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PC - Minutes 12-20-10Minutes of the PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING December 20, 2010 The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Alarcon at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Chairman Alarcon INVOCATION - Commissioner Ruiz ROLL CALL - Commissioners Herrera, Hunter, Ruiz, Vice- Chairwoman Eng, Chairman Alarcon ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS PRESENT: City Attorney Greg Murphy, Community Development Director Wong, Senior Planner Garry, Assistant Planner Trinh, Commission Secretary Lockwood, 1. EXPLANATION OF HEARING PROCEDURES AND APPEAL RIGHTS Greg Murphy, City Attorney, presented the procedures and appeal rights of the meeting. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE None 3. PRESENTATION Garvey Beautification Project: Ray Rodriguez the Public Safety Supervisor, from the Public Safety Department Code Enforcement Division, provided the Planning Commission a power point presentation that included an update on the status of this project along the Garvey Avenue corridor. Commissioner Ruiz and Vice - Chairwoman Eng thanked Ray Rodriguez, Wayne Co, and the Public Safety Code Enforcement Division for all their hard work. 4. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes - December 6, 2010 Vice - Chairwoman Eng made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ruiz, to APPROVE the minutes of December 6, 2010 as presented. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Eng, Herrera, Hunter, Ruiz No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Tentative Parcel Map 071253 and Design Review 10.02 - Peter Ung has submitted an application for a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide one existing parcel totaling 17,500 square feet into two (2) parcels, and one (1) Design Review for the development of a new single - family residence with 3,028 square feet of living area on Lot 2. An existing home on Lot 1 will be improved with a 406 square -foot addition, totaling the living area to 2,248 square feet. The subject site is located at 3333 Delta Avenue in the R -2 (Light Multiple Residential) zone. PC RESOLUTION 10.37 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS- ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA APPROVING TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 071253 AND DESIGN REVIEW 10.02 REQUESTING TO SUBDIVIDE ONE (1) EXISTING PARCEL INTO TWO (2) PARCELS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ONE (1) NEW SINGLE - FAMILY HOME WITH 3,028 SQUARE FEET OF LIVING AREA ON LOT 2. AN EXISTING HOME ON ONE LOT 1 WILL BE IMPROVED WITH A 406 SQUARE -FOOT ADDITION, TOTALING THE LIVING AREA TO 2,248 SQUARE FEET. THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IS LOCATED AT 3333 DELTA AVENUE IN THE R -2 (LIGHT MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL) ZONE. Staff Recommendation - Staff recommends that the Planning Commission APPROVE Tentative Parcel Map 071253 and Design Review 10.02 and ADOPT Resolution 10.37 with findings, subject to forty -eight (48) conditions. Assistant Planner Trinh presented the staff report. Chairman Alarcon asked if the Planning Commissioners had any questions for staff. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked staff if a laundry room is being proposed and where it will be located on the site plan for Lot 2. Assistant Planner Trinh replied that a laundry room has not been proposed, but the applicant may address that question when the Public Hearing is opened. Chairwoman Eng asked staff when the landscaping will be completed. Assistant Planner Trinh stated that question can be addressed to the applicant. Chairman Alarcon opened the Public Hearing. Tim Cho, Project Architect, stated that the owner is planning to use a stacked washer and dryer unit that will be located in the kitchen inside a cabinet. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked if the laundry units were small. Tim Cho, Architect, replied no they are normal size. Vice - Chairwoman Eng, asked staff if we usually require laundry fixtures in the site plan. Assistant Planner Trinh replied that submissions can be requested in the final site plan before it is approved by staff. 2 Vice - Chairwoman Eng, asked Mr. Cho, if landscaping is being proposed for both lots. Tim Cho, Architect, replied that they have a landscaping architect that will work with staff and they will upgrade to comply with City's requirements. He also stated that the landscaping will be done after the construction of lot's 1 and 2 are completed, and the landscaping and driveway approach will be done together. Chairman Alarcon asked Mr. Cho, when construction will begin. Mr. Cho, Architect replied, if we are approved tonight we will be submitting for a plan check the first or second week of January 2011. Chairman Alarcon asked Mr. Cho which building will be built first. Tim Cho, Architect replied that they will do the building first and garage second. Vice - Chairwoman Eng expressed concern that the roof and exterior of the unit on lot 1 will not match the new addition. Tim Cho, Architect, replied that some painting has been done, but the roof will not be replaced until it needs to be. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked Mr. Cho, what the remaining life of the roof is. Tim Cho, Architect, replied he is not sure but it is still in good condition. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked Mr. Cho if both homes will be occupied by the same family. Tim Cho replied yes. Vice - Chairwoman Eng stated that she thinks it is great the applicant took on this job and asked Mr. Cho if it is feasible for the exterior of the two buildings to match in the future. Simon Ung, applicant, replied we will leave it as is for now and if we have the funds we will do in the future. Brian Lewin, resident, stated that he is concerned that projects of this size may affect water and sewer lines, Assistant Planner Trinh replied this project was sent to the water department for review and they approved the project with no comments. Chairman Alarcon asked if there was anyone else that would like to speak in favor of this project. None Chairman Alarcon asked if there was anyone against this project. None Chairman Alarcon closed the Public Hearing. Community Development Director Wong stated that staff would like to add Condition Number 29 to state, "The existing house presently located at the rear of Lot 2 shall be demolished and the proposed improvements for Lot 1 shall be constructed prior to final map approval." He also added Condition Number 30 to state, "All landscaping shall be installed for the subdivision prior to the issuance of building occupancy permit for Lot 2." He also stated he would like to make sure the applicant understands and agrees with these conditions. Tim Cho, Architect, stated that staff has explained these conditions to him and yes he agrees with them. Chairman Alarcon asked for a motion. Vice - Chairwoman Eng made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Ruiz, to APPROVE Tentative Parcel Map 071253 and Design Review 10.02 and ADOPT Resolution 10.37 with staff's recommendation of the addition of Conditions of Approval numbers 29 and 30. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Eng, Herrera, Hunter, Ruiz No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Community Development Director Wong stated this decision is final unless it is appealed within 10 days to the City Council. B. Conditional Use Permit 10 -08 and Design Review 10.04 - Joseph Su has submitted Conditional Use Permit and Design Review applications proposing to remodel an existing tire service center building and convert it to a four unit commercial /office mini -mall building. The project includes a renovated facade of the existing 4,735 square foot building, redesigned parking layout, and enhanced landscaping. The site is located at 8547 Valley Boulevard in the C-3D (Medium Commercial with Design Overlay) zone. PC RESOLUTION 10.35 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 10.08 AND DESIGN REVIEW 10.04, FOR THE CONVERSION OF A COMMERCIAL BUILDING INTO A MINI -MALL PROJECT AND THE RENOVATION OF THE BUILDING, LOCATED AT 8547 VALLEY BOULEVARD IN THE C3D (MEDIUM COMMERCIAL WITH DESIGN OVERALY) ZONE. Staff Recommendation -Based on the analysis and findings contained in this report, staff recommends that the Planning Commission APPROVE Conditional Use Permit 10.10 and Design review 10.04 and ADOPT Resolution No. 1035 with findings, and subject to the thirty - seven (37) conditions. Senior Planner Garry presented the staff report. Chairman Alarcon asked if the Planning Commissioners had any questions for staff. Commissioner Ruiz asked staff how the decision of colors was made. Senior Planner Garry replied that this color scheme and architectural design was proposed by the applicant. 4 Commissioner Ruiz expressed concern on how this color scheme will look compared to McDonalds color theme. Chairman Alarcon opened the Public Hearing. John Ma, representative, stated he is available to answer questions. He also stated he picked a contemporary design and feels it will fit into the neighborhood. Commissioner Ruiz asked the representative if using earth tone colors was considered. John Ma, representative, replied that they will use some earth tones but they would like more contrast so the building will stand out. Chairman Alarcon asked staff if they reviewed the colors and for their opinion of the colors. Community Development Director Wong replied that this project went through an inner - department Development Review Committee, (DRC), which consists of the Public Works Director, Community Development Director, Planning staff, Building Official, Public Works Engineer, and the City Manager. He also stated the applicant submitted preliminary plans for staff review and input and they have complied with all the conditions of approval. He also stated the committee reviewed the colors which are contemporary and the DRC recommended approval of the colors and architectural plans because there is not a fixed architectural theme for Valley Boulevard. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked the representative, in terms of electrical service, will each unit have an individual meter or will there be one utility meter. John Ma, the representative, replied each unit will have an individual meter and the power line will be underground. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked the representative when they anticipate this project to be completed. John Ma, applicant, replied if approved tonight, we anticipate this to be completed some time next year. Commissioner Hunter asked the representative how parking will be set up. Chairman Alarcon stated staff should address this question. Senior Planner Garry replied that there are 19 parking spaces proposed and that they are angled in one way with access to parking from Valley Boulevard and exiting Walnut Grove. He also stated that all 19 parking spaces meet minimum standard requirements by code. Commissioner Herrera asked if this property owner was the same owner as the Beauty Supply Store and Beauty School. John Ma, the representative asked property owner Joseph Su to please address this question. Joseph Su, property owner, replied yes he owns all three properties. Commissioner Herrera stated this was a large piece of property and asked the property owner if there are any future plans for all the land. John Ma, representative, and Joseph Su, property owner, replied yes, that this project is just temporary and would like to do something in the future. Commissioner Herrera asked the property owner when he anticipated something will be done. Joseph Su, property owner, replied 5 to 10 years. Chairman Alarcon asked if there was anyone in favor of this project. None Chairman Alarcon asked if there was anyone against this project Brian Lewin, resident stated that technically he is in favor of this project. He also stated that it will be nice to see something larger be done at that site in the future. He also stated he would like to suggest adding Condition Number 38 to state that, the Walnut Grove exit have a right turn only sign on it, because we don't want people turning left. Commissioner Ruiz asked staff, if they had studied the ingress and egress at both driveways. He also recommended that we make this a no left turn and make it a right turn only on the Walnut Grove exit. He also stated this is a condition he would support. Senior Planner Garry stated that at the DRC meeting, the City Engineer did not request the right turn only movement, but we can certainly add this. Commissioner Ruiz asked staff if a traffic study had been done. Senior Planner Garry replied no, the City Engineer did not recommend that one was needed Commissioner Ruiz stated that he would like to recommend that the condition be added. Commissioner Hunter questioned if coming out on to Valley Boulevard, should it also be a right turn only. Commissioner Ruiz stated that it should be right turn only as entering and exiting on Valley Boulevard. Community Development Director Wong stated that this jurisdiction falls under the Traffic Engineer and the concerns are valid. He also stated that he would like to recommend that a condition should be put in place, subject to the Traffic Engineer review and approval. Chairman Alarcon asked if there was anyone else wishing to speak in favor of this project. None Chairman Alarcon asked if there was anyone against this project. None Chairman Alarcon closed the Public Hearing. Commissioner Ruiz made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Hunter, to APPROVE Conditional Use Permit 10.10 and Design review 10.04 and ADOPT Resolution No. 10.35 with findings, and with the recommendation that a no left turn sign be posted on the Walnut Grove exit with the City Traffic Engineer review and approval. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Eng, Herrera, Hunter, Ruiz No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Greg Murphy, City Attorney, stated the Planning Commission's decision will be final if not appealed within 10 days. C. Conditional Use Permit 10.10 - Melissa Chen Lu, representing Unity Auto Service, Inc., has submitted a Conditional Use Permit application proposing to operate an automobile repair facility at a location that was previously used for automobile repair and sales. The project includes minor alterations to the parking lot and landscaping. The site is located at 2139 San Gabriel Boulevard in the C -3 (Medium Commercial) zone. PC RESOLUTION 1036 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 10.10, FOR THE OPERATIONS OF AN AUTOMOBILE REPAIR FACILITY AT 2139 SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD IN THE C3 (MEDIUM COMMERCIAL) ZONE. Staff Recommendation - Based on the analysis and findings contained in this report, staff recommends that the Planning Commission APPROVE Conditional Use Permit 10.10 and ADOPT Resolution No. 1036 with findings, and subject to the forty -three (43) conditions. Senior Planner Garry presented the staff report. Chairman Alarcon asked if the Planning Commissioners had any questions for staff. None Chairman Alarcon opened the Public Hearing. Miriam Tu, applicant, stated she is available to answer any questions. Vice - Chairman Eng asked the applicant if they are keeping their 16 ft. pole sign or would they consider installing a monument sign instead. Miriam Tu, the applicant, clarified which sign Vice - Chairwoman Eng was asking about and replied that this was an existing sign and because of the location of the building they would need this sign. Vice - Chairwoman Eng replied you can have your sign and asked the applicant if they would just consider putting a monument sign instead for aesthetic reasons. Mirum Tu, applicant, asked how much lower in height the sign would have to be. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked if staff could answer this. Community Development Director Wong replied that typically they are 6 ft. high Senior Planner Garry gave the Planning Commission a description of where the sign is located and replied that the existing sign is legal and conforming and that is why staff did not recommend removing it. Commissioner Hunter stated that she thought we were trying to lower signs so that they were not so high. Senior Planner Garry stated that the sign is conforming as far as height is concerned. Commissioner Ruiz asked the applicant if they would be willing to put a monument sign, suggesting it would be visible for the public and it will enhance your property and the surrounding community. Chairman Alarcon asked staff if there is a height requirement for a Monument Sign. Community Development Director Wong replied if the applicant is willing to co- operate with staff in regards to lowering the height because, the height of the sign has already been approved staff would just have to work with them in lowering it. Miriam Tu, applicant asked, so we will have to work with staff. Vice - Chairwoman Eng replied yes, you will work with staff. Commissioner Ruiz stated that the monument sign will enhance the property. Miriam Tu, explained to Winston Qwall, the property owner, what the Planning Commission is requesting in regards to the monument sign. Community Development Director Wong stated that this property is in a redevelopment area and we can look into some available funding to help with some the costs of the monument sign. Brian Lewin, resident, stated that he would like to suggest that the lattice covering required for the trash enclosure be changed to a solid covering to protect from rain water intrusion and wash out. He also suggested that a condition be added to state no automotive materials inclusive of liquids, waste materials, and parts shall be stored outside unless they are within a fully covered contained storage area. Community Development Director Wong stated that he would like to refer this to the City Attorney, Greg Murphy, to confirm if there are other agencies to enforce these concerns. City Attorney, Greg Murphy, replied that in respect with the outdoor storage the City can certainly require that all storage of parts and materials be done indoors because all you are requiring is all mechanical work be done indoors. He also stated that in respect of the trash enclosure he would like to see what our storm water requirements are, but if the City would like to require a solid covering it may do so. Commissioner Ruiz stated that there was a previous condition which required a solid covering for a trash enclosure. He also stated that in terms of the storage, there is a condition that pertains to no storage of oil and solvents outside of the building. Senior Planner Garry stated that Condition of Approval number 38 addresses the storage concern. He also stated there is a standard condition for trash enclosures. Commissioner Herrera asked staff if it is stated somewhere in the staff report that the trash enclosure is lattice. Commissioner Ruiz replied it does not and everything seems to be addressed in the Conditions of Approval. Chairman Alarcon asked if anyone else that would like to speak in favor of this project. None Chairman Alarcon asked if there was anyone wishing to speak against this project. None Chairman Alarcon closed the Public Hearing. City Attorney, Greg Murphy, stated that before a motion is made, in respect to the monument sign, he would like to recommend to amend Condition Number 24 and add a sentence at the end of the condition to state, "The final sign plan submitted to the Planning Division shall include options to either lowering the pole sign or creating a monument sign in place of the current pole sign final site." Chairman Alarcon re- opened the Public Hearing. Miriam Tu, asked if the applicant can operate the business while the sign is being done. Community Development Director Wong replied that staff is agreeable with that. Chairman Alarcon closed the Public Hearing, Vice - Chairwoman Eng made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Herrera, to APPROVE Conditional Use Permit 10.10 and ADOPT Resolution No. 10.36 with findings, and subject to the forty -three (43) conditions and with the amendment of Condition Number 24. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Eng, Herrera, Hunter, Ruiz No: None Abstain: None Absent: None City Attorney, Greg Murphy, stated that this decision will be final if not appealed within 10 days D. Zone Variance 10 -03 - Montebello Town Center Investors, LLC submitted a Zone Variance application on November 23, 2010, for the construction of two restaurant buildings totaling approximately 15,000 square feet at 1716 Montebello Town Center Drive in the Montebello Town Center in the C -3 (Medium Commercial) zone. A zone variance is requested to provide parking in conformance with the City's shopping center standards (1 space per 250 square feet of floor area) instead of the City's restaurant parking standards (1 space per 100 square feet of floor area) for a phased development. PC RESOLUTION 10.38 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA APPROVING ZONE VARIANCE 10.03, FOR REDUCED PARKING FOR TWO NEW RESTAURANTS AT 1716 MONTEBELLO TOWN CENTER IN THE C -3 (MEDIUM COMMERCIAL) ZONE. Staff Recommendation - Based on the analysis and findings contained in this report, staff recommends that the Planning Commission APPROVE Zone Variance 10.03 and ADOPT Resolution No. 10.38 with findings, and subject to the thirty -two (32) conditions. Senior Planner Garry presented the staff report and suggested a revision to Condition of Approval Number 1 to fix a drafting error. City Attorney, Greg Murphy, explained to the Planning Commission that what is being asked tonight is that the Commission grant the developer of this parcel some assurance that the Commission won't come back later and say no, you still will have to park at the higher rate. He also stated if the developer was able to put two buildings up immediately they would not need a variance tonight because they would be putting a shopping center up and they would be entitled to the shopping center parking rate. He also stated that they are asking the Commission to grant them this variance, lock in this parking rate so when they can put the second restaurant in, they know they won't have to come back and ask for something at that time. Chairman Alarcon asked if the Planning Commission had any questions for staff. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked staff where the parking lot is located. Senior Planner Garry replied that it is north of the Macy's. He also stated that the mall is split between the City of Montebello and Rosemead and the Macy's building and the parking lot facing east and north are within Rosemead's City limits. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked staff for clarification of required parking spaces Senior Planner Garry explained that 150 would be required if it was parked at the restaurant rate with the variance and without the variance it would be at the Shopping Center rate and when Phase II is completed it will require 85 spaces. Vice - Chairwoman Eng confirmed with staff, that 85 parking spaces will be provided when Phase II is completed. Senior Planner Garry replied that is correct Chairman Alarcon opened the Public Hearing and asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of this project. Gregory Millsap, Senior Project Manager for the Montebello Mall stated that he is able to represent ownership for this matter. He also stated they have done intensive market research and customer service survey over the last two years and has determined that there is a significant opportunity for additional restaurant facilities as evidence by the success of the opening of BJ's Restaurant on October of 2007. He also stated that it will be a benefit to the City as well as the mall as in terms of extended time spent by customers and attracting new customers to the mall. He also stated that it will provide employment opportunities, sales tax revenue for the City, and it will be a huge improvement. Commissioner Ruiz asked Mr. Millsap, what type of restaurant will be going in during the first Phase Gregory Millsap, Senior Project Manager replied we are in final negotiations with Olive Garden right now. 10 Chairman Alarcon asked if there was anyone else in favor of this project. None Chairman Alarcon asked if there was anyone against this project. None Chairman Alarcon closed the Public Hearing. Community Development Director Wong asked staff, if the Condition of Approval regarding the environmental measure that is needed, was added. Senior Planner Garry replied that yes, there there is a condition of approval that requires that the soils report be approved prior to building permits issued. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked staff if they knew how soon they will we get the report. Senior Planner Garry replied that the Geological Consultant submitted a letter stating that he will respond to the outstanding issues, but that letter did not have a date to specify when that report would be forthcoming, perhaps the applicant would know. Gregory Millsap, Senior Project Manager stated that they will have the soils report within 60 days. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked staff if 60 days is acceptable for the soils report or does the Condition of Approval need to be amended. 6/68 Senior Planner Gary replied that the condition reads that the soils report must be submitted prior to issuance of building permits and if they don't submit it they are just holding themselves up. He also stated it is impossible for them to proceed with the project unless it is submitted. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked if staff if this Zone Variance is for 6 months. Senior Planner Garry replied the Condition of Approval grants the initial approval for 6 months and if no action is taken within that time, the whole entitlement would expire. Chairman Alarcon asked for a motion. Commissioner Ruiz made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Herrera, to APPROVE Zone Variance 10.03 and ADOPT Resolution No. 10.38 with findings, and subject to the thirty -two (32) conditions and with the recommendation by staff to correct Condition of Approval Number 1. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Eng, Herrera, Hunter, Ruiz No: None Abstain: None Absent: None Community Development Director Wong stated that this decision is final unless it is appealed within 10 days. 11 6. MATTERS FROM THE CHAIRMAN & COMMISSIONERS None 7. MATTERS FROM STAFF A. Zoning Code Workshop - Review of Commercial Uses - Update Senior Planner Garry presented a summary of the Planning Commission comments on the Zoning Code Workshop held on December 6, 2010. Community Development Director Wong stated that there is no action on this item and asked if there were any additional comments the Planning Commission would like to make that may have been missed. Commissioner Herrera asked if staff if will be working on the Residential Zoning Code Update next. Community Development Director replied yes that will be next. 8. ADJOURNMENT The next regular Planning Commission meeting for Monday, January 3, 2011, will be cancelled due to lack of quorum. The regular Planning Commission meeting for Monday, January 17, 2011, will be cancelled due to City Hall being closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. The next regular Planning Commission meeting will be held on Monday, February 7, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. V�/ William Alarcon Chairman /ATTEST:: p Rachel Lockwood Commission Secretary 12