ELVERTA, CA — One of the most controversial land use proposals in recent Rio Linda-Elverta history is headed to its next—and potentially final—public hearing.
Sacramento County’s Zoning Administrator will consider the proposed Greenfarm use permit during a public hearing on Thursday, July 16, at 9:00 a.m. in the Board Chambers of the Sacramento County Administration Building, 700 H Street in downtown Sacramento.
The hearing will determine whether the applicant will receive a Use Permit to operate a livestock kill floor on a 20-acre agricultural parcel at 8645 Palladay Road in Elverta. According to the public hearing notice, the proposal seeks permission to establish the facility within an Agricultural Residential-5 (AR-5) zoning district. (Sacramento Planning Projects Viewer)
Project Has Drawn Widespread Opposition
The proposal has generated months of intense public debate, with residents packing community meetings and voicing concerns about the project’s potential impact on the surrounding rural neighborhood.
Earlier this year, the Rio Linda/Elverta Community Planning Advisory Council (CPAC) voted 5-0 to recommend denial of the project after hearing testimony from dozens of residents. Community members cited concerns over groundwater contamination, odors, increased traffic, noise, enforcement, and preserving the area’s rural character. (Rio Linda Online News)
The proposal later advanced to the Sacramento County Agricultural Advisory Committee, where it encountered another significant setback.
After hearing additional testimony, the Agricultural Advisory Committee declined to support the project, directing applicant Bahadur Amiri to address numerous outstanding concerns before moving forward. (Rio Linda Online News)
One point that fueled additional controversy was testimony indicating the proposed operation could process more than 30 animals per week, substantially higher than the two to three animals per week initially described during the CPAC meeting. The discrepancy prompted questions from both committee members and residents about the ultimate scale of the proposed operation. (Rio Linda Online News)
What’s Being Proposed?
County planning documents describe the project, known as Greenfarm (PLNP2025-00038), as a request to convert an existing agricultural structure into a slaughter facility where livestock raised on the property would be processed for customers seeking halal meat.
According to the application:
- Customers would select an animal raised on-site.
- Slaughter and processing would occur indoors.
- Operations would be conducted Monday through Saturday.
- The owners state they would operate the facility without outside employees.
- A state-issued slaughter license would also be required before operations could begin. (Sacramento Planning Projects Viewer)
Final Local Decision
Unlike CPAC and the Agricultural Advisory Committee, which serve in advisory capacities, the Zoning Administrator has the authority to approve, deny, or impose conditions on the requested Use Permit.
The decision will determine whether the controversial project can move forward or whether the applicant will need to pursue other options or appeals.
Given the strong community interest surrounding the proposal, another large public turnout is expected.
How to Participate
Residents wishing to speak at the hearing must complete a speaker request form before addressing the Zoning Administrator.
Those unable to attend in person may submit written comments by emailing [email protected] before the hearing. Comments should include the meeting date and agenda item information.
The meeting will also be streamed live via Zoom for those wishing to watch remotely.
Hearing Information
Project: Greenfarm (PLNP2025-00038)
Proposal: Use Permit to operate a kill floor in the AR-5 zone
Location: 8645 Palladay Road, Elverta
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Sacramento County Administration Building, Board Chambers, 700 H Street, Sacramento
Rio Linda Online will be covering the hearing and will provide updates as the Zoning Administrator considers one of the most closely watched land use proposals in recent memory for the Rio Linda-Elverta community.
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