Although officials in San Bruno are looking forward to bringing in new development with a just-passed measure to raise height limits near San Bruno’s downtown, don’t expect to see restaurants, apartments and businesses pop up right away.
Measure N, passed by voters in November, modified 1977’s Ordinance 1284, which limits building heights, potentially raising them from the current maximum of 50 feet to 90 feet near the San Bruno Caltrain station, and lesser amounts in surrounding areas. City Manager Connie Jackson said while Measure N sets the stage for new development, the city hasn’t received new applications and didn’t expect to generate immediate proposals.
“We do expect with the new development standards in space, there is now an opportunity to assemble parcels and to build to more modern heights and other development specifications,” she said.
The ordinance was the result of a voter initiative, which was intended to preserve the existing character of San Bruno by requiring voter approval for high-rise developments, increased density in existing neighborhoods and projects encroaching upon scenic corridors and open spaces. It prohibited buildings or other structures to exceed 50 feet or three stories in the Transit Corridors Area unless approved by the majority of voters of San Bruno.
The city will soon be working on marketing the area to the development community. In the long term, the city will be looking at putting together an impact fee program to deal with new traffic and infrastructure needs, she added.
“We’re putting together staff to work on many of the various issues to make sure San Bruno is ready and welcoming new developments,” she said. “We would anticipate in 12 to 18 months to start to see some new activity.”
A key to capturing people’s attention will be the new one acre mixed-use project for 406-418 San Mateo Ave. with 83 residential units, 6,975 square feet of commercial space and underground parking containing 106 parking spaces approved in late October by the City Council, said Councilman Ken Ibarra.
Recommended for you
“Realistically they’re not going to be lining up,” he said. “I’m very anxious because one project passed in late October will probably capture people’s attention. I’m anticipating once the year begins we’ll be pleasantly surprised with applicants.”
The city will be welcoming in developers with open arms, said Mayor Jim Ruane.
“There’s been a lot of interest, especially around the Caltrain station,” he said. “There’s a lot going to be happening in San Bruno in the next couple of years.”
Now, heights can reach 70 feet along El Camino Real within the Transit Corridors Area or two stories higher than what is now allowed. Along San Bruno Avenue, buildings can rise up to 65 feet or two stories higher than what is now allowed, while the central business district along San Mateo Avenue can go up to 55 feet or one story higher than what is now allowed. The Caltrain station area can rise the most to 90 feet or four stories more than what is now allowed.
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO
personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who
make comments. Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. Don't threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Anyone violating these rules will be issued a
warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be
revoked.
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.