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Storage Shed The existing storage shed at the rear corner of the property is in very poor structural condition and is in need of replacement. The proposed plans include the removal of the detached shed and a lean-to storage room at the rear of the Blacksmith's shop. (See attached Exhibits L, P, Q, R and S). The existing paved area for vehicle parking will be striped for seven vehicles. Access will be from a single driveway on West Estudillo Avenue. STAFF ANALYSIS Library -Historical Commission Review On October 16, 2007, the Library -Historical Commission reviewed the proposal and did not object to the plans since there was no significant alteration to the character or appearance of the Carriage House and Blacksmith's Shop. Subsequent to the Library -Historical Commission's review the Fire Department found that the existing second floor window did not meet Code requirements for egress and the interior of the loft needed taller head clearance—it had to be larger. The applicant explored adding a dormer similar to the gardener's cottage, however, the small size of the building could not accommodate an aesthetically correct design that would be balanced, symmetrical, and have appropriate size and scale. On January 15, 2008, the Library -Historical Commission reviewed the proposal to increase the height of the walls and the roof. After its review the Commission found that it could not recommend approval of the proposal. The proposal altered the basic proportion of the building. A recommendation of approval to increase the height of this building could set precedence where other properties with a historic designation will also want to propose increasing their height or size and altering the proportions of those buildings. The building was not constructed for use as a residence. General Plan and Zoning Code The General Plan designation for the site and the immediate area including the St. Leander Church and School grounds, the Casa Peralta, and nearby residential properties is Medium Density Residential. The DA -3 Downtown Area base district provides for the implementation of the Downtown San Leandro Transit -Oriented Development Strategy in areas immediately adjacent to the Downtown retail core, which includes a minimum allowable multi -family residential density of 24 units per acre (one unit per 1,800 square feet) for lots with less than 20,000 square feet (Zoning Code Section 2-640 A. 5.). The subject property contains 16,850 square feet thus the DA -3 minimum density encourages nine units on the property. Staff believes the lower density proposal and the conversion of the small detached units would be considerably more compatible than a higher density development proposal. The proposed low- density proposal would be less likely to have any impacts such as traffic intensity to the area. The existing small detached units lessens any impact of the project site appearing overdeveloped to Planning Commission Staff Report November 13, 2008 PLN2007-00062 Page 4 of 7