Title
Approval of Master Sign Program and Design Review applications for an existing life science campus located at the corner of Veterans Boulevard and Oyster Point Boulevard in the Business Technology Park in accordance with Title 20 of the South San Francisco Municipal Code, subject to conditions of approval and determination that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA. (Christy Usher, Senior Planner)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission determine that the Master Sign Program (SIGNS24-0005 and SIGNS24-0006) for an existing life science campus located at the corner of Veterans Boulevard and Oyster Point Boulevard in the Business Technology Park-High (BTP-H) district is categorically exempt from CEQA per Section 15311, Class 11 and approve the project based on the proposed findings and subject to the proposed conditions of approval.
MOTION TO ADOPT STAFF RECOMMENDATION
(1) Move to determine the project is exempt from CEQA and approve the Master Sign Program subject to the attached findings and conditions of approval.
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DISCUSSION/ZONING CONSISTENCY ANALYSIS
South San Francisco Municipal Code (SSFMC) Section 20.360.003 (Master Sign Program) states that the purpose of a Master Sign Program is to provide a method for an applicant to integrate the design and placement of signs within a project with the overall development design to achieve a more unified appearance.
The applicant is proposing a sign program for Portside, a life science campus, located at the corner of Veterans Boulevard and Oyster Point Boulevard (329-333 Oyster Point Boulevard and 1130-1150 Veterans Boulevard) which is within the Business and Technology Park -High (BTP-H) zoning district. The Master Sign Program Project Plans are included as Attachment 2 to this staff report. The proposed signage includes: monument signage, building tenant signage, address signage, and directional signage.
The proposed Master Sign Program is consistent with the high-quality materials, design, and character of the existing building. The signs will be constructed of architectural grade glass and metals such as stainless steel, aluminum and painted steel. The proposed signage will be well-integrated into the project components and will provide clear wayfinding to and within the site for multiple modes of transportation. The proposed signage in the Master Sign Program will be of an appropriate scale and location, and will be consistent with the character and quality of the campus and wayfinding signage.
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
The Design Review Board (DRB) considered the Master Sign Program on May 21, 2024. The DRB recommended the application for approval by the Planning Commission.
GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE
The Project site is part of the East of 101 Planning Sub-Area as defined by the City of South San Francisco’s General Plan. The site’s General Plan designation is Business Technology Park - High. The Project is consistent with the guiding and implementing policies in the General Plan as it has been designed to promote campus-style uses, such as biotechnology, high-technology and research and development uses. The signage material, color, style, and placement will be functional, informational and compatible with the urban character of the East of 101 Area. The Master Sign Program will not result in any substantive changes to the campus, and the overall project will remain consistent with the intent and purpose of the General Plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project proposes signage for an existing approved and CEQA-cleared project. A categorical exemption for onsite signage per CEQA Section 15311, Class 11 applies to this Master Sign Program.
CONCLUSION
The applicant has worked with staff and the DRB to create a thoughtful, balanced and high-quality Master Sign Program for the Portside life science campus, that is in scale with the buildings, and compatible with the urban setting and functional for those visiting and utilizing the campus. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the Master Sign Program application, per the draft Findings and Conditions of Approval and determine that the Master Sign Program is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15311.
Attachments
1. Project Plans, dated April 3, 2024
2. Design Review Board Comment Letters, dated May 21, 2024
3. Draft Findings and Conditions of Approval