Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of houses will be built?
Eagle Ranch will have a mix of housing types and sizes. We have not yet developed specific information about the homes, but we do know they will reflect environmental awareness, and, where possible, will be built in clusters to maintain abundant open space. Current plans call for additional housing to be built to help meet City affordable housing requirements, with product types including mixed use, senior village apartments as well as smaller homes on smaller lots. Every effort will be made to maximize development on terrain suited to clustering.
How many homes will be built?
We are early in the process and are working with the City of Atascadero to determine the number of lots and land uses. A Specific Plan that will be consistent with both the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) and the scope of the environmental impact report (EIR) is being developed. The plan will evaluate the potential for 500-800 homes.
How much will they cost?
It is too early to speculate. Our intention is to build a first class, attractive development. The market will determine price.
What about traffic?
Traffic impacts are being analyzed and appropriate measures for addressing them will be determined before the project proceeds. The Smith Family has taken the unusual step of retaining an environmental impact report (EIR) consultant now, while the project is still in the planning phase and the proposal not yet finalized. This will help identify traffic and other environmental issues that need resolution and adjustment before the plan proceeds. Current study of traffic is focused on connections with existing streets/neighborhoods as well as the capacity of the US 101 interchanges that may be affected by Eagle Ranch
When will homes be available?
There are a number of steps that must be taken before construction begins. The Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Reports are anticipated to be completed in late 2012 and then the formal public review process will begin. Project construction drawings and refinements will require another year, followed by the start of construction. We currently anticipate an approximate four year period from now (early 2012) to the availability of the first home at Eagle Ranch. The market will determine much of the timing of development, which will be phased over a 15-20 year period.
How will the conservation easement work?
The conservation easement is an agreement that is being negotiated with the Land Conservancy of SLO County. It is a gift that will not require any public funds. It is not intended to accommodate use by the public, but will instead assure the land can continue in agriculture.
Will the project include a school?
The Atascadero Unified School District has indicated interest in a school site within the ranch area. School officials anticipate a school will be needed to accommodate future Atascadero population growth. Two potential sites have been identified, one near San Rafael Road and another near Santa Barbara Road.
Will the entire project be completed as a single effort?
Eagle Ranch will be completed in several phases extending over a 15-20 year development period.
Won’t the development affect the night sky viewing of stars?
The project will be designed with minimal external lighting. Current plans call for safety illumination to be installed only at street intersections, public park parking area and in the pedestrian walking & parking areas of the Village Center.
What about trails?
The property will contain an equestrian trailhead and public trails for use by equestrians, pedestrians and cyclists. We are pleased to be working with ALPS on a potential trail that may be able to connect with a trailhead to the National Forest.