Planning commission approves Newt Road four‑lot subdivision, removes narrow lot‑grading restriction

The Loomis Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a minor land subdivision on Newt Road that divides a 49.4‑acre parcel into four residential‑agricultural parcels and removes a specific lot‑grading limitation from the staff conditions.

Christie, the town planning director, told the commission the application revises an earlier submittal to show connections to Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) treated water where wells were not viable for two proposed parcels. She said the proposed parcels would be about 16.7 acres (Parcel 1, which contains the single‑family residence and a well), 6.2 acres (Parcel 2), 5 acres (Parcel 3) and 21.5 acres (Parcel 4, with a well). Christie also reported that an earlier tentative map and mitigated negative declaration prepared for a prior version of the project remain applicable.

Bridal Wright, identified in the record as the applicant, told the commission that "the top of the hill is the raw water intake for all the people who get water off our line," and clarified that the raw‑water distribution point at the top of the parcel is not part of the proposed changes.

Staff noted agency comments from Placer County Environmental Health, PG&E, Placer County Water Agency, South Placer Municipal Utilities District and South Placer Fire Protection District were incorporated into the recommended conditions. Christie recommended removing condition of approval number 24, language that would have limited grading to areas necessary for foundations, garages, pads and driveways and capped new home pads at no more than 2 feet above existing natural grade.

A commissioner moved to approve the map with staff recommendations, including striking condition 24; another commissioner seconded. The clerk called the roll and each commissioner recorded a "yes" vote; the motion passed and the item was approved.

The commission’s action finalizes the commission’s recommendation and the map will be recorded according to the town’s procedures and the conditions approved by the body. The record shows the existing CEQA documentation remains in effect for this proposal and that water connections to PCWA will serve parcels where wells were not viable.