RBR - Approval of Minutes - 01-26-99 NOT OFN.T.CT./L TI1777
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
ROSEMEAD BUILDING REHABILITATION
APPEALS BOARD
JANUARY 26, 1999
The regular meeting of the Rosemead Building Rehabilitation Appeals Board was called to order
by Chairman Bruesch at 7:35 p.m. in the Conference Room of City Hall, 8838 E. Valley
Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
The Pledge to the Flag and Invocation were waived as having been completed during the
meeting just adjourned.
ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS:
Present: Boardmembers Clark, Imperial, Taylor, Vice-Chairman Vasquez, and
Chairman Bruesch
Absent: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: NOVEMBER 24, 1998 -REGULAR MEETING
MOTION BY BOARDMEMBER TAYLOR, SECOND BY BOARDMEMBER
IMPERIAL that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 24, 1998, be approved as
submitted. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Vasquez, Bruesch, Imperial, Taylor
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
The Chairman declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
I. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH
The Board Secretary administered the oath to all persons wishing to address the Board.
II. HEARINGS
A. 3101 -3103 1/2 DEL MAR AVENUE
The subject property consists of three units located in he C-3 zone. Two units are tenant-
occupied and one is vacant. A "Please Letter" and a"bulky item" trash notice were mailed to the
property owner on July 16, 1998. Inspection on August 17, 1998 revealed no progress. The
Building Official declared the property substandard and filed a Declaration of Substandard
property with the Los Angeles County Recorder's office. A "Thirty Day" certified letter was
mailed and posted on the property on September 1, 1998, requesting abatement of the
substandard conditions. Inspection on September 30, 1998 revealed some minor progress,
however, a follow-up inspection on October 29, 1998 showed no further improvement at the
property. On November 30, 1998, the building inspector spoke with one of the property owners,
Lily Hsieh, by telephone. Mrs. Hsieh voiced her objections regarding the necessity for obtaining
permits and complained of losing income due to the vacation of the tenants. She stated that her
husband was out of the country and that he would resolve matters upon his return. Inspection on
December 23, 1998 revealed that roofing and interior alterations were in progress, however, no
permits had been obtained. A "Stop Work Notice" was left with the workers at the site, and a
copy was mailed to the property owners. On December 28, 1998, Mr. Hsieh came to City Hall
and obtained the required "Repair per Rehab" permit.
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A Notice of Hearing was mailed and posted in the property on January 11, 1999. All
interested parties have been notified.
At the time of posting, the inspector noted that considerable progress had been made,
however, no inspections had been requested. The scope of work being done exceeded what was
covered by the "Repair per Rehab" permit. The inspector left a notice regarding the necessity of
additional permits. A copy was mailed to the owner.
It is recommended that the Board find the property substandard and order that all
substandard conditions be removed and/or corrected by March 1, 1999. However, if the required
additional permits are obtained, and sufficient progress is achieved by March 1, 1999, the
abatement date may be extended to April 1, 1999.
Juinn and Lily Hsieh, 1123 Summitridge Drive, Diamond Bar, were present. Mr. Hsieh
stated that he continues to make improvements to the property.
James Guerra, Building Official, agreed that the owners did respond to the List of Defects.
However, they have gone beyond the scope of their permits and need to apply for additional
permits.
Steve Bailey, Deputy Building Official, explained that the owners had gutted the entire
interior and installed new electrical work and that permits are needed for that work.
Chairman Bruesch added that the trash and debris have to be taken care of by March 1,
1999.
Mr. Guerra agreed to meet with the owners to explain what permits are needed.
MOTION BY BOARDMEMBER TAYLOR, SECOND BY BOARDMEMBER
IMPERIAL that the Board find the property substandard and order that all substandard conditions
be removed and/or corrected by March 1, 1999. However, if the required additional permits are
obtained, and sufficient progress is achieved by March 1, 1999, the abatement date may be
extended to April 1, 1999. Vote resulted:
Yes: Clark, Vasquez, Bruesch, Imperial, Taylor
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
The Chairman declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
B. 8223 KEIM STREET
The subject property consists of an owner-occupied single family dwelling with an
unpermitted garage conversion, greenhouse and additions. The property is zoned R-1. A "Please
Letter" was mailed to the property owner on July 22, 1998. Inspection on August 20, 1998
revealed no progress. The Building Official declared the property substandard and filed a
Declaration of Substandard Property with the Los Angeles County Recorder's office. A "Fifteen
Day" certified letter was mailed and posted on the property on September 3, 1998, requesting
abatement of the substandard conditions. The letter was returned "unclaimed" and was sent again
by first class mail. Inspection on September 19, 1998 showed no change at the property. On
October 14, 1998, the building inspector met with the property owner, Ms. Martinez, at the site.
Ms. Martinez requested an additional thirty days to allow time for the eviction of the tenants in
the garage. On November 17, 1998, Ms. Martinez obtained a "Repair per Rehab" permit,
however, her check was returned for insufficient funds. Several phone messages were left for Ms.
Martinez requesting that she bring in cash or a cashier's check to cover payment of the check. No
response was received. On December 17, 1998, another progress inspection was attempted. No
access was gained due to the presence of a large dog in the yard. The building inspector was
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unable to verify if the garage conversion was vacant, or if any other progress had been made.
A Notice of Hearing was mailed and posted on the property on January 11, 1999. All
interested parties have been notified.
At the time of posting, the inspector noted that the green house had been demolished,
however, the debris had not been cleared. Access to the garage conversion was gained. It
appeared that the tenants had vacated, however, the kitchen and bathroom facilities remained. On
January 14, 1999, Ms. Martinez came to City Hall to discuss with staff possible revisions to her
original approved plan. She also paid cash for the redemption of the dishonored check.
It is recommended that the Board find the property substandard and order all substandard
conditions be removed and/or corrected by March 1, 1999. However, if sufficient progress is
achieved by March I, 1999, the abatement date may be extended to April 1, 1999.
Elida Martinez, 8223 Keim, owner of the property was present. Ms. Martinez stated that
they could have the corrections finished by March 1, 1999.
MOTION BY BOARDMEMBER IMPERIAL, SECOND BY VICE-CHAIRMAN
VASQUEZ that the Board find the property substandard and order all substandard conditions be
removed and/or corrected by March 1, 1999. However, if sufficient progress is achieved by
March 1, 1999, the abatement date may be extended to April 1, 1999. Vote resulted:
Aye: Clark, Vasquez, Bruesch, Imperial, Taylor
No: None
Absent: None
Abstain: None
The Chairman declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
Aucino Martinez, 8223 Keim, requested clarification regarding their change of plans to
enclose the patio rather than demolish it, and would the permit fees already paid for apply to this
enclosure.
Steve Bailey, Deputy Building Official, responded that the permit obtained on 11/17/98
was to remove the greenhouse, abatement of garage conversion and equalization to the garage
addition. However, with the patio enclosure, they are adding additional square footage to the
house, therefore, an additional permit would be required as it was not covered under the original
permit.
Boardmember Clark asked if a portion of the permit fees already paid for can be applied to
the new permit, as the owners changed their mind, perhaps without being aware of all the options
available to them.
Mr. Bailey responded that they could reduce the valuation on the second permit to reflect
what the fees would have been.
James Guerra, Building Official, stated that he encourages separate permits for these
types of additions for record keeping purposes and for the benefit of future property owners.
III. STATUS REPORTS
A. SUBSTANDARD BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES
B. BUILDING REHABILITATION APPEALS BOARD
C. CITY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY REFERRAL UPDATE
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No action required on the above reports.
IV. MATTERS FROM OFFICIALS -None
V. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further action to be taken at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30
p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for February 9, 1999, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: APPROVED:
Board Secretary CHAIRMAN
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