Rural Center Community Design Standards

Starting in May 2026, the County began working with community members to create permanent design standards for new multifamily, mixed-use, and commercial projects in the County's 29 Rural Centers, including Georgetown, Cool-Pilot Hill, Pleasant Valley, Camino, Pollock Pines and many others.

El Dorado County’s Rural Centers range from low foothills to high mountain elevations, each with its own distinct character. To protect these differences, Rural Centers with similar geography and history are organized into three separate design zones: the Mountain zone (generally above 2,500 ft), Mid‑Foothill zone (generally 1,400–2,500 ft), and Lower Foothill zone (0–1,400 ft). To best reflect the unique history and character of each design zone, the County will be creating a separate set of design standards for each zone. 

Click on each Rural Center design zone from the left menu to see the latest updates.

 Save the Date!

On Tuesday, August 18, from 6:00-7:00 p.m., the County will be holding a second kickoff meeting for the North County Mid-Foothill communities at the Cool Community Church. For meeting details and how to participate, please visit the Rural Center Mid-Foothill Design Zone webpage.