Title
Resolution making findings and adopting the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the 52 Franklin Avenue Residential Project in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15070 et seq.
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WHEREAS, Juan Pedro Diaz (“Applicant”) has proposed the construction of a new single-family residence and debris barrier at 52 Franklin Avenue (“Project”); and
WHEREAS, the applicant seeks approval of a Design Review Permit (DR22-0045) for the Project; and
WHEREAS, construction of one single-family residence in a residential zone is typically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, except in circumstances where the location of the construction may have an impact on an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2(a)); and
WHEREAS, because the Project site contains several geological constraints and is located in proximity to potential biological resources, on behalf of the City, RCH Group prepared an Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration (“IS/MND”) to evaluate the impacts of the proposed Project in accordance with CEQA, Public Resources Code, sections 21000 et seq.; 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, the IS/MND was submitted to the State Clearinghouse (SCH No. 2025100621) and the San Mateo County Clerk and was circulated for a 30-day public review period, beginning on October 15, 2025, and ending on November 14, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the City received no comment letters on the IS/MND during the applicable comment period; and
WHEREAS, on November 20, 2025, 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
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 Innovative Consulting Engineer (ICE), dated March 15, 2022; the Debris Barrier Plans, as prepared by Berns Infrastructure, dated September 6, 2023; the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, as prepared by RCH Group, dated October 2025; all site plans, and all reports, minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the Planning Commission’s duly noticed November 20, 2025 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 exhibit and attachments, including the IS/MND and all appendices prepared by RCH Group (attached as Exhibit A) 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 RESOLVED that the Planning Commission of the City of South San Francisco hereby makes the findings contained in this Resolution and adopts the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (ND25-0001) in accordance with 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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