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Planning commission approves expansion of emergency generator yard at 200 Paul Avenue
Summary
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to adopt the final mitigated negative declaration and grant conditional use authorization for Digital Realty Trust to expand an equipment yard for emergency backup generators at 200 Paul Avenue, with conditions on noise, parking and permits from air quality authorities.
The San Francisco Planning Commission voted unanimously Sept. 26 to adopt the final mitigated negative declaration and grant conditional use authorization for an expanded emergency backup generator yard at 200 Paul Avenue in Bayview‑Hunters Point.
Corey Teague of the Planning Department told commissioners the proposal would provide “redundant emergency backup power during times when the regular power supply is interrupted, such as an earthquake‑induced power outage.” The project would remove a portion of existing building area to create a service yard for backup generators, install acoustic mitigation and seek a planned unit development exception to parking rules.
Steve Kundich, a representative of project sponsor Digital Realty Trust, said the site is vital regional infrastructure. “Paul Avenue is a key piece of the infrastructure for the city of San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area,” he said, urging the commission to adopt the mitigated negative declaration and conditional use authorization. Counsel Greg Miller said the environmental review found no impacts that could not be mitigated and emphasized commitments to retrofit older engines with particulate filters and to work with neighbors.
Speakers from tenants and labor voiced support. John Peña of T‑Mobile described equipment upgrades that would support mobile switching, and Michael Theriault of the San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council noted the site’s role in preventing service interruptions. Kenneth Catterlin of the 5800 Third Street Owners Association told the commission the sponsor had done extensive community outreach and signed a memorandum of understanding with neighbors.
The commission approved the project with the corrections and added clarifications proposed by staff; the motion passed unanimously, 7‑0. Conditions tie future installations to required permits from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and require the sponsor to meet the noise and mitigation measures identified in the FMND.
