Scott Ranch
A Regional Treasure
About the Property
The old Scott Ranch at the corner of D Street and Windsor Drive in Petaluma, heading out of town toward Point Reyes, provides a glimpse into the North Bay’s agricultural history. With its red dairy barns and beautiful vistas, this land is a natural treasure. Two branches of Kelly Creek flow through the property, and the area around the creek provides rare high-quality habitat for the imperiled California red-legged frog and other struggling native species.
Petalumans Working Together to Protect Scott Ranch
Davidon Homes purchased the property for $7.8 million in 2003. Several prominent Petaluma families raised dairy cattle on the land for more than a century. Davidon first proposed to build 93 homes on the 58-acre Scott Ranch, and then scaled down its proposal to 66 homes. Petaluma has fought for years to protect this beautiful site from over-development.
A Negotiated Agreement
In 2017, Davidon Homes entered into negotiations with the Kelly Creek Protection Project. Through these negotiations, a Purchase and Sale Agreement was finalized that made it possible for the community to purchase more than three-quarters of the property for preservation as parkland.
A Win-Win Outcome
Davidon has committed to a revised project that is far superior to the prior project considered by the City Council in 2017. The new plan is only 28 homes rather than up to 66 homes, and these homes will be built on the property furthest from Kelly Creek and the stock pond to avoid the most sensitive habitat on the property. The proposed project will minimize impacts on neighbors, traffic, wildlife and open space.
This solution does not require financial support from the City of Petaluma. The 47-acre extension of Putnam Park ultimately will be transferred to and operated by Sonoma County Regional Parks for the benefit of the public.
