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East Area specific plan advances as developer outlines 852-unit Barton Ranch proposal
Summary
Staff updated council on the East Area specific plan process and said developer interest has emerged, including a proposal called Barton Ranch for 852 units with a 15% affordable set‑aside. Staff plans a second community meeting and a fiscal analysis this spring and expects the planning process to track the general‑plan update.
City staff gave an update on the East Area specific plan (the North‑of‑Branda/Future Growth Area) on Feb. 25 and confirmed developer interest in the area while outlining next steps in the planning process.
Background: The Future Growth Area was annexed in 2008 and divided into West, Central and East areas. PlaceWorks was selected in early 2024 to prepare the East Area specific plan. Staff said the specific plan will be consistent with the city’s ongoing general‑plan update and will use new “place type” designations that emphasize walkability, public space and neighborhood character.
Developer interest and proposed project: Staff reported interest from developers and described a proposed development called Barton Ranch located northeast of Veranda Road between Ryder and Williams Road. The Barton Ranch concept proposes 852 dwelling units, with 15% (about 128 units) restricted as affordable housing, plus land for parks and open space. The project currently proposes no commercial or industrial development. The applicant is processing a tentative‑map application and staff will evaluate consistency with adopted ordinances, environmental review needs and supporting technical studies; the applicant is also initiating the CEQA process.
Engagement and timeline: Staff held stakeholder meetings, a community open house in August 2024 and focused outreach; a second community meeting is planned for spring 2025 and staff will release a draft plan for public review. A fiscal analysis and environmental review will follow; staff said the goal is to complete the plan and related approvals by late 2025 if the process proceeds on schedule.
Why it matters: The East Area could yield several thousand housing units depending on final density decisions; staff estimates range from 4,300 to 6,000 units for the entire growth area, which would yield hundreds of inclusionary affordable units under the city standard. Council and residents asked about infrastructure, school sites (staff noted space for four schools is designated in the draft concept), traffic and whether affordable units would be developed concurrently with market‑rate units.
Next steps: Staff will continue community engagement, complete the fiscal analysis and coordinate with school districts and other agencies; the developer said it is initiating technical studies and expects ongoing coordination with staff.
