Title
Hearing to consider adoption of the El Dorado & Diamond Springs Design Standards and Guidelines (El Dorado & Diamond Springs DSG) and Zoning Ordinance amendments to implement the El Dorado & Diamond Springs DSG. Staff recommends the Planning Commission (Commission) forward the following recommendations to the Board of Supervisors (Board): 1) Adopt the Addendum to the County’s 2015 Targeted General Plan Amendment and Zoning Ordinance Update Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), certified in December 2015 (State Clearinghouse No. 2012052074) (Attachment B); and 2) Approve the El Dorado & Diamond Springs DSG and associated minor Zoning Ordinance amendments to implement the El Dorado & Diamond Springs DSG as presented, based on the Findings (Attachment B).
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DISCUSSION/BACKGROUND
In June 2008, based on strong community interest in enhancing the historic character of the El Dorado & Diamond Springs community, the Board adopted the Missouri Flat Design Guidelines to guide development along the Missouri Flat Road corridor.
On March 17, 2020 (Legistar File 20-0326), in response to the interest for community-based design standards, the Board directed Long Range Planning to initiate the customized multifamily and commercial design standards for the County’s Community Regions and Rural Centers, including the communities of El Dorado and Diamond Springs. On February 1, 2022 (Legistar File 22-0093), the Board approved a contract with Mintier Harnish to assist with this effort.
On July 23, 2024 (Legistar File 24-1158), the Board directed staff to prepare countywide interim design standards for commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use projects by December 2024 in response to new state housing legislation and a strong desire to expedite the design standards, and to return by March 2025 with a revised contract scope to develop permanent community-based design standards that are based on and refined from the interim design standards.
On December 3, 2024 (Legistar File 24-1961), the Board adopted interim community design standards for commercial, multifamily, and mixed-use development within Community Regions and Rural Centers that will remain in effect until permanent standards are adopted.
In August 2025, the County began working with community members to develop the El Dorado & Diamond Springs DSG, and in January and February 2026, staff held two community workshops to obtain feedback on the first Administrative Draft.
After the workshops, staff released a Preliminary Public Draft to the community and internally to staff for a 30-day review period. Staff incorporated the feedback received, where appropriate, and that feedback is included in the version under consideration by the Commission. A summary table outlining feedback and recommended revisions is included as Attachment E.
The El Dorado & Diamond Springs DSG is included as Attachment D. The proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment required to implement the El Dorado & Diamond Springs DSG is included as Attachment C. Both the El Dorado & Diamond Springs DSG and associated Zoning Ordinance amendment would be effective 30 days after final adoption by the Board.
CONTACT
Thea Graybill, Planning Manager, Long Range Planning Unit
Planning and Building Department