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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Reso 11-2734RESOLUTION NO. 11-2734 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY APPROVING A SITE PLAN REVIEW (PLN -11-0101), THEREBY ALLOWING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 2,700 SQUARE FOOT ADDITION TO AN EXISTING 3,800 SQUARE FOOT MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING LOCATED AT 7862 FIRESTONE BLVD, ZONED C-2 (GENERAL COMMERCIAL) THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Downey does hereby find, determine and declare that: A. April 22, 2011, the applicant submitted a Site Plan Review (PLN -11-00101) application, requesting to construct the proposed addition to the existing building. After a careful review of the application, it was subsequently deemed incomplete do to missing information on the project plans; and, B. August 15, 2011, the applicant submitted the remainder of the information requested by staff in order to complete the application. Accordingly, staff deemed the application complete on August 30, 2011, C. On September 8, 2011, notice of the pending application published in the Downey Patriot. Furthermore, the notice was mailed to all property owners within 500' of the subject site on September 9, 2011; and, D. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on September 21, 2011 and after fully considering all oral and written testimony and facts and opinions offered at the aforesaid public hearing adopted this resolution, subject to conditions of approval (Exhibit A). SECTION 2. The Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares the environmental impact of the proposed development has been reviewed and has been found to be in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is categorically exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15303 (Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures). SECTION 3. Having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at said public hearings, regarding the Site Plan Review, the Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares that: The site plan is consistent with the goals and polices embodied in the General Plan and other applicable plans and policies adopted by the Council. The proposed Site Plan Review is to construct an addition to existing building to expand a medical office building. General Plan Policy 5.9.1 states "Support the provision of health care services." Allowing the expansion of the medical office building is consistent with this policy. Furthermore, by allowing the proposed addition the property owner will be able to upgrade the appearance of the entire property, which is consistent with General Plan Policy 8.2.2, "Promote the upgrading of properties." For these reasons, the proposal is consistent with the goals and polices embodied in the General Plan. 2. The proposed development is in accordance with the purposes and objectives of this article and the zone in which the site is located. The subject site is within the C-2 (General Commercial) zone. According to the Municipal Code, "the C-2 Zone is Resolution No. 11-2734 Downey Planning Commission intended to provide for and encourage the orderly development of general commercial uses, with a wide variety of goods and services, for the residents of the entire City, with provisions designed to ensure that such commerce will be efficient, functionally related, and compatible with adjacent noncommercial development." Inasmuch as, the proposed medical office building is intended to serve the entire community, rather than the local neighborhood, the proposal is consistent with the intent of the C-2 zone. Furthermore, since the proposal meets all of the development standards it is being proposed in accordance with the objectives of the zone. 3. The proposed development's site plan and its design features, including architecture and landscaping, will integrate harmoniously and enhance the character and design of the site, the immediate neighborhood, and the surrounding areas of the City. As part of the proposed addition the applicant will change the architectural appearance to the site to have a Neo -Spanish style. Additionally, they will upgrade the on-site landscaping and provide additional parking. These changes, will not only serve to enhance the site, but will provide an aesthetic enhancement the entire area since it is an overall upgrade to the property and augments the quality of the streetscape. 4. The site plan and location 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 effects of the development from the view of the public streets. The existing building and proposed addition are located along the easterly side of the lot, adjacent to the front property line. This allows traffic and pedestrians to enter the site on the westerly side of the building through a single driveway (a walkway is provided for pedestrians). Parking is to the rear of the building. This site layout works best to facilitate vehicle movement while maximizing pedestrian safety. Furthermore, the proposed building design enhances the view of the property from the adjoining right of way. Accordingly, it is found that the functional aspects of the site development, such as automobile and pedestrian circulation, and the visual effects of the development from the view of the public streets have been properly considered in this request. 5. The proposed development will improve the community appearance by preventing extremes of dissimilarity or monotony in new construction or in alterations of facilities. In reviewing the surrounding sites, it was noted that there is a virtual plethora of architectural styles in the area. The proposed architecture is a Neo - Spanish style, with the use of stucco siding and stacked stone. While this type of architectural style can be found on other commercial buildings in the area, it is not considered a standardize style. Therefore, the proposed architectural style is neither dissimilar nor monotonous from other buildings in the area and that this project will upgrade the overall appearance of the site and, in turn, improve the community appearance. 6. The site plan and design considerations shall tend to upgrade property in the immediate neighborhood and surrounding areas with an accompanying betterment of conditions affecting the public health, safety, comfort, and welfare. The applicant will upgrade the entire building to the new architectural style. Furthermore, the applicant will improve the remainder of the site with a parking and increase the amount of landscaping on the property. The applicant's proposal will serve to better the visual Site Plan Review (PLN -11-00101) — 7862 Firestone Blvd September 21, 2011 - Page 2 Resolution No. 11-2734 Downey Planning Commission characteristics of the area, thereby improving conditions affecting the public health, safety, comfort, and welfare 7. The proposed development's site plan and its design features will include graffiti - resistant features and materials in accordance with the requirements of Section 4960 of Chapter 10 of Article IV of this Code. As part of the conditions of approval for this Site Plan Review, a condition of approval has been included to require the use of graffiti resistant materials in the construction of the building. SECTION 4. Based upon the findings set forth in Sections 1 through 3 of this Resolution, the Planning Commission of the City of Downey hereby approves the Site Plan Review (PLN -11-00101), subject to conditions of approval attached hereto as Exhibit A, which are necessary to preserve the health, safety and general welfare of the community and enable the Planning Commission to make the findings set forth in the previous sections. The conditions are fair and reasonable for the accomplishment of these purposes SECTION 5. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 21St day of September, 2011. J Robert Kiefer, Chairman City Planning Commission I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Downey at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 21St day of September, 2011, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Lujan, Garcia, Morales, Murray, Kiefer NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: None ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONER: None J(LL1L- (- -1 a, ri, (.; - , . - z (zck-C Theresa Donahue, Secretary City Planning Commission Site Plan Review (PLN -11-00101) — 7862 Firestone Blvd September 21, 2011 - Page 3 Resolution No. 11-2734 Downey Planning Commission SITE PLAN REVIEW (PLN -11-00101) EXHIBIT A - CONDITIONS PLANNING 1) The approval of this Site Plan Review (PLN -11-00101) allows for the construction of a 2,700 square foot addition to an existing 3,800 square foot medical office building on property located at 7862 Firestone Blvd. 2) Approval of this Site Plan Review shall not be construed to mean any waiver of applicable and appropriate zoning regulations, or any Federal, State, County, and City laws and regulations. Unless otherwise expressly specified, all other requirements of the City of Downey Municipal Code shall apply. 3) The City Planner is authorized to make minor modifications to the approved preliminary plans or any of the conditions if such modifications shall achieve substantially the same results as would strict compliance with said plans and conditions. 4) A minimum of 33 parking spaces shall be provided at all times. The applicant shall maintain a 25' wide drive aisle from the street to the customer parking area. 5) The approved architectural style of the building shall be Neo -Spanish. All colors and finish material shall be as approved by the Planning Commission. 6) All landscaping shall be as approved by the Planning Commission and shall be maintained at all times. 7) The all buildings, including windows, shall be finished with graffiti resistant materials_ Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the City Planner, that the finished materials will comply with this requirement. 8) Any graffiti applied to the site shall be removed within 48 hours. 9) The applicant shall comply with the art in public places requirements set forth in Downey Municipal Code 8950 et seq. 10) All signs shall comply with Chapter 6 of Article IX of the Downey Municipal Code. BUILDING 11) All construction shall comply with the 2010 California Building Code and Title 24 of the California Energy Code. 12) Prior to the commencement of construction, the applicant shall obtain all required permits. Additionally, the applicant shall obtain all necessary inspections and permit final prior to beginning operation of the site. PUBLIC WORKS 13) The applicant shall install all utilities associated with this project underground. 14) All areas within the scope of work of this project shall comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act; Site Plan Review (PLN -11-00101) — 7862 Firestone Blvd September 21, 2011 - Page 4 Resolution No. 11-2734 Downey Planning Commission the General Construction Activities Stormwater Permit (GCASP) of the State, the Stormwater Quality Management Plan (SQMP) of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, and Ordinance 1142 of the Downey Municipal Code. 15) Prior to the issuance of permits, the applicant shall complete a Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Management Plan per Article V, Chapter 8 of the Downey Municipal Code. 16) Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall obtain approval of a water utility plan to determine that there is sufficient supply to meet the water usage demand (including fire sprinklers) of the site. FIRE DEPARTMENT 17) Plans to be submitted through Building and Safety and shall comply with 2010 California Fire Code, 2010 California Building Code, current Downey Municipal Code Ordinances and any other pertinent requirements to be determined at time of plan submission and review. 18) Prior to the issuance of building permits, the applicant shall provide a fire flow test (for all hydrants and necessary water lines) to ensure sufficient capacity exists on the site. 19) All buildings on site shall have a fully automatic fire sprinkler system, which is approved by the City of Downey Fire Department, throughout. 20) A commercial fire alarm system, which is approved by the City of Downey Fire Department, shall be provided on all buildings. 21) Prior to the final of building permits, the applicant shall provide Knox box/lock access to all buildings and gates on the site. 22) All doorways, elevators and surgical suites to be accessible for emergency transportation gurneys. 23) All "Medical Gas" plumbing and related equipment shall be approved by the Fire Department prior to installation. HACommunity Development\Planning Commission\Resolutions\201 1 \1 1-2734.doc Site Plan Review (PLN -11-00101) — 7862 Firestone Blvd September 21, 2011 - Page 5