Elk Grove Planning Commission Regular Meeting - November 16, 2023

The Elk Grove Planning Commission held a continued public hearing on a series of citywide General Plan amendments and an update to the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) thresholds. After a staff presentation, public comment, and deliberation, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council certify the subsequent Environmental Impact Report, adopt the amendments, and update the Transportation Analysis Guidelines.

Consent Calendar

• 4.1 Regular Meeting Minutes of September 7, 2023 – Approved unanimously.
• 4.2 Regular Meeting Minutes of September 21, 2023 – Approved with one abstention (Commissioner Fernandez, who was absent).
• 4.3 Special Meeting Minutes of September 25, 2023 – Approved with two abstentions (Commissioners Fernandez and Singha stated they were absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jerry Camillus, representing the Wakeman Ranch property, expressed satisfaction with the adjustments made through staff dialogue. He noted that the Wakeman group assumes the boundary of the Livable Employment Area (LEA) is flexible and will be further refined as the application proceeds. No other public speakers came forward; the public hearing was closed.

Discussion Items

• Staff Presentation (Christopher Jordan, Director of Strategic Planning & Innovation):

  • Recap of previous meetings (September 7, September 21, October 19) and direction given by the Commission.
  • The project includes: updates to transit language (Chapter 3 and 6), revisions to transportation network diagrams and roadway sizing, removal of Old Town land use changes per Commission direction, economic development policy updates, incorporation of the Grant Line Road Precise Plan into the Rural Area Community Plan, updates to mitigation measures for cultural/historic resources, and the creation of the Livable Employment Area (LEA) Community Plan.
  • The LEA uses a transect-based land use approach (T3R, T3, T4, T5 zones) to promote walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods and address missing middle housing. A key change from the October meeting: lowering the minimum allowed density in the T5 zone from 40 to 30 units per acre based on feedback from a property owner.
  • The environmental review uses a Subsequent EIR, with a revised final version prepared to reflect project changes. The EIR analyzes potential significant impacts (air quality, greenhouse gas, cultural resources, etc.) and leverages prior EIRs for project-level analysis within the LEA.
  • VMT analysis was updated based on the new land plan; conclusions remain unchanged from the draft EIR.
  • A green sheet correction was issued to synchronize the recent City Council approval of the SATHOS stealth storage project (a separate general plan amendment) into this amendment package.

• Commissioner Questions & Comments:

  • Commissioner Fernandez had no questions.
  • Vice Chair Singha praised the LEA as transformational but requested language emphasizing "missing middle" housing (e.g., bungalows, townhomes, duplexes, fourplexes) to retain young families. Staff proposed a new policy, LEA 2-5, which was reviewed and accepted.
  • Commissioner Murphey stated he was prepared to support the motion after his review.
  • Commissioner O'Con expressed concern about Highway 99 connectivity (no northbound exit/ramp at Essenger Road) but acknowledged staff had addressed it; he noted that roadway sizing south of Camerere Road will be refined through the forthcoming specific plan process.
  • Chair Poole commended staff for outreach and flexibility, and expressed support for the plan as forward-looking and aligned with community needs.

Key Outcomes

• Motion and Vote: Commissioner Murphey moved to adopt the resolution recommending that the City Council:
  1. Certify the Subsequent Environmental Impact Report.
  2. Adopt a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, Findings of Fact, and a Statement of Overriding Considerations.
  3. Approve the General Plan Amendment and amend the Transportation Analysis Guidelines as provided in Attachment 1.
  • The motion also included the green sheet figures (for the SATHOS project) and the new Policy LEA 2-5 (missing middle housing language).
  • The motion was seconded by Commissioner Fernandez and passed unanimously (5-0).
• Other Business:
  • Director's Report: Development Services Director Darren extended an invitation to the League of California Cities Planning Commissioners Academy (March 6–8, 2024, in Long Beach); noted that if enough commissioners attend, the March 7 meeting may be cancelled. He listed upcoming items for December 7, 2023 (rezone, design review, cell tower CUPs). He also offered Thanksgiving wishes.
  • Planning Commission Matters: No additional items; the meeting adjourned.