CITY COUNCIL
Kevin McCarty, Mayor
Lisa Kaplan, District 1
Roger Dickinson, District 2
Karina Talamantes, Vice Mayor, District 3
Phil Pluckebaum, District 4
Caity Maple, District 5
Eric Guerra, Mayor Pro Tem, District 6
Rick Jennings, II, District 7
Mai Vang, District 8
CHARTER OFFICERS
Mindy Cuppy, City Clerk
Susana Alcala Wood, City Attorney
Farishta Ahrary, City Auditor
Leyne Milstein, Interim City Manager
John Colville, City Treasurer
City Council
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
Public Financing Authority
Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency
City Hall Complex
915 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Published by the Office of the City Clerk
(916) 80
8-7200
SUPPLEMENTAL M ATERIAL
D
escription: Attached is supplemental material received after publishing the agenda, the addition of attachment 6.
For th
e Meeting of: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
A
genda Item: Item 10
10 . Railyards Special Sign District (M25-005)
F
ile ID: 2025-00676
Loc
ation: Sacramento Railyards Special Planning District, District 4 R
ecommendation: 1) Review and comment on: (a) the boundaries of a proposed Railyards Special Sign District; (b) the boundaries of five subdistricts within the proposed Railyards Special Sign District; and (c) the allowance of five or more proposed off-site, general advertising for hire, digital billboards within subdistrict three; and 2) pass a Motion directing the Interim City Manager or designee to prepare for City Council consideration an ordinance establishing a Railyards Special Sign District that, among other things, allows for digital billboards, consistent with the procedures established in Sacramento City Code chapter 15.148 and the Council Rules of Procedure.
C
ontact: Matthew Sites, Senior Architect, AIA, LEED AP, (916) 808-7646, [email protected]; Karlo Felix, Senior Planner, (916) 808-7183, [email protected]; Bruce Monighan, Urban Design Manager, (916) 808-5260, [email protected]; Community Development Department
City of Sacramento
City Council - 5PM Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2025-00676 4/8/2025 Item 10.
Railyards Special Sign District (M25-005)
File ID: 2025-00676
Location: Sacramento Railyards Special Planning District, District 4 Recommendation: 1) Review and comment on: (a) the boundaries of a proposed Railyards Special Sign District; (b) the boundaries of five subdistricts within the proposed Railyards Special Sign District; and (c) the allowance of five or more proposed off-site, general advertising for hire, digital billboards within subdistrict three; and 2) pass a Motion directing the Interim City Manager or designee to prepare for City Council consideration an ordinance establishing a Railyards Special Sign District that, among other things, allows for digital billboards, consistent with the procedures established in Sacramento City Code chapter 15.148 and the Council Rules of Procedure.
Contact: Matthew Sites, Senior Architect, AIA, LEED AP, (916) 808-7646, [email protected]; Karlo Felix, Senior Planner, (916) 808-7183, [email protected]; Bruce Monighan, Urban Design Manager, (916) 808-5260, [email protected]; Community Development Department Presenter: Matthew Sites, Senior Architect, AIA, LEED AP, (916) 808-7646, [email protected], Community Development Department Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Background
3-Railyards Special Sign District - Boundary and Subdistricts Map 4-DRV Digital Sign Proposal
5-Sacramento Republic FC Preliminary Term Sheet
6-Presentation
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: On November 12, 2024, the City Council approved the Sacramento Republic FC Preliminary Term Sheet (Motion 2024-0334). The Term Sheet (Attachment 5) provides the framework for two public-private partnerships: the first partnership is with Indomitable Ventures LLC (Indomitable), an entity associated with Sacramento Republic FC; and the second is with Downtown Railyard Venture LLC (DRV), the master developer of the Railyards. The Term Sheet established the key terms, processes, and framework by which the parties agree to negotiate definitive documents
File ID: 2025-00676 4/8/2025 Item 10.
and potential approvals to be considered by the City. The Term Sheet is preliminary and non-binding and serves as a good-faith agreement to guide the development of definitive legal documents which may contain additional terms that are agreed to by the parties and that the City determines to be feasible. Projects contemplated in the Term Sheet are largely resourced by funds generated by the projects themselves and includes revenue from signage. Given the strategic and economic importance of project-related signage, the Term Sheet identified the outlining of definitive legal documents as a key milestone early in the continued development of the Railyards.
DRV has provided staff a proposal (Attachment 3 & 4) with sufficient detail to allow the City to determine the required amendments to sign regulations established in Sacramento City Code chapter 15.148. Staff has determined that the proposal is supportable and requests that City Council provide feedback so that the regulatory provisions of a special sign district can be incorporated into an ordinance for consideration by the City Council.
At this time, Indomitable is continuing development of signage concepts on sites they are seeking to acquire. Staff is not providing a sign ordinance for discussion or approval at this meeting, but rather an initial framework, procedures, and an assurance to all parties that the City is working in good faith to fulfill its obligations under the Term Sheet. Additional ordinances will be presented to City Council for consideration once those proposals have been provided and reviewed by staff.
Staff is requesting the Council review and comment on the above-mentioned Railyards SSD proposal, including subdistrict boundaries and DRV’s proposed digital billboard locations. Following the discussion, staff recommends that the City Council pass a motion directing the Interim City Manager or designee to prepare an ordinance for City Council consideration. This ordinance would establish the Railyards Special Sign District boundaries and subdistricts, which, among other things, would allow for digital billboards, in line with the procedures outlined in Sacramento City Code Chapter 15.148 and the Council Rules of Procedure.
Policy Considerations: The proposed approach to signage within the Railyards Special Planning District should preserve and improve the appearance of the City as a desirable place in which to live; to safeguard and enhance property values; to protect public and private investment in buildings and open spaces; prevent uncontrolled proliferation of digital billboards throughout the City while also promoting new technology to increase economic vitality for businesses, and to promote public health, safety, and general welfare and meet the following goals and policies.
The Sacramento Railyards was granted entitlements in 2016 (Record No. P15-040) which included a Development Agreement (Agreement No. C2008-0150-2, as amended). Subsequent entitlements within the Sacramento Railyards are subject to the development regulations in place on the effective date of the Development Agreement; therefore, a future special sign district ordinance is required to align with the 2035 General Plan (which was in effect in 2016) and the procedures established in City Code chapter 15.148.
Goal LU 1.1. Growth and Change. Support sustainable growth and change through orderly and well
File ID: 2025-00676 4/8/2025 Item 10.
-planned development that provides for the needs of existing and future residents and businesses, ensures the effective and equitable provision of public services, and makes efficient use of land and infrastructure.
Policy LU 1.1.5. Infill Development. The City shall promote and provide incentives (e.g., focused infill planning, zoning/rezoning, revised regulations, provision of infrastructure) for infill development, reuse, and growth in existing urbanized areas to enhance community character, optimize City investments in infrastructure and community facilities, support increased transit use, promote pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly neighborhoods, increase housing diversity, ensure integrity of historic districts, and enhance retail viability.
A potential special sign district could act as an incentive to focus new energies and uses within the Sacramento Railyards, being developed with residential, retail uses, commercial uses, a medical center, a sports complex, and a live entertainment facility.
Goal LU 2.4. City of Distinctive and Memorable Places. Promote community design that produces a distinctive, high-quality built environment whose forms and character reflect Sacramento’s unique historic, environmental, and architectural context, and create memorable places that enrich community life.
Policy LU 2.4.1. Unique Sense of Place. The City shall promote quality site, architectural and landscape design that incorporates those qualities and characteristics that make Sacramento desirable and memorable including: walkable blocks, distinctive parks and open spaces, tree-lined streets, and varied architectural styles.
Policy LU 2.4.3 Enhanced City Gateways. The City shall ensure that public improvements and private development work together to enhance the sense of entry at key gateways to the city.
The Railyards is one of the last large downtown infill sites on the west coast, which makes it unique and an opportunity to apply distinct solutions for City integration. The possibility of utilizing limited signage selectively could benefit gateways into the City whether they are adjacent to the freeway or subsequently connecting people to city streets entering the district off the freeway.
Sacramento Railyards Specific Plan
The project site is located within the Sacramento Railyards Specific Plan, which envisions a dynamic 24-hour mixed-use, urban environment. This environment will provide a broad range of complementary uses, including cultural, office, hospitality, sports and entertainment, retail, healthcare, educational, and open space, along with a variety of housing products, including
File ID: 2025-00676 4/8/2025 Item 10.
affordable housing. The Specific Plan also aims to protect the historic integrity of the site while fostering connectivity between districts through a pedestrian-friendly environment that integrates a wide mixture of uses. One important aspect of this connectivity is providing wayfinding or landmarks that can be seen by both pedestrians and visiting vehicles as they navigate the area. Various types of signage have been used historically to assist with this conveyance and integrate different locations throughout cities. The Railyards could benefit from limited gateway and high-visibility signage locations that complement and enhance these areas, acting as points of interest while strengthening the fabric of the City.
Economic Impacts: Not applicable.
Environmental Considerations: In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), on November 10, 2016, the City Council certified a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) (Resolution No. 2016-0379) for the Railyards Specific Plan Update, KP Medical Center, MLS Stadium, & Stormwater Outfall Project. The SEIR described the requirement for a master sign program that reflects the character of each district within the Railyards. The proposed action by the City Council to direct staff to prepare for City Council consideration an ordinance establishing a Railyards Special Sign District is an administrative activity, such as general policy making, and is not a project pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(2) and is not subject to CEQA (CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3)). Any subsequent action to adopt the ordinance or approve any signs within the sign district will be subject to appropriate CEQA Review.
Sustainability: No sustainability considerations apply to the request.
Commission/Committee Action: Not applicable.
Rationale for Recommendation: The Council-approved Term Sheet acknowledged the strategic and economic importance of digital signage to the success of privately-funded major-league sports facility and other private development in the Railyards and calls for the City to amend the City Code as necessary to facilitate future construction and operation of digital billboards within the Railyards Special Planning District.
Financial Considerations: Not applicable.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): No goods or services are being purchased under this report.
Background: The City Council has taken action previously on the MLS stadium efforts which included staff studying the possibilities of signage including highway digital billboards and displays.
However, staff efforts were halted when MLS work efforts were placed on hold indefinitely. With renewed action, the Term Sheet has been approved, and staff has reengaged with Indomitable and DRV to further review what may be required based on the specific locations, size, site control and
File ID: 2025-00676 4/8/2025 Item 10.
other considerations.
City staff has considered multiple scenarios to best meet the Term Sheet and ensure the quickest path forward to codify signage for this area. Per the Term Sheet, DRV provided satisfactory digital sign locations by the December 2, 2024, deadline, in which the Urban Design Manager was able to evaluate sign feasibility and has agreed that the general locations are suitable. The limited locations would be situated at gateway or high visibility areas to maximize impact and minimize oversaturation of digital billboards. Indomitable is still contemplating possible signage needs and how they may apply to the stadium and adjacent properties.
To meet the needs of all parties, staff has identified a potential boundary for a future Railyards Special Sign District (SSD) that could overlay the existing Railyards Specific Plan (RSP) boundary given this large infill development district. As the Railyards develops, there would be unique uses that require different levels of signage. To address this, staff proposes developing five signage subdistricts (Attachment 3) within an overlayed Railyards SSD boundary. This would allow each area to apply signage as it relates to the uses. For example, this could allow DRV’s request for digital billboards (Attachment 4) to align with one of the subdistrict boundaries (Subdistrict 3). This approach, through multiple subdistricts, would enable staff to create ordinances that meet specific timelines independently, minimizing delays for other subdistricts' needs and considerations.
City staff is presenting the proposed Railyards SSD overall boundary, overlaying the Railyards Specific Plan, which would include five subdistricts to facilitate the unique uses of each area. This proposal also includes DRV’s five general digital billboard locations in the Railyards for Councils discussion. Staff is not providing a sign ordinance for discussion or approval at this meeting, but rather an initial framework, procedures, and an assurance to all parties that the City is working in good faith to fulfill its obligations under the Term Sheet.
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City of Sacramento Sacramento Railyards
Special Planning District
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Preliminary Subdistricts
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5 -
Railyards Special Sign District boundary with Subdistricts Railyards SSD Boundary
SIGNAGE PROGRAM
11/18/24
LOCATION 1
WEST DIGITAL
FREEWAY SIGN
LOCATION 2
EAST DIGITAL
FREEWAY SIGN
LOCATION 3
SOUTH SURFACE STREET
DIGITAL GATEWAY SIGN
LOCATION 4
NORTH SURFACE STREET
DIGITAL GATEWAY SIGN
MAP KEY
DIGITAL FREEWAY SIGNS
SURFACE STREET DIGITAL GATEWAY SIGNS
ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT SIGNS
STADIUM DISTRICT SIGNS
STADIUM ZONE
RAILYARDS ZONE
HISTORIC ZONE
HOSPITAL ZONE
Approximate locations of
proposed Digital Billboards
LOCATION 5
CENTRAL LOCATION
DIGITAL PYLON SIGN