Planning commission continues Mackinac Hotel extension request to July 15 while staff researches longer term extension

The Placerville Planning Commission on June 17 continued consideration of a request to extend the approval for the Mackinac Hotel project at 3001 Jacker Road until its next meeting on July 15 and directed staff to research whether an extension could be set to coincide with the original five‑year expiration date of Jan. 4, 2027.

The item, presented by Carol Kendrick, Development Services Director, asked the commission to consider a 12‑month extension to the project’s site plan review and two associated variances. The commission earlier granted multiple extensions; the original approval was issued Jan. 4, 2022, and project approvals under city code lapse if no building permit is issued within 18 months unless an extension is granted. The code also caps site plan review approvals at five years from the original approval date.

Kendrick told the commission the applicant requested the 12‑month extension on April 1 and cited consultant delays and financing as reasons for the delay. She said staff had received no public comments on the extension request and recommended a 12‑month extension, noting that Condition of Approval No. 3 would be revised to reference the 2020 California building, plumbing, mechanical and fire codes because the applicant has not yet filed for related permits.

Commissioners debated approving a further, single 18‑month extension — which would push the project to the outer five‑year limit — but Kendrick said she needed to confirm whether the city code allows an 18‑month extension in a single action. Commissioners voiced concerns about the administrative burden of repeatedly processing short extensions and about leaving applicants with near‑term deadlines, and some said they preferred resolving the matter tonight if the code allowed.

After discussion, the commission voted to continue the matter to the July 15 meeting and directed staff to research whether the commission may adopt an extension that would coincide with the project’s five‑year expiration (Jan. 4, 2027). If staff later determines the commission’s action exceeded local authority, Kendrick said she would return with clarification and the commission could correct any error.

Action on the record: the commission continued the public hearing on the Mackinac Hotel extension to July 15, 2025, with direction to staff to research extension options and report back.

Why it matters: the ruling on how long approvals can be extended without re‑submittal affects project timelines for a 112‑room hotel that includes roadway improvements, landscaping and changes previously approved to building height and compact parking allowances. If the commission sets an extension that later must be voided, the project will return to the commission for correction or re‑action.

What’s next: the commission will revisit the extension request on July 15 after staff research. If staff finds that a longer extension is permitted administratively, the commission may adopt a new expiration date; if not, the commission will proceed under the limits established by city code.