City Manager’s Update
Daniel Barros, City Manager
Are you ready for what could be another extremely wet winter? Last winter, Colma and the rest of San Mateo County were hit hard by severe winter storms and record-breaking rainfall. It’s likely we could be in for another similar weather pattern this winter in what experts are calling another El Niño.
Preparation for winter storms is essential to preserving life and property. Many preparation measures can be done proactively prior to a storm’s arrival. Proactive measures include but are not limited to:
- Cleaning and clearing roof gutters and drainage channels around your property.
- Be aware of low elevation spots on your property susceptible to flooding.
- Prepare sandbags in areas of historical flooding or ponding.
- Trim and remove potentially hazardous tree limbs that could become problematic in high winds.
- Be prepared for a potential power outage by gathering flashlights and charging devices early and stock up on extra batteries.
- Have a full tank of gas or your car fully charged and carry an emergency pack that includes a blanket, water, and food.
- If using a generator, keep it outside of your home.
- Adjust automatic sprinklers and irrigation timers during rains to conserve water.
- Check in with family, friends, and neighbors who might need help.
During active storms, stay connected to the Town of Colma (social media platforms) and San Mateo County (SMC Alerts) communication channels for ongoing storm updates and information. Please report any issues or hazards you encounter to the Colma Police Department at (650) 997-8321. If you come across a down power line, do not touch it and call 911 immediately.
Planning Department Update
Farhad Mortazavi, City Planner
The Planning Department is currently working on the following projects. Please contact the Planning Department at (650)757-8888 if you have any questions.
Colma’s Current Planning Projects Update
The Current Planning Section processes all residential, commercial, mixed-use and cemetery-related proposals. To exemplify a few, the following projects are currently in process or have been completed: Kia Dealership’s maintenance center was approved by City Council on September 27th awaiting the associated building permit submittal; the new Raising Cane restaurant at 123 Colma Boulevard, replacing David’s Bridal Shop, is approved and the demolition of the existing building is set to take place by the end of October; VinFast electric car dealership is completed and new sign permit is in process; an additional use for a new flower shop and the expansion of the exterior walls of the Chapel at Olivet Gardens of Cypress Lawn Memorial Park is approved and the associated building application is in review; and the replacement of the existing two old greenhouses at the Home of Peace Cemetery with a new 4,100 sq. ft. greenhouse is approved and the associated building permit is in process.
Town’s Zoning Code Update
The Zoning Code Update – for it to be compatible with the Town’s adopted General Plan 2040 (March 23, 2022), as required by the state law – was presented City Council in a study session on July 26th and is scheduled to be reviewed and adopted by the Council at the end of 2023.
Town’s Housing Element Update
Town’s efforts for the approval of the Housing Element Update by the State is near completion as the last revision of the document is to be submitted in October for a final review by State Housing and Community Development Department, scheduled to be approved by the end of 2023.
Colma’s Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan
The very first Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan for Colma was process throughout 2023 and was approved and adopted by City Council on August 23, 2023.
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