El Dorado Hills Costco Draft EIR: What the 60-Day Public Review Means (and How to Participate)

Published February 8, 2026 | El Dorado Hills Community Update

What Is the Draft EIR?

Understanding CEQA Environmental Review

A Draft Environmental Impact Report is a required step under California law (CEQA) for larger development projects. Its purpose is not to approve or deny a project, but to evaluate and disclose potential environmental impacts—such as traffic, noise, air quality, and safety—and describe how those impacts could be reduced or managed.

The Draft EIR is meant to inform decision-makers and the public before any final decisions are made.

Public Information Meeting

How to Access the Draft EIR

Physical Copies Available

Hard copies of the Draft EIR are also available for public review at:

• El Dorado County Planning and Building Department
  2850 Fairlane Court, Building C, Placerville, CA 95667
  Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• El Dorado Hills Library
  7455 Silva Valley Parkway, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
  (916) 358-3500

How to Make an Effective Public Comment

What Makes a Good Comment?

Effective Draft EIR comments usually:

• Address whether the environmental analysis is clear, complete, and accurate
• Ask for clarification where assumptions aren't explained
• Focus on topics like traffic, noise, air quality, pedestrian safety, wildfire evacuation, or mitigation measures
• Reference sections of the Draft EIR where possible

Examples of Helpful Questions

Comments that are most helpful tend to ask questions like:

• "Does the report explain how this impact affects nearby neighborhoods or schools?"
• "Are the proposed mitigation measures clearly described?"
• "Are cumulative impacts considered, not just this project in isolation?"
• "Does the traffic analysis account for peak school drop-off and pick-up times?"
• "How will construction noise and dust affect nearby residents?"

How to Submit Your Comments

Three Ways to Submit Written Comments

1. Email (Recommended):
cameron.welch@edcgov.us

2. Mail:
El Dorado County Planning and Building Department
2850 Fairlane Court, Building C
Placerville, CA 95667
Attn: Cameron Welch, Senior Planner

3. Hand Delivery:
Same address as above
Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

A Note on "Project Merits" vs. Environmental Review

It's important to understand the distinction between environmental review and project approval.

Now (Draft EIR Phase)

The focus is strictly on environmental impacts and analysis quality.

Appropriate topics: Traffic data, air quality modeling, noise levels, wildfire evacuation, mitigation measures, alternatives analysis

Later (After the Final EIR)

A public hearing will be scheduled before the El Dorado County Planning Commission to consider the project's entitlements and approvals.

Appropriate topics: Whether a Costco is the right fit for this location, community benefits or concerns, overall project desirability

Why This Matters for Residents and Homeowners

Even if you don't plan to submit comments, understanding the Draft EIR process helps you:

• Stay informed about how major projects are evaluated
• Separate environmental review from policy decisions
• Participate more effectively if you choose to engage later
• Understand potential impacts to your neighborhood

Large projects often unfold over years, and the environmental review phase is one of the earliest opportunities for public input to shape how impacts are addressed.

What's in the Draft EIR?

The Draft EIR analyzes a range of environmental topics, including:

• Transportation and Traffic: Intersection operations, vehicle miles traveled, pedestrian and bicycle safety
• Air Quality: Construction dust, operational emissions, toxic air contaminants from the fuel facility
• Noise: Construction noise impacts to nearby homes and schools
• Biological Resources: Impacts to oak trees, wetlands, and wildlife
• Hazards: Naturally occurring asbestos, wildfire evacuation
• Public Services: Fire protection, police services, schools
• Alternatives: Six project alternatives including different site configurations

What Happens Next

1. Comment Period Closes (March 23, 2026): County staff and consultants review all comments received and prepare written responses.
2. Final EIR Preparation (Spring/Summer 2026): The Final Environmental Impact Report is prepared, including all comments received and written responses to each substantive comment.
3. Final EIR Certification and Project Hearings (Fall 2026): Public hearings before El Dorado County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. The Board will decide whether to approve, modify, or deny the project.
4. Post-Approval (If Approved): There is typically a 30-day period during which legal challenges can be filed. If no challenges are filed, the applicant can proceed with building permits and construction.

Project Overview

For those new to this proposal, here's what's being proposed:

• Costco Warehouse: Approximately 165,000 square feet
• Fuel Facility: 32-pump members-only gas station
• Location: North of Silva Valley Parkway and US Highway 50 interchange
• Site Size: Approximately 43 acres (divided into North and South sites)
• Parking: Surface and below-grade parking

Final Thoughts

The release of the Draft EIR doesn't mean a project is approved—or rejected. It means the analysis is open for review, questions, and refinement.

Whether you're simply staying informed or planning to participate, the key takeaway is this: now is the time to focus on environmental impacts and how they're evaluated, not on the final yes/no decision.

I'll continue to follow the process and share updates as the review period moves forward.

If you'd like help finding the Draft EIR, understanding a specific section, or preparing an effective comment, feel free to reach out.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or environmental advice. Information is based on publicly available documents and may not reflect the most current status of the project. For official information, consult El Dorado County Planning and Building Department.