Commission approves Grocery Outlet at Eighth & Geary with façade and parking improvements
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Summary
The Planning Commission approved a conditional-use authorization June 6 allowing Grocery Outlet to occupy a long-vacant grocery site at 20 Eighth Avenue and Geary, subject to design conditions including fencing, landscaping, and improved bike/disabled parking.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional-use authorization for Grocery Outlet to locate at 20 Eighth Avenue at Geary in the Richmond District. Staff and the sponsor described a plan to reintroduce a full‑service grocery tenant to a site historically used as a market and to improve the streetscape.
Why it matters: The site has lacked a full-service grocer for years; staff and neighborhood groups said reactivating the store would improve food access and commercial vitality for the surrounding community. The proposal triggered a formula-retail conditional-use review because Grocery Outlet is a chain operation; the Planning Department recommended approval with conditions.
Key conditions: The project will install perimeter fencing and green screening along the parking area, add masonry pillars and pedestrian‑friendly elements, provide improved accessible parking and bicycle parking adjacent to the entrance, and explore a mural on the upper façade. The sponsor (Grocery Outlet) and staff said the design was developed with input from the Planning Association of the Richmond and local merchants.
Vote and next steps: Commissioners approved the CUP with conditions; the project returns to the Building Division for permit review and to implement the streetscape improvements prior to occupancy.
Representative quote: "This site has a long history as a grocery; the proposed improvements will significantly improve the site's appearance and neighborhood access," Planning staff said during the hearing.
