PC - 2017-20 - Approving Conditional Use Permit 17-07 For the Operation of a Massage Establishment, the Subject Site is Located at 3927 Walnut Grove Avenue, Units 121 & 122 (APN:5371-011-016), in a medium Commericial with a Design Overlay (C-3/D-0) Zone PC RESOLUTION 17-20
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING ZONE VARIANCE 17-02 THROUGH 17-05, GRANTING
EXCEPTIONS TO THE MINIMUM FRONT YARD SETBACK, MINIMUM
SIDE YARD SETBACK, MINIMUM REAR YARD SETBACK, AND
MINIMUM FIRST FLOOR AREA REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF A SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING, LOCATED AT 8133
ARTSON STREET (APN: 5287-011-026), IN A LIGHT MULTIPLE
RESIDENTIAL (R-2) ZONE
WHEREAS, on August 21, 2017, Brain Lopez submitted a Zone Variance
application, requesting exceptions to the minimum front yard setback, minimum side yard
setback, minimum rear yard setback, and minimum first floor area requirements for the
development of a single-family dwelling, located at 8133 Artson Street;
WHEREAS, 8133 Artson Street is located in a Light Multiple Residential (R-2)
zoning district;
WHEREAS, Section 17.140.040 of the Rosemead Municipal Code provides the
criteria for a Variance;
WHEREAS, Sections 65800 and 65900 of the California Government Code and
Sections 17.140.040 of the Rosemead Municipal Code authorizes the Planning
Commission to approve, conditionally approve, or deny Variances;
WHEREAS, on October 26, 2017, 22 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 public locations and on site, specifying the
availability of the application, and the date, time, and location of the public hearing for
Zone Variance 17-02 through 17-05;
WHEREAS, on November 6, 2017, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
and advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to Zone
Variance 17-02 through 17-05; and
WHEREAS, the Rosemead Planning Commission has sufficiently considered all
testimony presented to them in order to make the following determination.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City
of Rosemead as follows:
SECTION 1. The Planning Commission HEREBY DETERMINES that Zone
Variance 17-02 through 17-05 are classified as Class 3 Categorical Exemptions, pursuant
to Section 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. Section 15303
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 Zone Variance 17-02 through 17-05, in accordance with
Section 17.140.040 of the Rosemead Municipal Code as follows:
A. There are special circumstances or conditions applicable to the subject property
(such as location, shape, size, surroundings, topography, or other physical features, etc.)
that do not apply generally to other properties in the vicinity under an identical zoning
district.
FINDING: ZV 17-02 (Minimum Front Yard Setback) - The subject lot is not
consistent with conventional lots in the City, as it is irregularly shaped, consist of
significantly less lot area than the standard lot size of 6,000 square feet, and substantially
shallower than other properties in the vicinity under the identical zoning district. Within the
vicinity of the subject property and under the identical zoning district, the properties
located along the south side of Artson Street are conventionally shaped, consist of lot
sizes over 6,000 square feet, and are not limited by a shallow lot depth. Such properties
have an average lot depth of approximately 138 feet, while the lot depth of the subject
property is approximately 31 feet. With a lot depth of approximately 31 feet, developing
the subject property with a front yard setback of 20 feet for the main building and 25 feet
for the front facing garage would be unfeasible, while the aforementioned properties along
the south side of Artson Street are not limited by substantially shallow lot depth.
FINDING: ZV 17-03 (Minimum Side Yard Setback) - The subject lot is not
consistent with conventional lots in the City, as it is irregularly shaped, consist of
significantly less lot area than the standard lot size of 6,000 square feet, and substantially
shallower than other properties in the vicinity under the identical zoning district. Within the
vicinity of the subject property and under the identical zoning district, the properties
located along the south side of Artson Street are conventionally shaped, consist of lot
sizes over 6,000 square feet, and are not limited by a shallow lot depth. Such properties
have an average lot depth of approximately 138 feet, while the lot depth of the subject
property is approximately 31 feet. The irregularly shaped lot and substantially shallow lot
depth of the subject property is a significant limiting factor in constructing a single-family
dwelling with the required two-car garage and minimum first floor area of 750 square feet.
The project will provide the minimum side yard setback required along the west lot line,
which is the only side lot line directly adjacent to a residential property. The remaining
side lot lines are directly adjacent to the existing eight-foot high block wall separating the
subject property from the Interstate 10 Freeway. The aforementioned properties along
the south side of Artson Street are not limited by an irregularly shaped lot and substantially
shallow lot depth.
FINDING: ZV 17-04 (Minimum Rear Yard Setback) - The subject lot is not
consistent with conventional lots in the City, as it is irregularly shaped, consist of
significantly less lot area than the standard lot size of 6,000 square feet, and substantially
shallower than other properties in the vicinity under the identical zoning district. Within the
vicinity of the subject property and under the identical zoning district, the properties
located along the south side of Artson Street are conventionally shaped, consist of lot
sizes over 6,000 square feet, and are not limited by a shallow lot depth. Such properties
have an average lot depth of approximately 138 feet, while the lot depth of the subject
property is approximately 31 feet. With a lot depth of approximately 31 feet and an
irregularly shaped lot, developing the subject property with a rear yard setback of six feet
would limit the project from providing a standard two-car garage with a minimum side yard
setback from the adjacent residential property. The project does provide a minimum rear
yard setback of six feet at the corner closest to adjacent residential property. The
aforementioned properties along the south side of Artson Street are not limited by
substantially shallow lot depth or irregularly shaped lot.
FINDING: ZV 17-05 (Minimum First Floor Area) - The subject lot is not consistent
with conventional lots in the City, as it is irregularly shaped, consist of significantly less lot
area than the standard lot size of 6,000 square feet, and substantially shallower than
other properties in the vicinity under the identical zoning district. Within the vicinity of the
subject property and under the identical zoning district, the properties located along the
south side of Artson Street are conventionally shaped, consist of lot sizes over 6,000
square feet, and are not limited by a shallow lot depth. Such properties have an average
lot depth of approximately 138 feet, while the lot depth of the subject property is
approximately 31 feet. The irregular shape of the lot, in combination with attempting to
provide as much setback as feasible, severely limits the project from providing a minimum
first floor area of 750 square feet and a standard two-car garage. The project prioritizes
providing the minimum size of the two-car garage required by the Rosemead Zoning
Code, and as such, making it unfeasible to provide a minimum first floor area of 750
square feet. The aforementioned properties along the south side of Artson Street are not
limited by irregularly shaped lot and are able to reasonably provide the minimum setbacks
required.
B. Strict compliance with Zoning Code requirements would deprive the subject
property of privileges enjoyed by other property in the vicinity and under an identical
zoning district.
FINDING: ZV 17-02 (Minimum Front Yard Setback) -The three adjacent properties
located directly to the west of the subject property and north of Artson Street are under
the identical zoning district and consists of similar lot conditions to the subject property.
However, the subject property's development limiting conditions, an irregularly shaped lot
and substantially shallow lot depth, are more severe compared to the conditions of the
three adjacent properties. Such properties were developed as single-family dwellings with
substandard front yard setbacks of approximately 10 feet or less. Strict compliance with
the Zoning Code requirements would deprive the subject property of the privilege of
substandard front yard setback enjoyed by the adjacent properties.
Approximate Front Yard Setback of Similar Adjacent Properties
Property Address Standard Setbacks
Main Building: 20'-0"
8103 Artson Street Front Facing Garage: 25-0"
8107 Artson Street Main Building: 20'-0"
Front Facing Garage: 25'-0"
8117 Artson Street Main Building: 20'-0"
Front Facing Garage: 25'-0"
8133 Arisen Street Main Building: 20'-0" 5-0" (proposed)
Front Facing Garage: 25'-0"
FINDING: ZV 17-03 (Minimum Side Yard Setback) - The three adjacent properties
located directly to the west of the subject property and north of Artson Street are under
the identical zoning district and consists of similar lot conditions to the subject property.
However, the subject property's development limiting conditions, an irregularly shaped lot
and substantially shallow lot depth, are more severe compared to the conditions of the
three adjacent properties. Such properties were developed as single-family dwellings with
substandard side yard setbacks. Strict compliance with the Zoning Code requirements
would deprive the subject property of the privilege of substandard side yard setback
enjoyed by the adjacent properties.
Approximate Side Yard Setback of Similar Adjacent Properties
Property Address Standard Setbacks
7'-0"(West)
8103 Artson Street 10'-0" (min.) 3'-0" (East)
3'-0"(West)
8107 Artson Street 10'-0" (min.) 3'-0" (East)
6-0" (West)
8117 Artson Street 15-0" (min.) 3'-0"(East)
7-0" (West—proposed)
8133 Artson Street 7'-0" (min.) 5-0" (Northeast—proposed)
20'-8" (East—proposed)
FINDING: ZV 17-04 (Minimum Rear Yard Setback) -The three adjacent properties
located directly to the west of the subject property and north of Artson Street are under
the identical zoning district and consists of similar lot conditions to the subject property.
However, the subject property's development limiting conditions, an irregularly shaped lot
and substantially shallow lot depth, are more severe compared to the conditions of the
three adjacent properties. Such properties were developed as single-family dwellings with
substandard rear yard setbacks. Strict compliance with the Zoning Code requirements
would deprive the subject property of the privilege of substandard side yard setback
enjoyed by the adjacent properties.
Approximate Rear Yard Setback of Similar Adjacent Properties
Property Address Standard Setbacks
8103 Artson Street 10'-0" (min.)
8107 Artson Street 9'-0"(min.)
8117 Artson Street T-0" (min.)
8133 Artson Street 6-0" (min.) 5'-0" (proposed)
FINDING: ZV 17-05 (Minimum First Floor Area) - The property located at 8107
Artson Street consists of a single-family dwelling and duplex with substandard first floor
areas of 600 and 666 square feet, respectively. Such property has similar lot conditions
and is located in the identical zone as the subject property. Additionally, the shallow depth
and irregular lot shape of the subject property would cause it to be unfeasible to construct
a new single-family dwelling without the granting of the requested Variance, which
deprives the subject property the privilege to be developed with a single-family dwelling.
Strict compliance with the Zoning Code requirements would deprive the subject property
of the privileges of substandard first floor area and single-family dwelling development
enjoyed by another property within the vicinity of the subject property.
C. Approving the Variance would not constitute a grant of special privilege
inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the same vicinity and zone in which
the subject property is situated.
FINDING: ZV 17-02 (Minimum Front Yard Setback) - The subject property shares
similar limitations as the three adjacent properties to the west: irregularly shaped lot and
substantially shallow lot depth. The approval of the Variance for the front yard setback
requirement would not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the
limitations on other properties in the same vicinity, because the subject property
possesses special circumstances that are also found on its surrounding properties. The
three adjacent properties are under the identical zoning district as the subject property.
FINDING: ZV 17-03 (Minimum Side Yard Setback) - The subject property shares
similar limitations as the three adjacent properties to the west: irregularly shaped lot and
substantially shallow lot depth. The approval of the Variance for the side yard setback
requirement would not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the
limitations on other properties in the same vicinity, because the subject property
possesses special circumstances that are also found on its surrounding properties. The
three adjacent properties are under the identical zoning district as the subject property.
FINDING: ZV 17-04 (Minimum Rear Yard Setback) - The subject property shares
similar limitations as the three adjacent properties to the west: irregularly shaped lot and
substantially shallow lot depth. The approval of the Variance for the rear yard setback
requirement would not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the
limitations on other properties in the same vicinity, because the subject property
possesses special circumstances that are also found on its surrounding properties. The
three adjacent properties are under the identical zoning district as the subject property.
FINDING: ZV 17-05 (Minimum First Floor Area) - The subject property is hindered
by a limited net lot area, whereas the surrounding properties do not face such obstacle.
The subject property consists of approximately 2,200 square feet of net lot area. In
comparison, the adjacent property located directly to the west of the subject property
consists of approximately 5,750 square feet of net lot area. Additionally, the two adjacent
properties located directly to the south of the subject property consist of approximately
6,836 and 6,620 square feet of net lot area. The approval of the Variance for the first floor
area requirement would not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the
limitations on other properties in the same vicinity, because the subject property
possesses special circumstances that are not found on its surrounding properties.
D. The requested Variance would not allow a use or activity that is not otherwise
expressly authorized by the regulations governing the subject parcel.
FINDING: ZV 17-02 (Minimum Front Yard Setback) - The proposed use is single-
family dwelling, which is permitted in the Light Multiple Residential (R-2) zone.
FINDING: ZV 17-03 (Minimum Side Yard Setback) - The proposed use is single-
family dwelling, which is permitted in the Light Multiple Residential (R-2) zone.
FINDING: ZV 17-04 (Minimum Rear Yard Setback) -The proposed use of is single-
family dwelling, which is permitted in the Light Multiple Residential (R-2) zone.
FINDING: ZV 17-05 (Minimum First Floor Area) - The proposed use of is single-
family dwelling, which is permitted in the Light Multiple Residential (R-2) zone.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Zone Variance 17-
02 through 17-05, granting exceptions to the minimum front yard setback, minimum side
yard setback, minimum rear yard setback, and minimum first floor area requirements for
the development of a single-family dwelling, located at 8133 Artson 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 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 November 6, 2017, by the following vote:
AYES: DANG, ENG, LOPEZ, AND TANG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: HERRERA
SECTION 6. The Secretary shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall
transmit copies of same to the applicants and the Rosemead City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 6th day of Nov-mb- 017.
0-an Dang, 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 6th day of
November 2017, by the following vote:
AYES: DANG, ENG, LOPEZ, AND TANG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: HERRERA
Secretary
APPRO ' i • S TO FOR i•
Kane Thuyen, Planning Commission Attorney
Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
ATTACHMENT "A"
(PC RESOLUTION 17-20)
ZONE VARIANCE 17-02 THROUGH 17-05
8133 ARTSON STREET
(APN: 5287-011-026)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
NOVEMBER 6, 2017
Standard Conditions of Approval
1. Zone Variance 17-02 through 17-05 ("Project") are approved for the granting of
exceptions to the minimum front yard setback, minimum side yard setback,
minimum rear yard setback, and minimum first floor area requirements for the
development of a single-family dwelling, located at 8133 Artson Street, in
accordance with the plans marked Exhibit "B", dated October 2, 2017. Any
revisions to the approved plans must be resubmitted for Planning Division review
and, if satisfactory, approval.
2. 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.
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. Violations of the conditions of approval may result in citation and/or initiation of
revocation proceedings.
Project Specific Conditions of Approval
17. All proposed fences and walls shall be consistent in design and complement the
approved design of the primary building. All proposed fences, walls, and landscape
screening shall comply with the Rosemead Municipal Code.
18. All landscape areas shall be rehabilitated to the satisfaction of the Planning
Division.
19. Project shall comply with the City of Rosemead Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance and any other drought tolerant requirements in effect.
20. All gutters, downspouts, mechanical elements, and/or architectural features shall
be painted to match the single-family dwelling unit.
21. All ground level mechanical/utility equipment (including meters, back flow
prevention devices, fire valves, A/C 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
a Signs stating "PRIVATE PROPERTY, NO TRESPASSING" shall be posted
on the fence.
24. Project is approved with floor area bonuses, totaling five percent additional floor
area for a maximum floor area ratio of 0.40:1. The following qualifying design
elements shall remain in effect:
a. 1.5%: Eave overhangs of 18-inches or more with exposed decorative rafter
tails
b. 1.0%: Landscape plan with 3 or more mature trees (defined as 24" box or
larger)
c. 0.5%: Use of landscape materials instead of fencing to create separation
between public and private spaces
d. 0.5%: No front yard fencing or fencing lower than 4 feet in height
e. 0.5%: Use of natural architectural materials (such as wood and stone)
f. 0.5%: Use of drought-tolerant plant materials and automatic irrigation with
moisture sensors
g. 0.5%: Use of interlocking pavers, decomposed granite or other decorative
hardscape materials for walkways and driveways
25. Roof material shall be [1] clay/concrete tile or [2] solar roof tiles visually mimicking
clay/concrete tile or asphalt shingle tile. (Modified per Planning Commission on
November 6, 2017)