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September 2026
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IN THIS ISSUE: |
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FINAL RECOMMENDED BUDGET HEARING SET FOR SEPTEMBER 8 |
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The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors will begin Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 Revised Recommended Budget hearings on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 9:30 am in Board Chambers in the Sacramento County Administration building, located at 700 H Street, Sacramento, 95814. If necessary, hearings will continue on Sept. 9,10, and 11 at the same time and location. The hearing schedule, in order (may be subject to change):
The Board of Supervisors approved the FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget on June 10. This year’s $9 billion spending plan consists of $3.2 billion in Enterprise and Special Revenue Funds (utility rates, fees and other dedicated revenue), $4 billion in General Fund (funded with $1 billion in discretionary revenue, $1.7 billion in reimbursements from restricted funds, and $1.3 billion in Federal, State and fee revenue dedicated to specific purposes), and $1.7 billion in Restricted Funds (amounts transferred to the General Fund to reimburse eligible expenditures in General Fund departments).
The numbers in the budget change between June and September when the County receives new information, including the impact of the State Budget and updated fund balance and revenue totals. Because of that new information, the Revised Recommended Budget comes back to the Board for review and adoption in September.
The FY 2026-27 Revised Recommended Budget includes $9.2 billion in total appropriations. Members of the public may attend the hearings and be heard on any item in the budget, either publicly or through written comments. The budget hearings will also be telecast live on Metro Cable 14 and on the web. |
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ARDEN-ARCADE COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP EVENT |
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On Saturday, July 25th, the Department of Waste Management & Recycling teamed up with Sacramento County Code Enforcement to clean up our community. Trucks and cars made their way over to one of 2 locations, on Bell Street or Hurley Way, where rubbish, metal, wood, tires, trash, appliances, and e-waste were all collected.
We thank all of those who came out to support our community by bringing or helping collect items. These clean-up events are always great opportunities to get rid of loads of unwanted items, and I highly encourage participation in future similar events. The report below shows how much was collected at both collection sites.
9.11 Tons of Trash were collected. 2.62 Tons of Wood were collected 1.05 Tons of Appliances were collected. 0.95 Tons of E-Waste were collected. 12 Tires were collected. 2.45 Tons of Metal were collected. |
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EMPOWERMENT PARK GRAND OPENING |
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This past weekend, I had the honor of attending the grand opening of EmPOWERment Park, a socially inclusive, sensory-integrated playground designed so that everybody can play, regardless of age or ability. Located at 1124 Bell Street in Arden Arcade, it's the newest park in Sacramento County, and it's one the entire community can be proud of.
Turning this barren plot of land into a thriving gathering place for children and families took real diligence. My thanks go to SMUD for donating the land as well as the Board Members of the Sacramento Parks Foundation and the Mission Oaks Recreation and Parks District, who pushed this project through COVID-19, supply chain disruptions, funding shortages, and rising construction costs. Despite those obstacles, they delivered a park that will serve generations of families to come.
As I said in my remarks at the opening, it took a village to build this park. That village included Prop 68 funding from the State of California, Sacramento County, SMUD, local nonprofits, special districts, and individual and corporate donors who all came together to create this inclusive community space.
EmPOWERment Park offers something for every visitor: accessible play equipment, sensory-integrated play experiences, a picnic and BBQ area, shade structures, community garden beds, a public art display, water play features, open turf space, a court games area, a Bankshot basketball court, accessible parking stalls, and a self-cleaning restroom. It's a barrier-free space where families with children of differing physical abilities can play side by side.
I encourage you to bring your children or grandchildren to experience this new treasure in our community! |
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LIBRARY VOLUNTEER OPEN HOUSE & CELEBRATE 25 YEARS OF THE NORTH HIGHLANDS-ANTELOPE LIBRARY |
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Library Volunteer Open House Join the Friends of the Arden-Dimick Library on Sunday, September 26th for a Volunteer Open House. The event runs from 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm and will take place in the Arden-Dimick Library Community Room at 891 Watt Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95864. More information about this event can be found on the Sacramento Public Library website.
Celebrate 25 Years of the North Highlands-Antelope Library Enjoy a community event featuring the Fenix Drum and Dance Company, children’s activities, and refreshments as we celebrate 25 years of the North Highlands-Antelope Library. Saturday, September 12 1 pm - 4 pm 4235 Antelope Rd. Antelope, CA 95843 |
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METRO FIRE CERT PROGRAM |
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Even with summer ending, fires are still a danger to our community, and being prepared is important to keep our communities safe in case of an emergency. That’s why Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a great opportunity to stay informed and be prepared for emergencies. Metro Fire was the first agency in the Sacramento Region to establish a CERT program. This volunteer program is a 28-hour course that equips you with basic skills and covers various topics such as emergency preparedness, emergency organization, disaster psychology, fire suppression, and other valuable topics.
The deadline for registering for this course is October 15th. To register or find out more information, check out Sacramento Metro Fire’s Website, email the program at cert.program@metrofire.ca.gov, or call the CERT message line (916) 859-3776. |
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SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS AWARDS AND RESOURCE EXPO |
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Please join Sacramento County’s Office of Economic Development at the Sustainable Business Awards and Resource Expo for an awards presentation to celebrate eco-friendly businesses and network with nonprofits and businesses. This is the 30th Annual Sustainable Business Awards Ceremony, which celebrates businesses, partnerships, and nonprofits that are making a difference through sustainable practices and environmental leadership in Green Design, Environmental Changemakers, Community Impact, and Eco-Innovation.
A program of Sacramento County's Office of Economic Development (OED), the Business Environmental Resource Center (BERC), will host the annual Sustainability Business Awards event on Wednesday, September 16, where award recipients will be recognized. The whole event will last 3 hours, starting from 1 pm until 4 pm, with 3 components: the Business Expo, Award Ceremony, and Networking component to conclude. This is not only a resource fair for businesses looking to go greener, but also a great opportunity to highlight Sacramento County businesses and nonprofits that are leading the way in environmental sustainability. This is a free event, and you may register at Eventbrite online while spots last.
Event Schedule Business Expo: 1:00–2:30 pm Awards Ceremony: 2:30–3:30 pm Networking: 3:30–4:00 pm |
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EMPOWERED AGING IN FAIR OAKS - A SENIOR RESOURCE FAIR |
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Have an aging parent? Caring for an older adult? Planning ahead for yourself? Empowered Aging in Fair Oaks – A Senior Resource Fair is designed to make finding trusted local resources easier.
Join the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, September 10, from 10 am to 1 pm at New Life Community Church for this free community event, bringing together more than 60 local businesses, nonprofits, professionals, and community organizations serving older adults and their families.
Attendees can connect with experts in in-home care, home health, hospice, senior living, Medicare, PACE, estate planning, fiduciary services, mobility and home safety, downsizing, caregiver support, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s resources, and much more. Local public agencies and community organizations will also share information on safety, emergency preparedness, fraud prevention, and available programs.
Come ask questions, learn what resources are available, and make connections before a need becomes a crisis.
Admission is free. The first 100 registered families will receive a complimentary goodie bag courtesy of event sponsors.
For more details and to register, visit the Fair Oaks Chamber website |
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GREAT AMERICAN RIVER CLEAN-UP (GARCU) |
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The American River Parkway Foundation invites the community to take part in the Great American River Clean-Up (GARCU) on Saturday, September 19th from 9 am to 12 pm!
The Great American River Clean-Up is ARPF’s largest annual volunteer event and is held on California Coastal Cleanup Day in concert with the California Coastal Commission. Whether you’re an individual, group, family, corporation, or high school student, we welcome you to come together and make a difference.
We’re rolling up our sleeves to pick up trash, lay mulch, and complete beautification projects that truly conserve the Parkway for everyone to enjoy.
GARCU Sites and Registration Links:
*age restrictions
Ride Free with SacRT! To ride free to the Great American River Clean-Up, simply print or screenshot this Free Ride Flyer and present it to the bus operator upon boarding, or have it ready for the fare inspector on light rail. |
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CELEBRATE NORTH HIGHLANDS |
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Celebrate North Highlands is an event being put together for the community, by the community, to honor the diverse cultures, talents, and stories that make North Highlands unique. Enjoy performances from local bands and artists, showcasing the rich musical talent of the community, savor delicious dishes and refreshing beverages from a variety of local vendors, and enjoy fun-filled activities and games for the entire family.
DATE: Saturday, September 27, 2025 TIME: 10 am – 3 pm LOCATION: Freedom Park, 3200 Freedom Park Dr, McClellan, CA 95652
For more information about this event, visit the Celebrate North Highlands website. |
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FAIR OAKS CHICKEN FESTIVAL |
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Join the Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District for the 21st Annual Fair Oaks Chicken Festival! DATE: Saturday, September 19, 2026 TIME: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm LOCATION: Fair Oaks Park (11549 Fair Oaks Blvd.) Festival Festivities
Know Before You Go
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CRUISEFEST ON FULTON AVE |
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CruiseFest 15 on Fulton Avenue is set for Saturday, September 12th, 2026, 3 pm – 7 pm. Brought to you by the Fulton Avenue Association since 2011.
Proceeds benefit:
CruiseFest isn’t just about cars and good times; CruiseFest proceeds support Shriners Children and the Friends of FEC Foundation. Come have fun, see some cool cars, and make a difference in the growing community. |
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ICYMI: SAFE CREDIT UNION LAUNCHES MEMBER VOTE ON PROPOSED COMBINATION WITH BECU |
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SAFE Credit Union announced that its Board of Directors established a Member voting timeline following state and federal regulatory approval of the proposed combination with BECU. The next step in the combination process is a vote by SAFE’s eligible member-owners, with voting beginning August 31, 2026, and concluding on October 27, 2026.
If approved by members, the combination would provide SAFE members with significant benefits through:
Overall, the combination will provide members with materially greater value and banking capabilities, while the Sacramento region will receive greater investment and opportunity. The combination will accelerate benefits that SAFE could not deliver as quickly on its own, while preserving the personal service, relationships, and legacy that SAFE has built.
As part of the member vote process, SAFE is also giving members a direct role in determining how $250,000 in philanthropic giving will be distributed among four non-profit community partners. Members will be able to select the nonprofit they would like to support as part of the voting process, helping guide the distribution of the donation.
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DISTRICT 3 PARKS ACTIVITY GUIDES |
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Fall Activity Guides are available now. From concerts to camps, and education to fitness, there is something for everyone. See a class in the digital guide you like? Click the session you want, and you'll get taken straight to the registration link! |
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MORE THAN WHAT YOU THINK: WHAT SACRAMENTO COUNTY'S RECENT ZONING CHANGES MEAN FOR RESIDENTS |
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When most people hear the words "Zoning Code," they probably think about developers, construction projects and a whole lot of rules that have very little to do with their everyday lives—and some people probably don’t ever hear the words “Zoning Code” at all. But zoning affects much more than what gets built where. (We promise we are going to make this interesting, so please keep reading.)
It can determine whether you can run a business from your home, how many pets you can keep, how tall you can build a backyard workshop, where you can park a vehicle, where a childcare center can operate and even how a restaurant can expand its business.
That is why the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors' recent approval of a comprehensive update to the County's Zoning Code is more relevant to residents than they may realize. The update addresses 134 issues identified by residents, business owners, developers, County staff and other stakeholders since the current Zoning Code was adopted in 2015. The changes range from small technical corrections to significant policy changes designed to make the Code easier to understand, remove outdated regulations and make it easier to do business and build in the unincorporated County.
In other words, the County is doing some major housekeeping.
And while many of the changes are aimed at improving the development process, plenty have a much more familiar feeling.
Here are a few of the changes residents may find particularly interesting.
More dogs and cats on some larger properties
Yes, the Zoning Code has rules about how many dogs and cats you can have. Currently, residents can have up to four dogs and four cats by right. Under the updated Code, certain properties of at least one acre will be able to accommodate more dogs and cats as personal pets.
For example, properties in agricultural and some other larger-lot zoning districts can have up to 10 furry companions by right. In some other residential zoning districts, this allowance may be unlocked with a Minor Use Permit. The changes are part of a larger effort to update the County's animal and pet-service regulations so they better reflect how animals are actually kept and how animal-related businesses operate today.
So, yes, your pets are officially part of the Zoning Code conversation.
Your home business doesn't have to be "part-time" anymore
The County's home occupation rules were largely written in 1984, long before remote work, online businesses and many of the ways people work from home today.
Those rules included a "part-time" category that limited certain home businesses to 32 hours per week and eight hours per day. The update removes that blanket limitation. That does not mean every business can suddenly operate from a home without restrictions. Home occupations will still have to meet standards related to noise, traffic, visitors, parking and the amount of space used for the business.
The update also removes some outdated restrictions and clarifies how modern internet-based businesses and other home-based activities should be treated.
The result is a set of home occupation rules that better reflect how work happens in 2026.
Your backyard workshop, studio or other accessory structure may have more flexibility
If you've ever wanted a bigger workshop, studio, pool house or other structure to store your stuff in your backyard, this one may get your attention.
The current rules limit residential accessory structures to 16 feet at the peak and 14 feet at the plate line. The County is removing the 14-foot plate-line restriction, which was designed around traditional pitched roofs and can be difficult to apply to modern, box-shaped or prefabricated structures.
The update also allows residential accessory structures to use the same height allowances as certain incidental agricultural structures, which can reach 24 feet, when increased setbacks are provided.
The change is partly about making the rules easier to apply consistently. Staff noted that it can be difficult to distinguish an "agricultural" structure from a residential accessory structure based solely on what is stored inside it.
Property owners get more flexibility while still being required to meet appropriate setbacks.
Pool and spa rules are getting a little less confusing
The County's Zoning Code currently has pool standards in more than one place.
The update consolidates those standards into one location, removes outdated or unnecessary provisions and clarifies setback requirements for above-ground pools and spas.
We know this isn’t the most exciting zoning change we’re making, but it is a good example of the type of housekeeping happening throughout the Code.
Sometimes modernization means creating a brand-new policy. Sometimes it means making it much easier for a homeowner to figure out which rule actually applies to their backyard pool.
Childcare is getting a zoning update, too
The current Code separates adult and child day care centers in a way that can create confusion, including situations where facilities serving adults with mental disabilities are classified as child day care centers.
The updated Code creates a consolidated "day care center" category and uses a sliding scale based on the number of people in care to determine the appropriate level of review.
It also allows childcare centers to operate by right when they are located with multifamily housing, consistent with a state law that took effect earlier this year.
That change is particularly relevant as the County works to support housing and expand access to childcare.
Small tutoring and training businesses are getting a clearer path
Not every school is a school in the traditional sense.
Under the current Code, small training businesses such as tutoring programs, CPR schools, medical training programs and computer classes can be classified as "private schools," even when they serve fewer than 25 students.
The update creates a new category for smaller educational facilities and provides a more appropriate level of zoning review for these businesses, recognizing that such businesses are fundamentally different from a traditional full-scale school.
A tutoring center with 15 students shouldn't have to navigate the same zoning process as a full-scale school.
Restaurants will have more flexibility to cater
A restaurant is a restaurant, right?
Not necessarily, at least according to zoning.
The current Code allows restaurants in a wide range of areas, but catering and wholesale food production are permitted in fewer zones.
The update will allow restaurants to conduct catering operations by right. Restaurants that want to engage in wholesale food production will be able to do so with a Minor Use Permit.
The change recognizes that many restaurants and bakeries already operate in ways that include catering or other food production as a meaningful part of their business.
The County is updating its regulations to better reflect how those businesses actually operate.
Fire stations are getting a zoning tune-up, too
The updated Code also cuts several months from the permit process for fire stations near residential areas, helping these public-safety facilities move from planning to construction more quickly. The goal is simple: get fire stations built where they are needed so first responders can be there when residents need help.
OK, let's get into the weird stuff If you've made it this far, you may be thinking, "Wait, that's in the Zoning Code?" Exactly.
The Zoning Code contains rules for an incredible variety of activities and businesses because zoning is, at its core, about deciding what types of activities can happen on a property and how those activities fit with the surrounding community. That means some of the changes in this update are surprisingly specific.
Arcades are finally catching up with the times
Yes, the Zoning Code has specific rules for arcades. And those rules date back to 1982, targeting teens skipping sixth period to play Pac-Man and Space Invaders.
The updated Code removes those outdated regulations, recognizing the many ways gaming and recreation have evolved since then.
So, yes: after more than four decades, the County's arcade rules are getting a reboot.
Tattoo shops are becoming "Body Art Facilities"
The County is replacing the outdated "Tattoo Shop" classification with a broader "Body Art Facility" category, bringing the terminology in line with California's Body Art Act and recognizing that body art can include more than traditional tattooing.
The County is also lowering the level of review required for body art facilities in certain commercial and industrial zones and clarifying that activities such as ear piercing can be included within personal services.
Art studios and body art can overlap
The updated rules also recognize that body art facilities can operate as an incidental use within an art gallery or art studio when the body art portion makes up no more than 25 percent of the floor area.
Does that sound oddly specific, yes. But it reflects a larger goal of the update: making sure the categories in the Zoning Code match the businesses and activities that actually exist in the community.
Cottage food and meal prep are getting clearer definitions
The County is also updating its definitions to better align "Cottage Food Operations" with California's Retail Food Code.
And the Code will clarify that catering services include meal prep businesses. Again, these may seem like small changes, but they are examples of the County updating regulations to reflect the way people and businesses operate today.
Why make all of these changes?
The County's Zoning Code is the rulebook for land use in the unincorporated County. It helps determine what can be built on a property, what businesses can operate there, what activities are allowed in residential neighborhoods and what level of review is required before certain projects can move forward.
The current Zoning Code was adopted in 2015. Since then, residents, businesses, developers, County staff and other community stakeholders have identified hundreds of questions, inconsistencies and areas where the regulations no longer fit the way people live and work. The 2023 Zoning Code Update brings 134 of those issues together into one comprehensive package. And yes, we know it's 2026. Zoning takes a little time.
Some changes make it easier to build. Some make it easier to run a business. Some simply clarify a confusing rule. Some remove regulations that have become outdated. And some address things that most residents probably never realized were governed by zoning in the first place.
A Zoning Code is not just a rulebook for developers. It is one of the tools the County uses to help shape communities, balance different property and land use needs and make sure its regulations keep pace with the people and businesses those regulations are intended to serve.
So, when do all of these changes take effect? The updated Zoning Code will take effect on Sept. 10, 2026, giving residents, businesses and property owners a little time to get familiar with the new rules. |
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CONTACT MY OFFICE:
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Supervisor Rich Desmond
Third District Sacramento County Board of Supervisors 700 H Street, Suite 2450 Sacramento, CA 95814 richdesmond@saccounty.gov PHONE: (916) 874-5471
FAX: (916) 874-7593 |
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