Placer County considers expanding Health Services Division offerings on historic campus

The Placer County Planning Commission meeting on April 15, 2025, spotlighted a significant proposal from the Health and Human Services Division (HHS) aimed at expanding medical services on the county campus. HHS is seeking to enhance its offerings within the commercial plan development section, specifically targeting an area marked by a dashed green line on the campus map.

The proposed expansion includes a range of medical services, such as hospitals and extended care facilities, which are defined in the Zoning Ordinance as establishments providing diagnostic services and medical treatment. This could encompass various facilities, from convalescent care to programs addressing substance use disorders. Notably, HHS is exploring a grant to potentially establish a substance use disorder facility, although this initiative is still pending approval.

Historically, the campus has served as a medical facility since the establishment of DeWitt General Hospital in 1943. However, the current Placer County Government Center Master Plan does not permit medical services, including hospitals, in the commercial plan development zone. This omission appears to be an oversight from the 2019 plan adoption, as the campus has a long-standing history of providing hospital services.

The commission emphasized the importance of not restricting HHS's ability to offer essential medical services that the community has relied on for decades. As discussions continue, the potential for expanding healthcare services on the campus remains a critical topic for the county's future planning efforts.