Sunset Skyranch Hopes Shot Down, City Council Abstains From Postponement Letter

Tattoo parlor zoning rescheduled

The Elk Grove City Council decided by a unanimous vote last night not to submit a letter to the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors asking them to defer a decision on the future of the Sunset Skyranch Airport until the outcome of the city’s sphere of influence (SOI) application is determined.

The airport, which is on the south side of Grantline Road, is not in Elk Grove city limits. However, the facility is located on a large tract of land that the city is attempting to place under its sphere of influence with the Sacramento Area Council of Governments. If the area is placed under the city’s sphere, it could be annexed into Elk Grove.

After hearing public comments from several pilots who seek continued operation of the facility and adjacent landowners who want to see the facility closed, the council decided to not send the letter which would have requested the board of supervisors defer their decision until the completion of the city’s SOI application process.

Although the council members expressed differing views on what should happen with the area, they all agreed that the letter would be interfering with the county’s process to determine the airports fate. It was noted the county had been working on the project for several years.

"Having an airport can be a tremendous asset to a community,” council member Gary Davis said. “[But] we don’t have any jurisdiction.”

On other business, the council decided to reschedule a hearing to reconsider Elk Grove Old Town special planning area design and zoning guidelines. The hearing was in response to a tattoo parlor who was not permitted to locate in Old Town because it did not meet zoning standards. The matter will be heard on May 26.