Economic and Community Development

Department Overview

The Department of Economic and Community Development includes four dynamic divisions that together are responsible for the preservation and improvement of the physical and economic conditions of the South San Francisco community. The Planning Division is responsible for drafting long-range plans and policy documents, processing applications for new development, reviewing the design of new construction to promote high-quality urban design and to ensure compliance with the City's Zoning Ordinance and development standards, administering the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and planning permits, and fostering careful consideration of historic structures and resources. The Building Division is responsible for enforcing the California Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electric, Residential, and Energy Codes, as well as monitoring construction activity and performing inspections throughout the construction process. The Housing Division administers the City's affordable housing funds, monitors existing affordable units, develops housing policy and assists with Housing Element implementation, and oversees the City's Community Development Block Grant program. The Economic Development Division manages the Economic Advancement Center, supports the local small business community, and works with the biotech industry to market the City's competitive advantage as a great place to locate and do business.

Development and Construction Map

Divisions

Economic Advancement Center (EAC)

Permit Center

Find Affordable Rentals

Watch South San Francisco Evolve

South San Francisco has evolved rapidly over the past decade or so. At the following link see just how certain areas of the City have developed from 2014 to today.

SSF Evolves

Mission

The Department of Economic and Community Development is responsible for the preservation and improvement of the physical and economic conditions of the South San Francisco Community. The Department provides the administrative oversight that contributes to the successful completion of the goals, objectives, and daily operations of the Division of Economic Development, Redevelopment, Building, Planning, Housing and Community Development.

Department Head

Nell Selander serves as the Director of the Economic & Community Development Department. She oversees the City’s Building, Planning, Housing, and Economic Development functions. Nell was previously the City’s Deputy Director of ECD and came to SSF from the City of San Carlos and Columbus, OH. She received her BA in American Studies from Stanford and a Master of Urban Planning degree from NYU.