Law and Legislation Committee (Special Meeting) 9/29/2020

The City of Sacramento Law and Legislation Committee held a special meeting on September 29, 2020. The committee unanimously advanced a proposed ordinance allowing up to 40 storefront cannabis dispensary permits, with permit criteria to be set by council resolution and designed to give social-equity program participants a pathway to qualify. Staff said they intended to issue 10 permits together rather than in two groups of five; the committee also requested regular updates to the council and community. Public commenters raised concerns about previously transferred permits and the process, while others supported the equity goals. No contracts, vendor awards, or purchasing actions were considered.

The committee recommended advancing a temporary shelter ordinance to the full council, with a 500-foot buffer from specified sensitive uses, a half-mile separation from existing sheltering services, and a review after approximately a year; the recommendation passed. Members also requested further information on costs, public notice, equitable distribution, and connections to services. On building electrification, staff presented a framework for requiring new low-rise buildings to be all-electric by 2023, with 20% EV-capable parking spaces and at least one operational Level 2 charger in new multifamily developments. The item was for discussion and comment, not a vote; members encouraged exploring an earlier effective date, incentives, grid and infrastructure needs, and requirements for high-rise buildings by 2026. No procurement activity or specific spending allocations were identified.