EL DORADO, Calif. — The Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 on Jan. 6 not to initiate a county-led rezone of two Downtown El Dorado parcels whose owner, Kurt Dixon, requested downzoning from multiunit/multifamily to lower-density single-family designations.

Why staff cautioned: Long Range Planning and County Counsel explained the parcels are listed in the county’s vacant-sites inventory for the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). Downzoning could trigger state review by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and potentially require the county to replace lost capacity under 'no net loss' housing rules. Staff also flagged probable conflicts with state housing law and warned the county would need to identify substitute sites or mitigation if it removed units from the inventory.

Infrastructure constraints: Multiple supervisors and county staff noted narrow, historic downtown streets and limited access as practical constraints to the multifamily density currently allowed; county traffic and public-safety reviewers would require roadway improvements and possibly secondary access for large projects, increasing project costs and complexity.

Board decision and direction: Rather than adopt the ROI to pursue a county-initiated general-plan amendment (option with significant legal and policy hurdles), the Board declined to initiate the county rezone and instead directed staff to work with Mr. Dixon on a pre-application/project submission. Staff was asked to explore alternatives such as design waivers, phased development or other tailored solutions while ensuring compliance with state housing law. The motion passed 3–2.

Why it matters: The parcels are part of the county’s identified sites for addressing RHNA. A county-initiated downzone could affect the county’s housing-element compliance and draw state scrutiny; the Board’s path preserves the county’s housing inventory while allowing an applicant-driven review of feasible alternatives.

Next steps: Staff will assist the property owner with a pre-application review and provide feedback on potential options, and the owner may pursue a project application (with appropriate fees) that would trigger department-level analysis of roadway, access, and housing-law implications.

Representative quote: "Downzoning likely conflicts with state law and could trigger an HCD inquiry; staff recommends the applicant pursue a project application or pre-application so alternatives can be evaluated," staff said.