PC-07-16-07CITY OF ROSEMEAD
PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
July 16, 2007
CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the City of Rosemead Planning Commission was called to
order by Chairman Lopez at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Rosemead City Hall at 8838 East
Valley Boulevard, Rosemead.
Commissioner Vuu led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Bevington delivered the invocation.
ROLL CALL:
PRESENT: Chairman Lopez, Vice - Chairman Kunioka, Commissioners
Bevington, Cam, and Vuu
ABSENT: None
EX OFFICIO: Agaba, Johnson, Trinh, and Yin
1. EXPLANATION OF HEARING PROCEDURES AND APPEAL RIGHTS:
Planning Services Administrator Johnson explained the public hearing process and the right
to appeal Planning Commission decisions to the City Council.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chairman Lopez asked if anyone would like to speak on any items not on the agenda, to step
forward.
Mr. Adrian Suzuki of 8608 Edmond Drive, a resident, had questions regarding how the
City of Rosemead executes the General Plan Update process.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated the City is in the process and public
participation is encouraged. He described the type of outreach that has been
conducted over the last two years.
Mr. Suzuki questioned the notification process.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson described the City's website outreach and
other outreach that will follow in the coming months.
Mr. Jim Flournoy of 8655 Landis View, a resident, discussed about a table that he
made on SHMA reports. He made a request for the City to obtain previous jackets of
files surrounding that area from Willdan for public view.
Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting: July 16, 2007
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Commissioner Bevington questioned if there is a map that shows the area at City Hall.
Mr. Flournoy said he's sure the City has one.
Commissioner Bevington questioned if the Planning Commission should get involved
Mr. Flournoy stated yes.
Mr. Oliver Chi of 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, the Interim City Manager of the City of
Rosemead, introduced himself to the Planning Commission and said he apologizes for
not coming to the previous Planning Commission to introduce himself. He thanked the
Commissioners for taking the time to attend the Planning Commission meetings. He
also said he looks forward to meeting each Planning Commissioner individually.
Mr. Brian Saeki of 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, the Interim Community Development
Director /Deputy City Manager, introduced himself and stated he, as well, apologizes
for not coming earlier to the Planning Commission to introduce himself. He also
thanked the Planning Commission for their contributions.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Conditional Use Permit 07 -1097 — 2727 Stingle Avenue. BM Auto has submitted an
application, requesting approval for the operation of an auto repair business, located at
2727 Stingle Ave, Unit 5 in the M -ID (Light Manufacturing and Industrial with a Design
Overlay) zone.
Presentation: Planning Services Administrator Brad Johnson
Staff Recommendation: APPROVE — subject to the conditions, for one (1) year.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated the applicant was present and asked the
Commissioners if they had any questions.
Chairman Lopez called for questions from the Commissioners.
Commissioner Bevington questioned condition 25, regarding screening.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated a fabric awning might be nice, but staff
is open to consideration of other options.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned how long the applicant has been operating without a
permit.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson answered 3 -4 months.
Chairman Lopez closed the hearing to the Commissioners and opened it to the public.
Chairman Lopez opened the public hearing to those IN FAVOR of this application:
Rosemead Planning Commission Meeting: July 16, 2007
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Ms. Janet Cheng, the representative for BM Auto, stated she has several questions
regarding their Conditions of Approval. She questioned condition 6, regarding utilities
and connection cables.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated he's sure they are already underground.
Ms. Cheng then questioned condition 22, regarding the Clean Water Management plan.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated it could be fairly simple and she would
have to speak to one of the City's engineers, who is a Clean Water Act professional. He
also said a document must be recorded.
Ms. Cheng questioned if the engineer can explain this to her
Planning Services Administrator Johnson answered yes.
Ms. Cheng questioned if this condition can be worked on later on.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated that they must submit the document
prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
Ms. Cheng questioned who the engineer is.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated Elroy Keipke.
Ms. Cheng then questioned condition 25, regarding screening.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated staff is open to suggestions.
Ms. Cheng questioned the timeline.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated 60 days.
Mr. Jim Flournoy of 8655 Landis View, a resident, stated Storm Water inspectors and
AQMD will visit the site.
Chairman Lopez opened the public hearing to those who wished to OPPOSE the application:
None.
Chairman Lopez opened the discussion on the length of time.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson discussed about the different length of times
listed in the Conditions of Approval.
Chairman Lopez asked Ms. Cheng to return to the podium.
Ms. Cheng stated they are questioning the workability.
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Commissioner Vuu questioned if 60 -days would be enough.
Ms. Cheng answered she thinks so.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if their Conditional Use Permit is denied, would they
have to shut down immediately.
Attorney Yin said the Commissioners need to figure out what the timeline is.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated condition 22 should be done quickly.
Chairman Lopez asked how many days.
Ms. Cheng said they would like to meet Elroy Kiepke first.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated he doesn't know how long.
Ms. Cheng asked for 60 -days.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated he is comfortable with that.
The Commissioners agreed, with a 30 -day extension, beyond the 60 days, if necessary.
There being no one further wishing to address the Commission; Chairman Lopez closed the
public hearing segment for this project.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER VUU, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CAM, to APPROVE
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 07 -1097.
Vote results:
YES: BEVINGTON, CAM, KUNIOKA, LOPEZ, AND VUU
NO: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Chairman Lopez declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
B. TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 069105 & CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 07 -1102 — 7617
Graves Avenue. Allan Vuu has submitted an application for a Tentative Parcel Map to
subdivide one existing parcel into two (2) parcels for the development of two (2) new single -
family homes; and one (1) Conditional Use Permit application for one of the units with living
area exceeding 2,500 square feet, located at 7617 Graves Avenue in the R -2 (Light Multiple
Residential) zone.
Attorney Yin explained why Commissioner Vuu should be excused from the room.
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Commissioner Vuu introduced himself as the applicant and asked to be excused from
the proceeding due to his financial interest in the project.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if Commissioner Vuu can step in if there are any
questions.
Commissioner Vuu stated he has a representative who will speak on his behalf.
Presentation: Senior Planner George Agaba
Staff Recommendation: APPROVE — subject to the conditions, for two (2) years.
Chairman Lopez called for questions from the Commissioners.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if neighbors are notified.
Senior Planner Agaba stated yes.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if it's done by the City or developer.
Senior Planner Agaba answered City.
Commissioner Bevington questioned the gate.
Senior Planner Agaba stated condition 33 addresses the gate. He said the applicant
was asked to move the gate to the rear of lot one due to vehicular access width
requirements.
Commissioner Bevington questioned why staff opposed the swinging gate.
Senior Planner Agaba addressed his question.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka said he thinks it is a reasonable requirement and questioned if
staff is requiring red curb painting.
Senior Agaba stated it's a Fire Department requirement.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if there is a list of drought tolerant shrubs and trees
available for applicants.
Senior Planner Agaba stated the applicant will submit a list of plants they're proposing
and staff reviews those landscaping plans prior to approval.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if there is a list available at the counter.
Senior Planner Agaba stated he thinks so.
Chairman Lopez closed the hearing to the Commissioners and opened it to the public.
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Chairman Lopez opened the public hearing to those IN FAVOR of this application:
Mr. Daniel Thai, the architect of the project, stated the applicant agrees to accept all the
conditions.
Mr. Jim Flournoy stated he would like to see projects that aren't irregularly structured,
due to shear wall strength and seismic structural issues when windows are stacked and .
placed too close together. He questioned setbacks and block walls.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson addressed his concerns. He stated these
issues get analyzed during Building plan check.
Chairman Lopez opened the public hearing to those who wished to OPPOSE the application:
Mr. Adrian Suzuki stated he thinks new developments should match their neighborhood.
He doesn't think this project matches the neighborhood. He also said he's okay with the
tentative parcel map, but opposes the conditional use permit.
Senior Planner Agaba stated code requires any residential development over 2,500
square feet to obtain a conditional use permit. He also said this project has
incorporated the new single family residential design guidelines.
Mr. Suzuki said he still doesn't feel that it's beneficial. He also said a lot of the
construction in Rosemead are not necessarily traditional.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated the Single Family Residential Design
Guidelines will be reassessed in twelve months. He said the issue is not square
footage, but design.
Mr. Suzuki questioned if there is any public outreach.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated it was in the Chamber newsletter.
Mr. Suzuki discussed about proportions.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated floor area ratio has scale and it
addresses his concern.
Mr. Suzuki questioned set square footages for homes in the City.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated staff looks at floor area ratios.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if a conditional use permit is required for front yard
fencing.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated no, but a "no fee permit" is required.
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Vice- Chairman Kunioka stated he does not like front yard fencing.
Senior Planner Agaba stated the fence is translucent with block columns and wrought
iron. He stated, it's setback 3 feet from the property line.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka questioned if the fence is four feet measuring from the front of
the sidewalk.
Senior Planner Agaba stated yes.
There being no one further wishing to address the Commission; Chairman Lopez closed the
public hearing segment for this project.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER BEVINGTON SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CAM, to
APPROVE TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 069105 AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 07 -1102.
Vote results:
YES: BEVINGTON, CAM, KUNIOKA, AND LOPEZ
NO: NONE
ABSENT: VUU
ABSTAIN: NONE
Chairman Lopez declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR — These items are considered to be routine actions that may be
considered in one motion-by the Planning Commission. Any interested party may request an
item from the consent calendar to be discussed separately.
A. A pproval of Minutes — July 2, 2007.
B. Resolution No. 07 -36 — A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 07 -1100 FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A
NEW 3,124± SINGLE - FAMILY RESIDENCE AND AN ATTACHED THREE -CAR
GARAGE, TO BE LOCATED AT 9334 DE ADALENA STREET IN THE R -1; SINGLE -
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE (APN: 8594 - 020 -001).
C. Resolution No. 07 -37 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 07 -1098 FOR THE TRANSFER OF AN
EXISTING OFF -SALE GENERAL (TYPE 20) ABC LICENSE IN CONJUNCTION WITH A
MINI - MARKET. LEE'S MARKET IS LOCATED AT 9726 EAST VALLEY BOULEVARD IN
THE C3 -D (MEDIUM COMMERCIAL WITH A DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE (APN: 8593-
024 -007).
D. Resolution No. 07 -38 — A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
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APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 07- 1099, FOR A NEW ON-SALE BEER AND
WINE (TYPE 41) ABC LICENSE FOR BANH XEO QUAN RESTAURANT, LOCATED AT
8742 GARVEY AVENUE, IN THE M -1 (LIGHT MANUFACTURING) ZONE (APN: 5282-
006 -001).
Chairman Lopez asked the members of the Commission if there is any reason why Consent
Calendar should not be accepted.
None.
MOTION BY VICE - CHAIRMAN KUNIOKA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BEVINGTON,
TO WAIVE FURTHER READING AND ADOPT CONSENT CALENDAR.
Vote results:
YES: BEVINGTON, CAM, KUNIOKA, LOPEZ AND VUU
NO: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Chairman Lopez declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
5. MATTERS FROM THE CHAIRMAN & COMMISSIONERS
Vice- Chairman Kunioka questioned if the City makes sure neighbors are informed about
Planning related issues such as Single Family Residential Design Guidelines. He said some
people have said they weren't notified.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson answered his concern and stated it's listed in
the Rosemead Report. He also discussed about on -site postings on certain public
hearing application projects.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka agreed to on -site postings on all development projects.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated if the Commissioners would like on-
site postings for single - family projects as well, the City can go in that direction.
Mr. Brian Lewin stated the Rosemead Report isn't distributed to every house.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka agreed.
Chairman Lopez stated he's been receiving it for thirty -two years.
Mr. Lewin stated he is in favor of on -site posting for all public hearings.
Chairman Lopez questioned the radius of notices that are sent.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated it's a 300' radius.
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Chairman Lopez stated an on -site sign would be better.
Vice - Chairman Kunioka agreed.
Commissioner Vuu questioned when the Mixed Use Design Guidelines representative will
present to the Planning Commission.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated he is working on the initial study and
he hopes it will be completed within 30 -60 days. He said the Chamber of Commerce
recently had a meeting and they discussed mixed use projects within the City.
6. MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR AND STAFF
Attorney Yin discussed about the Seismic Hazard Mapping Act (SHMA) Geotechnical Report.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson handed a map with the SHMA coverage to the
Planning Commissioners.
Chairman Lopez stated they basically don't need to submit prior to Planning
Commission.
Attorney Yin answered yes.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated he added two maps into the packet for
the Commissioners.
Vice- Chairman Kunioka questioned Section F.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson discussed Section F.
Commissioner Bevington said the state map shows a very narrow part of the City.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson agreed and elaborated on the areas.
Commissioner Bevington stated there are so many misconceptions on the Alquist - Priolo.
Planning Services Administrator Johnson stated the maps that the City has shows it. He
also said staff informs developers of this zone and liquefaction is easy to overcome
through structural design by the engineers.
Mr. Jim Flournoy stated he thinks progress is being made. He would like to see some
conditions that projects must get this done. He thinks that building codes and county's
geotechnical report should be reviewed. He also thinks building code stricter than alquist
priolo zone. He said he is prepared to comment on this topic. He thanked Planning
Services Administrator Johnson and handed his comments to the Commissioners.
7. ADJOURNMENT
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Chairman Lopez adjourned the Planning Commission Meeting at 8:48 p.m.
MOTION BY CHAIRMAN LOPEZ, SECONDED BY VICE - CHAIRMAN KUNIOKA to
ADJOURN UNTIL THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING.
BJ /LT
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