Minutes 2005 0516 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

MINUTES Page 4 City of San Leandro City Council, San Leandro Redevelopment Agency, and San Leandro Public Financing Authority Joint Meeting-May 16, 2005 Ananda Perkins, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, asking if there is a cost to the City for a rezoning such as the one proposed. Mr. J ermanis responded that when an applicant comes before the Council to request a zoning change, the cost ofthe rezoning process is borne by the applicant. There being no further comments from the public, and without objection, the Public Hearing was closed. Councilmember Grant indicated that the proposed use would have less impact on the community than had the previous uses. She noted that the City has no policies or criteria in place for approving live-work space. Councilmember Grant likened the trend toward live-work space to that of the commercial condominium conversions which the Council recently addressed. She suggested that the City develop some guiding policies for these new types of projects. Mr. Jermanis asked Mr. Penaranda if the Zoning Code provides such regulation, or if there is a need for the Board of Zoning Adjustments or Planning Commission to look into some specific language for these new types of projects. Mr. Penaranda suggested that staff could discuss the matter and provide a recommendation. He noted that in this particular proposal, the P District allows the office use, and the PD overlay allows an exception to permit residential use on a commercial property on a case-by-case basis. He added that there is no listing in the Zoning Code that live/work is permitted or conditionally permitted. Mayor Young acknowledged Councilmember Grant's concern and suggested that perhaps it is time for either the BZA or City Council to identify some guiding principles or standards for these new types of projects. Councilmember Nardine expressed the need for guidelines regarding the types of businesses that are allowed. For example, if there will be group appointments, then parking could be an issue. Mayor Young re-opened the Public Hearing to allow the applicant and others to comment. Dr. Danice Friend, the applicant, addressed the City Council, noting that she sees at most four to five people at a time in her practice. David Fisher, representing the property realtor, addressed the City Council, commenting that the property's previous tenant operated a group home, and Dr. Friend's business will generate less traffic. He noted that it is Dr. Friend's dream to own, improve and maintain this property. Elizabeth Vigo, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, expressed concern that the property remain as a historic landmark and whether there would be sufficient parking to accommodate Dr. Friend's business.