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Commission approves NBC/MBC BioLabs incubator at 700 Indiana despite neighborhood concerns about use and shadowing
Summary
The commission unanimously approved shadow findings and a large‑project authorization for a proposed NBC/MBC BioLabs incubator at 700 Indiana Street, saying the development fits zoning as a laboratory use and adding a condition linking future tenants to a 2020 zoning administrator letter limiting life‑science production on site.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a large‑project authorization and shadow findings for a proposed 72,000‑square‑foot NBC (MBC/NBC) BioLabs incubator at 700 Indiana Street, following an extensive public hearing that included dozens of supporters (tenants, union representatives and scientists) and neighborhood opponents.
Planning staff summarized the project as a two‑to‑three‑story research incubator seeking a modification to the planning code’s horizontal mass break. The department found the project consistent with the Central Area waterfront plan and cited a 2020 zoning administrator letter that distinguishes a principally permitted "laboratory" use from prohibited "life science" (production) uses. Staff proposed an explicit condition of approval to hyperlink and bind the entitlement to that 2020 zoning determination so future occupants must operate consistent with the laboratory definition in that letter.
Supporters — a long list of tenant companies, research entrepreneurs and union leaders — testified the incubator addresses an acute shortage of affordable, small‑scale lab space in San Francisco and will bring local jobs and training. "NBC provided the lab bench and support that allowed me to build a company," said Leah Meekley (COO, NBC), who described how the incubator model helped early companies scale. Labor representatives emphasized MBC’s commitment to 100% union construction and local hiring.
Opponents, including the Dogpatch Neighborhood Association and Patero Boosters, argued the project should be classified as life‑science production and therefore not allowed in this urban mixed‑use zoning; they also challenged the shadow analysis and said proposed public benefits were insufficient to offset park shadowing. Staff and Park & Rec materials were presented and the department reported that Rec & Park had found no significant shadow impact on Esprit Park and the environmental review officer had confirmed compliance with sequencing requirements for shadow analysis.
After extended deliberations, including requests for more clarity about operational limits and community benefits, the commission approved the shadow findings and large‑project authorization with conditions, including the staff‑proposed hyperlink to the 2020 letter of determination and additional conditions addressing operations, outreach, and streetscape improvements.
