Developer Proposes 32 Homes at Oaks Farm

In what may require approval in a citywide special election, a developer is proposing to build 32 homes on the San Juan Capistrano ranch owned by Joan Irvine Smith.

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Late last month, California-based developer Trumark Homes turned in to the city a "pre-application" to build 32 single-family detached one-and-two story houses on lot sizes as small as 10,000-square-feet, as well as a new 10-acre equestrian center.

Located off Ortega Highway at 31000 Avenida Siega, the Oaks Farm is a horse jumping, training and breeding facility founded and owned by Smith, the great granddaughter of Orange County pioneer James Irvine.

In March, Smith announced she would sell the 20-acre property, and listed it with the McMonigle Group for $19.9 million. In a recent e-mail to Patch, farm manager Sheri Grady-Merkle did not confirm a sale of the land, writing "we are not prepared to release a statement regarding The Oaks."

In its "preliminary review form" to the city, James O'Malley of Trumark Homes is listed as the applicant. Listed as the owner is Oaks Inc. at 18881 Von Karman Ave. in Irvine.

City staffers said their initial review of Trumark Homes' proposal "indicates a vote of the people will be required." As proposed, some of the homes would be built in areas designated as open space in San Juan Capistrano's master planning guidebook.

A ballot initiative approved in 2008, Measure X, requires that any changes to land designated as open space in the city’s General Plan be approved by voters.

City staffers said they will meet with the Oaks and its developer to discuss development options.

Trumark said it will "conserve and integrate or relocate" the farm's oak trees, some of which are among the oldest in the area and date back 300 years.

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