RBR - Approval of Minutes - 03-23-99 NOT 0T 7771".T.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
ROSEMEAD BUILDING REHABILITATION
APPEALS BOARD
MARCH 23, 1999
The regular meeting of the Rosemead Building Rehabilitation Appeals Board was called to order
by Chairman Bruesch at 7:04 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, Vice-Chairman Vasquez, and Chairman
Bruesch
Absent: Taylor- excused
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
I. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH
The Board Secretary administered the oath to all persons wishing to address the Board.
H. HEARINGS
A. 2221 GLADYS AVENUE
The subject property consists of a tenant-occupied, two-story duplex and garage
conversion. The property is zoned R-1. A "Please Letter" was mailed to the property owner on
August 19, 1998. On August 26, 1998, the owner came to City Hall to discuss the list of defects.
The building inspector explained the violations and advised the owner of the record search
procedure. Inspection on September 21, 1998 revealed no change. The Building Official
declared the 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 19, 1998, requesting abatement of the substandard conditions. A progress
inspection was conducted on October 27, 1998. At that time, the inspector gained access to the
interior of the lower unit. Several additional defects were noted and a revised list of defects was
compiled. The revised list was mailed to the property owner. A follow-up inspection on
November 30, 1998 revealed no change at the property. On December 22, 1998, the owner
provided the record search results from Los Angeles County. The report indicated an original
permit issued in 1935 to construct a two-story single family dwelling and a garage. Later that
year, another permit was issued for a 210 square foot shed for "chickens and tools".
Planning Department staff reviewed the case and determined the structure must be
converted back to a single family dwelling. This includes the reconversion of the lower level to a
usable two-car garage, as originally permitted.
Inspections on January 28, and February 23, 1999 revealed no change at the property.
A Notice of Hearing was mailed and posted on the property on March 8, 1999. All
interested parties have been notified.
The City Building Official recommends that the Board find the property substandard and
order all substandard conditions be removed and/or corrected by May 3, 1999. However, if the
required permits are obtained, and sufficient progress is achieved by May 3, 1999, the abatement
date may be extended to June 1, 1999.
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Jess Santi, 307 Basedale Avenue, La Puente(owner), and Jose Martinez, 1221 N.
Vineyard Avenue, Ontario (nephew), were present. Mr. Martinez explained that his uncle, Mr.
Santi, bought the property "as is", with the two units already on it. Mr. Martinez requested
information regarding the square footage requirement for two units.
Frank Tripepi, City Manager, explained that if the property had enough square footage to
support two-single family homes, the City could try to work with his uncle to allow him to
legalize the units built without permits. However, the property does not have enough square
footage and the units have to be corrected.
Peter Lyons, Planning Director, agreed that even by combining the two lots, it would not
be large enough to support two homes and that a R-I zone requires 12,000 square feet.
Chairman Bruesch pointed out the resale value of a house that is up to code.
Mr. Santi asked what recourse does his uncle have?
Chairman Bruesch suggested that the owner make an appointment with the Building
Department to work together toward gaining compliance.
MOTION BY BOARDMEMBER IMPERIAL, SECOND BY VICE-CHAIRMAN
VASQUEZ that the Board find the property substandard and order that all substandard conditions
be removed and/or corrected by May 3, 1999. However, if the required permits are obtained, and
sufficient progress is achieved by May 3, 1999, the abatement date may be extended to June 1,
1999. Vote resulted:
Aye: Vasquez, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial
No: None
Absent: Taylor
Abstain: None
The Chairman declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
B. 2430 SAN GABRIEL BOULEVARD
The subject property consists of a tenant-occupied single family dwelling located in the
C3-AP zone. A"Please Letter" was mailed to the property owner on September 1, 1998.
Inspection on September 28, 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 30, 1998, requesting abatement of the substandard conditions. An interior
inspection was scheduled for October 13, 1998, however, the tenant phoned to cancel the
appointment. On November 16, 1998, the building inspector spoke with the property owner, Mr.
Martinez by phone. He stated his intentions to submit plans and build a new garage. The plans
were submitted and approved by Planning Department on December 8, 1998. However, when
Mr. Martinez attempted to obtain permits from the Building Department, his plans included some
proposed alterations to the adjacent commercial property, which he also owns. This additional
work included the conversion of a storage shed to office use. He was referred back to Planning
Department. He also spoke with the Building Department plan checker who explained what
additional information would be required on the plans.
On January 13, 1999, a "bulky item" trash notice was mailed to the owner and tenants.
On January 28, 1999, Building Department staff phoned Mr. Martinez to inquire about the
status of the project. Mr. Martinez stated that he was still waiting for the architect to complete
the plans. It was suggested to Mr. Martinez that he separate the projects and concentrate on
correcting the violations and obtaining permits for the residential parcel that has been declared
substandard.
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Inspections on February 1, and March 4, 1999 revealed no change at the property.
A Notice of Hearing was mailed and posted on the property on March 8, 1999.
The City Building Official recommends that the Board find the property substandard and
order that all substandard conditions be removed and/or corrected by May 3, 1999. However, if
the required permits are obtained, and sufficient progress is achieved by May 3, 1999, the
abatement date may be extended to June 1, 1999.
Jorge Martinez, 312 S. 5th Street, Alhambra, property owner, stated that he has
corrected the list of defects with the exception of the deteriorated garage. Mr. Martinez stated
that he will pull permits to demolish the garage.
MOTION BY BOARDMEMBER IMPERIAL, SECOND BY BOARDMEMBER
CLARK that the Board find the property substandard and order that all substandard conditions be
removed and/or corrected by May 3, 1999. However, if the required permits are obtained, and
sufficient progress is achieved by May 3, 1999, the abatement date may be extended to June 1,
1999. Vote resulted:
Aye: Vasquez, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial
No: None
Absent: Taylor
Abstain: None
The Chairman declared said motion duly carried and so ordered.
HI. STATUS REPORTS
A. SUBSTANDARD BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES
B. BUILDING REHABILITATION APPEALS BOARD
C. CITY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY REFERRAL UPDATE
No action was required on the above items.
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 April 27, 1999, at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted: APPROVED:
Board Secretary CHAIRMAN
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