Planning Commission approves Rivian service center at 340 Fell, with neighborhood conditions

The Planning Commission voted unanimously Sept. 2 to approve a conditional use authorization for Rivian to establish a vehicle service center and limited accessory sales area at 340 Fell Street, restoring and re‑using a historic garage building in Hayes Valley.

John Kaplan and Rivian representatives told the commission the restored building will host vehicle service that is cleaner and quieter than traditional auto shops; Rivian said the site would not sell cars from the street and would limit display to a small number of model vehicles. Staff noted the project merges three existing tenant spaces into a single use greater than 2,999 square feet and includes conditions from a zoning administrator letter of determination.

Merchants and neighbors largely supported the project. Lloyd Silverstein of the Hayes Valley Merchant Association said Rivian engaged proactively in outreach and pledged to work with legacy tenants; supporters said restoration would activate Linden Alley. Commissioners pressed Rivian and counsel about vehicle access and agreed with neighborhood suggestions to prioritize pedestrian use of Linden Alley and limit rear‑lane queuing; the sponsor said most vehicular access would be routed to Fell Street and that Rivian is open to further discussions about retail space and public art for the alley.

The commission approved the conditional use authorization 6–0 and included conditions intended to preserve small storefront character, require coordination on access/loading, and to protect adjacent businesses during construction and operations.