EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. (October 15, 2023) – In the picturesque landscape of El Dorado County, a battle is unfolding — a battle that hinges on the fundamental question of what the future should look like for this region. At the heart of this debate is the tension between the allure of urban sprawl and the preservation of its cherished rural charm.
El Dorado County, known for its rolling hills, scenic vineyards, and small, tight-knit communities, has long been a haven for those seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. But with the ever-encroaching demands for housing, amenities, and economic growth, the idyllic charm of this region is facing threats that can’t be ignored.
Proponents of urban sprawl argue that expanding infrastructure and housing developments are necessary to meet the needs of a growing population. They contend that El Dorado County’s future prosperity is directly linked to embracing progress, building new communities, and attracting businesses and investments. They highlight the potential for job creation and economic growth that comes with urban expansion.
On the other side of the spectrum are those who fervently believe that El Dorado County’s essence lies in its rural character and pristine natural landscapes. They argue that urban sprawl could threaten the very qualities that make this region so special, including clean air, open spaces, and a strong sense of community. Their concerns revolve around the impact on local wildlife, increased traffic congestion, and the strain on already limited resources.
This battle for the county’s future is not merely an abstract debate; it’s a real and pressing issue. Decisions made in the coming years will shape the landscape, culture, and economy of El Dorado County for generations to come.
At the heart of the matter is the delicate balancing act that local authorities, residents, and business interests must perform. They must weigh the benefits of growth and development against the importance of preserving the county’s rural charm and natural beauty.
In a region known for its rich history and the legacy of the Gold Rush, this contemporary clash of values is a new chapter in El Dorado County’s ongoing story. The outcome will determine whether the future brings more highways and housing developments or if the region’s rural charm prevails.
As El Dorado County stands at this crossroads, the question remains: What kind of future does this community want to create? The answer is still uncertain, but it’s a question that demands attention, consideration, and perhaps, a bit of compromise.
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A Call to Action – Andy Nevis
“Next Tuesday at 1:15, the Board of Supervisors will discuss a draft of the strategic plan that will guide the County’s priorities for the next three years. There’s a lot in the draft plan and some great ideas, but one of the most important pieces is the vision statement. Coming out of the prior Board of Supervisors workshop and following efforts from Supervisor Parlin, it read this way:
“Exceptional quality of life with a strong sense of community, rural character, managed growth, and opportunity for all.”
However, in between that meeting and now the working group deleted “rural character” and “managed growth” from the draft. This is despite feedback from a public survey showing that our rural character is residents’ top priority. It now just reads “Exceptional quality of life with a strong sense of community and opportunity for all”. Additionally, the entire 15 page plan does not include a single reference to the County’s General Plan.”
You can review the draft Strategic Plan at this link (it is linked as Attachment A see comments):
Click Here for BOS Agenda Item If you have comments please submit them in writing to edc.cob@edcgov.us by Monday at 4pm or see the agenda for information about how to provide public comment at Tuesday’s meeting in person or via Zoom: Click Here for PDF
On July 19, 2004, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors adopted a new General Plan for the County. The last amendment for the General Plan was December 10, 2019.
El Dorado County General Plan Introduction
PLAN OBJECTIVES
Through the appropriate application of the above statements, the objectives of the General Plan are:
1. To develop a strong diversified and sustainable local economy;
2. To foster a rural quality of life;
3. To sustain a quality environment;
4. To accommodate the County’s fair share of regional growth projections and affordable housing while encouraging those activities that comprise the basis for the County’s customs, culture, and economic stability;
5. To oversupply residential and non-residential land use designations in order to provide market and landowner flexibility to more feasibly accommodate the market;
6. To concentrate and direct urban growth where infrastructure is present and/or can bc more feasibly provided;
7. To recognize that finding limitations for infrastructure and services will result in lower levels of service while the County improves employment and housing opportunities;
8. To conserve, protect, and manage the County’s abundant natural resources for economic benefits now and for the future;
9. To encourage infill development that more efficiently utilizes existing infrastructure and minimizes land use conflicts while avoiding the premature development of non-contiguous lands where direct and life cycle costs are greater;
10. To accomplish the retention of permanent open space/natural areas on a project-by-project bases through clustering;
11. To minimize down planning and/or down zoning where feasible;
12. To improve the jobs-to-housing ratio by giving preference to the development of high technology and value added employment centers and regional retail and tourism uses;
