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Council amends general plan land‑use map for 1770 South Amphlett and 12 other San Mateo sites
Summary
The council approved a rezoning recommendation for 1770 South Amphlett Boulevard to Mixed Use High and adopted land‑use designation changes at 12 additional sites across San Mateo; one member recused from the 1770 vote.
San Mateo — On March 17 the City Council adopted amendments to the General Plan land‑use map that change the designation at 1770 South Amphlett Boulevard and at 12 additional locations across the city, a package staff said aligns land‑use designations with existing uses and increases flexibility for housing in several study areas.
Lede: The council voted to amend the general plan land use designation at 1770 South Amphlett Boulevard (from Regional Commercial to Mixed Use High) and separately adopted changes at 12 other sites to align designations with existing and surrounding uses. The 1770 site vote was taken after a recusal and the motion carried 4‑0; the broader 12‑site package later passed 5‑0.
Nut graf: Staff said the changes implement provisions of the newly adopted Strive San Mateo General Plan 2040 and Measure T (voter‑approved Nov. 5, 2024) while complying with the state "no net loss" requirement. For the 1770 site, staff estimated the new designation could increase residential capacity by as many as 822 units; staff also concluded the amendments are exempt from additional CEQA review because they fall within the scope of the program EIR prepared for the general plan.
Summary of staff presentation: Senior planner Summer Smith briefed council on the background: the council asked staff to pursue the 1770 site amendment after the property owner announced the Marriott hotel at 1770 would close; the recommended change to Mixed Use High was reviewed by the Planning Commission, which recommended council adoption. Smith also presented a table of 12 additional sites where designations are inconsistent with existing or surrounding uses (examples include 831 Monte Diablo Avenue recommended for a Quasi‑Public designation to match a religious institution owner, 555 West Fifth Avenue proposed as Residential High to reflect multifamily, and sites along South B Street recommended for Mixed Use Medium 2).
Public comment and a community project: Planning Commission testimony and written input were minimal; staff received two public comments on the package (one inquiry about a density reduction at Arbor Rose condominiums; one supporting comment). Reverend Marilyn Bussey spoke in favor of a proposed Quasi‑Public designation at 831 Monte Diablo Avenue for the New Beginnings transitional youth village, describing a proposal to provide housing and wraparound services for young people exiting foster care: “They’re going to have not only housing, but they’ll also have wrap around, services, comprehensive wrap around services.”
Regulatory findings: Staff reported the amendments are consistent with Measure T, comply with the Housing Crisis Act "no net loss" requirement (the 1770 amendment increases residential capacity) and are exempt from additional CEQA review under the EIR for the general plan. Notices and required tribal consultation were completed and property owners and tenants received courtesy letters.
Votes and outcome: The council adopted a resolution to amend the general plan land use designation for 1770 South Amphlett Boulevard (motion carried 4‑0 following a councilmember recusal). The council later adopted a resolution amending the general plan land use designations at 12 specified locations (motion carried 5‑0).
Why it matters: The land‑use changes align the general plan map with existing uses at several sites, remove inconsistencies that could impede development or preservation, and create additional capacity and flexibility for housing in study areas prioritized under the general plan and Measure T.
