It's been a busy year for Standard Pacific Homes' (NYSE: SPF) San Diego County division. The builder anticipates constructing more homes throughout the county this year than any other in its history. To highlight its efforts, here's a look at some of the North County communities that have officially opened or are anticipated to open by the end of this year.

New communities currently selling include Maravu, an award-winning collection of 43 upscale and energy-efficient plantation-style homes located in coastal Encinitas. Situated on lots averaging one-third to three-quarters of an acre, home prices begin in the $800,000s.

Spacious floor plans offer 3,240 square feet to 4,966 square feet, four to six bedrooms, 2.5 to 6.5 baths, three-car garages and options.

Morgan's Corner at San Elijo Hills, a neighborhood comprising 162 urban style town homes and flats, features 1,454 square feet to 1,744 square feet, and two or three bedrooms. Home prices start from the $300,000s.

Floor plans feature a third-story bonus room, a third-story bedroom, while another offers a gracious great room. An optional additional bedroom and bath are also available.

Morgan's Corner at San Elijo Hills features two- or three-bedroom homes starting from the $300,000s.

Olive Hills Estates, with a peaceful, rural feel is located in San Marcos. Four single-story and two-story model homes are available for viewing, highlighting a comfortable, relaxed lifestyle.

These new residences will span 2,519 square feet to 3,474 square feet of living space, three to five bedrooms, three-car garages, 2.5 to 3.5 baths and many room options, including a bonus room, den, additional flex space or a second-story loft on one of the single-story homes. Home prices begin in the mid-$400,000s and $500,000s.

The homes at Olive Hills Estate offer as much as 3,474 square feet of living space. Prices for the homes begin in the mid-$400,000s and $500,000.

Located in coastal Oceanside, Sierra Ridge recently hosted a grand opening celebration. Comprising 93 single-family detached homes set within a gated community, Home prices start in the mid- to high-$300,000s.

Three floor plans offer 1,643 square feet to 2,150 square feet, three to four bedrooms, two to 2.5 baths and two-car garages. Outdoor amenities are also planned such as a private swimming pool, basketball half-court, tot lot and mini park.

Terreno, set in the master-planned community of 4S Ranch in Rancho Peñasquitos, is now selling. The spacious, one- and two-story executive-style homes will offer approximately 3,175 square feet to 4,281 square feet, four to five bedrooms and a study, den, loft or tech center in specific plans, three to 5.5 baths and two- to three-car garages.

A private courtyard, sunny morning room and expansive master bedroom with retreat are all additional features included in specific floor plans. Home prices start in the mid-$600,000s.

Some of Standard Pacific's upcoming North County communities include:

* Mission Wells, a collection of single-family, detached homes, which will be developed in Oceanside and is scheduled to open late this year. Home prices are anticipated to start in the $300,000s.

* Saverne at San Elijo Hills, which is scheduled to open this fall. It will feature two-story homes with four floor plans.

* Portarosa at Rancho Coronado in San Marcos. It will feature tri-level, urban-style town homes featuring four floor plans.

* Corte Bella also at Rancho Coronado. It will feature tri-level floor plans in an urban, town home setting.

* The Bay Collection, which is located in the coastal hills of Carlsbad. It is anticipated to open late 2003 or early 2004.

Of added interest and anticipation is Standard Pacific's recent acquisition, with partners Black Mountain Ranch LP and Institutional Housing Partners, of the Black Mountain Ranch master-planned community located just east of Fairbanks Ranch in San Diego. More than 3,000 homes designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles are planned to be constructed.

Three schools ranging from elementary to high school are also planned, along with a resort hotel and golf course, a town center with retail, office and commercial space, a community park, neighborhood parks and a meandering trail system that will wind throughout preserved natural open space.

In addition to the new communities, the builder is also unveiling a new homebuyer program, called The Road Home. The program is designed to assist a new buyer every step of the way, from loan paperwork to options, throughout the many phases of new home ownership, thereby making the process as enjoyable and comfortable as possible