The purpose of the seven-member Planning Commission shall be to recommend and advise the Council in the preparation, adoption, and amendment of the City's General Plan, Coastal Plan, Zoning Law, and other specific and area development plans which provide for and control the future physical development and conservation of the City, based upon geographic, social, economic, and environmental characteristics of the community. The Planning Commission shall also advise the Council on private development plans for the City in accordance with the State Planning Law and the City's established development review standards and processes.
The Pacifica Planning Commission meets at 7:00 pm on the first and third Monday of each month.
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1212 Escalero Avenue Multigenerational Home Remodel and Addition
The main public hearing item was a site development permit (PSD 86724) to substantially demolish an existing 1,670 sq ft single-family home and construct an approximately 4,150 sq ft multigenerational dwelling at 1212 Escalero Avenue in the R1 zone. The project exceeds the principally permitted floor area by about 940 sq ft, requiring the site development permit. The applicant, Dan Kelly, explained the project was designed to house three daughters and their families (potentially 9 people) and was the late wish of his wife Glenna, who passed away from cancer during the five-year design process. Supporters including neighbors, a school nun, and family friends spoke to the family's deep community ties and construction quality. Two neighbors from across the street raised concerns about the home's size being unprecedented in the neighborhood (largest homes are half the proposed size), loss of views and privacy, parking impacts, and construction disruption. Commissioner Godwin questioned staff about whether a more modest project was discussed. Staff explained the project meets all findings and noted the delta from principally permitted size was about 900 sq ft. The project was approved unanimously 5-0.
Pacifica
SB9Planning Commission25d agoFebruary 17, 2026
Ministerial Approval Process and Coastal Zone Procedures
Throughout the meeting and especially during commission/staff communications, commissioners and staff engaged in a lengthy discussion about why ministerial state-law projects (SB9, SB684) must come before the Planning Commission despite the commission having no discretionary authority over them. Staff explained that because these projects are in the coastal zone and require coastal development permits (CDPs), the California Coastal Commission requires a public hearing even though state law mandates ministerial approval. The city's municipal code says land divisions cannot be approved by the planning administrator, so they must come to the Planning Commission. Vice Chair Berman and Commissioner Godwin expressed frustration that this creates a false impression of public input opportunity when the commission's hands are tied. Staff mentioned an active SB9 implementing ordinance draft that could address these procedural issues. Commissioner Godwin also questioned why a single-family home application (1212 Escalero) took five years while savvier developers get 60-day ministerial approvals, noting this appears inequitable to residents.
A ministerial SB684 lot subdivision at 170 Paloma Avenue (file 2025-047) in the R2 zone was on the consent calendar. Two neighbors (Aaron Gregory from 184 Paloma and Scott Hage from 164 Paloma) raised concerns. Gregory objected that the subdivision would create a 70-foot driveway right alongside his bedrooms. Both neighbors challenged the project's eligibility under Government Code 66499.41(a)(8), arguing the home was occupied by a tenant until November and therefore cannot be subdivided within 5 years. Staff clarified the occupant was not a tenant—there was no rent paid and no written lease—distinguishing tenancy from mere residency. Hage also raised concerns about inadequate notification (only 3 business days effective notice), a heritage tree, and the building's impact. Staff confirmed no heritage trees were identified by the city arborist but tree removal permits are a condition of approval. The consent calendar was received and filed unanimously.
Pacifica
Lot SplitPlanning Commission53d agoJanuary 20, 2026
Consent Calendar - State Law Lot Split in Coastal Zone
The consent calendar contained one item described as a state law governed lot split in the coastal zone. The Chair noted this item cannot be pulled from the consent calendar per state law and requires no public hearing or staff presentation. No public comment was received and the item was approved unanimously.
Director Updegrave announced that Commissioner Daniella Devine resigned from the Planning Commission for personal reasons, effective January 15th. This creates a partial term vacancy that will be posted with other commission and committee vacancies later in the week. Chair Hauser dedicated the adjournment in her honor.
Pacifica
Michael ChristensenPlanning Commission53d agoJanuary 20, 2026
New Deputy Director Michael Christensen Introduction
Community Development Director Samantha Updegrave introduced new Deputy Director Michael Christensen, who brings 10 years of experience from San Francisco and prior experience with the City of Hayward. Christensen described his background as a generalist, including work on waterfront projects, business permitting, housing projects ranging from missing middle to state density bonus, and technology initiatives. He expressed excitement about working in Pacifica and with the planning team.
Upcoming City Council Hearings and Liaison Designations
Two projects require Planning Commission liaisons for upcoming City Council hearings. The Bayview Calera project was appealed and goes to City Council on February 9th, with Chair Hauser volunteering to serve as liaison. The 650 Cape Breton project was rescheduled from January to February 23rd, with Commissioner Davis confirming she remains available as the previously designated liaison. Staff also noted City Council meetings now start at 6:00 PM.
Pacifica
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