This project was correctly approved under the current rules and regulations governing Parkway adjacent development, which we have long suggested needs to be changed to a more sanctuary-protecting position outlined in our guiding principle: “If it can be seen from the Parkway, it shouldn’t be built along the Parkway.”
One of the reasons ARPPS was founded was the lack of restriction concerning building in the viewshed of the Parkway, and as we examined the issue it became clear that one of the reasons for the lack of restriction was that the 1985 Parkway Plan—the management guidance document ratified by local and state government—was not properly updated every five years as called for in the 1985 Plan, and only finally started the update process in 2004 (almost 20 years behind schedule), due for completion in 2008.
Consequently, the updating of building rules and regulations needed to help guide public leadership in the awarding of building permits was also not done every five years in tandem with the Parkway Plan Update and this has helped create the current confusion around the building regulations.
Hopefully this case will guide public leadership to ensure the Parkway Plan Update does include clear guidelines for protection of the public sanctuary and guide those private property owners adjacent to the Parkway in their developments.
Supervisors OK homes on bluff above parkway
Board rejects preservationists' claim project violates aesthetic standards of scenic area
By Ed Fletcher - efletcher@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PST Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors has rejected local preservationists' attempt to block a proposal to erect two blufftop homes along the American River Parkway.
Its 4-1 decision Wednesday allows the homes to be built 35 feet from the bluff rather than the standard 70-feet guideline.
More than 40 parkway activists – bikers, kayakers, runners and birders – asked the board to keep the area free from development during a hearing that lasted more than 4 1/2 hours.
Preservationists and parkway enthusiasts had cast the debate over the homes as a fight to protect the open-space integrity of the 23-mile recreation area and nature preserve.
"The American River Parkway is a precious and irreplaceable resource," Sacramento resident Jim Morgan testified. "I'd like to urge the board to reject the … proposal."
But attorney Tim Taron said his client, Tim Lien, had proved it was safe to build the homes 35 feet from the bluff, as required, and was doing enough to hide the new homes from public view.
"This is a project that is permitted by your code," Taron said.
Supervisor Don Nottoli was the lone dissenting vote Wednesday. He sided with the staff recommendation that the homes be pushed back to 50 feet from the bluff – even though the 0.89 acre parcel wouldn't be large enough to accommodate the shift without modifying the homes' size.
The county had previously approved homes at the site within the gated Riverwood community in 2000 and again in 2004. The Save the American River Association sued to block that project and paid $5,000 to force Wednesday's hearing.
The initial project included three homes using modern designs. The current project calls for two earth-toned craftsman-style homes and includes plans for more tree plantings, new drainage requirements, and new watering rules.
The project replaces an existing single-story, 5,700-square-foot home with a single story house and a two-story house. The two-story house would be 5,800 square feet and 28 feet high. The single story would be 4,800 square feet.
Supervisor Susan Peters, whose district includes the Carmichael neighborhood where the homes will be built, said the activists' efforts helped.
"This is a better project than the one approved in 2004," Peters said. "I'm saddened that SARA does not see this project as a win for the parkway."
