Title
Report regarding resolutions approving a request for a Use Permit, Design Review and Tentative Map to construct the Genentech Research and Early Development Center Project in the Genentech Master Plan Zoning District in accordance with Titles 19 and 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code and making a determination that the Genentech Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects are fully within the scope of environmental analysis as described in the 2026 CEQA Checklist and Addendum, and no further environmental review is required per CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162, 15164, 15168 and 15183. (Billy Gross, Principal Planner)
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MOTIONS FOR THE COMMISSION TO ADOPT STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Move to adopt the resolution making a CEQA determination that the project is within the scope of the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects CEQA Checklist and Addendum
2. Move to adopt the resolution approving the entitlements request
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission conduct a public hearing and adopt the following resolutions:
1. Adopt a resolution making findings and a determination that the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects are fully within the scope of environmental analysis provided in the 2026 CEQA Checklist and Addendum and that no additional environmental documentation is needed.
2. Adopt a resolution making findings and approving Use Permit, Design Review and Tentative Map requests to construct a new Genentech Research and Early Development Center in the Genentech Master Plan Zoning District subject to the Conditions of Approval.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Genentech has submitted a development application that reenvisions its Upper Campus to co-locate research-focused groups into a single, collaborative location in modern research facilities in a new walkable campus core, consistent with the Genentech Master Plan. To enable this vision, Genentech has identified six interrelated Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects that would be implemented in the next five- to seven-years:
Genentech Master Plan: Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects
1. Genentech Research and Early Development Center (gRED Center)
2. Pharma Technical Operations (Pharma Tech) R&D Building
3. Arrivals Building and Central Plaza
4. Logistics Center
5. Electrical Substation and Transmission Line
6. Parking Structure North
At this time, Genentech is requesting Use Permit, Design Review and Tentative Map approvals for only the gRED Center Project, as that will be the first Phase 1 Redevelopment Project to be constructed. Each of the other five Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects will require subsequent approval from the Planning Commission at a future public hearing. The PG&E Transmission Line is subject to approvals from the California Public Utilities Commission, in addition to South San Francisco approvals.
For environmental review purposes, the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects have been assessed individually and collectively under one combined CEQA document. This environmental document will be relied upon by the City of South San Francisco for environmental review of the gRED Center Project and subsequent development applications of the remaining five Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects. This environmental document will also be relied upon by the City of South San Francisco and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for their respective future considerations of the Electrical Substation and Transmission Line project.
PROJECT OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND
The Genentech Campus is located within the City’s East of 101 subarea, currently comprising approximately 4.5 million square feet of building area spread over 225 acres, with approximately 12,000 employees across a wide range of business functions.
2020 Genentech Campus Master Plan
The Genentech Campus is primarily regulated by the Genentech Campus Master Plan, which was most recently updated in 2020 (2020 Master Plan). The 2020 Master Plan articulates the vision for new growth and development within the campus over the next 20 or more years. Because of this long-term nature, the 2020 Master Plan establishes an overall development envelope in which Genentech can increase building density while providing flexibility in the mix of use types (office, lab/research and development, manufacturing and amenity) to be built over time. The campus wide maximum floor area ratio (FAR) is 1.0, providing for a buildout potential of just over 9 million square feet, essentially doubling the existing building area within the campus. The 2020 Master Plan seeks to limit the amount of additional traffic generated by any additional growth by implementing an aggressive TDM goal for a 50 percent reduction in single-occupant vehicle trips and a Trip Cap for the campus.
The 2020 Master Plan also highlights goals and objectives related to creating a strong campus-centered environment, increasing connectivity between campus neighborhoods, emphasizing conservation and sustainability, and continuing Genentech’s commitment to establishing places that prioritize people over cars and incorporating outdoor spaces for daily and/or special events. The 2020 Master Plan includes the consideration of a shared-street concept whereby a portion of DNA Way is closed to general vehicle traffic and opened as a pedestrian-only environment with accommodations for emergency vehicles and shuttle and bus access. In 2025, to enable this concept, Genentech acquired the entirety of the rights-of-way of DNA Way and Point San Bruno Blvd and the portion of right-of-way of Cabot Road between Allerton Road to DNA Way.
2026 Genentech Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects
To enable a campus-centered environment, Genentech has identified a redevelopment program that consists of six separate but interrelated campus developments; these are referred to as the “Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects”. Following is an overview of the six projects; a more detailed description of each can be found in Chapter 2: Project Description of the 2026 CEQA Checklist and Addendum (Exhibit C to the associated CEQA Resolution).
1. Genentech Research and Early Development Center (gRED Center). A new research and development center proposed within the Upper Campus, replacing older outmoded office buildings with a new campus-within-the-Campus, composed of six buildings for use by Genentech’s gRED team (currently under review by the Planning Commission).
2. Pharma Technical Operations (Pharma Tech) R&D Center. A new research and development center to support Genentech's Pharma Technical manufacturing and engineering teams. These new buildings will replace older and smaller existing buildings (B31 and B33) north of the intersection at DNA Way/Point San Bruno Boulevard and will provide new lab and office space with support space and improved circulation.
3. Arrivals Building and Central Plaza. A new Campus Arrivals Building is an amenity building proposed to be located between the new gRED Center and the new Pharma Tech R&D Center, at what is envisioned as the terminus of DNA Way. This new building is intended to welcome visitors, provide food and drink services to visitors and employees, and house various other support amenities for the entire Campus.
4. Logistics Center. A new logistics building is proposed to replace two older warehouse buildings located at 601/701 DNA Way, just southeast of the Wind Harp and north of East Grand Avenue. The new Logistics Center will consolidate material operations, replace aging warehouses and support long-term Campus and gRED Center operations.
5. Electrical Substation and Transmission Line. A new gas-insulated electrical substation is proposed to be located at 560 Forbes Boulevard. This new substation will be initially capable of accommodating up to 30MW of electrical power and with expansion capability up to 90 MW and is ultimately intended to serve the entire Genentech campus. Additionally, the new Substation will be served by a new underground Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) transmission line that will run from PG&E’s existing East Grand Substation to the new Substation location.
6. Parking Structure North. A new parking structure is proposed in the Lower Campus but immediately adjacent to the Upper Campus, to provide additional parking demand to offset the loss of surface and garage parking that will be removed to accommodate other Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects. The rear of this new Parking Structure North will be set into the hillside that separates the Lower and Upper Campus, and the upper deck of this new parking garage will provide a direct pedestrian connection to the Upper Campus.
In total, the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects would result in the demolition of approximately 1.1 million square feet of existing space and the construction of approximately 2 million square feet of new space, resulting in a net increase of just over 900,000 square feet. The construction of the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects is intended to result in no net increase in employment, but rather an anticipated relocation of Genentech employees from existing over-capacity buildings within the campus and from leased facilities in the Gateway Business Park to available building space within the Campus.
As discussed in the Executive Summary section, Genentech is requesting Use Permit, Design Review and Tentative Map approvals for only the gRED Center Project at this time, as that will be the first Phase 1 Redevelopment Project to be constructed. Each of the other five Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects will require subsequent approval from the Planning Commission at future public hearings.
2026 gRED Center Overview
Genentech has identified that the gRED teams’ aging buildings are at capacity and reaching the end of their useful life. The Campus also lacks sufficient, suitable and available lab space that could be renovated to meet current and projected research requirements. Genentech has also identified the need for future space to be flexible and adaptable for future needs.
Existing Site Demolition / Grading
The gRED Center site is approximately 29.7 acres in size, comprised of multiple existing parcels within the Genentech Campus and inclusive of a portion of DNA Way that was approved in 2025 for eventual closure. To accommodate the gRED Center, seven existing buildings with a combined floor area of 382,000 square feet will be removed, as will approximately 1,191 existing structured and surface parking spaces. Following demolition of the existing buildings, the site will be graded to provide a generally level platform for the gRED Center. The grading plan will include construction of a retaining wall at the most southerly portion of the site, located behind the existing Parking Structure A. Grading will require an overall cut of 410,300 cubic yards for lowering portions of the site and excavation of the basement, and a total fill of 119,500 cubic yards primarily on the hillside and behind the new retaining wall, resulting in a net surplus of 290,800 cubic yards.
gRED Center Building Program
The proposed gRED Center consists of six new rectangular shaped research and development buildings with a total of approximately 1.29 million square feet. The six R&D buildings will be interconnected by a below grade basement level, as well as above grade “Social Hubs” that include assembly areas and stairways designed to provide collaboration and circulation spaces.
The gRED Center will be served by a Regional Utility Plant, located immediately to the west and comprised of a two-story central plant building and a centralized recycled water tank to run various specialty utility systems. An Electrical Distribution Hub will also be constructed adjacent to the Regional Utility Plant.
Land Use / Urban Design
The gRED Center consists of a modern design that serves as the new center of the overall Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects. The six new R&D buildings are designed to be interconnected and are organized around a central open space. The ground floors of each building open onto a Plaza Level featuring outdoor collaboration spaces, cafeterias and a central open space designed for social engagement. The open space and landscape strategy creates a sustainable environment with native plantings that enhance biodiversity, while providing a new north-south pedestrian connection through the project to improve campus connectivity. (The gRED Center Project plans are attached as Exhibit A to the Associated Entitlements Resolution).
Pedestrian Access and Circulation
The Genentech campus has varying elevation changes that pose challenges to convenient pedestrian connections. Ground elevations in the Lower, West and South neighborhood campuses are generally only 15 to 45 feet above mean sea level (msl), whereas the Upper Campus hilltop is at an elevation of 100 feet msl. The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects include the following two improvements to provide greater accessibility and more convenient vertical circulation:
• The overall grading concept for the center of the campus is to establish a consistent Plaza Level for the Arrivals Building, the gRED Center and the Pharma Tech Center, and the upper level of the Central Plaza.
• The existing Parking Structure A (located on East Grand Ave) and the proposed Parking Structure North will include a bank of high-speed elevators connecting to the parking garage rooftops. From there, pedestrian bridges will connect directly from the garages to the Plaza Level of the Upper Campus, providing a convenient and accessible path of travel from the South Campus and Lower Campus to the Upper Campus.
Vehicular Access and Circulation
In 2025, the City and Genentech agreed to terms by which the City transferred ownership of the rights-of-way on DNA Way, Point San Bruno Blvd and a short segment of Cabot Road to Genentech. These roadway acquisitions provided Genentech the ability to close portions of these streets to through-traffic if public access to the Wind Harp is maintained.
The gRED Center includes construction of new buildings on land that is currently part of the DNA Way roadway, resulting in removal of that portion of roadway, bisecting the current route through the center of the Campus. This removal of portions of DNA Way will result in the following:
• The bisected portion of DNA Way from East Grand Ave will terminate at the future Arrivals Building and Plaza project, to be constructed to the immediate northwest of the gRED Center. Prior to construction of the Arrivals Plaza, this portion of DNA Way will terminate at a temporary cul-de-sac.
• The bisected portion of DNA Way from Forbes Blvd will terminate at the current intersection at Point San Bruno Blvd. This section, and Point San Bruno Blvd, will be realigned and closed to through-traffic but will remain to support service vehicle deliveries, maintenance vehicle activities and emergency vehicle access.
• The portion of DNA Way between the Arrivals Plaza location and the Point San Bruno Blvd intersection will be removed.
With these roadway closures, Genentech-based traffic to and through the gRED Center will be provided by the following circulation improvements:
• Emergency and fire access to the gRED Center site will be provided directly from Point San Bruno Blvd, which will remain accessible from East Grand Ave.
• An internal service circulation route will be constructed that connects at the existing terminus at the east of Point San Bruno Blvd, looping around the southerly perimeter of the gRED Center site, and connecting to the terminus of DNA Way.
• A new at-grade access road will provide a truck/service route from East Grand Ave to the rear of the gRED Center, providing direct access to the Regional Utility Plant and loading dock areas.
Parking
Currently, the Genentech Campus has a total of 6,446 parking spaces. The gRED Center project will remove 1,191 existing structured and surface parking spaces and will add only 12 surface spaces. Of the other Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects, only the new Parking Structure North will increase parking, with 800 spaces. The overall net change in parking for the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects will be a decrease of 379 parking spaces, resulting in a total of 6,067 campus parking spaces.
Sustainability
The gRED Center is being designed with sustainability as a core concept, and will include the following sustainability features:
• The modeled energy performance will demonstrate a 25% reduction in energy use below the Title 24 calculated baseline. This reduction threshold must be achieved without factoring in renewable energy systems.
• With the exception of certain technical equipment that can only operate on natural gas, each of the gRED Center buildings will be fully electric operated, using 100% CO2 free electricity as can be provided by Peninsula Clean Energy. By year 2050 the gRED Center is intended to achieve a real zero emissions target (with no offsets) and will likely require Tier 4 generator sets. No natural gas boilers/heaters are proposed.
• The gRED Center will include a micro-grid with on-site power generation and hybrid power systems to improve electricity supply reliability and to reduce its carbon footprint by using onsite renewable energy, including a solar PV facade, rooftop wind energy and other emerging technologies.
• Building systems will rely on heat pumps with natural refrigerants to optimize supply water temperature for efficiency, potentially including low temperature heating hot water concepts.
• Genentech will further explore use of an onsite non-potable water system to treat and reuse available greywater, rainwater and foundation drainage, as well as available recycled water provided by CalWater, for toilet and urinal flushing, irrigation, cooling tower make-up water, cage wash and other uses.
• Strategies including vegetated roofs, green building facades, pollinator gardens and restoration of a portion of previously disturbed site area to native habitat will be assessed and incorporated into the gRED Center project designs as feasible.
Implementation of these features would allow the gRED Center to meet or exceed the City of South San Francisco’s Climate Action Plan standards and Roche/Genentech’s own internal sustainability standards, as well as earning certification through the Living Building Challenge Core platform and WELL Platinum platform.
ZONING/MUNICIPAL CODE CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
20.260 Genentech Master Plan District
The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects and the gRED Center Project comply with the requirements and standards of the Genentech Master Plan Zoning District (GMPD), including the following subsections:
20.260.003. Development Standards and Requirements
• Floor Area Ratio (FAR): The maximum FAR allowed is 1.0, and the total FAR with the implementation of the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects will be 0.63.
• Building Height: The maximum building height allowed is the lower of the height shown on the SFO Critical Aeronautical Surfaces Map, or the maximum height determined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as being “not a hazard to air navigation” based on a detailed aeronautical study for any structures that exceed the FAA’s Part 77 air surfaces. The tallest of the gRED Center buildings will exceed the FAA’s Part 77 air surfaces, and therefore the project will be required to submit a Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration to the FAA, and the FAA will determine whether the height of these buildings might be considered a hazard to air navigation, and/or whether they must be marked, lighted and noted on aeronautical publications to ensure that they are not potential obstructions to air navigation.
• Off-Street Parking: The GMPD, adopted in 2020 in coordination with the 2020 Master Plan, establishes parking requirements based on the effective TDM mode share percentage. The current off-street parking requirement would be 6,213 parking spaces, and the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects would increase the parking requirement to 7,770 parking spaces.
As discussed above in the project description, the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects will ultimately decrease the total parking provided campuswide to 6,067 spaces. Based on the results from Genentech’s recent TDM Analysis, parking surveys have consistently found that average weekday parking occupancy is just above 60 percent, and Genentech’s TDM effectiveness has driven down the parking demand campuswide. Based on this, the total parking supply of 6,067 spaces will continue to adequately accommodate the anticipated parking demands and support Genentech’s TDM program.
20.260.004 Transportation System Management (Trip Cap & TDM)
As part of the 2020 Master Plan, Genentech has established a Campus-wide Trip Cap of 5,216 AM peak-hour drive-alone trips. To achieve this Trip Cap, Genentech implements Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs for all of its employees at levels that can reduce drive-alone trips so that the Trip Cap is not exceeded. For overall Campus development up to 6 million square feet, a TDM mode share of 42 percent is required. The proposed Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects would not result in campuswide development exceeding 6 million square feet, so the 42 percent TDM mode share requirement would continue to be applicable.
Based on Genentech’s most recent analysis, including cordon counts (October 2025), the Campus has a current reported average of 1,718 AM peak hour drive-alone trips and a 60 percent mode share split inclusive of remote work options. Both figures comply with the 2020 Master Plan requirements. The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects are not expected to result in an appreciable increase in employment, and therefore an exceedance of the Trip Cap or TDM Mode Share requirements is unlikely due to the Project. No new or substantially modified TDM programs are necessary to maintain the Trip Cap thresholds, with the addition of the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects.
Use Permit
The GMPD requires that any new construction be evaluated for consistency with the Master Plan. The 2020 Master Plan contains overarching goals and objectives related to Land Use, Urban Design, Transportation and Infrastructure/Sustainability. The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects and the gRED Center Project are consistent with these objectives as described below:
• Land Use Objectives: The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects will create easier connections within the Upper Campus and to adjacent neighborhood campuses. The gRED Center buildings are designed individually and collectively to allow for flexibility in usage and future innovations and to maximize opportunities for collaboration.
• Urban Design Objectives: The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects will redevelop the Upper Campus as the “heart of the Campus”. The closure of through traffic through the center of the campus, the overall grading concept for the center of the campus, and the enhanced vertical circulation from the South Campus and Lower Campus to the Upper Campus will increase pedestrian connectivity throughout the overall campus and support modes of travel other than single-occupancy vehicles. The gRED Center buildings are of a modern design that emphasizes connection with the surrounding landscape, intended to be sustainable and flexible of use, continuing Genentech’s reputation as a leader in innovative and high-quality development.
• Transportation Objectives: The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects ensure an integrated and walkable Campus, provide parking that balances the needs of campus operations and the promotion of alternative transportation modes, and maintains efficient service, goods and freight accessibility throughout the campus.
• Infrastructure and Sustainability Objectives: The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects have been designed to ensure adequate water, wastewater, storm drain, waste disposal, and energy capacity/supply while simultaneously seeking to reduce demands for each. Sustainability is a core concept in the design of all features, with the intent to achieve true zero emissions by 2050.
The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects, including the gRED Center, comply with the required use permit findings contained in SSFMC § 20.260.006, as well as the standards for development within the Genentech campus and urban design guidelines. If approved, Genentech would provide regular updates on the construction and operation of the gRED Center Project would be provided through the required Annual Development Review report.
Design Review
The general site design of the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects and the specific building and site design of the gRED Center Project include modern buildings that interact with new open spaces to strengthen the sense of a campus environment and establish an important outdoor core area at the Upper Campus. The outdoor improvements will provide a more integrated and walkable campus and will enhance the overall visual character and quality. As discussed above in the Use Permit section, the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects meet the land use and urban design goals of the adopted 2020 Genentech Master Plan.
The Design Review Board (DRB) reviewed the proposed gRED Center Project on March 17, 2026. The DRB supported the project, specifically the view opportunities that the development will create, and recommended approval with minor comments regarding equipment screening and the consideration of potential improvements to the design of the base of the primary buildings. The gRED Center Project plans are attached as Exhibit A to the Associated Entitlements Resolution.
Tentative Map
As part of the overall entitlements, Genentech has submitted a Tentative Map prepared by WHB Engineers dated May 22, 2026 (attached as Exhibit B to the Associated Entitlements Resolution). The Tentative Map meets required development standards, and the Engineering Division has reviewed the application and included relevant conditions of approval.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
The General Plan Land Use designation for the Genentech campus is Business Technology Park. This designation allows for campus-like environments for corporate headquarters, research and development facilities, and offices. The allowed floor area ratio for this designation ranges from 0.5 up to 1.0 with community benefits.
The General Plan contains overarching goals and related policy direction relevant to all of the Genentech Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects, including:
• Land Use Element Goal LU-5: SSF remains a hub of R&D employment, operations, and innovation and is home to the largest worldwide cluster of life science uses.
o Policy LU-5.5: Improve connectivity for R&D workforces. Maintain vehicular infrastructure and improve circulation to accommodate the travel demand of existing and future workplaces.
o Policy LU-5.7: Collaboration with property owners.
• Land Use Subareas Element Goal SA-19: Vehicle trips are minimized through parking requirements, Transportation Demand Management, and alternative travel modes.
• Prosperous Economy Element Goal PE-1: South San Francisco remains a premier location for biotechnology and related industries.
The proposed Genentech Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects would increase the total campus floor area ratio to 0.63, below the maximum allowed 1.0. The Projects also allow Genentech to execute their Master Plan vision for a coordinated and connected upper campus and to provide new flexible building space that can evolve over time. Allowing Genentech to expand and innovate on their campus is in conformance with the City’s General Plan goals for land use and economic development.
CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
The Climate Action Plan (CAP), adopted in 2022 in conjunction with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance Updates, established a target of 40% reduction in citywide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045. To achieve these targets, the CAP identifies efforts related to clean and active transportation systems, fossil-fuel free energy systems, green buildings and zero waste solutions.
While the CAP does not include requirements applicable to specific development projects, the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects sustainability features (see 2026 gRED Center Overview discussion above) are designed to be in keeping with the City’s goals.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In 2020, the City Council certified an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Genentech Master Plan, which evaluated the potential impacts of the proposed growth and additional employees identified in the 2020 Master Plan. In 2022, the City Council certified an EIR for the South San Francisco 2040 General Plan Update, Zoning Code Amendments and Climate Action Plan, which evaluated the potential impacts and additional growth envisioned in the General Plan Update. Together, these two documents are referred to as the “Prior EIRs”.
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162, 15164, 15168 and 15183 enable the City of South San Francisco to consider the extent to which potential environmental effects of the Genentech Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects have already been evaluated and disclosed in the Prior EIRs and to determine whether additional environmental review is necessary for the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects.
In keeping with the CEQA Guidelines, a CEQA Consistency Checklist and Addendum to the Prior EIRs (2026 CEQA Checklist and Addendum) was prepared to assess each of the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects individually and collectively under one CEQA document. The intent of the 2026 CEQA Checklist and Addendum is to allow the City of South San Francisco to rely on the environmental review outlined in the Prior EIRs for the proposed gRED Center and for future development applications for the other five Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects. The 2026 CEQA Checklist and Addendum will also be relied upon by the City and the California Public Utilities Commission for subsequent applications for the Electrical Substation and its associated Electrical Transmission Line.
The primary conclusions of the 2026 CEQA Checklist and Addendum are as follows:
• The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects will not result in any of the conditions identified in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 that would require further environmental review through preparation of a subsequent or supplemental EIR.
• The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects’ potential environmental effects were previously examined and are within the scope of the Prior EIRs. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15168, the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects are consistent with the programmatic objectives, land use designations and policies evaluated in the Prior EIRs, and their environmental effects have been adequately addressed by the prior analysis.
• The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects are consistent with the development density and land use assumptions established by the SSF General Plan, the Genentech Campus Master Plan zoning district, and the Genentech Campus Master Plan (a community plan incorporated as part of the SSF General Plan). Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183, there are no project-specific significant effects peculiar to the Projects or their site that were not examined as significant effects in the Prior EIRs, nor are there any potentially significant off-site impacts or cumulative impacts that were not discussed, nor are there previously identified significant effects which would be made substantially more severe by the Projects.
• The minor changes and additions represented by the siting of the Electrical Substation and details of the associated PG&E Electrical Transmission Line do not result in substantial changes to the project or circumstances, and no new significant information is identified that would require preparation of a subsequent EIR as a result of these changes, and therefore pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 the preparation of an Addendum to the Prior EIRs is appropriate for the associated PG&E Electrical Transmission Line.
Based on these conclusions, the 2026 CEQA Checklist and Addendum to the Prior EIRs is the appropriate CEQA documentation necessary for the Genentech Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects.
CONCLUSION
The Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects, including the gRED Center Project, entail a significant redevelopment of the Genentech Campus that will allow for the creation of a more connected, sustainable and modernized campus that will continue to serve as a hub for the life science industry for the next half century in South San Francisco. The overall project is consistent with the adopted policies and regulations guiding development within the Genentech Campus, and therefore staff recommends that the Planning Commission take the following actions:
1. Adopt a resolution making findings and a determination that the Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects are fully within the scope of environmental analysis provided in the 2026 CEQA Checklist and Addendum and that no additional environmental documentation is needed.
2. Adopt a resolution making findings and approving Use Permit, Design Review and Tentative Map requests to construct a new Genentech Research and Early Development Center in the Genentech Master Plan Zoning District subject to the draft Conditions of Approval.
Attachments:
1. Genentech gRED Center Project Description
2. DRB Comment Letter
Associated Resolutions and Exhibits
1. CEQA Resolution (Legistar File 26-2056)
a. Exhibit A: Genentech Master Plan EIR and appendices
b. Exhibit B: SSF 2040 General Plan Update EIR and appendices
c. Exhibit C: 2026 CEQA Checklist and Addendum for Genentech Phase 1 Redevelopment Projects
2. Entitlements Resolution (Legistar File 26-2057)
a. Exhibit A: gRED Center Project Plan Set
b. Exhibit B: Tentative Map
c. Exhibit C: Conditions of Approval