Sacramento Planning & Design Commission Meeting – October 13, 2022

The Sacramento Planning & Design Commission met via teleconference on Thursday, October 13, 2022, beginning at 5:32 p.m. and adjourning at 10:13 p.m. Vice Chair Maya Wallace presided. Commissioners present: Barry Boyd, Tyrone Buckley, Robert Chase, Lynn Lenzi, Kendra Macias-Reed, Phillip Pluckebaum, Joseph Yee, Enoch Yeung, and Maya Wallace. Commissioners absent: Douglas Covill and Chair Nicolina Hernandez. The commission considered eight agenda items, including a major retail warehouse, three cannabis-related conditional use permits (CUPs), and the 2023 Planning and Zoning Work Program. The meeting included extensive public testimony and multiple votes on contested items.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (September 8, 2022 and September 22, 2022): Approved. The September 8 minutes passed 8-0-1 (Commissioner Macias-Reed abstained). The September 22 minutes passed 7-0-2 (Commissioners Buckley and Yeung abstained, citing absence from that meeting).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4 – Costco Warehouse Natomas: One speaker (Mike Snell) expressed support, noting benefits for the Natomas economy.
• Item 5 – 1717 Kathleen Avenue (Cannabis Delivery & Manufacturing): One speaker (Mike Snell) opposed, citing concerns about suitable locations and core applicant prioritization.
• Item 6 – 7909 Bruceville Road (Proposed Storefront Dispensary): Ten speakers provided comments. Supporters (including core program graduates and community members) emphasized the applicant’s community ties, equity goals, and the positive impact of regulated cannabis businesses. Opponents (including nearby residents, a treatment center owner, and a community advocate) cited over-concentration of dispensaries, proximity to an outpatient substance abuse center, lack of outreach to nearby churches and residents, and potential negative effects on property values and crime.
• Item 7 – 3856 Stockton Blvd & 4749 14th Ave (Proposed Storefront Dispensary): Four speakers commented. Opponents raised concerns about security, inadequate neighborhood outreach, proximity to churches and youth-oriented businesses, and consistency with area plans. Supporters (including the former core program manager) backed the applicant’s qualifications and community engagement.
• Public Comments – Matters Not on the Agenda: None.

Discussion Items

• Item 3 – Northgate Industrial Park (P22-017): Continued to October 27, 2022 at staff’s request; no discussion.
• Item 4 – Costco Warehouse Natomas (P22-019): Staff presented a proposal for a 160,526-square-foot Costco warehouse on a vacant site in the Natomas Crossing Area 3 Planned Unit Development. Required approvals included an addendum to a previously certified EIR, a conditional use permit for a retail store over 60,000 sq. ft., and site plan/design review with a deviation to wall design. The applicant highlighted design features, pedestrian/bicycle connections, and landscaping. Commissioners discussed the building’s red stripe, parking (909 spaces provided vs. 402 required), EV charging, and traffic. The project was approved unanimously (9-0).
• Item 5 – 1717 Kathleen Avenue – Cannabis Delivery & Manufacturing CUPs (P21-039): This item was continued from September 22. Staff had originally recommended denial due to compatibility with the adjacent residential and transit-oriented zone (M-T), but the commission had directed staff to prepare an approval resolution. After public comment and commissioner discussion about proximity to residential uses and concentration of cannabis businesses on Kathleen Avenue, three motions were made: (1) a motion to approve the project (denying staff recommendation) failed 6-3; (2) a second identical motion also failed 6-3; (3) a motion to continue the item to a future meeting passed 9-0. The item was continued without a specific date.
• Item 6 – 7909 Bruceville Road – Proposed Storefront Dispensary (P22-020): Staff recommended approval. Shortly before the meeting, an outpatient substance abuse center (Diamond House Recovery) was discovered within 600 feet of the proposed dispensary, elevating the review to the commission level. The applicant (Lacretia King-Young, a core program graduate) provided community outreach details and argued the treatment center opened after her application was filed. The treatment center owner (Vicky Magabe) spoke in opposition, citing potential relapse triggers. After deliberation, a motion to continue the item passed 7-2 (Commissioners Boyd and Pluckebaum opposed) to allow staff to investigate the sensitive use timeline and gather more information. The item was continued to a future meeting.
• Item 7 – 3856 Stockton Blvd & 4749 14th Ave – Proposed Storefront Dispensary with Delivery (P22-002): Staff recommended approval. The site is within 600 feet of three churches and a tobacco retailer, and within 300 feet of residential zones. The applicant team (including core applicant Daniel Kang and partners) presented their experience and community engagement, including meetings with multiple neighborhood associations. Commissioners questioned outreach to churches and the adequacy of notification. A motion to approve staff recommendation passed 9-0.
• Item 8 – 2023 Planning and Zoning Work Program (Continued from 09/22/2022): Due to the lateness of the hour, Vice Chair Wallace moved to continue the item to a future special meeting to allow full discussion. The motion passed unanimously (9-0).

Key Outcomes

• Approved (9-0): Costco Warehouse Natomas (Item 4) – all three entitlements approved.
• Continued (9-0): 1717 Kathleen Avenue cannabis CUPs (Item 5) – further deliberation needed.
• Continued (7-2): 7909 Bruceville Road storefront dispensary (Item 6) – for additional fact-finding on the sensitive use.
• Approved (9-0): Stockton Blvd/14th Ave storefront dispensary (Item 7) – all three entitlements approved.
• Continued (9-0): 2023 Work Program (Item 8) – referred to a future special meeting.
• No action: Northgate Industrial Park (Item 3) continued to October 27.
• Commissioner Comments: None.
• Adjournment: 10:13 p.m.