Planning & Design Commission Meeting – May 26, 2022

The Sacramento Planning and Design Commission met via teleconference on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 5:31 p.m. (adjourned 6:49 p.m.) to consider a consent calendar, receive a director's report (none given), and conduct a public hearing on a conditional use permit for a storefront cannabis dispensary at 6233 Mack Road. The commission approved the dispensary and extended teleconferencing due to the COVID-19 emergency.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 – Approval of Minutes (May 12, 2022): Passed 12–0 (Commissioner Macias Reed and Wallace abstained; Commissioner Buckley absent).
• Item 2 – Teleconferencing Meetings During COVID-19 (30-Day Finding): Passed under the same motion, allowing continued remote meetings per California Government Code §54953(e).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Daphne (resident, District 5): Requested removal of the director's report and item 4 from the agenda, citing lack of proper noticing (less than 72 hours) and concern that the dispensary would be approved prematurely. She later stated the Parkway Neighborhood Association was not notified.
• Victor Pacito: Supported applicant Robert Jackson, citing his community work with youth and faith-based organizations.
• Jay Jackson: Supported the project; described applicant as an upstanding business owner with moral principles.
• Tracy Brooks (Deputy Sheriff, retired): Supported the dispensary, noting robust security discussions with the applicant and a belief it would not negatively impact the community.
• Leland Washington (Deputy District Attorney): Supported the applicant, emphasizing his integrity and mentorship.
• John Bishai (retired law enforcement): Supported the applicant, citing high moral character.

Discussion Items

• Item 4 – 6233 Mack Road Storefront Cannabis Dispensary (P21-044): Staff presented the project: a 2,889-square-foot tenant space in a 64,690-square-foot retail building on 7.6 acres (C-2 zone). The dispensary is within 300 feet of residential zoning and 600 feet of five tobacco retailers and one faith congregation. Staff recommended approval. Commissioners disclosed meetings with the applicant consistent with the staff report.
• Key discussion points:
  • Commissioner Boyd questioned the extent of community outreach; applicant stated meetings with Mac Road Partnership, Meadow View, and Valley High associations, though Boyd (board member of Meadow View) did not recall a presentation.
  • Commissioner Yee raised concerns about the chain-link fence for product transfer (condition B32) versus staff's decorative tubular steel requirement; staff noted police department approval but said clarification may be needed.
  • Commissioner Yee also inquired about delivery hours and noise impact on adjacent residences; applicant confirmed deliveries occur only during daylight hours, with security present.
  • Commissioner Chase confirmed no smoking on premises under current code.
  • Commissioner Covill expressed support, noting improved security and reduced loitering.
• Commissioner Pluckebaum also mentioned a city council subcommittee (PMPE) meeting on May 24 that recommended changes to commission rules, potentially affecting ad hoc committees.

Key Outcomes

• Item 4 – Approval (12–0): Motion by Commissioner Pluckebaum, second by Commissioner Chase. The commission approved:
  • Item A: Environmental Exemption (CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 – Existing Facilities).
  • Item B: Conditional Use Permit for a storefront cannabis dispensary (with delivery).
  • Conditions of approval include a security plan, operating hours 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and an enclosed loading area.
• Appeal process: Any party may appeal the decision within 10 days; filing fee is $750.
• Consent Calendar approved as noted.
• Director's Report – none given.