In February 2022, the City approved the Franklin Canyon RV Resort Project, which will replace the existing 161.5-acre Franklin Canyon Golf Course with a destination RV resort consisting of:

• 158 RV spaces;
• 22 walk-in campsites with tent bungalows;
• Driving range and a new practice putting green;
• New 10,500-square-foot clubhouse featuring dining and lounge facilities as well as a fitness and wellness center;
• Outdoor swimming pool with a poolside shower and changing room and grill/snack shop;
• Covered storage for 24 recreational vehicles.

The dining facility, driving range, and practice putting green will be available to the public as well as those staying at the RV resort. 

Watch project overview video

Public Open Space Opportunities:  Approximately 70 acres of the 75 acres that are currently used as the back 9-holes of the golf course will be open to the public for recreational activities. The Project sponsor has an agreement with the John Muir Land Trust (JMLT) to accept the donation of this approximate 70 acres for use as open space (hiking, biking, and equestrian trails) and additional access to the existing Franklin Canyon/Fernandez Ranch.

Additionally, the Project proposes in the future to lease approximately 5 acres on the northeastern boundary of the site to JMLT to develop and operate a community garden on land that is currently zoned agriculture.

Protection of Rodeo Creek:  The Project will avoid and preserve Rodeo Creek and the riparian habitat which traverses the site in addition to the northeastern corner of the Project site which encompasses agricultural operations. All existing seasonal wetlands and habitat areas will be protected. The elimination of the nine-hole course on the western portion of the property will allow enhancements to the Rodeo Creek riparian habitat by eliminating intrusion by golfers and golf balls.

Reduced Water Consumption:  The Project’s current water consumption of approximately 50 million gallons/year of potable water from EBMUD will be substantially reduced due to the elimination of the 18-hole golf course. The RV resort will use an estimated 20,000 gallons/day (based on full occupancy) or about 7.3 million gallons/year, an 85% reduction compared to the current use.

Project Timeline

• On April 1, 2019, Madison MRH-1 Franklin Canyon LLC ("applicant") filed with the City a zoning clearance application request seeking a determination on whether the redevelopment of the existing 18-hole Franklin Canyon Golf Course into a 9-hole golf course and recreational vehicle resort is consistent with Measure M (a.k.a. "Protect Franklin Canyon Area Initiative"; Ordinance No. 401), a 2004 voter-approved initiative that serves as the General Plan and zoning designation for the Franklin Canyon area. At the time, the proposal was to create a destination RV resort featuring up to 160 spaces for RV parking, campsites, a newly constructed club house with a restaurant and meeting rooms, a smaller 9-hole golf course, and related amenities. 

• On June 26, 2019, the City issued a Notice of Decision that the City had officially determined that the proposed project’s uses are similar to commercial uses listed in Measure M and therefore are allowed uses. This determination only approved the Zoning Clearance portion of the project. 

• On June 22, 2020, the applicant submitted an application for design review, lot line adjustment, and environmental review. Changes to the project included eliminating the smaller 9-hole golf course and deeding the approximately 70 acres as open space.

• March 2021: As required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), City releases Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for 30-day public comment period (March 15 - April 15, 2021).
  
  
• Sept. 20 & Oct. 4, 2021 and Jan. 18, 2022: Planning Commission held public hearings over the course of several months and three meetings before recommending City Council approval of a lot line adjustment, parcel map, and design review permit for the project.

• February 8, 2022: City Council granted final approvals for the project to move forward, subject to issuance of grading and building permits and meeting certain conditions of approval.
  
  
• On November 2, 2023: Community Development Director approved Minor Modification (MM #23-03) to the site plan approved through Design Review Permit #20-01 and Lot Line Adjustment #20-01.The proposed changes include the relocation of the playground, dog park, pickleball courts, and horseshoe pit from their approved location near the existing pond to the west side of the clubhouse and pool. The proposed modification will also realign a portion of the access drive east of the clubhouse to avoid property owned by John Muir Land Trust that is no longer being acquired by Madison MRH Franklin.