirements include obtaining an Incidental Take Permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, conducting pre-construction surveys for desert tortoises, burrowing owls, and nesting birds, and employing both Native American and paleontological monitors during ground-disturbing activities. Technical compliance is measured by the San Bernardino County Hydrology Manual, requiring post-development peak flows to be no more than 90 percent of pre-development levels. Administrative oversight is managed by the San Bernardino County Land Use Services Department, with a public review period conducted from August 3 to September 2, 2026.