NEWSLETTER City of Elk Grove
ADUs are self-contained secondary housing units located on a property that has a separate main single-family home, duplex, or other residential unit. ADUs contain a kitchen, bathroom, and a place to sleep. ADUs can range from efficiency studio units to 1,200-square foot units with multiple bedrooms and can be either new construction or converted space.
City Offers FREE Permit-Ready ADU Plans
Adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to your property can be both good for you and for our community: ADUs are a convenient option as an income source or to house family, and ADUs help address the citywide housing shortage issue. But the costs and time involved for custom plans can be imposing. The City of Elk Grove has removed this barrier by offering multiple sets of pre-approved, permit-ready ADU design plans that will help fast-track your ADU project. Not only does this eliminate the time and cost needed to develop custom plans, you can start your project secure in knowing that these plans already meet all the latest codes. Whether you want to build a studio, 1-, or 2-bedroom unit, each plan allows for flexibility for interior and exterior finishes for a customized look. For more information on how to get a free set of permit-ready ADU plans, visit elkgrovecity.org/adu
Ready to build an ADU on your property?
First, contact the City of Elk Grove Development Services Department. Staff can help determine if an ADU is allowed on your property; discuss zoning standards applicable to your project; and answer questions about the building code, construction standards, utilities, and fees. Call the department at (916) 478-2235.
Police Department Reports Safer Streets in 2022
The Elk Grove Police Department’s 2022 Annual Report is now available and reports a downward trend in local crime.
To view the complete report and learn more about the many facets of Elk Grove’s law enforcement organization, visit elkgrovepd.org.
Celebrating 10 Years!
After 10 years, the momentum of our region’s annual giving movement—the Big Day of Giving—continues. It’s a day when your gifts have the chance to be boosted with match funds and prize dollars! Join in this effort by supporting one of the many local non-profits that serve the Elk Grove community. Your contribution, of any amount, helps organizations bring arts to Elk Grove, provides care and support for our seniors, offers educational opportunities and programs for all ages, helps rescued animals, preserves and shares Elk Grove’s history, provides food and assistance to those less fortunate, and much more! Find out more about what Elk Grove’s non-profits do for our community— visit bigdayofgiving.org and search for organizations serving Elk Grove. Together we can make a big impact!
INSIDE:
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• Contaminants Found During Blue Cart Recycling Audit
• What Goes in My Blue Recycle Cart?
• What Doesn’t Go in My Blue Recycle Cart?
• Not Sure if an Item is Recyclable?
• Officer Lenehan Memorialized at State and National Ceremonies
Page 3
• May Is Bike Month
• Elk Grove Services
• City Seeks Climate Ambassadors
Page 4
• Pools Open for Summer
• Return of the Outdooor Markets
• Monthly Vintage Market Offers Unique Finds
• Recycle Your Used Oil Filters and Get a New One FREE
• Party on the Palms
• Big Truck Day
• TGIF!
What Goes in My Blue Recycle Cart?
• Rigid plastics
• Glass bottles and jars
• Steel and tin cans
• Aluminum cans and foil
• Small scrap metal
• Newspaper
• Corrugated cardboard
• Chipboard (cereal and tissue boxes)
• Shredded paper
• Mixed paper*
Please rinse materials containing liquid or food prior to recycling (labels do not need to be removed). Any caps or lids should be screwed on or placed in the garbage cart.
*Mixed paper includes magazines, junk mail, office paper, catalogues, paper bags, egg cartons, and envelopes.
City Seeks Climate Ambassadors
Contaminants Found During Blue Cart Recycling Audit
Plastic bags, diapers, styrofoam, cables, wires, and other flimsy plastics were some of the contaminants found during a recent recycling (blue cart) audit conducted at the Elder Creek Transfer Station. Elk Grove’s Recycling and Waste staff along with Republic Services staff determined that more than 26% of the load examined was contaminated. Recycling helps divert waste from landfills, but contamination could result in the load being rejected and sent to the landfill—wasting your recycling effort altogether.
Where do blue cart recyclables go after they leave your curb?
Recyclables are taken to the Elder Creek Transfer Station where they are sorted by machines and by hand. The loads are then prepared to be sold to buyers and used in manufacturing.
What Doesn’t Go in My Blue Recycle Cart?
• Broken glass
• Waxed paper
• Plastic-coated milk cartons
• Styrofoam and packing peanuts
• Bubble wrap
• Straws and other flimsy plastics
• Drycleaning bags
• Plastic bags
• Hangers
• Diapers
• Cables and wires
• Food-soiled paper
• Aluminum foil with food residue
Did You Know?
Plastic bags are the number one contaminant at recycling facilities. These thin plastic bags clog up the sorting machinery and can cause major delays and potential harm to workers who must unclog the machinery. Plastic bags should always be placed in your black garbage cart.
Option A
Remember that food and food soiled paper products (paper towels, pizza boxes, and paper plates) should be disposed of in the organics cart. All other food contaminated products (aluminum foil with food residue, Styrofoam takeout with food residue, and waxed line products) should be disposed of in the garbage cart.
Option C
Not Sure if an Item is Recyclable? Use the garbage and recycling lookup tool. This handy resource tells you exactly what type of waste you have, along with options for proper disposal. Access the tool by visiting elkgrovecity.org/recycle
Officer Lenehan Memorialized at State and National Ceremonies
On January 21, 2022, Officer Tyler “Ty” Lenehan made the ultimate sacrifice when he was involved in a fatal on-duty collision with a wrong-way DUI driver. The Elk Grove Police Department, alongside family and friends, grieved the loss of a hero, Motor-24.
Are you a person who is driven to engage with others on issues centered around climate change, environmental justice, equity, renewable energy, clean transportation, water conservation, and recycling and waste? If so, consider applying to be part of Elk Grove’s Climate Ambassador Program. Climate Ambassadors This training will support their role in communicating with organizations, groups, and individuals of the community and healthier, more sustainable, and resilient city. To fill these compensated positions, the city seeks residents and business owners representative of the diversity of our community. For more details and to apply, visit https://www.elkgrovecity.org/city-special-projects/climate-action-plan
Ty began his career at the Elk Grove Police Department in 2016 after serving as an officer in the City of Galt and Citrus Heights. He also served his country as a United States Air Force member. Ty was known as a committed family man, a dependable friend, and a man of faith.
In honor of Ty’s legacy, members of the Police Department will be participating in local, state, and national Law Enforcement Memorial events in May in advance of National Police Week
Download or print the Elk Grove Trail Map to help you get around
May Is Bike Month
Get out and get your pedals moving in celebration of bike month. Elk Grove’s trails will help get you where you want to go. Our network of trails and bikeways connects bicyclists to parks, schools, retail centers, commute routes, and nature. Whether for fun, fitness, or transportation, hop on your bike and join in the excitement!
Visit mayisbikemonth.com for information on regional events, maps, and resources and information for any level of cyclist. Log your trips on the Love to Ride platform to be entered into prize drawings!
Option B
Funding Closes Gap on Laguna Creek Inter-Regional Trail System
Plans for the Laguna Creek Inter-Regional Trail Crossing over SR99 are moving forward. The project was recently awarded a grant that provides the final funding needed to construct this critical gap in the trail system. Plans include a Class I bicycle and pedestrian bridge crossing over SR99 at Laguna Creek (between Sheldon and Bond Roads) along with an adjacent Class I trail extension to the east to connect to the Camden Trail—creating a continuous 7-mile trail segment within the city. Construction is anticipated to start in 2026. For more information about this project and other trail system plans, visit elkgrovecity.org/lagunacreekplan
