Elk Grove Planning Commission Regular Meeting - March 21, 2024

The Elk Grove Planning Commission met on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a public hearing for an outdoor storage facility, a zoning code amendment for wireless facility separation requirements, and a discussion on proposed updates to residential lighting standards. The Commission approved both public hearing items with conditions and provided direction to staff on lighting standards.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of February 1, 2024 – Approved unanimously.
• Minutes of February 15, 2024 – Approved as corrected (corrections: Chair Suman Singha opened the meeting, and a public speaker was identified as a district employee, not a physician).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 6.1 – Lighting Standards: Kathy Grudell, a resident, expressed concerns about existing lighting on a neighboring property. She noted that lights (installed without permits) had not been used since a letter was sent, but the netting and fence posts were now leaning onto her property. She questioned whether a 20-foot pole could be approved under the proposed standards and raised concerns about multiple fixtures to fill gaps. She also stated that before the winter, the lights were used two to three times per week and often past 10:00 PM.

Discussion Items

• 5.1 Guardian Yards Storage Center (PLNG21-039): Staff and applicant presented a proposal for an 18.85-acre outdoor storage yard on two parcels at Waterman Road and Grant Line Road. The site has overhead power lines, limiting development options. The project includes paving, fencing, landscaping, and lighting. The fire department imposed conditions on hazardous material storage. Commissioners discussed the need for such a facility (providing secure storage for small contractors), concerns about asphalt impermeability, and the heat island effect. The applicant agreed to explore hybrid paving (combining asphalt with aggregate base in certain areas) subject to engineering review and coordination with utilities. The project also requires a license agreement with WAPA (Western Area Power Administration).
• 5.2 Wireless Facility Utility Separation Requirements (PLNG24-006): Staff proposed amending Zoning Code Section 23.94.050.A.7 by removing the word "horizontal" from the 10-foot clearance requirement between wireless antennas and power lines. The change ensures a 10-foot radius separation instead of a horizontal-only envelope, enabling small-cell antennas on streetlights near high-tension lines. SMUD had no concerns. The applicant (Crown Castle) supported the change. The amendment will go to City Council for final approval.
• 6.1 Presentation on City of Elk Grove Lighting Standards: Senior Planner Kyra Killingsworth presented proposed new lighting standards for single-family residential and agricultural-residential zones. Key elements:
  • Attached fixtures: not to exceed eve height, maximum 1600 lumens per bulb, and shielded downlighting.
  • Freestanding fixtures:
    • Up to 8 feet: maximum 1600 lumens, full cutoff optional.
    • 8 to 12 feet: must have full cutoff downlighting.
    • 12 to 20 feet: requires a minor design review (public hearing, Zoning Administrator), photometric plan, and full cutoff downlighting.
  • Exemptions: seasonal decorations, low-voltage landscape lighting, string lights.
  • No blinking or flashing lights.
  • Commission discussion focused on measurement points (property line vs. structure), hours of operation (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM for freestanding lights), and the need for full cutoff shielding for taller poles. Commissioners expressed concern about cumulative light from multiple fixtures and potential nuisance.

Key Outcomes

• Guardian Yards Storage Center: Approved by unanimous vote (5-0). The motion included an additional condition directing staff to work with the applicant to explore hybrid paving (permeable alternatives) in select areas subject to utility and stormwater coordination and to the satisfaction of the Development Services Director. Also included the WAPA green sheet conditions.
• Wireless Facility Separation Requirements: The Commission adopted a resolution recommending City Council approval of the code amendment (unanimous 5-0). CEQA exemption was also recommended.
• Lighting Standards: Commissioners provided the following direction to staff:
  • Use property line (not nearest residential structure) as the measurement point for illumination limits.
  • Consider a 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM curfew for freestanding lighting (except security lighting on timers).
  • Require full cutoff shielding for all freestanding fixtures (including those 8–12 feet).
  • Maintain the tiered height approach with minor design review for 12–20 foot poles.
  • The current code for multifamily and non-residential remains unchanged.
  • Staff will draft the code amendment, conduct environmental review, and return for a public hearing.
• Planning Commission Matters: Retiring Commissioner George Murphey was presented with a historical photo book of Elk Grove, signed by colleagues.