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City of San Leandro Community Development Department Planning Services Division Staff Report DATE: November 13, 2008 TO: Planning Commission FROM: Elmer Penaranda, Senior Development Planner J4'Ll SUBJECT: Matter of PLN2007-00062; Modification of Planned Development; to convert the detached buildings on the property known as the Carriage House and Blacksmith's Shop into dwelling units and to replace a storage shed with a new storage room behind the Blacksmith's Shop building on the property known as the former Daniel Best Home at 1315 Clarke Street. The conversion of the Blacksmith's shop includes an increase of approximately one and one-half feet in height of the exterior walls and roof of the building to accommodate an emergency egress window and to increase head clearance to the second floor loft. DA -3 (PD) Downtown Area 3, Planned Development Overlay District. Assessor's Parcel Number 75-19-5; D. Friend (applicant and property owner). SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION The subject property is the historic former Daniel Best Home which is designated as a City Landmark per the Historic Preservation Ordinance. In May 2005 the City Council approved a Planned Development (PD) to restore the use of the main structure on the property to a single- family dwelling and to use the former gardener's cottage as professional office use. There are three other detached buildings on the property known as the Carriage House, Blacksmith's Shop and shed which were intended for storage use only. The applicant proposes to convert the Carriage House and Blacksmith's Shop into studio -like dwelling units and replace the dilapidated shed. A PD is a specific entitlement granted by the City for the use of the property. The proposal to convert the Carriage House and Blacksmith's Shop and replace the shed requires a modification of the PD which is subject to the review of the Planning Commission, which is advisory to the City Council; the Planning Commission will make its recommendation to the City Council for its action. Both interiors of the Carriage House and Blacksmith's Shop contain second floor lofts. Because the Carriage House loft would not be used for sleeping but for light storage, the proposed conversion to residential use would not have any effect on the exterior shell of the Carriage House. However, because the second floor loft in the Blacksmith's Shop is proposed for sleeping, Building and Fire Codes require a larger egress window. To accommodate an egress window, the applicant proposes to increase the height of the building walls and roof approximately one and one-half feet.