PC - 2021-18 - Approving ME 21-02, permitting a new 2,446 sq ft, two-story, single-family dwelling w/ a detached three-car garage at the rear of a lot where a legal, nonconforming single-family dwelling unit exists, located at 9238 Pitkin St. in R-1 Zone.PC RESOLUTION 21-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING MINOR EXCEPTION 21-02, PERMITTING A NEW 2,446
SQUARE -FOOT, TWO-STORY, SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING WITH A
DETACHED THREE -CAR GARAGE AT THE REAR OF A LOT WHERE A
LEGAL, NONCONFORMING SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNIT
EXISTS, AND A 20% EXCEPTION FOR THE SIDE YARD SETBACK
FROM 6'-0" TO 5'-0" TO CONTINUE THE EXISITING WALL OF THE
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNIT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A
484 SQUARE -FOOT ATTACHED TWO -CAR GARAGE, LOCATED AT
9238 PITKIN STREET (APN: 8592-015-066), IN A SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONE
WHEREAS, on February 2, 2021, Simon Liang submitted a Minor Exception
application, requesting approval to construct a new 2,446 square -foot, two-story, single-
family dwelling with a detached three -car garage at the rear of a lot where a legal,
nonconforming single-family dwelling unit exists, and a 20% exception for the side yard
setback from 6'-0" to 5'-0" to continue the existing wall of the single-family dwelling unit
for the construction of a 484 square -foot attached two -car garage, located at 9238 Pitkin
Street;
WHEREAS, 9238 Pitkin Street is located in a Single -Family Residential (R-1)
zone;
WHEREAS, Section 17.142.020(B)(2) of the Rosemead Municipal Code provides
the criteria for a Minor Exception;
WHEREAS, Sections 65800 & 65900 of the California Government Code and
Section 17.142.020(B)(2) of the Rosemead Municipal Code authorize the Planning
Commission to approve, conditionally approve, or deny Minor Exception applications;
WHEREAS, on November 4, 2021, sixty-one (61) notices were sent to property
owners within a 300 -foot radius from the subject property, the notice was published in the
Rosemead Reader, and notices were posted in six (6) public locations and on site,
specifying the availability of the application, and the date, time, and location of the public
hearing for Minor Exception 21-02; and
WHEREAS, on November 15, 2021, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
and advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to Minor
Exception 21-02; and
WHEREAS, the Rosemead Planning Commission has sufficiently considered all
testimony presented to them in order to make the following determination.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City
of Rosemead as follows:
SECTION 1, The Planning .Commission HEREBY DETERMINES that Minor
Exception 21-02 is classified as a Class 3 Categorical Exemption, pursuant to Section
15303 of California Environmental Quality Act guidelines. Section 15303 of the California
Environmental Quality Act guidelines exempts projects consisting of construction and
location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new
equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small
structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the
exterior of the structure.
SECTION 2. The Planning Commission HEREBY FINDS AND DETERMINES that
facts do exist to justify approving Minor Exception 21-02, in accordance with Sections
17.142.020(B)(2) and 17.142.020(A)(1)(a) of the Rosemead Municipal Code as follows:
A. The proposal includes all necessary work to eliminate any hazard or safety
problem on an existing structure, as required by the Building Official or by an officer of
the City charged with protecting the public safety, in order to correct an unsafe condition;
FINDING: Staff has verified with the Building Official that the proposal would not
create any hazards or safety problems with the existing structure.
B. The proposal includes the necessary work to maintain or improve the
aesthetic appearance or architectural viability of the existing nonconforming structures
onsite;
FINDING: The applicant has proposed to renovate the exterior of the existing
nonconforming single-family dwelling unit to match the proposed single-family dwelling
unit at the rear. A condition has also been added that the existing, legal nonconforming
single-family dwelling will be improved to match the proposed single-family dwelling unit.
The improvements include stuccoing the entire dwelling unit, incorporating stone veneer
at the base and entryway, and painting the fascia boards and window trims.
C. The legal nonconforming residential unit(s) that exist onsite are solely
nonconforming due to minimum residential unit floor area, setbacks, building separation,
building height, entry treatment height, and second story architectural standards;
FINDING: Staff has confirmed that the existing nonconforming single-family
dwelling unit contains a substandard side yard setback along the west property line. There
are no other nonconforming development standards on the property.
2
D. The legal nonconforming residential accessory structure(s) proposed to
remain onsite are solely nonconforming due to driveway width, turning radius, minimum
stall size, setbacks, or landscaping;
FINDING: There are no nonconforming residential accessory structures that are
proposed to remain on the property.
i. The square footage of any new encroachment into the setback does not
exceed the square footage of the existing non -conforming, encroachment into the
setback;
FINDING: The proposed attached two -car garage will be 484 square feet and will
not exceed the square footage of the existing single-family dwelling unit, which is 1,689
square feet.
ii. The resulting structure complies with the floor area, lot coverage, and other
setback requirements of the zone in which it is located.
FINDING: The proposed attached two -car garage will comply with floor area and
lot coverage. With the 20% exception request, the garage will comply with the side yard
setback. All other setback requirements would be met.
iii. The minor exception shall be in compliance with all Building and Safety
requirements.
FINDING: The proposed attached two -car garage shall comply with Building and
Safety requirements once construction drawings are received and approved by the
Building and Safety Division.
iv. No previous variance or minor exception has been granted for an extension
of the subject nonconforming wall.
FINDING: The applicant has not previously requested for a variance or a minor
exception for an extension of the subject nonconforming wall.
V. The expansion area shall be defined by the extension of two or more
existing exterior walls.
FINDING: The proposed expansion area would extend from the existing walls on
the east and west sides of the single-family dwelling unit.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Minor Exception
21-02 for a new 2,446, two-story, square -foot single-family dwelling with a detached
three -car garage at the rear of a lot where a legal, nonconforming single-family dwelling
unit exists, and a 20% exception for the side yard setback from 6'-0" to 5'-0" to continue
the existing wall of the single-family dwelling unit for the construction of a 484 square -foot
attached garage, located at 9238 Pitkin Street, and subject to the conditions listed in
Attachment "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 4. This action shall become final and effective ten (10) days after this
decision by the Planning Commission, unless within such time a written appeal is filed
with the City Clerk for consideration by the Rosemead City Council as provided in
Rosemead Municipal Code Section 17.160.040 — Appeals of Decisions.
SECTION 5. This resolution is the result of an action taken by the Planning
Commission on November 15, 2021, by the following vote:
AYES: BERRY, LEUNG, LOPEZ, AND UNG
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
SECTION 6. The Secretary shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall
transmit copies of same to the applicants and the Rosemead City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 15th day of November, 2021.
Jame".,Kerry, Chair
E
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Rosemead at its regular meeting, held on the 15th day of
November, 2021, by the following vote:
AYES: BERRY, LEUNG, LOPEZ, AND UNG
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Mark Persico, Secretary
APPROVE TO F M:
�-
Kane Thuyen, Planning Commission Attorney
Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
ATTACHMENT "A"
(PC RESOLUTION 21-18)
MINOR EXCEPTION 21-02
9238 PITKIN STREET
(APN: 8592-015-066)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
NOVEMBER 15, 2021
Standard Conditions of Approvals
Minor Exception 21-02 ("Project") is approved for a new 2,446 square -foot, two-
story, single-family dwelling unit with a detached three -car garage at the rear of a
lot where a legal, nonconforming single-family dwelling unit exists, and a 20%
exception for the side yard setback from 6'-0" to 5-0" to continue the existing wall
of the single-family dwelling unit for the construction of a 484 square -foot attached
two -car garage, in accordance with the plans marked Exhibit "B", dated November
8, 2021. Any revisions to the approved plans must be resubmitted for Planning
Division review and, if satisfactory, approval.
2. The following conditions must be complied to the satisfaction of the Planning
Division prior to final approval of the associated plans, building permits, occupancy
permits, or any other appropriate request.
3. The conditions listed on this exhibit shall be copied directly onto any development
plans subsequently submitted to the Planning and Building Divisions.
4. Approval of Project shall not take effect for any purpose until the applicant(s) have
filed with the City of Rosemead ("City") a notarized affidavit stating that he/she is
aware of and accepts all of the conditions of approval as set forth in the letter of
approval and this list of conditions within ten (10) days from the Planning
Commission approval date.
5. The on-site public hearing notice posting shall be removed by the end of the 10 -
day appeal period of Project.
6. Project is approved for a period of one (1) year. The applicant(s) shall commence
the approved project or request an extension within 30 calendar days prior to
expiration. The one (1) year initial approval period shall be effective from the
Planning Commission approval date. For the purpose of this petition, project
commencement shall be defined as beginning the permitting process with the
Planning and Building Divisions, so long as the project is not abandoned. If Project
has been unused, abandoned, or discontinued for a period of one (1) year, it shall
become null and void.
on
7. The Planning Commission hereby authorizes the Planning Division to make and/or
approve minor modifications to the project and to these conditions of approval.
8. Project is granted or approved with the City and its Planning Commission and City
Council retaining and reserving the right and jurisdiction to review and to modify
the permit, including the conditions of approval based on changed circumstances.
Changed circumstances include, but are not limited to, the modification of the use,
a change in scope, emphasis, size, or nature of the use, or the expansion,
alteration, reconfiguration, or change of use. This reservation of right to review is
in addition to, and not in lieu of, the right of the City, its Planning Commission, and
City Council to review and revoke or modify any permit granted or approved under
the Rosemead Municipal Code for any violations of the conditions imposed on
Project.
9. The applicant(s) shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Rosemead
or its agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding against
the City of Rosemead or its agents, officers, or employees to attack, set side, void,
or annul, an approval of the Planning Commission and/or City Council concerning
the project, which action is brought within the time period provided by law.
10. The applicant(s) shall comply with all Federal, State, and local laws relative to the
approved use, including the requirements of the Planning, Building, Fire, Sheriff,
and Health Departments.
11. Building permits will not be issued in connection with any project until such time as
all plan check fees and all other applicable fees are paid in full. Prior to issuance
of building permits, any required school fees shall be paid. The applicant shall
provide the City with written verification of compliance from the applicable school
districts.
12. The numbers of the address signs shall be at least six (6) inches tall with a
minimum character width of 3/4 inch, contrasting in color and easily visible at
driver's level from the street. Materials, colors, location, and size of such address
numbers shall be approved by the Community Development Director, or his/her
designee, prior to installation.
13. The hours of construction shall be limited from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday
through Saturday. No construction shall take place on Sundays or on any federal
holiday, without prior approval by the City. The applicant shall abide by the noise
control sections of the Rosemead Municipal Code.
14. The Building and Safety Division, Planning Division, and Engineering Division shall
have access to the project site at any time during construction to monitor progress.
15. All ground level mechanical/utility equipment (including meters, back flow
prevention devices, fire valves, A/C condensers, furnaces, and other equipment)
shall be located away from public view or adequately screened by landscaping or
7
screening walls so as not to be seen from the public right-of-way.
16. The project site shall be graded to drain to the street, but in no case shall such
drainage be allowed to sheet flow across public sidewalk. A grading and/or
drainage plan shall be prepared, submitted to, and approved by the Building
Official, and such grading and/or drainage shall take place in accordance with such
approved plan.
17. Violations of the conditions of approval may result in citation and/or initiation of
-revocation proceedings.
Project Specific Conditions of Approval
18. All property that is vacant, under construction, or being demolished shall be totally
enclosed around the perimeter by a fence that is a minimum of six (6) feet in height
as measured from adjacent property, subject to the approval of the Community
Development Director or other designated officials. The following requirements
shall be satisfied:
a. The required fence shall be adequately constructed from chain-link, lumber,
masonry or other approved materials. The fence shall be entirely self-
supporting and shall not encroach or utilize structures or fencing on any
adjacent property without prior written approval of the adjacent property
owner.
b. The fence shall be installed prior to the initiation of any construction or
demolition and shall be continuously maintained in good condition.
c. Signs stating "PRIVATE PROPERTY, NO TRESPASSING" shall be posted
on the fence.
19. An inspection of all existing structures on the project site by the Building Official
and an officer of the City charged with protecting the public safety shall be required
to verify if any work is necessary to eliminate any hazard or safety problem on the
existing structures. If such inspection reveals that work is necessary to eliminate
any hazard or safety problem on the existing structures, such work shall be
completed to the satisfaction of the City prior to issuance of any building permits
associated with Project.
20. All mechanical and/or architectural features shall be painted to match the new
single-family dwelling. In order to match the proposed single-family dwelling, the
following improvements shall be completed to the existing nonconforming single-
family dwelling unit:
• Stucco and paint exterior walls
• Paint fascia boards, gutters, downspouts, and window trims
• Incorporate stone veneer at the base and entryway
21. All onsite conditions, such as landscaping and fencing, shall be improved to the
satisfaction of the Planning Division.
22. If applicable, the applicant(s) shall submit a final landscape and irrigation plan to
the Planning Division prior to the issuance of building permits. The landscape and
irrigation plan shall comply with the City's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
and with the Guidelines for Implementation of the Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance and include a sprinkler system with automatic timers and moisture
sensors. All landscaping and irrigation shall be installed and completed prior to
final Planning Division approval.
Public Works Conditions of Approval
23. Copy all conditions of approval and the Planning decision letter onto all permit plan
sets.
24. The approved building address(s) shall be painted on the curb to the City's standard
as required by the Public Works Inspector before the final inspection.
25. Rehabilitate existing AC street pavement along the property frontage to the centerline
of the street or pay an in -lieu fee equal to the estimated cost of street rehabilitation
based on the Los Angeles County Land Development Division Bond Calculation
Sheets before the issuance of building permits to the satisfaction of the City Engineer
or designee.
26. Any trenching asphalt or concrete pavement or street or sidewalk removal related to
the project repair shall match the existing surfaces and as directed by the City
Engineer or his designee. New pavement thickness shall be one inch greater than the
existing.
27. The required street improvements shall include those portions of roadways contiguous
to the subject property and include:
a. Reconstruct existing and construct new driveway approaches with current ADA
bypass requirements per SPPWC, latest edition. No portion of the driveway
and/or parkway shall encroach to the frontage of the adjacent property.
Remove and replace relocated driveway approaches with sidewalk and curb
and gutter.
b. Remove and reconstruct all damaged and/or off -grade curbs, gutters, ADA
ramps, driveway approaches, and sidewalks.
I