PLACERVILLE, Calif. — El Dorado County Planning Division has opened a 30-day public comment period for draft design standards that will guide future development in Diamond Springs and El Dorado, officials announced Thursday.
The Draft El Dorado & Diamond Springs Design Standards and Guidelines (DSG) were released March 26 and will remain open for public review through April 27, 2026. County leaders say the standards are intended to shape commercial, multifamily and mixed-use development in ways that reflect the region’s historic identity while meeting modern planning requirements.
The proposed guidelines emphasize architectural consistency, pedestrian-friendly design and preservation of visual elements tied to the area’s Gold Rush-era heritage. Officials also note the standards are designed to streamline permitting and provide clearer expectations for developers.
“We need residents of El Dorado and Diamond Springs to weigh in on the draft standards to ensure they are what the public wants to see in the final product,” said Brian Veerkamp
“Without such feedback, the desires of the people who live and work in these communities can’t be taken into consideration.”
According to the Planning Division, the effort is part of a broader county initiative to establish permanent, community-based design standards across designated Community Regions and Rural Centers. The work also aligns with evolving California housing laws that require local jurisdictions to accommodate growth while maintaining community character.
Planning staff began work on the El Dorado and Diamond Springs standards in January 2025. Since then, the county has conducted a stakeholder tour and hosted two public workshops earlier this year to gather initial feedback. The current draft reflects input collected during those sessions.
Officials say community participation at this stage is critical, as feedback received during the comment period will directly influence revisions before the standards are finalized and adopted.
How to Submit Comments
Residents and stakeholders can review the draft standards and submit feedback through April 27 using the following methods:
- Email: EDDScommunitydesignstandards@edcgov.us
- Mail: Tom Purciel, El Dorado County Planning Division, 2850 Fairlane Court, Placerville, CA 95667
County officials encourage broad participation, noting that the standards will help define how future growth looks and functions in two of El Dorado County’s historic communities.
Click here to view and download the draft DSG. For more information and ways to get involved, please visit the project webpage.
