PC - Item 3A - Public Hearing - Design Review 14-04 - 9200 and 9220 Valley BoulevardROSEMEAD PLANNING COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF THE ROSEMEAD
PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: PLANNING DIVISION
DATE: AUGUST 4, 1014
SUBJECT: DESIGN REVIEW 14 -04
9200 AND 9220 VALLEY BOULEVARD
Summary
Brian Collins of Pacific Design Group has submitted a Design Review application
requesting a fagade remodel to the existing commercial center located at 9200 and
9220 Valley Boulevard. The commercial center is developed on two (2) separate
parcels, which are located in the CBD -D (Central Business District with a Design
Overlay) zone. (APN 8594- 003 -022 and 8594 - 003 -023)
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, Design
Review 14 -04 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. 14 -11 with findings (Exhibit "A ") and
APPROVE Design Review 14 -04, subject to the twenty -six (26) conditions outlined in
Exhibit "B" attached hereto.
Property History and Description
The subject property is located on southeast corner Valley Boulevard and Hart Avenue.
According the Los Angeles County Assessor's records, the project site consists of two
(2) parcels of land totaling approximately 31,840 square feet of area (20,420 sf and
11,420 sf respectively). The two (2) parcels were developed in 1988 as a multi -unit
commercial development. According to the Los Angeles County Assessor, the parcel
addressed as 9200 Valley was developed with 5,925 square foot of building area and
the parcel addressed as 9220 Valley Boulevard was developed with 4,600 square foot
of building area.
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August 4, 2014
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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
South
General Plan.
Low Density Residential
Zoning:
R -1 (Single Family Residential)
Land Use.
Residential
East
General Plan
Commercial
Zoning.
CBD -D (Central Business District with a Design Overlay)
Land Use
Commercial
West
General Plan:
Commercial
Zoning:
CBD -D (Central Business District with a Design Overlay)
Land Use:
Commercial
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Administrative Analysis
As illustrated on the elevation plans in Exhibit "C ", the applicant is proposing to
modernize the commercial building by remodeling the exterior fagades of the buildings.
The purpose of the proposed improvement is to update the look of the building. This
project will only affect the exterior fagade, and will not add any new square footage to
the structure.
The building walls were originally constructed utilizing gray concrete block (split face
and precision). The applicant is proposing to maintain the gray concrete walls, but
modernize the front fagade of both buildings. The existing metal parapet and the tile
walls will be demolished and replaced with foam cornice and stucco finished walls.
According to the colored renderings, the new fagade walls are proposed with a cream
color (Dunn Edwards — Candlestick Point) and the new cornice trim will be dark gray
color (Dunn Edwards — Charcoal Smudge).
The site is currently improved with two (2) trash enclosures. However, these enclosures
do not have roofs. As shown on the site plan, the applicant is proposing to improve the
trash enclosures in order to meet current zoning regulations. RMC Section
17.32.050(6) specifies that trash enclosures be equipped with self - closing, solid doors
and a solid roof. A condition of approval will be added requiring the trash enclosures to
be improved to meet all zoning regulations.
The two (2) parcels were developed in 1988 as one (1) development, but the lots were
never merged together. In an effort to keep the shopping center whole and provide
adequate parking for the development, a condition of approval will be added requiring
that the property owner record a covenant and agreement that will hold the two (2)
parcels as one (1).
Cabinet signs are mounted above each tenant space within the center. In an attempt to
modernize the signage for the center, a condition of approval will be added requiring the
approval of a Master Sign Program. This sign program should identify new modern
signage for the center.
Site Improvements
During a site inspection staff discovered several issues that need to be addressed with
this application.
• Landscape planters are located throughout the site. However these planters are
bare in areas. A condition will be added that the onsite landscaping be improved
with new plant materials.
• Customers or tenants were observed parking illegally, blocking existing parking
stalls between the two (2) buildings. In an attempt to address this issue, the
applicant has proposed to stripe and label this area as "no parking ". As a
condition of approval, along with the added striping, staff will also require signage
to be posted, in this area, specifying that cars will be towed if they are parked in
this area.
• A large storage structure and patios were constructed in the yard area adjacent
to Unit 9214. These structures do not have building permits and are considered
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illegal. A condition of approval will be added requiring these structures to be
removed entirely.
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 fapade, 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 new
building facade, which will not cause negative effects on the existing commercial
building and its relationship to the surrounding properties. The plans illustrate
that the project consists of exterior renovations to the commercial buildings. The
purpose of the proposed improvement is to modernize the building fapade. The
remodeling proposal includes installing stucco to the existing facade and
installing new materials, such as cornice trim to the buildings.
• 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 consists of exterior
renovations to the commercial building. The purpose of the proposed
improvement is to modernize the building fagades. The remodeling proposal
includes installing stucco to the existing fagade and installing new materials, such
as cornice trim to the buildings.
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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 commercial buildings.
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 commercial
buildings. In addition, the applicant is proposing to improve the trash enclosures.
Conditions have been added to address landscape improvements, resolve illegal
structures and parking issues.
Public Notice Process
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process, which
includes a 300' radius public hearing notice to fifty -five (55) property owners, publication
in the Rosemead Reader on July 24, 2014, and postings of the notice at the five (5)
public locations and on the subject site.
Prepared by:
Gina Casillas
Planning Technician
Submitted by
Michelle Ramirez
Community Development Director
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EXHIBITS:
A. PC Resolution 14 -11
B. Conditions of Approval
C. Site Plan, Floor Plan, and Elevations dated July 21, 2014
D. Assessor Parcel Map (8594- 003 -023 and 8594- 003 -022)
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EXHIBIT "A"
PC RESOLUTION 14 -11
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 14 -04, FOR THE RENOVATION OF
THE EXTERIOR FACADE OF THE COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
LOCATED AT 9200 AND 9220 VALLEY BOULEVARD IN THE CBD -D
(CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT WITH A DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE
(APN: 8594- 003 -023 AND 8594- 003 -022).
WHEREAS, on April 8, 2014, Brian Collins of Pacific Design Group submitted an
application to renovate the exterior fagade of the commercial buildings on the site
located at 9200 and 9220 Valley Boulevard; and
WHEREAS, 9200 and 9220 Valley 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 July 24, 2014, fifty -five (55) 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 Design Review 14 -04, and on July 24,
2014, the notice was published in the Rosemead Reader; and
WHEREAS, on August 4, 2014, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
and advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to Design
Review 14 -04, 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 14 -04 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
August 4, 2014
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 Design Review 14 -04 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 new building facade, which will not cause negative effects on the existing
commercial building and its relationship to the surrounding properties. The plans
illustrate that the project only consists of performing exterior renovations to the
commercial building. The purpose of the proposed improvement is to modernize the
building facade. The remodeling proposal includes installing stucco to the existing
facade and installing new materials, such as cornice trim to the 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: 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 consists of
exterior renovations to the commercial building. The purpose of the proposed
improvement is to modernize the building facade. The remodeling proposal includes
installing stucco to the existing facade and installing new materials, such as cornice trim
to the buildings.
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
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August 4, 2014
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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 commercial buildings.
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
commercial buildings. In addition, the applicant is proposing to improve the trash
enclosures. Conditions have been added to address landscape improvements, resolve
illegal structures and parking issues.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Design Review
14 -04 for the renovation of the exterior fagade of the commercial buildings on the site
located at 9200 and 9220 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 4, 2014, by the following vote:
YES:
NO:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
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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 4th day of August, 2014.
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 4th day of
August, 2014 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
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EXHIBIT "B"
DESIGN REVIEW 14 -04
9200 AND 9220 VALLEY BOULEVARD
(APN: 8594- 003 -023 AND 8594 - 003 -022)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
August 4, 2014
1. Design Review 14 -04 is approved for the renovation of the exterior fagade of the
commercial building, in accordance with the plans marked Exhibit "C ", dated July
21, 2014. Any revisions to the approved plans must be resubmitted for the
review and approval of the Planning Division.
2. Approval of Design Review 14 -04 shall not take effect for any purpose until the
applicant has fled 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 14 -04.
4. Design Review 14 -04 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 14 -04 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.
Design Review 14 -04 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 14 -04.
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7. 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.
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.
16. All exterior lighting shall be fully shielded and directed downwards as to not
project over property lines.
17. All landscaping on the subject property shall be rehabilitated to the satisfaction of
the Planning Division prior to the Planning Division's final inspection. The
landscape planters shall include a wide variety of plant materials that are drought
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tolerant and an irrigation system that includes a sprinkler system with automatic
timers and moisture sensors. All landscaping shall be maintained at all times.
18. Prior to the finalization of building permits for the improvements to the site, the
applicant shall submit for review and approval of the Planning Division a Master
Sign Program for the entire commercial development.
19. Window signs shall not cover more than 15% of window and glass door areas.
All banners and temporary signs shall be permitted by the Rosemead Planning
Division prior to installation.
20. 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.
21. The trash enclosure shall be equipped with a solid roof and opaque steel self -
closing and self - latching doors. The opaque doors shall be closed and 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.
22. The applicant shall install striping in the driveway aisle between the two (2)
buildings and post "No Parking" signage on the building wall prior to the Planning
Division's final inspection. At no time shall vehicles be parked in drive aisles.
23. All illegal structures onsite shall be removed entirely prior to the Planning
Division's final inspection.
24. Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall submit a covenant
and agreement that will hold the two (2) parcels as one (1) for review and
approval by the City Engineer. Upon approval, the applicant shall record the
covenant at the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office. (Engineering Division)
25. 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.
26. Violations of the conditions of approval may result in citation and /or initiation of
revocation proceedings.
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EXHIBIT "D"
8594
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