PC - 2012-15 - Design Review 12-03 Permitting the Facade Remodel of an Existing Commercial Building and Site Improvements at 8729 ValleyPC RESOLUTION 12 -15
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 12 -03, PERMITTING THE FACADE REMODEL
OF AN EXISTING COMMERICAL BUILDING AND SITE IMPROVEMENTS
LOCATED AT 8729 VALLEY BOULEVARD IN THE C -3D (MEDIUM
COMMERCIAL WITH A DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE (APN: 5391 - 007 -002).
WHEREAS, on June 12, 2012, Dzung Xuan Pham submitted an application to
remodel the fagade of an existing commercial building, restripe the parking lot and install
new landscaping and new signage on the site located at 8729 Valley Boulevard; and
WHEREAS, 8729 Valley Boulevard is located in the C -3D (Medium Commercial
with a Design Overlay) zoning district; and
WHEREAS, Section 17.72.050 of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC) provides
the purpose and criteria for a design review; and
WHEREAS, Sections 65800 & 65900 of the California Government Code and
Section 17.72.050 of the Rosemead Municipal Code authorize the Planning Commission
to approve, conditionally approve, or deny design review applications; and
WHEREAS, on August 9, 2012, forty -one (41) 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 Design Review 12 -03, and on August 9,
2012, the notice was published in the Rosemead Reader; and
WHEREAS, on August 20, 2012, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
and advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to Design
Review 12 -03; 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 DETERMINES that Design
Review 12 -03 is classified as a Class 1 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section
15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. Section 15301 of the
CEQA exempts projects that consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting,
leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities,
mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES
that facts do exist to justify approving Design Review 12 -03 in accordance with Section
17.72.030 et seq., of the Rosemead Municipal Code as follows:
A. The plans indicate proper consideration for the relationship between the
proposed building and site developments that exist or have been approved for the
general neighborhood;
FINDING: The building site proposed for renovation is located within an
established commercial district of the City. The applicant has provided an aesthetically
complementary design for the building, which includes new building wall colors and
modern design style that will vastly improve the existing commercial building and its
relationship to the commercial district. The proposed project is consistent with Goal 2,
Policy 2.5 of the Land Use Element of the City's General Plan in that it calls for the
upgrading of commercial uses by implementing architectural and design reviews of
proposals for remodel of existing buildings.
B. The plan for the proposed building 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.
FINDING: All lighting will be fully shielded and directed downwards to mitigate
glare on adjacent properties. This fagade remodel will not generate any permanent
impacts to noise levels for the surrounding area. All construction work will be required to
comply with the timeframe, and decibel levels indicated in the City's Noise Ordinance
(Ordinance 478 and 541). Conditions of approval specifically address factors such as
noise, construction hours, screening of mechanical equipment, landscaping, lighting, and
the overall maintenance of the property.
C. The proposed building or site development is not, in its exterior design and
appearance, so at variance with the appearance of other existing buildings or site
developments in the neighborhood as to cause the nature of the local environment to
materially depreciate in appearance and value;
FINDING: The proposed project will not depreciate the area. It will improve the
physical appearance of the existing building and the overall site. These improvements to
the site in terms of fagade remodel and new landscaping will provide a marked
improvement over the appearance of other neighboring buildings along Valley
Boulevard.
D. The proposed building or structure is in harmony with the proposed
developments on land in the general area, especially in 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.
FINDING: The property is not part of the Civic Center Plan, precise plan, or land
reserved for public or educational use. The applicant has proposed a good architectural
design with the proposed modifications to the building exterior, which will create an
improved site that is aesthetically complementary to the surrounding area. The
proposed upgrade of the existing building fagade with higher quality materials and
modern design and the parking lot improvements will enhance the aesthetics of the area,
and will potentially improve land values in the general area.
E. 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.
FINDING: This proposed development meets all of the minimum code
requirements for the C -31D (Medium Commercial with Design Overlay) zone, and all
applicable referenced code sections of the Rosemead Municipal Code.
F. The site plan and the design of the buildings, parking areas, signs,
landscaping, luminaries, and other site feature 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: Access to the site is located on Valley Boulevard and from the
adjacent alley via a two -way drive aisle for ingress and egress. The parking lot is
conveniently located along the west side of the lot and at the rear of the office building.
All parking lot lighting will be fully shielded and directed downwards to mitigate glare on
adjacent properties. Lastly, this building renovation will greatly improve the visual effect
of the site from the view of the public streets, primarily Valley Boulevard and Bartlett
Avenue.
SECTION 3 . The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Design Review
12 -03 for the fagade remodel of an existing commercial building and site improvements
located at 8729 Valley Boulevard, and subject to conditions listed in Exhibit "B" attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 4 . This action shall become final and effective ten (10) days after this
decision by the Planning Commission, unless within such time a written appeal is filed
with the City Clerk for consideration by the Rosemead City Council as provided in Article
IX - Planning and Zoning of the Rosemead Municipal Code.
SECTION 5 . This resolution is the result of an action taken by the Planning
Commission on August 20, 2012, by the following vote:
YES: ENG, HERRERA, HUNTER, RUIZ, SACCARO
NO: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
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 20 day of August, 2012.
C)iaLA
icto Ruiz, hai
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 20 day of
August, 2012 by the following vote:
YES: ENG, HERRERA, HUNTER, RUIZ, SACCARO
NO: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
4k"a
Michelle Ramirez, S eetary
Grego M. Murphy, Pla}a ing Commission Attorney
Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
EXHIBIT "B"
DESIGN REVIEW 12 -03
8729 VALLEY BOULEVARD
(APN: 5391- 007 -002)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
August 20, 2012
1. Design Review 12 -03 is approved for the remodel of the fagade of an existing
office building, parking lot improvements including new landscaping and new
signage on the site, in accordance with the plans marked Exhibit "C ", dated
August 9, 2012. Any revisions to the approved plans must be resubmitted for the
review and approval of the Planning Division.
2. The following conditions must be complied with to the satisfaction of the Planning
Division prior to final approval of the associated plans, building permits,
occupancy permits, or any other appropriate request.
3. The conditions listed on this exhibit shall be copied directly onto any development
plans subsequently submitted to the Planning and Building Divisions for review.
4. Approval of Design- Review 12 -03 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. Design Review 12 -03 is approved for a period of one (1) year. The applicant shall
commence the proposed project 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 the
Design Review 12 -03 has been unused, abandoned or discontinued for a period
of one (1) year it shall become null and void.
6. The Planning Commission hereby authorizes the Planning Division to make
and /or approve minor modifications to the project and to these conditions of
approval.
7. Design Review 12 -03 is 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 Design Review 12 -03.
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 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.
10. Building permits will not be issued in connection with any project until such time
as all plan check fees, and all other applicable fees are paid in full. Prior to
issuance of building permits, any required school fees shall be paid. The
applicant shall provide the City with written verification of compliance from the
applicable school districts
11. The numbers of the address signs shall be at least 6" tall with a minimum
character width of 1/4 ", contrasting in color and easily visible at driver's level from
the street. Materials, colors, location, and size of such address numbers shall be
approved by the City Planner, or his or her designee, prior to installation.
12. The hours of construction shall be limited from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to
Saturday. No construction shall take place on Sundays or on any federal holiday
without prior approval by the City.
13. The Planning staff shall have access to the subject property at any time during
construction to monitor progress.
14. 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.
15. 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. All trash, rubbish, and garbage receptacles shall be regularly
cleaned, inspected, and maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition.
16. The applicant shall submit a Master Sign Program for the property to the Planning
Division for review and approval prior to finalization of building permits for the
project.
17. All new roof top appurtenances and equipment shall adequately be screened from
view to the satisfaction of the Planning Division. There shall be no mechanical
equipment located on the sides of the building. Such equipment shall not exceed
the height of the parapet wall. All ground level mechanical /utility equipment
(including meters, back flow preservation devices, fire valves, A/C condensers,
furnaces, utility cabinets, and other equipment) shall be located away from public
view or adequately screened by landscaping or screening walls so as not to be
seen from the public right of way or other public space within the development.
The Planning Division shall approve said screening prior to installation.
18. The parking area, including handicapped spaces, shall be paved and re- painted
periodically to City standards to the satisfaction of the Planning Division. Such
striping shall be maintained in a clear, visible, and orderly manner.
19. At least two percent of the required parking shall be designated for handicap
space pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 22511.8. A letter by the
property owner shall be given to the City for authorizing enforcement.
20. All exterior lighting shall be fully shielded and directed downwards as to not
project over property lines.
21. All open areas not covered by concrete, asphalt, or structures shall be landscaped
and maintained on a regular basis. The landscape planters shall include a wide
variety of plant materials that are drought tolerant and an irrigation system that
includes a sprinkler system with automatic timers and moisture sensors.
22. Violations of the conditions of approval may result in citation and /or initiation of
revocation proceedings.
23. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the developer shall provide a courtesy
notice of the start of construction to the occupants of abutting properties and
provide a copy of the notice to the Planning Division.
24. All requirements of the Building and Safety Division and the Planning Division
shall be complied with prior to the final approval of the proposed construction.
25. The onsite public hearing notice posting shall be removed within 30 days from the
end of the 10 -day appeal period of Design Review 12 -03.