PC - 2015-08 - Approving Dsign Review 14-10, Permitting a New 2,862 Sqaure Foot Two -Story Single Family Dwelling Unit and Three Car Garage PC RESOLUTION 15-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA
APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 14-10, PERMITTING A NEW 2,862
SQUARE FOOT TWO-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNIT. IN
ADDITION, THE APPLICANT WILL CONSTRUCT AN ATTACHED
THREE-CAR GARAGE. THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IS LOCATED AT
7441 WHITMORE STREET (APN: 5286-016-037), IN THE R-2 (LIGHT-
MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL) ZONE.
WHEREAS, on October 2, 2014, Man Voong and Alisa Wang submitted a Design
Review application requesting approval to construct a new 2,862 square foot two-story
single-family dwelling unit. In addition, the applicant is proposing to construct an attached
three-car garage. The subject property is located at 7441 Whitmore Street;
WHEREAS, 7441 Whitmore Street is located in the R-2 (Light-Multiple Residential)
zoning district;
WHEREAS, Section 17.28.020(C) of the Rosemead Municipal Code (RMC)
provides the criteria for a design review;
WHEREAS, Sections 65800 & 65900 of the California Government Code and
Section 17.28.020(C) of the Rosemead Municipal Code authorize the Planning
Commission to approve, conditionally approve, or deny design review applications;
WHEREAS, on June 4, 2015, fifty-nine (59) notices were sent to property owners
within a 300-foot radius from the subject property, in addition to notices posted in five (5)
public locations and on-site, specifying the availability of the application, and the date,
time, and location of the public hearing for Design Review 14-10, and on June 4, 2015,
the notice was published in the Rosemead Reader;
WHEREAS, on June 15, 2014, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed and
advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to Design Review
14-10; 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 14-10 is classified as a Class 32 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section
15332 of CEQA guidelines. Section 15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act
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(CEQA) and local environmental guidelines exempt "in-fill development projects" where
the proposed development occurs within city limits on a site measuring no more than five
(5) acres substantially surrounded by urban uses, meeting applicable General Plan and
Zoning regulations.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES that
facts do exist to justify approving Design Review 14-10, in accordance with Section
17.28.020(C) 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 subject property is located within an established residential area of
the City. The applicant has provided an aesthetically complementary design, which
includes a modern two-story residential design and new landscaping. The development
would improve the overall aesthetics of the surrounding neighborhood.
B. The plan for the proposed structure and site development indicates the manner
in which the proposed development and surrounding properties are protected against
noise, vibrations, and other factors which may have an adverse effect on the environment,
and the manner of screening mechanical equipment, trash, storage and loading areas.
FINDING: The proposed structure is designed with front, side, and rear setbacks
that meet and/or exceed the minimum requirements of the R-2 zone, which creates a
larger buffer between the proposed residence and the surrounding residences to protect
against noise, vibrations, and other factors which may have an adverse effect on the
environment and neighborhood. This development will not generate any permanent
impacts to noise levels for the surrounding area. All construction work will be required to
comply with the timeframe and decibel levels indicated in the City's Noise Ordinance.
Conditions of Approval will specifically address factors such as noise, construction hours,
landscaping, and the overall maintenance of the property.
C. The proposed building or site development is not, in its exterior design and
appearance, so at variance with the appearance of other existing buildings or site
developments in the neighborhood as to cause the nature of the local environment to
materially depreciate in appearance and value.
FINDING: The proposed project will not depreciate the appearance and value of
the local environment. Staff has worked closely with the applicant to achieve a residential
design that will complement the neighborhood character. The applicant has proposed a
contemporary architectural design, which incorporates some traditional characteristics
found in residences currently built in the San Gabriel Valley. The dwelling unit has been
designed to create visual interest at the street level. The proposed design elements are
similar to many homes in the surrounding area.
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D. The proposed building or structure is in harmony with the proposed
developments on land in the general area, especially those instances where buildings are
within or adjacent to land shown on the General Plan as being part of the Civic Center or
in public or educational use, or are within or immediately adjacent to land included within
any precise plan which indicates building shape, size, or style.
FINDING: The property is not part of the Civic Center Plan, precise plan, or land
reserved for public or educational use. The applicant has proposed an appealing
architectural design, which will create an improved site that is aesthetically
complementary to the surrounding area and may potentially raise the value of the
neighborhood.
E. The proposed development is in conformity with the standards of this Code and
other applicable ordinances in so far as the location and appearance of the buildings and
structures are involved.
FINDING: This proposed development meets all of the minimum code
requirements for the R-2 (Light-Multiple Residential) zone, and all applicable referenced
code sections of the Rosemead Municipal Code.
F. The site plan and the design of the buildings, parking areas, signs, landscaping,
luminaries, and other site 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: Access to the site will continue to be from Whitmore Street. The design
and construction of this project would preserve the public safety and provide adequate
access and circulation for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The proposed dwelling unit and
landscaping will significantly improve the visual effect of the site from the view of the
public street.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Design Review 14-
10 for the construction of a new 2,862 square foot two-story, single-family dwelling unit
with an attached three-car garage, located at 7441 Whitmore Street, and subject to the
conditions listed in Attachment "A" 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
Rosemead Municipal Code Section 17.160.040 —Appeals of Decisions.
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SECTION 5. This resolution is the result of an action taken by the Planning
Commission on June 15, 2015, by the following vote:
YES: HERRERA, LOPEZ, AND TANG
NO: NONE
ABSENT: ENG
ABSTAIN: NONE
SECTION 6. The Secretary shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall
transmit copies of same to the applicant and the Rosemead City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 15th day of June, 15.
Diana Herrera, Commissioner
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 15th day of June,
2015, by the following vote:
YES: LOPEZ, HERRERA, AND TANG
NO: NONE
ABSENT: ENG
ABSTAIN: NONE (/,/ p�//J
4'46 lle Ramirez, cretary
APPROV ! A S TO F•,: . :
Gregory urphy, Plannf g Commission Attorney
Burke, WW hams & Sorensen, LLP
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ATTAC HMENT "A"
(PC RESOLUTION 15-08)
DESIGN REVIEW 14-10
7441 WHITMORE STREET
(APN: 5286-016-037)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
June 15, 2015
1. Design Review 14-10 is approved for the construction of a new 2,862 square feet
two-story single-family dwelling unit with an attached three-car garage, in
accordance with the plans marked Exhibit "B", dated May 21, 2015. Any revisions
to the approved plans must be resubmitted for the review and approval of the
Planning Division.
2. The following conditions must be complied to the satisfaction of the Planning
Division prior to final approval of the associated plans, building permits, occupancy
permits, or any other appropriate request. In addition, all conditions of approval for
Tentative Parcel Map 71858 shall also be in compliance.
3. The conditions listed on this exhibit shall be copied directly onto any development
plans subsequently submitted to the Planning and Building Divisions for review.
4. Approval of Design Review 14-10 shall not take effect for any purpose until the
applicant has filed with the City of Rosemead a notarized affidavit stating that
he/she is aware of and accepts all of the conditions of approval as set forth in the
letter of approval and this list of conditions within ten (10) days from the Planning
Commission approval date.
5. The on-site public hearing notice posting shall be removed by the end of the 10-
day appeal period of Design Review 14-10.
6. Design Review 14-10 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 Design
Review 14-10 has been unused, abandoned, or discontinued for a period of one
(1) year, it shall become null and void.
7. The Planning Commission hereby authorizes the Planning Division to make and/or
approve minor modifications to the project and to these conditions of approval.
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8. Design Review 14-10 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 14-10.
9. 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.
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 numbers of the address signs shall be at least six (6) inches tall with a
minimum character width of 3/4 inch, 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, or his/her
designee, prior to installation.
13. The hours of construction shall be limited from 7:00 a.m. to 8'.00 p.m., Monday
through Saturday. No construction shall take place on Sundays or on any federal
holiday, without prior approval by the City.
14. The Building Division, Planning Division, and Engineering Division shall have
access to the subject property at any time during construction to monitor progress.
15. All requirements of the Building and Safety Division, Planning Division, and
Engineering Division shall be complied with prior to the final approval of the
proposed construction.
16. All ground level mechanical/utility equipment (including meters, back flow
preservation devices, fire valves, A/C condensers, furnaces, and other equipment)
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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.
17. The property shall be graded to drain to the street, but in no case shall such
drainage be allowed to sheet flow across public sidewalk. A grading and/or
drainage plan shall be prepared, submitted to, and approved by the Building
Official, and such grading and drainage shall take place in accordance with such
approved plan.
18. The applicant shall submit a final landscape and irrigation plan to the Planning
Division prior to the issuance of building permits. The landscape and irrigation plan
shall comply with the City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and with the
Guidelines for Implementation of the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance and
include a sprinkler system with automatic timers and moisture sensors. The
landscape plan shall include a wide variety of colorful and drought tolerant trees,
shrubs,flowers, and ground covers. All landscaping and irrigation shall be installed
and completed prior to final Planning Division approval.
19. In order to achieve a maximum 40% FAR for the site the following design elements
shall be incorporated in the development:
Qualifying Design Incentives . FAR Bonus
Garages placed at the rear of the lot and not 1.5%
visible from the street. -
Usage of windows that are recessed a 1 5
minimum of 4 inches on the front elevation.
Landscape plan with three or more mature 1.0%
trees (defined as 24" box or larger).
Use of natural architectural materials (such
0.5%
as wood and stone)
Use of interlocking pavers, decomposed
granite or other decorative hardscape 0.5%
materials for walkways and driveways.
Total 5%
20. Violations of the conditions of approval may result in citation and/or initiation of
revocation proceedings.
Engineering Conditions of Approval
21. A Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until Final Parcel Map 71858 has
been recorded with the Los Angeles County Assessors' Office.
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