Rio d'Oro Specific Plan

The Rio d'Oro Specific Plan encompasses approximately 689 acres, with 413 acres to be developed (including developed parkland) and 276 acres to remain in environmental conservation and scenic open space. Land uses include residential, 248,000 square feet of commercial, public facility, park and open space, and environmental conservation. Up to 2,700 residential units are proposed at a variety of densities ranging from low-density single-family residences (from 3 units/acre) to high-density multi-family development (up to 30 units/acre).

The Specific Plan area is located within unincorporated Butte County, south of the City of Oroville and west of the unincorporated community of Palermo. The project area is generally located between Palermo Road to the south and Ophir Road to the north and is bisected north/south by State Route 70 (SR 70) bounded on the west by Pacific Heights road. The proposed Specific Plan is approximately 689 acres in size; the majority of the proposed Specific Plan is located west of SR 70. Approximately 164 acres of the Specific Plan are located east of SR 70, just north of Palermo Road.

Approval of the Rio d'Oro Specific Plan was the first step in a series of additional requirements prior to development occurring within the Specific Plan. The May 15, 2015 Board of Supervisors Resolution approving the Specific Plan includes requirements to be met before future discretionary actions (e.g. approval of tentative subdivision maps). These requirements are as follows:

  • A subsequent General Plan Amendment and Rezone of the area
  • Adoption of an ordinance setting specific standards for the development of the area
  • Acquisition of the intervening strip of land between village 5 and villages 1-4 and its included in the specific plan process
  • A development agreement negotiation process
  • Completion of fiscal analysis

If you have any questions, please contact Assistant Director Pete Calarco via email or via phone at 530-552-3641.

View the Rio d'Oro Specific Plan (PDF).