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PC - Item 3B - Design Review 13-01 3907 Rosmead BoulevardROSEMEAD PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE ROSEMEAD PLANNING COMMISSION FROM: PLANNING DIVISION DATE: MARCH 18, 2013 SUBJECT: DESIGN REVIEW 13 -01 3907 ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD Summary The Rosemead School District has submitted a Design Review application to install new exterior heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) window units on all elevations of the building. The subject site is located at 3907 Rosemead Boulevard in the P -OD (Professional Office with a Design Overlay) zone. Environmental Determination: Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (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 of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination. Accordingly, Design Review 13- 01 is classified as a Class 1 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the CEQA guidelines. Staff Recommendation Based on the analysis and findings contained in this report, it is recommended that the Planning Commission ADOPT Resolution No. 13 -03 with findings (Exhibit "A ") and APPROVE Design Review 13 -01 subject to the twenty (20) conditions outlined in Exhibit "B" attached hereto. Property History and Description The subject property is located on the northwest corner bf Rosemead Boulevard and Guess Street. The site consists of two tied parcels, totaling approximately 26,720 square feet. According to the Los Angeles County Assessor's records, the property is currently developed with a 14,329 square foot office building occupied by the Rosemead School District. Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 East Elevation Site & Surrounding Land Uses The project site is designated in the General Plan as High Density Residential and on the zoning map it is designated P -OD (Professional Office with a Design Overlay) zone. The site is surrounded by the following land uses: North: General Plan: High Density Residential Zoning: P -OD (Professional Office with a Land Use: Residential South: General Plan: High and Low Density Residential Zoning: P -OD (Professional Office with a t Land Use: R -1 (Single - Family Residential) Land Use: Commercial and Residential East: General Plan: MU -RC (Mixed Use: Resider Zoning: P -D (Planned Development) Land Use: Residential Overlay) Overlay) and West: General Plan: Low Density Residential Zoning: R -1 (Single - Family Residential) Land Use: Residential Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 Page 3 of 14 Administrative Analysis The applicant is proposing voluntary seismic upgrades to the Rosemead School. District main office building located at the northwest corner of Rosemead Boulevard and Guess Street. • According to the project narrative, which was submitted with the application (attached as "Exhibit D "), the project consists of the installation of new HVAC window units on all elevations. The applicant has indicated that their original design was to provide a rooftop HVAC system, however, this would create an aesthetic issue of changing the roofline of the building. In addition, it would require structural strengthening and increase the cost of the modification of the building. For these reasons, the Rosemead School District is requesting to install exterior HVAC units along the majority of the windows on all elevations of the building. To install the HVAC units, the applicant is proposing to remove all existing exterior plaster on the building. Once all HVAC units are installed, they will add shear panels and re- plaster the building with the same color and material. In addition to the seismic upgrades, the applicant is proposing to install new fencing along the east property line and part of the south property line. The parking lot area will also be pressure washed, patched, re- sealed, and re- striped. Municipal Code Requirements Section 17.72.030 of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC) states that design review procedures shall be followed for all improvements requiring a building permit or visible changes in form, texture, color, exterior fagade, or landscaping. Section 17.72.050 provides the criteria by which the Planning Commission may approve, approve with conditions, or deny a design review application: The plans indicate proper consideration for the relationship between the proposed structure and site developments that exist or have been approved for the general neighborhood; The plans illustrate that the project only consists of voluntary seismic upgrades, which include the installation of exterior HVAC window units. To install the HVAC units, the applicant is proposing to remove all existing exterior plaster on the building. Once all HVAC units are installed, they will add shear panels and re- plaster the building with the same color and material. The plan for the proposed structure 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. The voluntary seismic upgrades 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 Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 Paqe 4 of 14 factors such as noise, construction hours, screening of mechanical equipment, landscaping, lighting, and the overall maintenance of the property. • The proposed structure or site development is not, in its exterior design and appearance, so at variance with the appearance of other existing building or site developments in the neighborhood as to cause the nature of the local environment to materially depreciate in appearance and value. The proposed project will not depreciate the area. It will improve the physical appearance of the existing building. Once the HVAC window units are installed, shear panels will be added and the building will be re- plastered with the same color and material. • The proposed building or structure is in harmony with the proposed developments on land in the general area, especially 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. The property is not part of the Civic Center Plan, precise plan, or land reserved for public or educational use. The only consists of voluntary seismic upgrades, which include the installation of exterior HVAC window units. To install the HVAC units, the applicant is proposing to remove all existing exterior plaster on the building. Once all HVAC units are installed, they will add shear panels and re- plaster the building with the same color and material. • 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; and This proposed development meets all of thelminimum code requirements for the P -OD (Professional Office with Design (Dverlay) zone, and all applicable referenced code sections of the Rosemead Municipal Code. • The site plan and the design of the buildings, parking areas, signs, landscaping, luminaries, and other site features indicateslthat 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. f The applicant is proposing voluntary seismic upgrades, which include the installation of exterior HVAC window units. To install the HVAC units, the applicant is proposing to remove all existing exterior plaster on the building. Once all HVAC units are installed, they will add shear panels and re- plaster the building with the same color and material. In addition to the seismic upgrades, Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 Pace 5 of 14 the applicant is proposing to install new fencing along the east property line and part of the south property line. The parking lot area will also be pressure washed, patched, re- sealed, and re- striped. Therefore, the site plan and design of the buildings, parking areas, signs, landscaping, luminaries, and other site features will not be affected. Public Notice Process This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process, which includes a 300' radius public hearing notice to forty -five (45) property owners, publication in the Rosemead Reader on March 7, 2013, and postings of the notice at the six (6) public locations and on the subject site. Prepared by: 44- Lily Trinh Acting Associate Planner Submitted by: Michelle Ramirez Community Development Director EXHIBITS: A. Resolution 13 -03 B. Conditions of Approval C. Site Plan /Floor Plan /Elevations D. Project Narrative E. Assessor Parcel Map (5390- 012 -900) Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 Page 6 of 14 EXHIBIT "A" PC RESOLUTION 1 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COI' ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELE APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 13 -01, SEISMIC UPGRADE, WHICH INCLUDES TI HVAC WINDOW UNITS ON ALL ELEVA THE SUBJECT SITE IS LOCATED AT 390' IN THE P -OD (PROFESSIONAL OFFICE % ZONE (APN: 5390 - 012 -900). WHEREAS, on February 26, 2013, the Design Review application for the voluntary installation of new HVAC window units on all eh is located at 3907 Rosemead Boulevard; and IIISSION OF THE CITY OF STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR THE VOLUNTARY INSTALLATION OF NEW ONS OF THE BUILDING. ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD TH A DESIGN OVERLAY) nead School District submitted a is upgrade, which includes the s of the building. The subject site WHEREAS, 3907 Rosemead Boulevard is( located in the P -OD (Professional Office 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 March 7, 2013, forty -five (45) 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 13 -01, and on March 7, 2013, the notice was published in the Rosemead Reader; and WHEREAS, on March 18, 2013, the Plann �hg Commission held a duly noticed and advertised public hearing to receive oral and 'Written testimony relative to Design Review 13 -01; 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 i he Planning Commission of the City of Rosemead as follows: SECTION 1 . The Planning Commission HEREBY DETERMINES that Design Review 13 -01 is classified as a Class 1 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 Page 7of14 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 13 -01 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 plans illustrate that the project only consists of voluntary seismic upgrades, which include the installation of exterior HVAC window units. To install the HVAC units, the applicant is proposing to remove all existing exterior plaster on the building. Once all HVAC units are installed, they will add shear panels and re- plaster the building with the same color and material. 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 voluntary seismic upgrades 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. Once tl e HVAC window units are installed, shear panels will be added and the building will be re- plastered with the same color and material. 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 Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 Page 8 of 14 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 Cie reserved for public or educational use. The propert precise plan, or land reserved for public or edu( voluntary seismic upgrades, which include the in units. To install the HVAC units, the applicant exterior plaster on the building. Once all HVAC un panels and re- plaster the building with the same col Center Plan, precise plan, or land is not part of the Civic Center Plan, tional use. The only consists of allation of exterior HVAC window proposing to remove all existing s are installed, they will add shear and material. E. The proposed development is in con and other applicable ordinances in so far as buildings and structures are involved. y with the standards of this code location and appearance of the FINDING: This proposed development meets all of the minimum code requirements for the P -OD (Professional Office 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: The applicant is proposing include the installation of exterior HVAC window u applicant is proposing to remove all existing extei HVAC units are installed, they will add shear panel same color and material. In addition to the seismic to install new fencing along the east property line The parking lot area will also be pressure washed Therefore, the site plan and design of the building: luminaries, and other site features will not be affects 1luntary seismic upgrades, which its. To install the HVAC units, the )r plaster on the building. Once all and re- plaster the building with the pgrades, the applicant is proposing and part of the south property line. patched, re- sealed, and re- striped. parking areas, signs, landscaping, SECTION 3 . The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Design Review 13 -01 for the voluntary seismic upgrade, which includes the installation of new HVAC window units on all elevations of the building, located at 3907 Rosemead Boulevard. i SECTION 4 . This action shall become final decision by the Planning Commission, unless with with the City Clerk for consideration by the Ros Article IX - Planning and Zoning of the Rosemead t and effective ten (10) days after this in such time a written appeal is filed amead City Council as provided in lunicipal Code. Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 Pace 9 of 14 SECTION 5 . This resolution is the result of an action taken by the Planning Commission on March 18, 2013, by the following vote: YES: NO: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: 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 18 day of March, 2013. Victor Ruiz, Chair 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 18 day of March, 2013 by the following vote: YES: NO: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Michelle Ramirez, Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: Gregory M. Murphy, Planning Commission Attorney Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 Page 10 of 14 EXHIBIT "B" DESIGN REVIEW 12 -03 8729 VALLEY BOULEVARD (APN: 5391-007-002) CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL March 18, 2013 1. Design Review 13 -01 is approved for the voluntary seismic upgrade, which includes the installation of new HVAC window units on all elevations of the building, in accordance with the plans marked Exhibit "C ", dated February 26, 2013. Any revisions to the approved plans 'must be resubmitted for the review and approval of the Planning Division. 2. Approval of Design Review 13 -01 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. 3. The onsite public hearing notice posting shall be removed by the end of the 10- day appeal period of Design Review 13 -01. 4. Design Review 13 -01 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 b the permitting process with the Planning and Building Divisions, so long Ias the project is not abandoned. If the Design Review 13 -01 has been unused, abandoned or discontinued for a period of one (1) year it shall become null and void. 5. The Planning Commission hereby authorizes the Planning Division to make and /or approve minor modifications to the project and to these conditions of approval. 6. Design Review 13 -01 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 tb, and not in lieu of, the right of the City, its Planning Commission, and City Council to review and revoke or modify Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 Pace 11 of 14 any permit granted or approved under the Rosemead Municipal Code for any violations of the conditions imposed on Design Review 13 -01. 7. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Rosemead or it's 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. 8. 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. 9. The conditions listed on this exhibit shall be copied directly onto any development plans subsequently submitted to the Planning and Building Divisions for review. 10. 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. 11. 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. 12. The hours of construction shall be limited from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 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. Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 Page 12 of 14 16. All new roof top appurtenances and equip from view to the satisfaction of the Plan mechanical equipment located on the side shall not exceed the height of the parapet w� equipment (including meters, back flow pr condensers, furnaces, utility cabinets, and away from public view or adequately screen so as not to be seen from the public right of development. The Planning Division she installation. ent shall adequately be screened ng Division. There shall be no of the building. Such equipment All ground level mechanical /utility ervation devices, fire valves, A/C ether equipment) shall be located by landscaping or screening walls ay or other public space within the approve said screening prior to 17. 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,l and orderly manner. 18. At least two percent (2 %) 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. 19. All open areas not covered by concrete, asphalt, or structures shall be landscaped and maintained on a regular basis. 20. Violations of the conditions of approval revocation proceedings. result in citation and /or initiation of Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 Page 13 of 14 EXHIBIT "D" NTAC IARCH ITECTU RE February 26, 2013 City of Rosemead 8838 East Valley Blvd. Rosemead, CA 91770 RE: Rosemead School District— Main Office Plan Check No.: Bo0-005-060 To whom it may concern: The proposed work as presented in this Design Review Submittal consists of the installation of new HVAC window units. The original design was to provide a roof top system. However, that would create an aesthetic Issue of having to change the roof line. In addition, it would require structural strengthening and increase the cost for the modification of this building. Our client preferred the window units to reduce cost. The exterior color of the building will remain the same and will be painted to match the existing. National talent, Sincerely, local focus Helena L. Jubany, FAIA Principal LEE www.nacarchite,ture.com NAC Ix 13951 Mecfmd Street I Los Angeles, California 98063 -1608 IT: 323.859.3100 1 F: 323.8593110 Planning Commission Meeting March 18, 2013 Page 14 of 14 EXHIBIT "E"