Planning Commission to consider Anaheim Hills apartment proposal Monday

The city’s Planning Commission will consider Monday, Sept. 30, whether to approve a proposed 498-unit apartment complex in Anaheim Hills.

City staff recommend commissioners reject the project, saying allowing more people and cars into the area “will increase evacuation time and result in an exacerbation of risk” and that the topography of the hilly property will make it makes it unsuitable for the proposed development.

Dubbed Hills Preserve, the development would be built on half of a 76-acre undeveloped wilderness area off Highway 91, off Santa Ana Canyon Road.

The proposal before the commission would see the construction of a seven-story midcentury-style apartment building, six single-family homes and commercial space. The remaining 43 acres would be devoted to open space.

There are also plans to add amenities such as a rooftop pool, bowling alley and fitness center, as well as allowing access to non-residents via membership.

The site, along with hundreds of homes nearby, is in a very high risk fire hazard zone.

Although SALT Development landowners said the proposed project fits the area well and would reduce fire risk by reducing vegetation and adding fire hydrants, among other features such as retaining walls, it is facing strong opposition from surrounding neighbors, who say it would be difficult to evacuate in the event of a fire.

The expected rent for the apartments would be between $2,400 and $16,000 per month.

A proposed development agreement would see SALT Development contribute $500,000 to affordable housing, $2.2 million to Anaheim Fire and Rescue, increase access to the nearby Deer Canyon Park preserve and dedicate open space.

An environmental impact report says that in a worst-case scenario on a Friday, wildfire evacuation would take 210 minutes if the apartments are built, compared to 186 minutes otherwise.

An alternative plan for the site would cut in half the amount of commercial space that would be built to 40,000 square feet, eliminate single-family homes and limit the number of non-resident club members who could visit and use the amenities.

If approved by the Planning Commission, the project will still require City Council approval. If denied, SALT Development may appeal the commission’s decision to the City Council, where a hearing must be held within 60 days.

The meeting begins at 5 p.m. Monday at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., inside the City Council Chambers. Interested viewers can watch on the city’s YouTube channel.