The Rancho Cordova Planning Commission convened on August 27, 2025, to discuss a significant proposal regarding a new digital billboard sign at 3127 Fite Circle. The meeting focused on the application submitted by the Cordova Community Council (CCC), which seeks to amend zoning regulations and secure necessary permits for the installation of the sign.

Nick Sosa from the Planning Department presented the details of the project, explaining that the CCC had previously been approved for two digital signs at their mineshaft property along US Highway 50. However, they have decided to proceed with only one sign and are now proposing a new location for the second sign at the western entrance of the city, near Bradshaw Road.

The application includes a zoning text amendment to add a new overlay area for digital freeway signs, a conditional use permit for the sign's operation, a minor design review, and an operating agreement. The proposed site is situated on a 2.2-acre parcel surrounded by commercial and light industrial buildings, with residential homes located approximately 300 feet away across the highway.

The CCC aims to use the billboard as a revenue source to support its community initiatives and enhance communication with local residents. The proposed sign would stand 60 feet tall with a display area of 1,200 square feet, exceeding the current maximum of 672 square feet. The CCC is also requesting a deviation from the requirement to remove existing billboards, proposing instead to cancel their previously approved sign at the mineshaft property.

The Planning Commission discussed the implications of these requests, particularly the potential community benefits and environmental considerations. A mitigated negative declaration was prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), addressing various environmental factors such as air quality and cultural resources.

The commission's recommendations will be forwarded to the city council, which holds the final authority on the operating agreement and any deviations from the zoning code. The outcome of this proposal could significantly impact the CCC's financial stability and its ability to serve the Rancho Cordova community.