South San Francisco Planning Commission weighs potential displacement ahead of 616 Maple Ave. development project

“Last year, in October 2025, the entitlement came to the Planning Commission hearing, and the Planning Commission approved the entitlements for six residential units at 616 Maple Ave.,” Senior Planner Victoria Kim said during a recent commission hearing.

At the time, the owner was not sure if the units would be rental or for sale, though they made the decision to move forward with the latter, she added.

As pressure to boost housing development increases, developments like the Maple Avenue project are some of the most well received, given its proximity to transit and downtown. As part of its state-mandated housing goals, the city must approve almost 4,000 units between 2023-31.

At the same time, it’s also trying to beef up tenant protections. Last year, South City passed an ordinance that requires preference for current or previous city residents in affordable housing applications, and earlier this month, the City Council increased its relocation assistance policy for tenants who must vacate substandard housing units, mandating higher payments when they must relocate and restructuring payments to an upfront rather than reimbursement-based model.

The Maple Avenue project is surfacing what are sometimes competing concerns — preventing displacement while spurring more development. Some commissioners, including John Baker, said they were concerned about the relocation assistance status of the current household, however, staff said it’s likely the city could connect them with relocation resources.

"They're working with our housing division to determine what the replacement housing solution is, whether it's replacement on site or some other location,” Chief Planner Adena Friedman said during the meeting. "It is in process now, and it will be required before building permits are issued.”