Elk Grove Planning Commission Regular Meeting – December 7, 2023
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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.
Meeting Transcript
Meeting of the Outgrowth Planning Commission for this December 7th at 6 o'clock p.m. We are going to start the meeting. I will begin with our land acknowledgement. We honor, respect, and acknowledge Outgrove's first inhabitants, the Plains Mewak, who lived as sovereign caretakers of this land and these waterways since time immemorial. We commemorate and advocate for their descendants, the Wilton Rancheria tribe, the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County who endure because of the bravery, resiliency, and determination of their ancestors, tribal members, and leaders. So at this time, we would ask if you would please silence any electronic devices, your cell phones or anything that would make noise. And then I will ask the clerk to read the customary greeting. The Outgrowth Planning Commission. Excuse me. The Outgrove Planning Commission welcomes, appreciates and encourages participation in the meetings. The commission reserves the right to reasonably limit the total time for public comment on any particular notice agenda item, as it may be necessary. If you wish to address the commission during the meeting, please complete his speaker card and give it to the clerk prior to consideration of the agenda item. Thank you, Sandy. If you could now do the roll call. Present. Commissioner George Murphy. Here. Commissioner Oscar O'Connor's absent. Vice Chair Suman Zinga. Present. And Chair Sandra Poole. Present. Okay, thank you. Um at this time. We are going to go to our pledge for leads. I'm gonna ask Darren if you would lead us in the pledge. And to the Republican. One nation under God. Indivisible. Thank you. And at this time, if we could please um have a moment of silence. Thank you. Okay, our next item of business's approval of our agenda. I'm gonna ask my fellow commission members if I can have a motion on the agenda. I move. I'll second. It's been moved and seconded to approve the agenda as presented. All in favor? Any opposition, none. It's the motion passes. Okay. Now we will go to public comment. And this is for members of the audience. You may comment on any item not on the agenda that is of interest to the public and within the jurisdiction of the planning commission. The planning commission cannot take action on non-agendized items raised under public comment until the matter has been specifically included on an agenda as an action item. So at this time, I will open up our um general public comment opportunity. And Sandy, do we have anyone signed up for rope? It's cut off on my good evening, Planning Commission and Community Members. My name is Eli Robles, and I am a Northern California Union Carpenter member. I'm here tonight to implore upon you the need to insert language when projects come before you to include area standard wages as provided by our local unions.
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