Law and Legislation Committee Special Meeting - September 29, 2020

The Sacramento City Council's Law and Legislation Committee held a special teleconference meeting on September 29, 2020, at 12:30 p.m., chaired by Councilmember Jay Schenirer. The meeting was conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee reviewed four agenda items: the consent calendar (Law and Legislation Log), a proposed ordinance on small temporary residential shelters and temporary shelter facilities, a framework for new building electrification, and an ordinance to increase storefront dispensary permits.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 – Law and Legislation Log (File ID 2020-00208): Approved unanimously (4-0) with a motion by Councilmember Harris and second by Councilmember Guerra. Councilmember Harris requested that the leaf blower ban be calendared for October, which staff confirmed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4 – Storefront Dispensaries: Three callers commented. A representative of Leaseleaks.com opposed the ordinance, alleging that 25 dispensary permits had been unlawfully transferred and that the city should resolve that issue before adding more permits. Weedmaps expressed full support, emphasizing social equity and the reduction of the unregulated market. Malakai Amen (Institute for More) urged careful evaluation of applicant criteria to advance equity and raised concerns about issuing all ten permits at once.
• Item 3 – New Building Electrification: One caller, Rosie Yaqu (350 Sacramento), spoke. She expressed support for all three elements of the proposed ordinance but urged a more rapid transition, noting that other cities (e.g., Berkeley, San Jose) enacted similar bans in shorter timeframes and that every new gas-built home increases future retrofitting needs.
• Item 2 – Small Temporary Residential Shelters: Five callers commented. Michael Alt (Downtown Sacramento Partnership) emphasized the need for balance, advanced noticing, a 500-foot buffer from residential zones, provisions for permit revocation, and a sunset date. James Collie (District 2 resident) opposed the ordinance, citing overconcentration, increased crime and blight in his neighborhood, and called for fair-share siting across districts. Teresa McConnell (District 2) opposed the ordinance as written, highlighted lack of community outreach, vague “assembly site” language, and no plan for mitigating impacts. Ronnie (Old North Sacramento Community Association) opposed, stating District 2 is already overburdened and that the burden should be shared citywide. Nancy Kitz (Ion Sacramento) opposed, criticized insufficient public engagement and warned the siting process could replicate disparities seen with cannabis dispensaries.

Discussion Items

• Item 4 – Ordinance Amending 5.150.350 Relating to Storefront Dispensaries: Davina Smith (Office of Cannabis Management) presented the proposal to increase the maximum number of storefront dispensary permits to 40 and to issue them via council resolution evaluating applicant readiness and equity criteria. Committee members discussed the need for regular updates to the council and community. A motion was made by Chair Schenirer and seconded by Councilmember Guerra to forward the ordinance to the full City Council. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
• Item 3 – New Building Electrification – Proposed Framework & Timeline: Matt Hurdle (Acting Long-Range Planning Manager) presented the staff recommendation to mandate all-electric construction for new low-rise buildings (three stories or less) by 2023 and require 20% EV-capable parking spaces plus one Level 2 charger per new development. SMUD representatives (Steve Johns and Obadiah Bartholomew) confirmed capacity to serve all-electric buildings and discussed grid infrastructure. Committee members discussed the timeline, noting that an effective date of 2023 aligns with the state building code cycle and provides builders time to adjust. Councilmember Hansen requested staff explore earlier implementation and incentives for early adoption. Chair Schenirer directed staff to report back on what would be needed to extend electrification requirements to high-rise buildings by 2026. No vote was taken; the item was for discussion and comment only.
• Item 2 – Small Temporary Residential Shelters and Temporary Shelter Facilities Ordinance: Greg Sandlin (Acting Planning Director) presented the interim emergency ordinance allowing administrative permits for shelters (tents, trailers, cabins, safe parking) during a declared shelter crisis. Discussion focused on buffer distances from sensitive uses (300 vs. 500 feet), concentration concerns (especially in Districts 2, 6, and the river district), notification requirements, operator qualifications, and the need for services. Councilmember Harris requested a carve-out for the river district due to overconcentration. Councilmember Hansen made a motion to forward the ordinance to the full council with the following amendments: (1) increase the buffer from 300 to 500 feet from residential zones and other sensitive uses, (2) prohibit siting any new shelter within half a mile of an existing sheltering service, and (3) include a reevaluation after 18 months. Chair Schenirer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously (4-0). Staff was directed to provide a detailed report of the committee’s discussion to the council.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Item 1): Approved 4-0.
• Item 4 (Storefront Dispensaries): Forwarded to City Council with a motion to include regular updates after adoption. Vote: 4-0.
• Item 3 (Building Electrification): Committee provided feedback; staff directed to report on high-rise electrification timeline by 2026 and explore earlier implementation/incentives. No vote.
• Item 2 (Temporary Shelters): Forwarded to City Council with amendments (500-foot buffer, half-mile radius from existing shelters, 18-month reevaluation). Vote: 4-0.
• Committee Comments: Councilmember Guerra reminded viewers to complete the 2020 Census.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 2:18 p.m.