PC - 2012-19 - Appoving Design Review 11-02, Permitting The Construction of a New Single Family ResidencePC RESOLUTION 12 -19
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 11 -02, PERMITTING THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE WITH
2,700 SQUARE FEET OF LIVING AREA WITH AN ATTACHED FOUR
CAR GARAGE AND A DETACHED THREE CAR GARAGE LOCATED
AT 7432 WHITMORE STREET IN THE R -2 (LIGHT MULTIPLE
RESIDENTIAL) ZONE (APN: 5286- 018 -011).
WHEREAS, on June 21, 2011, Simon Shum submitted an application to
demolish an existing single family residential unit and a detached two car garage in
order to construct a 2,700 square foot, single family residential unit with an attached
four car garage and a detached three car garage located at located at 7432 Whitmore
Street, and
WHEREAS, 7432 Whitmore Street is located in the R -2 (Light Multiple
Residential) 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 September 6, 2012, fifty -one (51) 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 11 -02, and on
September 6, 2012, the notice was published in the Rosemead Reader; and
WHEREAS, on September 17, 2012, the Planning Commission held a duly
noticed and advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to
Design Review 11 -02; 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 11 -02 is classified as a Class 3 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section
15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. Section 15303 of the
CEQA exempts projects that consist of the construction of three or less residential units
in a residential zone.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES
that facts do exist to justify approving Design Review 11 -02 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 property is located within an established residential zone of the
City. The applicant has provided an aesthetically complementary design for the new
home, which includes a single story, modern residential design style. The new single -
family residential development will improve the overall aesthetics of the neighborhood.
In addition, the new development will have similar setbacks and heights as homes in the
surrounding area
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: The applicant has proposed a single story residential development.
Conditions of approval have been incorporated to eliminate any adverse effects on the
environment as a result of the proposed project. This development 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 will specifically
address factors such as noise, construction hours, landscaping, 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 or neighborhood.
The new unit and the site improvements will improve the physical appearance of the
property. Staff has worked closely with the applicant to achieve a home design that will
complement the neighborhood character. The applicant has proposed a contemporary
architectural design, which incorporates some traditional characteristics found in homes
currently being built in the San Gabriel Valley. The new single family residence has
been designed to create visual interest at the street level. The proposed design
elements include stucco exterior, decorative columns and concrete roof tile, which are
elements found on many homes in the surrounding area.
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, which will create an improved site that is aesthetically complementary to the
surrounding area. The proposed residential unit and the improvements to the existing
residential units include the use of higher quality materials and modern design that 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 R -2 (Light Multiple Residential) 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 taken from Whitmore Street. The design and
construction of this project would preserve the public safety and provide adequate
access and circulation for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Lastly, the proposed
residential unit, the improvements to the existing units, and new landscaping will greatly
improve the visual effect of the site from the view of the public street.
SECTION 3 . The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Design Review
11 -02 for the construction a 2,700 square foot, single family residential unit with an
attached four car garage and a detached three car garage located at located at 7432
Whitmore Street, 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 September 17, 2012, by the following vote:
YES: a ENG, HERRERA, SOCCARO, HUNTER, RUIZ
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 17 day of September, 2012.
V' r Ruiz, 11hair
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 17 day of
September, 2012 by the following vote:
YES: ENG, HERRERA, SOCCARO, HUNTER, RUIZ
NO: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
Michelle Ramirez, y cretary
Attorney
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
EXHIBIT "B"
DESIGN REVIEW 11 -02
7432 WHITMORE STREET
(APN: 5286- 018 -011)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
September 17, 2012
1. Design Review 11 -02 is approved for the construction of a new residential unit
with 2,700 square feet of living area with an attached four (4) car garage and a
detached three (3) car garage, in accordance with the plans marked Exhibit "C ",
dated August 30, 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 11 -02 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 11 -02 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 11 -02 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 11 -02 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 11 -02.
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. All ground level mechanical /utility equipment (including meters, back flow
preservation devices, fire valves, A/C condensers, furnaces 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.
15. The property shall be graded to drain to the street, but in no case shall such
drainage be allowed to sheet flow across public sidewalk. A grading and /or
drainage plan shall be prepared, submitted to and approved by the Building
Official and such grading and drainage shall take place in accordance with such
approved plan.
16. The existing residential units shall be improved with new paint treatments and all
outdoor storage shall be removed to the satisfaction of the Planning Division.
17. The development plans shall be modified to illustrate that the existing driveway
shall be improved with colored concrete treatment to match the new driveway in
the rear.
18. A six (6) foot tall, concrete block wall shall be constructed along the west and
east property boundary. This wall shall replace the existing wood and chain link
fencing on -site. The concrete block wall shall be decorative in nature and shall
match the existing block wall to the satisfaction of the Planning Division.
19. A landscape plan shall be submitted to the Planning Division for review and
approval. This plan shall include new landscape planters installed around the
perimeter of all residential units, and a combination of drought tolerant trees,
shrubs, low growing flowers and sod. An irrigation system shall be installed,
including automatic timers for all proposed landscaped areas.
20. Two (2) 24" box parkway trees must be installed in a 2.5'x 3' tree well per City
Std. S08 -003. (Engineering)
21. The existing 14' wide driveway approach must be replaced with a new 18' wide
driveway approach, according to SPPWC Std. Plan 110 -2. (Engineering)
22. 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.
23. Violations of the conditions of approval may result in citation and /or initiation of
revocation proceedings.
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 11 -02.
26. No plumbing of any kind and for any purpose shall be permitted in any of the
garages with the exception of plumbing for laundry facilities at a later time and
subject to any other requirements of the Municipal Code. (Added by the
Planning Commission on Sept 17, 2012)
27. The hardscape area between the southernmost garage and the southernmost
front house shall be changed from hardscape to a landscape area. (Added by
the Planning Commission on Sept 17, 2012)