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Planning Commission agrees to continue 55 Laguna draft EIR hearing to April
Summary
The San Francisco Planning Commission voted to continue multiple calendar items and to reschedule the public hearing on the 55 Laguna draft environmental impact report to April 19 after debate about CEQA timing and public notice obligations.
The Planning Commission on March 15 agreed to continue several calendar items, including rescheduling the public hearing on the draft environmental impact report (EIR) for the 55 Laguna (former UC Extension) project to April 19.
Commissioners debated whether delaying the hearing would push the EIR comment period beyond 60 days under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which would require a specific finding of “unusual circumstances.” Deputy City Attorney Susan Cleveland Knowles told the panel the commission could make such a finding on the record to allow the extra time if commissioners conclude the Market Octavia process and the 55 Laguna review should be coordinated.
Supervisor Ross Mercurimi, who appeared at the planning hearing, said he supported a short continuance so that the public could comment on the EIR in the context of Market Octavia and other nearby planning work. Residents and neighborhood groups urged more time and a date certain so they could organize to review the draft document. Planning staff confirmed the comment period’s end date would shift if the hearing date is moved.
The commission’s motion bundled several continuances (231 Franklin Street, Cabrillo Street items and others) and placed the 55 Laguna EIR public hearing on April 19. The clerk announced the motion carried as recorded in the public meeting record.
Next steps: the department will post the new hearing date and, if the comment period extends beyond 60 days, the commission will be asked to make the statutory finding on the record authorizing the extension.
