Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about our amazing community? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Below you will find the answers to our most commonly asked questions about River Islands. If you don’t see the answer you’ve been looking for, please contact our Welcome Center team by sending an email to welcomecenter@riverislands.com.
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1. How many homes will there be in River Islands?
We are currently approved for the construction of 15,000 homes.
2. What can you do on the lakes?
Our lakes are created for recreation with non-motorized boats. They are perfect for craft as kayaks, canoes, rowboats, paddleboats, or paddleboarding. Swimming is not allowed.
3. Do you need flood protection insurance?
No. River Islands is not in the flood plain. River Islands has constructed "super levees" which are much wider than required by the state and federal government. Along the San Joaquin River for example, the levees are 300 feet wide. Along Old River and Paradise Cut, we built new levees landward of the original levee, which creates a dual levee system. Additionally, the River Islands levees are planned to provide protection for a 200 year flood, which statistically has a .5% chance of occurring in a given year. In other areas of the nation, FEMA requires flood protection for a 100 year flood event.
4. Are there homes on the San Joaquin River?
The Shores by Pulte is currently selling homes along the San Joaquin River. In the future, custom or semi-custom homes are planned to be offered on lots close to the San Joaquin River, but none will have direct boat dock access.
5. What are CC&Rs and how are they different from HOA dues?
CC&Rs are the conditions and restrictions set out for the community. They describe the requirements and limitations of what you can and cannot do with your property. Our CC&Rs department can answer specific questions regarding restrictions and required approvals. The goal of the CC&Rs is to protect, preserve, and enhance property values in the community. CC&Rs run with the land and cover the entire River Islands area regardless of whether an HOA is applicable. There are no dues associated with CC&Rs.
Generally, the neighborhoods within River Islands are built without an HOA. However, we do have some single-family attached neighborhoods within River islands that will have common areas and will be charged HOA dues plus property tax.
6. Will River Islands ever be its own city?
No. River Islands is proud to be a part of the City of Lathrop.
7. Are there guaranteed amenities?
There are certain amenities guaranteed to be developed, such as neighborhood and community parks. State law requires the development of 5 acres of park per 1,000 residents. River Islands has been building significanly more than that requirement. For example, all of the "pocket" parks and all of the lakes are in excess of the 5 acre requirement.
Additionally, although not really an "amenity", River Islands has created a renown charter school system. We are very proud of River Islands Academies, which provides education for students from kindergarten through high school. Three K-8 schools and River Islands High School are already open.
8. How long until the project is finished?
River Islands has approximately 20+ years until its buildout.
9. Will there be more entrances into River Islands?
River Islands is actually an island in the Delta. Currently, there are three ways to get on and off the project. There are bridges at the San Joaquin River (Bradshaw’s Bridge) and at Paradise Cut. And there is an exit out to Manthey Road on the south side of the project. In the future, two additional bridges will be built near the Employment Center, one crossing over the San Joaquin River, and the other over Paradise Cut.
10. Will River Islands ever be gated?
No, River Islands has not been envisioned as a gated community.
12. Is there going to be a train station within River Islands?
A proposed rail project through Assembly Bill 758 is a new 42-mile, 7-station passenger rail project that will connect the existing Dublin/Pleasanton Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Station in Alameda County to the approved Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) North Lathrop Station in San Joaquin County utilizing existing transportation rights-of-ways. Included in Valley Link’s plans is a train station within the River Islands business park. More information can be found at ValleyLinkRail.com/valleylink-project.
This Q&A document is provided as general information only. Timing of construction and completion, plans, specifications, amenities, and features are subject to change and modification.