“Joshua Tree Estates” 32-lot development proposed for Sunfair 80-acre parcel

A subdivision calling itself “The Joshua Tree Estates” is planned for a parcel of open desert located a little west of the Sunfair dry lake area. The 80.2 acre parcel sits between Broadway Street to the north and Sapphire Street to the south, with Sunever Road and La Farney Avenue defining it’s east and west borders.

Plans for the parcel include subdividing the lot into 32 residential lots that range from 2 to 2.6 acres each. The Initial Study does not include plans for developing the individual parcels. The tract currently sits in the rural living (RL) land use category and in the Joshua Tree Rural Living Zoning District.

The applicant is listed as “JT Santorini Villa LLC,” and their website describes a proposed development “bringing Mediterranean charm and serenity to the heart of Joshua Tree.” The Los Angeles-based developer’s website describes the themselves as a “team of skilled contractor who specialize in creating beautiful, functional spaces for your home or business.”

The website doesn’t provide in depth details on the development, but it does say the estates are “set on expansive 2.5-acre lots across 80 scenic acres, (and) the development will be delivered in phases to ensure quality and exclusivity.”

The land is currently vacant and has a mix of residential properties and vacant lots surrounding the proposed subdivision. Adjacent lots to the north, east and south are vacant, with the majority of occupied lots sitting to the west across La Ferney Avenue. There are also a handful of short-term vacation rentals in the area, and the parcel sits a little over a mile and a half from popular off-highway vehicle (OHV) spots Sunfair dry lake and Sunfair 42 Motocross Park.

You can view the lot location on OpenStreetMaps here.

A complete assessment of the proposed development is available on the County’s Land Use Services website, including a mitigated negative declaration (MND), hydrology study, noise impact and other required paperwork for such a project.

You have until July 28 to submit public comments on the MND and the Initial Study.

Please submit comments to shannon.casey@lus.sbcounty.gov or mail to:

Shannon J. Casey, Contract Planner III
760-780-3617
County of San Bernardino
Land Use Services Department – Planning Division
385 North Arrowhead Avenue, First Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0187