Amador County – The Sutter Creek Planning Commission discussed the Gold Rush Ranch & Gold Resort draft “Conditions of Approval” Monday, which included suggestions by the commission chairman to require building a firehouse, buying a fire truck and developing 2/3rds of a 15-acre park. Chairman Robin Peters said he was not finished reading the conditions of approval, but Consultant Anders Hauge did have his comments thus far added in a “strikethrough” format, to show his and other suggested changes. His suggestions included requiring that Gold Rush signing a “School Facilities Mitigation Agreement and an Option and Agreement for Conveyance of Property” with Amador County Unified School District. His addition noted that “grading shall protect the existing skyline, oak trees, prominent hillsides, riparian corridors, and other topographically sensitive features and shall emulate the natural topography, which is the shape, height, and depth of the land surface.” Peters also added a requirement of building a firehouse before recording “the final large lot subdivision map.” The conditions included either providing or funding “acquisition of an adequate fire station site.” Peters added that it would include providing “a single-story 4,500 square foot facility with 2 bays, one fire truck, one Type 2 engine, dorm-room housing for 3 to 4 firefighters, a training room, a kitchen and a day room.” Gold Rush’s Greg Bardini said developers had already identified a 1-and-a-half-acres parcel to be specified as the location for the firehouse. Also, Peters added a requirement that Gold Rush developers – prior to recording the large lot final subdivision map – shall “make dedication of a community park containing or providing at least 15 acres of usable area in or adjacent to the Gold Rush Ranch Specific Plan.” It included Gold Rush paying a “fair shair” to construct and maintain 10 acres ( or 2/3rds ) of the park. Peters said the term “adjacent to” the planned area allowed Gold Rush to acquire a site outside of the development area for use as the 15-acre community park. Peters also suggested a stand-alone category for the golf course. The commission returns to the conditions of approval at its next meeting, along with the suggested mitigation measures. The documents are available at City Hall, and online at the city’s website. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.