Development Review Committee backs Oleshko grading permit and Mitigated Negative Declaration for Orr Creek access

The Placer County Development Review Committee on Aug. 19 voted 3-0 to recommend approval of a grading permit and to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Oleshko project, which would build a 20-foot-wide gravel access driveway and a culvert crossing over Orr Creek to serve a 91.07-acre parcel east of State Route 49 (APN 076-120-048-000).

Planning staff presented the project and the environmental analysis and recommended adoption of the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration with eight supporting findings. Applicant Anatoliy Oleshko is proposing site access improvements including the driveway and culvert; staff identified mitigation measures in the environmental determination.

Neighbors raised specific concerns during the DRC hearing. “Cathy Karde’s concerns were with the private roadway easement and not receiving a copy of the public notice and that they requested more time to review the MND documents,” the minutes state. Neighbor Ken Kaiser questioned the timing of the on‑ground study, possible changes to flow in Orr Creek, the proposed culvert location and flood risks. Michael Wilson of the Placer County Engineering and Surveying Division responded to engineering and drainage questions during the hearing.

Planning staff also reported that a recorded irrigation/canal easement in the project area was shown on the preliminary plans and that staff had discussed culverting the easement with Daryl Oest to avoid disrupted flows. Because public comments were received, the committee opened a 10‑day appeal period during which parties present at the hearing may file an appeal of the committee’s recommendation.

Chair Nick Trifiro moved and William Alexander seconded the motion to approve the item; the motion passed 3-0. The committee’s action forwards the matter to the next stage of review and allows the statutory appeal window to begin.