GALT, CA (MPG) - The Galt Planning Commission voted on June 12 to deny design approval for the proposed Summerfield at Twin Cities development project that is set to be built in north Galt.

During the public hearing, commission members and representatives from developer Lennar engaged in a lengthy discussion before agreeing not to proceed with the current plans.  

Summerfield at Twin Cities is a proposed 58-acre gated community to be located on Twin Cites Road between Waldo Road and Hauschildt Road. Initially introduced and approved by City Council in 2020, the project was first managed by developers Homes by Towne before Lennar purchased it at the end of last year.

There has been continued deliberation between the Planning Commission and the developer surrounding the design plans at the meetings since Lennar took over the project.

One of the main points of contention comes from the “executive-style housing,” which was a condition promised in the original design plans that the council approved five years ago.

The Planning Commission reviewed multiple design proposals from Lennar and previously requested revisions to align with the city’s General Plan and the original concept of an elevated community. However, commissioners agreed that the latest submission still fell short.

“This is the third time you (Lennar) have brought the same plans to us and the third time that these plans are nothing more than a couple of little paint jobs,” said Planning Commission Chair Dan Denier. “I don’t think that you actually did listen to us. I don’t think you’re following through with the promises that were made.” 

The term “executive-style housing” was loosely used to describe the development project, but it was never clearly defined. 

Commissioners have had previous discussions regarding this condition and emphasized that it means plans should feature upscale, high-quality designs distinct from other residential areas in Galt.

At the previous meeting held May 8, the commission voted to continue the design review process with Lennar, instructing the developer to return with enhanced plans that included more upscale amenities.

The revised plans presented this month, as Denier said, did not meet expectations of the General Plan, which includes high quality and unique designs for new developments.  

Commissioners pointed to specific shortcomings in the design, such as the number of lights, garage door sizes and landscaping elements, presented at the June 12 meeting that failed to meet expectations for a distinctive and upscale neighborhood.

“The city should require new neighborhoods to have a unique sense of place. That is in the General Plan. This does not give me a unique sense of place,” Denier added. 

Commission member Michaela Johnson said that it was the due diligence of the developer to investigate what kind of project they were taking on. 

“We appreciate that you’ve made changes but when we have to answer to our community, this is not an elevated community. This is something that you guys build all throughout the state,” said Johnson. 

Although a motion was made for Lennar to continue working with city staff to revise its design plans, the developer declined, stating there was no value in moving forward.

“We believe we are in compliance with all objective design standards and criteria,” said Lennar representative Sean MacDiarmid. “What I’m hearing tonight are a lot of subjective concerns and for those reasons, we respectfully request a denial, which we intend to appeal to the City Council.”

City Attorney Olivia Clark informed the developers that it was within the discretion of the commission chair to initiate a motion. She also noted that if an appeal is filed, it could potentially lead to litigation.

Despite Lennar’s position, the commission expressed a willingness to continue working with the developer if a compromise on both sides could be reached to avoid a lengthy court process.

MacDiarmid said some adjustments, such as adding more lighting, could be made. However, he stated that increasing the height of garage doors was not feasible.

Denier then moved forward with a formal resolution to deny the revised plans, citing that they did not meet the city’s expectations for high-quality, distinctive design.

The Planning Commission meets at 6 p.m. every second Thursday of the month at Galt City Hall, 380 Civic Drive.