SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Planning Commission on Oct. 9 accepted an Institutional Master Plan (IMP) update from Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Acceptance followed a public hearing for receipt of testimony; the commission’s acknowledgment does not approve any specific projects outlined in the plan.

Planning staff said the IMP provides an early‑stage view of the hospital’s operations, recent investments and anticipated projects. Laura Aiello of the Planning Department said, “The planning commission must hold a public hearing on the IMP plan, which will be for receipt of public testimony only, and does not constitute approval or disapproval of the IMP itself or any of the projects described therein. Any proposed modification or project envisioned by the IMP as part of future development of the institution will require separate approvals.”

Hospital representatives described accomplishments and planned work. Mark Primo, oversight advisor to the director of health, and Jason Zuck, director of capital planning and programs at Zuckerberg General, summarized major investments since the last IMP in 2008, most prominently the new acute care hospital and trauma center (completed 2015). Planning staff noted the site is roughly 24 acres, zoned P (public) and designated as a Category A historic resource within the San Francisco General Hospital Historic District. The hospital serves a broad regional population and is “the only level 1 trauma center in San Francisco and Northern San Mateo County,” a staff presentation said.

Ongoing and future items described in the IMP include voluntary seismic upgrades, technology and clinical lab renovations, a psychiatric emergency services expansion, infrastructure repairs (chillers, fire life safety), and other lifecycle and equipment projects tied to bond funding. Hospital staff told commissioners they are negotiating for a nearby site (a Walgreens property along Potrero Avenue) for potential childcare to support staff, and noted completed projects including a UCSF research and academic building that opened in 2023.

No members of the public spoke during the IMP public hearing. Planning staff concluded that the IMP submission contains the required information under Planning Code Section 304.5; the commission closed the public hearing and acknowledged the record. Commissioners expressed support and appreciation for the hospital’s investments and nonconstruction community benefits such as art in the new hospital building.

What acceptance means: The commission’s acceptance confirms receipt of required information and opens the way for any future, specific construction or renovation projects proposed by the institution to be evaluated through the normal project review, environmental review (CEQA or categorical exemptions if applicable) and permitting processes.