Reso 2025-151 Environmental Hazards Element General Plan

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S A N L E A N D R O G E N E R A L P L A N E N V I R O N M E N T A L H A Z A R D S 7-6 There are about 350 soft-story buildings in San Leandro. These are mostly two- and three-story structures with “tuck under” parking at the ground level and one to two stories of residential or office uses above. The design of such structures, with large openings, few internal walls on the ground floor, and slender columns supporting the weight of the upper floors, can result in inadequate lateral support during an earthquake. This type of construction was especially prevalent in the 1950s and 60s, a period during which much of San Leandro’s multi- family stock was built. Structural stability can be improved through the addition of shear walls and lateral bracing at the lower level. The General Plan recommends a soft story building improvement plan to avoid the potential for loss of housing stock and casualties during an earthquake. The City has about 320 tilt-up structures, mostly in the industrial areas. Many of these structures require additional roof-to-wall connections to avoid their collapse during an earthquake. Structural upgrades are typically required as these buildings are remodeled. There is also a large number of older wood-frame homes in San Leandro. About 10 percent of the City’s housing stock pre-dates 1940. The City has been implementing programs to help residents seismically strengthen their homes, including classes and seminars, tool lending, do- it-yourself retrofit guidance, and limited financial support to low-income homeowners. Many “brace and bolt” measures are relatively simple and affordable, but some can be a significant cost burden for property owners. The City will continue to pursue grants and other funding sources to support these programs in the future. San Leandro has completed the retrofitting of most public facilities, including City Hall, the Police Station, the Main Library, and most fire stations. Both the San Leandro and San Lorenzo Unified School Districts have also undertaken major seismic retrofit programs and continue to work to improve the safety of school facilities. Retrofit work by Caltrans and BART is ongoing, while EBMUD is undertaking a comprehensive program to reinforce its reservoirs and major water lines. Resolution No. 2025-151 Exhibit A 6 of 84