Sacramento Planning and Design Commission Meeting - February 8, 2024
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Sacramento Planning and Design Commission Meeting - February 8, 2024
The Sacramento Planning and Design Commission met on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall (915 I Street). The meeting was called to order at 5:33 p.m. and adjourned at 8:23 p.m. Chair Maya Wallace presided. All 11 commissioners were present (Commissioner Macias Reed absent). The agenda included a consent calendar, one public hearing on a gas station conditional use permit, and two discussion items related to neighborhood revitalization and age-friendly planning.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes (File ID: 2024-00008): The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the January 25, 2024 meeting. Motion by Vice Chair Yeung, second by Commissioner Xiong; passed 11-0.
Public Hearings
- Fuel Stop Gas Station (P22-021): A public hearing was held on a request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Site Plan and Design Review to reestablish a gas station and convenience store at 3200 Rio Linda Boulevard. Staff recommended denial due to the site’s proximity to residential uses (within 30 feet), inconsistency with General Plan policies protecting disadvantaged communities, and the site's low Healthy Places Index score (10.8, meaning 89.2% of state tracts have better conditions). The applicant, Sarita (owner for 25+ years), explained that a 2020 fire and contractor bankruptcy caused delays, leading to the expiration of the deemed CUP. She emphasized community support and plans for future EV chargers. Three public speakers (Tara, Melissa Harris, Adam Schip) supported the project, citing the need for services and concern about blight if denied. After deliberation, Commissioner Chase moved to deny staff’s recommendation and direct staff to prepare findings supporting approval. The motion cited economic development goals, the pre-existing use, and extenuating circumstances (fire, COVID, contractor failure). Commissioners cited General Plan policies ED 1.1 and ED 1.4. Motion seconded by Commissioner Hernandez; passed 11-0. Staff will prepare findings of fact for approval and return to the commission at a future date.
Discussion Items
- Forward Together Action Plan: Marysville Del Paso Blvd. Commercial Corridor and Neighborhood Revitalization (File ID: 2024-00165): Staff presented the plan, developed over 24 months with community engagement (including a Community Advisory Committee, walk-arounds, and surveys). The plan is organized into four categories (Live, Work, Shop, Experience) and includes a $500,000 pilot grant program (with collaborative impact grants up to $400,000 and action grants up to $25,000). Public speakers (Melissa Harris, Tara, Adam Schip) urged implementation and accountability. Commissioners praised the effort and offered suggestions: Vice Chair Yeung emphasized affordable housing funding and land banking; Commissioner Buckley noted displacement strategies and AFFH; Commissioner Caden recommended environmentally clearing active transportation projects and leveraging Valley Rail extension; Commissioner Lamas asked about metrics. The item was for review and comment only; no vote taken.
- Age-Friendly Community Action Plan (File ID: 2024-00365): Staff presented a draft plan based on AARP’s 8 Domains of Livability, with a three-year implementation horizon. The plan resulted from stakeholder working groups (21 members) and community outreach tied to the 2040 General Plan. Public comment period is open until February 9. Commissioners asked about accessibility for blind seniors, connections to climate resilience, and quantifiable goals. The item was for review and comment; no vote taken.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Item 2 (Fuel Stop): Three speakers supported the gas station, citing community need, the owner’s involvement, and risk of blight. No opposition speakers were present; one letter of opposition was received from a neighbor but later resolved per the applicant.
- Item 3 (Forward Together): Three speakers voiced strong support, emphasizing the need for action and accountability. No opposition speakers.
- Item 4 (Age-Friendly): No public speakers.
- Public Comments – Matters Not on Agenda: None.
Key Outcomes
- Fuel Stop Gas Station (Item 2): The commission voted 11-0 to direct staff to prepare findings of fact for approval of the Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan and Design Review, effectively overturning staff’s denial recommendation. Staff will return with findings at a future meeting. The applicant may proceed once findings are adopted.
- Forward Together Action Plan (Item 3): The commission reviewed and commented; no formal action required. Staff will continue implementation with the pilot grant program and present to City Council in mid-March.
- Age-Friendly Community Action Plan (Item 4): The commission reviewed and commented; public comment period closes February 9. The plan will go to City Council after adoption of the 2040 General Plan.
- Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Chase thanked colleagues for guidance on the motion; Vice Chair Yeung wished everyone a happy Lunar New Year.
Meeting Transcript
Chair, staff is ready when you are. Thank you, Clerk. Uh let's see. Good evening and welcome to the February 8th, 2024, 530 p.m. Planning and Design Commission meeting. The meeting is now called to order. Will the clerk please call the roll to establish a quorum? Thank you, Chair. Commissioners, if you can please unmute. Commissioner Zhang. Here. Commissioner Chase. Here. Commissioner Lamis. Here. Commissioner Buckley. Here. Commissioner Caden. Here. Commissioner Hernandez. Here. Commissioner Macius Reed. Absent. Vice Chair Young. Here. Commissioner Blunt. Here. Commissioner Andrade. Here. Commissioner Thompson. Here. And Chair Wallace. Here. Thank you. We have quorum. Thank you. Good evening. I would like to remind members of the public and chambers that if you would like to speak on an agenda item, please turn in a speaker slip when the item begins. You will have two minutes, three minutes to speak once you are called on. After the first speaker, we will no longer accept speaker slips on that item. And we will now proceed with today's agenda. Please rise for the opening acknowledgments in honor of Sacramento's Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Lands. To the original people of this land, the Nissanon people, the Southern Maidu, Valley and Plains, Miwok, Potwin Winton peoples, and the people of the Wilton Rancheria, Sacramento's only federally recognized tribe. May we acknowledge and honor the native people who came before us and still walk beside us today on these ancestral lands by choosing to gather together today in the active practice of acknowledgement and appreciation for Sacramento's indigenous people's history, contributions, and lives. Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Next we have the director's report. Stacia. Thank you, Chair. Two items for the Commission and public this evening. First, uh the Commission's 2024 planning and zoning work program was approved on the consent calendar by City Council this Tuesday.
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