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PC - Minutes - 02-07-11Minutes of the PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING February 7, 2011 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 - Vice - Chairwoman Eng INVOCATION - Chairman Alarcon ROLL CALL - Commissioners Herrera, Hunter, Ruiz, Vice- Chairwoman Eng, Chairman Alarcon ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS PRESENT: City Attorney, Greg Murphy, Community Development Manager, Ramirez, Planning Technician Casillas, 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. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes - December 20, 2010 Vice - Chairwoman Eng made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Herrera, to APPROVE the Minutes of December 20, 2010, as presented. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Eng, Herrera, Hunter, Ruiz No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. DESIGN REVIEW 10.06 - A & F United, LLC has submitted an application proposing to remodel the fagade of an existing 1,872 square foot commercial building, reconfigure the parking area and install landscaping throughout the site. The applicant'also proposes to demolish 939 square feet of warehouse area located at 9711 East Valley Boulevard in the C- 3DIRC-MUDO (Medium Commercial with a Design Overlay and Commercial /Residential Mixed -Use 0.30 du/ac Development Overlay) zone. PC RESOLUTION 11.01 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 10.06, FOR BUILDING AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS TO AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING, LOCATED AT 9711 VALLEY BOULEVARD IN THE C- 3DIRC -MUDO (MEDIUM COMMERCIAL WITH A DESIGN OVERLAY AND RES] DENTIAUCOMMERCIAL MIXED -USE DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY) ZONE. Staff Recommendation - Staff recommends that the Planning Commission APPROVE Design Review 10.06 and ADOPT Resolution No. 11 -01 with findings and subject to thirty -two (32) conditions. Planning Technician Casillas presented the staff report. Chairman Alarcon asked if the Commissioners had any questions for staff Commissioner Ruiz asked staff to explain a split -face block wall. Planning Technician Casillas replied that a split -face block wall is textured and not a flat surface. She stated it is a decorative block wall. Commissioner Ruiz stated that he would like it very clear that a split -face block wall is the type of wall that is being approved tonight. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked staff if a Design Review will be required for a store front in the future for the rear building or will it need to be added to the Conditions of Approval. Planning Technician Casillas replied any exterior changes to a commercial building require approval of the Planning Commission for commercial properties located in a design overlay. She also stated that the applicant will have to come back to the City for a Design Review if they want to convert the rear building to office or retail use. In addition, the City will not let them operate as retail or office use with the metal roll up doors. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked City Attorney, Greg Murphy, if this will be sufficient. Greg Murphy, City Attorney, replied that this is sufficient and it means that there won't be any use in that back building until such time as the applicant improves it and that improvement cannot take place until they take it to the Planning Commission for approval. Commissioner Hunter expressed concern that the restaurant did not have aback door and asked staff where the trash bin is located. Planning Technician Casillas replied that the restaurant currently does not have a trash enclosure only a trash bin and there is no specified location where it is located. She stated that this is the reason staff is only requiring the project to construct a new trash enclosure. She also stated the restaurant does not have an exterior door that leads out from the kitchen to the rear of the property, but instead has a store front entrance and a side door along the driveway. Commissioner Hunter asked staff if the restaurant would need that back door. Planning Technician Casillas replied this is a pre- existing building and there are no proposals or recommendations from the Building Official to add an exterior door. Commissioner Hunter stated that a door may be needed to go in and out from the kitchen and asked staff if the trash was taken out through the restaurant. 2 Planning Technician Casillas replied that maybe the applicant would like to look into this and introduce it into their project. Commissioner Hunter asked staff if anything is proposed for the entry gate in the driveway, because it does not look like two cars will fit at the same time . Planning Technician Casillas replied the existing gate will be removed and a new gate is being proposed. Chairman Alarcon asked staff if the applicant also owns the building where the restaurant is located. Planning Technician Casillas replied that the entire property is owned by one property owner and the restaurant business is leased. Commissioner Herrera asked if it is a fire department requirement for a restaurant to have a rear door. Planning Technician Casillas replied that this is an existing building and she does not believe it is a fire department requirement as the use has not changed. Commissioner Herrera asked staff if the split face wall will go around the whole perimeter of the lot. Planning Technician Casillas replied it will replace the chain link around the east perimeter, a new block wall is being proposed at the rear of the property line and new split face block wall along the west property line and the south side. Vice - Chairwoman Eng confirmed with staff all the entrances for the proposed office use and the existing restaurant. She also stated that she recommends there be another entrance from the kitchen for safety reasons. Planning Technician Casillas replied that the restaurant is an existing condition, it has been ongoing, and there are no changes proposed for the interior. She stated it has already been approved by the fire and health departments. Commissioner Hunter expressed concern that if there is a fire in the kitchen, it may be a fire hazard with everyone having to exit through the front of the restaurant. Community Development Manager Ramirez stated there also is a side door on the west side of the wall. She also asked staff how far is the side door from the kitchen. Commissioner Hunter replied that the side door is quite a distance from the kitchen. Commissioner Ruiz suggested that the applicant step to the podium to clarify questions that have been asked about the entrances. Chrystal Lam, representative from Architectural Design, stated that because the restaurant is an existing use right now, they are just addressing the front facade. She also stated that when the lease is up with the current tenant they will come back and apply for a Design Review and building permits for an interior remodel. Commissioner Ruiz stated that the Planning Commission is concerned with safety and would like to request a condition of approval be added that when the applicant remodels the restaurant another exit door be put in for safety reasons. Greg Murphy, City Attorney, stated that a Condition of Approval may not necessary due to the fact that any further work to that unit would require it to be reviewed by the fire department and building department to determine if it meets current standards. However if the Planning Commission wanted to, they could include a condition now or require it to come back for a Design Review at the time plans are submitted for the back building. Commissioner Ruiz asked staff to make note of it and include it in the file so that it may be referenced in the future. Chairman Alarcon requested that Planning Technician Casillas or staff make note of this Planning Commission request and ensure that it is kept in the file. Chairman Alarcon opened the Public Hearing and asked if there was anyone in favor of this project. Brian Lewin, resident, stated his concern with the new trash enclosure as related to the restaurant and requested a solid covering over the trash enclosure to prevent storm water pollution from rainfall. Chairman Alarcon stated that he thought there already was a standard Condition of Approval that addresses this issue. Brian Lewin, resident, stated that he did not see anything in the Conditions of Approval or Plans and that all he saw was reference to a trellis. He did not see any reference to a solid covering over the trash enclosure. Planning Commissioner Ruiz stated that there is a standard Condition of Approval. Planning Technician Casillas stated she would modify Condition of Approval number 17 to require a solid trash enclosure. Commissioner Hunter asked staff where the trash bin is located for this restaurant. Vice - Chairwoman Eng explained that one of the improvements proposed is a trash enclosure. Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked the applicant when they anticipate having the improvements completed. Chrystal Lam, representative, replied as soon as possible if approved tonight. Commissioner Ruiz asked the applicant if they understood what is expected with the trash enclosure and if they agree with what was proposed. Chrystal Lam, representative, replied yes they understood and they are agreeable. Chairman Alarcon recommended that staff notify Code Enforcement and have them check where the trash bin is currently located and make sure it is placed in a secured area. Planning Technician Casillas replied that she will notify Code Enforcement. Chairman Alarcon asked if there was anyone else wishing 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, Greg Murphy, City Attorney, stated that before a motion is made he would like an amendment made to Condition of Approval number 17. At the end of the last sentence the phrase should be added, "and a solid roof sufficient to keep rain fallen water out of the trash enclosure ". Commissioner Ruiz made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Hunter, to approve Design Review 10.06 and ADOPT Resolution No. 11.01 with findings and subject to thirty -two (32) conditions. Vote resulted in: Yes: Alarcon, Eng, Herrera, Hunter, Ruiz No: None Abstain: None Absent: None 5. MATTERS FROM THE CHAIRMAN & COMMISSIONERS Vice - Chairwoman Eng asked staff what the status was of the Gas Station on the comer of Valley and Temple City Boulevard that was approved three months ago. Planning Technician Casillas replied that this project was approved by the Planning Commission but the applicant has not submitted plans as of yet. Commissioner Hunter stated that the property on the East side of 9711 Valley Boulevard, as you enter Rosemead is a mess and unkempt and asked staff if anything is going to be done there. Planning Technician Casillas replied there has not been anything submitted to the City. Community Development Manager Ramirez stated that staff has tried contacting this property owner to try to do a much larger scale project on this site, and the site to the west of that property, but staff has not been able to make contact. She stated that the City will continue to work on this site. She also stated that staff will contact Code Enforcement to take a look at the property to determine if it is in violation of any code requirements. Commissioner Ruiz expressed that this corner has had a problem with transients and the owners need to keep up with the weeds. He also expressed concern that drugs may be involved at that corner and stated the City needs to stay on top of this. Community Development Manager Ramirez stated that she will contact Code Enforcement and keep the Planning Commission informed. Vice - Chairwoman Eng stated that she would like to thank the applicant for their effort for cleaning up that area and the City appreciates it. Commissioner Herrera stated that she had seen a bus load amount of people being dropped off across the street from City Hall and asked staff what the Municipal Code is for drop -offs for bus stops. She inquired if this location was a bus stop. She also expressed concern that the proposed development on the corner of Delta and Valley is a mess and asked staff the status of that proposed development. Planning Technician Casillas replied that she believes the applicant is currently in plan check under the Building Department. Community Development Manager Ramirez stated that staff will contact Code Enforcement to investigate Delta and Valley. She also stated that staff will check the Municipal Code in regards to tour bus loading and unloading procedures. Commissioner Ruiz stated that the state allows tour buses to load and unload in these areas and it is legal. He also stated they are protected under the California Vehicle Code. Commissioner Ruiz would like staff to look into what is a reasonable amount of time to park non - operating vehicles in driveways located in residential areas according to our Municipal Code. He also requested staff to please have Code Enforcement look into this. Commissioner Hunter stated that on Fern and Walnut Grove there is a house where the carport is being used for storage and they park cars along side of it. She asked staff if this is permitted. Planning Technician Casillas replied that outdoor storage is not permitted when it is visible in the public right -a -away. Community Development Manager Ramirez stated staff will request Code Enforcement to look into this and see if they are in violation. Commissioner Hunter stated that the Taiwan Center entrance is still filled with boxes and they have been there for some time. She requested that staff look into this issue. 6. MATTERS FROM STAFF None 7. ADJOURNMENT The regular Planning Commission meeting of Monday, February 21, 2011, will be cancelled due to President's Day Holiday. The next regular Planning Commission meeting will be held on Monday, March 7, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. ROSEMEAD PLANNING COMMISSION February 7, 2011. William Alarcon Chairman AT T: n Rachel Lockwood Commission Secretary J