South San Francisco Planning Commission Regular Meeting – September 16, 2021

The South San Francisco Planning Commission held a regular meeting virtually on September 16, 2021, at 7:00 PM. The agenda included a consent calendar, a public hearing for a Rivian automotive facility, and an administrative business item on the Climate Action Plan Update. All commissioners were present. The meeting was conducted via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the regular meeting minutes of July 15, 2021, and August 5, 2021.
• Approved Resolution finding that the disposition of two City-owned properties at 201 Baden Avenue (APNs 012-335-100 and 012-335-110) in the Downtown Transit Core is consistent with the South San Francisco General Plan (Govt. Code Section 65402). The properties are intended for residential and commercial development.

Public Comments & Testimony

• During the public hearing for the Rivian project, no members of the public provided comments, and no written or voicemail comments were received.
• At the end of the meeting, a member of the public (Olga) spoke, requesting that the city provide email notifications for Planning Commission meetings similar to those for City Council meetings, citing outreach barriers for Spanish speakers and the importance of the commission’s role. Commissioners discussed replicating the city council’s notification system and improving website accessibility.

Discussion Items

1. Rivian Automotive Sales and Services Facility (206 Utah Avenue):
   • Staff presented a request for a Conditional Use Permit, Master Sign Program, and Design Review for a new electric vehicle service center. The project involves renovating an existing 44,786-square-foot building, with 28,833 sq ft for service/repair (by right), 6,395 sq ft for vehicle sales (requiring the permit), and 9,558 sq ft for parts/storage. The business model involves online ordering only, with no on-site vehicle inventory.
   • The applicant (Rivian) described the company and showed photos of similar facilities. They confirmed sales tax would be collected at the South San Francisco location.
   • The project is categorically exempt from CEQA (Class 1, Section 15301 and Class 11, Section 1531A).
   • Commissioners praised the clean application, the addition of bicycle parking beyond code requirements, and the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle company in the city. No opposition was raised.
2. Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update:
   • Staff and consultants from REMI Associates (Sammy Taylor) presented an update on the CAP being developed alongside the General Plan update. The presentation covered:
     • Emissions inventory: Transportation accounts for 44% of emissions, energy 41%.
     • Emissions projected to increase 59% by 2040 without action.
     • Targets: 40% reduction by 2030, carbon neutrality by 2045, interim 80% reduction by 2040.
     • Proposed measures in buildings (electrification, panel upgrades), transportation (EV charging, mode shift, TDM), solid waste (SB 1383 compliance), water, and sequestration.
   • Commissioners raised questions and comments on: enforceability of point-of-sale panel upgrades, curbside EV charging examples, the need for bus service to ferries and neighborhoods like Avalon Park, incentives for landlords, tracking EV adoption rates, commercial fleet electrification, and food waste compliance costs.
   • Commissioners also emphasized equity, education, and the importance of concrete goals. No action was taken; the item was for discussion and feedback.

Key Outcomes

• Rivian Project (P21-0031): Approved unanimously (7-0). The Commission determined the project is categorically exempt from CEQA (Class 1 and Class 11) and approved the Conditional Use Permit (UP21-0005), Master Sign Program (SIGN21-0023), and Design Review (DR21-0030) based on the draft findings and conditions.
• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Climate Action Plan: No vote was taken; staff will incorporate commissioner feedback into further plan development.
• Public Comment Follow-Up: Staff committed to exploring the feasibility of email notification systems for Planning Commission meetings, replicating the city council’s system and improving the city website’s accessibility for meeting agendas.