PC - 2024-06 – Approve Minor Exception 23-14, Permit a 2,114 Sq Ft, Two Story, Single-Family Dwell Unit w/ An Attached Two Car Garage at the Front of a Lot Where a Legal, Nonconforming Single-Family Dwell Unit Exists, at 3322 Rockhold AvePC RESOLUTION 24-06
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
ROSEMEAD, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING MINOR EXCEPTION 23-14, PERMITTING A NEW 2,114
SQUARE -FOOT, TWO-STORY, SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING UNIT
WITH AN ATTACHED TWO -CAR GARAGE AT THE FRONT OF A LOT
WHERE A LEGAL, NONCONFORMING SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
UNIT EXISTS, AND TO REVERT A PERMITTED BONUS ROOM BACK
TO ITS ORIGINAL USE AS A TWO -CAR GARAGE FOR THE EXISTING
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING, LOCATED AT 3322 ROCKHOLD AVENUE
(APN: 5288-016-007), IN A LIGHT MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL (R-2)
ZONE.
WHEREAS, on November 1, 2023, James Ming Feng submitted a Minor Exception
application, requesting approval to construct a new 2,114 square -foot, two-story, single-
family dwelling unit with an attached two -car garage at the front of a lot where a legal,
nonconforming single-family dwelling unit exists, and to revert a permitted bonus room
back to its original use as a two -car garage for the existing nonconforming, single-family
dwelling unit, located at 3322 Rockhold Avenue;
WHEREAS, 3322 Rockhold Avenue is located in a Light Multiple Residential (R-
2) 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 June 6, 2024, thirty-three (33) 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 23-14; and
WHEREAS, on June 17, 2024, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed and
advertised public hearing to receive oral and written testimony relative to Minor Exception
23-14; 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 23-14 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 23-14, in accordance with Sections
17.142.020(B)(2) and 17.142.020(A)(1)(a) of the Rosemead Municipal Code as follows:
FINDING 1: 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;
FACT: Staff has verified with the Building Official that the proposed development
would not create any hazards or safety problems with the existing structure. The applicant
is proposing to construct a new 2,114 two-story single-family dwelling unit with an
attached two -car garage, which would meet all Building and Safety requirements.
FINDING 2: The proposal includes the necessary work to maintain or improve the
aesthetic appearance or architectural viability of the existing nonconforming structures
onsite;
FACT: The applicant has proposed to renovate the exterior of the existing
nonconforming single-family dwelling unit and detached garage to match the new single-
family dwelling unit at the front. Improvements to the existing single-family dwelling unit
include an exterior fagade renovation to match the colors, materials, and architectural
style of the proposed single-family dwelling unit. A condition has been incorporated to
require that the existing, legal nonconforming single-family dwelling unit and detached
garage to be improved to match the proposed single-family dwelling unit.
FINDING 3: 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;
FACT: Staff has confirmed that the existing legal nonconforming single-family
dwelling unit contains substandard side yard and rear yard setbacks along the north and
east property lines. There are no other nonconforming development standards on the
property.
FINDING 4: The existing nonconforming residential accessory structure(s)
proposed to remain onsite are solely nonconforming due to driveway width, turning radius,
minimum stall size, setbacks, or landscaping;
FACT: The permitted attached patio at the rear of the existing nonconforming
single-family dwelling unit is nonconforming solely due to the rear yard setback. There
are no other nonconforming residential accessory structures proposed to remain on the
property.
SECTION 3. The Planning Commission HEREBY APPROVES Minor Exception
23-14 for a new 2,114, two-story, square -foot single-family dwelling unit with an attached
two -car garage at the front of a lot where a legal, nonconforming single-family dwelling
unit exists, and to revert a permitted bonus room back to its original use as a two -car
garage for the existing single-family dwelling, located at 3322 Rockhold Avenue, 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 June 17, 2024, by the following vote:
AYES: ESCOBAR, LOPEZ, AND UNG
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: BERRY AND TANG
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 17th day of June, 2024.
&�Vo i
Emma Escobar, Vice -Chair
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 17th day of June,
2024, by the following vote:
AYES:
ESCOBAR, LOPEZ, AND UNG
NOES:
NONE
ABSTAIN:
NONE
ABSENT:
BERRY AND TANG
--g'a
Lily alenzuela, Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
d'1" � a z
tephanie Gutie rez ing Commissi rney
Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP
ATTACHMENT"A"
(PC RESOLUTION 24-06)
MINOR EXCEPTION 23-14
3322 ROCKHOLD AVENUE
(APN: 5288-016-007)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
JUNE 17, 2024
Standard Conditions of Approvals
1. Minor Exception 23-14 ('Project') is approved for a new 2,114 square -foot, two-
story, single-family dwelling unit with an attached two -car garage at the front of a
lot where a legal, nonconforming single-family dwelling unit exists, and to revert a
permitted bonus room back to its original use as a two -car garage for the existing
single-family dwelling in accordance with the plans marked Exhibit "B", dated June
5, 2024. 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.
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
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. The existing single-family dwelling unit shall be improved to match the proposed
single-family dwelling unit in terms of colors, materials, and architectural style. All
mechanical and/or architectural features shall be painted to match the single-family
dwelling units.
21. All onsite conditions, such as landscaping and fencing, shall be improved to the
satisfaction of the Planning Division. A fence permit application shall be submitted
to the Planning Division for review and approval prior to the installation of any
fence, wall, gate, etc. All fencing shall incorporate decorative elements.
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.
Building & Safety Conditions of Approval
23. The second sheet of building plans is to list all conditions of approval and to include
a copy of the Planning Commission Decision letter. This information shall be
incorporated into the plans prior to the first submittal for plan check.
24. Plans prepared in compliance with the current Building Code shall be submitted to
Building Division for review prior permit issuance.
25. School Developmental Fees shall be paid to School District prior to the issuance
of the building permit.
26. Fees shall be paid to the County of Los Angeles Sanitation District prior to issuance
of the building permit.
27. The building shall be addressed as 3320 Rockhold Ave and the address of the
existing house to remain 3322 Rockhold, an application to assign unit numbers
shall be filed with the City prior to plan check submittal.
28. In accordance with paragraph 5538(b) of the California Business and Professions
Code, plans are to be prepared and stamped by a licensed architect.
29. Structural calculations prepared under the direction of an architect, civil engineer
or structural engineer shall be provided.
30. Each sheet of the plans shall be stamped and signed by a California licensed
architect or engineer per R301.1.3.2 as adopted and amended by the City, for all
dwellings of wood frame construction more than one story in height or with a
basement located in Seismic Design Category D0, D1, or D2 or E.
31. A grading and drainage plan shall be approved prior to issuance of the building
permit. The grading and drainage plan shall indicate how all storm drainage
including contributory drainage from adjacent lots is carried to the public way or
drainage structure approved to receive storm water.
32. Stormwater Planning Program LID Plan Checklist (MS4-1 FORM) completed by
Engineer of Record shall be copied on the first sheet of Building Plans and on the
first sheet of Grading Plans. When applicable per the LID plan checklist, LID plan
shall be approved through the Engineering Division prior submitting grading plans
for review. The form can be found at the following link
https://www. dropbox.com/sel/fi/m8s 1 r2584cb6fwstigvl b/Rosemead-MS4-1 -LID-
Determination-Form. pdf?rlkey=twd265f61ckgenmk4s1 g hm6ap&d1=0
33. Foundation inspection will not be made until the excavation has been surveyed
and the setbacks determined to be in accordance with the approved plans by a
land surveyor licensed by the State of California. THIS NOTE IS TO BE PLACED
ON THE FOUNDATION PLAN IN A PROMINENT LOCATION.
34. Project shall comply with the CalGreen Residential mandatory requirements.
35. All fire sprinkler hangers must be designed, and their location approved by an
engineer or an architect. Calculations must be provided indicating that the hangers
are designed to carry the tributary weight of the water filled pipe plus a 250 -pound
point load. A plan indication this information must be stamped by the engineer or
the architect and submitted for approval prior to issuance of the building permit.
36. Separate permit is required for Fire Sprinklers.
Public Works Conditions of Approval
37. A separate permit shall first be obtained from the City Public Works Department
prior to placement of any construction materials or equipment in the public right of
way.
38. Install new driveway approach in accordance with SPPWC Standard Plan 110-2,
and as directed by the City Engineer or his/her designee. No portion of the
driveway and/or parkway drain shall encroach to the frontage of the adjacent
property.
39. Remove and replace broken and off grade sidewalk in accordance with SPPWC
standard plan 113-2, and as directed by the City Engineer or his/her designee.
40. Remove and replace broken and off grade curb and gutter in accordance with
SPPWC Standard Plan 120-2, and as directed by the City Engineer or his/her
designee.
41. The approved building address(es) shall be painted on the curb to the City's
standards as required by the Public Works Inspector prior to final inspection.
42. Rehabilitate existing AC street pavement along the property frontage to the
centerline of the street, rehabilitation includes existing and new traffic control
devices including but not limited to pavement markers, striping, and markings as
directed by the City Engineer or his/her designee. You may 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.
43. All utilities to the site shall be underground.
44. Prior to final of the building permit(s), inspection required by Public Works
inspector.
Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts Conditions of Approval
45. The wastewater flow originating from the proposed project will discharge to a local
sewer line, which is not maintained by the Districts, for conveyance to the Districts'
Santa Anita Outfall Trunk Sewer, located in Garvey Avenue at Willard Avenue. The
Districts' 15 -inch diameter trunk sewer has a capacity of 2.6 million gallons per day
(mgd) and conveyed a peak flow of 2.1 mgd when last measured in 2013.
46. The wastewater generated by the proposed project will be treated at the Whittier
Narrows Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) located near the City of South EI Monte,
which has a capacity of 15 mgd and currently processes an average recycled flow
of 8.3 mgd, or at the Los Coyotes WRP located in the City of Cerritos, which has
a capacity of 37.5 mgd and currently processes an average recycled flow of 17.5
mgd.
47. The expected increase in average wastewater flow from the project, described in
the plan as one new singlefamily home, is 260 gallons per day. For a copy of the
Districts' average wastewater generation factors, go to www.lacsd.org, under
Services, then Wastewater Program and Permits and select Will Serve Program,
and click on the Table 1, Loadings for Each Class of Land Use link.
48. The Districts are empowered by the California Health and Safety Code to charge
a fee to connect facilities (directly or indirectly) to the Districts' Sewerage System
or to increase the strength or quantity of wastewater discharged from connected
facilities. This connection fee is used by the Districts for its capital facilities.
Payment of a connection fee may be required before this project is permitted to
discharge to the Districts' Sewerage System. For more information and a copy of
the Connection Fee Information Sheet, go to www.lacsd.org, under Services, then
Wastewater (Sewage) and select Rates & Fees. In determining the impact to the
Sewerage System and applicable connection fees, the Districts will determine the
user category (e.g. Condominium, Single Family Home, etc.) that best represents
the actual or anticipated use of the parcel(s) or facilities on the parcel(s) in the
development. For more specific information regarding the connection fee
application procedure and fees, please contact the Districts' Wastewater Fee
Public Counter at (562) 908-4288, extension 2727.
49. In order for the Districts to conform to the requirements of the Federal Clean Air
Act (CAA), the capacities of the Districts' wastewater treatment facilities are based
on the regional growth forecast adopted by the Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG). Specific policies included in the development of the SCAG
regional growth forecast are incorporated into clean air plans, which are prepared
by the South Coast and Antelope Valley Air Quality Management Districts in order
to improve air quality in the South Coast and Mojave Desert Air Basins as
mandated by the CAA. All expansions of Districts' facilities must be sized and
service phased in a manner that will be consistent with the SCAG regional growth
forecast for the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside,
Ventura, and Imperial. The available capacity of the Districts' treatment facilities
will, therefore, be limited to levels associated with the approved growth identified
by SCAG. As such, this letter does not constitute a guarantee of wastewater
service, but is to advise the applicant that the Districts intend to provide this service
up to the levels that are legally permitted and to inform the applicant of the currently
existing capacity and any proposed expansion of the Districts' facilities.