City of Sacramento Planning and Design Commission Meeting - June 9, 2022

The Planning and Design Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. via teleconference. The commission considered three public hearing items: a major mixed-use development in the River District (Grower’s District), a cannabis cultivation project appeal, and a lot split appeal. Commissioners also said farewell to Commissioner Alix Ogilvie. The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the May 26, 2022 meeting unanimously, with Commissioner Buckley abstaining.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Grower’s District (Item 3): Seven speakers addressed the commission.
  • Greta Lechin (River District Board President): Expressed strong support, calling the project visionary and urging approval without delay.
  • Dan Watson: Asked for commitments to local hire, healthcare, area standard wages, and use of state-accredited apprenticeship programs.
  • Mallory Hayes (Blue Diamond Growers): Opposed the current proposal, requesting environmental review under CEQA before approval due to concerns about traffic, noise, air quality, and land use compatibility with adjacent manufacturing campus.
  • Ken Churton (Broker): Supported the project, describing it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the area.
  • Jenna Abbott (River District): Strongly supported the project, stating it would catalyze revitalization and that the district can coexist with industrial uses.
  • Robin Barrell (Special Land Use Counsel for Blue Diamond): Argued that insufficient environmental review was conducted, particularly regarding noise, air quality, traffic, and lighting. Requested denial or further study.
  • Stefan Blandon (Sacramento Valley Association for Sustainable Future): Supported the project, requesting protected bike lanes and removal of on-street parking.
• Appeal of 8850 Elder Creek Cultivation (Item 4): No public speakers.
• Appeal of 5200 V Street Tentative Map (Item 5): One speaker, the appellant, opposed the lot split, arguing it would lower neighborhood property values and create awkward lots. The applicant was not present.

Discussion Items

3. Grower’s District (P21-024)

• Staff presented a proposal to rezone three sites totaling 5.23 acres, demolish one building, alter two historic buildings, and construct four mixed-use buildings with 525 dwelling units and 70,887 square feet of commercial space. The project requires an environmental exemption under Public Resources Code Section 21155.4, a zone change from Heavy Commercial (C-4-SPD) to General Commercial (C-2-SPD), site plan review with deviations for building height and open space, and a tree permit to remove three city trees.
• The developer (Bowen Development) highlighted the project’s use of Opportunity Zone funding, historic preservation, and the goal of activating the North 16th Street corridor.
• Commissioner questions focused on compatibility with adjacent industrial uses (Blue Diamond), affordable units (none proposed), tree replacement, and the timeline pressure from Opportunity Zone deadlines (24-month improvement deadline, roughly 8 months elapsed).
• Blue Diamond’s representative reiterated concerns that environmental impacts were not adequately studied, and that the proposed residential density adjacent to a major manufacturing facility could create conflicts.
• Staff argued that the project qualifies for a statutory CEQA exemption, and that acoustical and lighting studies are conditions of approval but not environmental issues. The developer committed to ongoing discussions with Blue Diamond.
• Motion: Commissioner Pluckebaum moved to approve staff’s recommendation; Commissioner Chase seconded.
• Vote: 11-1 (Commissioner Boyd opposed). Absent: Commissioner Yeung.

4. Appeal of 8850 Elder Creek Cultivation Project (Z20-126)

• Staff presented a project to establish cannabis production (cultivation and distribution) totaling 26,911 square feet on 2.66 acres in the Light Industrial (M-1S-R) zone. The project includes seven new mixed-light structures (21,000 sq ft), additions to an existing building, and site improvements.
• The third-party appeal by Power & Alliance raised concerns about the definition of mixed-light facilities, conditions imposed on a previous similar project (including a demolition condition and deed restriction), and compatibility with the industrial zone.
• Rachel Brown, new Executive Director of Power & Alliance, acknowledged recent progress in discussions with city staff and expressed comfort that the larger mixed-light policy discussion would continue, though she maintained opposition.
• Commissioner questions clarified that a demolition condition is not legally supportable (risk of a takings claim), and that the buildings could be reused for other agricultural or storage purposes.
• Motion: Commissioner Lindsay moved to approve the project and deny the appeal; Commissioner Wallace seconded.
• Vote: 12-0 (all present).

5. Appeal of 5200 V Street Tentative Map (Z21-101)

• Staff presented a proposal to subdivide one 0.23-acre lot with two existing houses into two lots, each with one house. No physical changes to the residences. The project requires deviations to lot size, lot depth, and front setback standards.
• The appellant argued the subdivision would reduce neighborhood values, create awkward corner lots, and that easements should be clarified before approval.
• Staff found the resulting lots consistent with surrounding lot patterns and that the subdivision would add homeownership opportunities.
• Commissioner Wallace raised a question about monitoring property maintenance after lot splits; staff noted that code enforcement handles complaints via 311.
• Motion: Commissioner Buckley moved to approve the project and deny the appeal; Vice Chair Hernandez seconded.
• Vote: 12-0.

Key Outcomes

• Item 3 (Grower’s District): Recommended to City Council for approval (11-1). The project will be heard by Council on June 21 (first reading) and June 28 (public hearing).
• Item 4 (Elder Creek Cultivation): Approved the project, denying the third-party appeal (12-0).
• Item 5 (5200 V Street Tentative Map): Approved the lot split, denying the appeal (12-0).
• Commissioner Farewell: Commission thanked Commissioner Alix Ogilvie for her service as she relocates to Cleveland, Ohio.