Parks and Recreation

Goal PR-2:

The city has an expanded network of improved parkland to accommodate the physical and social needs of users of all ages and abilities.

Intent:

To increase the availability and connectedness of parks and gathering spaces in all neighborhoods of the city.

Policy PR-2.1: Meet improved parkland standard.

Maintain an interconnected system of community, neighborhood, mini, linear, and special use parks that achieves a standard of 3.0 acres of improved parkland per 1,000 residents.

• Action PR-2.1.1: Adopt and implement Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

  Adopt and implement the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, updating the Plan every 5-to-10 years. Develop the proposed parks identified in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Include new categories in parks classification system: San Mateo County-owned park trailheads, SSFUSD properties the public can access per joint use agreements, and privately-owned public open spaces, among others.

• Action PR-2.1.2: Complete update of the Orange Memorial Park Master Plan.

Policy PR-2.2: Use underutilized sites for improved parks.

Add improved parkland by improving existing underused sites, such as surface parking lots, to create new green space, recreation, and gathering areas in the parks system. Consider using sites as temporary / pop-up parks to meet near term needs.

Policy PR-2.3: Foster innovative park types.

Foster innovative park spaces to activate spaces and to meet the City’s existing and future recreation needs.

Policy PR-2.4: Determine alternative temporary park locations.

Determine potential locations for temporary park facilities, such as street-ends, single blocks, parking lots, and create pilot programs at these locations to test the closure in a temporary way.

Policy PR-2.5: Develop community gardens.

Develop community gardens in parks throughout the city, particularly in neighborhoods without convenient access to healthy food, like Downtown, Paradise Valley/Terrabay, Sign Hill, Sunshine Gardens, Westborough, and Winston Serra.

Policy PR-2.6: Plan for new parks in East of 101 and Lindenville.

Ensure new residential mixed-use neighborhoods in East of 101 and Lindenville plan for a well-connected network of parks and open space.

Goal PR-3:

South San Francisco maintains a network of open spaces that provide recreational opportunities and are managed to encourage healthy ecosystems, improve air and water quality, and adapt to a changing climate.

Intent:

To increase the availability and connectedness of open spaces in the city and to leverage City-owned and maintained properties and resources to improve the ecological performance of all open spaces.

Policy PR-3.1: Meet open space standard:

Maintain a network of open spaces that achieves a standard of 1.5 acres of open space per 1,000 residents, preserving and seeking opportunities to expand open spaces areas like Sign Hill, along the San Francisco Bay and Colma Creek, and in other areas identified on Figure XX, while ensuring open spaces are accessible to people of all ages and abilities and support urban ecology.

Policy PR-3.2: Minimize environmental impact of support facilities.

Limit the construction of facilities in open space areas and design necessary improvements, such as fire roads, access roads, and parking facilities, to minimize environmental impacts and maintain the visual qualities of the open space.

Policy PR-3.3: Create new public access points to open spaces.

Seek opportunities to create new public access points to Sign Hill, San Bruno Mountain State and County Park, and the San Francisco Bay Trail and parks.

Goal PR-4:

The City collaborates with a strong network of partners to improve and expand park and recreational opportunities across South San Francisco.

Intent:

To increase the availability and accessibility of recreational opportunities through joint use, development agreements, and other arrangement with public agency partners, private entities, and volunteer groups.

Policy PR-4.1: Maintain joint use facilities standard.

To complement and extend City park and recreational service delivery, maintain a service target of 1.0 acres of joint use facilities per 1,000 residents.

Policy PR-4.2: Coordinate with South San Francisco Unified School District on facility access.

Work closely with South San Francisco Unified School District to improve community access to school facilities, including pools, athletic fields and playgrounds, outside of school hours to improve neighborhood access to recreational facilities, to expand after-school and summer programs, and to strengthen the relationship between schools and their immediate neighborhoods. Establish procedures for the creation of joint-sites, including the division of maintenance responsibility.

• Action PR-4.2.1: Establish Sunshine Gardens Shared use agreement.

  Establish a partnership with the South San Francisco Unified School District to provide access to Sunshine Gardens Elementary School open space areas and playground.

• Action PR-4.2.2: Provide recreational programing in joint use facilities.

  Coordinate with the South San Francisco Unified School District and San Mateo County Health Department, as well as local health providers and other community organizations, to provide recreational programming not offered in nearby public parks or recreation centers, such as after-school fitness and education programs.

• Action PR-4.2.3: Expand afterschool and summer childcare.

  Continue to work with the South San Francisco Unified School District to expand after-school and summer childcare.

Policy PR-4.3: Partner with school district to transform former school sites.

Partner with South San Francisco Unified School District to support the conversion of former school sites like Foxridge and Serra Vista to park space, childcare facilities, and multifamily housing.

Policy PR-4.4: Maintain Caltrain plaza joint use agreement.

Maintain a joint use agreement with Caltrain for public access at the Downtown Plaza / westside entry to the Caltrain Station. Work with neighboring property owners to maintain the site.

Policy PR-4.5: Maintain Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) joint use agreement.

Maintain a joint use agreement with Bay Area Rapid Transit for public access along the Centennial Way Trail as well as improved parkland.

Policy PR-4.6: Convert public easements.

Work with other agencies, including Pacific Gas & Electric, the California Water Service, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, and to convert public easements, such as utility corridors or unused rights of way, into parks and trails.

Policy PR-4.7: Provide publicly accessible, private open space.

Work with non-residential development projects in the East of 101, Lindenville, and El Camino sub-areas to provide publicly accessible private maintained open space as part of a developer agreement, Memorandum of Understanding, or similar legally binding agreement with the city. Establish standards for private parks so that their quality is on par with public parks. Require the identification of an entity responsible for park maintenance, adoption of maintenance standards and guarantees of a funding source for long-term maintenance.

Policy PR-4.8: Support non-profit partnerships for park maintenance and programing.

Streamline internal processes to encourage partnerships with other agencies, volunteer groups, and nonprofit groups. Partner with non-profit organizations for park and trail maintenance, funding, and programming.

Goal PR-5:

Downtown has improved access to parks, gathering spaces, and public amenities.

Intent:

To increase the availability and accessibility of public, open spaces in Downtown. To remedy the environmental burdens and lack of green/open space within Downtown.

Policy PR-5.1: Create downtown network of parks.

Building on the Cypress & Pine Playlot, City Hall Tot Lot, and City Hall open space, create a network of mini parks, green streets, plazas, and other public open spaces Downtown and develop a clearly marked system of walkways to connect these spaces.

• Action PR-5.1.1: Fund Downtown pop-up parks.

  Establish and fund a Downtown pop-up park program as a temporary measure until new parks are opened. Encourage local food and art vendors, e.g., “Off the Grid”.

• Action PR-5.1.2: Designate new Downtown park site.

  Designate a site for a new neighborhood park adjacent to Downtown on the block bounded by Railroad Avenue, Spruce Avenue, Colma Creek, and Linden Avenue and require parkland dedication.

• Action PR-5.1.3: Study City Hall park space opportunities.

  Study opportunities to expand active park space on the City Hall property.

Policy PR-5.2: Expand Downtown park acquisition opportunities.

Seek opportunities to acquire property, including former Redevelopment Agency sites, utility rights-of-way, and other vacant and underutilized properties to convert into parkland in Downtown.

Policy PR-5.3: Partner with private developers to facilitate community gathering spaces in Downtown.

Work with development projects in Downtown to provide community gathering spaces and/or publicly accessible private maintained open space as part of a development agreement, memorandum of understanding, or similar legally binding agreement with the City. Work with the property owner to provide arts and recreation services in community spaces. Ensure spaces match the needs of residents, as described in PR-1.7 and PR-1.8.

Policy PR-5.4: Develop Downtown pedestrian corridors.

Encourage property owners to beautify alleys, corridors, and passages between buildings to create a safe and distinct environment for pedestrians and to better connect people to Downtown’s gathering spaces, historic resources, public art, and public facilities.

Policy PR-5.5: Upgrade park amenities and playgrounds.

Continue to renovate existing playgrounds to update play features, add trees, and add new amenities where feasible.

Goal PR-6:

The City provides convenient and safe trails and other pedestrian connections throughout the community.

Intent:

To ensure the community has access to safe and reliable pedestrian and bicycle connections to promote physical activity and to increase access to parks and open space.

Policy PR-6.1: Maintain and expand trail connectivity.

Maintain and expand an interconnected network of trails, greenways, and active transportation.

• Action PR-6.1.1: Create Colma Creek trail.

  Create a trail along Colma Creek from the Bay Trail to Orange Memorial Park, incorporating lighting, public art, and native and high-value landscaping.

• Action PR-6.1.2: Implement active transportation improvements to parks and open space.

  Implement new active transportation connections to the Centennial Way Trail, Colma Creek, and the San Francisco Bay Trail.

• Action PR-6.1.3: Implement Centennial Trail Vision Plan.

  Implement the Centennial Trail Vision Plan. Seek opportunities to create more mid-block access to Centennial Way trail.

• Action PR-6.1.4: Develop Pacific Gas and Electric and Union Pacific trails.

  Partner with Pacific Gas & Electric and Union Pacific to reuse utility corridors and rail rights-of-way as trails.

• Action PR-6.1.5: Require new development to link to trails.

  Require new development to tie into the park and trail system by providing linkages to existing parks or dedicating new park land or trail easements.

Policy PR-6.2: Connect parks to trails.

When possible, connect parks, recreational facilities, and open spaces to the trail network and Class 1 bicycle connections identified in the Active South City Plan.

Policy PR-6.3: Improve access to San Bruno Mountain State and County Park.

Improve accessibility to San Bruno Mountain State and County Park from Hillside Boulevard by removing fencing, improving signage, and allowing visitors to park at Hillside Elementary during weekends.

Policy PR-6.4: Provide sidewalk, trail, and transit links to parks.

Provide complete sidewalk networks to serve local parks. Improve the usefulness of transit as a way of getting to parks. Expand tree canopy cover to increase environmental benefits.

Policy PR-6.5: Improve trail amenities and safety.

Ensure trails have seating, shade, signage, stroller trails, and other amenities. Improve trail safety with appropriate lighting and better pedestrian and bicycle access.

Policy PR-6.6: Ensure visibility along Centennial Way Trail.

Work with developers and property owners facing the Centennial Way Trail and Colma Creek to ensure trails are unimpeded and well-maintained and there are clear sight lines along trails.

Policy PR-6.7: Ensure visibility along the Bay Trail.

Work with developers and property owners facing the San Francisco Bay Trail to ensure that the trail is unimpeded, well-maintained and that there are clear sight lines along trails.

Policy PR-6.8: Provide educational signage about biological resources.

In coordination with San Mateo County and other partners, incorporate interpretive signage along Colma Creek, the Bay Trail and in other open spaces that educate community members and visitors about the unique biological resources in South San Francisco.

Goal PR-7:

South San Francisco provides well-maintained and sustainable parks and recreational facilities to meet the needs of current and future residents.

Intent:

To ensure that the community is provided with excellent park and recreational facilities that meet its diverse needs and interests.

Policy PR-7.1: Meet park and facility maintenance staffing targets.

Strive to achieve a ratio of 0.75 full time and part time maintenance staff per 10 acres. Maintain staffing quality control and long-term expertise.

Policy: PR-7.2: Maintain park and recreation facilities.

Fund adequate resources to maintain existing and future parks and recreational facilities to extend their useful lifetimes.

Policy PR-7.3: Maintain park amenities.

Maintain high quality amenities for active and passive recreational use in parks, including playgrounds, fields, and sport courts, and suitability of use by younger children, including childcare provider groups.

Policy PR-7.4: Upgrade playgrounds.

Continue to renovate existing playgrounds to update play features and add play elements to existing open spaces where feasible.

Policy PR-7.5: Redesign underused parks.

Continue to redesign underused parks to update programming to attract more users where feasible.

Policy PR-7.6: Modernize aquatics facilities.

Seek opportunities to replace and expand the indoor pool at Orange Park to continue to provide benefits from aquatics programming.

• Action PR-7.6.1: Complete pool design and financing studies.

  Move forward with design and financing studies for a new pool.

Policy PR-7.7: Incorporate public art in parks and open spaces.

Incorporate permanent and temporary public art, including from local artists, throughout parks and seek opportunities to implement the Public Art Master Plan in parks.

• Action PR-7.7.1: Adopt Public Art Master Plan.

  Adopt and implement the Public Art Master Plan, updating the Master Plan every 5-to-10 years.

• Action PR-7.7.2: Facilitate community engagement on public art selection.

  Establish a process to allow community input into public art selection.

• Action PR-7.7.3: Educate community on public art.

  Produce public art educational materials for each artwork in the City’s collection and make these available to the public. Detail the locations of public art installations in materials such as walking tour guideposts, physical markers, web-based maps, or podcasts.

• Action PR-7.7.4: Support community-based creation of public art.

  Develop and coordinate community-based efforts to create public art pieces.

Policy PR-7.8: Integrate sustainable landscape strategies.

Integrate sustainability strategies into City‐owned landscapes to expand tree canopy, improve water quality, reduce the need to irrigate landscapes, and lower water costs. This includes green infrastructure and stormwater capture, drought resistant plants, native plants, and the use of recycled water for irrigation.

Policy PR-7.9: Ensure lighting and visibility in parks.

Ensure parks are safe by providing lighting, orienting building facades towards parks, incorporating wayfinding signage, and providing clear lines of sight.

Policy PR-7.10: Provide historical education in parks.

Add plaques, signage, and public art that celebrates South San Francisco’s history and culture in parks.

Policy PR-7.11: Install electric vehicle parking at City parks and facilities.

Install electric vehicle charging infrastructure at City-owned parks and facilities.

Policy PR-7.12: Consider health-related outcomes of park interventions.

When planning for new and upgraded park facilities and amenities, consider the health-related outcomes of park interventions in the decision-making process.

Goal PR-8:

Parks and recreational facilities have the appropriate staffing to offer high-quality recreational programs and offerings for residents of all ages.

Intent:

To expand programming capacity to effectively serve South San Francisco’s diverse community.

Policy PR-8.1: Meet Recreational Services Program staffing target.

Strive to achieve a ratio of 15 full time and part time recreation program staff per 10,000 residents. Maintain staffing quality control and long-term expertise.

Policy PR-8.2: Provide varied recreational programming.

Provide a variety of programming to ensure all residents have the opportunity to live healthy, active, and social lifestyles, including aquatics, fitness, library programs and events, and technology and innovation.

Policy PR-8.3: Maximize class offerings.

Maximize successful class offerings by increasing class size limits or offering more sessions/times.

Policy PR-8.4: Provide cultural diversity in program offerings.

Recognize the city’s diverse cultural influences and incorporate them into space planning and programming.

Policy PR-8.5: Provide multigenerational spaces.

Continue to enhance multi-generational use of existing facilities that supports a variety of programing needs.

Policy PR-8.6: Expand performing arts programs and facilities.

Continue to provide facilities and service offerings to support South San Francisco’s thriving performing arts community.

Policy PR-8.7: Expand environmental stewardship programs.

Recognize the unique ecological resources in the city through expanded recreational programing about ecology and environmental stewardship.

Policy PR-8.8: Connect services through shuttles.

Continue to provide and expand when feasible connections to parks, open spaces, public services, and programming by expanding the South City Shuttle service and the City’s van program for medically frail older adults or by bringing “pop-up” services to neighborhoods underserved by public facilities, services, and programs.

Policy PR-8.9: Provide youth skill-building opportunities.

Explore skill-building opportunities and programs that involve young people in parks and recreational service development and maintenance.

Policy PR-8.10: Involve youth in enrichment programs.

Ensure that City-run enrichment programs promote racial and social equity by ensuring that young people—and especially youth of color and youth from other historically disenfranchised communities—are involved in (and ideally leading) City-run enrichment programs.

• Action PR-8.10.1: Identify and pilot enrichment programs.

  Identify and pilot new ways to engage young people and their families who have not previously participated in City-run enrichment programming – and use these efforts to identify common reasons youth and families have not participated in these community resources.

• Action PR-8.10.2: Target locations for enrichment programs.

  Use targeted locations and coordinate with existing programs/organizations to strengthen/expand youth development opportunities specifically for youth of color and youth from historically disenfranchised communities.

Policy PR-8.11: Explore Park Stewardship.

Explore creating a program to train and hire SSF residents for maintenance and stewardship of open spaces.

Policy PR-8.12: Explore an adopt the park program.

Explore creation of an adopt a park program with businesses and community-based organizations.

Goal PR-9:

South San Francisco maintains quality childcare and preschool programs citywide.

Intent:

To enhance the quality of childcare and preschool and to expand (City, private, and public) childcare opportunities and services throughout the city.

Policy PR-9.1: Enhance Child Care Program.

Maintain and continue to improve the City’s Childcare Program to enhance the quality of childcare and preschool in the city.

• Action PR-9.1.1: Implement Child Care Master Plan.

  Adopt and implement the Child Care Master Plan, updating the Plan every 5-to-10 years.

Policy PR-9.2: Expand early childhood education for families of color and low-income families.

Expand high-quality early childhood education for families of color and low-income families in South San Francisco and/or establishing universal preschool.

• Action PR-9.2.1: Expand funding for universal preschool.

  Continue exploring possible funding to establish and maintain universal preschool or to establish universal preschool for lower-income families.

Policy PR-9.3 Expand childcare options.

Expand availability of affordable childcare and preschool for people of all income levels, with particular emphasis on lower-income families particularly in Downtown, Westborough/Winston Serra, and the new residential area of Lyndonville.

• Action PR-9.3.1: Update Zoning code for childcare.

  Update the Zoning Code to:

  • Allow large family care homes by right in residential units as required by Senate Bill 234 (2019).
  • Allow childcare facilities by right in all residential land use designations when located within one-quarter of a mile from public and institutional uses, e.g., schools and churches.
  • Allow child care facilities in residential neighborhoods that meet specified
    performance standards.
  • Allow childcare facilities in mixed use districts East of 101 and in Lyndonville.
  • Allow childcare facilities by right in the business technology park land use designation.

• Action PR-9.3.2: Maintain land inventory for childcare.

  Conduct an inventory of property that may be converted or developed into public or private Early Childcare Education facilities.

• Action PR-9.3.3: Explore parking reductions for childcare facilities.

• Action PR-9.3.4: Provide incentives for new development to create childcare facilities.

  Provide incentives to new development to create childcare facilities as a community benefit. Encourage new development to provide on-site childcare facilities rather than paying an in-lieu fees.

• Action PR-9.3.5: Coordinate citywide childcare programs.

  Coordinate and integrate childcare programs with existing housing, community, and social programs as described in the Child Care Master Plan.

Policy PR-9.4: Support business development for childcare.

Encourage private preschools and childcare facilities to open in South San Francisco, particularly in neighborhoods with young children, employment land uses, and neighborhoods currently underserved by preschool and childcare facilities.

• Action PR-9.4.1: Explore grant funding for childcare.

  Explore the provision of one-time grants to Family Child Care homes for zoning permit application or to update homes to be ready for babies and toddlers, including removing penalties for those who want to legalize their Family Child Care homes.

• Action PR-9.4.2: Maintain online portal for childcare.

  Maintain an online portal and resources for childcare business development.

Policy PR-9.5: Advocate for Childcare.

Advocate in support of state and federal funding and programs that subsidize or expand early childhood education.

Policy PR-9.6: Partner with San Mateo County and other organizations to provide quality childcare and preschool services.

Partner with San Mateo County and other local and regional organizations to provide high-provide quality childcare and preschool services to South San Francisco residents and workers.

Goal PR-10:

South San Francisco provides engaging and convenient programming and services for older adults.

Intent:

To ensure older adults throughout the city have easy access to the recreational and education opportunities they need.

Policy PR-10.1: Expand senior services program.

Seek opportunities to expand the wide range of older adult and senior services provided by the City, including recreation, education, and social programs, health screenings, and other enrichment opportunities. 

Policy PR-10.2: Maintain Adult Day Care program.

Continue to operate an Adult Day Care program to provide socialization, enrichment, and exercise activities to frail and/or impaired older adults with disabilities. 

Policy PR-10.3: Partner with San Mateo County to extend senior services.

Continue to collaborate with San Mateo County and other outside entities to expand the reach of senior services, such as the Great Plates Delivered Program.

Policy PR-10.4: Provide shuttle and van service to senior services.

Continue to provide and expand when feasible connections to older adult and senior services by maintaining service to Roberta Cerri Teglia Center and seeking opportunities to expand the South City Shuttle service and the City’s van program for medically frail older adults.

Policy PR-10.5: Publish Senior Connections Newsletter.

Continue to publish the Senior Connections Newsletter free to South San Francisco seniors. 

For related more general policies and implementation actions related to recreational programming, see Goal PR-8. 

Goal PR-11:

South San Francisco maintains an equitable, flexible, and sustainable funding approach to maintain park and recreational standards for existing and future residents.

Intent:

To create a sustainable funding approach from a diversity for sources.

Policy PR-11.1: Diversify park funding.

Provide reliable and diversified funding for park development, capital improvement, maintenance, and operations. Pursue all opportunities, including use of the general fund, donations, conservation easements, inheritance trusts, naming rights, community facilities district, lighting and landscape districts, and developer incentives.

Policy PR-11.2: Reduce long term operations and maintenance costs.

Identify ways to reduce the City’s long-term operations and maintenance costs, such as adapting more energy efficient technologies for park and recreation facilities, using low water landscape palettes and recycled water for irrigation, or exploring the use of artificial turf, alternative materials and other types of ground cover that do not require heavy maintenance or frequent mowing.

Policy PR-11.3: Regularly review developer impact fees.

Regularly review (at least every 3 years) and adjust park, recreation, and childcare impact fees to work towards the City’s service standard, and to account for the changing cost of land, facilities, and equipment. Consider fees by geographic area in the city to account for different land costs. Explore annual fees for city maintenance.

Policy PR-11.4: Seek grant funding to help fund capital projects.

Continue to seek grant funding to help fund capital projects.

Policy PR-11.5: Explore bond funding.

Explore opportunities for bond measures to fund maintenance, park operations, and park and recreational amenity investments.

Policy PR-11.6: Provide publicly accessible private open space.

Work with project developers and property owners to construct and maintain improved parkland to serve new development through development regulations and development agreements.

Policy PR-11.7: Explore alternative funding sources.

Study potential for using parcel taxes or developing community facilities districts to fund facility development and maintenance.

Policy PR-11.8: Explore allowing limited economic activity in public spaces.

Lease parts of public spaces, parks and select sidewalks to private businesses and non-profit organizations to activate the space with programs and activities, such as small product vendors, bike rental, community garden plots, exercise programs, and larger events and festivals.

Policy PR-11.9: Combined State, local, and federal childcare funds.

Ensure that State, local, and federal childcare funds are maximized, secured, and braided for the benefit of South San Francisco families accessing child care.

Policy PR-11.10: Explore maintenance funding opportunities

Explore new and innovative opportunities to fund park and recreational maintenance and operations.

Goal CHEJ-5:

Residents of all incomes, ages and abilities have opportunities to lead active lifestyles.

Intent:

To provide safe and convenient places for physical activity, especially in disadvantaged communities.

Policy CHEJ-5.1: Provide recreational programming to increase physical activity.

Continue to provide City recreational programs that focus on physical activity and that promote active lifestyles.

Policy CHEJ-5.2: Develop partnerships to promote physical activity.

Develop public, private, and non-profit partnerships to develop and maintain parks, recreational facilities, and publicly-accessible private open spaces in disadvantaged communities.

Policy CHEJ-5.3: Promote active transportation.

Design neighborhoods that support safe pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit use for residents of all ages by prioritizing safety, implementing complete streets, and providing easy access to play, fitness, and active transportation networks. Prioritize transportation system funding and improvements in disadvantaged communities.

Policy CHEJ-5.4: Access to clean drinking water.

Work with water suppliers to ensure all South San Francisco residents have access to clean, safe drinking water.

Goal ES-3:

Colma Creek is an ecological corridor that supports community resilience and livability. 

Intent:

To meet a series of overlapping objectives that reduce flooding, protect against sea level rise, increase shoreline access and active mobility, improve water quality, and restore biodiversity in the city. 

Policy ES-3.1: Enhance Colma Creek as an ecological corridor.

Enhance Colma Creek as an ecological corridor, restoring creek ecologies and creating transitional habitat zones to build resilience and ecosystem services.

• Action ES-3.1.1: Implement Colma Creek interpretive signage.

  In coordination with the Flood and Resiliency District and other partners, incorporate interpretive signage that educate community members and visitors about the history and the unique biological resources around Colma Creek.

Policy ES-3.2: Co-locate park and open space patches along Colma Creek.

Co-locate park and open space features along Colma Creek to create opportunities for green infrastructure and patches for natural habitat.

Policy ES-3.3: Maintain development standards along Colma Creek to support habitat.

Maintain development standards and guidelines for new construction within 80 feet that support urban ecology and ecosystem resilience. Provide project applicants with a process for exemptions and/or offsets under limited circumstances. Standards include: 

• Requiring no net new impervious areas.
• Maintaining (or increasing) building setbacks to support habitat areas.
• Encouraging new construction to construct bioswales or similar features to treat runoff before it enters the creek:
• Using a planting palette consisting of native species and species that provide valuable resources for native wildlife.

Policy ES-3.4: Implement stormwater management throughout the Colma Creek watershed.

Continue to implement stormwater management practices across the Colma Creek watershed, such as the Orange Memorial Park Stormwater Capture Project to improve water quality and increase trash capture. 

Policy ES-3.5: Maintain stormwater management partnerships.

Continue to develop public and private partnerships with agencies, developers, and non-profits to fund Colma Creek transformation.

For related policies and implementation actions related to Colma Creek ecology and resilience, see Goal CR-3.

Goal CR-3:

A transformed Colma Creek.

Intent:

To improve Colma Creek through a comprehensive strategy that mitigates flooding and sea level rise, restores native ecologies, and increases access to and along the creek.

Policy CR-3.1: Develop Colma Creek adaptation solutions.

Continue to work with San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District on developing and implementing adaptation options for Colma Creek. Restore creek ecologies and create transitional habitat zones to build resilience and ecosystem services.

• Action CR-3.1.1: Implement Colma Creek adaptation pilot.

  Develop a program to work with public and private landowners to decrease the risk of flooding by implementing engineered and nature-based shoreline protection projects in coordination with watershed management projects that reduce and/or store runoff during rainfall events and improve the condition of the flood plain.

• For related policies and implementation actions related to Colma Creek resilience, see Goal ES-3.

Goal CR-7:

Strong coordination with regulatory agencies to ensure safe and effective remediation of hazardous and toxic materials.

Intent:

To clean-up and remove hazardous and toxic materials, including above and below ground storage facilities, and buildings with asbestos and/or lead-based paint.

Policy CR-7.1: Minimize risk from hazardous materials.

Minimize the risk to the community associated with hazardous materials by continually integrating updated remediation strategies in coordination with regulating agencies. Continue annual emergency training and coordinated emergency response plans to hazardous materials.

Policy CR-7.2: Coordinate hazardous material regulation and management.

Continue to cooperate with federal, State, and County agencies to effectively regulate the management of hazardous materials and hazardous waste.

Policy CR-7.3: Assess hazardous materials management during development review.

Assess the use of hazardous materials as part of a development’s environmental review and/or include the development of a hazardous management and disposal plan, as a condition of project approval, subject to review by the San Mateo County Health Department.

Policy CR-7.4: Maintain awareness of hazardous waste handling and awareness.

Develop an awareness program to expand public engagement in the handling and disposal of hazardous waste in the community, especially at home.

• Action CR-7.4.1: Offer educational programing on hazardous materials disposal and pesticides.

  Continue to offer educational programming on the harmful effects and proper disposal of hazardous materials and pesticides and recommend alternatives that can be used at home and in businesses.

Goal LU-2:

Equitable transit-oriented communities near transit centers, including SamTrans stops and Caltrain and BART stations, that mix high quality development, affordable housing, community services, and improved mobility options.

Intent:

To provide residents, employees, and visitors with convenient, safe, and efficient transportation options near housing, services, and employment.

Policy LU-2.1: Prioritize development near transit centers.

Collaborate with developers and property owners to locate new housing, mixed use, and employment uses near transit centers to minimize reliance on personal automobiles.

• Action LU-2.1.1: Create affordable housing incentive area.

  Evaluate a transit-oriented communities (TOC) affordable housing incentive area within ½ mile of BART or Caltrain stops or ¼ mile of high-frequency SamTrans stops (15-minute peak headways). Incentives to explore include height bonuses, parking reductions, and allowed lot coverage increases.

• Action LU-2.1.2: Develop Specific Plans around transit centers.

  Initiate a request for proposals (RFP) process to develop specific plans around key transit centers, including Caltrain and BART.

• Action LU-2.1.4: Update existing Specific Plans.

  Following adoption of the General Plan, review the existing Oyster Point Specific Plan (2011) and others and make changes to ensure consistency.

• Action LU-2.1.5: Community engagement near transit centers.

  Engage closely with residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to ensure the community receives desired benefits from new development at transit centers and to ensure the community is apprised of development.

Policy LU-2.2: Architectural transitions near transit centers.

Require development projects near transit centers to use architectural transitions, such as setbacks, transitions in building height, and landscaping, when adjacent to lower-density residential properties.

Policy LU-2.3: Develop connected transit-oriented communities.

Develop strong pedestrian, shuttle, and bicycle connections to and/from transit via pedestrian-oriented building design, creating safe and convenient road crossings, and providing street furniture and amenities.

• Action LU-2.3.1: Coordination with local and regional transit agencies.

  Ensure coordination between local agencies including Community Development Department, Transportation Department, and Public Works, along with regional transit agencies including Caltrain, BART, and AC Transit to align mobility and infrastructure improvements efforts.

• Action LU-2.3.2: Incorporate wayfinding signage.

  Incorporate wayfinding signage near transit to guide people to local destinations, including schools, Downtown, parks, shopping, healthcare, and public facilities.

• Action LU-2.3.3: Incorporate gateway elements near transit centers.

  Incorporate local art, gateway signage, and landscaping near major transit centers to welcome people to South San Francisco and imbue these areas with local identity.

• Action LU-2.3.4: Upgrade pedestrian/bicycle scaled lighting.

  Determine areas where pedestrian- and bicycle-scaled lighting could be installed to create safe and dynamic corridors and destinations

Policy LU-2.4: Implement mobility hubs at transit stations:

Evaluate implementation of “mobility hubs” at the Caltrain Station, South San Francisco BART Station, and the South San Francisco Ferry Terminal.

• Action LU-2.4.1: Mobility hubs study.

  Conduct study to determine financial costs, infrastructural needs, economic feasibility, and community desire for mobility hubs.

Policy LU-2.5: Encourage shared parking in neighborhoods.

Encourage shared parking and park once strategies to minimize parking demand and reduce vehicle trips. Locate parking behind commercial buildings.

• Action LU-2.5.1: Study parking strategies near transit centers.

  Study potential parking strategies near transit centers, including parking maximums, park-once strategies, parking fees, and shared parking.

Policy LU-2.6: Develop gathering spaces near mobility hubs.

Develop community gathering spaces, including plazas and pocket parks, near mobility hubs. Work with developers and property owners (including BART and Caltrain) near high-quality transit stops to provide community amenities, including privately-owned public open spaces, plazas, community gardens, recreational spaces, seating, lighting, public restrooms, water fountains, and other amenities for public use.

Goal MOB-5:

South San Francisco residents have easy access to play, fitness, and active transportation networks.

Intent:

To reduce barriers to physical activity and improve comfort with the city’s pedestrian and bicycle networks.

Policy MOB-5.1: Expand the low-stress bike and pedestrian network.

Capitalize on opportunities to expand the low-stress bike and pedestrian network throughout the city.

• Action MOB-5.1.1: Complete rails to trails projects.

  Leverage public-private partnerships to complete the conversion of the City’s freight rail lines to multi-use trails.

• Action MOB-5.1.2: Develop Bikeways and slow streets.

  Grow network of low stress bikeways and Slow Streets that prioritize direct access to recreation and active transportation within the city’s residential neighborhoods.

• Action MOB-5.1.3: Expand bicycle parking at activity centers.

  Expand bicycle parking at major activity centers throughout the city.

Policy MOB-5.2: Enhance access to the trail network.

Enhance access to Centennial Way Trail, Bay Trail, and other trail facilities through streetscape projects and new developments.

Goal SA-15:

Opportunities for new recreational spaces that offer public services, entertainment options, and open space. 

Intent:

To create opportunities for residents living near El Camino Real to gather, socialize, and play.

Policy SA-15.1: Continue the Community Civic Campus.

Continue developing the Community Civic Campus with institutional uses and public spaces.

Policy SA-15.2: Develop outdoor programming and cultural events.

Develop outdoor programming and cultural events at the public space in front of the Community Civic Campus.

Policy SA-15.3: Create art and gathering spaces along El Camino Real.

Encourage new development to incorporate public art, public plazas, seating, and gathering spaces along or near the El Camino Real corridor.

Goal SA-16:

A new transit-oriented community in East of 101 with a diverse mix of uses, places, and programming to inspire creativity and social interaction that welcome all South San Francisco residents and visitors

Intent:

To create an inclusive neighborhood where people of all incomes can live, access transit, and services and amenities.

Policy SA-16.1: Require high-density development near the Caltrain station.

Promote density and a mix of transit-oriented uses adjacent to the Caltrain Station and along South Airport Boulevard, including residential, offices, personal services, retail, recreation, and healthcare.

• Action SA-16.1.1: Introduce shared district parking.

   Introduce shared, district parking facilities to support visitors and employees. 

Policy SA-16.2: Implement public realm improvements near the Caltrain station.

Implement public realm improvements to improve accessibility to the Caltrain Station, including signage, street trees, landscaping, street furniture, and lighting.

• Action SA-16.2.1: Develop retail, restaurants, and vendors strategy.

  Develop a retail, restaurant, and mobile vendors strategy to support diverse populations, including residents and workers.

Policy SA-16.3: Create new parks and open spaces in East of 101.

Introduce a new, connected park and open space system that includes: 

• A public park within a ten-minute walk to any new residential development East of 101.
• A Colma Creek linear park featuring walking and cycling paths.
• A recreational greenway between Airport Blvd and Littlefield Ave.
• A recreational greenway between Forbes Blvd and Oyster Point Blvd that extends into the Genentech Master Plan Area and connects to the San Francisco Bay Trail.
• Class I pedestrian routes that connect East of 101 with Downtown and Lindenville. 

Policy SA-16.4: Adequate public services and utilities in East of 101.

Coordinate with the South San Francisco Unified School District, utilities, and public services, including the South San Francisco Fire Department and the South San Francisco Police Department, to ensure public services and utilities can accommodate growth impacts of new development in the East of 101 area. 

Policy SA-16.5: Encourage development of hotels near the Caltrain Station.

Encourage development of hotels within walkable distance of the Caltrain Station.

Goal SA-24:

Colma Creek is transformed and new open spaces are created to provide opportunities for social interaction, recreation, flood protection, and urban ecology.

Intent:

To create a vibrant, walkable Colma Creek that is usable by everyone in South San Francisco.

Policy SA-24.1: Transform Colma Creek into a walkable amenity.

Transform Colma Creek into a walkable amenity for all users by improving sidewalk conditions and incorporating lighting, public art, street furniture, street trees, and landscaping.

Policy SA-24.2: Create development standards for construction adjacent to Colma Creeks.

Maintain standards and guidelines for new construction within 150 feet of the inner edge of the Colma Creek canal. This includes: 

• Requiring no net new impervious areas.
• Maintaining (or increasing) building setbacks to support habitat areas.
• Encouraging new construction to construct bioswales or similar features to treat runoff before it enters the creek:
• Using a planting palette consisting of native species and species that provide valuable resources for native wildlife.

Policy SA-24.3: Promote high-quality building design.

Promote high-quality building design along Colma Creek.

Goal SA-32:

Paradise Valley/Terrabay is a safe and walkable neighborhood with convenient access to amenities.

Policy SA-32.1: Expand parks and open space.

Expand parks and open space by evaluating opportunities along the PG&E corridor, the north face of Sign Hill, and the Terrabay Open Space.

Policy SA-32.2: Improve pedestrian connections to mixed use area.

Enhance pedestrian connections to the new mixed use commercial area near Linden Avenue and Airport Boulevard and to Downtown South San Francisco through strategies such as sidewalk bulb-outs, signage, lighting, and sidewalk improvements.

Policy SA-32.3: Regulate development on steep hillside areas.

Prohibit development on steep hillside areas in excess of 30% grade. Development of hillside sites should follow existing contours to the greatest extent possible. Grading should be kept to a minimum.

Policy SA-32.4: Improve pedestrian access to the San Bruno Mountains.

Improve pedestrian access to the San Bruno Mountains by identifying public access points.

• Action SA-32.4.1: Coordinate with local and regional open space agencies.

  Collaborate with County of San Mateo Parks Department regarding upkeep and expansion of pedestrian facilities to connect to the San Bruno Mountains.

Policy SA-32.5: Create buffering from US-101.

Create landscaping buffers and other buffers to reduce noise, visual, and air quality impacts from US-101.

Policy SA-32.6: Beautify Peck’s subdivision.

Beautify Peck’s subdivision with trees and provide convenient connections to amenities on Linden Avenue.

Policy SA-32.7: Preserve the north side of Sign Hill.

Preserve a substantial portion of the north side of Sign Hill as public or private open space.

Policy SA-32.8: Limit development and excessive grading on the north side of Sign Hill.

Limit the amount of development allowed on the north side of Sign Hill (discretionary at one unit per acre maximum). Do not permit excessive grading of this portion of the hill or clustering of development in the future.

Goal SA-33:

Sign Hill is a walkable and attractive neighborhood that maintains a variety of housing options.

Policy SA-33.1: Preserve and protect open space on Sign Hill and protect from fire hazard risk.

Preserve and protect open space on Sign Hill and protect from fire hazard risk.

• Action SA-33.1.1: Brush management.

  Proactively manage brush and vegetation in the Sign Hill open space to reduce fire risk.

Policy SA-33.2: Improve pedestrian connections to Sign Hill.

Improve pedestrian connections from residential neighborhoods to Downtown South San Francisco and Sign Hill open space access points, including Poplar Avenue, Ridgeview Court, and Diamond Avenue, by maintaining unimpeded sidewalks and incorporating wayfinding signage.

Policy SA-33.3: Preserve the federally-designated Sign Hill historic site.

Preserve the federally-designated Sign Hill historic site.

Goal SA-36:

There is new residential infill development and recreational and childcare amenities in Westborough.

Policy SA-36.1: Allow mixed use shopping centers.

Create a complete neighborhood by allowing mixed use activity centers, introducing new housing at the Westborough Shopping Center and the shopping center at Gellert Boulevard and Westborough Blvd.

Policy SA-36.2: Provide childcare in Westborough.

Explore development of a new childcare center to serve Westborough residents in the Westborough shopping center.

Policy SA-36.3: Encourage infill housing development in Westborough.

Expand housing opportunity in Westborough by encouraging small-scale residential infill development (e.g., ADUs) in existing residential neighborhoods and working with the South San Francisco Unified School District to convert the Foxridge School site to park space and housing that offers affordable, teacher housing opportunities.

Policy SA-36.4: Expand parks and walking trails in Westborough.

Expand access to parks and active transportation opportunities in Westborough.

• Action SA-36.4.1: Support the development of a new park and bicycle and pedestrian trails along Skyline Boulevard in collaboration with Caltrans.

  Support the development of a new park and bicycle and pedestrian trails along Skyline Boulevard in collaboration with Caltrans.

Goal SA-39:

Access to local and city-wide services and park spaces in Winston Serra is improved.

Policy SA-39.1: Develop new parks in Winston Serra.

Develop new parks in Winston Serra.

• Action SA-39.1.1: Implement linear parks in Winston Serra.

  Develop a new linear park as outlined in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

• Action SA-39.1.2: Develop new park at SFPUC site.

  Develop a new park on the existing SFPUC site that provides pedestrian connections to Alta Loma Middle School.

• Action SA-39.1.3: Maintain “Button Property” as Open Space.

  Continue the previous General Plan policy to maintain the open space designation of the County of San Mateo’s “Button Property”, located on the northeast corner of Westborough Boulevard and Junipero Serra Boulevard.

Policy SA-39.2: Collaborate with SSFUSD to provide access to Buri Buri Elementary recreational facilities.

Collaborate more closely with the South San Francisco Unified School District to make recreational facilities at Buri Buri Elementary School more accessible to the community.