Elk Grove Planning Commission Regular Meeting – August 20, 2026
Elk Grove Planning Commission Regular Meeting – August 20, 2026
The Elk Grove Planning Commission held a regular meeting on August 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The sole action item was a public hearing on a Major Design Review Amendment (PLNG26-028) for the previously approved Elk Grove Subaru dealership. The amendment updated the building's exterior elevations to reflect Subaru's new design and branding, with no changes to the site plan, footprint, or parking. The Commission unanimously approved the amendment after finding that no further environmental review was required under CEQA.
Discussion Items
Elk Grove Subaru Amendment (PLNG26-028)
- Staff Planning Manager Antonio Ablog presented the project, noting the original approval in October 2025. The amendment modifies only the exterior architecture to match Subaru's updated design direction, using high-quality materials such as faux stone cladding, concrete masonry, and aluminum composite with faux wood finishes. The building remains approximately 56,159 square feet with 30 service bays, 87 parking stalls, and 861 vehicle storage spaces. No changes to site access, circulation, or intensity (floor area ratio remains 0.014).
- Staff identified a clerical error in Condition of Approval 20, which incorrectly referenced the prior climate action plan. The condition was updated to reference the current Climate Compass, while still requiring compliance with California Building Code energy standards and EV charging.
- Applicant Charlie Zank, General Manager of the dealership, expressed strong community excitement and noted the opportunity for Elk Grove to host the first dealership in the country with this new design. He estimated groundbreaking by November 2026 and completion by January 2028.
- No members of the public testified during the public hearing, which was opened and closed without comment.
- The Commission deliberated briefly and moved to approve the amendment with the revised condition.
Director’s Report
Community Development Director Christopher Jordan provided updates on future agenda items:
- At the next City Council meeting (week of August 24, 2026), the Council will consider a personal storage moratorium previously heard by the Commission.
- For the September 3, 2026 Planning Commission meeting, a mural on the science center building in Old Town (Kyle Larson mural) is confirmed for approval.
- For September 17, 2026, staff is finalizing the Summer Flats project (a different project from Summer Villas), located on Waterman Road south of Bond Road near Jack Hill Cemetery.
Key Outcomes
- Motion by Commissioner Singh, seconded by Commissioner Poole, to adopt the resolution finding no further environmental review required under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and 15183 and approving the Major Design Review for the Elk Grove Subaru Amendment (PLNG26-028), including the updated Condition of Approval 20.
- Vote: 4-0 in favor (Commissioner Fernandez absent). All present commissioners voted aye.
- The meeting adjourned at 6:14 PM.
Meeting Transcript
2026 is 6 p.m. And we'll start with the land acknowledgement. We honor, respect, and acknowledge the Elk Grove first inhabitants, the Plain Mewk, who lived as soaring caretakers of this land and these waterways since the time and memorial. We commemorate and advocate for their descendants, the Wilter Recheria tribe, the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County who endure because of the bravery, resilience, and determination of their ancestors. Tribal members and leaders. Please silence your electronics and cell phones at this time. And the clerk will read the customary greeting, please. The Algrove 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 agenda item as it may deem 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. Can you please call the roll call, please? Commissioner Sandra Poole. Present. Commissioner Suman Cena. Present. Vice Chair Verander Seam. Present. Chair Oscar O'Khan. Present. Commissioner Juan Fernandez absent. Thank you. I invite Commissioner Pooh to please lead us on the Pledge of the Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. To the Republicans. One nation under this one with the judges. Please join me in a moment of silence. Thank you. We need approval for the agenda. Did everybody get a chance to read it? And if everybody is okay with it, I will need a motion and a second, please. Mr. Chair, I move for approval of the agenda as presented. Second. Thank you. I'm uh any all those in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed. That passes. Thank you. Member uh 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 any action on non-adject identized items raised under public comment into the matter has been specifically included in the agenda as an action item. The general public comments at this time. Do we have any speakers? No speakers. Okay, so I close the public comments and there are no calendar items. So Clerk, can you please call the first item? Item 5.1 Elkgrove Subaru Amendment PLNG 26-028. Good evening, Chair Ocon, members of the Elkgrove City Planning Commission.
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