Folsom Planning Commission approves designs to help streamline low-income housing

The Folsom Planning Commission on Oct. 15 approved "objective development and design standards" to help streamline low-income housing development. State law requires Folsom to use objective standards when reviewing apartments, condominiums, townhomes and other multi-family and residential mixed-use projects. The aim is to guide the physical form and character of affordable housing development, ensuring compatibility with nearby Folsom architecture while enhancing walkability. The standards are a key component of the state plan to bypass local opposition to low-income housing by eliminating the design review process and public meeting, authorities said. The ODDS would apply to new multi-unit and mixed-use residential projects in specific areas, including the East Bidwell corridor, the Folsom Boulevard transit area and the Folsom Ranch Town Center, officials said. Objective standards involve no personal or subjective judgment and are clear to applicants and public officials. To use ODDS, a project must qualify by including at least 20-percent affordable units, authorities said. The unanimous Planning Commission vote recommends the City Council approve the standards. The standards are scheduled to go before the council on Oct. 28. Staff reports and detailed plans are available on the commission webpage. The City Council amended plans last year to allow for more intensive housing along East Bidwell, areas near the Iron Point and Glenn light rail stations, and in the Folsom Ranch Town Center. "Since the General Plan amendments allow for taller and denser development, Objective Development and Design Standards are needed to ensure the design of new multi-family residential development in Folsom complements and enhances these targeted areas," said Folsom Planning Manager Desmond Parrington in the report. For more information, contact Parrington at dparrington@folsom.ca.us or 916-461-6233, or Principal Planner Jessica Brandt at jbrandt@folsom.ca.us or 916-461-6207.