RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – The Rancho Cordova Planning Commission on Sept. 11 reviewed and approved two residential developments aimed at enhancing the city’s housing landscape.

The commission approved a Major Design Review Permit for the Bloom at Sandridge Park III subdivision, proposed by Tri Pointe Homes. The project, located south of Canyonlands Drive, west of Timberland Drive and north of Hetch Hetchy Drive, will include 55 residential lots.

Initially designated for a school, the site’s designation was shifted to residential use following the Elk Grove Unified School District's decision not to proceed with the school.

Tri Pointe Homes has proposed three floor plans ranging from 2,430 to 3,375 square feet with three architectural styles: Spanish, Farmhouse and Craftsman. The homes will feature designs that minimize the visual impact of garages, with living spaces oriented forward to enhance street appeal. The project also emphasizes sustainability with drought-tolerant landscaping and has been designed to avoid adjacent lots having identical floor plans to prevent monotony.

Despite some concerns from commissioners about driveway lengths and backyard sizes, the motion passed with a 4-1 vote.

“The length of the driveway at 19 feet is prime for the average car but if you have a larger size truck or car, it doesn’t fit,” said Commissioner Lee Frechette. “This is a concern for me, I don’t think we are building good neighborhoods when we do that.”

Commissioner Dave Huhn, P.E. suggested a slight adjustment in backyard depths to improve usability.

“I saw that the shortest backyard was 22 feet. If you pushed that back two feet, you have a 20-feet backyard,” Huhn said. “That makes a difference for the driveway.”

Beazer Homes’ proposal for the Arista Del Sol development also received approval. Located south of Douglas Road and within the Sunridge Specific Plan area, this project will feature 142 lots. Beazer Homes, currently purchasing the lots from Woodside Homes, sought a new design review to construct their own home models.

The Arista Del Sol project includes five floor plans ranging from 1,655 to 2,804 square feet, with architectural styles including Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean and Farmhouse. Each home will have a two-car garage and emphasize living spaces at the forefront to create a welcoming streetscape. The development will also be all-electric.

Commissioner Tegan Knifton praised the all-electric design, while Huhn expressed concerns over the narrow front setbacks and reduced distances between buildings.

“The front setback is a little concerning,” Huhn said. “Twelve-and-a-half feet is a small front yard. The reduction from nine feet to eight feet between buildings struck me. You would be surprised how much that reduction feels.”

Both projects are aligned with the city's General Plan designations, with Bloom at Sandridge Park III classified as low density residential and Arista Del Sol having a mix of medium- and low-density residential designations.