REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
To:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From:Jason Simpson, City Manager
Prepared by:Gina Gonzalez, Director of Economic Development and Legislative Affairs David Mann, Acting City Attorney
Date:July 22, 2025
Subject:Temporary License to Use a Portion of Parking Lot at Alberhill Ranch Community Park for Charter School Site Pending Completion of a Permanent School Site on Riverside Drive
Recommendation
1. Find that the proposed temporary use project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15311 (Accessory Structures); and
2. Approve the temporary use of a portion of the parking lot at Alberhill Ranch Community Park for modular classrooms for a charter school facility and authorize the City Manager to execute the Right of Entry Agreement and License and to address any other ancillary matters as may be necessary to allow for and facilitate the use thereof, in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.
Background
Vista Charter Public Schools has requested that the City grant a temporary right to use a portion of the parking lot at Alberhill Ranch Community Park until their permanent facility is constructed in the City. Vista Charter is in escrow to purchase property at Riverside Drive and Joy Street (APN 379-160-004) for a permanent facility. The transaction for a permanent site is contingent on Vista Charter obtaining all necessary governmental approvals by March 20, 2026.
Discussion
The proposed temporary use area is depicted in Exhibit B (Site Plan) to the attached Right of Entry Agreement and License and would include up to eight temporary modular classrooms to accommodate up to 170 students and 24 full-time staff.
Vista Charter Temporary License
In year one, Vista Charter proposes to operate a kindergarten to 9th grade education program (K- 5: 70 students, 6-9: 100 students) and then expanding their offerings annually by one grade per year (year two adding 10th grade, year three adding 11th grade, etc., and the possibility of expanding to include transitional kindergarten). Important for the community, Vista Charter proposes to operate both a traditional school and a trade school at its future home. Additionally, there are no other charter schools within the City’s boundaries. City staff has confirmed that the Riverside County Board of Education has approved Vista Charter to operate in the City.
The temporary use will be for three years with an option to extend one additional year if construction is unexpectedly delayed. Based on considerable consultation with City staff and representatives of Vista Charter, staff have concluded that this temporary use will not unreasonably interfere with the public's use and enjoyment of the park.
The Right of Entry Agreement and License provides for a reasonable use fee, which will offset staff costs and any other related expenses resulting from additional use of the park. Additionally, upon termination, the parking area used by the modular units will be restored to its original condition.
In addition to the requirement that the license be approved by the City Council this evening, the school facility plan is subject to design review approval by the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will hear that matter on August 5, 2025. The license to use the parking lot is necessarily contingent upon the Planning Commission’s approval, which approval remains within the discretion of the Commissioners.
Environmental Determination
The proposed temporary use is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (Cal. Publ.
Res. Code §§21000 et seq.: “CEQA”) and the State CEQA Guidelines (14. Cal. Code Regs §§15000 et seq.), specifically pursuant to Section 15311 (Class 11 – Accessory Structures) because the use consists of the placement of temporary modular structures appurtenant to a publicly owned park and Vista Charter is a public charter school available for enrollment for children throughout the community.
Fiscal Impact
None. The use fee is anticipated to adequately cover any costs incurred by the City as a result of the temporary use and the use area will be restored to its original condition at the conclusion of the use period.
Attachments
Attachment 1 – Right of Entry Agreement and License
Economic Development