Developer says Sandy Fire slowed Runnel Canyon construction; senior site and estate lots delayed

Jordan Ferguson, speaking for Runnel Canyon LLC, told the City Council that the May Sandy Fire affected several estate lots used as emergency staging. Ferguson said the project team is revising grading certifications, adding a new fire‑access easement to improve apparatus turning on lot 244, and coordinating third‑party geotechnical and pavement reviews with Ventura County Fire and city staff.

"We learned quite a bit about fire access and are making changes, particularly to lot 244, which will have a new fire access easement graded,” Ferguson said. He reported that phase‑one grading was completed earlier in the year but building permits remain pending while the team and city complete recertification and additional stability studies. Ferguson said the senior community and recreation center plans are targeting a final submittal by July 31 and that phase‑one estate lots could be completed by January 2027, subject to ongoing review.

Ferguson also addressed community pavement complaints on Buckbrush, Purple Sage and Talbert, saying third‑party reviews are underway and resident meetings will precede any work schedule. Council members pressed for a matrix of updated dates; Ferguson agreed to provide updated timelines at the next quarterly report.