Mixed-Use Development Plan Approved in Cedar Ridge

Nevada County Planning Commission narrowly greenlights project proposed by local restaurant owner

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:21pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of premium, polished materials and geometric shapes arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the abstract challenges of urban planning and community growth.A conceptual still life representing the complex balance between economic development, affordable housing, and preserving rural character in Nevada County.Cedar Ridge Today

After a contentious public hearing, the Nevada County Planning Commission has approved a mixed-use development plan in the Cedar Ridge area proposed by Jerry Cirino, the owner of Cirino's restaurant in Grass Valley. The plan includes five residential units in each of three two-story buildings, as well as three light industrial units. While Cirino believes the project will provide more affordable housing, some local residents and a planning commissioner expressed concerns about the development crossing the urban limits line and not fitting the rural character of the area.

Why it matters

The approval of this development plan highlights the ongoing tensions between economic growth, affordable housing needs, and preserving the rural character of Nevada County communities. The decision will now move to the Board of Supervisors for final consideration, where the debate over balancing these competing priorities is likely to continue.

The details

Cirino's proposed mixed-use development plan for the Cedar Ridge area includes three two-story buildings, each with five residential units and three light industrial units. Cirino argued the project would help address the need for more affordable housing in the region. However, Lori Oberholzer of the group Community Environmental Advocates raised concerns that the development would cross the urban limits line outlined in the county's General Plan. Planning Commissioner Terry McAteer also voted against the plan, stating that industrial uses do not fit the rural character of the Cedar Ridge area. Commissioner John Foley, on the other hand, said he trusted the lengthy review process between Cirino and the county.

  • The public hearing on the development plan lasted over three hours.
  • The Nevada County Planning Commission narrowly approved the project on April 7, 2026.
  • The plan now goes to the Board of Supervisors for final consideration.

The players

Jerry Cirino

The owner of Cirino's restaurant in Grass Valley, who proposed the mixed-use development plan for the Cedar Ridge area.

Lori Oberholzer

A representative of the group Community Environmental Advocates, who raised concerns about the development crossing the urban limits line.

Terry McAteer

A Nevada County Planning Commissioner who voted against the General Plan amendment, stating that industrial uses do not fit the rural character of the Cedar Ridge area.

John Foley

A Nevada County Planning Commissioner who said he trusted the lengthy review process between Cirino and the county.

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What they’re saying

“The main benefit of the project is more affordable housing.”

— Jerry Cirino, Owner, Cirino's restaurant

“The project crosses the urban limits line of the General Plan, among other concerns.”

— Lori Oberholzer, Representative, Community Environmental Advocates

“Industrial uses don't fit with the rural character of the area.”

— Terry McAteer, Nevada County Planning Commissioner

“I trusted the years-long process between Cirino and the county.”

— John Foley, Nevada County Planning Commissioner

What’s next

The Cedar Ridge development plan will now go to the Nevada County Board of Supervisors for final consideration and approval.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing challenges Nevada County faces in balancing economic growth, affordable housing needs, and preserving the rural character of its communities. The debate over this development plan is likely to continue as it moves to the Board of Supervisors for final review.