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Commission approves relocation and expansion of dialysis clinic on Ocean Avenue amid neighborhood concerns about noise and loading
Summary
The commission unanimously approved Fresenius Kidney Care’s conditional-use authorization to relocate and expand a dialysis clinic at 1830 Ocean Ave to preserve local access for patients, increasing capacity from 24 to 36 stations and requesting hours of operation from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.; neighbors raised noise and loading concerns, and staff said SFMTA coordination is underway.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously Sept. 19 to approve a conditional-use authorization allowing Fresenius Kidney Care to relocate and expand an existing dialysis clinic to a 16,900‑square‑foot ground‑floor space at 1830 Ocean Avenue, increasing capacity from 24 to 36 treatment stations and requesting operating hours matched to the existing clinic (5:00 a.m. start) through 11:00 p.m.
Planning staff said the move preserves a longstanding local medical service that otherwise faces forced relocation after its lease expires in 2027. Joseph Sacchi explained that the change of use to a health services facility occupying more than 10,000 square feet requires a consistency determination with the Health Care Services Master Plan, which staff found to be satisfied in consultation with the Department of Public Health.
Sponsor Justin Chung described a patient catchment concentrated near Ocean Avenue, the risk to patients if the clinic closed, and coordination with SFMTA on passenger loading. He said the project will rely on a new SFMTA passenger‑loading zone being created as part of the K Ingleside Rapid implementation and that staff and the supervisor’s office had put the parties in touch to coordinate timing.
Several patients, clinicians and public-health physicians testified in support. Patient Adrian Chinchola said dialysis is essential: “Without dialysis, it’s a death sentence,” and clinicians highlighted that closures of dialysis units nationally have left patients traveling farther for care. Some residents raised concerns about mechanical‑system noise and the building owner’s responsiveness to prior noise complaints; the project architect explained that mechanical equipment would be internal to the building and that air intakes and exhausts are sited to minimize noise impacts.
Commissioners weighed the clinic’s importance for access to care against residents’ noise and loading worries; they asked staff and the sponsor to coordinate closely with SFMTA, the supervisor’s office and property managers to ensure passenger loading and mechanical systems are handled to minimize impacts. The motion to approve with conditions passed 7–0.
Next steps: Project sponsor to coordinate with SFMTA and staff on passenger‑loading phasing; planning staff to include permit conditions addressing mechanical equipment and monitoring.
