Planning and Transportation Commission to Review Proposed Dog Park

At its November 14, 2011 meeting, the Planning and Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing to review the environmental documentation associated with a City initiated petition submitted by the City of Mission Viejo Public Services Department for the development of a dog park on approximately 6 gross acres of vacant land located to the south of James G. Gilleran Park on the westerly side of Felipe Road, between Tamarind and Fieldcrest. 

For the purpose of State compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, the City is processing an Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration for the proposed project.  The proposed dog park will provide three separate areas for dogs to run off-leash as follows: (1) large dogs will have a fenced area that totals approximately 1.4 acres; (2) small dogs will have a fenced area that totals approximately 0.6 acres; and (3) a separate fenced area that totals approximately 0.1 acres will be provided for people that want an area for their dog to exercise by itself. 

In addition to the three dog exercise areas, the proposed project includes surface parking for 42 cars, a pedestrian walking trail around the perimeter of the dog park, landscaping throughout the park and the building pad slopes, low-level safety and security lighting, bench seating with shade canopies, three drinking fountains, and split rail and chain link fencing.  The east half of the proposed dog park, which comprises approximately 2.71 acres, is located in the County of Orange, and the remainder is in the City of Mission Viejo.  The 2.71 acres of County of Orange property will be annexed into the City of Mission Viejo by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) if the project is approved.  The City of Mission Viejo property is located in the R (Recreation) zone.

The Planning and Transportation Commission meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. or soon thereafter in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 200 Civic Center.