South San Francisco Planning Commission Regular Meeting – September 7, 2023

The Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider the Lindenville Specific Plan, associated General Plan and Zoning Code amendments, and an Addendum to the 2040 General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR). After staff presentations, public comments, and commissioner discussion, the Commission unanimously recommended adoption of all three resolutions to the City Council.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The Commission unanimously approved the draft minutes from the August 3, 2023 Planning Commission meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Santosh Jayram (in-person speaker, owner of two units in South San Francisco) expressed strong support for the planning process but raised concerns about the plan’s impact on small life science companies. He noted that the plan removes life science as a by‑right use in many areas, which could force early‑stage startups to leave the city. He urged the Commission to preserve affordable space for small innovators.
• Corey A. David (written comment) criticized the plan, predicting it would favor large developers, lead to high‑rise shadows, reduced parking, and displacement of existing businesses. He accused the Commission of ignoring residents’ wishes and called the process a “multi‑act play” with a predetermined outcome.
• Carl Hansen (written comment) argued that the plan imposes too many restrictions on warehouse, distribution, and industrial uses in mixed‑use districts. He requested that these uses remain permitted by right rather than requiring a minor use permit, as many property owners are small investors who will continue to use their buildings as warehouses.

Discussion Items

• Staff Presentation: Billy Gross (Principal Planner) and Eric Yerkovic (Ramian Associates) presented the Lindenville Specific Plan, which sets a 20‑year vision for the 400‑acre area. Key changes from the public review draft included: reverting two sites to earlier designations (40 Airport to residential high‑180, and several sites on Railroad Avenue to mixed‑use T3N), adding an additional 5% affordable housing requirement (total 20%) to qualify for height incentives, incorporating design standards for facade articulation and landscape, and adjusting park location maps. The EIR Addendum found that impacts would be the same as those in the 2040 General Plan EIR, with significant unavoidable impacts on air quality and transportation.
• Commissioner Questions & Discussion: Commissioners asked about the transition zone (T4L) near Francisco Terrace. Staff explained a 40‑foot setback, landscaping buffer, and height limits (35 feet within 100 feet of the rear property line, then up to 65 feet) to mitigate impacts on adjacent single‑family homes. Commissioners expressed support for the plan, noting its regional benefits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving walkability, and providing affordable housing. They acknowledged concerns about small businesses but emphasized that the plan is a first step and can be amended as market conditions evolve.
• Commissioner Statements: Commissioner Baker highlighted the importance of regional thinking on air quality. Commissioner Funes called for better public transit. All commissioners thanked staff for community engagement and the comprehensive process.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2a (EIR Addendum): Motion to recommend that the City Council determine the Lindenville Specific Plan Addendum is the appropriate environmental document. Passed 6‑0 (Commissioner Evans excused).
• Resolution 2b (Specific Plan & General Plan Amendments): Motion to recommend adoption of the Lindenville Specific Plan and associated General Plan amendments. Passed 6‑0.
• Resolution 2c (Zoning Amendments): Motion to recommend adoption of new zoning districts (Chapter 20.150, 20.160, 20.190, 20.200, 20.210), related code amendments, and zoning map amendments. Passed 6‑0.
• No other administrative business or items from the Commission were discussed.

Next Steps

• The Commission’s recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for final action. The public may appeal any decision within 15 calendar days.