On October 14, 2026, East Sacramento Preservation hosted a community meeting with representatives from the City of Sacramento Planning Department to discuss proposed zoning changes intended to implement the City’s 2040 General Plan. The meeting focused on how new regulations could affect building heights, residential development, and neighborhood protections, particularly along the Alhambra Corridor. Residents had an opportunity to learn about the proposals, ask questions, and better understand how these changes could shape the future of East Sacramento.

How tall could a new building be in your neighborhood? Could a four-story apartment building replace a single-family home?

These questions were central to an October 14 meeting at the Clunie Community Center, where City of Sacramento planners presented proposed zoning changes under the City’s adopted 2040 General Plan.

The meeting focused particularly on the Alhambra Corridor Special Planning District, where proposed changes could significantly affect future development.

What Is Changing?

The City is proposing several important revisions:

Building Heights: Along portions of the Alhambra Corridor, maximum building heights could increase from the current general limit of 35 feet to 85 feet or more, depending on zoning and location.

Neighborhood Protections: The existing 300-foot residential transition buffer would be eliminated and replaced with new standards that allow building heights to increase in stages near residential properties.

Residential Development: New zoning regulations would allow more duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and small apartment buildings. Depending on location, residential buildings could reach 35 or 45 feet.

Neighborhood Businesses: Certain residential corner properties could accommodate small businesses, including offices, fitness studios, shops, and neighborhood services, subject to operating restrictions.

A New Way to Measure Development: The City would increasingly use Floor Area Ratio (FAR)—the relationship between a building’s total floor area and the size of its lot—instead of traditional limits on the number of residential units.

What Happens Next?

These zoning changes are proposals, not final decisions.

The City anticipates additional public hearings in early 2027, with City Council consideration scheduled for March.

East Sacramento Preservation encourages neighbors to review the proposals, particularly the changes to building heights and residential protections along the Alhambra Corridor.

The decisions ahead will influence how our neighborhood grows and how its established character is maintained.

Learn More and Stay Involved

The City’s website includes an interactive zoning map where residents can examine proposed changes affecting their properties.

City of Sacramento Zoning Code Update

Residents may submit questions and comments to zoningcodeupdate@cityofsacramento.org.

East Sacramento Preservation will continue following these proposals and sharing information as the public review process moves forward.