South San Francisco Planning Commission Regular Meeting - March 18, 2021

The South San Francisco Planning Commission held a regular meeting via teleconference on Thursday, March 18, 2021, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included a consent calendar approval, two public hearings, and administrative business items. Notable actions included granting an appeal to prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for a proposed five-story hotel at 840 El Camino Real and approving a use permit and design review for warehouse conversion at 88 South Linden Avenue. The meeting also featured a farewell to outgoing Commissioner Alan Wong.

Consent Calendar

• Master Sign Program and Design Review for 600-650 Gateway Blvd. – Approved unanimously. The item covered signage in the Gateway Specific Plan Zoning District.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Written comment read into record regarding Item 2 (840 El Camino Real hotel): A resident of 133A Street expressed strong opposition to the five-story hotel, citing concerns about loss of sunlight to their home and increased parking congestion on A Street. They urged the commission to address these impacts.

Discussion Items

• Item 2: Remand from City Council regarding appeal of Planning Commission decision on 840 El Camino Real hotel. The commission reviewed the remand and discussed the need for an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to address community concerns about sunlight, parking, and neighborhood character. Commissioners acknowledged the Grand Boulevard Initiative and emphasized sensitivity to the long-standing neighborhood. A motion was made and seconded to grant the appeal solely for the purpose of preparing an EIR and to direct the project to return to the Planning Commission for future consideration of the EIR and previously requested entitlements. The motion passed unanimously (6-0).
• Item 3: Use Permit and Design Review for conversion of existing warehouse space at 88 South Linden Avenue. The project involved converting a 2,800-square-foot single-story warehouse into a new use in the Mixed Industrial (MI) Zoning District. Staff presented the project and noted it was categorically exempt from CEQA. Commissioners discussed proposed conditions, including trash enclosure improvements and signage. The commission approved the use permit and design review with conditions as recommended (vote results not explicitly stated in transcript, but approval was indicated by subsequent adjournment).
• Item 4: South San Francisco TDM Program Update – Project Overview and 2020 Program Design. Staff presented an update on the Transportation Demand Management program. No action was taken; the item was for information and discussion.
• Item 5: 2020 Housing Element and General Plan Annual Progress Report. Staff presented the annual report. No action was taken; the item was for information and discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar (Item 1): Approved unanimously.
• Item 2 (840 El Camino Real hotel): Motion passed 6-0 to grant the appeal for preparation of an EIR and to return the project to the Planning Commission for further consideration.
• Item 3 (88 South Linden Avenue warehouse conversion): Approved with conditions (unanimous or majority approval assumed based on discussion and meeting flow).
• Administrative items (Items 4 and 5): Received and filed; no formal action taken.
• Farewell to Commissioner Alan Wong: Commissioners and staff expressed gratitude for his eight years of service and leadership, especially during 2020.