PC - Minutes - 01-06-25Minutes of the
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
January 6, 2025
The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Escobar at 7:00 PM. Due to technical
difficulties, the audio recording is unavailable.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Commissioner Lopez
INVOCATION — Chair Escobar
ROLL CALL — Chair Escobar, Vice -Chair Ung, Commissioner Lopez, and Commissioner Tang are present.
Commissioner Berry is absent.
STAFF PRESENT — Director of Community Development Valenzuela, Acting Planning and Economic Development
Manager Lao, and Commission Liaison Lam.
EXPLANATION OF HEARING PROCEDURES AND APPEAL RIGHTS
City Attomey Stephanie Gutierrez presented the procedure and appeal rights of the meeting.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
There being no comments, Chair Escobar opened and closed the Public Comment period.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. DESIGN REVIEW (DR) 24.01— California American Water has submitted a Design Review application,
requesting to construct a new two-story 14,148 square foot administrative office building. The granting of
a Discretionary Site Plan and Design Review is required for any proposal to construct a new building of
three thousand (3,000) gross square feet or more in the P-0, C-1, C-3, CBD, CI -MU, and M-1 zones. The
proposed project will also consist of site improvements, the demolition of existing structures, and the
rehabilitation of an existing office building. The subject site is located at 8657 Grand Avenue (APN: 5389-
007-017) in the Light Manufacturing and Industrial (M-1) zone.
CEQA - Section 15332 of the Califomia Environmental Quality Act exempts projects characterized as in-
fill development if the project meets the following conditions: l) The project is consistent with the applicable
general plan designation and all applicable general plan policies as well as with applicable zoning
designation and regulations, 2) The proposed development occurs within city limits on a project site of no
more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses, 3) The project site has no value as habitat
for endangered, rare or threatened species, 4) Approval of the project would not result in any significant
effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality, and 5) The site can be adequately served by
all required utilities and public services. Accordingly, Design Review 24-01 is classified as a Class 32
Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15332 of CEQA guidelines.
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION — It is recommended that the Planning Commission ADOPT Resolution No.
24-11 with findings (Exhibit "A"), and APPROVE Design Review 24-01, subject to the 65 conditions
outlined in Attachment "A" attached hereto.
Acting Planning & Economic Development Manager Lao presented the staff report
Chair Escobar opened the Public Hearing.
Vice Chair Ung asked if the applicant meets the off-street parking code requirements. In addition, she questioned if
there's a distance requirement from the water tank to the parking space and if bollards will be incorporated around it.
Acting Planning & Economic Development Manager Lao confirmed that the project meets the minimum off-street
parking requirements and provides a surplus of one parking space. She deferred the distance requirements between
the water tank and parking to applicant.
The Applicant's Representative, Otanie Green, stated his name and addressed Commissioner Ung's questions.
Vice Chair Ung questioned if there is an increase in employees once the buildings are consolidated. In addition, she
questioned why they are proposing so many parking spaces.
Mr. Green stated that they are maintaining the same number of employees and parking is proposed based on the City's
off-street parking requirements.
Commissioner Tang questioned the use of the new building.
Mr. Green stated that it will be the centralized administrative office building for staff.
Commissioner Lopez questioned the hours of the demolition and how dust would be mitigated throughout the
construction.
Mr. Green responded that those questions will be addressed in the Construction Management Plan.
Chair Escobar closed the public comments and asked staff if additional comments were received.
Acting Planning & Economic Development Manager Lao commented that the only comment received was discussed
during staffs presentation.
There being no additional questions or public comments, Chair Escobar closed the hearing period and requested a
motion and a second motion.
ACTION: Commissioner Tang motioned to approve the project and seconded by Chair Escobar.
Vote resulted in:
Ayes: Escobar, Lopez, Tang and Ung
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Berry
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Vote resulted in 4 Ayes, 0 Noes, and 0 Abstain,1 Absent.
Director Valenzuela explained the ten-day appeal process.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
PC MINUTES 11.18.24
Chair Escobar requested motions to approve the minutes.
ACTION: Vice Chair Ung motioned to approve, and Commissioner Tang seconded the motion.
Vote resulted in:
Ayes: Escobar, Lopez, Tang and Ung
Noes: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Berry
Vote resulted in 4 Ayes, 0 Noes, and 0 Abstain,1 Absent.
5. MATTERS FROM STAFF
Director Valenzuela wished the Commissioners a Happy 2025.
MATTERS FROM THE CHAIR &
The Planning Commissioners all thanked staff for their hard work, expressed their appreciation, and wished Staff a
Happy New Year.
Commissioner Tang asked staff if there are any plans of creating a committee for zoning related projects, similar to the
Garvey Avenue Specific Plan.
Director of Community Development Valenzuela stated that several projects are in discussion, however, due to the
current staff shortage in the Planning Division, these projects have not been initiated. In the future, once the division
retains a full staff, it will be brought to the City Council's attention and should they wish to retain a committee for some
of the items, that may occur.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Escobar adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m. The next Planning Commission Meeting on January 20, 2025, is
cancelled in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. The next regular Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled
for February 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers.
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ATTEST:
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Linda tam
Administrative Assistant
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Emma Escobar
Chair