Citrus Heights Planning Commission Meetings - Regular Meeting

I'd like to call the regular meeting of the Cric Planning Commission to an order on today is Tuesday, February 24th is 6 o' we have the flag salute, please. Scott, would you please lead us? Absolutely. United States for all. You call the role, please. Commissioner Kinderwater, present. Commissioner Kaufman,

Commissioner Al Rawi, here. Commissioner uh Sheieler, I'm sorry, Chair Sheieler. Commissioner Van Duker is out. Vice Chair Flowers is out. Commissioner US. Thank you. Next item.

It's now time for the consent calendar. We have one item on the consent, which is the minutes of December 9th, the December 9th meeting. Anyone on the commission or the public wish to pull an item for discussion? Hearing none. A motion.

I second. All those in favor?

Opposed. Next item is public comment. This portion portion of the agenda is available to the public to address the planning commission on any issue that is not on not on the agenda. There will be a three minute uh three minutes per speaker. Uh if um anyone who wishes to address the commission regarding a topic or issue that is not on the agenda this evening, please approach the podium. Do we have any speakers on item that is not on the agenda? Seeing none, next item that's going to be public hearing item 5A, uh 6941 Silvin Road. Planner is going to be Stephanie Louie.

Good evening, chair and commissioners. Um my name is Stephanie Louie and I am an associate planner with the community development department. Tonight I will be providing the commission with a brief presentation uh for the tenative parcel map at 6941 Silvin Road. Um so the project includes a request to subdiv subdivide a 0.42 acre parcel into two lots. Um both lots are consistent with the general plan and the RD20 zoning designation. And even though the map includes references to potential and future uh residential structures, these are conceptual only and are not part of this application or review. Um the planning and engineering division, we did look at conceptual plans in terms of access and utilities and potential frontage or on-site improvements. Um and the proposed layout is presented with the map appear to meet the applicable standards. Um, so diving deeper into these lots, again, both these lots are RD20, which is are medium density residential zoning. Um, they meet the minimum lot size requirements. Um, so if there were duplexes on the lot, those requirements are going to be 3,000 square feet uh for an interior lot. Both these lots are proposed uh over 9,000 square feet. Um so for the property characteristics there are uh no unusual topographic features. The site is generally flat with no regulated interensitive habitats which include um creeks, flood zones, etc. There's one eucalyptus tree on the property, but a eucalyptus tree is not protected species within the city. Um and again this property is located outside the FEMA 100year flood zone. Um that's basically the presentation and in conclusion. Um you know the project does meet the requirements uh to be considered a minor division of land

exempt from SQA. Um we do meet the it's consistent with the general plan and the zoning code requirements in terms of size and uh proposed uh development even though there are none. It that would meet um and be consistent with our zoning requirements. And to reiterate, yeah, there is no development at this time. Um and any future development will follow the required permitting process through planning um and uh building. Here are the recommended motions. Uh the project has been routed to all partners and service agencies and the condition conditions were listed in the staff report as exhibit 1A. Um and then our um our staff is present tonight and I believe our applicant is present. as well if you have any questions.

I would just add that uh the commission received a email from um the vets adjacent property with a number of petition signed and uh that's been provided to the commission tonight for their consideration. Commissioners, you have any questions? I do. Um, I did note under the conditions, uh, could you back to the map where and show me where on the map this reference 12,000 KV smud line is?

I believe it's at the rear of the property. At the rear line of the property. The very of that. Okay.

Um, I did notice that that one of the requirements of course is to provide access for up to a 26,000lb vehicle, you know, to access access that line. I see that of course the driveway is is paved uh up but it appear paved up to a point and so that provides I mean again I know this is conceptual. I mean I I I understand that um but like I I felt that there probably were a number of requirements relative to smud utility or util line or other utilities um that I you know I thought there was quite a bit there.

Yeah, these are typical for um SMUD. They're they're typical standards when they propose uh when there's a proposition for a map. Um they're these are usually just their requirements for access in general. Um and uh you know even if when the proposal is um submitted to building it could change based on design and SMUD will still review the project uh with the proposed access requirements to their facilities if needed. And that can be done in the building permit phase. And just to confirm that I am correct, we're talking two duplexes and two two ADUs

uh proposed for now. Yes. One duplex on one lot, one duplex on the other and then uh possible ADU. Okay, I have another question. Uh again about the access concern to lot two. Uh will eventually need to take access through private easement. Correct.

Lot one. And how is the planning department trying to is that does that align with all the regul the city has. And the second question is about fire truck. Do we have a turnaround clearance for a firet truck to serve lot two and go out of the site?

So yes. Um so to kind of answer your question, this is typically just proposed as a map or it is proposed as a map. Um so with this development or with the proposal for development the um applicant provided this as a heads up. This isn't something the actual development isn't something that was um like reviewed you know roughly it's not something that was required to be reviewed with the map proposal itself. Um so typically I can speak for fire. uh they are waiting until we get a full development proposal to review um the possible changes or possible need for um a turnaround. Uh and it it was clear from the fire it was specifically asked that they are waiting till development because these could uh initially they could change um over time. Uh and then engineering did look at um access requirements for that private um private access easement and they do as as they are now meet our requirements.

Any other questions? So the lot tonight or the question tonight is just for the splitting of the lot. Correct. It's just for the split. Um and that's why on the map it does say that this uh proposed development that's not a part of um of this review. They did provide that as a possible example of what could be developed on the lot. But we are simply uh just reviewing the map itself and if it meets the general plan and zoning requirements.

Any other questions? Therefore, I'd like to open public comment to understand public comment is exactly that. It's comments from the public. We are legally prohibited from having a back and forth conversation with you. So, with that, I'll open public comment. Um, I would like to say that the applicant is here and if they would like to say something, they usually get the opportunity. Yeah, we can go to regular.

All right. I have two speaker cards. Again, if anybody has come in that would like to speak, please fill out a speaker card in the back and then pass it up to the secretary in the front. Paul, I would say my role over at the over at the vet center is I walk a lot of the elderly to their cars and back. Parking is is a major issue. It's I don't know what to say. The oldest person we have is 92 years old. Average age, I want to say, is probably around 80. And this is a special place. This is a place that nobody makes one penny there. It's all volunteer work. And um they charge six bucks for lunch. If you don't have the money, you still eat. These are things once we lose these things, I mean, we need some kind of there could be any kind of something worked out with the new owner for some for some extra parking for us. Not trying to say the man doesn't have right to do what he's doing. He does. But how injurious is that going to be for the vet center, you know, is my concern with it. And that's all I really got to say is that, you know, I'm heartsick over it because the vet center from what I understand for years has been trying to, you know, acquire the you know the then all of a sudden it sold and um how all that went around. I don't know there's a lot of stuff swirling over that but I don't know what kind of u authority you have as this is not this is above my pay grade here. I'm just

saying if some kind of happy medium can be worked out to where the vet center can have the parking to accommodate the people. That's it. And even putting up a light once again it's you got 80 year old people. They can't be running across Auburn Boulevard. That's a teenager shouldn't even be running across Auburn Boulevard. But that's pretty much all I got to say is is um we need some parking. If there's anything this council can do towards that end, it'd be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Thank you very much,

Gino Baruko. uh on behalf of the center and uh all the vets. We take and my average age like he said is 80s and we take we do a lot of activities and we get the average age and we get up to 50 people on a on a lot of uh special events. We charged nothing for a lot of them. And putting in across Silven Road, coming across, even with the light, we average about four or five squad cars, ambulances going down Silven Road during the day. Fire trucks, they're going down, people racing down that street. You put a veteran such as myself who's 100% disabled, you take and you put them, you gave them a death notice. And this is what we're fighting. We feel that give us a chance to take at least use part of that parking for our center. We have events. I brought a calendar that of what we take and we have during the month. We take and we do a lot of events, some by different of uh like the uh like the Elks of uh Roseville. Give us a meal. We had a meal just a while back. We have different ones. The Ben Ally Shrine comes up free of charge and performs at our dinners. We had a Valentine's. We average 50 people. A lot of them in walkers, crutches, and canes.

Don't spit on us like we did when we came back from Vietnam. This is what we are. We fought for our rights. We feel our rights are being taken away from us by taking and authorizing part of that uh lot next door so somebody can line their pockets. This is my belief. This is what the center represents. Veterans such as myself and all of us who are veterans. We deserve a voice and we deserve a chance to come back and put that if they go back and put it up for sale. Give us a chance to take and see what we can do to purchase that. Don't put us across the street on death row even with a light. I've seen sat in my car, watch people fly down that street. No, do not put us on death row. That's what you're doing to that vet center and the veterans who gave their lives for you and this country. Thank you. Thank you.

And we Excuse me. We have one I'm going to read. I will read three minutes of it. And I'm going to start the timer now. My name is Michelle Grant. I'm the CEO of the Veterans Community Center located at 6921 Silven Road. Our mission is serving veterans is conducting in our bu is conducted in our building which is one of the city's last historical landmarks. The old Silvin Schoolhouse. The schoolhouse was formerly the city of Citrus Heights's logo and remains above the doors set in tile on the floor at the city hall. So most of the res residents and officials know who we are and where we're located. The city is familiar with our mission and our services that we provide to the community's military veterans and veterans families. Well, as well as a number of volunteers given the opportunity to provide business to large and small individuals as city council has been very proactive in attendance for many of our events in the past years. The plan development for the empty lot next door to our building at 6941 Silven Road is on the agenda this evening. The topic for us is a concern and its profound impact it will develop on our mission. A petition with numerous district six signatures represented not only my detailed statement but the statement of everyone who signed the petition has been submitted for this evening's review. Please refer to the petition petition notice at the bottom of this statement for the history the impact development will make on our mission and the alternative suggestions for the de developer to consider. A representative of so many voices and myself I empathize with the organization has no ill intent in interfering with the development of the plan of the owner. We express prof profound gratitude to Yuri for his gracious allowing graciously allowing our

organization to use his lot as needed for overflow parking. It is our request is simple to develop elsewhere to allow the center to obtain a lease for the lot of parking needs. So we may consider with our mission in serving with the military veterans and families. He has a lot available located at 4808 Nebraska Lane in Fair Oaks that he's willing to neg negotiate as an alternative development site. Without adequate safe parking, our mission stands to default on so many events including veterans celebrations of life, multiple collaboration and efforts with several organizations, alliances, and friends of the center throughout the year. Below is a few items and a few participants that we'd like to that provide service for food for our veterans. I'm not going to read that whole list as for sake of time. Important note, American Legion would not be would be on this list too, but they are inclined not to sell to collaborate in my conversation with Charles Stone. That's it.

Thank you. No one else wants to speak. I close. Does the Does the project proponent want to speak? Nope. Okay. I close the the public session. Commissioners, any thoughts? Um, I'd like to address this both to Nancy, maybe Casey, maybe Stephanie. U so the property is categorically exempt from SQA guidelines but SQA while it may not discuss property rights it certainly would let us know more about community needs and human environmental needs and I wondered if one of the three of you would address this seems like a perfect time where possibly SE guidelines would help us as commissioners to understand uh to help us understand number one why isn't Why is SQA categorically um exempt?

We actually have a training on SQA later tonight. Unfortunately, we had the reorder mixed up. But um in the SQL world, there are different levels of review. Um in uh the legislaturator's intent of that was to make certain pro projects easier to to uh get through the process and certain ones need more scrutiny. Um the lowest level is uh categorical exemption which this is for a small um subdivision. So this is typical um level review for any parcel map unless there are unique circumstances such as a creek or cultural resources that are unknown. But largely if it's a a lot of this nature um it's ex exempt and that is the intent of the legislature by doing so. This might be a open meeting question, but are we allowed to speak to the letter? Can we talk about the letter? Is that allowed?

Kind of kind of you can address it. You can't address the applicant or you can't address the letter writer in general. You can make you can make general comments about the letter. Well, because there's just in the letter there are some requested actions, right? Uh some desired actions here. And I was just wondering if I don't know if you've all read it, but just if you could maybe explain why we can or can't do any of the things that they're asking us to do in the in this letter and maybe also explain what the role of the planning commission is and what we can and can't do.

Sure. Yeah. I uh reviewed the letter earlier today. I don't have it memorized off the top of my head, but um I know um part of the request was to ensure that um or to allow them to negotiate with the property owner and allow them to consider purchase it. That's perfectly acceptable and someone can do that. We're not going to stop that. Um they've had that capability this whole time. So hope hopefully that's something they can consider. Even if you approve the map tonight, that doesn't preclude them from having that conversation as well. Um I think some of the other uh related concerns were related to mitigation crossing the street. Um, you know, the impact of this residential subdivision isn't causing that impact for people crossing that street to get across the center. So, it's not that burden is not appropriate for this development to solve. Um, that being said, um, they talk about working with the city and we're happy to put our heads together with them and come up with different solutions. Um, but we don't have that worked out yet or in our in our heads. Um, I don't think that we're interested in purchasing the property, but um, in terms of like shuttle services or things like that, it's something we can put our heads together with the vet center and come up with some solutions to do that. So, I think I answered your question. Let me know if I missed any of the uh, requests there.

Well, yeah, I guess you know, as you mentioned, yeah, there's there's kind of a conversation there of negotiate a surrender or resell the property, which is something obviously that we can't do on the planning commission. uh condition of approval for for mitigation measures and there those aren't tied to the property. They're tied next to the property and we can't probably encumber the property for something that isn't on the property. Right. Correct. Really all we can do is decide whether or not the lot split is legal or not. And if uh then I so that's all we can do. But I guess the other question is, you know, since we're just kind of a quasi judicial body here, if they wanted to take it further, obviously they could potentially go to the city council and and maybe also how could they do that potentially?

Sure. Um any decision of the planning commission is appealable to the city council. Um and so that's um in their uh belt of tool belt. Um but you're right, the planning commission's perview is does it meet the findings required under the under the um zoning code which is is it consistent with the general plan zoning code? Is it physically suitable for development and John Blank on the last one um but as you see in the staff report it does meet all those standards based on the zoning code and that's is your purview. The private property agreements or or whatnot is is not in the planning commission's purview. Thank you.

Okay. Well, I guess then that's Casey what you just said. So, I was going to confirm with Nancy. So, this property rights is not in under the purview of this commission. Correct. And the issue uh the Veterans Hall is having is more of a private property issue with the lot next door. Thank you. Any other questions? Nothing else. Do I have a motion? Tom, we need to close the public hearing. I'm sorry. I did. I did. Did you? Okay. I must have missed it. You slammed it down. Okay.

I missed. See, I'm trying to keep you on your toes. I do it right. I get it wrong. Can I have a motion? I move I move to continue this item to allow further evaluation of access and compatibility concerns the ones I addressed earlier. I'm sorry you say it again. I move to continue this item. So approve this item to allow further evaluation for access compatibility concerns that I mentioned earlier.

Do we have a second? Any questions about that motion? Can we do that? The commission could continue the item, I think is what commissioner is requesting. Um, to allow maybe the full commission to be here. Um, could allow them to have more discussion between the two property owners. That is a possibility. Um, so I think that's what Commissioner Alari was was alluding to. I second that motion. All those in favor? I

I I. So, we'll continue it to a date uncertain. Um, and we will have to um bring it back to the commission for consideration. Um, we'll work with the applicant in the vet center to see if there's any way to get a deal worked out. If not, um, we'll bring forward that information to you and you guys can consider it again at your next meeting or one of the next meetings.

Do I still read the appeal language? Okay. Any determination by the planning commission may be appealed to the city council by filing a written notice of appeal and the appropriate filing fees of $250 with the city clerk not later than 10 calendar days after the date on which the determination is made. Next item, please.

That's going to be 5B, amendment to section 106.42.015 of the Citrus Heights zoning code. Uh is going to be Stephanie Louie. All right, this is my second act and I still have another one after this. So, um All right, so again, um I'm here to present uh the changes to section 106.42.015 of the Citrus Height Zoning Code pertaining to accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units. Um so kind of just a background uh this slide shows the why. Um so why are we making some of the updates to our existing ADU code? Uh with new changes to state legislation um we have to ensure that the city is consistent with the state and that our current standards are not more restrictive than what the state allows. So, as you seen in the staff report, um the proposed ADU section in our code has been revised and uh pretty heavily restructured from what it was. And though it does look like a lot, much of what is proposed in the ordinance are standard updates. Um in this is, uh you know, more for compliancy. We reorganized this section to make it easier to read. Um, and this is pretty much a routine update to ensure uh that we are following state legislation and that we are consistent with the law. Um, in the next couple slides we'll dive deeper into the specifics of that the update. Um, and so I guess before that we'll kind of explain um what is an ADU? An ADU is an accessory dwelling unit. Um it is uh you know typically can be referred to as a granny flat or a mother-in-law quarters. Um it's a additional dwelling

that's used for independent living. Um some of the uh the pros for ADUs uh is that it helps with the housing need in the area. Um it also allows some of um our older generation to be able to age in place. Um, it also provides uh a steady it could um it could provide a steady income for home own homeowners that are renting out the ADU. Um, and so that's just a little bit about that. And then just diving into um the updates. So, one of the biggest updates to the ADU section is the introduction of the two ADU pathways. Um, and this applies to single family properties. Uh and so with this uh two with these two pathways, residents must choose to build under the local development pathway or the state ADU pathway. Um and the standards can't be mixed. So uh for multif family properties, the city will follow state legislation. Um we'll go a little deeper into that. Um so under the local pathway, the ordinance uh largely remains the same as before as what our original ADU ordinance is. It allows for two ADUs total, one regular ADU which can be attached or detached and then one J AU. Uh under the state pathway, there can be up to three ADUs on a single family property. Um but they are subject to specific uh state requirements. So with the state um even though they're allowed more ADUs, uh they the local pathway allows larger floor areas and provides a little bit more flexibility with what types of ADUs can be built on a property. Um, the state limits to exactly one attached conversion ADU, which means that this has to be

converted completely within the existing home or an existing structure. Um, a detached one detached ADU that does not exceed 800 square ft. and then one junior accessory dwelling unit that does not exceed 500 square f feet and is completely within the existing home. Um for our regulations we do allow a detached uh ADU of up to 1,200 square ft. Um people do have the option that if they want the one their one ADU to be attached or detached they can do that under our local ADU ADU ordinance. Um and so uh why do we offer two options? Uh this kind of provides uh this allows the city to retain a degree of local control while still complying with state law. Um so we do have some control over what we allow with the local ordinance. Um and in compliance with state law, we do allow residents the option to go completely with what the state allows. Um diving into multifamily properties. So there is only one approach to this. There aren't multiple options that you can choose. Um the city follows state legislation in terms of multifamily. Um and for the purpose of ADUs, a multif family dwelling is consistent of uh two attached units on a property or more. Um and so a key distinction in uh this proposed ordinance is between new uh multifamily developments and existing multifamily developments. Proposed multifamily developments may include up to two ad uh two detached ADUs and existing multifamily developments may include up to eight detached ADUs as long as the number of ADUs does not exceed the number of existing units. Um and then lot coverage requirements will continue to apply. So if you have a duplex on your property, you can have up to two. You can't have the full eight because that would exceed the uh the number of existing um units on that property.

Um some other notable changes uh with our ordinance is uh pertains to junior ADU owner occupancy. Um and so now in most cases owner occupancy is not required unless the junior ADU shares a bathroom with the primary dwelling. In most cases that we've seen this they usually have separate um separate facilities. Um and then use are built within existing garages. Uh replacement parking is not required as well. Um and again, these are provisions that are mandatory under our the current state law. Um so we are really just uh revamping the existing ordinance to comply with what the state allows. Um so here are the recommended motions. If you have any questions, we are available um to answer them. Okay, all you ADU experts, you have any questions?

Not a question, just clarification. I did see 1,200 square feet for ADU. That's the attached.

It could be um it could be detached uh for and that's through the local ordinance. We allow up to 1,200 square feet for a detached while the only allows up to 800 square f feet. Um for the attached unit, it's 60% of the existing dwelling. So if you have um a th00and square foot ADU, you can have 60% or thousand square foot primary dwelling and you attach an ADU. It can be up to 60% in size of the primary dwelling. Um or it could be 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom or 1,000 square feet for a twobedroom, whichever one is greater. Yeah, 1200 is for detached. Thank you.

Any other questions? Do we have a motion? Sorry, chair. You got open public comment. Oh, sorry. Open public comment. Any comments? No comments. Close public meeting. And I'll uh just the commission can say move motion one and move motion two. You don't have to read verbatim unless you really really want to. All right. Do I have those kinds of motions?

I make a motion that we adopt motion number one. Do both at the same time or both at the same time? All Come on. Button adopt motion one and motion two. Second. I second. All those in favor? I I opposed

I. That's going to be item 6A. uh general plan annual report and that will once again be Stephanie Louie. This is my final act tonight. So, I hope you've enjoyed listening to my voice for the last uh 30 minutes, but um this is a good one. This is our uh our 2025 general plan annual progress report. Um like in the title suggests, it is an annual report. Um we are recapping how the city has accomplished its goals and policies um that are outlined in the general plan. And so for those of you who are new uh this presentation will kind of uh you know serve as an introduction to what the general plan is. Um and those of you who are returning you have heard this um probably every year since you've been on the commission. Uh but um to break it down, the general plan consists of 66 goals and highlights policies and actions to meet these goals. Uh the city is required to review the general plan on an annual basis and submit its results to the state. Um and this is done through the annual progress report. So it is important that the city completes and submits the annual progress report um as it is required by the state. Um but it is also a requirement for approval of a majority of grants that we apply for. Um they do take a look at our our annual report when we do apply for these grants. Um and so as a refresher, so this slide briefly um explains what the general plan is. Uh again, it serves as the city's statement of its vision for the future um over a 15 to 20 year period. The city's first general plan was adopted in November 2000 and then um

updated again in August of 2011 where we incorporated goals and policies for climate change, water quality and flooding and complete streets. Um so the city has updated the general plan since then sometimes to include compliance with new legislation or to update or revise the goals that were made almost 20 years ago to ensure that we are up to date with the city's current vision. Um the general plan contains seven required elements uh that pertain to land use, circulation and housing. Um and then in this one we are focusing on the housing portion which is the housing element. So the housing element is one of the sections uh of the general plan that does require some special attention. Um it does serve as the framework for uh adequately addressing the community's need for housing. And one way that this is accomplished is through a regional housing needs allocation or RENA uh which is a statemandated process. And under the system um the Department of Housing and Community Development or HCD, they calculate the total number of new homes that a jurisdiction must construct across different affordability levels. Um and the annual progress report uh functions as a way to demonstrate how the city is fulfilling these allocations. Um this slide shows our progress made um in meeting our arena goals throughout the eight-year planning period. This period is from May 15, 2021 to May 15, 2029. Um so I want to highlight some of the um the exciting things in here. So table two shows that our housing allocation within this period is a total of 697 units. Um we have made significant progress over this uh you know this period of time uh with

currently we have 637 of those 697 total units. Um so we only need 57 units within the next three years. Um I'd also like to highlight that we um we exceeded the housing unit goals for the lowinccome category and this is due to the success of our um ADU program. Um, and just to highlight that in our general plan and goals, the city had hoped to approve 100 ADUs during this eight-year planning period. Um, and I can happily report that as of this year, we have issued a total of 157 ADU permits and have met our goal, met and exceeded our goal. Um, and then also in our report, we like to highlight uh some milestone projects for 2025. Um so some of these include the Arcade Creek Trail. Um we are working on extensions to our trail system network with a Silven to Stock Ranch extension and also a Mariposa extension. Um Auburn Complete Streets phase 2 project was initiated and like in the first or second slide I mentioned how in 2011 um we added one of our you know goals to the general plan that included complete streets. So, um it's kind of nice to see uh one of those goals, you know, being worked on and and it'll uh we anticipate that we have completion in fall of this year. Um we're also introducing introducing gateway activation pro project that connects our um trail system to those with the city of Roseville. Um and then uh we also um achieved some goals with comp uh the Citrus Heights Cares which is a comprehensive toolbox to achieve um cleanliness and pride through litter and weed abatement. Um and you know if you've seen uh our our city in the last couple years that

there's a big difference. So we have a lot of pride in that. Um so you did receive a copy of the 2025 annual report which highlights the year's progress towards the goals within the general plan. Um, and this report will be forwarded to the city council for final review and approval prior to being submitted to HCD by April 1st. Um, so again, uh, this progress report is required by the state, um, and is a requirement of many grants that the city applies for. And here is the recommended motion. Um, again, we're happy to answer any questions. Stephanie, the RHNA and it's statemandated. Um, so it's from the duration 2021 to 2029.

Does it roll forward and does it continue to upgrade update or is it just it started in 2021 and it ends in 2029? Yeah, so those are the numbers that we would need to meet within this planning period. in the next planning period they'll make adjustments um and we'll have new goals and numbers for those reena allocations. So it's the same today as it was in 2021.

Correct. So yeah, I believe there was a the total for um in that first column on table two where it says Reena are extremely low uh in income and very low. The Reena numbers that um that they suggested we should have 132 of these units. Um and then you know as of today we have 104. Um so those are all the allocations in that first column of what what they suggested. Thank you.

I I had a question about uh you know we exceeded our low income by quite a bit. Do we get credit for that going forward? And like in 2029 are they going to say we don't we don't care. You're we're doubling it anyways. I'll let Casey answer. Not that's unfortunately that's not how the state works but um we can count those units towards mo moderate and above moderate. Um so then that helps with our our production over the cycle. Got other questions?

Do I have a motion public comment please? Thank you. I move to accept the 2025 general plan and the annual the general plan annual progress report and direct staff to move forward to report to the city council and the appropriate state agencies. I'll second. All those in favor I

I opposed general correspondence and presentations and reports from city staff and Casey is going to give a presentation on or the training for SQA. So, as uh Commissioner Kinder Water mentioned and dove into, there's a lot of nuance to SQA and it's something that our team has to deal with on a on a daily basis. Uh we have um this commission uh it looks I think all but one of you are still newer um and maybe haven't seen SQA documents too much in the past. So, we thought it'd be a good opportunity. We have a a couple things coming up that will have some SQA documents. So, just wanted to go over those for you so you're uh better prepared for uh when when they're in front of you. Um so the California Environmental Equality Act is a law that was put in place in 1970 to u require development projects um to be reviewed for potential impacts to the environment. You can see this lovely um flowchart. Don't look too hard at it. Um there's more to it than that. Um it's a very uh robust set of law that was based on case law and and other um every year there's new laws added to it. So um it's constantly something we have to keep on top of. Um but our job is to make it easy for you so you uh have a document you can feel comfortable with um and and uh reviewing projects. So a lot of people think SQA the purpose of SQA is to kill projects and that's not true. The purpose of SQUA is to disclose potential environmental impacts. Um it provides information to public agencies, allows the public to understand the impacts of decisions of the city and identifies ways to avoid adverse impacts to um sensitive

resources and then also identify alternatives to proposed projects. Um so the first thing is is is it a project and there's a whole law on what is a project and what's not a project. Um but I won't bore you with that, but if there's a project exempt, um if it's not a project, it's exempt. And then if it's if um if it's not exempt, who is a lead agency? Um so most of the stuff that you're going to see from us, the city's a lead agency. Sometimes there's multi- agency uh projects where we have to figure out who's on first, but most stuff you'll see is city city will be the lead agency. Um so as I mentioned earlier, there's kind of a hierarchy. the we'll start with the path of easiest uh sequel review is a statutory exemption and those are um the legis legislature clearly states that there's no um need to review it. Um so those are ministerial projects where there's not an action by um by the a quasi judicial or or count so either the planning commission or the council. It's done at a staff level. So like issu issuing a building permit or business license work during an emergency. Those are we're not going to look at from environmental perspective. And then there's categorical exemptions and those are uh added to every couple years and um every so often and there's different um exe exemptions that um they're not an absolute. So like there's still if there is uh you're building on something on a parcel and it has a creek or um trees or habit sensive habitat, you you don't get a free pass. you still have to kind of dive into details, make sure that exemption still applies. Um, so tonight you saw one for a parcel map. There's a minor land division uh option there. Um, and there's no exemption for projects with cumulative impacts or um reasonable possibility of having an impact. So again, like if if you can look at a project be like, wow, that's

really going to mess up that creek. we're have to look at um on biological side of things and hydraological side of things if there's a potential impact. These are common ones you'll see um so existing facilities if you're adding a second story to to a commercial building there's no arguably no environmental impact. So, um, replacement or reconstruction, new construction or conversion. These are all kind of typical ones that you'll see. Um, each one of these have their own nuances. Um, and so like this class 15 is one you saw tonight. Um, so if you don't qualify for an exemption, um, you kind of go into a new category and um, that is determined by initial study. Um, that is a document that you'll see that um, discusses the setting. So the physical and regulatory requirements impacting a project identifies the impacts of a project. So if the project's going to create a bunch of additional traffic trips, what is the impact on our roadway or if it's going to take out oak trees, what is the impact to those oak trees? Um so all these different categories and then um there's what's called threshold of significance. Um and I'll have a slide on that in a moment. Um and then mitigation. So just because there is say a traffic impact doesn't mean it it's a significant impact. You can mitigate those impacts to a level below um or less than significant. Um so if there's non-exemption what is a threshold significance? Um so you look at all these different categories and can you can all those different environmental categories be mitigated to less than significant level? If yes, the the answer is you can either do a negative declar de declaration or mitigated negative declaration and the difference between those two is whether you have to have mitigation measures or not or if no you have to do an environmental impact report which is the most robust uh environmental review that is under SQA. So what is a significant impact? It's a

substantial or potentially substantial adverse change in the physical conditions of an area um that has to be based on substantial evidence in the record. So scientific factual data. So um when we do a SQA um report of whether it's a EI or M andD um we have experts in the fields that of each of the C the environmental categories um clarifying whether it's a potential impact or not um and whether that's traffic or biological or whatever um it's based on scientific and factual data not really uh feelings um significance normally is measured against existing conditions as the baseline Um, an EI is only required if a fair argument exists, the project may have a significant effect on the environment. And again, you have this is based on science or data that is supportable. It's not um based on um conjecture or anything along those lines. Um there must be substantial evidence in the record um which is required to be from experts. So as what is mitigation? uh mitigation measures are used to prevent or reduce or controlled versus environmental impacts. Um so kind of a hierarchy there is you try to avoid the impact altogether. If you shift for example like if you shift the building five feet and it gets out of wetland then you don't have an impact. Um the second tier is minimizing the impact. So if you are going to have that building underneath the oak tree um can you do it in a way that the foundation is different and doesn't impact those roots of of that oak tree? um rectify the impact by repairing and restoring. So if you're impacting a creek by installing a bridge um you have to repair that creek in a manner that is consistent with those biological standards. Um and you can reduce the impact by over time through preservation and maintenance during the construction and operation of the project. Um and then lastly you can compensate by replacing or providing substitute resources. So a good example of that is if you take out trees, we have a a mitigation requirement in the

city that you have to replace those trees on an inch for inch bas basis. Um so again, here's the kind of three categories. Negative decoration, there's no significant impacts. Um so that is um just you do the initial site checklist to make sure that there's no impacts and and you stop there. Mitigate negative eviration. um all the impacts are identified you can mitigate to a less than significant level and then lastly an e is there is an impact and you may not be able to mitigate those to a less than significant level. Um so then um you disclose that you you could uh you you have to do what's called a statement of overriding considerations that the um city council ultimately has to approve that says the value of this project exceeds the cost of that impact. Um so we think um it should move forward and you have there's a significant body of uh paperwork that goes along with that um documentation for SQL review. So again this um is the record. It establishes a factual basis for approving environmental document. Um we have to make the environmental document available for review. Um there's some uh variability. 20 or 30-day public review is required. Uh and we do consider public comments. Um and review authority, in this case, planning commission, adopts the environmental determination. Um, and then that gets posted to the the county clerk and the state clearing house. Um, and what that does is, um, reduces the amount of time that, uh, uh, someone could, uh, challenge challenge a document in court. Um, if you record a notice of exemption um, or notice a determination, you have 30 days to challenge that in court versus if you don't record either of those documents, you have 180 days. So, reduces that statute of limitations. Um so just kind of give you a feel of how long it takes and what goes into um

either of these documents. Uh M&D is um two to six weeks prepar um you have to do um special studies. So what we would do is look at the property and evaluate is there any sensitive visibly any sensitive uh issues whether it's wetlands or cultural known cultural issues or anything along those lines or be prone to noise impacts and then we do special studies to evaluate those impacts and explain yes or no there's not. Um then we uh do the 20 or 30-day public review. Um so total it's a it could be a few weeks or um to three or months or more. Um and the cost can be you around 30,000 and up depending on the amount of special studies. If there are no special studies required it's it's mostly just a staff level. But if the special studies that's when things start to um get costly. um work is performed by a member of consultant hired by the city. We don't allow developers to hire their own um consultant. We do do that on our own. So we have kind of arms length uh control over that and the cost is provided by the applicant. Um and uh let's see. So that uh the next hierarchy down here is an IR. I'm not going to spend a lot of time talking about we don't do a lot of ERS. Um but those are quite costly. They're probably run in the range of 300 to 500,000 depending on the scope of the project. So, um, we try to avoid those if we possibly can. Um, but you can't always do that. Um, so that is SQA 101 in a nutshell. Nancy, did you have

Yeah. Um, I I would like to emphasize a little bit. So, as planning commissioners, you guys get a lot of projects in front of you that have like SQA documents kind of attached to it. And what I really really want to emphasize and um Casey kind of touched on it earlier in this project, any kind anytime there is a secret kind of document attached to the project, it does not kill the project at all. And I know there is a common public misconception that if there is any kind of like environmental document attached to it, it's an automatic stop to the to the project. That is fundamentally untrue. When the legislature adopted SQA, it was about informed like public decision making ultimately. So it is about you kind of making a decision with a lot of you know environmental significant impacts. And so for you to be able to you know understand that yes there is this environmental impact. Yes there is this environmental impact. So ultimately even if there is an EIR M&D or any sort of environmental document attached to the project it does not kill the project. It's just about you having informed decision-making kind of authority basically. So I really want to emphasize that point because there is that common public misconception that because you know there is environmental impact all of a sudden the project has to stop. That is that is ultimately not true. So I just wanted to emphasize that point to you all. Alison, did you have anything to add? Um, so happy to answer any questions you may have. I know we threw a lot at you and as you um get these documents um feel free to reach out to us. We're happy to answer questions as you read them. They're generally quite lengthy and sometimes really boring. Um but um and we try to distill that into the staff report so you don't have to get too far in the weeds if you don't want to, but it's always there for for a resource for you. Um we do have one environmental document out on um public comment period right now for the gateway

activation pan or gap project. That's a project that is moving forward uh through um through the process that uh connects um the old Auburn multi-use trail to our Arcade Creek Trail and to Roseville's Dry Creek Greenway and as well as some street improvements including roundabouts along Old Auburn Road. So that is out for public review now. You're welcome to check that on on the city's website if you want. Um and that will be something that's coming for you in the next couple months for your review. Happy to answer any questions if you want to geek out on SQL a little bit. Casey, you mentioned the applicant pays for mitigation studies. Who play who pays for the initial study or are they the same? No, they're not the same.

No, they're not the same. So, the technical studies are what are costly and those are what feed into the initial study? The initial study is generally prepared by staff. It um takes the information from the technical studies and compares it to a checklist and explains um there's an initial site checklist that explains the different impacts and it tells you yes or no is there an impact or not. So that u cost initial study is covered under the applicants application uh fee that we charge them when they apply. I think I have it. So the technical studies feed into and they're they're costly but the city actually does the initial study and

generally the our staff prepares it. Um sometimes we have consultants that help us prepare that but yeah generally we prepare depending on the scope of the project.

I've seen documentation about the old Auburn and uh that northeast edge of the city. Uh They're having a meeting coming up in a couple of weeks. I was looking to attend that meeting. Is that a problem? It is. Uh you're welcome to attend it, of course, as a commissioner, but it's very important that you don't express any um feelings or thoughts or suggestions of u I really support this. I really don't support it. Um keep my mouth shut.

You're welcome to attend, but um we wouldn't want to do anything that would preclude you from being able to to take action on that item. I would recommend if you felt the need to communicate any sort of feeling, do it as a resident of the city and don't say you're a planning commissioner. Thank you. That is going to be item 7B and that is selection of chair and vice chair.

Can we do that without a full board or what do you want to do? I think it might make sense to wait till we have the full commission to do that so we can continue that to later the next meeting. Okay. All right, that's it. That's it, sir. That being the case, I open the public hearing and I close the public hearing. We've reached the end of our meeting. I say close this meeting at 7:02. Thank you. Thank you.