Build-to-rent is growing sector in the housing market. Adobe Stock image

The City of Fresno Planning Commission on Wednesday evening approved a new 44-unit build-to-rent (BTR) gated community in Southeast Fresno.

Build-to-rent homes are constructed to be rented rather than sold. The sector has taken off, with 28% annual growth and nearly $15 billion in institutional investment capital deployed in 20204, according to a a white paper from Cavan Companies.

Fresno-based Golden State Developers, the project applicant, was represented by Precision Civil Engineering’s Luke Risner during the planning commission meeting on Wednesday evening. 

The project will be located on the west side of S. Peach Avenue between E. Tulare Street and E. Huntington Avenue, near Sunnyside High School. 

The subdivision will feature 44 rental homes, each around 1,350 square feet, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. 

The project will be priced at market rate. 

Cameron Graham of SVN | Clovis Commercial also spoke on behalf of the developer and applicant. Graham said that rent is expected to be around $2,250, with landscaping maintenance included. He also stated that the development will have ample parking. 

One concern for a member of the public living nearby would be the impact on their privacy, given that the project includes two-story units.  

Graham said that the plan was to build a block wall on the north, west and south sides of the property. 

The commission unanimously approved the project, citing Fresno’s ongoing housing shortage and the need for more rental options. The recommendations now advance to the Fresno City Council for final approval before construction can begin.