REHAB - Approval of Minutes 05-26-98 NOT C 71707n,r r
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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
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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
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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
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