Rancho Cordova council approves Jackson Properties warehouse design amendment, height exception

Rancho Cordova — The City Council voted unanimously Sept. 3 to approve an amended major design review and a height exception for the Jackson Properties warehouse project in the Mather Field Special Planning Area. The amendment reorients the building, relocates loading docks to the rear and reduces the building footprint by about 4,000 square feet. Nick Sosa of the city planning department presented the amendment and the requested height exception, saying the application reduces the previously approved height while still seeking to exceed the 40-foot limit "by approximately 3 and a half feet" to allow roof and tower features. Sosa said the project was reviewed under the Mather Field Special Planning Area and found consistent with the area plan; staff determined it was exempt from further CEQA review under section 15183. The council heard 1 public commenter, James Garcia, who identified himself as a resident of Stone Creek, and said he supported the revised plan because the location and screening made it appropriate. "This one's actually where it should be," Garcia said during public comment. Several council members and staff discussed truck routing and rooftop equipment screening before the vote. Council member Linda Budge urged that roof-mounted HVAC units be screened, saying an existing nearby warehouse exposed its units "like a sore thumb." Albert Stricker of Public Works said truck routing would vary by tenant and that the most direct route to the freeway would likely be via Mather Field Road. Council members then moved to adopt the resolution approving the Jackson Properties major design review amendment and height exception, subject to conditions of approval and the project plans. A roll-call vote recorded Council Member David Sander, Council Member Joe Little, Council Member Linda Budge, Vice Mayor Gary Gatewood and Mayor Pulapati voting in favor; there were no recorded no or abstain votes. The approval allows the applicant to proceed with the revised design and the larger number of rear loading docks (18 below-grade docks and six at-grade roll-up doors) while requiring landscaping, screening walls and other conditions described in the staff report. Staff and the applicant will complete any remaining conditions of approval and building permit processes. The project site fronts Peter A. McEwen Boulevard adjacent to Old Placerville Road and is surrounded by existing office uses, including nearby buildings occupied by the California Office of Emergency Services. The applicant did not identify a tenant at the meeting; staff reviewed the project as a warehouse/light industrial use for trip-generation purposes. Council members said they supported the plan because it placed heavy operations away from the public frontage and improved the site's street-facing appearance. The city will finalize permit conditions and monitor compliance with the approved screening and landscape requirements.