DEADLINE URGED FOR DEL SUR : FUTURE OF 2,246-HOME TRACT RESTS WITH COUNCIL.

Byline: Jim Skeen Daily News Staff Writer

Planning commissioners approved an agreement to give a developer six years to complete the controversial 2,246-home Del Sur Ranch project, officials said Tuesday.

Encino-based Larwin Co. will be required to complete the project by Oct. 17, 2002. There will be no extensions unless Larwin completes 1,250 lots by the expiration date, in which case an automatic three-year extension would be granted.

The Planning Commission voted 3-1 Monday night to approve an amendment to the 1990 agreement between the city and Larwin for the project. Commissioner Richard Cox cast the dissenting vote, and Commissioner Evelyn Rodgers was absent.

Cox said he was opposed to Del Sur Ranch because of an artificial lake that is planned as part of the project. The lake would require a large amount of water that might be needed later, he said.

``I don't think it's a good idea to pump ground water that we use as drinking water into a lake with restricted membership use,'' Cox said.

The new pact must be approved by the City Council.

Del Sur Ranch originally was approved in 1989 and then amended in 1990 to include an artificial lake. Del Sur Ranch's single-family homes would be erected on 880 acres of farm land and desert bounded by Avenues G and H-8 and 90th and 105th streets west.

Construction on the project originally was scheduled to begin by April 1992, but Larwin since has received a series of one-year extensions. In May 1995, the City Council determined that Larwin was not in compliance with its agreement, but granted another extension by a 3-2 vote, with council members Deborah Shelton and Michael Singer dissenting.

Larwin prepared plans for the sewer lines and has done planning for water lines, but the Antelope Valley's weak market for new home sales has held up construction, said Michael Nolte, a Larwin executive vice president.

``We're still keen on the property, we're still keen on the concept,'' Nolte said. ``We're waiting for the market to turn around.''

If the City Council approves the amended agreement it will end a lawsuit filed by Larwin alleging that the City Council abused its discretion when it found the developer was not in compliance with the agreement.

Lancaster and Larwin officials had been at odds over what constitutes the ``start of construction.'' Lancaster officials believe the phrase means the actual construction of houses. Larwin officials say construction starts when a company begins submitting plans and applying for permits, which the company has done.

The amended agreement also will subject the project to Lancaster's Urban Structure Program, a set of developer fees based on how distant a subdivision is from Lancaster's urban center.