San Diego

Genstar Southwest Development Company’s plans to build more than 2,600 single- and multifamily housing units in Los Penasquitos Canyon were rejected Monday by the City of San Diego’s planning director.

Jack Van Cleave said he turned down the request for the Park Village development because it would have required too much grading of hillsides and canyons deemed “sensitive” by the Penasquitos East community plan.

Genstar said it would appeal Van Cleave’s ruling, and a hearing date was set for April 10 before the Planning Commission.

Members of the Penasquitos East planning group had opposed the project, fearful it would add to area traffic congestion. The company has already received approval to build about 1,700 homes but hoped to increase that to 2,635 with Van Cleave’s permission.

The proposed Park Village development would cover hillsides along the northeastern edge of the canyon and, at its eastern point, on the canyon floor. The company’s property there abuts Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, which is designated as open space.