CHAPTER

7

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HISTORIC PRESERVATIONAND COMMUNITY DESIGN

A. OVERVIEW

The Historic Preservation and Community DesignElement seeks to preserve San Leandro’s legacy ofhistoric resources, enhance the aesthetic character ofthe City, and maintain the features that make SanLeandro unique. Although the Element is notexplicitly required by State law, its goals are amongthe highest of City priorities.

Historic Preservation is defined as the sensitivemaintenance, continued use, and restoration ofolder buildings and sites having historic,architectural, aesthetic, or cultural value. As one ofthe oldest communities in the East Bay, San Leandrohas a rich and colorful history, presentingopportunities for a vital preservation program. Sucha program can provide economic and tourismbenefits, engender civic pride, and create a stronger“sense of place” in the City. Many historic buildingsin San Leandro have been lost to demolition overthe past century—the General Plan seeks to avoidfurther unnecessary losses so that living remindersof the City’s heritage may be preserved for futuregenerations.

Community Design addresses all aspects of theCity’s visual appearance—from the design of itsbuildings to the character of its gateways, streetsand public spaces. Architecture, constructionmaterials, and landscaping play a major role in howSan Leandro looks and feels. Policies and actions inthis Element ensure that new construction andrehabilitation projects will be sensitive to theirsurroundings and contribute positively to thecharacter of the City. The Element places particularemphasis on the “greening” of San Leandro throughadditional tree planting and landscaping. Ultimately,a greener and more attractive City can provideeconomic and property value benefits as well asecological and aesthetic benefits.

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earthquakes, fires, or demolition. The only structurestill standing in San Leandro confirmed to pre-datethe City’s 1872 incorporation is the Alta Mira Club,constructed in 1860 and located at 561 LafayetteAvenue. That building, originally the home ofIgnacio Peralta, has been a designated CaliforniaHistorical Landmark since 1937 and has been on theNational Register of Historic Places since 1978.

There are several dozen structures in the City builtbetween 1870 and 1900 that are still standing. Mostare residential buildings built in the vernacular orVictorian styles that were popular at the time. TheDaniel Best Home, an Italianate Victorian built inthe late 1870s at Clarke and Estudillo, is probablythe best example. Elsewhere in the City, there are afew examples of Queen Anne, Second Empire, andItalianate homes, generally scattered to the southeastof Downtown. Another concentration of turn-of-thecentury vernacular homes can be found alongOrchard Avenue between Davis and Williams Street.These homes are notable for the community ofPortuguese settlers that once resided there.

B. HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Historic and ArchaeologicalResources

The San Leandro area was home to NativeAmericans for more than 3,000 years before the firstEuropean settlers arrived. Very few traces of thenative inhabitants remain today, but evidence fromnearby sites and early records provides a picture ofwhat life was like in the area prior to the arrival ofSpanish explorers and missionaries. At least 10archaeological sites have been identified betweenSan Leandro Creek and San Lorenzo Creek, mostconsisting of remnant shell mounds near the Marinaand along the banks of the creeks.

There are also few remaining traces of the first 100years of European settlement in San Leandro. Avariety of Early California architectural styles existedin the town during the 1850s and 1860s, but virtuallyall of these structures were lost as a result of

Little Brown Church, rear of 384 Estudillo, 1880

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San Leandro has a handful of non-residentialbuildings dating from the late 1800s. These aregenerally small wood frame structures, such as theLittle Brown Church, the Holy Ghost (I.D.E.S.)Chapel, the Little Shul synagogue, and the formerSouthern Pacific Railroad Depot. Some of thesebuildings have been moved from their originallocations but they are still important culturallandmarks.

The City has several hundred structures dating fromthe early 20th century, but only a few have beenofficially recognized as historically significant. Thebest known—the Casa Peralta at 384 West EstudilloAvenue—was built in 1901 by one of IgnacioPeralta’s daughters. The Casa was originally built asa Victorian residence but was remodeled as aMoorish villa in 1926. The building was donated tothe City in 1971 and has been on the NationalRegister of Historic Places since 1982.

There are also a number of distinctive commercialstructures from the early 1900s, including the neo-classical Daniel Best Building (1909) at East 14thand Estudillo. Its distinctive white terra cotta façadeand prominent clock make this building thesymbolic “heart” of San Leandro. Unfortunately,many of the nearby buildings of this era were lostduring the last half of the 20th century to make wayfor parking or more modern structures.

There are many examples of early 20th centuryresidential architecture in San Leandro, especially inthe northeast part of the City. Some 3,700 homes inSan Leandro pre-date World War II. Neighborhoodssuch as Broadmoor, Estudillo Estates, Peralta, andFarrelly Pond are characterized by well-maintainedCalifornia bungalows, Craftsman and Prairie-stylehomes, and Mediterranean-style cottages. Some ofthese neighborhoods include design elementstypical of the City Beautiful movement of the early1900s, including winding streets, manicured openspaces (such as Victoria Circle), gracious street trees,and large front lawns.

Structures built between 1940 and 1960 representabout half of San Leandro’s housing stock and muchof its non-residential building stock. Some of thesestructures are approaching the point where they toomay be recognized for their historic value. This isparticularly true for large commercial structures suchas the Bal Theater and the Pelton Center, both builtin the late 1940s and both good examples of thearchitectural conventions that were in vogue at thattime. Some of the signage from this era alsocontributes to architectural character and provides anostalgic connection to the City’s past.

Many of the historic resources in the City are lessobvious than the structures described above. Forinstance, the City contains several heritage trees thathave been recognized as significant. There are alsoimportant resources just outside the City limits, suchas the San Lorenzo and Cavalry Cemeteries, old SanLorenzo Village, and the Lake Chabot Dam.

Daniel Best Home, 1870s

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San Leandro also has numerous sites whereimportant buildings (such as the Alameda CountyCourthouse) once stood. Even though the buildingsthemselves are gone, there is an opportunity toincrease public awareness of the past throughplaques and markers. There may also be places inthe City yet to be recognized for their historicsignificance, such as the first of the thousands ofhomes in the Washington Manor tract, or the fewremaining greenhouses and nurseries which recallthe City’s agricultural past.

A pro-active approach to preservation would helppreserve these resources, while supporting otherGeneral Plan goals related to neighborhoodcharacter, community spirit, and the overall qualityof life in San Leandro.

Developing a More EffectivePreservation Program

San Leandro has yet to attain the full range ofbenefits that are possible with an effective historic

preservation program. Some of the City’s mostimportant resources remain at risk and arevulnerable to unsympathetic additions, alterations,and even demolition. The policies and actions inthis General Plan ensure that future developmentdecisions are more sensitive to historic resources.The intent is to create a preservation strategy thatconserves neighborhoods and revitalizes shoppingdistricts while maintaining flexibility for propertyowners.

As the Mission Statement on page 291 suggests, amore systematic and comprehensive approach topreservation is needed. An essential first step is toundertake a comprehensive inventory of localhistoric resources. Such an inventory has not beenconducted in San Leandro since 1974, when a localregistry of two dozen historic buildings and fourheritage trees was created (see Table 7-1 and Figure7-1). Structures built after 1910 were largelyexcluded from the registry, as they were stillconsidered too recent at the time. Today, a muchlarger portion of the City’s building stock could becalled historic and/or worthy of preservation. In

fact, the CaliforniaEnvironmental Quality Act(CEQA) stipulates that allproperties 50 years or oldershould be evaluated for theirhistoric value when projectsaffecting their character areproposed.

Part of this initial step is todevelop clear, consistentcriteria for identifying historicbuildings. The NationalRegister and the Secretary ofthe Interior Standards providea good starting point.Compliance with thesestandards also assures thelegal adequacy of the City’sprogram and can improve theCity’s eligibility for grants.

397 Maud Avenue, 1880s

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The City’s preservation program should identify thefollowing types of local historic resources:

� Historic Sites and Structures. This wouldinclude individual buildings or sites determined tohave special historic, cultural, educational,archaeological, or aesthetic value. The City’sexisting registry—containing 22 buildings andthree trees—should be expanded to includeimportant structures such as City Hall and theVeterans Memorial Building. A comprehensivesurvey would identify additional structures to beconsidered for listing.

� Historic Districts. Historic districts aregeographic areas with large concentrations ofhistoric structures. The General Plan proposes an“Old San Leandro” Historic District in the vicinityof the Casa Peralta and Daniel Best House.A second district could be considered in the“Kanaka Row” area along Orchard Avenue. TheCity already has provisions in its zoning code toaccommodate such districts (“L-LandmarkOverlay” zone). The “L” zone could be mapped inappropriate areas to protect historically significantstructures and ensure that infill development iscompatible with the area’s historic character.

� Neighborhood Conservation Districts (orHeritage Neighborhoods). These are areascharacterized by older (pre-1940) housing stock,along with historic street furniture, signs, andlandscape design elements. Although theindividual structures in such areas may not behistorically significant, collectively they are animportant reminder of the City’s architecturalheritage. Design guidelines and zoning standardsin such areas should ensure that future changesrespect the character of the neighborhood.

A critical part of a successful preservation programis working with the owners of historic propertiesto ensure that the City’s guidelines and processesare reasonable and do not create a financial oradministrative burden for property owners.The City’s intent is not to discourage alterations ordictate narrow standards for building colors ormaterials. Rather, the objective is to maintain theoverall character of historic areas, and promote thesensitive maintenance and continued use of olderbuildings.

Preservation is as much about shaping the future asit is about saving the past. With this in mind, theGeneral Plan advocates bringing back some of thehistoric elements that have been lost in San Leandro,such as the Downtown Plaza and street grid. It alsoadvocates a comprehensive approach topreservation, looking not only at the builtenvironment, but at the people, events, and culturesthat have shaped local history.

The GPAC’s Historic Preservation and

Community Design Subcommittee believed

an overarching mission statement was an

important first step to an effective preservation

program for the City. Accordingly, the following

statement has been developed:

“The mission of San Leandro’s Historic

Preservation program is:

� To preserve and maintain sites and structures

that serve as significant, visible reminders of

San Leandro’s social and architectural

history.

Historic Preservation Mission Statement

� To integrate historic preservation more fully

into San Leandro’s comprehensive planning

process.

� To increase public awareness of local history.

� To contribute to the economic development

and vitality of the City.

� To preserve the character and livability of San

Leandro’s neighborhoods and strengthen civic

pride through neighborhood conservation.”

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Table 7-1 Documented Historic Structures in San Leandro, 20011

Name Listings Year Built Status

HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Alta Mira Clubhouse NR, LR, CHL, CPHI 1860 Community Facility

Casa Peralta NR, LR, CPHI 1901 Community Facility

Daniel Best House LR, CPHI 1870s Group home

Little Brown Church LR, CPHI 1880 Relocated to rear of Casa Peralta

Manuel Garcia Home LR, CPHI 1875 Private residence

Captain Roberts Home LR, CPHI 1878 Private residence

Southern Pacific RR Depot LR, CPHI 1898 Relocated to Thrasher Park

Little Shul LR, CPHI 1889 Relocated, in use as Synagogue annex

Holy Ghost Chapel/IDES Hall LR, CPHI 1889 Community Facility

Best Building LR 1911 Office building and bank

308 W. Joaquin LR 1896 Private residence

1363 Hays (blacksmith shop) LR Est 1900 Garage (for 308 W. Joaquin)

857 Estudillo LR Est 1890 Private residence

678 Juana LR 1890 Private residence

397 Maud LR 1880s Private residence

310-312 Warren LR Est 1900 Private residence

291 Joaquin LR 1885 Private residence

659 Estudillo LR 1900-1910 Private residence

Orchard Avenue Neighborhood LR Est 1880-1900 Approximately 20 private (Kanaka Lane) residences

28 Dabner LR, CPHI 1872 Private residence

444 Harlan LR Unk. Water tank house

383 Preda LR Unk. Water tank house

HISTORIC SITES (building no longer present)

DeAnza Expedition Site/ CHL Est. 1775 Plaque at Hays/E.14th (Root Park)Rancho San Antonio marker

Jose Joaquin Estudillo Home CHL 1850 Plaque only: site now St. Leanders Rectory

Roberts Landing CPHI Est. 1850 Plaque along shoreline trail; no structure

San Leandro Town Hall site CPHI 1876 Site at 250 Davis; no plaque observed

Alameda County Courthouse CPHI 1857 Plaque at Davis at Clarke, site now St. Leanders Elementary School

(table continued on next page)

1 Two structures which are on the City’s local register and which arenoted in the 1989 General Plan appear to have been demolished.These are the residence at 525 Estudillo and the water tank house at254 Callan.

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Table 7-1 Documented Historic Structures in San Leandro, 20011

Name Listings Year Built Status

HISTORIC SITES (building no longer present), continued

San Leandro Ball Park CPHI NA San Leandro Blvd at Parrott, site now BART Parking. No plaque.

San Leandro Plaza CPHI 1872 Plaque at East 14th and Washington

Methodist Church CPHI 1856 Was at 1349 Hays Street, site now Odd Fellows Building

Best Tractor CPHI 1886 Was at 800 Davis Street, site now apartment complex. Plaque and remnant doorway arch at 1000 Davis.

Alameda County Gazette CPHI 1856 Was at NE Corner Davis at Clarke, site now office building

San Leandro Reporter CPHI 1878 Was near Davis and Clarke Street

Mulford Clubhouse CPHI Unk. Located at 13075 Aurora Drive

Thrasher Park CPHI 1917 Davis at Orchard

Portuguese Union of California CPHI 1889/1909 Was at 1120 East 14th Street, site now Long’s Drug Store

HISTORIC LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS

Oyster Beds CHL Est. 1890 Plaque at San Leandro Marina

Lake Chabot CPHI 1909 Plaque at Upper Lake Chabot Rd

Cavalry Cemetery CPHI 1874 Hills SE of Bay-O-Vista (outside City)

Tree at Juana and Bancroft LR NA NA

Redwood Trees at 647 Juana LR NA NA

Redwood Trees at 651 Juana LR NA NA

KEYNR = National Register of Historic PlacesCHL = California Historical LandmarkCPHI = California Place of Historical InterestLR = Local Register (Protected by Ordinance 74-12)

Sources: Library-Historical Commission, 1986. State Office of Historic Preservation, 2000. City of San Leandro and Barry J Miller, 2000.

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Defining the City’s Role

Once the City has inventoried its resources, the taskremains to establish a more proactive localpreservation program. San Leandro has yet to bedesignated as a “Certified Local Government” (CLG),a federal program which enables cities to apply forstate and federal grants, receive technical trainingand assistance, and implement key preservationinitiatives. Preparation of a Historic PreservationAction Plan is recommended as a follow-up to theGeneral Plan to obtain CLG status and establish amore detailed strategy for implementation.

Presently, the major implementing tool forpreservation in San Leandro is the City’s HistoricPreservation Ordinance. The Ordinance requires thatpermits for demolition, removal, or substantialalterations to documented historic structures or trees

be referred to the City’s Library-HistoricalCommission for a recommendation. It provides fordemolition delay in the event that buildings ofpotential historic importance are threatened. TheOrdinance applies only to the structures and treeslisted on the City’s historic registry. An update of theOrdinance, now more than 25 years old, isrecommended so that it reflects current practices inthe preservation field.

The General Plan also proposes an expanded rolefor the San Leandro Library-Historical Commission.The Commission will take responsibility forimplementing many of the program recommenda-tions related to historic preservation. It will alsowork in partnership with local preservation groupsto advocate for new preservation programs, grants,and projects. Other activities planned to strengthenthe City’s commitment to preservation include better

record keeping and data base management,staff training in preservation standards andprocedures, and the commitment of staffingto implement preservation programs.

The City can also improve preservation effortsby acting as liaison between the many groupsin San Leandro that undertake preservationactivities. There are several organizations inthe City that promote preservation directlyand others that play a secondary role bysupporting the appreciation of local heritageand culture. By coordinating the work ofthese organizations, the City can contribute tomore widespread appreciation of SanLeandro’s cultural and historic resources.

176 Joaquin Avenue

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Public Awareness of Local History

The loss of many local historic buildings during the1950s, 1960s, and 1970s has resulted in a diminishedawareness of San Leandro history among manyresidents. In fact, surveys conducted over the courseof the General Plan found that one in five residentsperceived that the City had no historic buildings atall.2

This General Plan proposes a multi-faceted strategyto raise awareness of San Leandro’s history andhistoric resources. Such awareness can buildbroader community support for preservation, whileincreasing civic pride and a sense of community.Policies and actions under Goal 40 propose the useof books, videos, brochures, and other media toinform the public about San Leandro’s history andthe significance of various places and buildings in

the City. Continuation of existing programs,including walking tours, awards programs, plaquesand markers, cultural fairs, and school curricula onSan Leandro history, also is recommended.

It is particularly important that outreach andeducational efforts are culturally inclusive. As SanLeandro becomes more diverse, programs thathonor the history of different ethnic groups in theCity and the contributions of individual residentsbecome a more fundamental part of building“community.” Appreciation of cultural and ethnichistory in San Leandro can provide inspiration fortoday’s youth and help people of all backgroundsunderstand important events in the City’s past.

2 Poll conducted in January 2001. Of 758 responses to the question,“What historic building in the City is most important to you,87 responded “don’t know” and 56 replied “none.”

Lamplighter’s Home, 28 Dabner Street, 1872

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The Economics of Preservation

The economic benefits of historic preservation arewell documented. Direct benefits include the taxcredits or property tax breaks that may be grantedfor officially designated buildings. A more subtlebenefit is the economic development boost thatcomes with the unique ambiance of a historic area.In business districts, the special atmosphere ofrestored older buildings can attract customers andact as a catalyst for investment in neighboringproperties. In residential areas, preservation effortscan lead to higher property values and enhance thedesirability of a neighborhood. Preservation itselfmay generate jobs, particularly for skilledcraftspersons. Preservation can also spur the growthof tourism, especially where districts of historicbuildings have been restored and converted tocontemporary uses such as cafes and galleries.

The General Plan also calls for programs whichensure that historic preservation makes economicsense for property owners. These programs includefinancial incentives such as loans and reduced fees,development incentives such as zoning bonuses andthe use of the State Historic Building Code, anddirect financial aid through the RedevelopmentAgency. The use of the California Mills Act is alsorecommended, allowing reductions of propertytaxes for owners who agree to preserve andmaintain a historic property for at least 10 years.

CHART 7-1 Survey Findings—City Beautification

50 100 150 200 250 300

Q. What specific improvements would make your neighborhood (or business area) a more beautiful place to live (or work)? (1,140 responses)

MORE GREENERY/TREES

TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS

COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION

PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE

UNDERGROUND UTILITIES

IMPROVE YARDS

REDUCE LITTER/GRAFFITI

ADDRESS SAFETY/CRIME

Number of Responses

Source: General Plan Citywide Survey, 2001

C. COMMUNITY DESIGN

Overview

San Leandro is set in a physically beautiful location,with picturesque hills, an unspoiled waterfront, andsuperb views and vistas. These natural features haveshaped the City’s development and define many ofits present-day visual qualities. The primary visualimpression of the City, however, is that of a maturesuburban community. Features like freeways,buildings, and signs define much of the City’scharacter and image, particularly for travelerspassing through on the freeways or on BART.

One of the challenges facing San Leandro in thenew millenium is to establish a stronger identity foritself—to more clearly distinguish itself from othercities in the East Bay and be a place that peopleremember and want to return to. Because the City isadjacent to other urban areas on the north andsouth, it is now difficult to distinguish where SanLeandro “begins” and “ends.” The City is relativelyflat and open, and there are few strong visuallandmarks. Moreover, many of the City’s majorthoroughfares are not particularly memorable, andsome present an outdated impression.

On the other hand, the individual neighborhoodsthat make up the City—and many of theshopping and business districts—are wellkept and attractive. Older neighborhoodsin the City have an ambiance that ishighly prized, and newer neighborhoodshave attractively designed housing andcommunity spaces. Even the post-war erasubdivision tracts have matured gracefullyand come into their own as comfortableneighborhoods.

The Focus Area Strategies in the GeneralPlan’s Land Use Element create anopportunity to create a stronger and morepositive image of the City. But imagebuilding will take more than simplyrefurbishing individual buildings andredeveloping individual sites. A concerted

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effort must be made to improve gateways,thoroughfares, public buildings, parks, and the otherpublic spaces that define impressions of SanLeandro. Policies in the Community Design Elementnot only seek to create a stronger identity for theCity, they strive for a more engaging and memorablevisual image.

Chart 7-1 provides some indication of San Leandro’saesthetic priorities today. The Chart suggests strongsupport for additional street trees and landscaping.Many San Leandro neighborhoods lack a maturetree canopy and some of the commercial andindustrial areas have a stark or barren quality.Throughout the General Plan update, there wasconsistent and vocal support for additional tree

planting on public property and greater attention tothe landscaping of medians and roadsides.

Other aesthetic improvements also rank high on thepriority list. These include the revitalization ofcommercial strips and shopping centers, higherquality architecture and design, well maintainedpublic facilities (including streets), high standardsfor the maintenance of homes and yards, and clean-up of litter and graffiti. All of these improvementswould leave a more positive imprint of the City onresidents and visitors, and present a more favorableimpression of San Leandro to the rest of the region.

857 Estudillo Avenue, approx. 1890

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Building a Sense of Place

Communities with a strong “sense of place” usuallyshare several qualities, such as interesting orhistoric architecture, unique shops or businesses,and lively public spaces. Some of these qualitiesexisted in San Leandro prior to World War II butwere compromised as the City grew and adaptedto modern times. There are opportunities forrestoration, however, and opportunities to createthese qualities anew in redeveloping areas.San Leandro has many places with the potential tobecome more unique destinations. Each of theseareas also should help create a more distinct imagefor the City as a whole.

The key factors that contribute to San Leandro’ssense of place are described below. Each isaddressed in the policies and actions under Goal 42.

Gateways

One of the most effective ways to distinguish SanLeandro from its neighbors is to enhance thegateways into the City (see Figure 7-2). Gatewayscan incorporate monuments, welcome signs,landscaped esplanades, pavement changes, andother features that create a sense of arrival andvisual interest. Gateways can also serve this functionfor individual neighborhoods, while contributing toneighborhood identity and pride.

Over the years, the City has invested in significantgateway improvements at the following locations:

� Davis Street east of I-880. Davis Street is one ofthe main points of entry into the City and is themain access route between the Nimitz Freewayand Downtown. Landscaping, decorative soundwalls, and road widening were all completed inthe early 1990s. The task is not finished, however.Some of the street frontage remains vacant, andthere are opportunities for attractively landscapedand designed buildings on both sides of the streetbetween Pierce Avenue and San LeandroBoulevard.

� North Area Gateway Streets (San LeandroBoulevard, East 14th Street, Bancroft, andMacArthur Boulevard). These four streets serve asthe main entries into San Leandro from EastOakland. The most significant change has beenmade on East 14th Street, where a gatewaymonument in the center of the street clearly marksthe entrance into San Leandro. Lower-profile entrymarkers have been placed along the other threestreets.

� Marina Boulevard east of I-880. Like DavisStreet, Marina Boulevard is one of the majorpoints of entry into the City from the freeway.Much of the frontage between the Nimitz Freewayand San Leandro Boulevard has been redevelopedover the past decade and the street’s character haschanged from industrial to auto-orientedcommercial. There are opportunities for a morepositive statement here, particularly at the eastend of the corridor, between Alvarado Street andSan Leandro Boulevard. Landscaping, treeplanting, and other design improvements on bothpublic and private property are stronglysupported.

� Joaquin Avenue at Grand. An entry marker hasbeen placed at this location, providing a cleargateway for persons entering the City fromInterstate 580. Similar markers could be placed onDutton and Estudillo, since these roads carry themajority of traffic between I-580 and centralSan Leandro.

The City has also developed neighborhoodgateways for major residential areas, such asHalcyon-Foothill, Davis West, and Broadmoor. Someneighborhoods presently lack gateway features andwould benefit from such improvements in thefuture.

Several areas have been identified as priorities forfuture gateways. These include:

� Doolittle Drive from Oakland to Davis Street.Doolittle Drive is the major gateway into SanLeandro from Oakland International Airport.Planned improvements were identified in the 1999Airport Gateway Plan, prepared jointly by SanLeandro and the City of Oakland. Tree planting,landscaping, and frontage improvements areplanned to beautify this corridor, as well as the98th Avenue and Hegenberger corridors inOakland.

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� East 14th Street atBayfair. This is the majorentry into the City fromthe south. A strongergateway feature isparticularly importanthere, as there are noobvious physical featuresthat separate San Leandrofrom unincorporatedAshland. Alameda County’sEast 14th Street UrbanDesign Plan proposes asignificant investment intree planting, streetlighting, sidewalk widening,and utility undergroundingin this vicinity.

� Washington Manor Areagateways. A numberof gateways into the Cityexist along its southernboundary, includingHesperian Boulevard,Lewelling Boulevard, andWashington Avenue. Again, a stronger sense ofarrival into San Leandro could be created throughmore prominent signage and landscaping at theselocations.

� Downtown Area gateways. The Focus Area textfor Downtown and the Downtown BART area(Chapter 3) identifies planned improvements toDowntown gateways, including San LeandroBoulevard, West Estudillo Avenue and WestJoaquin Avenue. Changes to roadways, sidewalks,and planting areas are planned to provide safer,more inviting pedestrian connections betweenBART and Downtown San Leandro.

� Marina Boulevard west of I-880. The City ismoving forward with the construction of alandscaped San Leandro Marina gateway at MarinaBoulevard and Neptune Drive. Additionalimprovements should be explored along MarinaBoulevard between this area and the Freeway.

Activity Centers

Activity centers are the places in a communitywhere people gather. They can include shoppingcenters, transit stations, parks, civic buildings, officebuildings, and other places that provide a focus forthe day to day activities that go on in a city. Themost successful and memorable activity centersusually serve multiple functions and are designedwith pedestrians in mind. At one time, theDowntown Plaza was the major activity center inSan Leandro. Although the Plaza’s appearance haschanged substantially during the last 50 years, thereare plans to restore some its original designelements and function as a civic gathering place.

The Land Use Element sets forth a strategy to moreclearly define activity centers in San Leandro,particularly Downtown and along East 14th Street.Adding amenities such as street trees and widersidewalks can make these areas more attractive tovisit. Placing parking lots to the rear of buildingsinstead of along the street frontage also can improvevisual quality. Meanwhile, encouraging particularuses or promoting unique architectural themes canlend character and help these areas stand out fromother parts of the City and region.

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Views and Vistas

Views are also an important part of San Leandro’scharacter. The hill neighborhoods feature dramaticand panoramic views across the City andsurrounding region. Many shoreline areas alsofeature sweeping views, taking in the open watersof the Bay and landmarks on the western horizon.Elsewhere in the City, the San Leandro Hills form anattractive backdrop for many residential areas.

The City has taken steps to preserve panoramicviews within the San Leandro Hills by limiting theheight of new homes and additions and solicitingpublic input when new homes and major additionsare proposed. Such measures should help preservethe defining qualities of Bay-O-Vista and otherhillside neighborhoods. Elsewhere in the City,discretionary review is typically required for largehomes and additions, creating an opportunity toprotect privacy and preserve important views.

Visual Landmarks

One way to maintain civic identity is to preserve thestructures or landscape features that provideorientation in the City. Visual landmarks need notbe historic structures. For instance, the tallestbuilding in San Leandro is the Kraft/General Foodsfactory—a structure not particularly renowned for itsarchitectural beauty. The factory is nonetheless aquickly recognized focal point and hallmark of theSan Leandro cityscape. The same might be said ofthe Bal Theater, St. Leander’s Church, and some ofthe vintage signs along East 14th Street—or even therow of eucalyptus trees that follow San LeandroCreek.

There are opportunities to create new landmarks indeveloping parts of the City. Buildings in these areascan become points of visual interest by includingarchitectural features (such as bell towers or spires)that can be appreciated from nearby areas.

Quality Construction and Design

The appearance of the City’s buildings is probablythe most obvious aspect of community design.Design guidelines have been prepared for a numberof areas in San Leandro, such as Downtown and theNorth Area. These guidelines ensure that newdevelopment fits with the surrounding context andenhances the area’s overall appearance. In eachcase, the guidelines reflect the City’s aspirations forhow each area should look, noting the qualities tobe preserved or created as development takes place.

San Leandro’s design review program may beexpanded during the coming years to place agreater emphasis on corridor streets, City gateways,and older residential neighborhoods. The objectivein such areas is not to require new buildings tomimic or copy adjacent structures. Rather, it is toencourage new buildings and additions that respecttheir surroundings. The general emphasis should beon the overall scale and mass of new structuresrather than detailed or prescriptive standards.

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In older areas with a strong sense ofarchitectural character, neighborhood fabriccan be easily disrupted by projects that areinsensitive to neighbors, block views, or areexcessively large or bulky. New constructionin such areas should be compatible withprevailing building styles, heights,dimensions, and setbacks. In newer areasthat lack defining characteristics, designguidelines should encourage architecturalinnovation and diversity. Such areas provideopportunities to create a stronger identityand set a higher standard for newdevelopment.

The quality of construction is also animportant part of community design. Themost highly regarded buildings in SanLeandro tend to be those that are built of qualitymaterials, with attention to detail and excellentcraftsmanship. The City’s plan checking andbuilding inspection programs assure that newconstruction will meet a basic standard of qualityand safety. An annual design awards program hasbeen instituted by the City to recognize those whoexceed this standard and demonstrate exemplarydesign and construction quality.

The City can be a role model for private propertyowners in the design and appearance of publicfacilities and properties. New community facilities,fire stations, libraries, and other public buildingsshould set an example by being attractivelydesigned. Likewise, the School Districts and otherpublic agencies should strive for architecturalexcellence and a high level of craftsmanship in newfacilities and major remodeling projects.

Toward a More Visually AttractiveCity

Perhaps the most deeply ingrained impressions ofSan Leandro are formed by its thoroughfares andpublic spaces. In fact, many Bay Area residents mayknow San Leandro only as the “next three exits” onthe freeway. Others know the City only fromtraveling through on BART or along East 14th Street.Although the opportunities to influence perceptionsfrom these vantage points may be limited, the sheervolume of people passing through the City in thismanner each day make it imperative to do whatevercan be done to impart a positive impression.

The policies and actions under Goal 44 represent acitywide strategy to beautify the City’s streets andpublic spaces. Components of this strategy includescenic highway designations, street trees, public art,utility undergrounding, sign control, lighting, andthe inclusion of urban open spaces in newdevelopment areas. The City’s RedevelopmentProject Areas provide an important vehicle forimplementing this strategy. One of the central goalsof redevelopment in San Leandro is to remove blightand improve the visual quality of the City’scommercial and industrial districts.

Scenic Highways

The 1989 San Leandro General Plan designated boththe Nimitz and MacArthur Freeways as scenichighways. Although the designation was largelysymbolic, it was intended to encourage Caltrans toinvest in landscaping and decorative sound wallsand sustain a high level of maintenance on bothroads. The City continues to have a strong interestin participating in the design of any proposedchanges to the freeways to ensure that they conveya favorable impression of San Leandro.

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The 1989 General Plan also designated Davis Street,Marina Boulevard, Doolittle Drive (north of Davis),Fairmont Drive, Neptune Drive, and EstudilloAvenue/Lake Chabot Road as scenic highways. Thedesignation does not necessarily mean that theroads are picturesque. Rather, it notes theirimportance in defining first impressions of the City.Thus, similar designations should be placed onWashington Avenue, East 14th Street, HesperianBoulevard, Dutton Avenue, and San LeandroBoulevard (see Figure 7-2). The designation of thesestreets as scenic roadways effectively establishesthem as priority areas for streetscape beautificationprojects.

Because most San Leandro streets have been inplace for decades and have privately developedfrontage, achieving an attractive appearance is notalways easy. Typically, streets feel more“comfortable” when they create a sense of enclosureand are designed for pedestrians and bicyclists aswell as vehicles. This may not be practical on streetslike Marina Boulevard and Doolittle Drive butlandscaping and lighting can still beautify the streetenvironment. The extent of planting area, width andcondition of the pavement, amount and speed oftraffic, location of parking, and heights and setbacksof abutting buildings and signs, all determinewhether the street is perceived as a comfortablecivic space or merely a conduit for cars.

Please consult the Transportation Element (Chapter 4)for additional guidelines on improving the visualquality of City streets and making San Leandro morepedestrian friendly. In addition, the Focus Areadiscussions in Chapter 3 identify ways to improve theappearance of specific thoroughfares in the City.

Street Trees

Street trees positively affect the character of manySan Leandro neighborhoods. They provide a sourceof natural beauty and an immediate connection tonature. Properly selected and maintained, streettrees can turn a barren street into a park-likeenvironment. Street trees also provide ecologicalbenefits, such as habitat for wildlife, buffering ofnoise, and absorption of runoff and air pollutants.

Street trees are currently required in newsubdivisions and are a key component of mostcommercial improvement programs in the City. Forinstance, tree planting was a major feature in therecent redesign of East 14th Street in the North Area.While these efforts have helped in the “greening” ofseveral neighborhoods and shopping areas, a largenumber of trees continue to be removed in the Citybecause of disease, age, hazards to nearbystructures, and homeowner preferences. A moreformalized citywide tree program is needed to guidetree selection, promote proper maintenance andcare, and establish priorities for City tree plantingefforts. There is also a need for better publiceducation on the City’s street tree installation andremoval requirements.

Although San Leandro does not require tree removalpermits on private property, the preservation andcare of trees is strongly encouraged. There areseveral large “heritage” trees in the City which mightbe afforded a higher level protection due to theirunique qualities or historic importance. Such treesshould be conserved as long as they remain healthyand do not pose a hazard to nearby properties.

Public Art

Public art can include sculpture, statues,monuments, murals, fountains, and other forms ofart which beautify public and private spaces in theCity. Good public art can enrich civic spaces andcelebrate local culture and history. It can enliven theimagination and spirit of the City.

San Leandro does not have a public art requirementfor private development but encourages outdoorsculpture and public gathering places in majorprojects. The City itself has developed or funded anumber of notable art pieces, such as the memorial

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to the Portuguese immigrant in Root Park. Notableopportunities for additional public art existDowntown, in the BART Station areas, along theshoreline, and in the major activity centers alongEast 14th Street and at Bayfair.

Utility Undergrounding

One of the most widespread sources of visual blightalong San Leandro’s thoroughfares and in itsneighborhoods is overhead utility wires. The Cityhas worked with local utility companies for morethan 30 years to place these wires underground, butthe costs are very high and progress has been slow.An Undergrounding Master Plan, including a projectpriority list, has been developed by the City. East14th Street has been identified as the City’s toppriority for undergrounding. However, this projectand some of the others may be delayed by PG&E’srecent financial insolvency.

Sign Control

Signs in San Leandro are regulated by the ZoningCode. During the past decade, enforcement of theCode has reduced visual clutter along the City’sthoroughfares and encouraged more attractive andtasteful signage. It is important to regularly updatethe sign regulations to keep pace with changes inthe types of signs and methods of advertising thatare being used. Moreover, there is ongoing interestin upgrading aesthetic standards and developingmore high quality signage, particularly for retailbusinesses and shopping centers. Design guidelinesfor major shopping streets should include provisionsfor signage which consider both business needs andaesthetic objectives.

Lighting

The lighting of streets and buildings should serve anaesthetic purpose as well as functional and safetypurposes. Vintage lighting fixtures are an importantpart of the ambiance of older San Leandroneighborhoods such as Broadmoor. In commercialareas, lighting can define the mood along the streetby night and enhance its appearance during the day.

The lighting of buildings is similarly important.Lighting should be an integral part of a building’sarchitecture, particularly in pedestrian-orientedcommercial districts. Uplighting of noteworthy

structures and landscaping can showcase some ofthe City’s best visual qualities. The way that signageis illuminated also can define an area’s character andaffect its overall appeal.

Urban Open Space

San Leandro should promote urban open spacessuch as plazas and courtyards wherever theopportunities present themselves. Fountains,waterfalls, trees, sculpture, seating areas, and otheramenities should be included in large developmentareas and in major public projects to enhance theirappeal and visual interest. Where the spaces arelarge enough, street vendors, special events, artfairs, farmers markets, and similar events should beencouraged to create active street life and placeswhere the public can gather. The areas around theDowntown BART station, the Downtown Plaza, andthe streets between BART and Downtown providethe most immediate opportunities for these types ofspaces. Opportunities for special paving, sidewalks,street furniture, and landscaping can enhance suchspaces, while reinforcing the image of Downtown asthe City center.

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D. GOALS, POLICIES, AND ACTIONS

Goal: Historic PreservationProgramIdentify, preserve, and maintain San Leandro’shistoric resources and recognize these resources asan essential part of the City’s character andheritage.

38.01 BROAD APPROACH TO PRESERVATIONTake a broad and comprehensive approach to historicpreservation in San Leandro. Preservation efforts shouldrecognize the City’s cultural history as well as itsarchitectural history, its neighborhoods as well asindividual buildings, its natural landscape as well as itsbuilt environment, and its archaeology as well as itsliving history.

38.02 ENHANCING LOCAL IDENTITYRecognize the potential for publicly sponsored historicpreservation programs and privately initiated historicpreservation efforts to enhance San Leandro’s identity asan attractive and distinct community.

38.03 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENTDevelop and maintain programs that recognize andprotect historic sites, structures, trees, and otherlandscape features.

Action 38.03-A: Downtown Plaza RevitalizationIn accordance with the recently adopted DowntownPlan, pursue the revitalization of the historic DowntownSan Leandro Plaza at Washington Avenue and East 14thStreet.

38.04 HISTORIC DISTRICTSEncourage the formation of local historic districts inareas where historic sites and structures are concen-trated. Such districts should provide for the preservation,restoration, and public recognition of the resourcescontained therein.

38

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS

� Preservation Program

� Preservation Program� Public/Private Partnerships

� Capital Improvement Program� Downtown Plan/Urban Design

Guidelines� Preservation Program

� Historic Districts� Preservation Program� Zoning Code

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Action 38.04-A: Old San Leandro Historic DistrictCreate an “Old San Leandro” Historic District in thevicinity of the Casa Peralta and Daniel Best House. Animmediate follow-up effort to the General Plan shouldidentify the boundaries of the District, along with specificprograms for improvement and restoration. Developmentand design standards for the District should ensure thatthe area’s historic ambiance and pedestrian scale ismaintained as future development takes place. AnOrchard Avenue Historic District (“Kanaka Row”) alsoshould be considered.

38.05 HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODSPromote the conservation of historic neighborhoods andthe restoration of historic features in such neighbor-hoods, including structures, street lamps, signage,landscaping, and architectural elements.

Action 38.05-A: Neighborhood ConservationDistricts (or Heritage Neighborhoods)Establish neighborhood conservation districts (or“Heritage Neighborhoods”) in parts of San Leandrocharacterized by pre-1940s era housing stock. Establishdesign guidelines for such areas that reflect prevailingarchitectural styles and scale, and promote compatiblealterations and infill development.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Historic Preservation Program continued)

� Design Guidelines� Preservation Program� Street Tree and Beautification

Programs

310-312 Warren Avenue, approx. 1900

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38.06 HISTORIC RESOURCE SURVEYSUpdate, expand, and maintain inventories of SanLeandro’s historic resources, using criteria and surveymethods that are consistent with state and federalguidelines.

Action 38.06-A: Criteria for Identifying HistoricResourcesDevelop and adopt criteria for identifying local historicresources, such as architectural characteristics, the ageof the structure, aesthetic values, and association withhistoric events or individuals. Such criteria should beconsistent with state and federal standards and shouldbe incorporated in the City’s Historic PreservationOrdinance.

Action 38.06-B: Expansion of the Historic RegistryUsing the adopted criteria, update the City’s historicresource inventory, create a digital photographic recordof each resource, and establish a mechanism formaintaining and expanding the historic register in thefuture. At a minimum, buildings to be added to theregister should include the Veterans MemorialAuditorium, McKinley and Washington ElementarySchools, and San Leandro City Hall.

38.07 PROTECTING RESOURCE INTEGRITYEnsure that new development, alterations, andremodeling projects on or adjacent to historic propertiesare sensitive to historic resources and are compatiblewith the surrounding historic context. Ensure that theSan Leandro Zoning Ordinance and any future designguidelines include the necessary standards and guide-lines to implement this policy.

38.08 RELOCATION OF HISTORIC STRUCTURESEncourage the relocation of older structures intodesignated historic districts as an alternative todemolition and an incentive for restoration.

38.09 MAINTENANCE AND REHABILITATIONStrongly encourage the maintenance and upkeep ofhistoric properties to avoid the need for costly rehabilita-tion and demolition. Demolition should only be allowedif the City determines that is necessary to protect health,safety, and welfare, and that the structure has noreasonable economic use.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Historic Preservation Program continued)

� Preservation Program

� Design Guidelines� Historic Districts� Landmarks Commission� Zoning Code (L overlay)

� Preservation Program

� Code Enforcement� Historic Pres. Ordinance� Preservation Program

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38.10 SEISMIC UPGRADESPromote the upgrading and restoration of historicstructures to meet current seismic safety codes, therebyreducing the potential for damage in an earthquake.Seismic rehabilitation projects should be sympathetic tothe architectural character of the structure.

38.11 POST-DISASTER REPLACEMENTIn the event that a historic structure is damaged by fireor earthquake to the point where demolition isnecessary, encourage the new structure to respect thehistoric architectural character and form of the buildingit replaces.

38.12 ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCESRecognize the potential for prehistoric and historicarchaeological resources and ensure that futuredevelopment takes the measures necessary to identifyand preserve such resources.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Historic Preservation Program continued)

� Design Guidelines� Development Review� Preservation Program

� Design Guidelines� Development Review

� CEQA� Development Review

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Action 38.12-A: Archaeological Site InventoryMaintain a data base on potential archaeological sites inthe City and use this information when reviewing futuredevelopment applications. Proximity to archaeologicalresources should be included as a criteria in the site planreview process.

38.13 PROTECTING THE RECENT PASTEnsure that local preservation programs includestructures from the recent past (after 1945) that representunique or noteworthy examples of the architecturalstyles and trends of the time.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Historic Preservation Program continued)

� Preservation Program

Captain Roberts Home, Lewelling Boulevard, 1878

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Goal: Defining the City’s RoleMake protection of historic resources a high Citypriority, to be implemented through improvedrecord keeping, adequately funded programs, andmore effective regulatory measures.

39.01 PRESERVATION AND CITY PLANNINGRecognize the importance of local historic and culturalresources in the City’s long-range planning activities,including the General Plan, redevelopment projectplans, and area or neighborhood plans. Maintain ahistoric preservation component in the General Plan,with periodic updates to reflect changing conditions,additional listings, and new preservation programs.

Action 39.01-A: Preservation Action PlanPrepare a Historic Preservation Action Plan, whichoutlines in greater detail how General Plan historicpreservation programs will be implemented and funded.

Action 39.01-B: Certified Local GovernmentDesignationTake the steps necessary to have San Leandro designatedas a Certified Local Government (CLG) for historicpreservation purposes, thereby making the City eligiblefor State historic preservation fund grants. These stepsinclude an updated survey of historic buildings, asdescribed in Action 38.06-B.

39.02 PLANNING AND BUILDING DECISIONSEnsure that day-to-day planning and building activities,including the issuance of building permits, demolitionpermits, zoning approvals, site plan approvals, and usepermits, are consistent with and further the achievementof local historic preservation goals.

Action 39.02-A: Historic Preservation StaffExplore the feasibility of creating a part-time staffposition, or dedicating a portion of an existing staffmember’s time, to address historic preservation issuesand research grant funding for preservation activities.

Action 39.02-B: Training ProgramEstablish an on-going training program for City Staff onlocal historic preservation standards and procedures.

Action 39.02-C: Amendments to ProjectReview CriteriaAmend the review criteria for site plans and otherdiscretionary approvals to assess the sensitivity of aproposed project to historic resources.

39

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS

� City Operating Procedures� Preservation Program

� CEQA� City Operating Procedures� Development Review� Zoning Code

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Action 39.02-D: CEQA ComplianceEnsure that California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) requirements for assessing potential impacts tohistoric resources are consistently followed when projectsare proposed.

39.03 HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCEMaintain a City Historic Preservation Ordinance thatprovides for the protection of historic resources withinthe City of San Leandro.

Action 39.03-A: Preservation Ordinance UpdateUndertake a comprehensive review of the City’s HistoricPreservation Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 4-26)and make the revisions necessary to ensure that thepolicies in the General Plan can be effectively carriedout.

39.04 REVIEW BOARD AUTHORITYEnsure that the City commissions and departmentsassigned to implement historic preservation programsare given the resources, tools, and authority neededto carry out these programs.

Action 39.04-A: Expanded Role for Library-Historical CommissionExpand City support for the Library-Historical Commis-sion so that they may effectively implement the GeneralPlan’s historic preservation policies and actions.The Commission shall be provided with the necessaryresources, as determined by the City Council, to makehistoric preservation a major focus of their efforts.

39.05 IMPROVED RECORD KEEPINGImprove City building permit and property records toensure that historic properties can be readily identifiedwhen applications for these properties are submitted.

Action 39.05-A: GIS Data on Historic ResourcesIncorporate information on historic properties into theCity’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and permittracking systems.

39.06 HISTORIC PUBLIC BUILDINGSTake a leadership role in historic preservation bymaintaining and reinvesting in older public buildings,and by working with the local school districts tomaintain and enhance historic school buildings.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Defining the City’s Role continued)

� Historic Pres. Ordinance

� Library-Historical Commission� Historic Pres. Ordinance

� Annual Budget� City Operating Procedures

� Annual Budget� Capital Improvement Program� Intergovernmental Coordination

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39.07 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPSPromote partnerships between the City of San Leandro,Alameda County, community groups, non-profits, andthe private sector to advance historic preservationactivities in the City and the sphere of influence.

39.08 CITIZEN-LED PRESERVATION EFFORTSEncourage and support grass-roots preservationefforts initiated by neighborhoods and communityorganizations. Provide technical support to such groupsand encourage their participation in City-sponsoredpreservation surveys and activities.

� Intergovernmental Coordination� Preservation Program� Public/Private Partnerships

� Library-Historical Commission� Preservation Program

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Defining the City’s Role continued)

1408 Orchard Avenue, approx. 1900

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Goal: Public Awareness ofLocal HistoryHeighten public awareness of San Leandro’shistory and historic resources, both locally andthroughout the Bay Area.

40.01 MEDIA DEVELOPMENTEncourage the development of books, videos,pamphlets, exhibits, displays, and other media thatcommemorate San Leandro history and historicresources.

Action 40.01-A: A Garden Grows in EdenUpdate “A Garden Grows in Eden,” the 1972 book onSan Leandro’s history, so that it adequately covers thesecond half of the 20th century. Update the centennialfilm that was produced to accompany the book.

Action 40.01-B: Local History Internet SiteExpand internet coverage of San Leandro history andhistoric resources, including a link from the City’s webpage to new sites on these topics (containing lists ofhistoric sites, photos of historic structures, informationon citizens who contributed to San Leandro history, etc.).

Action 40.01-C: Preservation PamphletPrepare an informational pamphlet on the City’spreservation program. The pamphlet should assistproperty owners in determining if their property ispotentially historic, provide guidelines for the nomina-tion and listing of historic properties, describe thebenefits of listing, and outline the procedures for makingalterations to listed structures.

40.02 SPECIAL EVENTSPromote festivals, walking tours, and special events thatcelebrate San Leandro history and culture.

Action 40.02-A: Volunteer Docent ProgramContinue the volunteer docent program on San Leandrohistory, including speakers and walking tour leaders.

Action 40.02-B: Heritage FestivalsContinue the annual “Day at the Casa” and otherspecial events commemorating San Leandro history.Explore the feasibility of an annual San LeandroHeritage Fair or integrating such an event into theannual Cherry Festival.

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IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS

� Annual Budget� Preservation Program� Public Education and Outreach

� Public Education and Outreach

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Action 40.02-C: Self-Guided TourPrepare an updated informational pamphlet or bookleton the local register of historic places, including adescription of each site and a self-guided walking tourhighlighting major landmarks.

40.03 SITE PLAQUESEncourage the identification of historic resources withplaques and markers.

Action 40.03-A: Marker and Plaque ProgramExpand the City’s historic marker and plaque program,and develop a priority list for marking additional sitesand structures.

40.04 COMMEMORATIVE ARTPromote murals, monuments, statues, and other formsof public art that commemorate San Leandro history andculture. Such projects should be incorporated in publicbuildings and major public works projects whereverfeasible.

40.05 COORDINATION OF PRESERVATION GROUPSEncourage communication and collaboration among thedifferent groups and organizations in the City thatpromote historic preservation, and among those groupsthat have an institutional knowledge of the City’s historyor historic resources. Support efforts by the San LeandroHistorical Society and other preservation groups to playa greater role in public education and advocacy regard-ing the City’s historic resources.

Action 40.05-A: Preservation Design AwardsContinue to incorporate historic preservation (e.g.,restoration projects) into local design awards programs.

Action 40.05-B: Expansion of ArchivesSupport the continued efforts of local historic preserva-tion groups to collect photos and other archival materialson the City’s history. A collection drive for the periodsince 1930 should be undertaken to augment theexisting archives and cover this important period in localhistory.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Public Awareness of Local History continued)

� Annual Budget� Preservation Program

� Annual Budget� Library-Historical Commission� Preservation Program

� Library-Historical Commission� Preservation Program

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40.06 SCHOOL CURRICULAContinue collaborative efforts by the City, the schooldistricts, the State of California, and local historicpreservation groups to integrate San Leandro historylessons and field trips into local teacher training andeducational curricula.

40.07 CULTURAL INCLUSIVENESSEnsure that San Leandro’s historic preservation effortsare culturally inclusive and recognize the contributionsof the City’s many ethnic groups to its development.Programs that trace the roots and celebrate the historyof different ethnic groups should be strongly encour-aged, along with outreach to minorities, youth andunder-represented groups.

Action 40.07-A: Ethnic HistoriesWork with local churches and community organizationsto develop an outreach program focused on the culturaland social histories of various ethnic groups in the City.

40.08 USE OF HISTORIC BUILDINGSEncourage the use of historic buildings for communityevents and the acquisition of important historic build-ings for public use as a means of increasing awarenessof local history.

Action 40.08-A: San Leandro History RoomMaintain the San Leandro History Room in the MainLibrary as a central repository for historic books, photos,records, and other materials associated with the City’shistory and expand these archives. Consider developingsimilar areas at branch libraries in the event thebranches are rebuilt or remodeled.

40.09 FAMOUS “SONS” AND “DAUGHTERS”Encourage programs that honor San Leandro residentswho have made significant contributions to local history.

40.10 HISTORIC INDUSTRY AND COMMERCEExpand awareness and recognition of the history ofindustry and commerce in San Leandro, and ensure thatthe local business community is fully engaged indiscussions about preservation.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Public Awareness of Local History continued)

� Intergovernmental Coordination� Preservation Program� Public Education and Outreach

� Library-Historical Commission� Preservation Program� Public Education and Outreach

� Capital Improvement Program� City Operating Procedures

� Library-Historical Commission� Preservation Program

� Preservation Program� Public/Private Partnerships

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Goal: The Economics ofPreservationRecognize historic preservation as an economicdevelopment tool, while ensuring that preservationactivities make economic sense for residents andbusinesses.

41.01 FUNDING SOURCESPursue a wide variety of grants and funds for futurepreservation efforts. Local benefactor programs, includ-ing corporate sponsorship, should be encouraged as ameans of raising funds for preservation activities.

Action 41.01-A: Local Revolving FundsExplore the feasibility of a local revolving fund offeringlow-interest loans to property owners for rehabilitationand preservation activities.

Action 41.01-B: State and Federal FundsApply for state and federal funding to implement localhistoric preservation programs, including the CaliforniaHeritage Fund and the National Trust for HistoricPreservation’s Main Street Program Fund.

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� Annual Budget� Grants� Public/Private Partnerships� Redevelopment Project Funding

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS

678 Juana Avenue, approx. 1890

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41.02 TAX CREDITS AND INCENTIVESEncourage the use of federal and state historicpreservation financial incentives, including historicpreservation tax credit and tax relief programs.

Action 41.02-A: Mills ActSeek opportunities to use the California Mills Act andfederal rehabilitation tax credit programs as financialincentives for historic building owners.

41.03 ECONOMIC ASSISTANCEPromote local economic incentives and assistanceprograms for preservation. Explore the feasibility ofother local programs that provide financial, technical, orlegal assistance to those undertaking preservationactivities in the City.

41.04 PLANNING AND BUILDING CODESEnsure that local planning and building codes andprocedures facilitate historic preservation.

Action 41.04-A: Removal of Regulatory ObstaclesReview San Leandro’s zoning and building codes andprocedures to identify potential obstacles to the reuse ofhistoric buildings. Develop a strategy to remove orreduce such obstacles if they exist.

41.05 PRESERVATION AND TOURISMPromote San Leandro’s history and historic buildings inthe City’s business development efforts, and pursueopportunities for additional historic visitor attractions inthe City.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (The Economics of Preservation continued)

� Business DevelopmentPrograms

� Program Development

� Business DevelopmentPrograms

� Redevelopment Project Funding

� Building Code� Zoning Code

� Business DevelopmentPrograms

� Preservation Program

Washington School, 1916

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Goal: Sense of PlacePromote a stronger “sense of place” inSan Leandro.

42.01 GATEWAYSDevelop landscaped gateway features to identifyneighborhoods, business districts, and major cityentryways. Gateways should incorporate design andgraphic themes that help define a unique identity foreach neighborhood and district.

Action 42.01-A: Gateway Improvement ProgramDevelop additional City gateway features along majorthoroughfares and around the BART Stations. Add thefollowing locations to the City’s existing list of gatewaysto be enhanced: Lewelling Boulevard and HesperianBoulevard (from Ashland) and Bancroft Avenue (fromOakland).

Action 42.01-B: Neighborhood GatewaysExpand the neighborhood gateway sign program andexplore funding sources, potential sites, and potentialdesigns for additional gateway signs.

42.02 GRAPHICS AND SIGNAGEEstablish citywide graphics and signage standards thathelp provide a better sense of municipal boundaries. Anexample might be the consistent use of the City logo (orthe use of distinctive lettering and color schemes) onCity street and directional signs.

Action 42.02-A: Citywide Directional Sign ProgramDevelop a citywide directional sign program withcoordinated graphic design elements and place suchsigns along major thoroughfares throughout SanLeandro. Directional signs should be used not only toorient travelers but also to provide a sense of continuitywithin the City.

42.03 URBAN DESIGN IMPROVEMENTSUse urban design elements such as bollards, pavers,fountains, signage, tree lighting, and street furniture(newspaper racks, benches, bus stops, planters, trashreceptacles, bike racks, etc.) to establish a strongerdesign identity for San Leandro’s commercial areas andmake the street environment more inviting forpedestrians.

42

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS

� Annual Budget� Capital Improvement Program� Street Tree and Beautification

Programs

� Capital Improvement Program� Engineering Development

Standards

� Capital Improvement Program� Design Guidelines� Redevelopment Project Funding� Street Tree and Beautification

Programs

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42.04 ARCHITECTURAL CONSISTENCYIn established neighborhoods, protect architecturalintegrity by requiring infill housing, replacementhousing, and major additions or remodels to besensitive to and compatible with the prevailing scaleand appearance of adjacent development.

Action 42.04-A: Design Guidelines for Infill HousingCreate residential design guidelines and/or developmentstandards for infill development. These guidelines and/orstandards should ensure that new homes and subdivi-sions are compatible with the various architectural stylesand character of different San Leandro neighborhoods.

Action 42.04-B: Small Lot Single Family andMulti-Family Design GuidelinesPrepare design guidelines for small lot single familyhome and multi-family developments which ensure thatsuch developments do not appear overly dense andrequire that ample amounts of useable open space arerequired.

Action 42.04-C: Neighborhood and BusinessProfilesDevelop neighborhood pamphlets, service directories,historical profiles, and other public informationmaterials that reinforce the sense of San Leandro as aCity of distinct neighborhoods. Support the Chamber ofCommerce’s efforts to develop similar directories formerchants and local shopping districts.

� Design Guidelines� Development Review

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Sense of Place continued)

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42.05 SHOPPING DISTRICTSEncourage the development of well-defined shoppingdistricts along the City’s commercial streets.Development within each district should meld togetherexisting uses, establish greater design continuity, andimprove the connections to nearby neighborhoods.

Action 42.05-A: District Streetscape ImprovementsExpand the use of banners and other streetscapeimprovements to define shopping districts on SanLeandro’s major thoroughfares.

42.06 PROGRAMMED ACTIVITIESEncourage programmed activities, such as farmersmarkets and outdoor performances, within commercialcenters and civic areas.

42.07 VISUAL LANDMARKSPromote the development of “signature” buildings andmonuments that provide visual landmarks andcreate a more distinctive and positive impression ofSan Leandro within the greater Bay Area. Local designguidelines should ensure that such buildings andmonuments respect the character, scale, and context ofthe surrounding area.

42.08 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTEncourage the involvement of the community in thedevelopment of urban design plans and improvementprograms.

(see also Goal 5 on Citizen Participation)

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Sense of Place continued)

� Design Guidelines� Development Review� Street Tree and Beautification

Programs

� City Operating Procedures

� Design Guidelines� Development Review

� Public Education and Outreach

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Goal: Quality Construction andDesignEnsure that new construction and renovationcontributes to the quality and overall image of thecommunity.

43.01 PROMOTING QUALITY DESIGNUse the development review and permitting processesto promote high quality architecture and site design.Design review guidelines and zoning standards shouldensure that the mass and scale of new structures arecompatible with adjacent structures.

Action 43.01-A: Planning Code ReviewReview the City’s zoning, building, and subdivisionstandards to ensure that they support and contribute tothe urban design principles set forth in the updatedGeneral Plan.

Action 43.01-B: Incentives for Design AmenitiesDevelop zoning incentives (such as floor area bonuses)for projects that incorporate special architectural designfeatures, such as landscaped courtyards or plazas.

43.02 ARCHITECTURAL DIVERSITYIn newly developing neighborhoods, promote architec-tural diversity and variety. Encourage variations in lotsizes, setbacks, orientation of homes, and other sitefeatures to avoid monotony and maintain visual interest.

43.03 MULTI-FAMILY DESIGNEstablish high standards of architectural and landscapedesign for multi-family housing development. Boxy ormassive building designs should be avoided, ample openspace and landscaping should be provided, and highquality construction materials should be used.

Action 43.03-A: Review of Multi-Family ZoningStandardsReview open space requirements, setback standards, andother design and development standards for multi-familyhousing to ensure that such housing is attractivelydesigned and is compatible with the surroundingcommunity.

43

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS

� Design Guidelines� Development Review� Zoning Code

� Design Guidelines� Design Review

� Design Guidelines� Development Review� Zoning Code

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43.04 PERMITTING AND INSPECTIONMaintain building inspection and code enforcementprocedures that ensure that all construction is properlypermitted, and that construction is completed asapproved.

43.05 CRAFTSMANSHIPEncourage a high level of craftsmanship in newconstruction, and the use of exterior materials andfaçade designs that enhance the appearance of the City.

43.06 ARCHITECTURAL INTERESTEncourage new structures to incorporate architecturalelements that create visual interest such as trellises,awnings, overhangs, patios, and window bays. Avoidsolid or blank street-facing walls.

43.07 COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL STANDARDSImprove the visual appearance of the City’s commercialand industrial areas by applying high standards ofarchitectural design and landscaping for new commer-cial and industrial development and the re-use orremodeling of existing commercial and industrialbuildings.

(see also Action 10.01-B regarding the preparation of commercial andindustrial design guidelines)

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Quality Construction and Design continued)

� City Operating Procedures� Code Enforcement� Development Review

� Building Code� Design Guidelines� Development Review

� Design Guidelines� Development Review

� Conditional Use Permits� Design Guidelines� Development Review� Zoning Code

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43.08 SIGNAGEEncourage commercial signage that is compatible withthe building and streetscape, enhances the character ofthe surrounding area, and is not intrusive to nearbyresidential areas.

43.09 COMMERCIAL REINVESTMENTProvide incentive programs that encourage reinvestmentin the City’s commercial properties, especially oldershopping centers, vacant businesses, and outdated orblighted structures.

Action 43.09-A: Design Assistance ProgramContinue programs to assist business owners withexterior upgrades to commercial buildings, includingdesign assistance, awning improvement, landscaping,and painting.

Action 43.09-B: Shopping Center RehabilitationInitiate a pilot program to rehabilitate one or more of theCity’s 1950s-era neighborhood shopping centers with a“fifties retro” design theme. Work with neighborhoodshopping center owners to explore funding sources anddesign.

(See also Action 7.06-A on renovation assistance)

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Quality Construction and Design continued)

� Conditional Use Permits� Design Guidelines� Development Review� Zoning Code

� Business DevelopmentPrograms

� Redevelopment Project Funding

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43.10 BUSINESS OUTREACHEncourage communication and outreach to the businesscommunity in the development of strategies to upgradecommercial and industrial properties.

Action 43.10-A: Annual Design AwardsContinue annual awards programs and other forms ofpublic recognition for projects of merit in architecture,landscape architecture, and planning. Ensure that theseprograms are well publicized and covered by the media.

Goal: A More VisuallyAttractive CityCreate a more visually attractive City,with well-landscaped and maintained streets,open spaces, and gathering places.

44.01 GREENING SAN LEANDROPromote landscaping, tree planting, and treepreservation along San Leandro streets as a means ofimproving aesthetics, making neighborhoods morepedestrian-friendly, providing environmental benefits,and creating or maintaining a parklike setting.

Action 44.01-A: Street Tree Master PlanDevelop, adopt, and implement a Street Tree MasterPlan that includes planting guidelines and palettes anda program to increase the number of trees along SanLeandro streets. Once the Master Plan is adopted,establish a citywide neighborhood beautificationstrategy in which specific areas are targeted each yearfor street tree planting, landscaping, and other publicimprovements.

Action 44.01-B: Funding for Tree Planting and CareRegularly apply for grants, low interest loans, and otherfunding sources for landscaping, street tree planting,urban forestry, and neighborhood beautification.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (Quality Construction and Design continued)

� Public Education and Outreach� Public/Private Partnerships

44

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS

� Annual Budget� Grants� Public Works Services� Redevelopment Project Funding� Street Tree and Beautification

Programs

7-42

44.02 TREE MAINTENANCEEncourage tree maintenance practices that contributeto the long-term health and appearance of the City’surban forest.

Action 44.02-A: Public Education on Tree IssuesPromote public education and awareness of treeplanting, removal and care issues.

44.03 TREE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENTDiscourage the removal of healthy trees and requirereplacements for any trees that are removed from streetrights-of-way. Where healthy trees must be removed,consider their relocation to other suitable sites instead oftheir disposal. Encourage the preservation and propercare of mature trees throughout the City, particularlythose which may have historic importance or contributesubstantially to neighborhood character.

Action 44.03-A: Tree PreservationInvestigate methods to: (a) encourage the protection ofhistoric, landmark, and heritage trees; (b) provideincentives for property owners to maintain significanttrees and reduce the burden of maintenance; (c) providegreater protection for public trees located within the streetrights-of-way; and (d) require preservation of large,mature or significant trees on new development sites.

� Public Education and Outreach� Public Works Services

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (A More Visually Attractive City continued)

� Development Review� Municipal Code and

Ordinances

Heritage Redwood Trees, Juana Avenue

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44.04 URBAN OPEN SPACEEncourage the incorporation of landscaped openspaces, such as plazas, courtyards and pocket parks,within new development and redevelopment projects.

Action 44.04-A: Paving of Planter StripsDevelop an ordinance or zoning amendment to prohibitthe paving of planter strips along City streets, exceptwhere these strips are narrow and such a prohibitionwould be impractical. Initiate a program wherein, at therequest of the homeowner, the City will remove existingconcrete planter strips so that they may be replaced withlandscaping and street trees.

44.05 STREET BEAUTIFICATIONUpgrade the City’s commercial thoroughfares bybuilding upon their existing strengths and improvingtheir aesthetic qualities. The City should implementprograms to underground utilities, abate weeds andgraffiti, eliminate litter, improve buffers to adjacentresidential uses, prohibit excessive or out-of-scalesignage, remove billboards, and provide streetscapeamenities and landscaping along these thoroughfares.

Action 44.05-A: Sign ControlRevise the City’s sign ordinance to address a variety ofdesign quality and aesthetic issues. Particular attentionshould be placed on the use of pennants, banners,inflatables, free-standing shopping center signs, andshopping center tenant signage.

Action 44.05-B: Billboard RemovalDevelop strategies for accelerating the removal ofbillboards along San Leandro streets.

Action 44.05-C: Industrial Landscape StandardsDevelop landscape standards and beautificationprograms to improve streets in industrial areas. Suchprograms should address pedestrian and bicycleimprovements, streetscape improvements,undergrounding of utility lines, signage, and façadeimprovements.

� Design Guidelines� Development Review� Zoning Code

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (A More Visually Attractive City continued)

� Annual Budget� Capital Improvement Program� Code Enforcement� Public Works Maintenance� Redevelopment Project Funding

7-44

Action 44.05-D: East 14th Street UtilityUndergroundingEstablish the undergrounding of utilities along East 14thStreet as the City’s highest priority for the expenditure ofRule 20A (undergrounding) funds.

44.06 PUBLIC ARTEncourage the siting of public art in civic open spaces,around public buildings, and within new developmentareas. Public art should reflect and express the diversityof the City.

44.07 LIGHTINGEncourage street and parking lot lighting that creates asense of security, complements building and landscapedesign, is energy-efficient, and avoids conflicts withnearby residential uses.

44.08 NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN-UPSSupport and encourage neighborhood clean-up andbeautification projects.

Action 44.08-A: Penalties for DumpingStrengthen local ordinances, fines, and penalties forillegal dumping and littering.

44.09 PERIMETER AREASEncourage cooperative efforts with Alameda County andthe City of Oakland to beautify nearby areas outside theSan Leandro City limits.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIESPOLICIES AND ACTIONS (A More Visually Attractive City continued)

� Annual Budget� Design Guidelines

� Building Code� Design Guidelines� Engineering Development

Standards

� City Operating Procedures� Public Education and Outreach

� Intergovernmental Coordination