Sutter Creek Responsible and Compliant Retail LLC DBA Embarc Dispensary
Summary
SCH Number
2026080686
Public Agency
City of Sutter Creek
Document Title
Sutter Creek Responsible and Compliant Retail LLC DBA Embarc Dispensary
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/20/2026
Document Description
The City received an application from Sutter Creek Responsible and Compliant Retail, LLC DBA Embarc, (the "Applicant") on May 11, 2026, for the rights and entitlements to develop and operate a commercial cannabis retail sales and delivery business at 11 Ridge Road in the Sutter Hill area of the City. The application includes amendments to Titles 10 and 18 of the Sutter Creek Municipal Code, a Development Agreement, a Conditional Use Permit, a Sign Permit and Site Plan Permit. Business will occur in a former bank building.
Contact Information
Name
Tom DuBois
Agency Name
City of Sutter Creek
Job Title
City Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Sutter Creek
Counties
Amador
Regions
Citywide, Northern California
Cross Streets
Ridge Road and Highway 49
Zip
95685
Total Acres
.25
Parcel #
044-020-063
State Highways
49, 88
Airports
Amador County Airport
Schools
ACUSD
Other Location Info
11 Ridge Road
Sutter Creek - Commercial C-2 Zoning District
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301 (Existing Facilities)
Reasons for Exemption
The City has determined that the project application falls within a Class 1 Section 15301 and Section 15061 (b)(3) (Common-Sense Exemption) Categorical Exemptions under CEQA. Section 15301 allows operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The project is consistent with the Class 1 example 15301 as it proposes interior and exterior building alterations
that are negligible and includes no expansion of the former bank land use. The project is also consistent with the Class 1 example 15301 as it proposes new copy on existing on-premises signs. Therefore, the project qualifies for this exemption.
Under CEQA Guidelines§ 15061(b)(3), it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the adaptive reuse of an existing commercial building into a carefully regulated retail storefront will have a significant effect on the physical environment.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15061 (b)(3) (Common-Sense Exemption)
Reasons for Exemption
The City has determined that the project application falls within a Class 1 Section 15301 and Section 15061 (b)(3) (Common-Sense Exemption) Categorical Exemptions under CEQA. Section 15301 allows operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The project is consistent with the Class 1 example 15301 as it proposes interior and exterior building alterations
that are negligible and includes no expansion of the former bank land use. The project is also consistent with the Class 1 example 15301 as it proposes new copy on existing on-premises signs. Therefore, the project qualifies for this exemption.
Under CEQA Guidelines§ 15061(b)(3), it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the adaptive reuse of an existing commercial building into a carefully regulated retail storefront will have a significant effect on the physical environment.
County Clerk
Amador
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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