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REHAB - Approval of Minutes 05-26-98 NOT C 71707n,r r Ta _. _ T._ 1'TL AF s:,i) _ 7:jcwi.FTAD REFILL I . Ji 1 T.P. EOLRD MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING ROSEMEAD BUILDING REHABILITATION APPEALS BOARD MAY 26, 1998 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Building Rehabilitation Appeals Board was called to order by Chairman Bruesch at 7:06 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: MARCH 24, 1998 - REGULAR MEETING MOTION BY BOARDMEMBER IMPERIAL, SECOND BY BOARDMEMBER TAYLOR that the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 24, 1998, be approved as submitted. Vote resulted: Aye: Vasquez, Clark, 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. H. HEARINGS A. 3303 BURTON AVENUE The subject property consists of an owner-occupied single family dwelling and a second, unpermitted unit. The property is zoned R-1. A "Please Letter" was mailed to the property owner on January 19, 1998. Mr. Philip Chow, who identified himself as a friend of the owner, phoned on February 11, 1998 in response to the letter. The list of defects and the rehabilitation process was explained to him. A follow-up inspection on February 19, 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, requesting abatement of the substandard conditions. On February 25, 1998, the property owner, Mr. Sheng Ping Lieu, and his friend/interpreter, Mr. Chow, came to the Building Department counter. They spoke with the inspector and agreed to abate the items on the list of defects. Inspection on March 26, 1998 showed some yard cleanup, however, the other deficiencies remained. On April 28, 1998, the building inspector met the owner at the property. Interior access to the illegal unit (converted rumpus room) was gained. Inspection confirmed that a kitchen bathroom had been constructed without permits. The owner was advised to remove the kitchen facilities and to properly cap the plumbing. He was advised to check with Planning Department if he wished to pursue the possibility of legalizing the bathroom. An updated list of defects was mailed to Mr. Lieu on April 30, 1998. Due to the language disadvantage, the building inspector also contacted Mr. Chow with the updated information. He REHAB 5-26 98 Page al was also reminded of the necessity to obtain permits. A Notice of Hearing was mailed and posted on the property on May 5, 1998. All interested parties have been notified. The City Building Official recommends that the Board find the property substandard and order removal of all unpermitted, non-conforming portions of the residence by July I, 1998. However, if necessary permits for removal and corrective work are obtained by July 1, 1998, the abatement date may be extended to August 3, 1998. The property owner was not present. MOTION BY BOARDMEMBER TAYLOR, SECOND BY BOARDMEMBER IMPERIAL that the Board find the property substandard and order removal of all unpermitted, non-conforming portions of the residence by July I, 1998. However, if necessary permits for removal and corrective work are obtained by July I, 1998, the abatement date may be extended to August 3, 1998. Vote resulted: Aye: Vasquez, Clark, Bruesch, Imperial, Taylor No: None Absent: None Abstain: None The Chairman declared said motion duly carried and so ordered. B. 3202 ROSEMEAD PLACE The subject property consists of an owner-occupied single family dwelling located in the R-1 zone. The residence has allegedly been altered to accommodate six separate tenants. Prior to the property rehabilitation case being initiated, the City Code Enforcement Officer was able to verify that there were two kitchens, four telephone lines, and at least three refrigerators at the location. In April, 1993, a building permit was issued for an additional 1349 square feet - three bedrooms and two bathrooms. As a condition of permit issuance, Planning Department required that the property be maintained as a single family occupancy. A "Please Letter" was mailed to the property owner on October 28, 1997. Inspection on November 18, 1997 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 December 9, 1997, requesting abatement of the substandard conditions. On December 10, 1997, the owner's granddaughter phoned to inform staff that plans for the unpermitted alterations were being prepared. On December 23, 1997, plans were submitted for plan check by the architect. The plans were approved and ready for issuance on December 30, 1997. The owner and the architect were notified. Inspection on January 8, 1998 revealed no progress. On January 26, 1998, a building permit was issued to Wai King Au, the property owner, to legalize the unpermitted bath and laundry room. The permit was issued on the condition that the second kitchen be removed and that access to the interior of the entire residence be provided. Since that time, the Building Department staff has had difficulty making contact with the owner. Communication is usually through the granddaughter, or by leaving messages on the answering machine. The building inspector attempted to make personal contact at the site. No one would answer the door, although it appeared evident that someone was inside. On March 11, 1998, the inspector was able to meet the granddaughter at the property. The list of defects was explained and discussed. Partial interior access was gained. On April 14, 1998, telephone contact was again made with the granddaughter in an attempt to gain access to the remainder of the house. A"bulky item" trash notice was also mailed that day. No response was received from the REHAB 5-26-98 Page 42 owner regarding the requested access. Staff contacted the architect and requested that he convey to the owner the significance of the situation. On April 21, 1998, a list of corrections from the previous partial inspection was mailed to the owner. To date, no access has been gained, nor has the owner made any further contact with staff A Notice of Hearing was mailed and posted on the property on May 5, 1998. 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 July 1, 1998. The property owner was not present at this meeting MOTION BY BOARDMEMBER IMPERIAL, SECOND BY BOARDMEMBER CLARK that the Board find the property substandard and order all substandard conditions removed and/or corrected by July I, 1998. Vote resulted: Aye: Vasquez, Clark, 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. B. BUILDING REHABILITATION APPEALS BOARD No action required. C. CITY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY REFERRAL UPDATE No action required. IV. MATTERS FROM OFFICIALS - None V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further action to be taken at this time, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. The next regular meeting is scheduled for June 23, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted: APPROVED: Board Secretary CHAIRMAN REHAB 5-26-98 Page 1/3