HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Meeting 09-07-23 (Reso 2925-2023) - Lindenville Specific Plan CEQA (P22-0067-SP22-0002)City of South San Francisco
Resolution 2925-2023
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:23-732 Agenda Date:9/7/2023
Version:1 Item #:2b.
Resolution making findings and recommending that the City Council adopt the Lindenville Specific Plan and
associated General Plan Amendments.
WHEREAS, in 2022 the City Council of the City of South San Francisco adopted the 2040 General Plan
Update, Climate Action Plan Update, Zoning Ordinance Update and certified the associated Environmental
Impact Report; and
WHEREAS, the 2040 General Plan Update reflects the community’s vision and identifies the Lindenville sub-
area as an important opportunity to add housing adjacent to the downtown transit-rich core, to support a
creative arts and maker community, and to continue the city’s industrial heritage; and
WHEREAS, to ensure that new development proceeds in an organized and well-planned manner and includes
new housing opportunities, the City Council authorized the preparation of a Lindenville Specific Plan and
associated environmental analysis; and
WHEREAS, the City was awarded a Planned Development Area Planning Grant from the Metropolitan
Transportation Commission and a SB2 Grant from the State Office of Housing and Community Development
in support of the preparation of the Lindenville Specific Plan preparation; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to collaboratively create a blueprint for development in Lindenville, the City initiated
a community input process that included public and community meetings, both in person and virtually, and
analysis with city residents, business owners, commercial developers, interest groups and advocates to discuss
community issues, vision, guiding principles, and to receive comments on the Draft Lindenville Specific Plan;
and
WHEREAS, all draft documents, meeting minutes and meeting videos were made available to the public
through the project website, as well as information gathering through online surveys; and
WHEREAS, the Lindenville Specific Plan builds on other recent planning efforts, including the 2040 General
Plan, Climate Action Plan Update, Zoning Ordinance Update, and Active South City Bicycle and Pedestrian
Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City has utilized the expertise of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Cultural
Arts Commission, Design Review Board, Equity and Public Safety Commission, Parks and Recreation
Commission, Planning Commission, Youth Commission and City Council for review and comments on the
Lindenville Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City has prepared amendments to the 2040 General Plan to modify Chapter sections, including
text, tables and figures to remain consistent with adoption of the Lindenville Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City has also prepared amendments to the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map,
City of South San Francisco Printed on 9/1/2023Page 1 of 10
powered by Legistar™
File #:23-732 Agenda Date:9/7/2023
Version:1 Item #:2b.
considered under separate Resolution, to remain consistent with adoption of the Lindenville Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, cumulatively, the Lindenville Specific Plan, the General Plan amendments, the Zoning Map
amendments and Zoning Ordinance amendments provide a policy and zoning framework for future
development in the Lindenville Sub-Area; and
WHEREAS, the draft Lindenville Specific Plan was published for public review and comment on June 29,
2023 and public comments have been received and incorporated into the final Lindenville Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, in October 2022 the City Council certified the Final Environmental Impact Report for the 2040
General Plan Update, Zoning Code Amendments and Climate Action Plan (“2040 General Plan EIR”) (State
Clearinghouse No. 2021020064); and
WHEREAS, the City Council also adopted a Statement of Overriding Considerations which carefully
considered each significant and unavoidable impact in the 2040 General Plan EIR and found that the significant
environmental impacts are acceptable considering the social, economic, and environmental benefits of the
project; and
WHEREAS, the 2040 General Plan EIR was certified in accordance with the provisions of the California
Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines, which
analyzed the potential environmental impacts of the Project; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, an addendum to the 2040 General Plan EIR was
prepared for the Lindenville Specific Plan (“LSP Addendum”) which evaluates whether preparation of a
Subsequent EIR or Negative Declaration is required; and
WHEREAS, the LSP Addendum concludes that in accordance with Public Resources Code § 21166 and CEQA
Guidelines § 15162, the implementation of the Lindenville Specific Plan will not cause new significant
impacts, will not trigger any new or more severe impacts than were studied in the previously certified 2040
General Plan EIR, that no substantial changes in the project or circumstances justifying major revisions to the
previous EIR have occurred, that no new information of substantial importance has come to light since the 2040
General Plan EIR was certified that shows new or more severe significant impacts and there are no new,
different or more feasible mitigation measures to mitigate impacts of the Lindenville Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Council previously adopted a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the
General Plan EIR and a Statement of Overriding Considerations for the General Plan’s significant and
unavoidable impacts, both of which remain in full force and effect for this Specific Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on September 7, 2023 to
consider the LSP Addendum and the Lindenville Specific Plan for a recommendation to the City Council
regarding approval of the LSP Addendum and adoption of the Lindenville Specific Plan and its associated
General Plan Amendments, Zoning Ordinance Amendments and Zoning Map Amendments; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has, by separate resolution, making findings pursuant to CEQA and
recommending that the City Council make a determination that the Lindenville Specific Plan and its associated
General Plan Amendments, Zoning Ordinance Amendments and Zoning Map Amendments are fully within the
scope of environmental analysis in the 2040 General Plan Environmental Impact Report and that the
Lindenville Specific Plan Addendum to the EIR is the appropriate environmental document for the Specific
City of South San Francisco Printed on 9/1/2023Page 2 of 10
powered by Legistar™
File #:23-732 Agenda Date:9/7/2023
Version:1 Item #:2b.
Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FOUND, DETERMINED AND RESOLVED that based on the entirety of the
record before it, which includes without limitation, the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources
Code §21000, et seq. (“CEQA”) and the CEQA Guidelines, 14 California Code of Regulations §15000, et seq.;
the South San Francisco 2040 General Plan; the South San Francisco Municipal Code; the 2040 General Plan
EIR and Statement of Overriding Considerations; the draft Lindenville Specific Plan, prepared by Raimi +
Associates; the Lindenville Specific Plan Addendum to the 2040 General Plan EIR; the draft General Plan
Amendments; the draft Lindenville Specific Plan Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map amendments; all reports,
minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the Planning Commission’s duly noticed September 7, 2023
meeting; and any other evidence (within the meaning of Public Resources Code §21080(e) and §21082.2), the
Planning Commission of the City of South San Francisco hereby finds as follows:
SECTION 1. FINDINGS
A. General Findings
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Resolution.
2. The Exhibits attached to this Resolution, including the proposed Lindenville Specific Plan (Exhibit A)
and the proposed Lindenville Specific Plan General Plan Amendments (Exhibit B) are each
incorporated by reference and made a part of this Resolution, as if set forth fully herein.
3. The documents and other material constituting the record for these proceedings are located at the
Planning Division for the City of South San Francisco, 315 Maple Avenue, South San Francisco, CA
94080, and in the custody of the Chief Planner.
4. By separate Resolution, the Planning Commission, exercising its independent judgement and analysis,
has considered and found that the LSP Addendum, prepared pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section
15164, is the appropriate environmental document for approval of the Project.
B. General Plan Amendment Findings
1. The proposed General Plan Amendments for the Lindenville Specific Plan will modify the Land Use,
Sub-Areas, Mobility, Parks and Recreation, and Community Health and Environmental Justice elements
to reflect adoption of the Lindenville Specific Plan. The amendments are intended as minor alterations
and clarifications to the General Plan to reflect the revised sub-area boundaries, land use program,
mobility network and other aspects of the Lindenville Specific Plan.
2. As required under State law, the South San Francisco General Plan, and the South San Francisco
Municipal Code, in support of the General Plan Amendments, the proposed General Plan Amendments
are otherwise consistent with the South San Francisco General Plan, do not obstruct or impede
achievement of any General Plan policies, and further a number of important General Plan Goals and
Policies set forth in the Land Use, Planning Sub-Areas, Parks and Recreation, Community Resilience,
and Environmental and Cultural Stewardship Elements, including without limitation:
City of South San Francisco Printed on 9/1/2023Page 3 of 10
powered by Legistar™
File #:23-732 Agenda Date:9/7/2023
Version:1 Item #:2b.
Land Use Element
Land Use (LU) Goal 1: Create complete neighborhoods, where residents can access most of their everyday
needs within a short walk, bike, or transit trip.
LU Policy 1.2: Connectivity in complete neighborhoods.
LU Policy 1.7: Create new Lindenville and East of 101 mixed use neighborhoods.
LU Goal 3: A diverse range of housing options that create equitable opportunity for people of all ages,
races/ethnicities, abilities, socio-economic status, genders, and family types to live in South San
Francisco.
LU Policy 3.3: Encourage diversity of housing types and sizes.
LU Goal 4: High-quality residential neighborhoods.
LU Policy 4.3: Promote complete neighborhoods by allowing some commercial uses in residential
neighborhoods.
LU Policy 4.4: Improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in residential neighborhoods.
LU Policy 4.5: Neighborhood compatibility.
LU Policy 4.11: Encourage neighborhood compatible uses.
LU Goal 5: South San Francisco remains a hub of R&D employment, operations, and innovation and is
home to the largest worldwide cluster of life science uses.
LU Policy 5.3: Require campus open space.
LU Goal 6: Opportunities for industrial uses to thrive in Lindenville and East of 101.
LU Policy 6.1: Preserve industrial uses in areas designated Mixed Industrial High.
LU Policy 6.2: Prohibit incompatible use encroachment.
LU Policy 6.3: Encourage redevelopment of older or marginal industrial areas.
LU Policy 6.5: Preserve production, distribution, service, and repair (PDR) businesses.
LU Policy 6.8: Maintain industrial circulation in Lindenville and East of 101 while expanding active
transportation and TDM.
LU Goal 8: A network of attractive, pedestrian-oriented, human-scale and well-landscaped streets and
civic spaces throughout the city for all ages and abilities.
LU Policy 8.3: Improve pedestrian connections and sidewalks.
City of South San Francisco Printed on 9/1/2023Page 4 of 10
powered by Legistar™
File #:23-732 Agenda Date:9/7/2023
Version:1 Item #:2b.
LU Policy 8.4: Require street trees.
LU Policy 8.5: Provide plazas and gathering spaces.
LU Policy 8.6: Sustainable design in the public realm.
LU Policy 8.7: Improve the Colma Creek public realm.
Sub-Areas Element
Sub-Area (SA) Goal 14: Improved pedestrian, bicycle, and roadway connections between adjacent
residential neighborhoods and El Camino Real.
SA Policy 14.2: Improve Colma Creek connections from El Camino Real.
SA Policy 14.4: Improve pedestrian and bicycle connections to the Centennial Way Trail.
SA Goal 22: A new residential neighborhood centered along Colma Creek within a short walk of
Downtown amenities and services that provides a range of housing types for different income levels and
housing types.
SA Policy 22.1: Introduce a mix of affordable and market rate housing in Lindenville.
SA Policy 22.2: Encourage lot assembly to facilitate housing and mixed use development in
Lindenville.
SA Policy 22.4: Placemaking and infrastructure improvements in areas to be developed with
residential uses.
SA Policy 22.5: Require buffering of residential uses in Lindenville.
SA Policy 22.6: Require small block sizes for new residential neighborhoods.
SA Policy 22.7: Adequate public services in Lindenville.
SA Goal 23: Living, working and shopping options are expanded in new mixed use neighborhoods in
Lindenville.
SA Policy 23.1: Create active mixed use corridor along South Spruce Avenue.
SA Policy 23.2: Encourage active ground floor uses.
SA Policy 23.3: Improve the South Spruce Avenue streetscape.
SA Policy 23.4: Encourage South Spruce Avenue building continuity.
SA Policy 23.5: Support retail and dining opportunities in Lindenville.
SA Policy 23.6: Provide convenient connections to amenities and services.
SA Goal 24: Colma Creek is transformed and new open spaces are created to provide opportunities for
City of South San Francisco Printed on 9/1/2023Page 5 of 10
powered by Legistar™
File #:23-732 Agenda Date:9/7/2023
Version:1 Item #:2b.
SA Goal 24: Colma Creek is transformed and new open spaces are created to provide opportunities for
social interaction, recreation, flood protection, and urban ecology.
SA Policy 24.1: Transform Colma Creek into a walkable amenity.
SA Policy 24.2: Create development standards for construction adjacent to Colma Creek.
SA Policy 24.3: Promote high-quality building design.
SA Goal 25: A core area of light industrial and service uses that provide jobs for South San Francisco
residents are preserved.
SA Policy 25.1: Minimize land use compatibility conflicts.
SA Policy 25.3: Buffer residential neighborhoods from industrial uses.
SA Policy 25.4: Preserve the existing “core” of industrial land uses.
SA Goal 26: Industries, artists, institutions, and programs that spur the creative economy are supported.
SA Policy 26.1: Create an arts and cultural district.
SA Policy 26.2: Incentivize makers and artists.
SA Policy 26.3: Encourage affordable art spaces.
SA Policy 26.4: Encourage live/work industrial areas.
SA Goal 27: There are safe, comfortable, and accessible pedestrian and bicycle facilities that connect
people to Downtown, El Camino, and East of 101.
SA Policy 27.1: Provide connections to and across Colma Creek.
SA Policy 27.2: Incorporate street trees, lighting, and landscaping.
SA Policy 27.3: Improve sidewalk conditions and amenities.
SA Policy 27.4: Develop new roadway connections to better connect people to and within
Lindenville.
Abundant and Accessible Parks and Recreation Element
Parks and Recreation (PR) Goal 1: South San Francisco equitably provides improved parkland,
recreational facilities, and services for all residents.
PR Policy 1.2: Strive to have all residents within a 10-minute walk access to parks.
PR Policy 1.4: Ensure equitable distribution of park and recreation opportunities.
PR Goal 2: The city has an expanded network of improved parkland to accommodate the physical and
City of South San Francisco Printed on 9/1/2023Page 6 of 10
powered by Legistar™
File #:23-732 Agenda Date:9/7/2023
Version:1 Item #:2b.
social needs of users of all ages and abilities.
PR Policy 2.1: Meet improved parkland standard.
PR Policy 2.6: Plan for new parks in East of 101 and Lindenville.
PR Goal 4: The City collaborates with a strong network of partners to improve and expand park and
recreational opportunities across South San Francisco.
PR Policy 4.7: Provide publicly accessible, private open space.
PR Goal 6: The City provides convenient and safe trails and other pedestrian connections throughout
the community.
PR Policy 6.4: Provide sidewalk, trail, and transit links to parks.
Community Resilience Element
Community Resilience (CR) Goal 2: A resilient community that protects existing and future
development and people from sea level rise and flooding.
CR Policy 2.3: Use green infrastructure to reduce flooding.
CR Goal 3: A transformed Colma Creek.
CR Policy 3.1: Develop Colma Creek adaptation solutions.
Environmental and Cultural Stewardship Element
Environmental and Cultural Stewardship (ES) Goal 1: The City supports nature in South San
Francisco to encourage healthy ecosystems, improve air and water quality, improve public health, and
adapt to a changing climate.
ES Policy 1.1: Develop a connected open space network.
ES Goal 3: Colma Creek is an ecological corridor that supports community resilience and livability.
ES Policy 3.1: Enhance Colma Creek as an ecological corridor.
ES Policy 3.2: Co-locate park and open space patches along Colma Creek.
ES Policy 3.3: Maintain development standards along Colma Creek to support habitat.
ES Goal 7: The City increases stormwater infiltration and reduces the amount of pollutants entering the
stormwater system.
ES Policy 7.2: Integrate green infrastructure in City projects.
The Lindenville Specific Plan, including the proposed General Plan Amendments, furthers these
City of South San Francisco Printed on 9/1/2023Page 7 of 10
powered by Legistar™
File #:23-732 Agenda Date:9/7/2023
Version:1 Item #:2b.
policies and is therefore consistent with the City’s General Plan (as proposed for amendment).
C. Lindenville Specific Plan Adoption Findings
1. The Lindenville Specific Plan, referenced as Exhibit A, implements and is consistent with the General
Plan, as proposed for amendment, because the Plan will reinforce many of the General Plan policies
related to the Lindenville Sub-Area, including Goals and Policies set forth in the Land Use, Planning
Sub-Areas, Parks and Recreation, Community Resilience, and Environmental and Cultural Stewardship
Elements. Furthermore, the Lindenville Specific Plan does not conflict with any specific plans and will
remain consistent with the City’s overall vision for community development, economic vitality, and
redevelopment in the Lindenville sub-area. None of the new vision goals, guiding principles, policies or
new land use designations will conflict with or impede achievement of any of the goals, policies, or land
use designations established in the General Plan.
2. The Lindenville Specific Plan will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience,
or welfare of the City because the Lindenville Specific Plan would provide for sufficient development,
land use, and performance standards related to new development or alteration. More specifically, the
Lindenville Specific Plan includes guiding policies and design standards to address land use and urban
design, mobility, open space and parks, and public infrastructure investment to remain consistent with
the General Plan. Additionally, the Plan will further the public interest by focusing new commercial and
residential development in the Lindenville Sub-Area, adjacent to transit service and on infill sites, as
recommended in the General Plan’s land use element and sub-area element related Lindenville.
3. The Lindenville Specific Plan area, as evaluated in the 2040 General Plan EIR (State Clearinghouse No.
2021020064), is physically suitable for the proposed land use designation(s), as the anticipated
development pursuant to the Lindenville Specific Plan will create a mixed-use neighborhood,
employment hub, and cultural center of South San Francisco with walkable, connected districts,
including the South Spruce corridor, envisioned as lively destinations where people have easy access to
retail, parks, and other community resources. The Plan will also preserve the City's industrial heritage
while providing new opportunities for people to live in the district. A revitalized Colma Creek has the
potential to become a community-serving linear park with restored ecology that benefits the health and
wellbeing of people and wildlife.
4. Development of the Lindenville Specific Plan will be superior to development otherwise allowed under
conventional zoning classifications because the Lindenville Specific Plan provides additional design
guidelines and development standards to promote a mixed-use neighborhood that integrates with the
existing and future new industrial uses. The Plan also provides standards to create a new open space and
park network, including improvements to the Colma Creek corridor, and requires enhancements to
circulation, streetscape and landscape improvements, pedestrian and bicycle access and utilities and
infrastructure. The Lindenville Specific Plan allows for the transfer of development rights from
properties in the Specific Plan Area to facilitate the construction of open space and climate resiliency.
SECTION 2. RECOMMENDATION
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City of South San
Francisco hereby makes the findings contained in this Resolution and recommends that the South San
Francisco City Council adopt the Lindenville Specific Plan (SP22-0002) attached as Exhibit A and the
Lindenville Specific Plan General Plan Amendments (GPA23-0002) attached as Exhibit B.
City of South San Francisco Printed on 9/1/2023Page 8 of 10
powered by Legistar™
File #:23-732 Agenda Date:9/7/2023
Version:1 Item #:2b.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and
adoption.
City of South San Francisco Printed on 9/1/2023Page 9 of 10
powered by Legistar™
Attest:__________________________________
Adena Friedman
Secretary to the Planning Commission
I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of
South San Francisco at a regular meeting held on the 7th day of September, 2023 by the following:
vote:AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
* * * * * * *
City of South San Francisco Page 10 of 10
Chair Tzang, Vice Chair Faria , Baker, Funes-Ozturk, Pamukcu, Shihadeh
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Evans