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RRA – Approval of Minutes 07-28-98 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ROSEMEAD BUILDING REHABILITATION APPEALS BOARD JULY 28, 1998 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Building Rehabilitation Appeals Board was called to order by Chairman Bruesch at 7:05 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: JUNE 23, 1998 - REGULAR MEETING MOTION BY BOARDMEMBER IMPERIAL, SECOND BY BOARDMEMBER TAYLOR that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of June 23, 1998, by approved as submitted. Vote resulted: Aye: Clark, Vasquez, Bruesch, Imperial, Taylor No: None Absent: None I. ADMINISTRATION OF OATH The Board Secretary administered the oath to all persons wishing to address the Board. II. HEARINGS A. 7715 EMERSON PLACE The subject property consists of a single family residence located in the R-2 zone. There is a possible conversion of the storage room adjacent to the garage, and the interior of the main dwelling has been altered without permits. The residence has been converted to an apartment-like building with at least ten bedrooms, all with deadbolt locks. There is one kitchen, four bathrooms, and no living room. A "Please Letter" was mailed to the property owner on March 16, 1998. Inspection on March 31, 1998 revealed that the inoperable vehicles had been removed, however, no other progress was evident. 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 April 21, 1998. On April 27, 1998, the building inspector met with the property owner, Mr. Leung, at the site. It was at that time the extensive alterations were discovered. A revised list of defects was created and mailed to the owner. A search of building permit records revealed that the original permit for the residence never received final approval and was expired in 1961. At that time, the building inspector noted that the permit did not include the second floor. On May 6, 1998, the property owner submitted plans to the Planning Department in an attempt to legalize the alterations. The plans were incomplete and were not approved. Planning Department staff requested accurate site and floor plans. A Conditional Use Permit would also be required. To date, no additional plans have been submitted. On June 2, 1998, telephone contact was made with Mr. Leung. He advised the building inspector that he was seeking advice from a loan officer and was considering selling the property. On June 23, 1998, the inspector again spoke to the owner. At that time, Mr. Leung informed her that he had retained a lawyer. Thus far, neither Mr. Leung, nor his attorney, have contacted staff regarding this case. A Notice of Hearing was mailed and posted on the property on July 13, 1998. All interested parties have been notified. The City Building Official recommends that the Board find the property substandard and order the removal of unpermitted, non-conforming portions of the dwelling, and correction of all other substandard conditions by September 1, 1998. However, if necessary permits for removal and corrective work are obtained by September I, 1998, the abatement date may be extended to October 1, 1998. Mr. Chungtung Leung, 707 '/ E. Sunset Avenue, San Gabriel, was present. Chairman Bruesch asked if permits were issued prior to 1961 as the building appears to be older than that and when did the conversion to a second story take place? James Guerra, Building Official, stated that it appears that prior to the final inspection, it was noted by L.A. County that a second story had been added without permits. Mr. Guerra continued that unfortunately, it is unclear as to what L.A. County did at that point as no permits have been discovered and that the County refused to finalize the permits. Mr. Leung stated that he purchased the property in 1987 and then added the interior walls. Mr. Leung agreed to remove the walls and convert the dwelling back to a single family structure. Boardmember Imperial stated for the record that when Mr. Leung purchased the house, he had to know that that many people could not live there. Mr. Leung stated that he has hired an architect and it will cost approximately $100,000 to bring the house up to code. Dolly Leong, 9554 Ralph Street, Rosemead, stated the when the previous owners purchased the property in 1967, according to records she found, there was a second story and living room in existence. Ms. Leong requested an itemized cost from the Planning and Building Department as to why it will cost $100,000 to bring the house up to code. Ms. Leong also requested that the Board extend the abatement date to allow the Mr. Leung to go to L.A. County and research their records for any permits, and she added that she does not have a financial interest in the house. Chairman Bruesch stated that the problem now is the Mr. Leung has converted a single family dwelling into an apartment and that is illegal. Mr. Bruesch stressed that evicting the tenants and removing the walls is of prime importance. He added that if Mr. Leung begins doing this immediately, staff will be able to work with him to convert that property back and then work toward correcting the other defects. MOTION BY BOARDMEMBER IMPERIAL, SECOND BY VICE-CHAIRMAN VASQUEZ that the Board recommends that staff work with the owner; find the property substandard and order the removal of unpermitted, non-conforming portions of the dwelling, and correction of all other substandard conditions by September 1, 1998. However, if necessary permits for removal and corrective work are obtained by September 1, 1998, the abatement date REHAB: 7-2&98 Page M2 may be extended to October 1, 1998. Vote resulted: Aye: Clark, Vasquez, Bruesch, Imperial, Taylor No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Chairman declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. III. STATUS REPORTS A. SUBSTANDARD BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES No action required on this item. B. BUILDING REHABILITATION APPEALS BOARD No action required on this item. C. CITY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY REFERRAL UPDATE No action required on this item. IV. MATTERS FROM OFFICIALS - None V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further action to be taken at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 25, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted: APPROVED: Board Secretary CHAIRMAN REHAB. 7-28-98 Page k3