PC - Item 4A - Conditional Use Permit 01-820ROSEMEAD PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE ROSEMEAD
PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: PLANNING DIVISION
DATE: JUNE 21, 2010
SUBJECT: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT MODIFICATION (2) 01-820
DESIGN REVIEW MODIFICATION (1) 07-145
MODIFICATION OF MITIGATION MEASURES APPROVED UNDER
THE ADOPTED MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND
MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM FOR THE DOUBLE TREE
HOTEL EXPANSION
Summary
On July 7, 2008, the Rosemead Planning Commission approved Resolution 08-13
(Exhibit A) that approved Conditional Use Permit Modification 01-820 and Design
Review 07-145, subject to conditions of approval for the addition of 54 guest rooms with
a lobby totaling 54,739 square feet, a 12,440 square foot ballroom and an attached
86,527 square foot parking structure to the existing Double Tree Hotel. Resolution 08-
13 also adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration ("MND") (Exhibit B) and a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Plan ("MMRP") (Exhibit C).
Ms. Sue Lee of CHCS, Inc. has submitted Conditional Use Permit Modification (2) 01-
820 and Design Review Modification (1) 07-145 on behalf of the Double Tree Hotel
(Sunshine Inn Limited Partnership) requesting to eliminate mitigation measure #12 of
the adopted MMRP as a project condition (Condition of Approval #34 in Resolution 08-
13). Mitigation Measure #12 requires the project applicant to pay for the cost to install a
traffic signal system at the northern entrance to the Double Tree Hotel site prior to the
issuance of a building permit for Phase I construction.
Environmental Determination:
An Addendum has been prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) ("CEQA") in response to the request to
eliminate Mitigation Measure #12. The Addendum assesses the environmental effects
Planning Commission Staff Report
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Page 2 of 10
of the proposed project revisions in terms of whether the impacts would be substantially
different from and/or more severe than the impacts identified in the 2008 Mitigated
Negative Declaration. If approved, this Addendum would eliminate Mitigation Measure
#12 of the approved Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program with a replacement
mitigation measure. The replacement mitigation measure states, "The project applicant
shall pay a total of $5,712.00 into the City's traffic mitigation fund to cover the
applicant's fair share (1.4%) of the project cost to install a traffic signal system at the
northern project entrance. This total fee also includes an allowance of 20% of the
project cost for design and construction management."
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission ADOPT Resolution No. 10-18 findings
and subject to twelve (12) conditions outlined in Exhibit "D", considering an Addendum
(Exhibit E) to the MND and MMRP, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality
Act, APPROVING Conditional Use Permit Modification (2) 01-820 and Design Review
Modification (1) 07-145.
Property History and Description
The Double Tree Hotel is located at 888 Montebello Boulevard, which is south of the
Pomona Freeway (60), west of San Gabriel Boulevard, and south of Town Center Drive.
The subject site consists of approximately 6.83 acres. The site is developed with a 150-
guest room hotel and 192 surface parking spaces. There is a vacant lot at the south
end of the site that was formerly developed with surface parking for the current hotel.
The following is an aerial photo of the site.
Aerial Map from CityGIS
Planning Commission Staff Report
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Pace 3 of 10
The approved Double Tree Hotel Expansion project includes the expansion of the
existing Double Tree Hotel in two phases. Phase I includes a four-story addition for 52
guest rooms and a hotel lobby that totals 52,620 square feet and surface parking for
204 cars. Phase II includes the construction of a one-story 12,440 square foot ballroom
that will seat 500 guests and a 86,527 square foot four-story parking structure for 267
cars.
The project approval included a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Modification to allow the
construction of the hotel expansion, ballroom, and parking structure. Because the site
is in the C-3D Medium Commercial zone with a Design Overlay, the project also
included a Design Review by the Planning Commission per Rosemead Municipal Code
Section 17.72.050.
Site & Surrounding Land Uses
The site is designated in the General Plan for Commercial use and on the zoning map it
is designated C-3D (Medium Commercial with Design Overlay). The site is surrounded
by the following land uses:
North
General Plan: Commercial
Zoning: P-D (Planned Development) and R-1 (Single-Family Residential)
Land Use: Town Center Drive, Pomona Freeway, Commercial, and Single-Family Residential
South:
General Plan:
Commercial
Zoning:
C-31D (Medium Commercial with a Design Overlay)
Land Use:
Television Station
East:
General Plan: Commercial and Los Angeles County
Zoning: C-3 (Medium Commercial)
Land Use: Hotel, San Gabriel Boulevard
West:
General Plan:
Commercial
Zoning:
C-3 (Medium Commercial)
Land Use:
Montebello Town Center
Administrative Analysis
The applicant is requesting to eliminate Mitigation Measure #12 (Condition of Approval
#34) as set forth in the project approvals of July 7, 2008. Mitigation Measure #12
requires that the project applicant pay for the total cost to install a traffic signal system
at the northern entrance to the Double Tree Hotel site prior to the issuance of a building
permit for Phase I construction. The current request to pay only a share of the total cost
is due to both economic reasons and a revised traffic analysis which supports that the
Planning Commission Staff Report
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Page 4 of 10
signal is not warranted until the year 2020, as opposed to being warranted immediately.
The cost to install a traffic signal system is estimated at approximately $300,000.
The original traffic report that was prepared for the Double Tree Hotel Expansion project
approved in July 2008 evaluated the need for a traffic signal at either the north project
entrance or the south project driveway. The traffic report determined that a traffic signal
was warranted at the north project entrance for the evening peak hour based on existing
traffic numbers combined with future estimated traffic numbers coming from the hotel
expansion. As a result, the project was conditioned to pay the total cost to install a
traffic signal at the main project entrance.
In order to eliminate the need for the traffic signal system, the applicant proposes to
modify the project traffic distribution at both the north and south project driveways. To
determine if the request would change the project impacts, the City required the
applicant to prepare a Focused Traffic Analysis. Therefore, a January 21, 2010
Focused Traffic Analysis (Exhibit F) was prepared by Kunzman Associates, Inc. The
Focused Traffic Analysis analyzes cumulative plus proposed project traffic conditions for
the project driveway accesses under a revised traffic distribution scenario. This new
Focused Traffic Analysis supplements the Double Tree Hotel Expansion Traffic Impact
Analysis (Revised) prepared by Kunzman Associates, Inc on April 1, 2008, and the
Double Tree Hotel Expansion Focused Traffic Analysis prepared by Kunzman
Associates, Inc. dated June 11, 2008. These original reports have been attached as
Exhibits "G" and "H" respectively.
The January 21, 2010 traffic analysis studied the cumulative plus project weekday
morning and evening peak hours and Saturday mid-day peak hour traffic at Montebello
Boulevard and the north and south project driveways, which are presently unsignalized
intersections. The 2010 proposed traffic distribution would maintain the north project
driveway as a cross street stop controlled intersection that restricts east-west left turn
movements from the site and the adjacent Montebello Town Center shopping center.
The intersection at the south project entrance and Montebello Boulevard is now
proposed as a full access intersection.
The revised project traffic distribution of the January 21, 2010 analysis improves the
LOS of the project driveways. The improved level of service at the north project
driveway, based on the January 21, 2010 traffic analysis, occurs as a result of the full
access south project driveway. The revised access to both project driveways distributes
the project traffic and thus improves the LOS. With this improvement, the current traffic
volumes do not warrant a traffic signal at either the north or the south project driveway
entrance at the project opening timeline.
The City acknowledges that traffic patterns and volumes can change and sometime in
the future the AM and/or PM traffic volumes may warrant a traffic signal at either or both
Planning Commission Staff Report
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Page 5 of 10
project entrances. For this reason, the City's Traffic Consultant requested an analysis
for both project access points discerning when each project access point might warrant
the installation of a traffic signal. For the intersection of Montebello Boulevard/north
project driveway, a traffic signal was calculated to be warranted during the evening peak
hour in the year 2020. The installation of a traffic signal at the Montebello
Boulevard/south project driveway was calculated to be warranted during the evening
peak hour in the year 2038. Since the traffic signal at the north project driveway is
within less than ten years of the project opening timeline, staff is recommending that
Mitigation Measure #12 be revised to require the applicant to pay a fair share of the
project cost, including an allowance for design and construction management for that
signal. Staff is not requiring the project applicant to pair a fair share of the cost to install
a traffic signal at the south project driveway in the year 2038 due to the long time frame
of that need.
Municipal Code Requirements
Section 17.112.030(20) of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC) describes the grounds
for approving a hotel with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Chapter 17.16 does not
contain standards for the modification of a CUP, therefore, City staff has applied the
same standards to Ms. Lee's request for a modification that were applied to the original
CUP Modification application.
Conditional Use Permit Modification 01-820 was approved by the Rosemead Planning
Commission on July 7, 2008 subject to conditions of approval outlined in Resolution 08-
13. Resolution 08-13 also adopted a MND and a MMRP. As stated above, in the
absence of specific findings for a modification in the Code, Staff is applying the
requirements for the initial grant of the approval to the applicant's request for a
modification. The following are findings that must be made in order to approve a
Conditional Use Permit and Staffs analysis of each:
• The granting of such conditional use permit will be in harmony with the elements
or objectives of the General Plan.
The project site is designated in the General Plan as Commercial and on the
zoning map, it is designated C-3D (Medium Commercial with a Design Overlay).
The proposed use is in conformity with the General Plan, in that C-31D zoning is a
corresponding zone district with the Commercial General Plan land use category.
Section 17.112.020 of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC) allows "hotels and
motels" in the C-3, CBD and M-1 zones, upon the granting of a CUP. The CUP
will continue to be in harmony with the elements and objections of the General
Plan with the modification of mitigation measure #12.
• The establishment, maintenance or conduct of the use for which the conditional
use permit is sought will not, under the particular case, be detrimental to the
Planning Commission Staff Report
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Page 6 of 10
health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience or welfare of persons residing or
working in the neighborhood.
The modification of mitigation measure #12 will not be detrimental to the health,
safety, morals, comfort, convenience or welfare of persons residing or working in
the neighborhood. A new Focused Traffic Analysis, dated January 21, 2010,
studied the cumulative plus project weekday morning and evening peak hours
and Saturday mid-day peak hour traffic at Montebello Boulevard and the north
and south project driveways, which are presently unsignalized intersections. The
proposed traffic distribution would maintain the north project driveway as a cross
street stop controlled intersection that restricts east-west left turn movements
from the site and the adjacent Montebello Town Center shopping center. The
intersection at the south project entrance and Montebello Boulevard is proposed
as a full access intersection. The revised project traffic distribution of the January
21, 2010 analysis improves the LOS of the project driveways. The improved
level of service at the north project driveway, based on the January 21, 2010
traffic analysis, occurs as a result of the full access south project driveway. The
revised access to both project driveways distributes the project traffic and thus
improves the LOS. With this improvement, the current traffic volumes do not
warrant a traffic signal at either the north or the south project driveway entrance
at the project opening timeline. However, since a traffic signal system was
calculated to be warranted during the evening peak hour in the year 2020,
mitigation measure #12 will require the applicant to pay its fair share of the
project cost, including an allowance for design and construction management for
that signal.
• The granting of such conditional use permit will not be detrimental or injurious to
the property and improvements in the neighborhood or the general welfare.
A new Focused Traffic Analysis, dated January 21, 2010, studied the cumulative
plus project weekday morning and evening peak hours and Saturday mid-day
peak hour traffic at Montebello Boulevard and the north and south project
driveways, which are presently unsignalized intersections. The revised project
traffic distribution of the January 21, 2010 analysis improves the LOS of the
project driveways. The improved level of service at the north project driveway,
based on the January 21, 2010 traffic analysis, occurs as a result of the full
access south project driveway. The revised access to both project driveways
distributes the project traffic and thus improves the LOS. With this improvement,
the current traffic volumes do not warrant a traffic signal at either the north or the
south project driveway entrance at the project opening timeline. However, since
a traffic signal system was calculated to be warranted during the evening peak
hour in the year 2020, mitigation measure #12 will require the applicant to pay its
Planning Commission Staff Report
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Paae 7 of 10
fair share of the project cost, including an allowance for design and construction
management for that signal. Additionally, the property owner will be required to
adhere to all other conditions of approval and mitigation measures that were
approved in July 2008. Therefore, the proposed modification will not be
detrimental or injurious to the general welfare of the City.
Section 17.72.030 of the RMC states that design review procedures shall be followed
for all improvements involving visible changes in form, texture, color, exterior fagade or
landscaping. There being no specific criteria for modification of a design review, Staff
has applied these same criteria for modification of a design review. As with the
conditional use permit, on July 7, 2008, the Planning Commission determined that the
design review met all the requisite standards required by Section 17.72.050 of the RMC.
Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning Commission on July
7, 2008 subject to conditions of approval outlined in Resolution 08-13. Resolution 08-13
also adopted a MND and a MMRP. As stated above, in the absence of specific findings
for a modification in the Code, Staff is applying the requirements for the initial grant of
the approval to the applicant's request for a modification. The following are findings that
must be made in order to approve a Design Review and Staffs analysis of each:
• The plans indicate proper consideration for the relationship between the
proposed structure and site developments that exist or have been approved for
the general neighborhood; and
Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning Commission
on July 7, 2008. The proposed modification deals with a revised mitigation
measure to address traffic and circulation within the public right-of-way. The
modification of mitigation measure #12 will not affect the approved on-site
improvements for the Double Tree Hotel expansion.
• The plan for the proposed structure and site development indicates the manner
in which the proposed development and surrounding properties are protected
against noise, vibrations, and other factors which may have an adverse effect on
the environment, and the manner of screening mechanical equipment, trash,
storage and loading areas.
Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning Commission
on July 7, 2008. The proposed modification deals with a revised mitigation
measure to address traffic and circulation within the public right-of-way. The
modification of mitigation measure #12 will not affect the approved on-site
improvements for the Double Tree Hotel expansion. Additionally, the property
owner will be required to adhere to all other conditions of approval and mitigation
Planning Commission Staff Report
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Paae 8 of 10
measures that were approved in July 2008, which address noise, vibrations, and
other factors which may have an adverse effect on the environment, and the
manner of screening mechanical equipment, trash, storage and loading areas.
• The proposed structure or site development is not, in its exterior design and
appearance, so at variance with the appearance of other existing building or site
developments in the neighborhood as to cause the nature of the local
environment to materially depreciate in appearance and value.
Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning Commission
on July 7, 2008. The proposed modification deals with a revised mitigation
measure to address traffic and circulation within the public right-of-way. The
modification of mitigation measure #12 will not affect the approved on-site
improvements for the Double Tree Hotel expansion. Additionally, the property
owner will be required to adhere to all other conditions of approval and mitigation
measures that were approved in July 2008.
• The proposed building or structure is in harmony with the proposed
developments on land in the general area, especially those instances where
buildings are within or adjacent to land shown on the General Plan as being part
of the Civic Center or in public or educational use, or are within or immediately
adjacent to land included within any precise plan which indicates building shape,
size or style; and
Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning Commission
on July 7, 2008. The proposed modification deals with a revised mitigation
measure to address traffic and circulation within the public right-of-way. The
modification of mitigation measure #12 will not affect the approved on-site
improvements for the Double Tree Hotel expansion. Additionally, the property
owner will be required to adhere to all other conditions of approval and mitigation
measures that were approved in July 2008. Furthermore, the Double Tree Hotel
is not located within or adjacent to land shown on the General Plan as being part.
of the Civic Center or in public or educational use, or within or immediately
adjacent to land included within any precise plan which indicates building shape,
size or style.
• The proposed development is in conformity with the standards of the Rosemead
Municipal Code and other applicable ordinances in so far as the location and
appearance of the buildings and structures are involved; and
Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning Commission
on July 7, 2008. The proposed modification deals with a revised mitigation
Planning Commission Staff Report
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Paqe 9 of 10
measure to address traffic and circulation within the public right-of-way. The
modification of mitigation measure #12 will not affect the approved on-site
improvements for the Double Tree Hotel expansion. Additionally, the property
owner will be required to adhere to all other conditions of approval and mitigation
measures that were approved in July 2008.
• The site plan and the design of the buildings, parking areas, signs, landscaping,
luminaries and other site features indicates that proper consideration has been
given to both the functional aspects of the site development, such as automobile
and pedestrian circulation, and the visual effect of the development from the view
of public streets.
Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning Commission
on July 7, 2008. The proposed modification deals with a revised mitigation
measure to address traffic and circulation within the public right-of-way.
Proper consideration has been given to the functional aspect of the site
development, such as automobile circulation. A new Focused Traffic Analysis,
dated January 21, 2010, studied the cumulative plus project weekday morning
and evening peak hours and Saturday mid-day peak hour traffic at Montebello
Boulevard and the north and south project driveways, which are presently,
unsignalized intersections. The proposed traffic distribution would maintain the
north project driveway as a cross street stop controlled intersection that restricts
east-west left turn movements from the site and the adjacent Montebello Town
Center shopping center. The intersection at the south project entrance and
Montebello Boulevard is proposed as a full access intersection. The revised
project traffic distribution of the January 21, 2010 analysis improves the LOS of
the project driveways. The improved level of service at the north project
driveway, based on the January 21, 2010 traffic analysis, occurs as a result of
the full access south project driveway. The revised access to both project
driveways distributes the project traffic and thus improves the LOS. With this
improvement, the current traffic volumes do not warrant a traffic signal at either
the north or the south project driveway entrance at the project opening timeline.
However, since a traffic signal system was calculated to be warranted during the
evening peak hour in the year 2020, mitigation measure #12 will require the
applicant to pay a fair share of the project cost, including an allowance for design
and construction management for that signal. The modification of mitigation
measure #12 will not affect the approved on-site improvements for the Double
Tree Hotel expansion. Additionally, the property owner will be required to adhere
to all other conditions of approval and mitigation measures that were approved in
July 2008.
Planning Commission Staff Report
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Paae 10 of 10
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process, which
includes a 300' radius public hearing notice to forty-four (44) property owners,
publication in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune,
public locations and on the subject site.
Prepared by:
Sheri Bermejo
Principal Planner
Exhibits:
and postings of the notice at the six (6)
bmitted by:
Community D€velopment Director
A. Resolution 08-13
B. Mitigated Negative Declaration, dated June 2, 2008
C. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan, dated June 2008
D. Planning Commission Resolution No. 10-18 and Attachment "A". Conditions of Approval
E. Addendum, dated June 3, 2010
F. Kunzman Associates Focused Traffic Analysis, January 21, 2010
G. Double Tree Hotel Expansion Traffic Impact Analysis (Revised), April 28, 2008
H. Double Tree Hotel Expansion Focused Traffic Analysis, June 11, 2008
1. Assessor's Parcel Map (APNs 5271-002-061 to 5271-002-065)
EXHIBIT "A"
PC RESOLUTION 08-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 01-820 (MOD) AND DESIGN
REVIEW 07-145 FOR THE ADDITION OF 54 GUEST ROOMS WITH A
LOBBY TOTALING 54,739 SQUARE FEET, A 12,440 SQUARE FOOT
BALL-ROOM AND AN ATTACHED 86,527 SQUARE FOOT PARKING
STRUTURE TO AN EXISTING DOUBLE TREE HOTEL LOCATED AT 888
MONTEBELLO BOULEVARD, IN THE C-3D (MEDIUM COMMERCIAL
WITH A DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE (APN: 5271-002-061).
WHEREAS, on April 23, 2007, CHCS, filed Conditional Use Permit 01-820(MOD)
and Design Review 07-145 applications proposing addition to an existing Double Tree
hotel consisting of two phases. Phase I will include 54 new guest rooms along with an
attached lobby totaling approximately 54,739 square-feet. Phase II will include construction
of a one-story 12,440 square-foot ball-room with seating capacity for 500 guests and an
attached 86,527 square-foot 4-story parking structure with approximately 197 parking
spaces located at 888 Montebello Boulevard; and
WHEREAS, 888 Montebello Blvd is located in the C-31D (Medium Commercial with a
Design Overlay) Zone; and
WHEREAS, Section 17.112.030 (20) of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC)
permits hotels in the C-3, CBD, and M zones upon the granting of a Conditional Use Permit
(CUP). Rosemead Municipal Code Section 17.112.010 sets the following criteria required
for granting Conditional Use Permits. The criteria require that:
The establishment, maintenance, and operation of the proposed use so
applied for will not, under the circumstances of the particular case, be
detrimental to the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort or general welfare of
persons residing or working in the neighborhood thereof, not be detrimental
or injurious to the property and improvements in the neighborhood, or to the
general welfare of the City.
WHEREAS, Sections 65800 & 65900 of the California Government Code and
Section 17.112.010 of the Rosemead Municipal Code authorize the Planning Commission
to approve, conditionally approve or deny Conditional Use Permits; and
WHEREAS, Sections 17.112.010 of the Rosemead Municipal Code specifies the
criteria by which a Conditional Use Permit may be granted; and
WHEREAS, notices were sent to property owners within a 300 foot radius from the
subject property, in addition to notices posted in public locations, specifying the availability
Exhibit A
of the application, including the date, time and location of the public hearing for Conditional
Use Permit 01-820 (MOD) and Design Review 07-145 and
WHEREAS, on July 7, 2008, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed and
advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to Conditional Use
Permit 01-820 (MOD) and Design Review 07-145 and
WHEREAS, the Rosemead Planning Commission has sufficiently considered all
testimony presented to them in order to make the following determination.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of
Rosemead as follows:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission hereby makes a finding of environmental
adequacy with the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program for
the proposed hotel addition and hereby ADOPTS the associated Mitigated Negative
Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, as the environmental clearance for
Conditional Use Permit 01-820 (MOD) and Design Review 07-145.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES that
facts do exist to justify approving Conditional Use Permit 01-820 (MOD) and Design
Review 07-145 according to the Criteria of Chapter 17.112.010 and 17.112.030 of the
Rosemead Municipal Code as follows:
A. The establishment, maintenance, and operation of the proposed use so applied
for will not, under the circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental to the health,
safety, peace, morals, comfort or general welfare of persons residing or working in the
neighborhood thereof;
FINDING: The site will be operated in accordance with applicable City zoning
regulations, and the proposed hotel addition is in conformity with the commercial
developments in and around the project site. Regular site inspections by the Planning
Division and the Sheriffs Department will ensure that the hotel is monitored for
conformance with the conditions of approval, Municipal Code, State and Federal
regulations relating to maintenance and operation of a hotel. Therefore the proposed hotel
establishment will not infringe upon the health, safety and comfort of residents residing or
living in the surrounding neighborhood.
B. The establishment, maintenance, and operation of the proposed use so applied
for will not, under the circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental or injurious to
the property and improvements in the neighborhood.
FINDING: The proposed hotel is located within an established commercial zoning
district of the City. The proposed hotel addition is surrounded by a variety of commercial
land uses including a shopping mall, hotels and retail stores. The proposed hotel addition
will be constructed with adequate vehicular access and clearly designated pedestrian
walkways which will enhance public safety and promote property improvements. Therefore,
2
the proposed hotel addition is consistent with the adjoining commercial land uses and will
not be detrimental to the surrounding residential properties or injurious to the commercial
property improvements in the neighborhood or within close proximity to the project site.
C. The establishment, maintenance, and operation of the proposed use so applied
for will not, under the circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental or injurious to
the general welfare of the City.
FINDING: The proposed hotel addition will not endanger or otherwise constitute a
menace to the general welfare of the City, as conditions of approval will be enforceable
upon the issuance of this Use Permit and the proposed structures will be constructed
according to current Building Code requirements. Additionally, the property owner will be
required to adhere to the City's Property Maintenance Ordinance during the course of hotel
construction and operation. Prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy, the subject
property will be inspected by applicable agencies to ensure that applicable development
standards have been complied with. Therefore, the proposed addition or hotel operation
will not be detrimental or injurious to the general welfare of the City.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Conditional Use
Permit 01-820 (MOD), Design Review 07-145 and ADOPTS the associated Mitigated
Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Plan to allow the expansion of the existing
Double Tree Hotel located at 888 Montebello Boulevard.
SECTION 4. This resolution is the result of an action taken by the Planning
Commission on July 7, 2008, by the following vote:
YES: KUNIOKA, VUU AND LOPEZ
NO:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT: CAM
SECTION 5. The secretary shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall
transmit copies of same to the applicant and to the Rosemead City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 7th of Jul 2008.
Daniel Lopez, Chairman
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Rosemead at its regular meeting, held on the 7th day of July,
2008, by the following vote:
YES: KUNIOKA, VUU AND LOPEZ
NO:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:CAM
Matt Ev ' ecretary
EXHIBIT "A"
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 01-820(MOD) AND DR07-145
888 Montebello Boulevard
(Doubletree Hotel)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
July 7, 2008
Conditional Use Permit 01-820 (MOD) and Design Review 07-145 are approved for
a hotel addition consisting of two phases. Phase 1 will include the addition of 54
new guest rooms along with an attached lobby totaling approximately 54,739
square-feet. Phase II will include construction of a one-story 12,440 square-foot
ball-room with seating capacity for 500 guests and an attached 86,527 square foot
4-story parking structure with approximately 197 parking spaces. Phase II will also
include a 25-foot wide emergency access road located to the southeast of the site
to allow public safety access. This emergency access shall not permit public access
and shall remain closed at all times. It will only be accessed by the Fire Department
in case of an emergency which may impede site access through Montebello Blvd.
2. Approval of Conditional Use Permit 01-820 (MOD) and Design Review 07-145 shall
not take effect for any purpose until the applicant has filed with the City of
Rosemead an affidavit stating that they are aware of and accept all of the conditions
set forth in the letter of approval and this list of conditions.
3. Conditional Use Permit 01-820 (MOD),and Design Review 07-145 are approved for
a two-year period. The applicant shall initiate the proposed use or request an
extension within 30-calender days prior to expiration from the Planning Commission
approval date. Otherwise Conditional Use Permit 01-820(MOD) and Design Review
07-145 shall become null and void.
4. The Planning Commission hereby authorizes the Planning Division to make and/or
approve minor modifications to the approved plans.
5. The applicant shall comply with all Federal, State and local laws relative to the
approved use including the requirements of the Planning, Building, Fire, Sheriff and
Health Departments.
City staff shall access the subject property at any time during construction to
monitor progress and after construction to monitor compliance.
Prior to issuance of the first building permit for Phase I, the applicant shall submit a
Lot Line Adjustment application to the Planning Division and the Certificate of
Compliance shall be recorded at the Los Angeles County Recorder/County Clerk
before the building permit is issued.
8. Occupancy will not be granted until all improvements required by this approval have
been completed, inspected, and approved by the appropriate department(s).
9. This conditional use permit and Design Review is granted or approved with the City
of Rosemead and its Planning Commission and City Council retaining and reserving
the right and jurisdiction to review and to modify the permit-including the conditions
of approval-based on changed circumstances. Changed circumstances include, but
are not limited to, the modification of the use, a change in scope, emphasis, size, or
nature of the use, or the expansion, alteration, reconfiguration, or change of use.
This reservation of right to review is in addition to, and not in lieu of, the right of the
City, its Planning Commission, and City Council to review and revoke or modify any
permit granted or approved underthe Rosemead Municipal Code for any violations
of the conditions imposed on this conditional use permit and Design Review.
10. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Rosemead or
its agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding againstthe
City of Rosemead or its agents, officers, or employees to attack, set side, void, or
annul, an approval of the Planning Commission and/or city council concerning the
project, which action is brought within the time period provided by law.
11. There shall be no outside storage of vehicles, vehicle parts, equipment or trailers.
All trash and debris shall be contained within a city approved trash enclosure.
12. Violation of the conditions of approval may result in citation and/or initiation of
revocation proceedings.
13. The proposed trash enclosure shall be built of split-face CMU material and a
covered roof to prevent storm water pollution. The trash enclosure shall include a
dark-brown decorative cornice to resemble the foam molding used on the hotel
building.
14. Prior to issuance of building permits for Phase I, the project proponent shall paythe
project's 1.4% fair share contribution to the City of Montebello for installation of a
traffic signal at the intersection of San Gabriel Blvd and Plaza Drive.
15. All outdoor lighting fixtures shall be low pressure sodium and shall face downwards
to minimize glare to adjacent properties. Prior to building permit issuance for Phase
I, the applicant shall submit a photometric survey and lighting cut sheets showing all
proposed lighting fixtures to the Planning Division for review and approval.
16. The proposed parking structure in phase II shall be constructed of smooth stucco
finish or smooth finish concrete block and shall incorporate colors and materials
used on the hotel building. The parking structure cornice shall be designed with the
same dark-brown decorative foam trim similar in pattern & material as the hotel
cornice.
17. The proposed balcony above the porte-cochere shall be extended across the entire
driveway for the entire length of the porte-cochere to promote outdoor usage.
18. Prior to grading of the site for phase I, all existing mature trees in the parking lot
shall be preserved and transplanted in the overall landscaping of the site.
19. Vehicles exceeding eighty (80) inches in width shall not be permitted to park in the
hotel parking lot used exclusively for hotel customers. Noncommercial and
recreational vehicles or motor homes shall be permitted to park in such parking
areas provided that at least one designated recreational vehicle parking space
which is a minimum of ten (10) feet by thirty (30) feet is provided for each twenty
five (25) rooms in the hotel complex.
20. The numbers of the address signs shall be at least six (6) inches tall with a
minimum character width of % inches, contrasting in color and easily visible at
driver's level from the street. The location, color and size of such sign shall be
subject to the approval of the Planning Division.
21. Prior to issuance of occupancy permit, the applicant shall install a modern security
system. A security system shall be designed to the reasonable satisfaction of the
Sheriffs Department and Planning Division which shall include surveillance of
arrivals and departures of guests. It shall be the responsibility of the hotel manager
to maintain all recorded data in safe and secure custody. The recorded tapes or
CDs shall be kept by the hotel manager for a period of not less than two years from
recordation date and shall be surrendered to law enforcement agencies upon
request.
22. The conditions listed on this exhibit shall be copied directly onto any development
plans subsequently submitted to the Planning and Building Divisions for review.
23. The site shall be maintained in a graffiti-free state. Any new graffiti shall be
removed within twenty-four (24) hours. A 24-hour, Graffiti Hotline can be called at
(626) 569-2345 for assistance.
24. The site shall be maintained in a clean, weed and litter free state in accordance with
Sections 8.32.010-8.32.040 of the Rosemead Municipal Code, which pertains to the
storage, accumulation, collection, and disposal of garbage, rubbish, trash, and
debris. All trash containers shall be stored in the appropriate trash enclosure at all
times.
25. Motion-activated lights shall be installed in the vehicle parking areas and pedestrian
walk ways prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy for Phase I.
26. All designated parking spaces shall be striped in accordance with Chapter 17.84 of
the Rosemead Municipal Code and the approved plans. The parking space
markers including double striping, wheel stops and handicap parking shall be
maintained periodically according to city standards and to the satisfaction of the
Planning Division.
27. Prior to issuance of any building permit for phase I, the applicant shall submit a final
landscaping and irrigation plan to the Planning Division for approval. The landscape
and irrigation plan shall include a sprinkler system with automatic timers and
moisture sensors. The new planting materials shall include a combination of
drought tolerant 48" box trees, 5-gallon shrubs, and low growing flowers to minimize
water consumption.
28. All roof top appurtenances and mechanical equipments shall adequately be
screened such that they are not visible from adjacent public street or adjoining
properties. All roof top equipments location shall first be approved by the Planning
Division before installation.
29. No room shall be let on an hourly rate or other short-time rates nor advertised in any
way to be available at hourly or other short-time rates.
30. No guest shall be allowed to sell merchandise or services to the public from the
hotel or from the subject site.
31. The parking structure in phase II shall be staffed with cameras, such cameras shall
be positioned in front of the. parking structure to obtain a better line of sight and
enhance public safety.
32. Hotel patrons shall be prohibited from parking in the Montebello Town Center
without the express permission of the owners of Montebello Town Center.
Unless such permission is granted by the owners of Montebello Town Center,
the hotel management shall advise its customers notto park in the Montebello
Town Center at any time. The hotel management shall post a written notice in
the hotel lobby and in the hotel parking lot informing customers of this
condition.(modified by Planning Commission on 7-7-08)
33. Before building permit issuance for Phase II, the property owner shall make an
arrangement with Montebello Town Center management or any other adjacent
commercial property to provide temporary parking for Double Tree Hotel customers
during construction. Before issuance of the building permit for the parking structure,
the applicant shall submit evidence to the Planning Division that such temporary
parking will be available during construction of Phase II.
34. All Mitigation Measures as stated in the Mitigated Negative Declaration shall be
implemented by the applicant and enforced by the City of Rosemead or any other
responsible agency.
35. The proposed planter located next to the lounge on the east side of phase I shall be
designed such that it promotes outdoor usage. The design shall enable hotel
patrons to use this area as a sitting or dinning area. The final design including colors
and materials shall be approved by the Planning Division. Prior to issuance of the
building permit for phase 1, the applicant shall submit a final design of this area
including color and materials to the Planning Division for approval.
36. The proposed building cornice and trims shall be dark-brown in color to anchor the
building on site. Sample colors and materials shall be submitted to the Planning
Division for approval before issuance of a building permit for phase I.
37. Prior to the issuance of any building or grading permits, the applicant shall submit
and, when acceptable, the City shall approve a site-specific and design-specific
geotechnical investigation, prepared in accordance with the "Manual for Preparation
of Geotechnical Reports" (County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works,
February 2000, Revised May 8, 2001) or such other standards as may be
established by the City Engineer and City Building Official. That investigation as
prepared by a geotechnical engineer or engineering geologist, will determine the
precise nature of excavation, footing and associated details that, when implemented
will ensure that the project is constructed in accordance with and in recognition of
existing site-specific conditions. Each of the recommendations contained in that
investigation will become project-specific conditions and construction activities will
be monitored to ensure the implementation of those measures.
38. Hotel management shall not charge for on-site self parking at any time. The
Hotel management shall not charge for valet parking during construction of
phase IL(added by Planning Commission on7-7-08)
9
DOUBLE TREE HOTEL EXPANSION
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
Prepared for:
The City of Rosemead
8838 E. Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, California 91770
(626) 569-2100
Prepared by:
Phil Martin & Associates, Inc.
18551 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 140
Irvine, California 92612
(949) 520-0503
JUNE 2008
Exhibit C
1.0 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
1.1 Introduction
This is the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the Double Tree Hotel Expansion project. It has
been prepared pursuant to the requirements of Public Resources Code §21081.6 which, among other things, states that
when a governmental agency adopts or certifies a CEQA document that contains the environmental review of a proposed
project, "The public agency shall adopt a reporting or monitoring program for the changes made to the project or
conditions of project approval, adopted in order to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment. The reporting
or monitoring program shall be designed to ensure compliance during project implementation."
The City of Rosemead is the lead agency for the project, and is therefore, responsible for administering and implementing
the MMRP. The decision-makers must define specific reporting and/or monitoring requirements to be enforced during
project implementation prior to final approval of the proposed project.
1.2 Project Overview
The project includes the proposed expansion to the existing Double Tree Hotel in two phases to add 52 guest rooms, a
hotel lobby, a 12,492 square foot ballroom for 500 guess and a 4-level parking structure for 373 cars. Phase I includes the
construction of a four-story building for 52 guest rooms and a hotel lobby that total 52,620 square feet. Phase I also
includes parking for 240 cars. Phase 11 includes the construction of a one-story 12,492 square foot ballroom that will seat
500 guests. A four-story parking structure totaling 86,527 square feet for 373 cars will also be constructed as part of
Phase II.
1.3 Monitoring and Reporting Procedures
This MMRP includes the following information: (1) mitigation measures that will either eliminate or lessen the potential
impact from the project; (2) the monitoring milestone or phase during which the measure should be complied with or
carried out; (3) the enforcement agency responsible for monitoring mitigation measure compliance; and (4) the initials of
the person verifying the mitigation measure was completed and the date of verification.
The MMRP will be in place through all phases of a project including project design (preconstruction), project approval,
project construction, and operation (both prior to and post-occupancy). The City will ensure that monitoring is
documented through periodic reports and that deficiencies are promptly corrected. The designated environmental monitor
will track and document compliance with mitigation measures, note any problems that may result, and take appropriate
action to rectify problems.
Each mitigation measure is listed and categorized by impact area, with an accompanying discussion of:
• The phase of the project during which the measure should be monitored;
❑ Project review and prior to project approval
❑ During grading or building plan check review and prior to issuance of a grading or building permit
❑ On-going during construction
❑ Throughout the life of the project
• The enforcement agency; and
• The initials of the person verifying completion of the mitigation measure and date. The MMRP is
provided as Table 1 (Mitigation and Monitoring Reporting Program).
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration June 2008
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program Page 2
Table 1
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
Mitigation
Mitigation Measure
Monitoring
Enforcement
Verification of
Measure
Milestone
Agency
Compliance
No.
Aesthetics
1.
The Applicant shall install dense landscaping,
Prior to the
City of Rosemead
acceptable to the Planning Division, around the
issuance of a
Building
perimeter of the buildings, building setbacks,
Phase I
Department
and throughout the surface parking lot to
occupancy
Initial
reduce light and glare impacts to areas north,
permit
east, south, and west of the site.
Date
2.
Only non-specular building materials shall be
Prior to the
City of Rosemead
used on exterior of structures to significantly
issuance of a
Building
reduce potential light reflection and glare to a
building permit
Department
less than significant impact. Windows shall
for each phase
Initial
have an anti-glare coating.
Date
3.
A parking lot lighting plan shall be prepared
Prior to the
City of Rosemead
that limits, to the maximum extent possible,
issuance of a
Building
glare on to off-site locations. The parking lot
Phase I building
Department
plan shall include mature trees, such trees shall
permit
be planted to limit glare and shall not be less
than the height of the proposed light poles at
Initial
maturity. All new trees shall be a minimum if
48-inch box trees.
Date
4.
All windows shall be recessed a minimum of
Prior to the
City of Rosemead
four (4) inches to minimize glare.
issuance of a
Building
building permit
Department
Initial
for each phase
Date
Geology and Soils
5.
Prior to the issuance of a grading permit, the
Prior to the
City of Rosemead
project developer shall submit documentation to
issuance of a
Building
the City's satisfaction that the project will not be
Phase I grading
Department
subject to liquefaction
permit
Initial
Date
Noise
6.
All construction activities should be limited to the
On-going
City of Rosemead
hours between 7 AM to 8 PM Monday through
throughout
Building
Saturday. All construction shall be prohibited on
project
Department
Sundays and national holidays.
construction
Initial
Date
7.
All building foundation and parking structure
On-going
City of Rosemead
excavation shall be restricted to the hours of 8
throughout
Building
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration June 2008
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program Page 3
Mitigation
Mitigation Measure I
Monitoring
Enforcement
Verification of
Measure
Milestone
Agency
Compliance
No.
AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.
project
Department
construction
Initial
Date
8.
The developer shall require by contract
Prior to the start
City of Rosemead
specifications that the following constructing best
of Phase I
Building
management practices (BMPs) be implemented
construction
Department
by contractors to reduce construction noise levels:
Initial
• Ensure that . construction equipment is
properly muffled according to industry
standards. All power construction equipment
Date
shall utilize noise shielding and muffling
devices.
• Locate the construction staging area and
noise-generating equipment away from the
existing hotel, where feasible.
• Schedule high noise-producing activities
between the hours of 8 AM and 6 PM to
minimize disruption to sensitive uses such as
'
hotel guests.
9.
Construction activities shall be scheduled so as to
On-going
City of Rosemead
avoid operating several pieces of equipment
throughout
Building
simultaneously, which generates high noise
project
Department
levels,
construction
Initial
Date
Trans ortation/Traffic
10.
The project applicant shall pay a fair share of the
Prior to the
City of Rosemead
cost to install a traffic signal at San Gabriel
issuance of an
Building
Boulevard at Plaza Drive prior to the issuance of
occupancy
Department
Initial
an occupancy permit for the ball room. The fair
perm t for the
share contribution shall not exceed 1.4% of the
ballroom
Date
cost of the traffic signal.
11.
The project applicant shall pay the cost to
Prior to the
City of Rosemead
construct the following intersection
issuance of an
Building
improvements prior to the issuance of an
occupancy
Department
occupancy permit for the hotel:
permit for the
Initial
• Strip an eastbound free right turn lane at the
hotel
intersection of San Gabriel Boulevard at
Date
Plaza Drive.
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration June 2008
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program Page 4
Mitigation
Mitigation Measure
Monitoring
Enforcement
Verification of
Measure
Milestone
Agency
Compliance
No.
12.
Prior to the issuance of a building permit for
Prior to the
City of Rosemead
Phase I the applicant shall pay for the cost to
issuance of a
Building
install a traffic signal at the northern project
Phase I building
Department
entrance.
permit
Initial
Date
Utilities/Service Systems
13.
Prior to the issuance of a grading pernnt, the project
Prior to the
City of Rosemead
developer shall provide a plan acceptable to the City
issuance of a
Public Works
that retains all increased volume of surface water to
Phase I grading
Department
ensure the project does not discharge any greater
permit
Initial
quantity of surface water compared to the current
condition. A plan to retain all increased surface
Date
water quantity on-site shall be approved by the City
prior to the issuance of building permits. The plan
shall include an on-site retention basin and adequate
metering or other method acceptable to the City so
the project does not discharge any greater quantity
of surface water from the site than current
conditions.
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration June 2008
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program Page 5
EXHIBIT "D"
PC RESOLUTION 10-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
CONSIDERING AN ADDENDUM TO THE ADOPTED DOUBLE TREE
HOTEL MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARTION FOR THE
MODIFICATION OF MITIGATION MEASURE NO. 12, AND APPROVING
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (MODIFICATION 2) 01-820 AND DESIGN
REVIEW (MODIFICATION 1) 07-145. THE SUBJECT SITE IS
LOCATED AT 888 MONTEBELLO BOULEVARD, IN THE C-3D
(MEDIUM COMMERCIAL WITH A DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE (APN:
5271-002-061 to 5271-002-065).
WHEREAS, on July 7, 2008, the Rosemead Planning Commission approved
Resolution 08-13 that approved Conditional Use Permit Modification 01-820 and Design
Review 07-145, subject to conditions of approval for the addition of 54 guest rooms with
a lobby totaling 54,739 square feet, a 12,440 square foot ballroom and an attached
86,527 square foot parking structure to the existing Double Tree Hotel located at 888
Montebello Boulevard in the C-31D (Medium Commercial with a Design Overlay) zone;
and
WHEREAS, on July 7, 2008, the Planning Commission ADOPTED a Mitigated
Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Program, as the environmental
clearance for Conditional Use Permit 01-820 (MOD) and Design, Review 07-145
pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), and
WHEREAS, on November 3, 2010, Sue Lee of CHCH, Inc submitted Conditional
Use Permit Modification (2) 01-820 and Design Review Modification (1) 07-145 on
behalf of the Double Tree Hotel (Sunshine Inn Limited Partnership) requesting to
eliminate mitigation measure #12 of the adopted MMRP as a condition (Condition of
Approval #34 in Resolution 08-13), for the project located at 888 Montebello Boulevard;
and
WHEREAS, Section 17.112.030 (20) of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC)
permits hotels in the C-3, CBD, and M zones upon the granting of a Conditional Use
Permit (CUP).
WHEREAS, Section 17.112.010 sets the following criteria required for granting
Conditional Use Permits:
• The granting of such conditional use permit will be in harmony with the elements
or objectives of the General Plan.
Exhibit D
Planning Commission Resolution
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Page 2 of 12
• The establishment, maintenance or conduct of the use for which the conditional
use permit is sought will not, under the particular case, be detrimental to the
health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience or welfare of persons residing or
working in the neighborhood.
• The granting of such conditional use permit will not be detrimental or injurious to
the property and improvements in the neighborhood or the general welfare.
WHEREAS, Section 17.72.030 of the RMC states that design review procedures
shall be followed for all improvements involving visible changes in form, texture, color,
exterior fagade or landscaping, and
WHEREAS, Section 17.72.050 sets the criteria by which the Planning
Commission may approve, approve with conditions, or deny an application:
• The plans indicate proper consideration for the relationship between the
proposed structure and site developments that exist or have been approved for
the general neighborhood;
• The plan for the proposed structure and site development indicates the manner
in which the proposed development and surrounding properties are protected
against noise, vibrations, and other factors which may have an adverse effect on
the environment, and the manner of screening mechanical equipment, trash,
storage and loading areas.
• The proposed structure or site development is not, in its exterior design and
appearance, so at variance with the appearance of other existing building or site
developments in the neighborhood as to cause the nature of the local
environment to materially depreciate in appearance and value.
• The proposed building or structure is in harmony with the proposed
developments on land in the general area, especially those instances where
buildings are within or adjacent to land shown on the General Plan as being part
of the Civic Center or in public or educational use, or are within or immediately
adjacent to land included within any precise plan which indicates building shape,
size or style.
• The proposed development is in conformity with the standards of this code and
other applicable ordinances in so far as the location and appearance of the
buildings and structures are involved; and
• The site plan and the design of the buildings, parking areas, signs, landscaping,
luminaries and other site features indicates that proper consideration has been
Planning Commission Resolution
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Page 3 of 12
given to both the functional aspects of the site development, such as automobile
and pedestrian circulation, and the visual effect of the development from the view
of public streets.
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has applied the criteria for a conditional
use permit and design review to the applicant's request for the modification of the
conditions and mitigation measures of the subject conditional use permit and design
review; and
WHEREAS, on June 10, 2010, forty-four (44) notices were sent to property
owners within a 300-foot radius from the subject property, in addition to notices posted
in six (6) public locations and on-site, specifying the availability of the application, plus
the date, time and location of the public hearing for Conditional Use Permit (MOD 2) 01-
820 and Design Review (MOD 1) 07-145, and on June 11, 2010, the notice was
published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune; and
WHEREAS, on June 21, 2010, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed and
advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to Conditional
Use Permit (MOD 2) 01-820 and Design Review (MOD 1) 07-145; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission fully studied the proposed Addendum to
the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program,
environmental findings, and considered all public comments;
WHEREAS, the Rosemead Planning Commission has sufficiently considered all
testimony presented to them in order to make the following determination.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City
of Rosemead as follows:
SECTION 1. CEQA Guidelines Section 15164 Findings. The Planning
Commission hereby finds that:
1. An Addendum instead of a subsequent MND has been prepared, as
Conditional Use Permit (MOD 2) 01-820 and Design Review (MOD 1) 07-145 is not
proposed to make substantial changes to the project that would require major revisions
to the previous MND due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or
substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects; and
2. An Addendum instead of a subsequent MIND has been prepared, as
Conditional Use Permit (MOD 2) 01-820 and Design Review (MOD 1) 07-145 did not
cause substantial changes to occur with respect to the circumstances under which the
project is undertaken which would have required major revisions to the previous MND
Planning Commission Resolution
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Pape 4 of 12
due to involvement of new significant environmental effects or substantial increase in
the severity of previously identified significant effects; and
3. An Addendum instead of a subsequent MND has been prepared, as no
new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have
been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous MND was
adopted as complete, shows any of the following: a) Conditional Use Permit (MOD 2)
01-820 and Design Review (MOD 1) 07-145 will have one or more significant effects not
discussed in the previous MND, b) Significant effects previously examined will be
substantially more severe than shown in the previous MND, c) Mitigation measures or
alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be feasible and would
substantially reduce one or more significant effects of the project, but the City declines
to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative, or d) Mitigation measures or alternatives
which are considerably different from those analyzed in the previous MND would
substantially reduce one or more significant effects on the environment, but the City
declines to adopt the mitigation measure or alternative.
FINDING: Only minor revision to the project mitigation measures are proposed
by Conditional Use Permit (MOD 2) 01-820 and Design Review (MOD 1) 07-145. The
environmental effects of Conditional Use Permit (MOD 2) 01-820 and Design Review
(MOD 1) 07-145 were assessed in terms of whether the impacts would be substantially
different from and/or more severe than the impacts identified in the 2008 Mitigated
Negative Declaration. Each impact topic is described below:
A. No Substantial Change in the Project. There are no substantial changes in
the Project. Rather, there is a clear and straight forward explanation to support the
request to delete the condition of approval that requires the project applicant to pay for
the cost to install a traffic signal at the project entrance prior to the issuance of a
building permit for Phase I. There are no new significant environmental or traffic and
circulation effects or any substantial increases in the severity of any previously identified
traffic and circulation effect with the elimination of the traffic signal. No major revision or
modification to the adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration is required. The adopted
project mitigation measures will continue to be more than adequate to mitigate all
project traffic impacts.
B. No Substantial Changes in Circumstances. There are no substantial
changes with respect to the circumstances under which the project will be undertaken
that will require major revisions to the Mitigated Negative Declaration due to the
involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the
severity of previously identified significant effect. The clarification provided herein to
eliminate the installation of a traffic signal at the project entrance will not result in new or
substantially increased environmental or traffic and circulation effects resulting from the
project.
Planning Commission Resolution
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Page 5 of 12
C. No New Information of Substantial Importance. There is no new
information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been
known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the Mitigated Negative
Declaration was adopted that shows the project will have one or more significant effects
or substantially more severe effects not discussed in the Mitigated Negative
Declaration. Except for the new information regarding the proposed elimination of the
traffic signal at the project entrance, the project and its traffic impacts all remain the
same as contemplated and evaluated in the Mitigated Negative Declaration. There are
no mitigation measures that were considerably different from those analyzed in the
Mitigated Negative Declaration that would substantially reduce the environmental
effects related to project traffic. Consequently, there is no new information indicating
that new significant or substantially more severe environmental effects would result from
the traffic generated by the project.
SECTION 2 - CEQA Guidelines Section 15090 Findings. The Planning
Commission hereby finds that:
1. The Addendum to the adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration and
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program has been completed in compliance with
the California Environmental Quality Act based on evidence presented in Section 1 of
this resolution; and
2. The Addendum to the adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration and
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program was presented to the Planning
Commission and that the Planning Commission reviewed and considered the
information contained in the Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum and Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program prior to approving the project such that a Planning
Commission public hearing was held on June 21, 2010.
3. The Addendum to the adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration and
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program reflects the lead agency's independent
judgment and analysis in that the Mitigated Negative Declaration has been subject to
comment and revision by City staff and reflects the independent judgment of the
Rosemead Planning Commission.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES
that the modification of the plan does not in any way alter the findings previously made
by the Planning Commission to approve Conditional Use Permit Modification 01-820.
On July 7, 2008, the Planning Commission determined that the conditional use permit
met all the requisite standards set forth. Staff is only applying the requirements for the
initial grant of the approval to the applicant's request for a modification. The facts do
Planning Commission Resolution
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Page 6 of 12
exist to justify approving Conditional Use Permit Modification (2) 01-820 according to
the criteria of Section 17.112.020 of the Rosemead Municipal Code as follows:
A. The granting of such conditional use permit will be in harmony with the
elements or objectives of the General Plan.
FINDING: The project site is designated in the General Plan as Commercial and
on the zoning map, it is designated C-3D (Medium Commercial with a Design Overlay).
The proposed use is in conformity with the General Plan, in that C-3D zoning is a
corresponding zone district with the Commercial General Plan land use category.
Section 17.112.020 of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC) allows "hotels and motels"
in the C-3, CBD and M-1 zones, upon the granting of a CUP. The CUP will continue to
be in harmony with the elements and objections of the General Plan with the
modification of mitigation measure #12.
B. The establishment, maintenance or conduct of the use for which the
conditional use permit is sought will not, under the particular case, be detrimental to the
health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience or welfare of persons residing or working in
the neighborhood.
FINDING: The modification of mitigation measure #12 will not be detrimental to
the health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience or welfare of persons residing or
working in the neighborhood. A new Focused Traffic Analysis, dated January 21, 2010,
studied the cumulative plus project weekday morning and evening peak hours and
Saturday mid-day peak hour traffic at Montebello Boulevard and the north and south
project driveways, which are presently unsignalized intersections. The proposed traffic
distribution would maintain the north project driveway as a cross street stop controlled
intersection that restricts east-west left turn movements from the site and the adjacent
Montebello Town Center shopping 'center. The intersection at the south project
entrance and Montebello Boulevard is proposed as a full access intersection. The
revised project traffic distribution of the January 21, 2010 analysis improves the LOS of
the project driveways. The improved level of service at the north project driveway,
based on the January 21, 2010 traffic analysis, occurs as a result of the full access
south project driveway. The revised access to both project driveways distributes the
project traffic and thus improves the LOS. With this improvement, the current traffic
volumes do not warrant a traffic signal at either the north or the south project driveway
entrance at the project opening timeline. However, since a traffic signal system was
calculated to be warranted during the evening peak hour in the year 2020, mitigation
measure #12 will require the applicant to pay a fair share of the project cost, including
an allowance for design and construction management for that signal.
C. The granting of such conditional use permit will not be detrimental or injurious
to the property and improvements in the neighborhood or the general welfare.
Planning Commission Resolution
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Page 7 of 12
FINDING: A new Focused Traffic Analysis, dated January 21, 2010, studied the
cumulative plus project weekday morning and evening peak hours and Saturday mid-
day peak hour traffic at Montebello Boulevard and the north and south project
driveways, which are presently unsignalized intersections. The intersection at the south
project entrance and Montebello Boulevard is proposed as a full access intersection.
The revised project traffic distribution of the January 21, 2010 analysis improves the
LOS of the project driveways. The improved level of service at the north project
driveway, based on the January 21, 2010 traffic analysis, occurs as a result of the full
access south project driveway. The revised access to both project driveways distributes
the project traffic and thus improves the LOS. With this improvement, the current traffic
volumes do not warrant a traffic signal at either the north or the south project driveway
entrance at the project opening timeline. However, since a traffic signal system was
calculated to be warranted during the evening peak hour in the year 2020, mitigation
measure #12 will require the applicant to pay a fair share of the project cost, including
an allowance for design and construction management for that signal. Additionally, the
property owner will be required to adhere to all other conditions of approval and
mitigation measures that were approved in July 2008. Therefore, the proposed
modification will not be detrimental or injurious to the general welfare of the City.
SECTION 4. The Planning Commission HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES
that the modification of the plan does not in any way alter the findings previously made
by the Planning Commission to approve Design Review 07-145. On July 7, 2008, the
Planning Commission determined that the design review met all the requisite standards
set forth. Staff is only applying the requirements for the initial grant of the approval to
the applicant's request for a modification. The facts do exist to justify approving Design
Review (MOD 1) 07-145 according to the criteria of Section 17.72.050 of the Rosemead
Municipal Code as follows:
A. The plans indicate proper consideration for the relationship between the
proposed structure and site developments that exist or have been approved for the
general neighborhood; and
FINDING: Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning
Commission on July 7, 2008. The proposed modification deals with a revised mitigation
measure to address traffic and circulation within the public right-of-way. The
modification of mitigation measure #12 will not affect the approved on-site
improvements for the Double Tree Hotel expansion.
B. The plan for the proposed structure and site development indicates the
manner in which the proposed development and surrounding properties are protected
against noise, vibrations, and other factors which may have an adverse effect on the
Planning Commission Resolution
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Paae 8 of 12
environment, and the manner of screening mechanical equipment, trash, storage and
loading areas.
FINDING: Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning
Commission on July 7, 2008. The proposed modification deals with a revised mitigation
measure to address traffic and circulation within the public right-of-way. The
modification of mitigation measure #12 will not affect the approved on-site
improvements for the Double Tree Hotel expansion. Additionally, the property owner will
be required to adhere to all other conditions of approval and mitigation measures that
were approved in July 2008, which address noise, vibrations, and other factors which
may have an adverse effect on the environment, and the manner of screening
mechanical equipment, trash, storage and loading areas.
C. The proposed structure or site development is not, in its exterior design and
appearance, so at variance with the appearance of other existing building or site
developments in the neighborhood as to cause the nature of the local environment to
materially depreciate in appearance and value.
FINDING: Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning
Commission on July 7, 2008. The proposed modification deals with a revised mitigation
measure to address traffic and circulation within the public right-of-way. The
modification of mitigation measure #12 will not affect the approved on-site
improvements for the Double Tree Hotel expansion. Additionally, the property owner will
be required to adhere to all other conditions of approval and mitigation measures that
were approved in July 2008.
D. The proposed building or structure is in harmony with the proposed
developments on land in the general area, especially those instances where buildings
are within or adjacent to land shown on the General Plan as being part of the Civic
Center or in public or educational use, or are within or immediately adjacent to land
included within any precise plan which indicates building shape, size or style; and
FINDING: Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning
Commission on July 7, 2008. The proposed modification deals with a revised mitigation
measure to address traffic and circulation within the public right-of-way. The
modification of mitigation measure #12 will not affect the approved on-site
improvements for the Double Tree Hotel expansion. Additionally, the property owner will
be required to adhere to all other conditions of approval and mitigation measures that
were approved in July 2008. Furthermore, the Double Tree Hotel is not located within
or adjacent to land shown on the General Plan as being part of the Civic Center or in
public or educational use, or within or immediately adjacent to land included within any
precise plan which indicates building shape, size or style.
Planning Commission Resolution
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Paoe 9 of 12
E. The proposed development is in conformity with the standards of the
Rosemead Municipal Code and other applicable ordinances in so far as the location and
appearance of the buildings and structures are involved; and
FINDING: Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning
Commission on July 7, 2008. The proposed modification deals with a revised mitigation
measure to address traffic and circulation within the public right-of-way. The
modification of mitigation measure #12 will not affect the approved on-site
improvements for the Double Tree Hotel expansion. Additionally, the property owner will
be required to adhere to all other conditions of approval and mitigation measures that
were approved in July 2008.
F. The site plan and the design of the buildings, parking areas, signs,
landscaping, luminaries and other site features indicates that proper consideration has
been given to both the functional aspects of the site development, such as automobile
and pedestrian circulation, and the visual effect of the development from the view of
public streets.
FINDING: Design Review 07-145 was approved by the Rosemead Planning
Commission on July 7, 2008. The proposed modification deals with a revised mitigation
measure to address traffic and circulation within the public right-of-way. Proper
consideration has been given to the functional aspect of the site development, such as
automobile circulation. A new Focused Traffic Analysis, dated January 21, 2010,
studied the cumulative plus project weekday morning and evening peak hours and
Saturday mid-day peak hour traffic at Montebello Boulevard and the north and south
project driveways, which are presently unsignalized intersections. The proposed traffic
distribution would maintain the north project driveway as a cross street stop controlled
intersection that restricts east-west left turn movements from the site and the adjacent
Montebello Town Center shopping center. The intersection at the south project
entrance and Montebello Boulevard is proposed as a full access intersection. The
revised project traffic distribution of the January 21, 2010 analysis improves the LOS of
the project driveways. The improved level of service at the north project driveway,
based on the January 21, 2010 traffic analysis, occurs as a result of the full access
south project driveway. The revised access to both project driveways distributes the
project traffic and thus improves the LOS. With this improvement, the current traffic
volumes do not warrant a traffic signal at either the north or the south project driveway
entrance at the project opening timeline. However, since a traffic signal system was
calculated to be warranted during the evening peak hour in the year 2020, mitigation
measure #12 will require the applicant to pay a fair share of the project cost, including
an allowance for design and construction management for that signal. The modification
of mitigation measure #12 will not affect the approved on-site improvements for the
Double Tree Hotel expansion. Additionally, the property owner will be required to
Planning Commission Resolution
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Page 10 of 12
adhere to all other conditions of approval and mitigation measures that were approved
in July 2008.
SECTION 5. The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Conditional Use
Permit Modification (2) 01-820 and Design Review Modification (1) 07-145 modifying
Mitigation Measure No. 12 to require the project applicant to pay a total of $5,712.00
into the City's traffic mitigation fund to cover the applicant's fair share (1.4%) of the
project cost to install a traffic signal system at the northern project entrance, instead of
the full cost of the traffic signal system, subject to the conditions listed in Attachment "A"
attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 6. This resolution is the result of an action taken by the Planning
Commission on June 21, 2010, by the following vote:
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SECTION 6. The secretary shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and
shall transmit copies of same to the applicant and the Rosemead City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED, this 21St day of June, 2010.
William Alarcon, Chairman
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Rosemead at its regular meeting, held on this 21St day of
June, 2010, by the following vote:
YES:
NO:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Stan Wong, Secretary
Planning Commission Resolution
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Page 11 of 12
ATTACHMENT "A"
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (MOD 2) 01-820 AND
DESIGN REVIEW (MOD 1) 07-145
DOUBLE HOTEL, 888 MONTEBELLO BOULEVARD
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
June 21, 2010
1. Conditional Use Permit Modification (2) 01-820 and Design Review Modification
(1) 07-145 shall be in compliance and remain in compliance with all Conditions of
Approval for Conditional Use Permit Modification (1) 01-820 and Design Review
07-145, in addition to the Conditions of Approval for Conditional Use Permit
Modification (2) 01-820 and Design Review Modification (1) 07-145.
2. All Mitigation Measures as stated in the Addendum Mitigated Negative
Declaration shall be implemented by the applicant and enforced by the City of
Rosemead or any other responsible agency.
3. The project applicant shall make all improvements to the south drive access to
accommodate the movements allowed in the January 21, 2010 Focused Traffic
Analysis. This includes making the intersection of Montebello Boulevard at
project south access a full access intersection.
4. Approval of Conditional Use Permit Modification (2) 01-820 and Design Review
Modification (1) 07-145 shall not take effect for any purpose until the applicant
has filed with the City of Rosemead a notarized affidavit stating that he/she is
aware of and accepts all of the conditions of approval as set forth in the letter of
approval and this list of conditions, within ten (10) days from the Planning
Commission approval date.
5. Conditional Use Permit Modification (2) 01-820 and Design Review Modification
(1) 07-145 are approved for a period of one (1) year. The applicant shall
commence the proposed use or request an extension within 30-calendar days
prior to expiration. The one (1) year initial approval period shall be effective from
the Planning Commission approval date. For the purpose of this petition, project
commencement shall be defined as beginning the permitting process with the
Planning and Building Divisions, so long as the project is not abandoned. If
Conditional Use Permit Modification (2) 01-820 and Design Review Modification
(1) 07-145 have been unused, abandoned or discontinued for a period of one (1)
year it shall become null and void.
Planning Commission Resolution
CUP MOD (2) 01-820 and DR MOD (1) 07-145
June 21, 2010
Paae 12 of 12
6. The Planning Commission hereby authorizes the Planning Division to make,or
approve minor modifications to the approved Plans where necessary.
7. Conditional Use Permit Modification (2) 01-820 and Design Review Modification
(1) 07-145 are granted or approved with the City and its Planning Commission
and City Council retaining and reserving the right and jurisdiction to review and to
modify the permit--including the conditions of approval--based on changed
circumstances. Changed circumstances include, but are not limited to, the
modification of the use, a change in scope, emphasis, size, or nature of the use,
or the expansion, alteration, reconfiguration, or change of use. This reservation
of right to review is in addition to, and not in lieu of, the right of the city, its
Planning Commission, and City Council to review and revoke or modify any
permit granted or approved under the Rosemead Municipal Code for any
violations of the conditions imposed on Conditional Use Permit Modification (2)
01-820 and Design Review Modification (1) 07-145.
8. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Rosemead
or its agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding
against the City of Rosemead or its agents, officers, or employees to attack, set
side, void, or annul, an approval of the Planning Commission and/or City Council
concerning the project, which action is brought within the time period provided by
law.
9. The onsite public hearing notice posting shall be removed within 30 days from
the end of the 10-day appeal period of Conditional Use Permit Modification (2)
01-820 and Design Review Modification (1) 07-145.
10.The developer shall provide a courtesy notice of the start of construction to the
occupants of abutting properties ten days prior to construction commencement
and provide a copy of the notice to the Planning Division.
11. The applicant shall obtain a public works permit for all work in or adjacent to the
public right-of-way.
12.Violation of the conditions of approval may result in citation and/or initiation of
revocation proceedings.
D
-JA4 t bl 1._ Ali I .,l - 5r .
Double Tree Hotel Expansion
Mitigated Negative Declaration
Addendum
Double Tree Hotel
888 Montebello Boulevard
Rosemead, CA 91770
Lead Agency
City of Rosemead
8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, CA 91770
626-569-2100
Contact: Sheri Bermejo, Principal Planner
Project Proponent
Sunshine Inn Limited Partnership
888 Montebello Boulevard
Rosemead, CA 91770
June 3, 2010
Exhibit E
DOUBLE TREE HOTEL EXPANSION
AlITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION ADDENDUM
I. INTRODUCTION
On July 7, 2008, the Rosemead Planning Commission approved Resolution 08-13 that approved
Conditional Use Permit 01-820 (MOD) and Design Review 07-145, subject to conditions of
approval outlined in Exhibit "B" to Resolution 08-13, for the addition of 54 guest rooms with a
lobby totaling 54,739 square feet, a 12,440 square foot ballroom and an attached 86,527 square foot
parking structure (the "Project") to the existing Double Tree Hotel. Resolution 08-13 also adopted
Mitigated Negative Declaration ("MND") (State Clearinghouse #2007071010) and a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Plan ("MMRP"). A Notice of Determination ("NOD") was filed on July
8, 2008 with the Los Angeles County Clerk in compliance with California Public Resources Code
Section 21152 and California Environmental Quality Act Section 15373 acknowledging the approval
of the project and the Mitigated Negative Declaration.
The City of Rosemead (the "City") prepared this Addendum pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) ( "CEQA") in response to
the request by the project applicant (Sunshine Inn Limited Partnership) to eliminate mitigation
measure #12 of the adopted Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program as a project condition
(Condition of Approval #34 in Resolution 08-13).. Mitigation Measure #12 requires the project
applicant to pay for the cost to install a traffic signal at the northern entrance to the Double Tree
Hotel site prior to the issuance of a building permit for Phase I construction.
If approved, this Addendum would eliminate Mitigation Measure #12 of the approved Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program with a replacement mitigation measure. The replacement
mitigation measure states, "The project applicant shall pay a total of $5,712.00 into the City's traffic
mitigation fund to cover the applicant's fair share (1.4%) of the project cost to install a traffic signal
system at the northern project entrance. This total fee also includes an allowance of 20% of the
project cost for design and construction management "
II. PURPOSE OF ADDENDUM
CEQA authorizes a lead or responsible agency to prepare an Addendum to a previously adopted
MND if some changes or additions are necessary, but none of the conditions described in CEQA
Guidelines 515162 requiring the preparation of a Subsequent MND or CEQA Guidelines 515163
requiring the preparation of a supplement to an MND have occurred.
A subsequent MND is not required unless (i) substantial changes are proposed in the project which
will require major revisions of the previous EIR or negative declaration due to the involvement of
new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified
significant effects; (ii) substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the
project is being undertaken which will require major revisions of the previous EIR or negative
declaration due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase
in the severity of previously identified significant effects; or (iii) new information of substantial
importance, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable
diligence at the time the previous EIR or negative declaration was certified as complete or the
negative declaration was adopted shows any of the following: (a) the project will have one or more
significant effects not discussed in the previous EIR or negative declaration; (b) significant effects
previously examined will be substantially more severe than shown in the previous EIR; (c) mitigation
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum Page 1
June 3, 2010
DOUBLE TREE HOTEL EXPANSION
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION ADDENDUM
measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in fact be feasible and would
substantially reduce one or more significant effects, but the project proponents decline to adopt the
mitigation measure or alternative; or (d) mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably
different from those analyzed in the EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant effects
on the environment, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measures or
alternatives (Public Resources Code §21166; CEQA Guidelines §15162).
Given that none of the conditions requiring preparation of a Subsequent Negative Declaration are
present with the mitigation measure change and only a minor technical change to the previous
Mitigated Negative Declaration is necessary to reflect the elimination of a traffic signal at the project
entrance, an Addendum to the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration is the proper
environmental document (CEQA Guidelines §15164).
CEQA requires that the decision making body consider the Addendum along with and in
conjunction with the final Mitigated Negative Declaration prior to making a decision on whether or
not to approve the removal of the condition of approval to install a traffic signal at the project
entrance. A brief explanation of the decision not to prepare a Subsequent Mitigated Negative
Declaration pursuant to CEQA Guidelines §15162 should be included in an Addendum or
elsewhere in the record and must be supported by substantial evidence.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15164
In accordance with CEQA Guidelines §15164, the City, as the lead agency, has prepared this
Addendum to the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration. As further described below,
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 515162, the City has determined that the clarifications provided
herein will result in none of the conditions described in CEQA Guidelines 515162 requiring the
preparation of a Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration.
III. PROJECT BACKGROUND
The approved Double Tree Hotel Expansion project includes the expansion of the existing Double
Tree Hotel in two phases. Phase I includes a four-story addition for 52 guest rooms and a hotel
lobby that total 52,620 square feet and surface parking for 204 cars. Phase II includes the
construction of a one-story 12,440 square foot ballroom that will seat 500 guests and a 86,527 square
foot four-story parking structure for 267 cars.
The project approval included a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Modification to allow the
construction of the hotel expansion, ballroom, and parking structure. Because the site is in the C3-
D Medium Commercial zone with a Design Overlay, the project also included Design Review by the
Planning Commission per Rosemead Municipal Code Section 17.72.050.
A traffic report' was prepared for the Double Tree Hotel Expansion project that evaluated the need
for a traffic signal at either the north project entrance or the south project driveway. The traffic
report determined that a traffic signal was warranted at the north project entrance for the evening
peak hour based on existing and future estimated traffic numbers. As a result, the project was
I Double Tree Hotel Expansion Traffic Analysis, Kunzman Associates, April 28, 2008.
Double Tree Hotel Expansion -Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum Page 2
June 3, 2010
DOUBLE TREE HOTEL EXPANSION
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION ADDENDUM
conditioned to pay for the cost to install a traffic signal at the main project entrance prior to the
issuance of a building permit for Phase I.
IV. SCOPE OF ADDENDUM
The scope of this Addendum is to provide information in support of the elimination of the project
condition for the project applicant to pay the cost to install a traffic signal at the northern project
entrance prior to the issuance of a building permit to construct Phase I. Any public comment on
this Addendum shall be limited to this one area.
V. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION ADDENDUM IS THE PROPER
METHOD TO DELETE AN ADOPTED MITIGATION MEASURE
The City finds that none of the conditions described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 requires
the preparation of a Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration. Specifically, the City has
determined the following:
No Substantial Change in the Project. There are no substantial changes in the Project. Rather, there is a
clear and straight forward explanation to support the request to delete the condition of approval that
requires the project applicant to pay for the cost to install a traffic signal at the project entrance prior
to the issuance of a building permit for Phase I. There are no new significant environmental or
traffic and circulation effects or any substantial increases in the severity of any previously identified
traffic and circulation effect with the elimination of the traffic signal. No major revision or
modification to the adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration is required. The adopted project
mitigation measures will continue to be more than adequate to mitigate all project traffic impacts.
No Substantial Changes in Circumstances. There are no substantial changes with respect to the
circumstances under which the project will be undertaken that will require major revisions to the
Mitigated Negative Declaration due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a
substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effect. The clarification
provided herein to eliminate the installation of a traffic signal at the project entrance will not result
in new or substantially increased environmental or traffic and circulation effects resulting from the
project.
No New Information of Substantial Importance. There is no new information of substantial importance,
which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at
the time the Mitigated Negative Declaration was adopted that shows the project will have one or
more significant effects or substantially more severe effects not discussed in the Mitigated Negative
Declaration. Except for the new information regarding the proposed elimination of the traffic signal
at the project entrance, the project and its traffic impacts all remain the same as contemplated and
evaluated in the Mitigated Negative Declaration. There are no mitigation measures that were
considerably different from those analyzed in the Mitigated Negative Declaration that would
substantially reduce the environmerital effects related to project traffic. Consequently, there is no
new information indicating that new significant or substantially more severe environmental effects
would result from the traffic generated by the project.
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum Page 3
June 3, 2010
DOUBLE TREE HOTEL EXPANSION
MITIGATED NEGATIvE DECLARATION ADDENDUM
VI. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT CHANGE
Following the project applicant's request to delete the cost to install a traffic signal at the main
project entrance (north entrance), the City commissioned a focused traffic analysis. The purpose of
the focused traffic study was to determine if. 1) a traffic signal is required at the project entrance
(north or south) during either the morning (AM) or evening (PM) peak hours; and 2) if a traffic
signal is not warranted at either entrance would there be any other potential traffic impacts with the
deletion of the required traffic signal.
The project applicant hired Kuzman and Associates to prepare the focused traffic analysis. The
focused traffic analysis is included as Appendix A of the Addendum.
The traffic analysis studied the cumulative plus project weekday morning and evening peak hours
and Saturday mid-day peak hour traffic at Montebello Boulevard and the north and south project
driveways, which are presently unsignalized intersections. The north project driveway is currently a
cross street stop controlled intersection that restricts east-west left turn movements from the site
and the adjacent Montebello Town Center shopping center. The intersection at the south project
entrance and Montebello Boulevard is proposed as a full access intersection.
The focused traffic analysis concludes that the cumulative plus project traffic conditions do not
warrant traffic signals at either project driveway (north or south) based on the revised project traffic
distributions. While the traffic report that was prepared for the MND showed a PM peak hour
traffic level of service' (LOS) F at the north project driveway a recent traffic analysis, January 21,
2010, shows a LOS A at the north driveway for the AM peak hour and LOS B for the PM peak
hour. For the south project entrance the MND traffic report showed LOS B and the recent, January
21, 2010, traffic analysis showed LOS A in the AM peak hour and LOS B in the PM peak hour.
In conclusion, the revised project traffic distribution of the January 21, 2010 analysis indicates the
LOS of the project driveways has improved since early 2008. The improved level of service at the
north project driveway, based on the January 21, 2010 traffic analysis, supports this conclusion. In
addition,I the current traffic volumes do not warrant a traffic signal at the north or south project
driveway entrance at the project opening timeline.
The City acknowledges that traffic patterns and volumes can change and sometime in the future the
AM and/or PM traffic volumes may warrant a traffic signal at either or both project entrances. For
this reason, the City of Rosemead requested an analysis for both project access points discerning
when each project access point would warrant the installation of a traffic signal. For the intersection
of Montebello Boulevard/north project driveway, a traffic signal was calculated to be warranted
during the evening peak hour in 2020. The installation of a traffic signal at the Montebello
Boulevard/south project driveway was calculated to be warranted during the evening peak hour in
2038. Since the traffic signal at the north project driveway is within less than ten years of the project
opening timeline, the City will require the applicant to pay a fair share of the project cost, including
an allowance for design and construction management for that signal. The City will not require the
z City of Rosemead Double Tree Hotel Expansion Traffic Impact Analysis (Revised) April 28, 2008, Kunzman
Associates, Appendix C, Cumulative Plus Project Evening Peak Hour, page 7-1
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum Page 4
June 3, 2010
DOUBLE TREE HOTEL EXPANSION
MITIGATFD NEGATIVE DECLARATION ADDENDUM
project applicant to pair a fair share of the cost to install a traffic signal at the south project driveway
in the year 2038 due to the long time frame of that need.
VII. MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
At its July 7, 2008 hearing, the Rosemead Planning Commission approved a Mitigation Monitoring
and Reporting Program as required by Public Resources Code Section 21081.6 Code which, among
other things, states that when a governmental agency adopts or certifies a CEQA document that
contains the environmental review of a proposed project, "The public agency shall adopt a reporting
or monitoring program for the changes made to the project or conditions of project approval,
adopted in order to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment. The reporting or
monitoring program shall be designed to ensure compliance during project implementation."
Mitigation Measure #12 of the adopted MMRP states, "Prior to the issuance of a building permit for
Phase I the applicant shall pay for the cost to install a traffic signal at the northern project entrance.
If, as the Lead Agency, the Rosemead Planning Commission approves to delete Mitigation Measure
#12 the Planning Commission must also approve an updated MMRP. An updated MMRP
reflecting the deletion of Mitigation Measure #12 has been submitted to the Rosemead Planning
Commission for approval along with this Addendum. In its place, a new mitigation measure is
recommended. The new replacement Mitigation Measure #12 requires, "The project applicant shall
pay a total of $5,712.00 into the City's traffic mitigation fund to cover the applicant's fair share
(1.4%) of the project cost to install a traffic signal system at the northern project entrance. This
total fee also includes an allowance of 20% of the project cost for design and construction
management "
Pursuant to CEQA Section 15164, the adopted MND, as updated with this Addendum, can be
relied upon for documentation of the effects of the revised project on the environment. Because
the change in the project with the deletion of the requirement to install a traffic signal at the north
project entrance do not exceed the thresholds outlined in CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 and
15164, no further analysis of the environmental impacts of the project is required in a
Supplemental/Subsequent MND. Based on all of the data presented above and in the adopted
MND, it is recommended that the proposed elimination of the north project entrance traffic signal
be processes for compliance with CEQA as an Addendum to the adopted Mitigated Negative
Declaration. The proposed elimination of the traffic signal does not alter the conclusions contained
in the MND as adopted by the Rosemead Planning Commission on July 7, 2008. The analysis
presented above of the proposed elimination of the north project entrance traffic signal justifies the
preparation of an Addendum to the adopted MND.
This Addendum to the Double Tree Hotel Expansion Mitigated Negative Declaration includes
information necessary to make the adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration adequate under CEQA
for the proposed project change. This Addendum includes the adopted MND, this document,
including attachments, and all staff reports and information submitted to the decision makers
regarding environmental issues affected by the expansion to the Double Tree Hotel. This
Addendum is intended as an additional information document to provide decision makers and
others, as appropriate, with an objective assessment of the potential environmental impacts
associated with the proposed deletion of the north project entrance traffic signal.
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendutn Page 5
June 3, 2010
DOUBLE TREE HOTEL EXPANSION
MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION ADDENDUM
VIII. CONCLUSION
The earlier traffic analysis presented in the MND that was prepared for the Double Tree Hotel
Expansion project was used as a basis for analysis in this Addendum, updated with current focused
traffic information. Upon review of the MND, the information contained in this Addendum and all
of the supporting evidence, it is the conclusion of this Addendum that the potential impacts
associated with removing the traffic signal will not be any significantly greater or different than those
identified in the adopted MND. There are no new significant impacts that result from the project.
This Addendum provides an update of the project site and the mitigation measures required in the
MND to control potential project impacts to less than significant impact.
This Addendum provides the City with the information supporting the conclusion that the deletion
of the requirement to install a traffic signal at the north project entrance will not cause substantial
physical changes in the environment that would require preparation and processing a new negative
declaration or an environmental impact report. Such documentation would only be required due to
the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the severity of a
previously identified significant effect on the original project. The facts cited above and provided in
this Addendum allow the City to use an Addendum in accordance with Section 15164(a) of the State
of California CEQA Guidelines for this project.
The Rosemead Planning Commission serves as the CEQA Lead Agency for this project. It is
recommended that the Addendum be adopted as the appropriate CEQA environmental
determination for the elimination of a traffic signal at the north project entrance to the Double Tree
Hotel prior to the issuance of a building permit for Phase I construction.
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum Page 6
June 3, 2010
APPENDIX
Kunzman Associates Focused Traffic
Analysis, January 21, 2010
Please Refer to Exhibit F on the CD
DOUBLE TREE HOTEL EXPANSION
Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING
PROGRAM
Prepared for.
The City of Rosemead
8838 E. Valley Boulevard
Rosemead, California 91770
(626) 569-2100
Prepared by.
Phil Martin & Associates, Inc.
18551 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 140
Irvine, California 92612
(949) 520-0503
June 1, 2010
1.0 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This is the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the Double Tree Hotel
Expansion Addendum project. It has been prepared pursuant to the requirements of Public
Resources Code §21081.6 which, among other things, states that when a governmental agency
adopts or certifies a CEQA document that contains the environmental review of a proposed project,
"The public agency shall adopt a reporting or monitoring program for the changes made to the
project or conditions of project approval, adopted in order to mitigate or avoid significant effects on
the environment. The reporting or monitoring program shall be designed to ensure compliance
during project implementation."
The City of Rosemead is the lead agency for the project, and is therefore, responsible for
administering and implementing the MMRP. The decision-makers must define specific reporting
and/or monitoring requirements to be enforced during project implementation prior to final
approval of the proposed project.
At its July 7, 2008 hearing, the Rosemead Planning Commission approved a Mitigation Monitoring
and Reporting Program as required by Public Resources Code Section 21081.6 Code for the project.
Mitigation Measure #12 of the adopted MMRP has been deleted to eliminate the requirement of the
project developer to install a traffic signal at the north project entrance prior to the issuance of a
building permit for construction of Phase L The revised traffic analysis concludes the installation of
a traffic signal at the north project entrance prior to the issuance of a building permit for Phase I
construction is not required. As a result, the City, based on the revised traffic study, replaced
Mitigation Measure #12 adopted July 7, 2008 with a new mitigation measure to reflect the current
traffic conditions and a need of a traffic signal at the project entrance. This MMRP has a new
Mitigation Measure #12 that replaces the previous measure.
1.2 PROJECT OVERVIEW
The project includes the proposed expansion to the existing Double Tree Hotel in two phases to
add 52 guest rooms, a hotel lobby, a 12,440 square foot ballroom for 500 guests and a 4-level
parking structure for 267 cars. Phase I includes the construction of a four-story building for 52
guest rooms and a hotel lobby that total 52,620 square feet. Phase I also includes surface parking
for 204 cars. Phase II includes the construction of a one-story 12,440 square foot ballroom that will
seat 500 guests. A four-story parking structure totaling 86,527 square feet for 267 cars will also be
constructed as part of Phase II.
1.3 MONITORING AND REPORTING PROCEDURES
This MMRP includes the following information: (1) mitigation measures that will either eliminate or
lessen the potential impact from the project; (2) the monitoring milestone or phase during which the
measure should be complied with or carried out; (3) the enforcement agency responsible for
monitoring mitigation measure compliance; and (4) the initials of the person verifying the mitigation
measure was completed and the date of verification.
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum Page 1
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program - June 1, 2010
The MMRP will be in place through all phases of a project including project design
(preconstruction), project approval, project construction, and operation (both prior to and post-
occupancy). The City will ensure that monitoring is documented through periodic reports and that
deficiencies are promptly corrected. The designated environmental monitor will track and
document compliance with mitigation measures, note any problems that may result, and take
appropriate action to rectify problems.
Each mitigation measure is listed and categorized by impact area, with an accompanying discussion
of
• The phase of the project during which the measure should be monitored;
❑ Project review and prior to project approval
❑ During grading or building plan check review and prior to issuance of a grading
or building permit
❑ On-going during construction
❑ Throughout the life of the project
• The enforcement agency; and
• The initials of the person verifying completion of the mitigation measure and date.
The MMRP is provided as Table 1 (Mitigation and Monitoring Reporting Program).
Table 1
MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
Mitigation
Mitigation Measure
Monitoring
Enforcement
Verification of
Measure
Milestone
Agency
Compliance
No.
Aesthetics
1.
The Applicant shall install dense
Prior to the
City of
landscaping, acceptable to the Planning
issuance of a
Rosemead
Division, around the perimeter of the
Phase I
Building
buildings, building setbacks, and
occupancy
Department
Initial
throughout the surface parking lot to
permit
reduce light and glare impacts to areas
north, east, south, and west of the site.
Date
2.
Only non-specular building materials
Prior to the
City of
shall be used on exterior of structures to
issuance of a
Rosemead
significantly reduce potential light
building permit
Building
reflection and glare to a less than
for each phase
Department
initial
significant impact. Windows shall have
an anti-glare coating.
Date
3.
A parking lot lighting plan shall be
Prior to the
City of
prepared that limits, to the maximum
issuance of a
Rosemead
extent possible, glare on to off-site
Phase I
Building
locations. The parking lot plan shall
building permit
Department
such trees shall be
include mature trees
,
planted to limit glare and shall not be
Initial
less than the height of the proposed light
poles at maturity. All new trees shall be
Date
'a minimum if 48-inch box trees.
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum Page 2
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program - June 1, 2010
Mitigation
Mitigation Measure
Monitoring
Enforcement
Verification of
Measure
Milestone
Agency
Compliance
No.
4.
All windows shall be recessed a
Prior to the
City of
minimum of four (4) inches to minimize
issuance of a
Rosemead
glare.
building permit
Building
Initial
for each phase
Department
Date
Geology and Soils
5.
Prior to the issuance of a grading
Prior to the
City of
permit, the project developer shall
issuance of a
Rosemead
submit documentation to the City's
Phase I grading
Building
satisfaction that the project will not be
permit
Department
Initial
subject to liquefaction
Date
Noise
6.
All construction activities should be
On-going
City of
limited to the hours between 7 AM to 8
throughout
Rosemead
PM Monday through Saturday. All
project
Building
construction shall be prohibited on
construction
Department
Initial
Sundays and national holidays.
Date
7.
All building foundation and parking
On-going
City of
structure excavation shall be restricted to
throughout
Rosemead
the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM Monday
project
Building
through Friday.
construction
Department
Initial
Date
8.
The developer shall require by contract
Prior to the
City of
specifications that the following
start of Phase I
Rosemead
constructing best management practices
construction
Building
(BMPs) be implemented by contractors
Department
Initial
to reduce construction noise levels:
ment is
• Ensure that construction e
ui
q
p
properly muffled according to industry
Date
standards. All power construction
equipment shall utilize noise shielding
and muffling devices.
• Locate the construction staging area
and noise-generating equipment away
from the existing hotel, where feasible.
• Schedule high noise-producing
activities between the hours of 8 AM
and 6 PM to minimize dismption to
sensitive uses such as hotel guests.
9.
Construction activities shall be scheduled
On-going
City of
so as to avoid operating several pieces of
throughout
Rosemead
equipment simultaneously
which
project
Building
,
generates high noise levels.
constniction
Department
Initial
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum Page 3
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program -)une 1, 2010
Mitigation
Mitigation Measure
Monitoring
Enforcement
Verification of
Measure
Milestone
Agency
Compliance
No.
Date
Trans ortati on/Traffic
10.
The project applicant shall pay a fair
Prior to the
City of
share of the cost to install a traffic signal
issuance of an
Rosemead
at San Gabriel Boulevard at Plaza Drive
occupancy
Building
Initial
prior to the issuance of an occupancy
permit for the
Department
permit for the ball room. The fair share
ballroom.
Date
contribution shall not exceed 1.4% of the
cost of the traffic signal.
11.
The project applicant shall pay the cost
Prior to the
City of
to construct the following intersection
issuance of an
Rosemead
improvements prior to the issuance of
occupancy
Building
an occupancy permit for the hotel:
permit for the
Department
Initial
ht turn lane
• Stri
an eastbound free ri
hotel
p
g
at the intersection of San Gabriel
Date
Boulevard at Plaza Drive.
12.
The project applicant shall pay a total of
Prior to the
City of
$5,712.00 into the City's traffic mitigation
issuance of a
Rosemead
fund to cover the applicant's fair share
Phase I
Building
(1.4%) of the project cost to install a
building permit
Department
initial
traffic signal system at the northern
project entrance. This total fee also
Date
includes an allowance of 20% of the
project cost for design and construction
management.
Utilities/Service Systems
13.
Prior to the issuance of a grading permit,
Prior to the
City of
the project developer shall provide a plan
issuance of a
Rosemead Public
acceptable to the City that retains all
Phase I grading
Works
increased volume of surface water to
permit
Department
Initial
ensure the project does not discharge any
greater quantity of surface water compared
Date
to the current condition. A plan to retain
all increased surface water quantity on-site
shall be approved by the City prior to the
issuance of building permits. The plan
shall include an on site retention basin and
adequate metering or other method
acceptable to the City so the project does
not discharge any greater quantity of
surface water from the site than current
conditions.
Double Tree Hotel Expansion - Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum Page 4
Mitigation Monitoring Reporting Program - June 1, 2010
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