PC - 2023-01 - Approving Design Review 22-04, Permitting A New, One-Story 2,628 SQ-FT Single-Family Dwelling Unit, With A Detached Three-Car Garage. Subject Site Is Located At 3913 Gernert Ave (APN: 5390-001-035), In The Single Family Residential (R-1)PC RESOLUTION 23-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 22-04, PERMITTING A NEW, ONE-
STORY, 2,628 SQUARE -FOOT SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNIT,
WITH A DETACHED THREE -CAR GARAGE. THE SUBJECT SITE IS
LOCATED AT 3913 GERNERT AVENUE (APN: 5390-001-035), IN THE
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1) ZONE.
WHEREAS, on November 7, 2022, Anny La submitted a Design Review
application requesting approval to construct a new, one-story, 2,628 square -foot single-
family dwelling unit with a detached three -car garage;
WHEREAS, 3913 Gernert Avenue is located in the Single -Family Residential (R-
1) zoning district;
WHEREAS, Section 17.28.020(C) of the Rosemead Municipal Code provides the
criteria for a Design Review;
WHEREAS, Sections 65800 & 65900 of the California Government Code and
Section 17.28.020(C) of the Rosemead Municipal Code authorize the Planning
Commission to approve, conditionally approve, or deny Design Review applications;
WHEREAS, on January 26, 2023, forty-four (44) 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 Design Review 22-04;
WHEREAS, on February 6, 2023, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed
and advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to Design
Review 22-04; 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 Design
Review 22-04 is classified as a Class 3 Categorical Exemption, pursuant to Section 15303
of the 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 Design Review 22-04, in accordance with Section
17.28.020(C) of the Rosemead Municipal Code as follows:
A. The plans indicate proper consideration for the relationship between the
proposed building and site developments that exist or have been approved for the general
neighborhood.
FINDING: The subject property is located within an established residential area of
the City. The one-story design of the single-family dwelling is consistent with the
surrounding neighborhood as the majority of the single-family dwellings within 500 feet of
the subject property are one-story units. The applicant has provided an aesthetically
complementary design, which consists of a contemporary Victorian Ranch design, with
neutral, earth -tone colors, decorative hardscape materials for driveways, and new
landscaping. The development would improve the overall aesthetics of the surrounding
neighborhood.
B. The plan for the proposed structure and site development indicates the manner
in which the proposed development and surrounding properties are protected against
noise, vibrations, and other factors which may have an adverse effect on the environment,
and the manner of screening mechanical equipment, trash, storage and loading areas.
FINDING: The proposed single-family dwelling unit is designed with front yard,
side, and rear yard setbacks that meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the R-1
zone, which creates a sufficient buffer between the single-family dwelling unit and the
surrounding properties to protect against noise, vibrations, and other factors, which may
have an adverse effect on the environment and neighborhood. The single-family dwelling
unit exceeds the minimum required side yard setback by ten feet along the south property
line. In addition, this development would not generate any foreseeable permanent
negative impacts to the noise levels of the surrounding area. Furthermore, the proposed
porch would be street -facing and would not impinge on the privacy of neighboring
properties. All proposed mechanical equipment would be fully screened from public view,
and landscaping has been proposed to be incorporated throughout the perimeter of the
property. All construction work would be required to comply with the timeframe and
decibel levels indicated in the City of Rosemead Noise Ordinance. Conditions of Approval
will address factors such as construction hours, noise, and landscaping.
C. The proposed building or site development is not, in its exterior design and
appearance, so at variance with the appearance of other existing buildings or site
developments in the neighborhood as to cause the nature of the local environment to
materially depreciate in appearance and value.
FINDING: The proposed project would not depreciate the appearance and value
of the local environment. Staff has worked closely with the applicant to achieve a
residential design that would complement the neighborhood character. The applicant has
proposed a one-story contemporary Victorian Ranch design, which incorporates some
aesthetic characteristics found in residences currently built in the immediate
neighborhood. To complement the architectural style of the surrounding neighborhood
and create visual interest, the project incorporates design elements such as decorative
railings, stone veneer, fiber cement plank siding, and dormer windows to the single-family
dwelling unit. The project also incorporates interlocking brick pavers for the driveways
and perimeter landscaping to improve the aesthetics of the property while helping soften
the appearance of the single-family dwelling unit.
D. The proposed building or structure is in harmony with the proposed
developments on land in the general area, especially those instances where buildings are
within or adjacent to land shown on the General Plan as being part of the Civic Center or
in public or educational use, or are within or immediately adjacent to land included within
any precise plan which indicates building shape, size, or style.
FINDING: The subject property is not part of the Civic Center Plan, precise plan,
or land reserved for public or educational use. The applicant has proposed an
aesthetically pleasing design that is within the vicinity of other one-story single-family
dwelling units with complementary architectural features and design elements.
E. The proposed development is in conformity with the standards of this Code and
other applicable ordinances in so far as the location and appearance of the buildings and
structures are involved.
FINDING: The proposed development satisfies all of the minimum zoning code
requirements for the R-1 zone, and all applicable referenced code sections of the
Rosemead Municipal Code.
F. The site plan and the design of the buildings, parking areas, signs, landscaping,
luminaries, and other site features indicate that proper consideration has been given to
both the functional aspects of the site development, such as automobile and pedestrian
circulation, and the visual effect of the development from the view of public streets.
FINDING: Pedestrian and vehicular access would be along Gernert Avenue. The
design and construction of this project would preserve and provide adequate access and
circulation for vehicular and pedestrian traffic as the applicant has proposed to locate the
detached garage at the rear or the property. In addition, the proposed porch would be
street -facing along Gernert Avenue and would not impinge on the privacy of the
neighboring properties. The incorporation of interlocking pavers on the proposed
driveway and new landscaping will significantly improve the visual effect of the site from
the view of the public street.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Design Review 22-
04, permitting a new, one-story, 2,628 square -foot single-family dwelling unit with a
detached three -car garage located at 3913 Gernert Avenue, 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 February 6, 2023, by the following vote:
AYES:
BERRY, ESCOBAR, LOPEZ, TANG, AND UNG
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
SECTION 6. The Secretary shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall
transmit copies of same to the applicant and the Rosemead City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 6th day of February, 2023.
NUI KIII11 Is] zI
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 6th day of
February, 2023 by the following vote:
AYES:
BERRY, ESCOBAR,
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
NONE
TANG, AND UNG
Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
14611XI llkljt'_�
Stephanie Gutierrez, Planning Compfiission Attorney
Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
ATTACHMENT"A"
(PC RESOLUTION 23-01)
DESIGN REVIEW 22-04
3913 GERNERT AVENUE
(APN: 5390-001-035)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
FEBRUARY 6, 2023
Standard Conditions of Approvals
Design Review 22-04 ("Project') is approved for the construction of a new, one-
story, 2,628 square -foot single-family dwelling unit with a detached three -car
garage, in accordance with the plans marked Exhibit "B", dated January 3, 2023.
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.
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.
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 aside,
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, Public Works,
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 Division, Planning Division, and Engineering Division shall have
access to the project site at any time during construction to monitor progress.
15. All requirements of the Building and Safety Division, Planning Division, and
Engineering Division shall be complied with prior to the final approval of the
proposed construction.
16. 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
screening walls so as not to be seen from the public right-of-way.
17. 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.
18. Violations of the conditions of approval may result in citation and/or initiation of
revocation proceedings.
Proiect Specific Conditions of Approval
19. 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.
20. All gutters, downspouts, mechanical elements, and/or architectural features shall
be painted to complement the single-family dwelling unit.
21. The front yard fencing along the east property line shall consist of decorative stone
to match the stone veneer of the single-family dwelling unit and the perimeter walls
along the north, east, and west property lines shall consist of split face and CMU
block with the addition of smooth concrete caps.
22. 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. All landscaped areas shall be permanently maintained in a neat
and orderly manner.
Public Works Department 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. Rehabilitation includes existing and
new traffic control devices including but not limited to pavement markers, striping,
and markings to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. All striping and markings
shall be a minimum of two coats of thermoplastic paint.
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 and conform to City of Rosemead Pavement Resurfacing
standard details TS -1 through TS -5. Standard details can be found on the Public
Works webpage at: https://www.cityofrosemead.org.
27. Dedicate street R/W to match the ultimate R/W condition. The ultimate R/W limits
should be behind the proposed sidewalk.
28. The required street improvements shall include those portions of roadways
contiguous to the subject property and include:
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. Construct sidewalk per SPPWC, latest edition.
c. Remove and reconstruct all damaged and/or off -grade curbs, gutters, ADA
ramps, driveway approaches, and sidewalks.
29. All grading projects require an Erosion Control Plan as part of the grading plans.
A grading permit will not be issued until and Erosion Control Plan is approved by
the Engineering Department.
30. Show any easement on the plans as applicable.
31. Print all Project Conditions of Approval on all plan sets.
SEWER
32. All existing laterals to be abandoned shall be capped at the public right of way to
the satisfaction of the City Engineer and the Building Official of the City of
Rosemead.
33. Applicant shall utilize existing sewer lateral(s) if possible.
34. If any drainage fixture elevation is lower than the elevation of the next upstream
manhole cover, an approved backwater valve is required to be installed on the
lateral behind the property line.
35. Water hydrant, water meter box and utilities box shall be located 8 feet away
from parkway trees and 3 feet away from driveway approach.