HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-21-24 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Packet with eCommentThursday, November 21, 2024
7:00 PM
City of South San Francisco
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
Library Parks & Recreation Building, Council Chambers
901 Civic Campus Way, South San Francisco, CA
Planning Commission
NORMAN FARIA, Chairperson
SARAH FUNES-OZTURK, Vice Chairperson
ALEX TZANG, Commissioner
SAM SHIHADEH, Commissioner
MICHELE EVANS, Commissioner
AYSHA PAMUKCU, Commissioner
JOHN BAKER, Commissioner
Regular Meeting Agenda
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November 21, 2024Planning Commission Regular Meeting Agenda
How to observe the Meeting (no public comment):
1) Local cable channel: Astound, Channel 26, Comcast, Channel 27, or AT&T, Channel 99
2) https://www.ssf.net/Government/Video-Streaming-City-and-Council-Meetings/Planning-Commission
3) https://www.youtube.com/@CityofSouthSanFrancisco/streams
How to Submit written Public Comment before the meeting: Email: [email protected]
Members of the public are encouraged to submit public comments in writing in advance of the meeting. The
email will be monitored during the meeting.The City encourages the submission of comments by 6:00pm on the
date of the Public Hearing to facilitate inclusion in the meeting record. Written comments received prior to
6:00pm on the day of the meeting will be included as part of the meeting record, but will not be read aloud at
the meeting.
How to provide Public Comment during the meeting:
COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO THREE (3) MINUTES PER SPEAKER
During a meeting, comments can only be made in person: Complete a Speaker Card located at the entrance to
the Council Chambers. Be sure to indicate the Agenda Item # you wish to address or the topic of your public
comment. When your name is called, please come to the podium, state your name and address (optional) for
the Minutes.
American Disability Act:
The City Clerk will provide materials in appropriate alternative formats to comply with the Americanswith
Disabilities Act. Please send a written request to City Clerk Rosa Govea Acosta at 400 Grand Avenue, South
San Francisco, CA 94080, or email at [email protected]. Include your name, address, phone number, a brief
description of the requested materials, and preferred alternative format service at least 72-hours before the
meeting.
Accommodations: Individuals who require special assistance of a disability-related modification or
accommodation to participate in the meeting, including Interpretation Services, should contact the Office of the
City Clerk by email at [email protected], 72-hours before the meeting.
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November 21, 2024Planning Commission Regular Meeting Agenda
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
AGENDA REVIEW
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak on any item not listed on the Agenda, and on any items listed under the
Consent Calendar. Pursuant to the provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is
written on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. Written comments received
prior to 6:00 pm on the day of the meeting will be included as part of the meeting record, but will not be read
aloud.
DISCLOSURE OF EX-PARTE COMMUNICATIONS
This portion of the meeting is reserved for Planning Commissioners to disclose any communications,
including site visits, they have had on current agenda items, or any conflict of interest regarding current
agenda items.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Consideration and approval of minutes from the November 7, 2024 Planning
Commission meeting
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11-07-24 PC Draft MinutesAttachments:
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
Report regarding consideration of a Design Review Board application for a four-year
term in accordance with Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code (Adena
Friedman, Chief Planner)
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2024 DRB Recruitment
DRB Application
Attachments:
The Commission has adopted a policy that applicants and their representatives have a maximum time limit
of 20 minutes to make a presentation on their project. Non-applicants may speak a maximum of 3 minutes
on any agenda item. Questions from Commissioners to applicants or non-applicants may be answered by
using additional time.
ITEMS FROM THE COMMISSION
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November 21, 2024Planning Commission Regular Meeting Agenda
ADJOURNMENT
**Any interested party will have 15 calendar days from the date of an action or decision taken by the Planning
Commission to appeal that action or decision to the City Council by filing a written appeal with the City Clerk
as provided under Chapter 20.570 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code. In the event an appeal period
ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or any other day the City is closed, the appeal period shall end at the close of
business on the next consecutive business day. The cost to appeal for applicants, residents, and all others is as
set forth in the City’s Master Fee Schedule.
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City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:24-1128 Agenda Date:11/21/2024
Version:1 Item #:1
Consideration and approval of minutes from the November 7, 2024 Planning Commission meeting
City of South San Francisco Printed on 11/15/2024Page 1 of 1
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November 7, 2024 Minutes Page 1 of 2
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 7, 2024
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TIME: 7:00 PM
AGENDA REVIEW
No changes.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF
1. None
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR – Voting Key: (yes, no, abstain)
1. Consideration and approval of minutes from the September 19, 2024 Planning Commission
Motion to approve: Commissioner Shehadeh,
Second – Commissioner Tzang, approved by roll call (5-0-0)
Meeting Video: City of South San Francisco Planning Commission Meeting 11/7/2024
(youtube.com)
PUBLIC HEARING
2. Consideration of an application and related CEQA determination thereof for a project by
PayMore Stores for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Second Hand electronics reseller to
ROLL CALL / CHAIR COMMENTS PRESENT: Chair Faria, Vice Chair Funes-Ozturk
Commissioners: Evans, Shihadeh, Tzang
ABSENT: Commissioner Baker, Pamukcu
STAFF PRESENT:
Adena Friedman – Chief Planner – Christy Usher – Senior Planner
Cynthia Fregoso – Clerk
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November 7, 2024 Minutes Page 2 of 2
operate in an existing 1,100 square foot vacant commercial tenant space located at 951 El
Camino Real in the Fairway Plaza shopping center in the Transect 5 Corridor Zoning District
(T5C).
Public Hearing Opened 7:03pm
Public Hearing Closed 7:23pm
First Motion to approve the CEQA Determination: Commissioner Shihadeh,
Second – Commissioner Funes-Ozturk, approved by roll call (5-0-0)
Second Motion to approve the Entitlements: Commissioner Shihadeh,
Second – Commissioner Funes-Ozturk, approved by roll call (5-0-0)
Meeting Video: City of South San Francisco Planning Commission Meeting 11/7/2024
(youtube.com)
ITEMS FROM THE COMMISSION
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Faria adjourned the Planning Commission meeting at 7:28PM.
Adena Friedman, Chief Planner Norm Faria, Chairperson or
Sarah Funes-Ozturk, Vice Chairperson
Secretary to the Planning Commission Planning Commission
City of South San Francisco City of South San Francisco
AF/af
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City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:24-1104 Agenda Date:11/21/2024
Version:1 Item #:2
Report regarding consideration of a Design Review Board application for a four-year term in accordance with
Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code (Adena Friedman, Chief Planner)
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission,conduct an interview,deliberate,and by motion,
appoint one Design Review Board member to a four-year term in accordance with the provisions of
South San Francisco Municipal Code Section 20.440.004.
BACKGROUND
South San Francisco Municipal Code Section 20.440.004 establishes the terms and membership requirements
for the Design Review Board, and establishes the Planning Commission as the appointing body. The Code
stipulates that the Board shall consist of five members appointed to four-year terms, organized as follows:
·Two (2) members shall be architects licensed by the State;
·Two (2) members shall be either a landscape architect, designer, contractor, horticulturist, or person
with equivalent landscaping expertise or background;
·One (1) shall be any of the above mentioned professions or a building or engineering contractor (but no
more than one member may be a building or engineering contractor); and
·At least one of the members shall also be a resident and elector of the City.
Currently, there are four members of the DRB, and one vacancy. Of the four members, two are licensed
architects and two are landscape architects, and none of the members are a resident and elector of South San
Francisco. The vacancy must be filled by a South San Francisco resident, and can be any one of the listed
professions.
In September, 2024, staff advertised a recruitment for the Design Review Board (Attachment 1), noting that one
seat is available, and the new member must be a South San Francisco Resident. Staff received one application
as a result of this recruitment, from a South San Francisco resident who is also a professional engineer, thus
meeting the professional qualifications (Attachment 2).
DISCUSSION
The Design Review Board (DRB)reviews all new development proposals and provides architectural and
landscape design comments and recommendations for the Chief Planner and Planning Commission’s
consideration.South San Francisco continues to experience significant development activity,and anticipates
continued development applications and activity,particularly transit-oriented high-density residential and life-
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File #:24-1104 Agenda Date:11/21/2024
Version:1 Item #:2
continued development applications and activity,particularly transit-oriented high-density residential and life-
science uses.The City also receives a steady amount of design review applications for additions and expansions
to single-family homes,as high housing costs often require multi-generational living in a single unit.The
Design Review Board provides important feedback on development proposals,ensuring that new development
is of a high quality design and often providing suggestions that will improve the feasibility and longevity of
buildings and landscape environments.
The updated Zoning Ordinance (adopted in 2022,to implement the Shape SSF General Plan)contains objective
development standards (ODS)for all development citywide,as well as Form-Based zoning for several districts
throughout the City,which contain specific regulations for buildings,frontages,public open spaces,and uses.
The City is about to begin a project to further refine its existing ODS to improve existing standards and provide
additional detail and direction regarding urban design and architectural form.The DRB will be one of the
primary reviewing bodies for the updated ODS,to ensure that they are feasible standards that will contribute to
high-quality building and site design.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission conduct an interview, deliberate, and by motion, appoint one
Design Review Board member to a four-year term in accordance with the provisions of the South San Francisco
Municipal Code.
Attachments:
1.DRB Recruitment
2.Application
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DESIGN REVIEW BOARD (DRB)
RECRUITMENT NOTICE
The City of South San Francisco is accepting applications for a vacant position on the Design
Review Board (DRB)
Role of the Design Review Board
The Design Review Board (DRB) is an advisory committee consisting of five (5) design professionals
who provide advice and design expertise on new development projects and additions and
modifications to existing buildings. The DRB makes recommendations to the Chief Planner,
Planning Commission and/or City Council, depending on the complexity of the project and
entitlements requested. The goal of the DRB is to encourage optimal design and efficient site
planning that enhances community character and ensures new development fits sensitively and
cohesively into infill sites and surrounding neighborhoods.
About South San Francisco
South San Francisco has experienced significant development activity in the past decade, and
anticipates continued development applications and activity, particularly transit-oriented high-
density residential and life-sciences uses. To learn more about the exciting developments taking
shape in South San Francisco, please view the City’s Development and Construction Map.
In 2022, the City adopted a new General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance
contains objective design standards (ODS) for all development citywide, as well as Form-Based
Codes for several districts throughout the City, which contain specific regulations for buildings,
frontages, public open spaces, and uses. The City is about to begin a project to further refine its
existing ODS to improve existing standards and provide additional detail and direction regarding
urban design and architectural form. The DRB will be one of the primary review bodies in this
update effort.
Sample projects that have been recently reviewed by the DRB and are entitled, under construction,
or completed
421 Cypress, Multi-Family
Residential, Entitled 2022
Vantage Amenity Building, Entitled
2022, recently completed
construction
988 El Camino Real, Entitled 2018,
recently completed construction
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Design Review Board Meetings and Compensation
The DRB meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 4:00 p.m. Meetings take place in-person in
South San Francisco. The Board is comprised of five members, each appointed to a 4-year term or
until the appointment of a qualified successor. There are no term limits for the DRB, and members
receive a $100.00 stipend per attended meeting and participate in the Public Agency Retirement
System (PARS). The Board is staffed and assisted by the Planning Division, which is part of the
broader Economic and Community Development (ECD) Department.
Applicant Requirements
• Must be a resident and elector of the City of South San Francisco
• Must be one of the following professions:
Architect;
Landscape architect, designer, contractor, horticulturist or person with equivalent
landscaping expertise or background
Building or engineering contractor
• An eye for architectural design and site planning (both innovative and traditional)
• Interest and motivation to serve the public community
• Sufficient time available to devote to reviewing projects and attending DRB meetings
Application & Next Steps
Please click here to download the DRB Application, or pick up a physical copy at the Planning
Division:
City Hall Annex
315 Maple Avenue, South San Francisco, 94080
(650) 877-8535
Please submit an application to the Planning Division by 5:00 P.M, Thursday, October 31.
Applicants will be required to appear before the Planning Commission for an interview at a public
meeting, tentatively scheduled for Thursday, November 21.
Please email the application to [email protected] or mail / drop off in-person to the Planning
Division located at 315 Maple Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080. For any questions regarding
the Design Review Board or the application itself, please call 650-877-8535. We look forward to
reviewing your application.
Adena Friedman
Chief Planner
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Agenda Item: eComments for PUBLIC COMMENT
Overall Sentiment
Guest User
Location:
Submitted At: 9:53am 11-21-24
Hello!
Question that may or may not be related to the agenda but Why does the City hire a 3rd Party Plan Reviewers in
the Planning Department???
These 3rd party organizations are well know for multiple review comments, not even a Code violation but
personal preferences to rake more hours in reviewing floor plans. On which slows down & deter the process of
acquiring building permits. This is frustrating catering with these 3rd party reviewers, on which draws both
Contractors & homeowners to build illegally or without permit. This is what is happening at SF for the past 10
years now. Please provide solution and not an obstacle.