Elk Grove Planning Commission Regular Meeting – December 7, 2023

The Elk Grove Planning Commission convened on December 7, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included public comment, approval of consent calendar items, and four public hearings: a rezone and parcel map for 8651 Bader Road, a Jollibee restaurant project at the Ridge Shopping Center, an AT&T wireless facility at Laguna Ridge (continued to January 4, 2024), and an AT&T monopine tower at Calvine Crossing (approved). The Commission also discussed potential future lighting standards for residential areas.

Consent Calendar

• October 5, 2023 Meeting Minutes – Approved with one abstention (Commissioner Poole, not present).
• October 19, 2023 Meeting Minutes – Approved with one abstention (Commissioner Poole).
• November 16, 2023 Special Meeting Minutes – Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Eli Robles (Northern California Union Carpenter) – Expressed support for requiring area standard wages, apprenticeship programs, and local hire provisions on development projects, to build stronger communities and ensure quality construction.

Discussion Items

• 8651 Bader Road Map (PLNG21-010): Rezone and Tentative Parcel Map – The applicant proposed rezoning ±10 gross acres from AR-5 to AR-2 and subdividing into four parcels (2.0–3.6 acres). No development is proposed; only lot division. Staff noted the property has a floodplain, a FEMA moratorium on fill, and a pre-existing private road (Mixed Lane) that must be improved per conditions. Written public comments raised concerns about light pollution and habitat, but a biology report found no nesting birds or listed species. The previous adjacent 8633 Bader Road map was approved in June 2022. The Commission approved the project unanimously (4-0).
• Jollibee Restaurant (PLNG22-061): District Development Plan Amendment and Minor Design Review – The project involves a ±2,400 sq. ft. restaurant with drive-through on the last vacant pad (Pad 11) of the Ridge Shopping Center. A queuing analysis at four existing Jollibees showed an average peak queue of 4 vehicles and 95th percentile of 8 vehicles; the proposed 11-vehicle stack was deemed sufficient. Staff noted potential overflow from the adjacent Costco gas station, but an expansion of Costco’s stacking lanes (completed ~10 months prior) has dramatically improved circulation. The design incorporates Jollibee brand colors (red aluminum panels) while matching the center’s modern architecture. The Commission approved the project unanimously (4-0).
• AT&T Mesa at Laguna Ridge Wireless Facility (PLNG23-019): Conditional Use Permit (Continued) – The applicant proposed a 72-foot concealed tower (55-foot height exception) serving AT&T with a third-sector antenna. During the hearing, the applicant disclosed a redesign to a four-sector antenna (internal change only). The City Attorney advised this constituted a material change to the plan set; thus the public hearing was continued to January 4, 2024, to allow updated plans and public notice. The Commission voted unanimously (4-0) to continue the item to the January 4, 2024 meeting.
• AT&T Calvine Crossing Wireless Facility (PLNG23-020): Conditional Use Permit (Approved) – The applicant proposed a 100-foot monopine cell tower (55-foot height exception) on a 7.5-acre rural residential parcel west of Bader Road, south of Calvine Road. The tower will have two co-location spaces for other carriers. An EME study was submitted confirming compliance with federal exposure limits. Public speakers expressed concerns about health risks and property values. The Commission clarified a six-foot (not ten-foot) chain-link fence per the plan set and approved the project unanimously (4-0) subject to revision of page A2 of the site plan.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar Items – Approved with abstentions as noted.
• 8651 Bader Road Map – Approved (4-0) with conditions including floodplain compliance and Mixed Lane improvements.
• Jollibee Restaurant – Approved (4-0) with conditions including queuing and design compatibility.
• AT&T Mesa at Laguna Ridge – Continued to January 4, 2024 (4-0) to allow updated antenna plan and public notice.
• AT&T Calvine Crossing – Approved (4-0) subject to revision of fence height to six feet.
• Director’s Report – The December 21, 2023 regular meeting was canceled with unanimous consent.
• Planning Commission Matters – Commissioner Fernandez requested a future informational presentation on residential lighting standards and noise pollution; the Commission agreed to bring the topic back for discussion.
• Meeting Adjourned at 8:17 PM.