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Excerpts from the Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes September 20, 2012 Page 4 of 6 In terms of the potential for storage space in the attics that Commissioner Hernandez suggested, Planner Penaranda said it probably would increase the height and change the roof design, but a crawl space could be accommodated without exceeding the height limit. He deferred to the architect for further response. Chair Collier invited the applicant to speak. Project architect Richard Larson said he could answer some questions and would take others back to see what can be done to address them. He said the project’s civil engineer has done a drainage plan that specifies bioswales between each of the duplexes and permeable concrete for guest parking spaces to help recharge the groundwater. Cobblestones and Grasscrete paving stones were ruled out for safety reasons. Mr. Larson said the rear yards would have small patios and landscaped areas. Each garage would include a small shelved storage niche, about five feet wide and two feet deep, and they will look at the possibility of adding attic storage space. Trash enclosure areas would accommodate garbage and recyclables containers. The landscape architect has selected low-water plantings. In response to Commissioner Rennie’s question about the location of water heaters and forced- air systems, Mr. Larson said the complex would use Rennai tankless water heaters, and overhead platforms in the garages would house forced-air units. Replying to Commissioner Fitzsimons’ concern about windows, Mr. Larson said the design could accommodate adding windows to some of the blank walls. Commissioner Hernandez added that more windows also could help deter undesirable activity. Commissioner Hernandez said green waste containers for tenants would be important so they could dispose of kitchen garbage to avoid putting it in a landfill. Chair Collier asked whether the plans provide for common green waste containers for tenants to dump lawn clippings, etc. Commissioner Rennie asked whether the waste hauler would treat this development as a single- or multi-account site. Mr. Larson said each would have a separate address. In response to comments from Commissioners Hernandez and Rennie, Mr. Larson affirmed that the complex would be used for rentals and the owners have no plans for eventual conversion to condominiums. In any case, Commissioner Fitzsimons pointed out, the question of condominiums is not germane to the Planning Commission discussion regarding this proposal. He said San Leandro needs affordable rentals, particularly three-bedroom units because there aren’t many of them now. In response to Commissioner Hernandez, Secretary Liao indicated that inclusionary requirements don’t apply to rental properties in California currently due to a recent court case, but an affordable housing component would kick in if the property is ever converted to condominiums. Conversion would be a long, drawn-out process, Chair Collier added. When Commissioner Hernandez asked whether eliminating one of the units would kill the project, Mr. Larson said he expected it would. Commissioner Rennie said the additional space would make it a very interesting project. Vice Chair Abero said that when the project comes back to the Planning Commission, if that unit remains she would want to understand why, and Chair Collier agreed. Secretary Liao summarized comments submitted by Commissioner Leichner into six categories: Land use and density: The proposed use is a thoughtful infill development compatible with nearby uses and the density limit should be increased to accommodate it. Setbacks: Because similar PDs with similar variances contribute to the neighborhood, he would support the comparable setbacks proposed. Architecture and design: The new buildings would complement existing ones and support a positive residential image, reinforced by the window and trellis detailing. Porches could