Title
PLN21-0469 - Certificate of Approval -950 West Mall Square - Applicant: City of Alameda. Public hearing to consider Certificate of Approval application to allow the conversion of lawn to, drought-tolerant landscaping at the grounds of City Hall West. Pursuant to Alameda Municipal Code Section 13-21.5 a Certificate of Approval by the Historical Advisory Board is required for alterations to Historic Monuments including trees and plantings. This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15304(b) - Minor Alterations to Land, which consists of new gardening or landscaping, including the replacement of existing landscaping with water-efficient landscaping.
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Historical Advisory Board
From: Erin Smith, Public Works Director
Allen Tai, City Planner
BACKGROUND
On September 8, 2021, the City Council directed the Public Works Department to implement strategies that reduce water use at City facilities as a response to the current severe drought. One strategy supported by the City Council is the conversion of existing landscaping at City Hall and City Hall West, among other City owned buildings, from large areas of turf that require heavy watering to more drought-tolerant plantings that conserve water.
City Hall and City Hall West are Historic Monuments designated by the City Council, and under AMC Section 13-21.5, any alterations to Historic Monuments, including changes to "trees and plantings" require a Certificate of Approval by the Historical Advisory Board (HAB). Per this requirement, on December 2, 2021, the City sought HAB approval of a Certificate of Approval to convert the lawns at City Hall and City Hall West to a drought-tolerant landscape design. The landscaping conversion was approved for City Hall per the presented design with the amendments to make more standing room around the entry plaza, to consider additional ...
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