Sacramento Planning and Design Commission Regular Meeting – April 23, 2026

The Planning and Design Commission met on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting included a new commissioner welcome, a recognition of outgoing Commissioner Kendra Macias Reed, approval of the consent calendar, public hearings on a Raising Cane's restaurant and Backstage Café and Bar, review of the 2026 Climate Action & Adaptation Plan annual progress report, the 2040 General Plan annual report, and the FY2026-31 Capital Improvement Program consistency review. The meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of March 26, 2026 Minutes (File ID 2026-00143): Approved unanimously (10-0, with Commissioners Hernandez and Thompson absent).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Raising Cane's at Cosumnes River Boulevard: Five speakers provided public comment. Garpuri (resident at 2011 Gravel Barve) opposed the project due to light, noise, and odor impacts on his home and property value. RJ (resident) opposed extended hours beyond 10 PM, noting the city standard protects residents. Stacy (District 8 resident) supported the project and requested drive-through hours until 1:30 AM. Darlene (representing Delta Shores residents) supported the project but asked about consistency with planned drive-through uses. Raymond (resident) supported the project except for the proposed 10 PM closure, arguing extended hours are needed for seniors and shift workers.
• 2026 Climate Action & Adaptation Plan Annual Progress Report: Rosie Yaquip (volunteer with 350 Sacramento) spoke in support of electrification, noted energy cost inequities, and urged the city to provide permit fee waivers for heat pump installations and expand EV charging access.

Discussion Items

• Raising Cane's at Cosumnes River Boulevard (P25-005): Staff recommended approval with drive-through hours limited to 10 PM due to proximity to single-family homes (approximately 15 feet from property line). The applicant requested 3:30 AM closing but later offered 1 AM weekdays/1:30 AM weekends as a compromise, then proposed midnight. Commissioners discussed noise mitigation (automatic voice control, no speakers on east side), lighting, and the distinction from the Natomas Raising Cane's which had a 200-foot setback. Commissioner Lee moved to approve per staff recommendation; Vice Chair Kadin seconded. The motion passed 9-0 (Commissioner Goris recused).
• Backstage Café and Bar (P25-019): Staff recommended approval for a bar/taproom with outdoor patio at 1812 D Street. The applicant described plans to activate a former recording studio with indoor bar and outdoor beer garden, with limited hours and noise mitigation. Commissioners supported the project as an amenity for the neighborhood. Motion by Commissioner Blunt, second by Commissioner Ortiz. Approved unanimously (10-0).
• 2026 Climate Action & Adaptation Plan Annual Progress Report (LR26-004): Laura Tuller (Associate Planner) presented progress on greenhouse gas reduction and adaptation. Key highlights: SMUD added 440 MW renewable energy; 80% of new homes and >90% of ADUs all-electric; 25% of new vehicle sales zero-emission; completion of Del Rio Trail; adoption of Urban Forest Plan and Streets for People Plan. Challenges included loss of $10 million conditional award for building performance standards and $1 million terminated EPA grant for neighborhood resilience. Commissioners discussed the need for tree canopy in underserved areas, federal policy impacts, and the regional water bank. No action taken – review and comment only.
• 2040 General Plan Annual Report for 2025 (LR26-002): Amy Yang (Senior Planner) presented the report highlighting infill projects, climate action, and equity initiatives. Noted increases in housing burden and decreases in transit use. Commissioners emphasized commercial corridor housing and 15-minute communities. No action taken.
• Review of City FY2026-31 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Consistency with the 2040 General Plan (LR26-006): Staff found 12 new CIP projects consistent with the General Plan. Motion by Vice Chair Kadin, second by Commissioner Blunt. Approved unanimously (10-0).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 10-0.
• Raising Cane's (P25-005): Approved 9-0 (Commissioner Goris recused) with drive-through hours limited to 10 PM per staff recommendation. The applicant's request for extended hours was denied.
• Backstage Café and Bar (P25-019): Approved 10-0.
• Climate Action Plan Progress Report: Reviewed; no vote.
• General Plan Annual Report: Reviewed; no vote.
• CIP Consistency Analysis: Approved 10-0; forwarded to City Council for May 12 consideration.
• Other: Commissioner Jose Goris, Jr. was welcomed as new member. Commissioner Kendra Macias Reed was recognized for her service. Commissioner Goris disclosed his role as president of Delta Shores Community Association, stating future recusals.

Note: Public hearing item 4 (parking ordinance amendment) was withdrawn from the agenda.