Planning commission approves TK conversion at 2255 Evergreen Avenue

The West Sacramento Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit on March 6 to convert a single-family home at 2255 Evergreen Avenue into a roughly 2,200-square-foot transitional kindergarten facility with four classrooms.

Staff told the commission the site sits adjacent to a Sikh temple and the Sacramento Valley Charter School and that the proposed conversion would add two classrooms in the main house and two in the rear garage building. Staff said parents would use an on-site loop and gate for drop-off and that a bulb-out was proposed to preserve a large oak tree while adding a sidewalk and calming traffic. Staff recommended the commission find the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under categorical exemptions and adopt Resolution 26-3 PC approving the permit subject to conditions.

Applicant Paul Sandhu, who identified himself as chair of the charter school’s board and the project’s design lead, said the school needs room to expand its TK program. "We have [a] list of 270 waiting list," Sandhu said, asking the commission to approve the application so the school can pursue building permits and begin additional classes next calendar year. Sandhu also described existing adjacent campuses and the school’s intent to retain perimeter fencing and coordinate any future expansions with neighboring property owners.

Commissioners asked for clarifications about fencing and site plans; staff pointed to project attachments and invited the applicant to answer detailed questions. After discussion the commission member who made the motion asked staff’s recommendation be adopted; a second was recorded. The commission then took a roll-call vote and recorded unanimous "aye" votes; the motion carried.

The decision authorizes the use permit and the requested exception to the refuse enclosure setback, subject to the conditions in Resolution 26-3 PC. Staff noted that separate building permits are required before interior work or occupancy and that operational details such as student-teacher ratios remain under the school/district’s authority.

The commission moved on to other matters following the vote. The applicant was congratulated and directed to pursue required permits and conditions attached to the approval.