Commission approves seasonal UPS parcel sorting site despite questions about vehicle electrification

The commission on July 20 approved a conditional‑use authorization for a parcel delivery and sorting operation at 290 San Bruno Avenue to support peak‑season logistics.

Alex Westhoff of the Planning Department described the site (PDR‑1D zoning) and explained interim controls remain in effect for parcel delivery uses in some districts. The application includes demolition of a small building, parking‑lot improvements, and temporary seasonal use of paved areas to host parcel sorting operations during November and December.

Andrew Bott, project architect, read a letter on behalf of UPS describing the company’s long history in San Francisco and its plan to use the site for peak‑period sorting between approximately 4 a.m. and 9 a.m., provide employee parking, and replace an underutilized building with a paved staging area. UPS said expanding the site for peak operations would decrease street parking pressure by giving employees a dedicated lot.

Commissioners asked whether UPS planned electrification or other greening of vehicles at the site. Leo Ramirez, UPS community relations manager, said the organization is evaluating alternative fuels but that operations at the site would use gas vehicles.

Staff recommended approval with conditions and said they received two letters of opposition raising site‑management complaints such as graffiti and on‑site neglect. The commission voted to approve the authorization with conditions by a unanimous 6–0 vote.