South San Francisco Planning Commission Regular Meeting (May 6, 2021)

The South San Francisco Planning Commission held a regular meeting via teleconference on May 6, 2021, due to the COVID-19 emergency. The meeting included approval of consent calendar items, a presentation on proposed Reach Codes for building electrification and electric vehicle (EV) charging, a training session on the Ralph M. Brown Act, and the selection of a new alternate member for the General Plan Community Advisory Committee.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the regular meeting minutes of January 21, 2021, March 18, 2021, and April 15, 2021.
• Master Sign Program: Approved the Master Sign Program and Design Review for signage at the Edgewater Science and Technology Park (260 and 270 Littlefield Avenue, 280, 290, 300, and 310 Utah Avenue) in the Mixed Industrial (MI) Zoning District, along with a determination that the project is categorically exempt under CEQA. All items were approved by a 7-0 roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Several members of the public spoke in favor of adopting strong Reach Codes. Speakers included students and representatives from environmental organizations who emphasized climate urgency, public health benefits (e.g., reduced asthma risk from gas stoves), and the cost-effectiveness of all-electric new construction. No speakers opposed the Reach Codes.
• No public comments were made on the consent calendar or other agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Reach Codes for Electrical Energy and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Staff (Alex Greenwood, Director of Economic and Community Development) and a consultant from Peninsula Clean Energy (Farhad Faramand) presented a proposal to require all-electric new residential construction and increased EV charging infrastructure. The presentation covered exemptions for affordable housing, existing buildings undergoing minor renovations, and the use of induction cooking technology as an alternative to gas. Commissioners raised concerns about potential increased costs for developers, impacts on cultural cooking practices (e.g., wok cooking), the need to align parking requirements with EV mandates, and the feasibility of heat pumps for radiant heating. Staff acknowledged these concerns and noted that the ordinance would be refined before going to City Council. No formal action was taken.
• Brown Act Training: Assistant City Attorney Claire Lye and colleague Shandon Pierce provided a refresher on the Ralph M. Brown Act, covering open meeting requirements, serial meetings, agenda posting, public participation, due process in quasi-judicial hearings, ex parte communications disclosure, and conflicts of interest. Commissioners asked no questions; the presentation was informational.
• Selection of Alternate Member for General Plan Community Advisory Committee: With two commissioners (Sarah Funes and Luis De Paz Fernandez) expressing interest, the commission discussed the merits of each candidate. After debate, Chair Michele Evans nominated Luis De Paz Fernandez, and the commission agreed without a formal vote, effectively selecting him as the new alternate. Commissioner Funes expressed continued desire to serve and was thanked.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 7-0.
• Reach Codes: No decision; staff will incorporate commission feedback and bring a refined ordinance to the City Council.
• Brown Act Training: Completed; no action required.
• Alternate Selection: Luis De Paz Fernandez was chosen as the new alternate member for the General Plan Community Advisory Committee, replacing former Commissioner Alan Wong.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:45 PM (Pacific Time).