PC - Item 3A - Modification 13-05 at 3940 Rosemead Boulevard (Formerly 9020 Steele Street)ROSEMEAD PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE ROSEMEAD
PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: PLANNING DIVISION
DATE: OCTOBER 21, 2013
SUBJECT: MODIFICATION 13 -05
3940 ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD (FORMERLY 9020 STEELE STREET)
Summary
Jason Sun has submitted a Modification application requesting to modify Design Review
00 -82, to perform exterior renovations to the main office building. This project will not
add any new square footage to the building. The subject site is located at 3940
Rosemead Boulevard (formerly 9020 Steele Street), in the CBD -D (Central Business
District with a Design Overlay) zone.
Environmental Determination
Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines 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,
Modification 13 -05 is classified as a Class 1 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section
15301 of 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 -17 with findings (Exhibit "A ") and
APPROVE Modification 13 -05, subject to the thirty -eight (38) conditions outlined in
Exhibit "B" attached hereto.
Property History and Description
The subject property is located on the southeast corner of Rosemead Boulevard and
Steele Street. The site consists of one (1) parcel of land totaling approximately 40,050
square feet. The main office building is operated by Chinese Overseas Marketing
Service Corporation (doing business as Chinese Consumer Yellow Pages).
According to Planning Division records, on May 15, 2000, the Planning Commission
approved Design Review 00 -82 for exterior improvements to the subject site. The
exterior improvements included new signage, paint, and landscaping.
North Elevation
Site and Surrounding Land Uses
The project site is designated in the General Plan as Commercial and on the zoning
map it is designated CBD -D (Central Business District with a Design Overlay) zone.
The site is surrounded by the following land uses:
North
General Plan:
Commercial
Zoning:
CBD -D (Central Business District with a Design Overlay)
Land Use:
Commercial
General Plan: High Density Residential and Low Density Residential
Zoning: R -3 (Medium Multiple Residential) and R -1 (Single Family Residential)
Land Use: Residential
East
General Plan:
Low Density Residential
Zoning:
R -1 (Single Family Residential)
Land Use:
Residential
West
General Plan:
Commercial
Zoning:
CBD -D (Central Business District with a Design Overlay)
Land Use:
Commercial
Planning Commission Meeting
October 21, 2013
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Planning Commission Meeting
October 21, 2013
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Administrative Analysis
As illustrated in Exhibit "C, the applicant is proposing to perform exterior renovations to
the main office building. The purpose of the proposed improvement is to modernize the
front fagade. The remodeling proposal includes repainting the existing fagade and
installing new materials, such as marble tile and stucco. The existing windows, doors,
and copper roof will remain.
According to the colored renderings (shown above), the applicant is proposing "earth -
toned" colors to highlight the buildings existing architectural elements, such as the
diticulated agade and pop -u t. s
of tan colored stucco (Dunn- Edwards, Tan Plan) and beige colored stucco (Dunn -
Edwards, Verona Beach). The stucco pop -out will be finished in contrasting white
colored stucco (Dunn- Edwards, Cottage White). To add further architectural interest, the
applicant is proposing the use of tan colored marble tile on the existing columns and
entry overhang. Through this proposal, the applicant will also paint all of the structures
onsite to match the office building color.
A separate sign plan will be submitted to the Planning Division for approval. This project
will only affect the exterior fagade, and will not add any new square footage to the
structure. The parking areas, landscaping, luminaries, and other site features will
remain.
Proposed North Elevation
Planning Commission Meeting
October 21, 2013
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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 disapprove a design review application:
• 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;
The applicant has provided an aesthetically complementary design for the
building, which will not negatively affect the existing office building and its
relationship to the surrounding properties. The plans illustrate that the project
only consists of performing exterior renovations to the main office building. The
purpose of the proposed improvement is to modernize the front fagade. The
remodeling proposal includes repainting the existing fagade and installing new
materials, such as marble tile and stucco.
• 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;
This project 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
construction hours, screening of mechanical equipment, landscaping, and the
overall maintenance of the property.
• The proposed building 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 cause the nature of the local environment to
materially depreciate in appearance and value. The project only consists of
performing exterior renovations to the main office building. The purpose of the
proposed improvement is to modernize the front fagade. The remodeling
proposal includes repainting the existing fagade and installing new materials,
such as marble tile and stucco.
Planning Commission Meeting
October 21, 2013
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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;
The property is not part of the Civic Center plan, precise plan, or land reserved
for public or educational use. The project only consists of performing exterior
renovations to the main office building.
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
The proposed development meets all of the minimum code requirements for the
CBD -D (Central Business District with a Design Overlay) 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 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.
The applicant is proposing to perform exterior renovations to the main office
building. The parking areas, landscaping, luminaries, and other site features will
remain. As a condition of approval, a separate sign plan shall be submitted to the
City of Rosemead Planning Division for approval. The sign plan shall comply with
Rosemead Municipal Code Section 17.104.
Public Notice Process
This item has been natired through the regular agenda nnfifir proce$ which
includes a 300' radius public hearing notice to forty -nine (49) property owners,
publication in the Rosemead Reader on October 10, 2013, and postings of the notice at
the five (5) public locations and on the subject site.
Prepared by:
Cory Hanh
Planning Intern
Submitted by:
Michelle Ramirez
Community Development Director
Planning Commission Meeting
October 21, 2013
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EXHIBITS:
A. PC Resolution 13 -17
B. Conditions of Approval
C. Site Plan, Floor Plan, and Elevations
D. Assessor Parcel Map (8594- 008 -039)
Planning Commission Meeting
October 21, 2013
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EXHIBIT " A "
PC RESOLUTION 13 -17
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
APPROVING MODIFICATION 13 -05, FOR THE RENOVATION OF THE
EXTERIOR FACADE OF THE MAIN COMMERICAL BUILDING
LOCATED AT 3940 ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD IN THE CBD -D
(CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT WITH A DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE
(APN: 8594 - 008 -039).
WHEREAS, on August 8, 2013, Jason Sun submitted an application to perform
exterior renovations to the main office building on the site located at 3940 Rosemead
Boulevard: and
WHEREAS, 3940 Rosemead Boulevard is located in the CBD -D (Central
Business District with a Design Overlay) zoning district; and
WHEREAS, Section 17.72.020 & 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 disapprove design review
applications; and
WHEREAS, on October 10, 2013, forty -nine (49) notices were sent to property
owners within a 300 -feet radius from the subject property, in addition to notices posted
in five (5) public locations and on -site, specifying the availability of the application, plus
the date, time, and location of the public hearing for Modification 13 -05, and on October
10, 2013, the notice was published in the Rosemead Reader; and
WHEREAS, on October 21, 2013, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
and advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to
Modification 13 -05; 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
Modification 13 -05 is classified as a Class 1 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section
15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines. Section 15301 of
the CEQA exempts projects that consist of the operation, repair, maintenance,
Planning Commission Meeting
October 21, 2013
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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.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES
that facts do exist to justify approving Modification 13 -05 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 applicant has provided an aesthetically complementary design for
the building, which will not negatively affect the existing office building and its
relationship to the surrounding properties. The plans illustrate that the project only
consists of performing exterior renovations to the main office building. The purpose of
the proposed improvement is to modernize the front fagade. The remodeling proposal
includes repainting the existing fagade and installing new materials, such as marble tile
and stucco.
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: This project 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 construction
hours, screening of mechanical equipment, 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 building 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 cause the nature of the local
environment to materially depreciate in appearance and value. The project only consists
of performing exterior renovations to the main office building. The purpose of the
proposed improvement is to modernize the front fagade. The remodeling proposal
includes repainting the existing fagade and installing new materials, such as marble tile
and stucco.
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
Planning Commission Meeting
October 21, 2013
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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 project only consists of performing exterior
renovations to the main office building.
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; and
FINDING: The proposed development meets all of the minimum code
requirements for the CBD -D (Central Business District with a 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 features 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 to perform exterior renovations to the main
office building. The parking areas, landscaping, luminaries, and other site features will
remain. As a condition of approval, a separate sign plan shall be submitted to the City of
Rosemead Planning Division for approval. The sign plan shall comply with Rosemead
Municipal Code Section 17.104.
SECTION 3 . The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Modification 13-
05 for the renovation of the exterior fagade of the main commercial building on the site
located at 3940 Rosemead 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 October 21, 2013, by the following vote:
YES:
NO:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Planning Commission Meeting
October 21, 2013
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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 21 day of October, 2013.
Diana Herrera, 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 21 day of
October, 2013 by the following vote:
YES:
NO:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Michelle Ramirez, Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Gregory M. Murphy, Planning Commission Attorney
Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
Planning Commission Meeting
October 21, 2013
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EXHIBIT "B"
MODIFICATION 13 -05
3940 ROSEMEAD BOULEVARD
(APN: 8594 - 008 -039)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
October 21, 2013
Original Conditions of Approval from Design Review 00 -82 (with modifications):
1. Design Review 00 -82 is approved for site improvements to the subject site be
developed in accordance with the plan marked Exhibit "B" and submitted colored
elevations and color and material sample boards. Any revisions to the approved
plans must be resubmitted for review and approval by the Planning Department.
2. Approval of Design Review 00 -82 shall not take effect for any purpose until the
applicant has filed with the City of Rosemead an affidavit stating that they are
aware of and accepts all of the conditions set forth in the letter of approval and
this list of conditions.
3. Design Review 00 -82 is approved for a one -year period. Applicant shall make
progress towards initiation of proposed use or request an extension 30 days prior
to expiration from the Planning Commission. Otherwise Design Review 00 -82
shall become null and void.
4. 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.
5. All plans for tenant signage must be submitted for review and approval by the
Planning Department.
6. 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.
7. Planning staff shall have access to the subject property at any time during
construction to monitor progress.
8. The numbers of the address signs shall be at least 6" tall with a minimum
character width of 3/4 ", 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 Community Development Director prior to
installation.
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October 21, 2013
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9. All utilities shall be placed underground including facilities and wires for the
supply and distribution of electrical energy, telephone, cable television etc. The
underground conversion of these utilities shall consider all future connections to
the satisfaction of the Director of Planning.
10. All requirements of the Building and Safety Division and Planning Division shall
be complied with prior to the final approval of the proposed construction.
11. The site shall be maintained in a clean, weed, 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. Any new litter and graffiti shall be removed within twenty -four (24)
hours.
12. Signs shall comply with Section 17.104 of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC).
Signs shall not cover more than 25% of the building area or 15% of window area.
All signs shall comply with Section 17.104.080 (RMC) regarding identification of
the type business in English.
13. Prior to occupancy, the applicant shall obtain an Occupancy Permit from the
Building Division. Such permit is required for any new business that alters the
interior of an existing building and /or is a change of use.
14. A permanent maintenance program of all landscaping shall be provided insuring
regular irrigation, fertilization and weed abatement.
15. Prior to issuance of building permits, a landscaping plan shall be submitted to
the Planning Division for review. It shall include an irrigation plan with automatic
timers and moisture sensors. Fifteen (15) percent of the landscape area shall be
planted with 24 inch box trees.
17. That the applicant shall make repair and repaint to the existing canopy for
covered parking.
18. That the existing composition shingle roof cover above the fagade addition be
covered with a metal seam roof material of either copper or compatible color.
19. Violation of the conditions of approval may result in citation and /or initiation of
revocation proceedings.
20. Trash enclosure gate shall be replaced with a commercial grade, metal, self -
closing gate. Said gate shall be painted to match stucco color.
21. Parking lot shall be slurry- sealed and re- striped to city standards
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October 21, 2013
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22. That there shall be no outside storage of any materials and no outside work on
Expo- related decorations.
21 On- premise signs shall identify the type of business (e.g. "restaurant ",
"market") in the English language. Sign plans must be submitted to the
Planning Division for review and approval.
New Conditions of Approval for Modification 13 -05:
24. Modification 13 -05 is approved for the renovation of the exterior fagade of the
main commercial building on the site located at 3940 Rosemead Boulevard, in
accordance with the plans marked Exhibit "C ", dated September 26, 2013. Any
revisions to the approved plans must be resubmitted for the review and approval
of the Planning Division.
25. 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.
26. All conditions of approval in Exhibit "B" shall be copied directly onto any
development plans subsequently submitted to the Planning and Building
Divisions for review.
27. Approval of Modification 13 -05 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.
28. Modification 13 -05 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
Modification 13 -05 has been unused, abandoned, or discontinued for a period of
one (1) year it shall become null and void.
29. The Planning Commission hereby authorizes the Planning Division to make
and /or approve minor modifications to the project and to these conditions of
approval.
30. Modification 13 -05 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,
Planning Commission Meeting
October 21, 2013
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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 Modification 13 -05.
31. 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.
32. 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.
33. 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 legal holidays
without prior approval by the City.
34. The onsite public hearing notice posting shall be removed by the end of the 10-
day appeal period of Modification 13 -05.
35. The parking lot shall be patched, re- slurry- sealed, and re- striped to City
standards and to the satisfaction of the Planning Division prior to final approval
of the proposed construction.
ing on th"roperty shall be improved to the - - sfaction of the
p sal
Planning Division staff.
37. Stack parking shall be prohibited and vehicles shall be parked within the
appropriate parking stalls.
38. The trash enclosure, carport, and building in the northwest corner of the lot shall
match the main office building in colors and materials.
Planning Commission Meeting
October 21, 2013
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