ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Elk Grove Planning Commission recommended adopting amendments to the city’s Climate Action Plan during its Nov. 21 regular meeting. The amendments, which now go before Elk Grove City Council, concerned zero net energy buildings and requirements for electric-vehicle chargers at parking lots.

A provision on zero net energy buildings was altered to reflect a change in state priorities. Originally, the plan defined a zero net energy building as one that produces as much energy through on-site sources as it consumes. However, the state of California has shifted its focus since 2019 to allow off-site projects such as community solar power. Staff recommended changing this language to reduce emissions from power generation at new residential developments, aiming for a 50% reduction from 2019 levels.

Another amendment simplifies requirements for electric-vehicle chargers at multiunit buildings, hotels and motels. It says that 40% of spaces must have a low-power charger available and 10% of spaces must have a more advanced Level 2 charger in new construction. Existing parking facilities undergoing alterations must install wiring to support chargers at 10% of spaces.

Several other amendments related to electric-vehicle charging were designed to streamline city regulations and bring them in line with changing state codes.

Commission Chair Suman Singha was pleased with the amendments, saying that the simplified charger regulations are “critically important as we move forward.”

Commissioner Juan Fernandez asked about the possibility of maintenance standards for chargers. He recalled trying to use a charger at his office.

“I got there and there was a tag on it. It wasn’t working properly, so I wasn’t able to charge,” Fernandez said. “So just having equipment installed is great but making sure that it is functional would be even greater.”

Carrie Whitlock, the city’s strategic planning and innovation program manager, said privately funded chargers don’t have maintenance requirements but she added that staff is reviewing the matter.

The five commissioners voted unanimously to recommend that City Council adopt the amendments.

The commission also signed off on a conditional-use permit for an Elk Grove church to meet at a property on Grant Line Road.

Located south of Grant Line and east of Highway 99, the 3,300-square-foot space is in a multitenant office building. Risen Hope of the Christian and Missionary Alliance asked Planning for authorization to hold assemblies there.

Whitlock said the church would use the space for a 1,200-square-foot sanctuary, along with two offices and storage space. The church proposed no external changes or signage on the building.

Main religious services would be from 9 to 11 a.m. Sundays, attracting about 30 attendees. Smaller religious study gatherings would take place on occasional weekday nights. 

Standard office operations would be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Whitlock said the number of parking spaces needed for the church and the existing uses at the property do not exceed the available spaces.

Risen Hope currently lists a location on Dwight Road on its website.

“We hope to plant a church here where people can come and have spiritual renewal,” the Rev. Jerry Lao told the commission.

The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve the permit.