EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. (October 11, 2023) – In a surprising turn of events, the proposed development of the old El Dorado Hills golf course is making a comeback, despite being denied back in 2022 by the El Dorado County Planning Commission. This Central El Dorado Hills project, which includes the redevelopment of the old El Dorado Hills Executive Golf Course and surrounding properties, has been resurrected and is once again on the table.
The matter found its way back onto the agenda of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors this week. The supervisors voted on extending a contract with the consulting firm ICF Jones & Stokes, which would assist in the processing of the project and updating its environmental review.
The Central El Dorado Hills project, which had been previously denied, is focused on the redevelopment of the El Dorado Hills Golf Course and the development of the adjacent properties into two distinct developments known as Pedregal and Serrano Westside.
The contract extension comes with an estimated cost of $101,627, with Parker Development Co., the driving force behind the project, footing the bill. While this extension is a positive step for the project, it’s essential for all documents to meet the county’s standards and ensure environmental impacts are up to par.
Carla Hass, representing El Dorado County, emphasized the importance of the applicant’s documents being adequate. She stated, “Even though the PC denied the project, the applicant’s documents have to be adequate. If the Board decides to approve the project, they couldn’t do so if the environmental documents aren’t up to snuff.”
The Central El Dorado Hills Specific Plan proposes the development of a master-planned community in the center of the El Dorado Hills Community Region. This plan, supported by existing infrastructure, aims to create a concentrated and compact development pattern with a balanced mix of housing, employment, shopping, and recreation facilities, addressing the county’s long-term growth needs.
The proposed Specific Plan covers 341 acres and features a mix of residential, open space, and public service land uses. If approved for development, it’s expected to take up to 20 years to complete under the Parker Development Company’s joint venture entity, Serrano Associates, LLC.
The plan consists of two distinct communities:
- Pedregal (102 acres): Located adjacent to Ridgeview Village, west of El Dorado Hills Boulevard. The proposed plan includes 37 individually pad-graded lots, 200 multi-family units, and 39 acres of open space.
- Serrano Westside (239 acres): Situated north and south of Serrano Parkway, east of El Dorado Hills Boulevard. The plan comprises 123 small lot single-family production homes, 310 medium-density units, and 330 high-density attached units, along with 130 acres of natural open space.
A key aspect of the proposed plan involves the transfer of land uses designated for residential use in the El Dorado County General Plan. To create a more walkable community, approximately 50 acres of planned residential uses will be converted to permanent open space.
The plan also highlights the creation of parks and amenities, such as a 15-acre public village park and an extensive trail network. These amenities aim to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors while promoting recreational health and community engagement.
However, this renewed development project is not without its share of opposition. Some residents are advocating to preserve the old golf course as open space and prevent it from being used for residential construction.
As this project breathes new life, it is likely to continue to face public scrutiny and debate in the coming months.
