South San Francisco Planning Commission Regular Meeting - May 6, 2021
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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).
Meeting Transcript
Take it away, Chair, whenever you're ready. Good evening, and welcome to the Thursday, April 6, 2021 regular meeting of the South San Francisco Planning Commission. This meeting is being held in accordance with the Brown Act as currently in effect under the State Emergency Services Act, the governor's emergency declaration related to COVID 19 and the governor's executive order in 2920 issued on March 17th, 2020, that allows attendance by members of the Planning Commission, city staff, and the public to participate and conduct the meeting by teleconference. Teleconference locations are not open to the public. To provide a comment during the meeting, please use the raised hand function, indicating that you would like to speak, and you will be unmuted in order during times reserved for public comments. You will have three minutes to make your comments. If any commissioners had any communication with applicants, done any site or project visits, had interactions with third parties, or any conflicts regarding any item on the agenda, you may disclose them at this time. If you would like to recuse yourself for an item, you may also do that at this time. Hearing none, we will move on to the next subject. Next on the agenda is the consent calendar. May we have a listing of the consent calendar items? Approval of the regular meeting minutes of January 21st, 2021, approval of the regular meeting minutes of March 18th, 2021, approval of the regular meeting minutes of April 15th, 2021, and the Master Sign Program and Design Review for signage at Edgewater Science and Technology Park at 260 and 270 Little Field Avenue, 280, 290, 300, and 310 Utah Avenue in the mixed industrial zoning district in accordance with Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code and determination that the project is categorically exempt under CEQA. Does any commissioner wish to pull an item from the consent calendar? No. Does any member of the public wish to address the commission on an item on the consent calendar at this time? Please use the raised hand feature to indicate you would like to provide a comment. At this time, I will ask the clerk if there are any members of the public who would like to provide comments or or any comments received by email or voicemail. No, there are not. Okay. Um hearing no speakers, I will entertain a motion to uh approve the consent calendar as presented, including all the minutes as presented. I approve the commission. I approve all the four items on the consent calendar. Do I have a second? Second. Julianne. Okay. Could we have roll call, please? Commissioner Faria. Yes. Commissioner Murphy. Yes. Commissioner Zhang. Yes. Commissioner Funis. Yes. Commissioner DePaz Fernandez. Yes. Vice Chair Shahade. Yes. And Chair Evans. Yes. Motion passes. Okay. Next on the agenda is item. Is administrative businesses item four? Would the clerk read it, please? Make sure I'm I'm not muted. Report regarding city efforts to adopt REACH codes for electrical energy and electric vehicle charging stations. Well, uh, good evening. Uh Chair, Vice Chair, members of the Commission.
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