South San Francisco Planning Commission Regular Meeting – April 16, 2026

The South San Francisco Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in the Library Parks and Rec Building Council Chambers. Chairperson Pomiku presided. Commissioners Faria, Shahade, and Zhang were present; Commissioners Spunes and Evans were absent. The meeting included a consent calendar, two action items, an informational presentation, and a report on the Capital Improvement Program.

Consent Calendar

• The commission unanimously approved the minutes of the March 19, 2026 Planning Commission meeting (5-0, two absent). No public comment was received.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided comment on any agenda item, including non-agenda items and consent calendar items.

Discussion Items

Item 2 – 616 Maple Avenue Tentative Subdivision Map

• Staff presented a report on the tentative subdivision map for a previously entitled six-unit residential development at 616 Maple Avenue (Downtown Residential Medium zoning district). The map is required because the owner decided to sell units rather than rent. The project scope is unchanged from the October 2025 design review approval. Staff recommended approval with CEQA exemptions (Class 3 and Class 32).
• Commissioners expressed concern about the existing tenant in the on-site house. Staff clarified that replacement housing requirements under SB 330 are being handled by the city’s housing division and must be satisfied before building permits are issued; this is not part of the current planning action. Several commissioners requested a future informational item on the status of the existing tenant.
• The motion to approve the resolution (including CEQA exemptions and the tentative map) passed unanimously (5-0).

Item 3 – 1051 Mission Road (PUC Site) Development Agreement Amendment

• Staff presented the first major amendment to the development agreement for the PUC site project, which includes 800 units (20% affordable), a child care center, parks, and a bridge over Colma Creek. The amendment would reallocate up to $14.6 million in fees from the market-rate component to support the affordable housing portion, waive certain impact fees for the affordable project, extend the agreement to December 31, 2032, and include profit-sharing provisions. Bridge Housing is withdrawing; a new affordable developer will be selected.
• The applicant (Eric Tao of L37) explained that the project has faced financing challenges, particularly a $20 million gap on the affordable building. The reallocated funds (plus fee waivers) could close that gap, unlocking infrastructure grants. Plan A is to secure an Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) grant; Plan B uses the city’s reallocated funds. Commissioners praised the persistence and creativity of the team and expressed strong support, noting that the project is critical for housing and community benefits.
• The commission voted unanimously (5-0) to recommend the amendment to the City Council for approval, with a finding that it is consistent with the General Plan and the prior environmental review.

Item 4 – Fiscal Year 26-27 Capital Improvement Program General Plan Consistency

• Principal Engineer Matt Rubel presented the proposed CIP for FY 26-27 and the five-year outlook (FY 27-28 to 30-31). The $20 million program includes 15 new projects and 17 existing projects. Major investments include: Orange Memorial Park playground replacement ($3.8 million), Centennial Trail improvements ($600,000), Fire Station 61 dorm reconfiguration ($100,000), sanitary sewer rehabilitation ($1 million), Francisco Terrace flood protection ($100,000), 2027 surface seal projects ($3 million), South Linden Avenue grade separation ($1 million), signalized intersection battery backup ($1 million), and downtown-to-Bay and trains-to-technology multimodal connections ($600,000 each).
• Commissioners asked questions about battery backup for traffic signals (retrofitting 50 intersections) and funding flexibility. The resolution finding the CIP consistent with the General Plan was adopted unanimously (5-0).

Item 5 – Anti-Displacement Roadmap Presentation

• Tony Rossi provided an informational presentation on the Anti-Displacement Roadmap, a study launched in 2024 with consultant HRNA. The presentation covered displacement trends (e.g., a 40% reduction in Latino households in downtown from 2012–2022, loss of industrial land and jobs, rent increases over 75%), community engagement (a 15-member Community Advisory Committee, pop-up events), and a set of proposed interventions. Short-term actions include tenant/landlord education workshops (starting May 2026), technical assistance for businesses, and a rental inspection program. Medium-term ideas include building housing on city-owned sites and continuing storefront activation. Long-term proposals include an emergency anti-displacement fund for businesses. Commissioners thanked staff for the thorough process and noted the importance of preservation alongside new development.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar minutes approved unanimously.
• Item 2 (616 Maple Avenue tentative subdivision map) approved with CEQA exemptions (5-0).
• Item 3 (PUC site development agreement amendment) recommended to City Council for approval (5-0).
• Item 4 (CIP consistency resolution) adopted (5-0).
• Item 5 (Anti-Displacement Roadmap) received as informational; no vote taken.
• All votes were 5-0 with Commissioners Spunes and Evans absent.