Elk Grove Planning Commission Regular Meeting – May 7, 2026
Elk Grove Planning Commission Regular Meeting – May 7, 2026
The Elk Grove Planning Commission held a regular meeting on May 7, 2026, beginning at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a land acknowledgment, approval of the agenda and consent calendar, a public hearing for a conditional use permit for the Old Town Courtyard event space, a presentation and public hearing on the Climate Compass climate action plan update, and the reorganization of the commission's leadership. The director also provided an update on recent and upcoming projects.
Consent Calendar
- Meeting Minutes of January 15, 2026: Approved by a vote of 3–0–1 (one abstention).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Old Town Courtyard: Monica Tucker, filling in for the applicant Lynette Wall, spoke in support of the conditional use permit. She described the venue as an intimate space for community gatherings, weddings, birthdays, and wellness activities, and expressed pride in the business’s contribution to Elk Grove.
- Climate Compass: Eugene Lee, representing the Sacramento Environmental Commission and a former city climate ambassador, spoke in support of the Climate Compass. He emphasized the importance of measuring progress and urged the commission to use the plan as a guiding document.
Discussion Items
Old Town Courtyard (PLNG 25-043) – Conditional Use Permit
- Associate Planner Joseph Dowgaman presented the project: a request for a conditional use permit to operate an existing 1,150-square-foot building and adjacent courtyard as an assembly use for events (weddings, birthday parties, meetings) for up to 60 guests. The site is at 9120 Elk Grove Boulevard in the Old Town Special Planning Area. The property previously hosted events without permits, leading to a code enforcement complaint in October 2025. Staff recommended approval with conditions including occupancy limits, noise compliance, direction of amplified sound away from residences, and prohibition of certain amplifying equipment. The project is CEQA-exempt under Sections 15301 and 15303.
- Several commissioners had questions about history and parking, which were answered. No public speakers besides the applicant proxy.
- The commission unanimously approved the conditional use permit and CEQA findings.
Climate Compass – Climate Action Plan Update
- Long Range Planner Carrie Whitlock presented the Climate Compass, a comprehensive update to the city’s 2019 Climate Action Plan. The document addresses greenhouse gas emission reductions to meet state targets (48% reduction by 2030, carbon neutrality by 2045) and climate adaptation. It covers both community-wide emissions and local government operations. Development took three years with over 60 engagement opportunities. A supplemental environmental impact report (SEIR) was prepared; the final SEIR was released April 24, 2026. Staff also proposed general plan text modifications and corrections to the implementation work program (restoring two housing element actions).
- Commissioners asked about urban heat island mitigation (cool pavements, tree canopy, heat-resilient transportation plan) and fleet electrification timeline (pilot program for patrol vehicles, nine EVs already in fleet).
- The commission voted 4–0 to adopt a resolution recommending the city council certify the SEIR, adopt the Climate Compass, approve the general plan modifications, and approve the housing program revisions.
Reorganization of Planning Commission
- Commission members nominated and elected officers for the remainder of 2026. Commissioner Oscar O’Khan was nominated and elected Chair. Commissioner Singh was nominated and elected Vice Chair. Both votes included one abstention each.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar: Approved (3–0–1).
- Old Town Courtyard Conditional Use Permit: Approved unanimously, with CEQA exemption.
- Climate Compass Resolution: Approved 4–0, recommending city council adoption.
- Commission Leadership: Oscar O’Khan elected Chair; Commissioner Singh elected Vice Chair.
- Director’s Report: Provided updates on approved projects (Bartholomew Winery Amendment, SF Supermarket approval), zoning administrator actions, and future agenda items (mural festival, Sheldon Road rezone, capital improvement program).
- Meeting adjourned at 6:40 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Regular meeting for Thursday, May the 7th, 2026 at exactly 6 PM. I will begin with the land acknowledgement. We honor, respect, and acknowledge Elkgrove's first inhabitants, the Plains Miwok, who lived as sovereign caretakers of this land in 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. Will you please take this moment to silence your electronic device? This is. Chair, I move to approve the agenda as presented. Moved. Second. Seconded. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion is approved for the agenda this evening. I will now move to the public comment opportunity. Members of the audience 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. And Helica, do we have anyone signed to speak during the public session? Okay. I will declare the public comment open and opportunity open and closed. All right. Moving on to our consent calendar items. The regular meeting minutes of January the 15th. Do I have a motion to approve the minutes? I will to approve the minutes as percent. I have a motion. Do I have a second? Second. I have a motion and a second. All in favor? Aye. Any opposed. Motion passes for the reading. I have one abstinence. I'm sorry. And one abstention. 30. Motion passes 301. All right. Moving on to the public hearing items. And Halica, will you please call item 5.1. Old Town Courtyard PLNG 25-043. Good evening, Mr. Chair and members of the planning commission. Joseph Dowgaman, associate planner with the community development department. Uh item 5.1 is the old town courtyard project. This project consists of a conditional use permit to utilize an existing 1,150 square foot building and adjacent courtyard and the commercial zone of the old town special planning area as an assembly use to host weddings, birthday parties, meetings, and other special events for up to 60 guests. The project site consisted of approximately 0.2 acre parcel located in 9120 Elkgrove Boulevard near the intersection of Elkgrove Boulevard and Durst Street and the Old Town Special Planning Area. The property is developed with two buildings and several small accessory structures. The first building is a converted two-story, Italianates-style commercial building situated on the northern side of the property.
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