Sacramento Planning & Design Commission Meeting Summary – April 11, 2024

The Sacramento Planning and Design Commission met on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. The Commission unanimously approved the consent calendar, recommended approval of the 2024 Title 17 Omnibus Ordinance to the City Council, approved the American Scissor Lift project, and recommended adoption of the Existing Building Electrification Strategy. The Commission also received a presentation and public comment on the proposed Airport South Industrial Project for discussion only.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (March 28, 2024): Passed unanimously (11-0, with Commissioner Lamas absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 4 – Existing Building Electrification Strategy: Three speakers provided comment.
  • Derek Lim expressed concern about the impact on restaurants using high-heat wok cooking, stating that induction woks are not a legitimate substitute and that until high-heat induction woks are available, restaurants should be allowed to use dual fuels to avoid inequitable impacts and cultural appropriation.
  • Rick Cadina (350 Sacramento) commended the strategy but urged faster implementation, noting that three-quarters of Sacramento's homes use gas for space heating and that failing to convert now will extend emissions past 2040.
  • Rosie (350 Sacramento) requested accelerating the development phase to 2024-2026 and the implementation phase to 2025-2029, and recommended that the new building electrification ordinance replacement be brought to council this year, along with requiring panel assessments and wiring for full electrification readiness.
• Item 5 – Airport South Industrial Project: One speaker provided comment.
  • Giovanni Audellini (Carpenter's Local 46) expressed support for the project, emphasizing the need for area standard wages, healthcare, and local hiring of apprentices from the Capitol College and Career Academy, referencing past labor issues in Metro Air Park.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – 2024 Title 17 Omnibus Ordinance (Bundle): Kevin Colin, Zoning Administrator, presented the ordinance updating various provisions of Title 17 to align with state laws (e.g., ADU regulations, SB9), streamline code provisions (e.g., tandem parking, temporary commercial buildings), and make administrative cleanups. Commissioners asked about parking requirements (noting the recent general plan elimination of minimums) and bulk control standards for SB9. The Commission voted unanimously (12-0) to recommend approval to City Council, including a CEQA exemption determination.
• Item 3 – American Scissor Lift (P23-022): Staff presented a proposal to establish an equipment rental facility on a 1.43-acre vacant lot at 5755 35th Street. No public speakers. The Commission approved the Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan and Design Review, and CEQA exemption (Class 1 and 32) unanimously (12-0).
• Item 4 – Existing Building Electrification Strategy: Laura Tuller and Vic Randall presented the final strategy, emphasizing equity criteria, energy modeling showing immediate utility bill savings for single-family homes, and core policies including a replacement ordinance for new buildings (EPCA-compliant), panel readiness ordinance, heat pump requirements for AC replacements, benchmarking for buildings 50,000+ sq ft, and a future industrial decarbonization strategy. Notable changes from the public review draft included revised cost estimates, advocating for early retirement of gas appliances, and adjusting the building performance threshold from 25,000 to 50,000 square feet based on energy modeling. Commissioners discussed triggers for compliance, costs, incentives (SMUD, federal/state programs), equity for low-income households and renters, restaurant concerns (wok cooking), and the need for faster implementation to meet 2045 carbon neutrality goals. The Commission voted unanimously (12-0) to forward a recommendation to City Council to adopt the strategy, with direction to accelerate implementation where possible.
• Item 5 – Airport South Industrial Project: Staff (Cheryle Hodge, Garrett Norman) and applicant (Nick Avdis, Jeff Griffin, Amy Lappin) presented a proposed annexation and master development on ~475 acres southeast of I-5 and Powerline Road, including 4.5 million sq ft of light industrial and 80,000 sq ft of highway commercial. The project is outside city limits and requires LAFCO approval for sphere of influence amendment and annexation. Environmental impact review is ongoing with a draft EIR expected within 30 days. Key points discussed: property tax exchange agreements, economic impacts (projected $14 million annual tax revenue, 5,400 permanent jobs), habitat conservation plan (HCP) mitigation (land dedication and fees), traffic routing (closure of Bayou Way, roundabout, truck restrictions), visual buffers, park planning (Egret Park expansion), and litigation status. Commissioners raised questions about job quality, truck traffic, bike/pedestrian connectivity, and phasing. The item was for discussion only; no action taken.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
• Item 2 (Title 17 Omnibus): Recommended approval to City Council (unanimous, 12-0). The ordinance is CEQA-exempt.
• Item 3 (American Scissor Lift): Approved (unanimous, 12-0).
• Item 4 (Electrification Strategy): Motion passed to forward recommendation to City Council to adopt the Existing Building Electrification Strategy (unanimous, 12-0). Staff will present to Council on May 7, 2024.
• Item 5 (Airport South Industrial): Received and commented; no vote. Next steps include release of draft EIR within 30 days, followed by public review, final EIR in fall 2024, and hearings before LAFCO and City Council in late 2024.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.