Planning Commission approves high-density homes south of Highway 50

Folsom officials recently approved 273 units of high-density homes in upper Folsom Ranch. The Folsom Heights subdivision project site is on the east side of Empire Ranch Road, south of Highway 50 in the northeast corner of Folsom Ranch. Villages 4-6 encompass three parcels totaling 33.3 acres, and Villages 7-8 cover two parcels totaling about 20 acres, staff said. The Folsom Planning Commission approved the Elliott Homes designs April 15 for 112 traditional single-family residential units in Villages 7-8. The commission also approved the use of those same plans in villages 4-6, which includes 161 traditional single-family homes. The project areas are zoned single-family, high-density. The site is surrounded by the undeveloped Veranda at Folsom Heights and other projects west, Russell Ranch south, commercial and undeveloped open space in Folsom Heights north and Folsom Heights Villages 1- 2 east. The city originally approved maps and inclusionary steps in 2017 for the 530-unit residential and commercial development of Folsom Heights on a 189.7-acre site in the northeast corner of Folsom Ranch. The 7 and 8 residential units will have five master plans and three architectural styles – Santa Barbara, Farmhouse and Bungalow. Villages 4-6 will offer Prairie, Spanish Eclectic and Craftsman styles with 10 master plans, said Planner Josh Kincade. The one- and two-story homes will have attached garages, staff said. Commissioner Amanda Ross voiced her disapproval of artificial turf, saying, "Everyone knows I'm not a fan of artificial turf being approved for a project like this," adding turf is not described in the general plan. Because it is not addressed in the general plan, there are defensible arguments for or against permeable turf as an option, staff explained. Ross was the lone dissenter in the 6-1 Commission vote. Final approval was by the Commission unless appealed to the City Council.