Housing proposal runs into hurdles

Feb. 15--A proposal to build 15 homes priced for entry-level buyers faces challenges because a contemplated road extension could take up about a third of the site.

The Placerville Planning Commission last week authorized New Faze Development to pursue a detailed design and tentative map for a planned development, which allows some deviation from zoning standards.

New Faze, which specializes in infill residential projects, proposes 15 houses on 2.15 acres at 7460 Green Valley Road, across from the Green Valley-Mallard Lane intersection. The property is zoned for multifamily residences with a maximum of 16 units per acre.

City engineer Rick Tippett said the 15 lots could be developed in keeping with zoning standards were it not for a potential extension of Mallard Lane from Green Valley Road to the south and east to connect with Placerville Drive. The extension, proposed by staff members, is in the conceptual stages and has yet to be considered by the City Council. But Tippett said it could significantly reduce the buildable area on the New Faze property, leading staff members to recommend the planned development.

Some commission members suggested the developer hold off on the project until the city resolves the road issue, in the event that part of the site would not be needed for Mallard Lane.

But Martin Tuttle, New Faze Development's vice president, said timing is critical.

The project is funded by the California Public Employees Retirement System, he said, adding that the investors are eager for development to begin.

"This one is getting very close to being not viable," Tuttle said of the project known as Placerville Cottages.

As the former executive officer of the Sacramento Area Council of Governments, Tuttle recalled that he was involved in the agency's "Blueprint" planning workshop in Placerville a few years ago. "The community seems to embrace the notion of smart growth," he said, adding that "this site was acquired on that basis."

The project calls for lots from 2,500 to 5,700 square feet, compared with the 6,000-square-foot minimum required under standard zoning. The two-story, two- and three-bedroom houses, ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 square feet, likely would be priced from $280,000 to $300,000, he said.

Because of constraints posed by slopes and the potential Mallard Lane extension, the preliminary proposal calls for reduced front- and rear-yard setbacks.

Planner Andrew Painter said the 24-foot-wide streets would be too narrow to allow on-street parking, but off-street parking spaces would be provided at various locations throughout the development.

Though commission members applauded the effort to provide housing affordable to first-time buyers, they were not impressed with the proposed subdivision's design and architecture.

Commission Chairman Michael Frenn complained about "postage stamp" lots.

"There's no quality element that invites me to this project," he said. "It strikes me as a massive pavement project."

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