Planning Commission approves Target Express at 1830 Ocean Ave with delivery, signage and safety conditions

The San Francisco Planning Commission on March 11 approved a Conditional Use Authorization for a Target Express and accessory Starbucks at 1830 Ocean Avenue, after commissioners pressed the retailer on deliveries, loading and neighborhood safety.

Staff told the commission the proposal would convert the former Rite Aid site into a 17,334-square-foot neighborhood Target Express with approximately 50 employees and a small Starbucks. The department said it had received 13 letters of support and a small number of concerns about loading, parking, trash and product selection, and recommended approval subject to standard code compliance and community commitments.

John Dews, Target’s regional development manager, described the Target Express format as “a new small store concept and it is designed for convenience and quick trip formatting” tailored to local needs. He told the commission the company had conducted outreach with neighborhood groups and intended to localize some product selection and hiring.

Public testimony mixed praise and caution. Dan Weaver, executive director of the Ocean Avenue Association, said the neighborhood welcomes additional services but urged a formal agreement with any major chain, noting the uneven history of formula retail on Ocean Avenue. Several nearby residents raised concerns about early-morning deliveries, double-parking and trash; one asked whether the commission had the power to limit deliveries.

Commissioners pressed Target on specifics. The company said delivery vehicles for the small-format store would be 28-foot trucks rather than 18-wheelers, and that it performed two deliveries a day for this format. Target said it would seek to work within a 7 a.m.–7 p.m. window but requested flexibility and was willing to accept conditions. The company also described plans for in-store security and to open existing opaque windows to increase street transparency.

Deputy City Attorney Marlena Byrd and staff advised that some elements — such as garage ownership, yellow curb placements or other curb controls — fall under the jurisdiction of other agencies (SFMTA, Department of Public Works) or a private landlord, not the Planning Commission.

On a motion to approve with conditions, the commission required: limiting deliveries to 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; that the project sponsor continue to work with staff on a signage plan that complies with Article 6; and that Target coordinate with SFMTA and DPW on pedestrian and transportation circulation measures, including a pedestrian-safety sign at the garage entrance. Commissioner Richards, who proposed the conditions, said she supported the project “understanding that not only a stop sign should be put in, but maybe a car-coming sign … for people on the sidewalk to see as cars exit the garage.”

The motion passed unanimously, 7–0. The commission’s decision directs staff to follow up with the project sponsor and other agencies to finalize the specified conditions.

What’s next: Staff will circulate the final conditions and coordinate with the project sponsor, SFMTA and DPW on any required curb modifications or traffic-calming measures; any required sign permits will be reviewed under Article 6.