Residents demand changes to county development codes impacting Dry Creek community

The Placer County Board of Supervisors meeting held on November 5, 2024, addressed several pressing community concerns, primarily focusing on local development impacts and housing conditions.

The meeting commenced with public comments, where Laura Bullard, a resident of the Dry Creek community, raised significant concerns regarding a new housing development on Brady Lane. Bullard highlighted the issue of a ten-foot dirt mound being constructed just 18 inches from her property line, which she argued would obstruct views and potentially lead to drainage problems for neighboring homes. She called for a review and possible amendment of county codes that currently allow such developments without adequate consideration for their impact on adjacent properties. Bullard emphasized the need for the Board to scrutinize engineering plans more closely to prevent adverse effects on local residents.

Following Bullard's remarks, Sherry Dadison, a resident of a mobile temporary shelter in Auburn, voiced her frustrations regarding the living conditions at the shelter, particularly issues with mold in her tent and inconsistent enforcement of cleanliness standards. Dadison expressed her disappointment with the lack of follow-through on promised improvements and the challenges faced by residents trying to secure stable housing. She urged the Board to ensure fair treatment and better communication regarding shelter policies.

Diane Louise Alessi from the Christian Valley Park Community Services District also contributed to the discussion, echoing concerns about the permitting process for construction projects. She described the negative impact of heavy truck traffic from a nearby roundabout construction project, which has damaged local roads and caused distress among residents. Alessi called for improved communication between Caltrans, the county, and local districts to mitigate these issues.

The meeting concluded without immediate resolutions but underscored the ongoing challenges faced by residents regarding development and housing conditions in Placer County. The Board acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that further discussions and potential actions would be necessary to address these community issues effectively.