Board approves lots for Del Mar Mesa

New custom homes and subterranean garages could be coming to the Del Mar Mesa.

Last week, the Del Mar Mesa Community Planning Board approved of Pardee Homes’ latest tweaks to their plans for their Shaw Larenz community on Carmel Mountain Road.

Shaw Larenz’s original scheme was for 139 homes with four different models, but now 42 or fewer lots could be sold for custom homes. Board members said they were pleased with the addition of custom lots as it promises to bring a better diversity of homes to the Mesa.

“I think this is really an important thing for Del Mar Mesa that these lots remain custom lots,” Paul Metcalf said.

At the earliest, homes and lots at Shaw Larenz could be available by early 2010, according to Allen Kashani of Pardee.

Grading has been completed on the site, Kashani said, and Pardee is beginning construction on a bridge at the end of Carmel Mountain Road, just east of Carmel Country Highlands.

Custom counts

A somewhat-rural environment characterizes Del Mar Mesa, which includes about 250 homes. Nestled into the Los Peñasquitos Preserve, the neighborhood’s “sidewalks” are paved in bark and lined by fences.

While Metcalf was excited about the custom lots, board member Lisa Ross expressed concerns that the plan change also included scaling down some loggia (columned corridor) features on their models. Ross said without the detail, it could leave the side of the home looking flat and featureless.

“When you eliminate articulation, it makes everything look so tract-y,” Ross said.

Kashani said the models still feature articulations - features like overhangs and columns - approved by the board in the original plans.

Great views

Grading on the mesa for Shaw Lorenz can be seen from the Torrey Hills Dog Park, as it sits up on Carmel Mountain Road. The project’s lots will have significant views, Metcalf said, as homes will look over the greens of the Grand Del Mar golf course, the natural wildlife of the preserve and out to the ocean.

According to the tentative map, the homes would be at minimum, 3,771 square feet.

The subterranean garages will follow a deep driveway, with the garage on the side of the house. Ross said the hidden garages are much preferable to having them up in front of the house.

The design of the custom homes will follow guidelines set by Pardee Homes, Kashani said. Horses will also be allowed on properties large enough to handle them, he said.