PC - Minutes - 05-18-15Minutes of the
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
May 18, 2015
The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Eng at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 8838 E. Valley Boulevard.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Commissioner Lopez
INVOCATION - Commissioner Tang
ROLL CALL - Commissioners Herrera, Lopez, Tang, and Chair Eng
OFFICIALS PRESENT — City Attorney Murphy, Community Development Director Ramirez, City Engineer Fajardo,
City Planner Bermejo, Associate Planner Valenzuela, and Commission Secretary Lockwood.
1. EXPLANATION OF HEARING PROCEDURES AND APPEAL RIGHTS
City Attorney Murphy explained the procedure and appeal rights of the meeting.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
None
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT 15-02 AMENDING CHAPTERS 17.04 AND 17.72 OF TITLE 17 OF THE
CITY OF ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO REGULATIONS FOR NONCONFORMING USES,
STRUCTURES, LOTS, AND PARKING FACILITIES - Municipal Code Amendment 15.02 consists of a City
initiated amendment to revise Title 17 (Zoning) of the Rosemead Municipal Code to modify existing
regulations for nonconforming uses, structures, lots, and parking facilities. The code amendment
proposes to establish new development regulations for legal nonconforming uses that were approved
by a discretionary entitlement. The purpose of the amendment is to encourage the City's continuing
improvement by limiting the extent to which nonconforming structures and uses may continue to be
used, expanded, or replaced, while improving the health, safety, and welfare of all residents without
creating an economic hardship for individual property owners or business owners. Lastly, Municipal
Code Amendment 15.02 proposes to eliminate the Zoning term and definition of "bachelor apartment"
from Chapter 17.04.050, as it is outdated and the definition is no longer accepted by the California
Department of Housing and Community Development. On April 6, 2015, the Planning Commission
continued this item to the May 18, 2015 Commission meeting and asked staff to bring back a resolution
supporting the amendment with the omission of proposed standards which would allow the addition of
conforming structures on R-1 and R-2 lots that are developed with legal nonconforming residential
structures. The revised MCA 15.02 has been included in this report as Exhibit "A."
PC RESOLUTION 15.04 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY
COUNCIL AMEND CHAPTERS 17.04 AND 17.72 OF TITLE 17 OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD MUNICIPAL
CODE RELATING TO REGULATIONS FOR NONCONFORMING USES, STRUCTURES, LOTS, AND
PARKING FACILITIES
Staff Recommendation - Based on the analysis and findings contained in this report, it is
recommended that the Planning Commission ADOPT Resolution No. 15.04 with findings (Exhibit "C"),
a resolution recommending that the City Council APPROVE the Negative Declaration and ADOPT
Ordinance No. 935 (Exhibit "D"), amending Title 17 "Zoning" of the Rosemead Municipal Code.
City Planner Bermejo presented the staff report.
City Attorney Murphy addressed the Planning Commission and explained the procedural aspects of this item.
Chair Eng asked the Planning Commission if there were any questions or comments for staff.
Commissioner Tang stated based on the revised Municipal Code Amendment what are the legal nonconforming
properties able to do now and what are they able to do under the revised code.
City Planner Bermejo gave examples of what the current code allows, when a Minor Exception process is
possible, and the revisions in respect to parking.
Commissioner Tang asked City Planner Bermejo when she states that the draft Minor Exception from the last draft
that was eliminated, which Minor Exception was that.
City Planner Bermejo stated what she just reviewed with the Planning Commission was the current code and not the
draft. She reiterated the provision that was presented at the Planning Commission meeting held on April 6, 2015,
which would have allowed for additional structures without requiring the existing structures on site to be
corrected. She stated there were standards that allowed the beautification of the existing structures, the
maintenance, the elimination of any type of building and safety issues that made the structure not safe, and that was
the main difference.
Commissioner Tang asked if the current draft today contains this provision.
City Planner Bermejo stated that provision has been removed, but it maintained the elimination of the definition for
"bachelor apartment", and it has cleaned up some of the language.
Commissioner Tang asked based on the new code does the Minor Exception process still apply.
City Planner Bermejo replied yes.
Commissioner Herrera asked if the Planning Commission is going to make a recommendation to City Council to
accept this item with our changes or is this it.
Chair Eng replied that this is a recommendation to City Council with the changes. She requested clarification's on
some of the language that is being proposed. She stated the first one is under "17.72.020 Establishment of legal
nonconforming status, Item A" and referred to "the change of ownership" and asked if something has been
established as legal nonconforming, if there is a change in ownership, it does not change the status.
City Planner Bermejo replied that is correct.
Chair Eng referred to Item's B and C and read B. She expressed that section is concerning to her because there are
a number of properties that may be non -permitted and this may provide a hardship for property owners if they have to
abate immediately.
City Planner Bermejo explained that currently anything that does not have a permit is considered illegal and the intent
of this section is to just put property owners on notice. She added if it is found that something is unpermitted staff
and the Building Division continues to work with the property owner to see if it can be permitted through the current
code.
City Planner Bermejo stated it could also pertain to a use that is unpenmitted that is a detriment to the City,
the residents, and the community.
Chair Eng stated she would like to make sure the City gives property owners the opportunity to correct safety issues
and encourage property maintenance.
Community Development Director Ramirez stated that the Planning Division and Building Division works with the
property owner and sets time frames that am achievable.
Chair Eng referred to "17.72.030 Legal nonconforming uses, Item A" and asked if there is an existing nonconforming
structure and they want to build additional improvements, they have the ability to do that as long as it is brought up to
current standards.
City Attorney Murphy explained that 17.72.030 deals with uses and 17.72.040 deals with structures. He added
17.72.030 would be seen more for non-residential properties and it would be a use that used to be allowed for a
particular zone and no longer is. He explained that legal nonconforming use would mean that as long as the use is
maintained on that site you can't construct a new building or start a new use. He stated 17.72.040 is the one that
deals with actual structures and recommended the Planning Commission move to that to answer their questions,
Chair Eng stated she has the same concern for "17.72.040 Item A" and asked if they want to make improvements,
add on, and if they have a lot that permits that, then the nonconforming use or structure would have to be brought up
to code under this new code.
City Planner Bermejo replied yes, for separate buildings. She explained for structures they still have the Minor
Exception process for an enlargement of an existing building.
Chair Eng asked if that would only apply to anything up to 120 square feet.
City Planner Bermejo replied that would apply to an existing legal nonconforming building that is only for building, it
doesn't mean a setback or a development standard, they could do an enlargement to that building through the Minor
Exception process.
Community Development Director Ramirez stated they could also do a second dwelling unit also known as a "granny
flat".
Chair Eng referred to "17.72,040 B 1. Enlargement" and asked if a structure is extended or enlarged on the interior,
how will that not impact floor area.
City Planner Bermejo explained that when floor area is referenced here this would not apply to a building that is
nonconforming because it exceeds the maximum floor area ratio.
Chair Eng referred to "1772.080 D." read it and asked what it means.
City Planner Bermejo explained that if they are in violation of their conditional use permit, this lets them know they
are subject to either the City modifying their conditional use permit or revoking it.
City Attorney Murphy clarified that the Section Number should be "Section 17.72 800 A -C" and from legal perspective
what this says is if you are a legal nonconforming use and you are approved by some kind of discretionary permit
issue by a body like this, rather than a building or business permit, and if you are violating your permit, then prior to
having any right to expand or change your structure, the City is going to make you come back and get back into
compliance as part of that process.
Chair Eng asked since this is an ordinance this is only applicable to R-1 and R-2.
City Planner Bermejo replied this ordinance is City -Wide.
Chair Eng referred to the City's Wireless Telecommunications Facility Ordinance and stated the City of Los Angeles
recently updated their Wireless Ordinance for any new facilities to comply with earthquake safety. She asked staff if
the City could add the same thing to the City of Rosemead's Wireless Facility Ordinance for new facilities.
City Attorney Murphy replied this is not something that can be done through this ordinance. He recommended staff
be given direction to research that and have the Community Development Director give a report on what Los Angeles
did at a future Planning Commission meeting.
Chair Eng stated she would like to request staff direction to see how much work would be involved and if it is
something worth pursuing. She asked if there were any further questions or comments for staff.
None
Chair Eng asked for a motion.
Commissioner Tang made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lopez, to approve that the Planning
Commission ADOPT Resolution No. 15.04 with findings, a resolution recommending that the City Council
APPROVE the Negative Declaration and ADOPT Ordinance No. 935, amending Title 17 "Zoning" of the
Rosemead Municipal Code.
Vote resulted in:
Yes: Eng, Herrera, Lopez, and Tang
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Community Development Director Ramirez stated this item will be presented to the City Council and that there will
not be an appeal process at this time.
B. DESIGN REVIEW 14-03 - Garvey Garden Plaza, LLC has submitted a Design Review application
requesting to develop a new residentiallcommercial mixed use development totaling 11,860 of
retailloffice space on the first floor and 46 apartments on the second through fourth floors. Parking is
proposed as a combination of surface and one level of subterranean basement parking. Access to the
proposed project will be provided by two driveways from Delta Avenue that extends along the west
project boundary. The project includes a density bonus application under Senate Bill (SB)1818, which
amended the state bonus law to allow density bonuses up to 35%. The property is located at the
southeast corner of Delta Avenue and Garvey Avenue in the C-3 Mi (Medium Commercial with a
Mixed Use and Design Overlay) zone.
PC RESOLUTION 15.07 - A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 14-03
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW RESIDENTIALICOMMERCIAL MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT
TOTALING 11,860 SQUARE FEET OF RETAILIOFFICE SPACE AND 46 APARTMENTS. THE SUBJECT
SITE IS LOCATED AT 8408 GARVEY AVENUE IN THE C3 MUDO-D (MEDIUM COMMERCIAL WITH A
MIXED USE AND DESIGN OVERLAY) ZONE.
Staff Recommendation - Based on the analysis and findings contained in this report, it is
recommended that the Planning Commission ADOPT Resolution No. 15-07 with findings (Exhibit "A"),
which is a resolution recommending that the City Council ADOPT Resolution 2015-29 (attached as
Exhibit "B") approving Design Review 14-03 and recommending adoption of the associated Mitigated
Negative Declaration (Exhibit "H").
Associate Planner Valenzuela presented the staff report and clarified two (2) items. The first is that the height of the
building is four (4) stories at 45 feet not 49 feet. The second is that a Tentative Map is not being proposed or
recorded, so staff would like to eliminate Condition of Approval number forty-seven (47).
Chair Eng stated she has three items she would like to share with the Planning Commission and staff. The first is
that the applicant's consultant Mr. Mike Lewis reached out to her about the project and that they had a met previously
at Starbucks, At that meeting she informed him that she had not reviewed the staff report and was not
prepared to share specific thoughts about the project. Mr. Lewis also provided her calor renderings, site and Floor
plans for the project at that meeting. The second item is that she had walked the project site with Mayor
Margaret Clark and a community member who has seismic concerns about the project site being built in a
liquefaction zone. Her third item is that she is acquainted with Mr. William Duong through community events and he
did inform her about the project. In those conversations she did inform him to work directly with staff on his
application and that she wanted to wait until she reviewed the staff report to learn the details of the project. She
added she has not discussed the details of this project with staff prior to this Planning Commission meeting. She
asked the Planning Commission if there were any questions or comments for staff.
Commissioner Tang asked if a map could be shown to see what the six parcels look like.
Associate Planner Valenzuela stated she did not have an aerial of the property but in the staff report, "Exhibit E°
there is an Assessors map showing the six parcels.
Commissioner Tang asked what the current uses for the six parcels are.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied they are mostly all residential.
Commissioner Tang asked if it would be considered as two (2) commercial and four (4) residential.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied yes.
Commissioner Tang referred to the paroel that is being split, the used car sales lot, and asked if that is two lots being
combined into one.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied the used car sales lot is leasing that lot.
Commissioner Tang referred to the 46 residential units being built and asked for a breakdown of how many
bedrooms each unit will have.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied there will be 30 two-bedroom units, 15 three -bedrooms, and 1 one -bedroom
unit (which is a managers unit).
Commissioner Tang asked where the loading and unloading zones for trucks are located.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied the Municipal Code permits trucks to load and unload in a standard parking
stall.
Commissioner Tang asked what if the truck is too big and does not ft in a standard parking stall.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied there is a Condition of Approval that limits the size of the truck.
Commissioner Tang stated that only limits the height of the truck,
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied it also states the width.
Commissioner Tang referred to Condition of Approval number 44 and stated it has a maximum height of 8'6" but
does not have a width. He asked where those trucks would go to do deliveries.
Chair Eng recommended looking at the site plan and that it may indicate the width of the driveway to enter into the
trash enclosures.
Associate Planner Valenzuela stated that delivery trucks are generally 19' in length and will fit in a standard stall.
Commissioner Tang stated his question is if the truck exceeds that size where will they go to load or unload,
City Engineer Fagardo explained that trucks that enter this site will typically be 19' in length (such as a UPS vehicle)
and larger trucks will not be able to enter this site.
Commissioner Tang asked if a commercial business has a delivery from a larger truck where will they go to unload or
unload. He asked if they will just park on Delta or Garvey Avenue.
City Engineer Fajardo replied they would park on Garvey Avenue. He stated that is an issue that will be researched
further and staff will add another condition of approval if necessary.
Commissioner Tang stated that was going to be his question if another condition of approval would be
necessary. He explained that Delta Avenue is a small street for large trucks to make deliveries or to have access at
the floor level of the site.
Associate Planner Valenzuela stated the Municipal Code does not allow them to drive on Delta Avenue.
Chair Eng asked currently where the loading is and unloading for commercial.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied it is not called out on the plans but on the final plans they will have a standard
parking stall as a loading and unloading location.
Chair Eng asked as a City is that something that is usually required.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied yes.
Commissioner Tang asked if that is located on the floor level parking lot.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied that is on the surface.
Commissioner Lopez asked if that is assuming it has to be entering from Garvey Avenue and not through Delta
Avenue. He asked if everything that is unloaded is being backed up from Garvey Avenue.
Chair Eng stated there is no entrance on Garvey Avenue.
Commissioner Lopez asked if large trucks cannot use Delta Avenue where will they enter from.
Associate Planner Valenzuela stated they can't park on Delta Avenue but they can enter from there.
Community Development Director Ramirez stated the Condition of Approval specifically states no trucks are allowed.
Chair Eng asked how is waste disposal addressed.
Community Development Director Ramirez replied this is only pertaining to delivery vehicles.
Commissioner Tang referred to the rear abutting residential set -back of 55'6" and asked what the standard for a two-
way traffic is.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied it is 25' for a two-way driveway.
City Engineer Fajardo referred to Condition of Approval number 86 and it is indicated that 28 feet would be
the minimum width of the driveway.
Commissioner Tang stated so they have exceeded that because they are at 55 feet. He asked staff to explain the
density bonus that's given for the parking spaces for the residential.
Community Development Director Ramirez explained that there is a condition under SB 1818 that allows a reduction
in parking spaces for residential units only when requested by the applicant.
Commissioner Tang asked if that would essentially make these three concessions.
Community Development Director Ramirez replied no and explained that the parking reduction is not considered a
concession.
Commissioner Tang asked what private open space is.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied but the response was not audible.
Commissioner Tang referred to the surface area parking on the site plan and there is a lot area of 3,960 square feet
and asked what the area is.
Response was not audible.
Commissioner Tang referred to traffic and stated for post development it has been determined that the traffic flow will
be heavily impacted and asked what some of the mitigation measures are for that.
Traffic Consultant Itigaki replied that one of the Conditions of Approval refers to traffic signal improvements at Delta
Avenue and Garvey Avenue, which would help mitigate traffic impacts, at the location, in the future.
Commissioner Tang asked what kind of signal improvements that would entail.
City Engineer Fajardo gave a brief summary of proposed improvements.
Commissioner Tang asked if the bus stop located right in front of the proposed site on Garvey Avenue will remain or
will it be removed.
City Engineer Fajardo replied it will stay for now but if it is relocated they will need to request permission from MTA.
Commissioner Tang asked how it will be determined that it will have to be relocated and is it based on post
development traffic studies.
City Engineer Fajardo replied traffic studies, complaints from residents, and sometimes cars cannot tum right. He
explained a field analysis is conducted to see what may be done and permission from MTA is necessary.
Commissioner Tang referred to the Mitigation Declaration on Traffic and asked how traffic volumes are forecasted
and projected.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied that question can be deferred to the Traffic Consultant.
Commissioner Tang asked if the City has ever conducted a post development traffic study,
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied no.
City Engineer Fajardo recommended that is something to consider for in the future.
Commissioner Tang stated he would like to see that because of anticipated new developments coming in on Garvey
Avenue and the potential impact on traffic. He referred to the Mitigated Declaration and stated that the area
roadways will continue to operate within their design capacity and asked what is their design capacity.
City Engineer Fajardo replied that is a question that can be deferred to the consultant.
Commissioner Tang referred to page 81 of the Mitigated Declaration at the bottom and pointed out there is a mistake,
it should be corrected to state "98 residential spaces" instead of "98 commercial spaces".
Chair Eng asked if the floor plan is all in one building.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied yes,
Chair Eng referred to the commercial parking spaces with the standard of 1 per 250 and asked if restaurant use is
being anticipated.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied the applicant is only proposing retail and office use. She added if the applicant
request restaurant use it will require more parking.
Chair Eng asked what is the restaurant parking standard.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied it is 1 per 100.
Chair Eng staled it is important that they prepare parking standards for restaurant use in the future. She referred to
the soil report that was conducted in "2011" and asked if it is still current today.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied yes and that staff contacted the State to verify. She added that through the
Building Plan Check process the soils report will have to be updated.
Chair Eng asked if that will have to be put into the conditions of approval.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied that there is a Mitigation Measure which requires the submittal of a soils
investigation report.
Chair Eng stated in the staff report it was mentioned there is a proposed hotel named "Hampton Inn and Suites" and
asked if that is in Rosemead and where is it being proposed.
Community Development Director Ramirez replied it is only a pre -application and staff has not received an actual
application for it. She added its location would be on Walnut Grove Avenue and Rush Street, the triangle lot which is
currently owned by Southern California Edison zoned as Open Space (OS). She stated that the County has rejected
the first review and that they are not allowing them to cover the wash. She explained that staff does not know if it will
come back as an actual application at this time.
Chair Eng referred to the Mitigation Measures regarding the soils report and numbers 33, 73, 74, and 79 and asked if
those comply with the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone Act.
Community Development Director Ramirez explained that this property is not located in the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zone.
City Attorney Murphy clarified that while it is technically in the zone, the way the Mitigated Negative Declaration reads
is that this particular site because of the studies that the MND relies on, states that the soil on the site is non
liquefiable. He explained so while the site would technically be in the zone it would not have the same type of
liquefaction impacts because of the type of soil on the site.
Chair Eng referred to the MND 3.8 regarding Hydrology and Water Quality and stated there is a water plant owned by
the City of Monterey Park and asked if that will have any impact or does the City have any record of reported
sinkage from the parcels in question here.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied questions regarding the MND should be addressed by the consultant,
Chair Eng referred to the percolation test that was performed in March, and which will probably need to be addressed
by the consultant, and asked what was its purpose and if there were any mitigations measures that came out of that
test. She asked staff in anticipation of restaurant use will it be required that a clarifier be installed.
Community Development Director Ramirez replied the application that has been submitted does not request a
restaurant use and none of that has been taken into consideration. The Planning Commission can confirm with the
applicant if they desire to make those changes or not.
Chair Eng referred to Conditions of Approval number 11 and asked if appropriate agencies need to be included also
or is it a given.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied it is a given.
Chair Eng referred to the Construction Management Plan and Condition of Approval number 29. She asked staff if it
is required that the applicant contact neighboring businesses and residents when construction begins.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied yes, through the Construction Management Plan they will have to notice the
residents and come up with a plan.
Chair Eng asked what if they need to make accommodations or work with the adjacent businesses to minimize some
of the impacts.
Associate Planner Valenzuela asked what type of impacts Chair Eng is referring to.
Chair Eng replied parking, deliveries, and if that is what is included as part of the Construction Management Plan.
City Engineer Fagardo replied yes, that is part of the Construction Management Plan.
Chair Eng referred to MND Condition of Approval number 33 and stated that will be a question for the
consultant. She referred to Condition of Approval number 38 and read the hours of Refuse Collection of 7:00 a.m. to
7:00 p.m. and the hours of loading building materials of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. She expressed concerned because
to the south of the site and that it is a residential neighborhood. She also expressed concern in regards to the
construction haul route needs to stay off of Fem Street, which is very narrow and there are schools. She asked staff
how it can be incorporated and if maybe it can be included in the Construction Management Plan.
City Engineer Fajardo replied that prior to getting building permits the applicant will be required to submit a truck
route for approval.
Chair Eng referred to Condition of Approval number 46 and asked because of water conservation is it being limited to
just water fixtures.
Community Development Director Ramirez replied the Building Division will follow State law in regards to water
conservation.
Chair Eng read Condition of Approval number 66 and asked staff if the developer is responsible for getting the sewer
hooked up.
City Engineer Fajardo replied yes.
Chair Eng read Condition of Approval number 71 and asked who will be paying forthat.
City Engineer Fajardo replied a federal grant from the State.
Chair Eng referred to Conditions of Approval numbers 73 through 75 and asked if the consultant is a licensed
Structural Civil Engineer.
Associate Planner Valenzuela replied yes.
Chair Eng referred to Condition of Approval number 75 in regards to the soils report and asked if it is found that
additional support is needed, who will be responsible for paying the additional mitigation.
Community Development Director replied the applicant.
Chair Eng asked if there were any further questions for staff.
None
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Chair Eng opened the Public Hearing.
Representative Michael Lewis stated he is present on behalf of the applicant and presented a brief overview of the
mixed-use project, concessions, density bonus, and showed a rendering of how the project will look when
completed. He addressed the liquefaction issue and explained that the make-up of the soil is not conducive to
liquefaction. He passed a site plan around to the Planning Commission showing the six lots, with the existing
buildings and uses, and stated all of it will be removed for this project. He addressed the commercial loading and
unloading and stated there is a condition limiting the truck height, He stated there is a signal light at Garvey and Del
Mar and since there is not going to be any restaurants, no one will be coming in for lunch or dinner, and there won't
be that type of traffic pattern for this project.
Commissioner Tang asked how the traffic study was forecasted.
Representative Lewis stated he can answer a previous question that Commissioner Tang had and shared that the
City did require a post traffic analysis for the Wal-Mart project. He added the results were accurate in terms of what
actually happened.
Chair Eng asked if they envision any restaurant use.
Representative Lewis replied there will not be sufficient parking to have restaurants.
Chair Eng stated she does not want to restrict the project to not have it if it is something they would want. She added
there was a previous project located at Del Mar Avenue and Garvey Avenue the City put a specific limit in terms of
restaurant square footage and asked if this is something the applicant would like to consider.
Representative Lewis stated he does not know if there is a way to add more parking for a restaurant and it has been
calculated at the retail use and not restaurant use.
Chair Eng asked Mc Lewis if he would be willing to agree to a Condition of Approval for commercial property that
there not be any restaurant use.
Representative Lewis replied yes, and they do not envision any restaurant use.
Chair Eng asked staff if that will work.
Community Development Director Ramirez replied yes.
City Attorney Murphy stated conditions of approval do not need to be written this evening because this item is a
recommendation to City Council and when the Planning Commission makes their final recommendation just include
direction for staff to add the condition.
Chair Eng asked the applicant how long he has been working on this project.
Simon Lee, AIA replied it has been 7 to 8 years.
Chair Eng asked why they are building apartments Instead of condominiums.
Representative Lewis replied they believe there is a market for new apartments in this community. He stated that is
Mr. Duong's business model he has other apartment buildings and knows how to run them successfully. He added it
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is a nice option for younger families, the young professional, it is an excellent location, and has easy access onto the
freeway.
Chair Eng asked if a former market research was completed to support the demand for apartments.
Representative Lewis replied yes. He added the rental rates are very affordable and 7 of them are set by the State.
Chair Eng asked the anticipated rental rates for the two bedrooms and three bedrooms.
Representative Lewis replied for the two bedroom units it would be $1000 - $1200 and for the three bedrooms it
would be $1500.
Chair Eng asked if the low income units would be set by statute.
Community Development Director Ramirez replied yes.
Chair Eng asked about the HVAC plan for the project and if the commercial and residential units will have separate
units.
Architect Simon Lee replied each residential and commercial unit will have its own HVAC unit.
Chair Eng stated that the plans anticipate solar panels in the future,
Architect Simon Lee replied yes, he encourages the developer to look into it because it is very rewarding.
Chair Eng asked if that would power the commercial units or is there a main generator to receive all the energy.
Architect Simon Lee replied the proposal is to have the solar energy utilize the common area first.
Chair Eng asked Mr. Lewis if Mr. Duong has developed any other mixed-use projects like this and if they have
experience managing apartments.
Representative Lewis replied he has a mixed-use project down the street on Valley Boulevard but it does not have
residential properties instead it has office and restaurant uses.
Architect Simon Lee stated Mr. Duong has apartments in Monterey Park.
Jimmy Duong, son to Mr. Duong stated they have about 100 apartment units, and have developed some townhomes
and condominiums. He explained that he lives and manages a complex they built. He added they have a 78 -unit
apartment complex in Monterey Park.
Chair Eng asked if that is an accumulation of different projects.
Jimmy Duong replied they are three different parcels that are adjacent to one another.
Chair Eng asked what Mr. Duong's management task consist of.
Jimmy Duong replied maintenance for the building, repairs to small concerns, and they also manage commercial
buildings.
Chair Eng asked if it is a requirement to have an on-site manager.
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Jimmy Duong replied anything over 20 units is required to have an on-site manager
Chair Eng asked how long they anticipate construction will take.
Jimmy Duong replied about 11/2 years.
Chair Eng asked if there is committed financing for this project.
Jimmy Duong replied they need to get the entitlements before the bank gives them the financing
Business owner Jimmy Wang stated he has had a business in the City of Rosemead for over 33 years and is in favor
and supports this project.
Business Owner Sherman Rourman stated he own two lots adjacent to the car dealership at 8724 Garvey
Avenue. He stated there is mortality and impact rate that needs to be addressed and expressed that getting in and
out of his business is very dangerous. He requested a green zone in front of his business to remove the traffic and
parking concerns.
Community Development Director Ramirez stated this request would need to go to the Traffic Commission and that
the City Engineer, being at this meeting, is able to note this.
Chair Eng stated that in the Construction Management Plan construction impacts will be taken into consideration for
adjacent businesses.
Business owner of 10 years, Daniel Deng slated he owns two properties with one being on Delta Avenue and one on
Walnut Grove. He stated he is in favor and supports this project, it will provide affordable housing for the younger
generation, and it will beautify the City.
Resident Tung Duong stated he has lived in Rosemead for over 20 years and he supports this project. He stated it
will bring business opportunities, bring up the economy, and bring job opportunities.
Resident George Chen stated he has lived in Rosemead for over 10 years. He stated he runs a small construction
company and the majonty of his employees are Hispanic and locals. He is in favor of this project because it will give
construction workers more opportunity to work,
Business owner Sherman Rourman requested his water rights be returned to him based on California Water Code
10910 and California Resource Code.
Geotechnical Engineer Paul Kim stated he has 35 years of experience and he prepared the Geotechnical
Engineering Investigation including the liquefaction analysis for this site. He stated the liquefaction analysis
concluded that this site does not have liquefaction potential because the soils are very strong.
Chair Eng asked what had been done to get that conclusion and if test had been conducted.
Geotechnical Engineer Kim replied yes liquefaction analysis testing was done and one major factor that is processed
is the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) block count procedures and explained the technical details of the test.
Chair Eng referred to the 0.79g peak acceleration vale and asked the Geotechnical Engineer to explain it.
Geotechnical Engineer Kim explained using the SPT block count and the earthquake magnitude it is put into a
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formula for liquefaction analysis. He added soil density is another factor used and that there are three factors used in
the liquefaction analysis.
Traffic Engineer Keith Rugerford explained the trip forecasting process.
Phil Martin from Phil Martin 8 Associates, Inc. stated he is present to answer questions in regards to the Mitigated
Negative Declaration.
Chair Eng referred to the Hydrology Report and asked what the Percolation Test was for and if it resulted in any type
of mitigation. She also asked if the Water Plant adjacent to this project site has any impact on this project.
Consultant Phil Martin stated he will let the applicant's Geotechnical Engineer Consultant answer the question about
the Percolation Test because they conducted that test. He stated in regards to the Water Treatment Plant next door
they have not identified any potential impacts of being next door to this site.
Chair Eng asked Geotechnical Engineer Kim what is the Percolation Test.
Representafive Lewis explained how the most recent changes made by the State for controlling storm water requires
that you capture the first 3/4 Inch of rainfall on your property, treat it and then you can put it into the storm drain
system or you can percolate it into the aquifer. He explained in order to decide what technique to use to capture,
filter, and clean the water the question was will it perk if you go into the aquifer or will it not perk, and will we have to
put it into the storm drain system.
Chair Eng asked if there was anyone else wishing to speak on this item.
None
Chair Eng closed the Public Hearing. She asked the Planning Commission is there were any more questions or
comments for staff.
Commissioner Tang requested a condition of approval that requires a Post Traffic Report.
Community Development Director Ramirez replied that recommendation can be made known to the City Council.
Commissioner Tang stated currently there is a Garvey Avenue Specific Ad -Hoc Committee that is looking into
development along Garvey Avenue and asked If this project somehow fits into that overall concept and plan.
Community Development Director Ramirez replied yes and explained that is why this side of Garvey was not
included in the Specific Plan because there was already a lot of development taking place and projects were coming
In on their own.
Chair Eng stated she likes this project, it is well thought out, the apartment sizes are comfortable, and young families
need places to stay. She stated she is partial to single-family homes for home ownership but not everyone has the
resources to own their home. She added this is a nice place for a young family to start out with amenities inside the
unit, there is privacy with an outdoor patio, and it is very attractive for young professionals. She likes that this project
is in a designated mixed-use node.
Commissioner Tang stated he echo's Chair Eng's comments and he is partial to home ownership also. He added it
builds communities but understands there is a great need for affordable housing. He stated there is a lot of work to
do on Garvey Avenue and he is excited to see projects like this to bring livelihood to the community that has been
long overdue. He realizes the applicant has been working on this project for 7 to 8 years and he hopes this project
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will spruce up the local area as well as encourage the surrounding area to develop in the same way. He supports
this project and would like to make a motion with the recommendations to City Council that have been discussed.
Commissioner Tang made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Lopez, to approve that the Planning
Commission ADOPT Resolution No. 15.07 with findings, which is a resolution recommending that the City
Council ADOPT Resolution 2015-29 approving Design Review 14.03 and recommending adoption of the
associated Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Vote resulted in:
Yes: Eng, Herrera, Lopez, and Tang
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Community Development Director Ramirez stated the motion has been approved and will be presented to the City
Council with the recommendations for final approval.
4. CONSENTCALENDAR
A. Minutes of 4.6.15
Commissioner Lopez made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Herrera, to approve the Planning
Commission Minutes of 4-16.15 as presented.
Vote resulted in:
Yes: Eng, Herrera, Lopez, and Tang
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
5, MATTERS FROM STAFF
Community Development Director Ramirez stated the date, time, and location of the Community Area Watch
Committee, Memorial Day Celebration, and Public Safety Connection meeting and invited all to attend.
6. MATTERS FROM THE CHAIR & COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Tang asked the completion date of street sign replacements within the City.
Community Development Director Ramirez replied she will find out the requested information and send the Planning
Commission an update.
Chair Eng asked if at staff level if there has been preparation or discussion on the possibility of all the mixed-use
projects on Garvey Avenue that have been approved, in regards to the timing of construction and the impact it will
have in regards to traffic. She expressed if all four projects begin at the same time traffic will be congested.
Community Development Director Ramirez replied that they are all proceeding at different rates and it is possible that
they could eventually overlap. She stated the first mixed-use project that was approved by the Commission still has
not submitted their plans to Building and Safety Division, while the second project has recently submitted to Building
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and Safely Division. She explained they are all on different time frames and that is why the Construction
Management Plan is in place, which the Building and Safety Division will look at.
Chair Eng recommended and encouraged staff to look into this concem. She also requested a report be brought
back to the Planning Commission regarding cell sites,
Community Development Director Ramirez stated it will be brought back to the next Planning Commission meeting.
Commissioner Tang asked in regards to the four mixed-use projects when they were adopted with City Council does
staff know if they were modified from the original recommendation that the Planning Commission approved.
Community Development Director Ramirez replied that only three have gone to City Council and there was one that
was changed from apartments to condominiums but it was based on the Planning Commission's recommendation.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
The next regular Planning Commission meeting will be held on Monday, June 1, 2015, at 7:00 p.m.
ATT ST:
Rachel Lockwood
Commission Secretary
Nancy Eng
Chair
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