Elk Grove Planning Commission Regular Meeting – October 17, 2024

The Elk Grove Planning Commission met on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a consent calendar, two public hearings, the director's report, and commission matters. Both agenda items were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Regular Meeting Minutes of September 5, 2024: Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 5.2 – Old Town Special Planning Area Amendment: Four members of the public spoke.
  • Peggy Forseth Andrews (Chair of Historic Preservation Committee) expressed concern that the amendment did not first go to the Historic Preservation Committee for review, urging the commission to send it back for that input.
  • Sandra Williams (resident near Old Town) reported ongoing noise, intoxicated patrons, and safety issues from existing establishments (notably Babe's Lounge, which is not under a CUP) and opposed increasing the cap without addressing current problems.
  • Gina McLaughlin (resident) described nightly disturbances, dangerous behavior, and lack of management of existing businesses, asking the commission to demonstrate responsibility before adding more.
  • David McLaughlin (resident) questioned the police department's analysis of crime data, arguing that problems have worsened despite increased police presence, and warned that opening more bars would exacerbate issues.

Discussion Items

• 5.1 Sutter Campus Expansion (PLNG24-003): Senior Planner Kyra Killingsworth presented a proposal for a ±57,411-square-foot medical office building on the existing Sutter campus. The project required a Major Design Review with Deviation to allow fewer landscaped islands than required (one per 10 parking spaces) because photovoltaic shade structures would provide equivalent shade. The project also sought revocation of unconstructed phases of the 2008 master plan and a finding of consistency for future floodway easement abandonment. The applicant (landscape architect Tyas Del Castillo and project architect Jose Vaca) added details on services, circulation, and design. Commissioners asked about signage, EV parking (65 spaces, 52 capable, 13 installed), maintenance of chargers, and construction traffic management. No public comments were received. The commission commended the staff and approved unanimously.
• 5.2 Old Town Special Planning Area Amendment: Planning Manager Antonio Ablog presented a proposal to increase the number of allowed Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) for bars, breweries, wineries, and brew pubs in the Old Town SPA from three to six. This action would not approve any specific business but would allow additional CUPs to be considered case-by-case. The existing three CUPs are all issued. Staff coordinated with the police department, which found no correlation between the existing CUPs and increased crime. Commissioners discussed the selection process (first-come, first-served), differences from restaurants that serve alcohol, noise mitigation, and pedestrian safety at the Elk Grove Boulevard railroad crossing. Public comments raised concerns about current noise and safety issues (from establishments not covered by CUPs). Staff clarified that the amendment is a land-use change and that individual CUPs would undergo full public hearings, including Historic Preservation Committee review if affecting historic properties. The commission ultimately approved the amendment, with direction to staff to follow up on code enforcement and noise complaints related to existing businesses.

Key Outcomes

• Item 5.1: Motion carried unanimously (5-0) to adopt a resolution finding no further CEQA review required (Section 15183), revoking unconstructed phases of the 2008 master plan, making a finding of consistency for floodway easement abandonment, and approving the Major Design Review with Deviation for the Sutter Campus Expansion Project (PLNG24-003) with conditions of approval.
• Item 5.2: Motion carried unanimously (5-0) to adopt a resolution recommending the City Council find the amendment exempt from CEQA (Sections 15162 and 15183) and approve the ordinance increasing the CUP cap from three to six for bars, breweries, wineries, and brew pubs in the Old Town SPA.
• Director’s Report: Development Services Director Christopher Jordan noted the council’s approval of a public convenience and necessity determination for a new Safeway grocery store at Bruceville and Whitelock, and that the November 7, 2024 planning commission meeting was canceled. Two items are expected for November 21, 2024.