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File Number: 16-358 Policy 42.07 VISUAL LANDMARKS Promote the development of “signature” buildings and monuments that provide visual landmarks and create a more distinctive and positive impression of San Leandro within the greater Bay Area. Local design guidelines should ensure that such buildings and monuments respect the character, scale, and context of the surrounding area. The identity communicated by the standard corporate architectural design approach of the appellant’s proposal does not create a distinctive impression of or for San Leandro and fails to create architectural elements or interest that create a San Leandro-unique sense of place. The proposed removal of the “Greenhouse” atriums would eliminate the existing elements that distinguish this center from others in the City and the surrounding region, and the historical context of the previous land uses, namely greenhouses and botanical nurseries. Goal 43: Quality Construction and Design: Ensure that new construction and renovation contributes to the quality and overall image of the community. The proposed project eliminates existing elements (glass atriums) that are reminiscent of San Leandro’s past and reflect a positive community image connected to that past. The project proposes to replace these elements with sign towers that do not reflect the unique or distinct character of the community. Policy 43.06 ARCHITECTURAL INTEREST Encourage new structures to incorporate architectural elements that create visual interest such as trellises, awnings, overhangs, patios, and window bays. Avoid solid or blank street-facing walls. By removing the glass atriums (architectural elements that create visual interest), the project would directly conflict with this policy. By replacing these architectural elements with sign towers, the project would fail to create visual interest, reflect a sense of place, or contribute to the image of San Leandro. Policy 43.07 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS Improve the visual appearance of the City’s commercial and industrial areas by applying high standards of architectural design and landscaping for new commercial and industrial development and the re-use or remodeling of existing commercial and industrial buildings. The project makes no effort to draw from local building forms or references to guide project design. The proposed sign towers detract from the “low-slung,” predominantly horizontal building forms without enhancing the project site. Staff notes that although General Plan Update 2035 is yet to be adopted, a policy audit prepared for the Historic Preservation and Community Design Element indicates that the above goals and policies remain valid and will be carried forward in the updated General Plan. Consistency with Planned Development (PD-83-3) Staff cannot recommend approval of the proposed changes to the Planned Development because the project abandons the original design concept, does not comprehensively evaluate all storefronts within the shopping center, fails to propose an adequate substitute for Page 4 City of San Leandro Printed on 7/13/2016 38