Sacramento Planning & Design Commission Meeting Summary, March 25, 2021

The Sacramento Planning and Design Commission met on March 25, 2021, to consider five agenda items, including the approval of minutes, a Title 17 Omnibus Ordinance, an update on the Scale-Up Strategy and Aggie Square, and the development of the Environmental Justice Element for the 2040 General Plan. The meeting also featured public comments, updates from staff, and member comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Meeting Minutes (March 11, 2021): The Commission approved the minutes with Commissioner Buckley abstaining due to absence. The motion passed unanimously with one abstention.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Item 5 (Environmental Justice Element): Jennifer Holden, a District 5 resident and former teacher, spoke about the need for fresh food access in low-income areas. She emphasized that students at a continuation high school valued fresh produce and argued against stereotypes that such communities do not value healthy food. She urged support for programs that allow residents to grow or access fresh food without relying on stores.
• On Matters Not on the Agenda: Jennifer Holden criticized inadequate public notice for the eight-year housing element presentation, stating that notice was given only four and a half hours before the meeting, which limits community preparation and input.

Discussion Items

• Item 3: 2021 Title 17 Omnibus Ordinance (M19-010): Staff presented amendments to the planning and development code, including substantive changes to market gardens and gas stations in industrial zones, temporary residential shelter requirements (consistent with state law), indemnification requirements, and a revised definition of “correctional facility.” Commissioners raised concerns about the correctional facility definition, with Commissioner Ogilvie noting it could unintentionally classify re-entry programs as correctional facilities. Commissioner Pluckybaum suggested removing the definition change from the bundle to allow further discussion. The Commission recommended approval of the ordinance but requested that the correctional facility definition be revisited later by the City Council.
• Item 4: Scale-Up Strategy, Stockton Blvd Plan, and Aggie Square Review: Staff presented an overview of the city’s inclusive economic development efforts, the Stockton Boulevard neighborhood plan, and the Aggie Square innovation district. Key highlights included a $50 million affordable housing fund, a 20% local hire commitment for 10 years (rising to 25%), a community benefits agreement with a $1 million annual community fund, and $1.1 million for intersection improvements at Broadway and Stockton. Commissioners expressed strong support, noting the comprehensive community benefits and the importance of STEM programs for local schools. Two legal challenges to the project’s CEQA document were acknowledged but not seen as stopping progress. The presentation was for review and comment only; no vote was taken.
• Item 5: Environmental Justice Element Update: Staff and consultants presented the process for developing the Environmental Justice (EJ) Element, including outreach efforts, a technical background report, and the identification of disadvantaged communities using CalEnviroScreen and locally-specific data. The EJ Collaborative Governance Committee (CGC), a community-led group, is working to move engagement from consultation to collaboration and empowerment. Commissioners praised the work, noting the importance of tree canopy, food equity, and focusing resources on the most impacted areas. Public comment emphasized the need for fresh food access and better notice for community meetings. The item was for review and comment; no vote was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved (one abstention).
• Item 3 (Omnibus Ordinance): The Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval to the City Council, with the understanding that the correctional facility definition amendment be removed from the bundle and reviewed separately at a later date.
• Item 4 & 5: These were informational items; no formal action was taken. Staff will incorporate commissioner feedback into ongoing work.
• Member Comments: The Commission congratulated Greg Sandlin on his appointment as Planning Director and recognized Commissioner Alex Ogilvie for her service and contributions as outgoing member.