OCII backs minor Transbay plan amendment to clarify office bulk limits for Block 5

The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure on April 7 approved staff recommendations to prepare and transmit a report and recommended CEQA findings to the Board of Supervisors for a minor amendment to the Transbay Redevelopment Plan. The amendment clarifies bulk controls for general office development in Zone 1, specifically applying C3O (downtown office) bulk limits for Block 5.

Marie Munson, senior development specialist, told the commission the amendment does not change authorized land uses; it resolves an inconsistency between the redevelopment plan's residential-oriented bulk controls and the development controls required for a general office building on Block 5. Munson said Block 10 is unaffected because portions of it are already developed or required to remain open space under the Transbay Streetscape and Open Space Plan.

Staff said the minor amendment follows the simplified process under Redevelopment Law for minor amendments—publicly noticed hearings and environmental review only as required—and that staff had determined no additional environmental review was necessary because a prior EIR covered the contemplated development. The commission heard from John Buck Company representative Mark May and other development-team members on small-business outreach and SBE participation; George Bridges, a senior contract compliance specialist, reported about 51% SBE participation to date.

Commissioners asked about small-business and workforce policy compliance; staff described ongoing compliance monitoring and outreach to certified local small and minority businesses. The commission voted to approve the report and adopt the CEQA findings, and to recommend adoption of the minor amendment by the Board of Supervisors (vote recorded 3 ayes, 1 absent). Staff will transmit the report to the Board with an anticipated introduction April 21 and Board hearing in June.