CITY OF RANCHO CORDOVA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
5:30 PM – Special Meeting/Work Session
American River Room
City Hall
2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova
Attend and Join the Meeting by Zoom:
https://cityofranchocordova.zoom.us/j/81630466928
Attend and Join the Meeting by Telephone:
+1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 816 3046 6928
Public Comment via Zoom or Telephone: To speak using the Zoom platform, use the Raise Hand feature and enable your audio when recognized by the City Clerk. To speak by telephone, press *9 to raise your hand and wait to be called on by the City Clerk.
Public Comment by Email: Submit comments to [email protected] by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the City Council and included in the official record but will not be read aloud. Comments received after 2:00 p.m. will be distributed to the City Council.
For questions related to the City Council Meeting or the use of Zoom, contact the City Clerk’s Office at (916) 851-8720 before Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1. SPECIAL MEETING - CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Council Members Linda Budge, Joe Little, Siri Pulipati, David Sander, and Mayor Garrett Gatewood
Rancho Cordova City Council - AGENDA
Special Meeting of Tuesday, July 28, 2026
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
At a special meeting, citizens wishing to address the Council for any matter on the agenda may do so at the time the matter is discussed. Under the provisions of the California Government Code, the City Council is prohibited from discussing or taking action on any item not on the agenda.
3. SPECIAL MEETING
3.1. Subject: Update on Growing Strong Neighborhoods (GSN) and Proposed Amendments to the Rancho Cordova Municipal Code.
Recommendation: Receive information and provide direction.
4. ADJOURNMENT
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Special Meetings listed below are subject to change/cancellation without further notice.
Unless the Council adopts a motion to extend the meeting, any item that is not initiated before 11:00 p.m. will be continued to the next day at 5:30 p.m. or scheduled on the next regular meeting agenda of the Council.
Public documents related to items on the open session portion of this agenda, which are distributed to the City Council less than 24 hours prior to the meeting, shall be available for public inspection at the time the documents are distributed to the Council. Documents are available for inspection at the City Clerk's office located in Rancho Cordova City Hall.
The agenda items are accessible on the City’s website at www.cityofranchocordova.org on Thursdays or Fridays prior to the Special City Council Meeting.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
August 3, 2026 4:00 PM Special Meeting/5:30 PM Regular Meeting August 17, 2026 5:30 PM Regular Meeting
August 25, 2026 5:30 PM Special Meeting/Work Session
September 8, 2026 4:00 PM Special Meeting/5:30 PM Regular Meeting September 21, 2026 5:30 PM Regular Meeting
September 29, 2026 5:30 PM Special Meeting/Work Session October 5, 2026 4:00 PM Special Meeting/5:30 PM Regular Meeting October 19, 2026 5:30 PM Regular Meeting
If you have any technical questions related to the agenda items, please contact City Hall at (916) 851- 8700.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need a disability-related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (916) 851-8720 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.
Rancho Cordova City Council - AGENDA
Special Meeting of Tuesday, July 28, 2026
CERTIFICATION OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Stacy Leitner, City Clerk for the City of Rancho Cordova, declare that the foregoing agenda for the July 28, 2026, Special Meeting of the Rancho Cordova City Council was posted and available for review on July 23, 2026, at City Hall of the City of Rancho Cordova, 2729 Prospect Park Drive, Rancho Cordova, California, 95670. The agenda is also available on the city website at www.cityofranchocordova.org.
Signed July 23, 2026, at Rancho Cordova, California.
Stacy Leitner, CMC
City Clerk
MEMORANDUM
City Council Staff Report - Page 1 of 2
ITEM 3.1.
DATE: July 28, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Russell Ducharme, Neighborhood Services Director
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON GROWING STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS (GSN) AND
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE RANCHO CORDOVA
MUNICIPAL CODE
RECOMMENDATION
Receive information and provide direction.
RESULT OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
Based on Council direction, the Growing Strong Neighborhoods (GSN) team will come back to a future Council meeting with proposed amendments to the municipal code.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rancho Cordova has made significant investments in programs and services that promote safe, attractive, and thriving neighborhoods. Over the past several years, the City of Rancho Cordova has expanded its proactive approach to neighborhood preservation by implementing programs that emphasize early intervention, community engagement, education, and consistent enforcement. Collectively, these efforts support the city's vision of maintaining high-quality neighborhoods while protecting public health, safety, and the overall quality of life for residents.
This work session will provide the City Council with a comprehensive update on the city's Growing Strong Neighborhoods initiative and the programs that support that mission. Staff will provide updates on several key service areas, including the Proactive Neighborhood Engagement Program, Proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program, Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), Parking Enforcement Program, Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program, Weed Abatement Program, Business License Enforcement Program, Illegal Firework Enforcement Program, Animal Services, Community Engagement and various grant opportunities. The presentation will highlight recent accomplishments, performance measures, emerging trends, and opportunities for continued program enhancement.
In addition to program updates, staff will present several proposed amendments to the Rancho Cordova Municipal Code intended to improve operational effectiveness, strengthen enforcement tools, clarify existing regulations, and address emerging community concerns.
These proposed code updates are designed to provide staff with more efficient and effective mechanisms to address nuisance conditions while maintaining fairness, transparency, and due
City Council Staff Report - Page 2 of 2
process.
The work session will also provide an opportunity to discuss the city's current code enforcement philosophy and how that philosophy guides service delivery. Rancho Cordova's approach to code enforcement is founded on the principle of voluntary compliance whenever possible. Staff prioritizes education, communication, and partnership with residents and property owners to achieve lasting compliance before pursuing formal enforcement actions. However, when voluntary compliance cannot be achieved, the city utilizes progressive enforcement strategies that are consistent, equitable, and focused on protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the community.
As the City of Rancho Cordova continues to grow and evolve, the Neighborhood Services Department must continually evaluate its programs, policies, and ordinances to ensure they remain responsive to changing community needs. This work session is intended to provide the City Council with a comprehensive overview of current operations, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and solicit policy direction regarding future enhancements to neighborhood preservation efforts. The discussion will also reinforce the city's commitment to balancing education, customer service, and accountability while preserving the character and livability of Rancho Cordova's neighborhoods.
FISCAL IMPACT AND FUNDING SOURCE
There is no fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Presentation
Growing Strong Neighborhoods Update Including
Proposed Ordinance Amendments
July 28, 2026
CityOfRanchoCordova.org
1 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Collaboration
Neighborhood
Services
Education &
Outreach
Beautification
& Incentives
Public Safety
Grant
Opportunities
Proposed
Amendments
2 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Collaboration
Neighborhood
Services
Education &
Outreach
Beautification
& Incentives
Public Safety
Grant
Opportunities
Proposed
Amendments
3 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Rental Housing Program
4 • Proactive rental housing inspection program
• Short-term rental housing
• Hotel/motel housing inspection
• Dangerous buildings
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Rental Housing Program
5 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Proactive Engagement Program
6 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Proactive Engagement Program
7 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
8 PRIVATE PROPERTY ROADSIDE
Proactive Engagement Program
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Collaboration
Neighborhood
Services
Education &
Outreach
Beautification
& Incentives
Public Safety
Grant
Opportunities
Proposed
Amendments
9 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Education & Outreach
10 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Education & Outreach
11 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Education & Outreach
12 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Good Neighbor Days
13 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Good Neighbor Days
14 2026:
• Dave Roberts Park
• Countryside Park
• Rio Del Oro – Gold Rush Park
A fun event for residents to meet city officials, city staff, their neighbors and learn more about helpful resources to continue building thriving neighborhoods in Rancho Cordova.
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Vaccine and Licensing Clinic
15 • Since 2021:
28 Clinics Held
2926 Animals Treated
900 Microchips
2320 License
2558 Rabies Vaccines
1764 DHPP
646 FVRCP
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Collaboration
Neighborhood
Services
Education &
Outreach
Beautification
& Incentives
Public Safety
Grant
Opportunities
Proposed
Amendments
16 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Incentives & Beautification
17 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Incentives & Beautification
18 Fiscal Year 25/26
Good Neighbor Assistance Program: 16 completed projects Cash for Clunkers Incentive: 16 vehicles removed
Chain Link Fence Incentive: 6 chain-link fences removed Tree Stump Removal Program: 33 removed with 14 trees
replanted
Urban Forest Program/Trees Planted: 412 trees planted
(2025)
Rebuilding Together Sacramento
Rebuild Days - 14
Safe at Home - 19
Critical Repair - 16
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Incentives & Beautification
19 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Collaboration
Neighborhood
Services
Education &
Outreach
Beautification
& Incentives
Public Safety
Grant
Opportunities
Proposed
Amendments
20 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Safety
Problem Oriented Policing
Probation Partnership
21 Homeless Outreach Team
Community Prosecutor
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Safety
Neighborhood Engagement
• Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting
• Chicken with the Chief
• Coffee with a Cop
• Citizen Academy
• Business Watch Meeting
• National Night Out
22 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Collaboration
Neighborhood
Services
Education &
Outreach
Beautification
& Incentives
Public Safety
Grant
Opportunities
Proposed
Amendments
23 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Grant Opportunities
24 Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Grant Opportunity • TCC supports community-dr iven projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving quality of life
• Up to $27.5 million available for a single Implementation Grant award • Approximately $82.5 million available statewide for three Implementation Grants in Round 6
• Project Area must include at least 51% of area in top 25% of disadvantaged CalEnviroScreen 4.0 census tracts
• Round 6 applications are due by September 30, 2026
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Grant Opportunities
25 • Strongest eligible area in Rancho
Cordova centers around Folsom
Boulevard (see map)
• Funds coordinated investments such as:
• Affordable housing
• Active transportation and transit
• Urban greening and parks
• Renewable energy and resilience
• Workforce development and
economic opportunity
• Because of the short application
window and extensive community and
partner engagement required, there is a
strong chance our effort may turn into a
2-year effort with a stronger application
in Round 7 in 2027
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Collaboration
Neighborhood
Services
Education &
Outreach
Beautification
& Incentives
Public Safety
Grant
Opportunities
Proposed
Amendments
26 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Proposed Amendments
27 Increase Administrative Penalties
• Current enforcement and citation process is $100, $200, $500 for most violations
• Suggested increase in fines: $250, $500, $1,000
• Creates stronger deterrent for repeat violations
• Better reflects costs of enforcement and staff resources • Supports public safety by increased accountability
• Overall Code Enforcement philosophy shift
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Temporary Use Permits
28 Exempt Activities
• Garage/Yard Sales
• Em
ergency Facilities
• Fireworks Stands
• Portable Storage Containers: 60-day
max
• Construction Office/Sales Trailer
• Outdoor storage/sales/displays
• Temporary signs – b anners, flags, etc.
• Grand opening event/special day or
w
eekend events
Permit Required
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Temporary Use Permits
29 • Current enforcement and citation process is the same regardless of the TUP activity.
• History indicates that the most issues arise from events with condition violations or not obtaining a TUP .
• Suggest a tiered approach to place events in a different enforcement/citation level than all other TUP activities. • Rename event TUP to Special Event TUP’s.
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
Animal Code
30 • Modify timelines to align with Shelter SOPs
• Stray holds
• Clarify the Potentially Dangerous and Vicious Animal
designation through added definitions and requirements
• Align current processes with modified state requirements • Sales of animals in public spaces
• Minimum age requirement to received rabies vaccines
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
31 BEFORE
AFTER
Success Stories
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
32 BEFORE
AFTER
Success Stories
ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1
THANK YOU
QUESTIONS & DISCUSSION
CityOfRanchoCordova.org
33 ITEM 3.1.
ATTACHMENT 1