Planning Commission approves 125-unit Veranda at Folsom Heights plan

City officials approved a permit last week for "Veranda at Folsom Heights," a 125-unit housing project described as "attainable." Veranda is a 125-unit, small-lot, detached, single-family "patio home" community planned for the Folsom Heights area south of Highway 50. The plan includes gated entry, two private pocket parks and 20 landscape lots along roadways on 15 acres. The City Planning Commission voted unanimously for a planned development permit and other details Aug. 20. The plan mirrors a previous Elliott Homes project in Folsom, Veranda at Empire Ranch, on the corner of East Natoma Street and Golf Links Drive. The earlier project marked Elliott's first foray into the home product type, staff said. "We have constructed now six Veranda projects in the region," said Price Walker of Elliott Homes. "Veranda at Empire Ranch and all subsequent projects have been well-received by the community," Folsom staff stressed in the report. The project will play an important role in Folsom achieving the goal of providing "housing choice" in growing but expensive Folsom Ranch, staff said. Elliott designs and prices the Veranda units to serve first-time homebuyers and others seeking more affordable/attainable housing. "Attainable housing" is an industry term used for those who may not qualify for traditional affordable programs but still struggle to afford market-rate housing. "This fits right in the definition of 'the missing middle,' a single house that's attainable. I'm not going to use the other 'A' word," said Walker. The Elliott spokesman added the homes will likely be priced in the "high fives" ($500,000) to "low sixes" ($600,000). Veranda features 2,700 square-foot interior lots with corner lots of 2,900, staff said. All units will be two stories with three to five bedrooms and two-car garages. Floor plans range from 1,452 to 2,094 square feet with patios and covered porches. With the central location, residents will be within walking distance of the future mixed-use site north, plus future school and park sites south along the west side of Empire Ranch Road.