PC - 2016-05 - Approving Design Review 15-11, Permiting a new 2.907 Sq Ft Single Family Dwelling Unit PC RESOLUTION 16-05
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 15-11, PERMITTING A NEW 2,907
SQUARE FEET SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNIT WITH AN
ATTACHED TWO-CAR GARAGE AND NEW 653 SQUARE FEET
SECOND DWELLING UNIT WITH AN ATTACHED ONE-CAR GARAGE.
THE SUBJECT SITE IS LOCATED AT 3903 GERNERT AVENUE (APN:
5390-001-037), IN THE R-1 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL) ZONE.
WHEREAS, on November 16, 2015, Seng Yue submitted a Design Review
application requesting approval to construct a new two-story single-family dwelling unit
with 2,907 square feet of floor area at 3903 Gernert Avenue. The proposed project
includes a new 653 square feet single-story second dwelling unit at the rear of the project
site;
WHEREAS, 3903 Gernert Avenue is located in the R-1 (Single-Family Residential)
zoning district;
WHEREAS, Section 17.28.020(C) of the Rosemead Municipal Code 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 April 7, 2016, forty-one (41) notices were sent to property owners
within a 300-foot radius from the subject property, the notice was published in the
Rosemead Reader, and notices were posted in six (6) public locations and on site,
specifying the availability of the application, and the date, time, and location of the public
hearing for Design Review 15-11;
WHEREAS, on April 18, 2016, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed and
advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to Design Review
15-11; 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 15-11 is classified as a Class 3 Categorical Exemption, pursuant to Section
15303(a) of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. Section 15303(a) of the
California Environmental Quality Act guidelines exempts projects consisting of
construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures;
installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion
of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are
made in the exterior of the structure.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES that
facts do exist to justify approving Design Review 15-11, 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
consists of 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 structures are designed with front, side, and rear
setbacks that meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the R-1 zone, which creates
a large buffer between the proposed dwelling units and the surrounding properties to
protect against noise, vibrations, and other factors, which may have an adverse effect on
the environment and neighborhood. This development would not generate any
foreseeable permanent negative impacts to the noise levels of the surrounding area. All
construction work would be required to comply with the timeframe and decibel levels
indicated in the City of Rosemead Noise Ordinance. Conditions of Approval will address
factors such as construction hours, noise, and landscaping.
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 would not depreciate the appearance and value
of the local environment. Staff has worked closely with the applicant to achieve a
residential design that would complement the neighborhood character. The applicant has
proposed a contemporary architectural design, which incorporates some aesthetic
characteristics found in residences currently built in the San Gabriel Valley. The proposed
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.
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 subject 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.
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: The proposed development satisfies all of the minimum zoning code
requirements for the R-1 (Single-Family 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 project site would continue to be from Gernert Avenue.
The design and construction of this project would preserve and provide adequate access
and circulation for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The proposed dwelling units 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 15-
11 for the construction of a new 2,907 square feet two-story single-family dwelling unit
and new 653 square feet single-story second dwelling unit at 3903 Gernert Avenue, 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.
SECTION 5. This resolution is the result of an action taken by the Planning
Commission on April 18, 2016, by the following vote:
AYES: DANG, ENG, HERRERA, AND LOPEZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: TANG
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 18th day of April, 2016./
Daniel L pez, V cA e fair
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 18th day of April,
2016, by the following vote:
AYES: DANG, ENG, HERRERA, AND LOPEZ
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: TANG
Michelle Ramirez retary
APPROVED AS TO FOyye„../ GGGJJJ
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Grearm' .(.hy, Plannin! Co .•• on orney
Burke, W' is s & Sorensen, P
ATTACHMENT "A"
(PC RESOLUTION 16-05)
DESIGN REVIEW 15-11
3903 GERNERT AVENUE
(APN: 5390-001-037)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
APRIL 16, 2016
Standard Conditions of Approvals
1. Design Review 15-11 ("Project") is approved for the construction of a new 2,907
square feet two-story single-family dwelling unit and new 653 square feet single-
story second dwelling unit, in accordance with the plans marked Exhibit "B", dated
March 17, 2016. Any revisions to the approved plans must be resubmitted for
Planning Division review and, if satisfactory, approval.
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.
3. The conditions listed on this exhibit shall be copied directly onto any development
plans subsequently submitted to the Planning and Building Divisions.
4. Approval of Project shall not take effect for any purpose until the applicant(s) have
filed with the City of Rosemead ("City") 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 Project.
6. Project is approved for a period of one (1) year. The applicant(s) shall commence
the approved 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 Project
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.
8. Project 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
Project.
9. The applicant(s) 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(s) 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. The applicant shall abide by the noise
control sections of the Rosemead Municipal Code.
14. The Building Division, Planning Division, and Engineering Division shall have
access to the project site 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
prevention devices, fire valves, NC condensers, furnaces, 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.
17. Violations of the conditions of approval may result in citation and/or initiation of
revocation proceedings.
18. The project site 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/or drainage shall take place in accordance with such
approved plan.
Proiect Specific Conditions of Approval
19. All property that is vacant, under construction, or being demolished shall be totally
enclosed around the perimeter by a fence that is a minimum of six (6) feet in height
as measured from adjacent property, subject to the approval of the Community
Development Director or other designated officials. The following requirements
shall be satisfied:
a. The required fence shall be adequately constructed from chain-link, lumber,
masonry or other approved materials. The fence shall be entirely self-
supporting and shall not encroach or utilize structures or fencing on any
adjacent property without prior written approval of the adjacent property
owner.
b. The fence shall be installed prior to the initiation of any construction or
demolition and shall be continuously maintained in good condition.
c. Signs stating "PRIVATE PROPERTY, NO TRESPASSING" shall be posted
on the fence.
20. All gutters, downspouts, mechanical elements, and/or architectural features shall
be painted to match the single-family dwelling unit.
21. The applicant(s) 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. All
landscaping and irrigation shall be installed and completed prior to final Planning
Division approval.
22. All walls and/or fences shall match or complement the single-family dwelling unit
in color, material, and design; and shall be consistent in appearance.
23. An additional five (5) percent of floor area has been granted through the use of the
following design incentives, and such design elements shall remain in effect:
a. Usage of windows that are recessed a minimum of four (4) inches on the
front elevation;
b. Garages placed at the rear of the lot and not visible from the street;
c. Landscape plan with three (3) or more mature trees (defined as 24" box or
larger);
d. Use of single-hung or double-hung windows on the front elevation; and
e. Use of interlocking pavers, decomposed granite, or other decorative
hardscape materials for walkways and driveways.