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County approves Filbert Avenue subdivision after residents raise drainage and traffic concerns
Summary
The board approved a rezone and tentative map for a 10‑acre subdivision in Orangevale that converts AR‑2 to AR‑1 for ten roughly 1‑acre lots. Residents raised concerns about traffic, drainage and loss of rural character; staff and the applicant said the proposal complies with the general plan and includes drainage improvements and conditions.
Sacramento County supervisors on Jan. 13 approved a community plan amendment, rezone and tentative subdivision map for a 10‑acre site at 6702 Filbert Avenue in Orangevale.
County planning staff presented the proposal to change the land‑use designation and zoning from agricultural‑residential 2 (AR‑2) to agricultural‑residential 1 (AR‑1) to allow ten homes roughly on one‑acre lots. Staff recommended approval with conditions and a notice of exemption under CEQA; the recommendation included drainage improvements, roadside ditch expansion, detention ponds and a requirement for a final drainage study prior to improvement plans.
Several nearby residents testified in opposition, citing increased traffic (Filbert serves four schools), the combined effect of nearby approved subdivisions, drainage and potential loss of wildlife and rural character. Carol Shoemaker said the actual buildable area would be reduced by setbacks and ponds and argued the lots would effectively be smaller than one acre.
The applicant's representative, Michael Beller, said the orchard site had been vacant for years and maintained that the proposed lot sizes, setbacks and design are consistent with surrounding development and would reactivate an underused parcel.
Supervisors asked technical questions about access (a cul‑de‑sac on Lot 6 and private drive allowances) and public‑safety turnarounds; staff said the cul‑de‑sac and roadway configuration were reviewed and approved as adequate by engineering and fire standards. Planning commissioners and the DRAC previously recommended approval; the planning commission unanimously supported the proposal.
After deliberation the board approved the project with the conditions and mitigations recommended by staff. Planning staff will finalize conditions of approval and move forward with map recording and required improvements.
