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Report regarding a resolution making findings and determining that the conveyance of a parcel of land near the corner of Westborough Boulevard and Camaritas Avenue not assigned an Assessor’s Parcel Number, from the County of San Mateo to the City of South San Francisco is in conformance with the South San Francisco adopted General Plan and in accordance with provisions of State Planning Law (Govt. Code Section 65402) (Jacob Gilchrist, Director of Capital Projects)
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MOTION FOR THE COMMISSION TO ADOPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Move to adopt a resolution making findings and determining that the conveyance of a parcel of land near the corner of Westborough Boulevard and Camaritas Avenue not assigned an Assessor’s Parcel Number, from the County of San Mateo to the City of South San Francisco is in conformance with the South San Francisco adopted General Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission take the following action:
1. Adopt a resolution making findings and determining that the conveyance of a parcel of land near the corner of Westborough Boulevard and Camaritas Avenue not assigned an Assessor’s Parcel Number, from the County of San Mateo to the City of South San Francisco is in conformance with the South San Francisco adopted General Plan and in accordance with provisions of State Planning Law (Govt. Code Section 65402)
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
In 2025, while developing plans for the new Fire Station 63, City staff noticed a small 1,097 square foot (sq. ft.) notch in the 71 Camaritas Avenue Parcel. Staff investigated ownership determined that it was owned by San Mateo County as part of the Westborough Boulevard right of way. Staff then worked with the County to transfer the property to the City. San Mateo County intends to relinquish the property to the City at no cost. At the September 30, 2026 City Council meeting, staff made a recommendation to City Council that the City accept this parcel pending confirmation of General Plan compliance. Council approved the acceptance via resolution.
Since 2015, City Council has planned for a new fire station to replace the current Fire Station 63 housed within the Municipal Services Building. This new station will be across Camaritas Avenue from the existing station and is planned to be a 10,150-sq. ft. fire station with an attached fire apparatus bay support space. This new state-of-the-art station will consist of two stories with offices and administrative and public spaces (lobby, public restroom, watch room, and captain’s office) on the first floor and a day room, dining and kitchen, study room, six double dorms, and three single bathrooms on the second floor. The first floor will also feature an antique fire engine display room at the northeast corner of the building, facing Westborough Boulevard. Outdoor space for the fire station will accommodate operations, maintenance, and training for the fire department personnel, along with an outdoor exercise patio. The Planning Commission reviewed and approved the project design and associated CEQA documents at the June 18, 2026 Planning Commission meeting.
The 1,097 sq. ft. parcel to be transferred to the City is currently used as edge landscaping and parking lot at the former Buri Buri Liquor site (future Fire Station 63 site). As part of the fire station project, the parcel will be integrated into that project, as edge landscape and exterior pedestrian circulation.
GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE
In accordance with the provisions of State Planning Law (Govt. Code Section 65402), prior to acquisition or sale of real property by the City, the Planning Commission, as the planning agency for the City, is required to find such acquisition is in conformity with the adopted general plan.
The acquisition of the property will allow a cohesive site plan for the new fire station project, which is consistent with the following General Plan direction:
General Plan Guiding Principle: Provide high quality and accessible services, facilities, and amenities for residents at all stages of their lives.
Policy Land Use-1.4: Maintain and expand public facilities and services.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed re-conveyance of this property is consistent with the General Plan and does not contemplate development, therefore, no California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) action is required by the Planning Commission at this time and falls within the “common sense” exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission make findings and determine that conveyance of a parcel of land near the corner of Westborough Boulevard and Camaritas Avenue not assigned an Assessor’s Parcel Number, from the County of San Mateo to the City of South San Francisco is in conformance with the South San Francisco adopted General Plan and in accordance with provisions of State Planning Law (Govt. Code Section 65402).
Associated File:
Legistar File 26-2340, General Plan Conformance Resolution