Elk Grove Planning Commission Meeting - July 18, 2024
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Elk Grove Planning Commission Meeting - July 18, 2024
The Elk Grove Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a consent calendar, three public hearings, and a recognition of the outgoing Development Services Director. Key actions included approval of a tentative parcel map for 10600 Oak Pond Lane, approval of a conditional use permit for Old Town Pub, and a continuation of the residential lighting standards update to August 1, 2024.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes of June 6, 2024: Approved unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Suzanne Pesci (resident of 45+ years): Expressed strong opposition to the proposed residential lighting standards, arguing that they do not adequately protect dark skies in rural areas. She presented photographs showing light trespass from neighbors and emphasized the impact on wildlife and quality of life. She requested that the Commission consider separate standards for rural areas and study Dark Sky regulations.
- George Moofy (resident): Opposed the allowance of 12- to 20-foot freestanding exterior light fixtures, citing concerns about light spillage onto neighboring properties and effects on horses and wildlife. He questioned whether the permitting requirements would adequately protect residents' quality of life.
Discussion Items
- 10600 Oak Pond Lane Project (PLNG22-046): Staff presented a request to divide a 5.08-acre parcel into two lots. No construction is proposed. The project was found exempt from CEQA (Section 15315). The Commission approved the tentative parcel map unanimously.
- Old Town Pub Project (PLNG23-026): Staff presented a request for a Conditional Use Permit, Major Certificate of Appropriateness, and Old Town Design Review Type 1 to operate a brewpub/lounge at 9030/9032/9036 Elk Grove Boulevard. The project includes exterior modifications, a small addition, landscaping, and outdoor patios. The Historic Preservation Committee recommended approval 5-0. The applicant (property owner Larry Baker) and prospective tenants (Ashley and Brian Smith) expressed support. The Commission approved the project unanimously.
- Residential Lighting Standards Update: Staff presented proposed text amendments to Title 23 of the Municipal Code to add exterior lighting standards for single- and two-unit residential zones. Proposed standards included limits on height (12 feet for freestanding fixtures, with a possible allowance up to 20 feet via minor design review), lumen output (1,600 lumens), and full cutoff requirements. Commissioners raised concerns about the 12- to 20-foot allowance, especially in rural areas and small lots. Commissioner O'Con suggested differentiating by zone or lot size. Commissioner Fernandez supported the staff proposal as written. Commissioner Poole requested more information. After deliberation, no motion for approval was made. The item was continued to the August 1, 2024 meeting.
Key Outcomes
- 10600 Oak Pond Lane: Approved unanimously (Resolution finding CEQA exemption and approving tentative parcel map).
- Old Town Pub: Approved unanimously (Resolution finding CEQA exemption and approving CUP, Major COA, and Design Review Type 1).
- Residential Lighting Standards Update: Continued to August 1, 2024, after no motion was made for approval. The Commission will revisit the item with additional discussion.
- Director's Report: Development Services Director Darren Wilson reported that four items are scheduled for August 1, 2024, including a tentative parcel map off Excelsior Road, the Stone Springs Estates map, and an appeal for the Coral Blossom project.
- Planning Commission Matters: The Commission and staff offered farewell remarks to Director Darren Wilson, who is retiring after 10 years as Development Services Director and 17 years with the city. A plaque was presented, and the meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. I will call to order the El Crow Planning Commission regular meeting of Thursday, July eighteenth, twenty twenty-four at six PM. Let me start with a land acknowledgement. We honor, respect, and acknowledge Elcrow's first inhabitants, the Plains Miwok, who lived as sovereign caretakers of this land and these waterways since time immemorial. We commemorate and advocate for the descendants, the Wilton Rancheria tribe, the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County, who endured endured because of the bravery, resiliency, and determination of their ancestors, tribal members and leaders. At this time, thank you. And would the clerk please read the customary greeting? The Algrov 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 a speaker card and give it to the clerk prior to consideration of the agenda item. Thank you, Sandy. Yes. Commissioners Oscar O'Conn. Present. Present. Vice Chair Juan Fernandez. Present. And Chair Sumensinger. Present. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to republic for which liberty. I move to approve the agenda as presented. Second. I second. And moved and seconded. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. The planning commission cannot take action on non-agendized items raised under public comment until the matter has been specifically included on an agenda at as an action item. So at this point I open the general public comment opportunity. Hearing none, I close the public comment. With that, we move to the consent uh calendar items. Item four point one is the regular meeting minutes of June sixth, twenty twenty-four. Do I have a motion for their approval? I um move for approval of the minutes. Do we have a second? Thank you. It's been moved and seconded. All those in favor to uh approve the minutes for June sixth, twenty twenty-four. Please signify by saying aye. Aye. The opposition hearing none. The motion carries. With that, we move to the public hearing items. And I would ask the clerk to call the first hearing item. Item by point one is um 1060 oak pond lane project. It's project PLNG 22046. Hello, good evening, uh Chair and Commissioners. I'm Kevin Valente, contract planner with reigning planning and management. I assisted the city in processing this project. Let's see. Uh tonight we have a requested tentative parcel map for your consideration.
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