South San Francisco Planning Commission Regular Meeting – August 15, 2024

The Planning Commission met on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 901 Civic Campus Way. The meeting addressed two main items: a public hearing on conditional use permits for two Amazon parcel hubs and an administrative business item on a parking management plan for Celeste Apartments. Both items were approved unanimously with one abstention on the Amazon item.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (August 1, 2024): The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 1, 2024 meeting (Motion by Commissioner Baker, second by Commissioner Pamuku; roll call: 6-0, with all members voting aye).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the Commission on non-agenda items or during the public hearings.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Amazon Parcel Hubs (250 Utah Avenue and 400 Littlefield Avenue, off-site parking at 501 S. Airport Boulevard): Staff presented a report recommending approval of two Conditional Use Permits and updated Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plans to legalize existing parcel hub operations. The facilities have been operating since 2016 and 2020, respectively, and a 2021 zoning ordinance required a CUP for parcel hubs. The proposed off-site parking lot would provide 424 spaces for contracted drivers and delivery vans. The project was found categorically exempt from CEQA (Class 1, Section 15301). Commissioner Shihadeh raised concerns about afternoon traffic impacts on Airport Boulevard, but the applicant (Stephen Matulay-Weems, Amazon) clarified that van returns occur after 6 PM, mitigating peak-hour congestion. Chair Faria and Commissioner Tzang expressed support, noting the creative use of existing space. No public comments were received.
• Item 3 – Celeste Apartments Parking Management and Monitoring Plan (PMMP) (401 Cypress Avenue): Staff and applicant (Andrew Turko, Sares Regis Group) presented a request for 100% unbundled parking for the 195-unit market-rate apartment building. The building has 231 parking stalls, and 50% are currently unbundled. The proposed PMMP would allow tenants to pay separately for parking, incentivizing alternative transportation. The applicant noted that 31% of current residents moved from within South San Francisco and 30% work in the city. The project is near Caltrain and downtown. The plan is consistent with the city’s zoning code and general plan. Commissioner Baker asked about unbundling experiences at other properties; the applicant reported 85-95% of tenants typically lease a spot. The Commission discussed the benefits of unbundling for reducing car dependence and supporting walkability.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2 – Amazon Parcel Hubs: The Commission approved two separate motions. First, a motion to determine the project is categorically exempt under CEQA (Motion by Chair Faria, second by Commissioner Shihadeh; roll call: 5-0-1, with Vice Chair Funes-Ozturk abstaining). Second, a motion to approve Conditional Use Permits UP23-0124 and UP23-0125, and TDM Plans TDM23-008 and TDM23-007, subject to findings and conditions (Motion by Commissioner Shihadeh, second by Commissioner Tzang; roll call: 5-0-1, with Vice Chair Funes-Ozturk abstaining).
• Item 3 – Celeste Apartments PMMP: The Commission approved two separate motions. First, a motion to determine the project is categorically exempt under CEQA (Motion by Commissioner Baker, second by Commissioner Pamuku; roll call: 6-0). Second, a motion to approve the Parking Management and Monitoring Plan subject to conditions of approval (Motion by Chair Faria, second by Commissioner Funes-Ozturk; roll call: 6-0).

Other Business

• The meeting included staff announcements about openings on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission and a brief moment recognizing the departing clerk, Kelsey Evans. The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 PM.