FAQ’s

1. Why is Dry Creek Road proposed to be widened?
The Rio Linda Community Plan and the Sacramento County General Plan have each shown Dry Creek Road with an ultimate four-lane right-of-way for several years. As the development of the Elverta Specific Plan moves forward, the County has determined that at least some improvements must be made to handle existing as well as increased traffic.

2. How much will Dry Creek Road be widened in conjunction with development of the Elverta Specific Plan?
Two specific scenarios are included in the Environmental Impact Report. Under the first scenario, Dry Creek Road would remain a two-lane road with shoulder improvements, which would result in the addition of 4 to 6 feet of pavement to each side of the street to create a shoulder. The second scenario would include the addition of a center turn lane and shoulder improvements, which would result in the addition of 10 to 12 feet of pavement to each side of Dry Creek Road. Both scenarios include widening the roadway at the intersections of Q and U Streets to accommodate a traffic signal and a protected left turn lane in each direction.

3. How can I find out exactly how my property will be affected?
Early in October 2006, paint lines and flagging were set out to illustrate where changes would occur on each affected property. Technical experts were available to answer individual homeowner questions at a meeting that same week. If you were unable to attend the meeting, we will be happy to meet with you individually.

4. Will people be able to make left turns into or out of their driveway?
Most of the residents along Dry Creek Road will still be able to make left turns in and out of their driveways following the roadway improvements. However, the County typically requires construction of a concrete median as part of the intersection widening and installation of a protected left turn pocket. If required, this would prohibit left-in/left-out turns out of certain existing driveways located within the limits of these proposed medians (homes near intersections). We have asked County Transportation staff to evaluate the feasibility of a striped turn pocket and median (no concrete curb).

5. Where will there be sidewalks for pedestrians/kids?
The proposed roadway widening (either alternative) will include +/- 5 foot wide paved shoulders that may also function as pedestrian walkways and bike lanes.

6. Can mailboxes be relocated to the east side?  All are currently located on the west side.
You will need to check with the Postmaster on this issue.

7. Can the Right-of-Way be marked in addition to the edge of pavement?
As of today, none of the properties have been surveyed, so actual property lines have not yet been located in regard to this project. Our current mapping is based on Title/record information, which is not always consistent with actual "field" conditions. As such, we would hesitate to mark property lines/existing right-of-way until we have accurate survey information.

8. These changes look like they are going to impact my property. What remedies are available to me?
We are working to identify what the impacts to each property will be. Based on the results of our analysis and input from property owners, potential impacts to each property will be carefully addressed with each property owner. The Elverta Specific Plan development group is very open to reviewing and pursuing a wide range of possible remedies, according to the impacts on each particular property. For instance, some of these impacts may be mitigated (e.g., replacement of fencing, trees and shrubs), and some may be appraised to determine the value of any loss of irreplaceable features, or the value of any additional right-of-way that might need to be purchased.

9. How can I be sure my voice is heard regarding the changes to Dry Creek Road?
You can express your views by contacting your County Supervisor, Roger Dickinson, by telephone, letter or e-mail. You may also want to send a letter to the local Community Council stating your concerns and/or your preferred widening scenario. In addition, you may want to attend the Board of Supervisor workshops and hearings downtown on this subject. These meeting times will be posted on this web site, and you can also check the Sacramento County web site (www.bos.saccounty.net).

10. Why doesn’t the County just send this traffic down 16th Street instead of Dry Creek?
These changes to Dry Creek Road have been anticipated and made a part of the County General Plan for some time. In the future there may also be changes to 16th Street as other elements of the General Plan are realized and development occurs to the north in Placer County. Under any scenario, however, Dry Creek Road will need to be improved between Q and U Streets.

11. What are the building setbacks in this zone district?
Building setback requirements for new construction typically depend on the zoning of the property. Setback requirements generally do not apply to existing development and homes, but you should refer to the applicable County Zoning Codes and/or contact the Building Department regarding any specific questions.

12. What prevents neighbors from connecting to a new sewer line?
There currently is no public sewer that exists on Dry Creek Road and the Elverta Specific Plan is not proposing to construct a public sewer in Dry Creek Road.  It is uncertain when the County CSD-1 is planning on constructing such facilities.

13. How will construction-related traffic be controlled along our narrow road?
As part of the construction plans, the developers and the County will direct construction traffic onto east-west routes to the greatest extent possible.

14. How will the final decision on these planned changes to Dry Creek Road be made?
The County Board of Supervisors will make the final decision, but your input to the Community Council may help direct that decision.

Please feel free to submit your own questions for response and posting on this page. Watch for frequent updates!

Links

County Planning Department
Smart Growth