The specific purposes of the L Landmark Overlay District are to:
A. 
Implement the City's General Plan with respect to the City's historical, cultural, or architectural heritage.
B. 
Deter demolition, destruction, alteration, misuse, or neglect of historic or architecturally significant buildings that form an important link to San Leandro's past.
C. 
Promote the conservation, preservation, protection, and enhancement of landmarks and historic districts.
D. 
Stimulate the economic health and residential quality of the community and stabilize and enhance the value of property.
E. 
Encourage development tailored to the character and significance of each landmark or historic district through a Landmark District Conservation Plan that includes goals, objectives, and design criteria.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)
The L Landmark Overlay District may be combined with any zoning district. Each L Overlay District shall be shown on the zoning map by adding an "-L" designator to the base district designation.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)
The land use and development regulations applicable in an L district shall be as prescribed for the base district with which it is combined unless modified by another overlay district or by the ordinance establishing the L Overlay District, provided that the requirements of the Landmark District Conservation Plan shall govern where conflicts arise.
A. 
Exceptions for Historic and Architecturally Significant Structures.
The Planning Commission may grant a use permit for an exception to the land use regulations of the base district with which an L District is combined when such an exception is necessary to permit the preservation or restoration of a historic or architecturally significant building, structure, or site.
Applications for such use permits shall be filed with the Zoning Enforcement Official. The Planning Commission may refer applications for an exception under this section to the Library-Historical Commission for a report and recommendation to be submitted to the Planning Commission. In making a decision, the Planning Commission shall make a written finding that shall specify the facts relied upon in rendering their decision.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4; Ord. 2024-011, 7/15/2024)
An area shall be eligible for inclusion in an L district if one or more of the following criteria are met:
A. 
The area possesses character, interest, or value as part of the heritage of the City.
B. 
The area is the location of a significant historical event.
C. 
The area is identified with a person or group that contributed significantly to the culture and development of the City.
D. 
Structures within the area exemplify a particular architectural style or way of life important to the City.
E. 
Structures within the area are the best remaining examples of an architectural style in a neighborhood.
F. 
The area or its structures are identified as the work of a person or group whose work has influenced the heritage of the City, the state, or the United States.
G. 
The area or its structures embody elements of outstanding attention to architectural or landscape design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship.
H. 
The area is related to a designated historic or landmark building or district in such a way that its preservation is essential to the integrity of the building or district.
I. 
The area's unique location or singular physical characteristics represent an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood.
J. 
The area has potential for yielding information of archaeological interest.
K. 
The area's integrity as a natural environment strongly contributes to the well-being of the people of the City.
Portions of a base zoning district that do not meet the above criteria may be included in an L District if inclusion is found to be essential to the integrity of the district.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)
Individual buildings may be designated as historic or architecturally significant landmarks if one or more of the criteria set forth in Section 3.28.112 Criteria for Establishment of L District are met. A landmark so designated shall be eligible for the same review procedures as buildings and structures within an L District.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)
Prior to filing an application for an L District, the applicant shall prepare a Landmark District Conservation Plan with the assistance of the Development Services Department. Each Landmark District Conservation Plan shall contain:
A. 
A map and description of the proposed district, including boundaries; the age, setting, and character of structures; urban design elements and streetscapes; major public improvements; and proposed objectives to be achieved.
B. 
A statement of the architectural or historical significance of the proposed district.
C. 
A list of specific alterations that should be subject to design review in order to protect the architectural or historical character of the proposed district.
D. 
A set of specific performance guidelines for new construction and alterations necessary to preserve the character of the proposed district.
E. 
Proposed rules and regulations for design review.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)
A. 
Initiation. An application for an L District or landmark designation may be initiated by the Planning Commission or City Council, or by owners of 51 percent or more of the property within the proposed district.
B. 
L District Application. If initiated by property owners, the application for an L District designation shall include:
1. 
A proposed Landmark District Conservation Plan for the district as prescribed by Section 3.28.120 Conservation Plan Required;
2. 
A form bearing the signatures of the owners of 51 percent of the land area within the proposed district; and
3. 
The required fee.
C. 
Landmark Building Applications. An application for a landmark building designation shall include:
1. 
A map showing the location of the building or structure and building plans or photographs of the building exterior;
2. 
A statement of the architectural or historical significance of the building and description of the particular features that should be preserved;
3. 
Except when initiated by the City, the consent of the owner or authorized agent to the proposed designation is required. For purposes of this section, each condominium owners' association shall be deemed the property owner of common areas. Prior to accepting the application as complete, the Zoning Enforcement Official may request additional information, plans, or materials deemed necessary to support the application. Upon referral, a Library-Historical Commission public review of the application shall be held within 60 days of the date the application is accepted as complete; and
4. 
The required fee.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)
A. 
Neighborhood Workshop on Proposed Districts. Prior to public review of application, the Library-Historical Commission may conduct a neighborhood workshop in the proposed district to explain the proposal and the amendment process to neighborhood residents. Notice of any workshop shall be given in the same manner prescribed for zoning map amendments by Section 5.16.112 Public Hearing Scope and Notice.
B. 
Notice and Public Hearing. After any neighborhood workshop deemed appropriate, the proposed district shall be the subject of public hearings before the Planning Commission and the City Council.
C. 
Contents of Public Notice. In addition to the information prescribed by Section 5.16.112 Public Hearing Scope and Notice, notice of a public hearing for the establishment of an L District or designation of a landmark shall include a statement that original petitioners have the right to withdraw their support of the district at any time prior to the hearing, and that property owners who have not signed the petition have the right to do so prior to the date of the hearing.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)
A. 
Required Findings. In addition to the findings required by Subsection B of Section 5.16.116 Duties of Planning Commission, the Planning Commission and City Council shall find that the proposed district or landmark has a significant architectural or historical character that can be preserved and enhanced through appropriate controls on new development and alterations to existing buildings and landscaping.
B. 
Adoption of Conservation Plan. An ordinance establishing an L District shall include a Landmark District Conservation Plan in the form submitted or as revised by the City Council. The Plan's performance guidelines may modify the land use and development regulations of the base zoning district, but shall not significantly alter the regulations. A performance guideline shall be found to be a significant alteration of base district regulations if it substantially prevents property from being used in accord with the provisions of the base district or creates a substantial number of nonconforming uses or structures.
C. 
Effect on Projects Initiated Prior to Effective Date. No provision of this chapter shall apply to projects initiated prior to the effective date of an ordinance establishing an L District or designating a landmark. Such projects shall be considered nonconforming uses, subject to the provisions of Chapter 4.20 Nonconforming Uses and Structures. For the purposes of this subsection, a project shall be deemed initiated if an application, plans, and materials for concept or development plan review have been filed and accepted as complete.
D. 
Amendments to Adopted Conservation Plans. Procedures for an amendment to an adopted Landmark District Conservation Plan shall be initiated in the same manner as an application for a zoning map amendment (see Chapter 5.16 Amendments).
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)
The Building Official shall not issue a permit for construction, alteration, enlargement, or demolition of a building or structure located in an L District or of a designated landmark except in accordance with the requirements of the L Overlay District and approved Landmark District Conservation Plan.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)
All property owners in L Districts and owners of designated landmarks shall have the obligation to maintain structures and premises in good repair. Structures and premises in good repair shall present no material variance in apparent condition from surrounding structures in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Good repair includes and is defined as the level of maintenance that ensures the continued availability of the structure and premises for a lawfully permitted use and prevents deterioration, dilapidation, and decay of the exterior portions of the structure and premises.
(Ord. 2001-015 § 1; Ord. 2020-002 § 4)