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Resolution making findings and a determination that the In-N-Out Burger Restaurant Project located at 932 and 972 El Camino Real qualifies for a categorical exemption, pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15332.
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WHEREAS, the applicant has proposed the construction of a new 3,887 square foot In-N-Out Burger Restaurant with a drive-through and surface parking lot containing 51 parking stalls, landscaping, and circulation improvements (“Project”) on the properties located at 932 and 972 El Camino Real (APN 014-011-320 and 014-011-330) of approximately 1.5 acres (referred to as “Project Site”) in the City; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Project is located within the T5 Corridor (T5C) Zoning District and Medium Density Mixed Use General Plan Land Use Designation; and
WHEREAS, the applicant seeks entitlement approval of a Planning Project (P23-0135), including Design Review (DR24-0013), Conditional Use Permit (UP24-0001), and Master Sign Program (SIGNS24-0012) 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, the City, in conjunction with an environmental consultant, Meridian Consultants, LLC, prepared an Infill Checklist and technical analyses to provide substantial evidence that the proposed Project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption under the provision of CEQA, Class 32, Section 15332 as an Infill Development Project; and
WHEREAS, on July 17, 2025, the Planning Commission for the City of South San Francisco held a duly noticed public hearing to consider the Infill Checklist, attached hereto as Exhibit B, and take public testimony; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has exercised its independent judgement 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 2040 General Plan; the South San Francisco Municipal Code; the 2040 General Plan Program EIR and Statement of Overriding Considerations; the Project applications; the project plan set consisting of: civil plans prepared by MSL Engineering, Inc., dated stamp received July 1, 2025; landscaping plans prepared by Brandon Petrunio & Associates, Inc. Landscape Architects, dated stamp received July 1, 2025; photometric plan prepared by RTM Engineering Consultants, dated stamp received November 1, 2024; renderings and elevations prepared by In-N-Out Burger, dated stamp received November 1, 2024; and sign program plans prepared by Signtech, dated stamp received November 1, 2024; the In-N-Out Burger Restaurant Project Infill Checklist, including all appendices thereto, prepared by Meridian Consultants, LLC, dated April 2025; all site plans; all reports, minutes, and public testimony submitted as part of the Planning Commission’s duly noticed July 17, 2025 public hearing; 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 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 the In-N-Out Burger Restaurant Project Infill Checklist and its Appendices (Exhibit A), 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.
B. CEQA Findings
1. For the reasons stated in this Resolution, the Project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332: Class 32 as an Infill Development project because:
a. As described in the record, the Project is designed to be consistent with the City’s General Plan, all applicable General Plan policies and zoning designations and regulations.
b. The Project will be located within the City’s limits, on a site of less than five acres and will be surrounded by urban uses in a built-out environment.
c. The Project Site has no value as a habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species, as it is in a built-out environment and is currently disturbed as the site of existing buildings and parking lot.
d. As supported by the findings of the Infill Checklist and technical analyses, approval of the Project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality.
e. The Project can be adequately serviced by all required utilities and public services.
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 a determination that the proposed Project qualifies for a categorical exemption, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and adoption.
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