November 2, 2023 Minutes Page 1 of 3
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 2, 2023
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION
CALL TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TIME: 7:01 PM
AGENDA REVIEW
No changes.
ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM STAFF
Planning Commission Thursday November 16th, 2023 Meeting is Cancelled.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR – Voting Key: (yes, no abstain)
1. Consideration of draft minutes from the October 19, 2023 Planning Commission
2. Report regarding consideration of Master Sign Program and Design Review for Gateway Campus at 901 Gateway Boulevard in the Business and Technology Park-High (BTP-H) and East 101 Transit Core (ETC) Zoning Districts in accordance with Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code (SSFMC) and determination that the project is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). (Victoria Kim, Associate Planner)
Motion to approve: Commissioner Shihadeh,
Second – Vice-Chair Faria, approved by roll call (6-0-0) Meeting Video: Planning Commission on 2023-11-02 7:00 PM - HYBRID INPERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING NOTICE (granicus.com) ROLL CALL / CHAIR COMMENTS PRESENT: Chair Tzang, Vice Chair Faria Commissioners: Baker, Evans, Funes-Ozturk (arrived
7:03pm), Shihadeh
ABSENT: Pamukcu
STAFF PRESENT: Adena Friedman – Chief Planner – Kelsey Evans - Clerk November 2, 2023 Minutes Page 2 of 3
PUBLIC HEARING
3. Report regarding a resolution making findings and recommending that the City Council approve application for Design Review for a new Aquatic Center at Orange Memorial Park, and adopt the Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration (ND23-0005) in accordance with the California Public Resources Code and the California Environmental Quality Act. (Philip Vitale, Deputy Director - Capital Projects, and Adena Friedman, Chief Planner)
Public Hearing opened 7:07pm
Public Hearing closed 7:44pm
• Phillip Yee – Public comment via in-person.
3a. Resolution making findings and recommending that the City Council adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (ND23-0005) for the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center in accordance with Section 21080 of the California Public Resources Code and CEQA Guidelines Section 15070 et seq.
Motion to approve: Commissioner Baker,
Second – Commissioner Funes-Ozturk, approved by roll call (6-0-0) Meeting Video: Planning Commission on 2023-11-02 7:00 PM - HYBRID INPERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING NOTICE (granicus.com) 3b. Resolution making findings and recommending that the City Council approve a Design Review permit (DR23-0037) for the new Aquatic Center at Orange Memorial Park within the Parks and Recreation (P&R) Zoning District.
Motion to approve: Commissioner Shihadeh,
Second – Vice-Chair Faria, approved by roll call (6-0-0) Meeting Video: Planning Commission on 2023-11-02 7:00 PM - HYBRID INPERSON/VIRTUAL MEETING NOTICE (granicus.com)
ITEMS FROM THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Evans – The new meeting location, LPR, is beautiful.
Commissioner Funes-Ozturk – Appreciates staff and the new Aquatic Center at Orange Memorial Park
Chair Tzang – Appreciates the new building, LPR, and SSF.
November 2, 2023 Minutes Page 3 of 3
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Tzang adjourned the Planning Commission meeting at 7:55PM.
Adena Friedman, Chief Planner Alex Tzang, Chairperson or Norm Faria, Vice Chairperson
Secretary to the Planning Commission Planning Commission City of South San Francisco City of South San Francisco AF/af
City of South San Francisco
Resolution 2933-2023
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #: 23-956 Agenda Date: 11/2/2023
Version: 1 Item #: 3a.
Resolution making findings and recommending that the City Council adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (ND23-0005) for the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center in accordance with Section 21080 of the California Public Resources Code and CEQA Guidelines Section 15070 et seq.
WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco (“Applicant”) has proposed the construction of a new aquatic center in a 6.5-acre site within in Orange Memorial Park referred to as “Project Site” in the City consisting of a new building with an indoor pool and an attached outdoor pool (“Project”); and WHEREAS, the applicant seeks approval of a Design Review Permit (DR23-0037) for the Project; and WHEREAS, approval of the applicant’s proposal is considered a “project” for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act, Pub. Resources Code §21000, et seq. (“CEQA”); and WHEREAS, on behalf of the City, SWCA Environmental Consultants prepared an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (“IS/MND”) for the Project (ND23-0005) analyzing the potential environmental effects of the Project, which was submitted to the State Clearinghouse (SCH No. 2023090168) and the San Mateo County Clerk and was circulated for a 30-day public review period, beginning on September 8, 2023, and ending on October 9, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the City received two comment letters on the IS/MND during the applicable comment period; and WHEREAS, the City determined that the comments identified during the comment period do not result in new significant impacts or mitigation measures, or change impact conclusions; and WHEREAS, the City determined that responses to comments and corrections to the IS/MND do not require recirculation of the IS/MND or warrant the preparation of an environmental impact report under sections 15073.5 and 15074.1 of the CEQA Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the IS/MND concluded that, although the Project could have a potentially significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the IS/MND identifies measures that will be incorporated into the Project, which will either avoid or mitigate to a level of insignificance all potentially significant or significant effects of the Project; and
WHEREAS, on November 2, 2023, the Planning Commission for the City of South San Francisco held a lawfully noticed public hearing to solicit public comment and consider the proposed entitlements and environmental effects of the Project and take public testimony, and City of South San Francisco Page 1 of 3 Printed on 10/26/2023 powered by Legistar™
File #: 23-956 Agenda Date: 11/2/2023
Version: 1 Item #: 3a.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT 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 General Plan and General Plan EIR; the South San Francisco Municipal Code; the Project applications; the Project Plans, as prepared by ELS Architecture, dated August 28, 2023; the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, as prepared by SWCA Environmental Consultants, dated September 8, 2023; all site plans, and all reports, minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the Planning Commission’s duly noticed November 2, 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, based on substantial evidence in the record, hereby finds as follows:
SECTION 1 FINDINGS
General
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Resolution.
2. The exhibits and attachments, including the IS/MND and all appendices prepared by SWCA Environmental Consultants (attached as Exhibit A), and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (Exhibit B), are incorporated by reference as 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. The IS/MND reflects the Planning Commission’s independent judgement and analysis and, based on the whole record before it inclusive of the IS/MND and public comments received, the Planning Commission finds that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment.
SECTION 2 DETERMINATION
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 City Council adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (ND23-0005), in accordance with Section 21151 of the California Public Resources Code and CEQA Guidelines section 15070 et seq. as the environmental document for the Project and conclude that no further environmental review is required.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption.
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File #: 23-956 Agenda Date: 11/2/2023
Version: 1 Item #: 3a.
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City of South San Francisco Page 4 of 4
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 then 2nd day of November, 2023 by the following:
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
Chair Tzang, Vice Chair Faria, Baker, Evans, Funes-Ozturk, Shihadeh _____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Pamukcu_________________________________________________________ City of South San Francisco
Resolution 2934-2023
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #: 23-957 Agenda Date: 11/2/2023
Version: 1 Item #: 3b.
Resolution making findings and recommending that the City Council approve a Design Review permit (DR23-0037) for the new Aquatic Center at Orange Memorial Park within the Parks and Recreation (P&R) Zoning District
WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco (“Applicant”) has proposed the construction of a new aquatic center in a 6.5-acre site within in Orange Memorial Park, referred to as “Project Site,” in the City consisting of a new building with an indoor pool and an attached outdoor pool (“Project”); and WHEREAS, the proposed Project is located within the Parks and Recreation (P&R) General Plan Land Use Designation and Zoning District; and
WHEREAS, the applicant seeks approval of a Design Review Permit (DR23-0037) for the Project; and WHEREAS, approval of the applicant’s proposal is considered a “project” for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act, Pub. Resources Code §21000, et seq. (“CEQA”); and WHEREAS, on behalf of the City, SWCA Environmental Consultants prepared an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (“IS/MND”) for the Project (ND23-0005) analyzing the potential environmental effects of the Project, which was submitted to the State Clearinghouse (SCH No. 2023090168) and the San Mateo County Clerk and was circulated for a 30-day public review period, beginning on September 11, 2023, and ending on October 9, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the City received two comment letters on the IS/MND during the applicable comment period; and WHEREAS, the City determined that the comments identified during the comment period do not result in new significant impacts or mitigation measures, or changed impact conclusions; and WHEREAS, the City determined that responses to comments and corrections to the IS/MND do not require recirculation of the IS/MND or warrant the preparation of an environmental impact report under sections 15073.5 and 15074.1 of the CEQA Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the IS/MND concluded that, although the Project could have a potentially significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the IS/MND identifies measures that will be incorporated into the Project, which will either avoid or mitigate to a level of insignificance all potentially significant or significant effects of the Project; and
City of South San Francisco Page 1 of 3 Printed on 10/26/2023 powered by Legistar™
File #: 23-957 Agenda Date: 11/2/2023
Version: 1 Item #: 3b.
WHEREAS, on November 2, 2023, the Planning Commission for the City of South San Francisco held a lawfully noticed public hearing to solicit public comment and consider the environmental effects of the Project and proposed entitlements and take public testimony; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission reviewed and carefully considered the information in the Orange Memorial Park IS/MND and by separate resolution, recommended that the City Council certify the IS/MND; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission exercised its independent judgment and analysis, and considered all reports, recommendations, and testimony before making a determination on the Project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT 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 General Plan and General Plan EIR; the South San Francisco Municipal Code; the Project applications; the Project Plans, as prepared by ELS Architecture, dated August 28, 2023; the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, as prepared by SWCA Environmental Consultants, dated September 8, 2023; all site plans, and all reports, minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the Planning Commission’s duly noticed November 2, 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, based on substantial evidence in the record, 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 Conditions of Project Approval (Exhibit A) and Project Plan Set (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 a separate resolution, the Planning Commission, exercising its independent judgment and analysis, has found that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment.
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File #: 23-957 Agenda Date: 11/2/2023
Version: 1 Item #: 3b.
B. Design Review
1. The Project, including Design Review, is consistent with Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code because the Project has been designed as a high-quality recreation facility, which will provide a state-of-the-art aquatic center, and achieve a sustainable building and landscape design.
2. The Project, including Design Review, is consistent with the General Plan because the proposed office / R&D development is consistent with the policies and design direction provided in the South San Francisco Park and Recreation Land Use designation by developing public recreation facilities within a public park.
3. The Project, including Design Review, is consistent with the applicable design guidelines adopted by the City Council in that the proposed Project is consistent with the P&R Zoning District development standards and the Citywide development standards, as evaluated in the Zoning Ordinance Compliance analysis for the Project.
4. The Project, including Design Review, is consistent with other planning or zoning approval that the Project requires for the reasons stated above.
5. The Project is consistent with the applicable design review criteria in South San Francisco Municipal Code Section 20.480.006 (“Design Review Criteria”) because the Project has been evaluated by the Design Review Board on March 21, 2023 and June 20, 2023, and found to be consistent with each of the eight design review criteria included in the “Design Review Criteria” section of the Ordinance.
SECTION 2 DETERMINATION
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 City Council approve the entitlements request for the Orange Memorial Park Aquatic Center (P23-0029: DR23-0037) subject to the attached Conditions of Approval.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption.
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City of South San Francisco Page 4 of 4
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 then 2nd day of November, 2023 by the following:
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
Chair Tzang, Vice Chair Faria, Baker, Evans, Funes-Ozturk, Shihadeh _____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Pamukcu_________________________________________________________