HomeMy WebLinkAbout1. PLN-22-00037MCityofDowney
t 1 , 1 4
• • -'
LOCATIOW
ZONING:
III•
ICI
INTERIM f IT"
The Applicant has requested approval of a secondary driveway (PLN-22-00037) to access and
store a recreational vehicle (RV) at the rear of the property. The Downey Municipal Code allows
a secondary driveway for the storage of RVs with the approval from the Planning Commission
• subject to specific standards.The proposed • i driveway complies with these
standards and the property is requesting approval.
Based on the findings contained in this report, staff recommends that the Planning Commission
adopt the following i •
•-� •' 1I • r 1 •r
r 111 r
The subject property is a 11,779 square feet interior lot located on Blodgett Avenue, south of the
105 freeway and in between Gardendale Street and Golden Avenue. The site is zoned R-1
000(Single-familyResidential) and is developed with two detachedsingle-family
Site Photograph
On March 18, 2022, Jawad Haddad, the property owner, submitted an application for a
secondary driveway. On July 7, 2022, after deeming the application complete, staff mailed
notice of the pending public hearing to all property owners within 500 feet of the subject site and
the notice was also published in the Downey Patriot.
DISCUSSION
The subject site is developed with the primary residence facing Blodgett Avenue and an existing
driveway located on the south side of the property. The secondary driveway will be located to
the norther portion of the property. The property will have two driveway aprons, one on either
side of the home. The secondary driveway provides access to a new 34-feet long by 11.25-feet
wide concrete pad to be located at the side of the property where the applicant plans to store a
recreational vehicle. The driveway will be ten feet wide throughout and the concrete pad will be
setback a minimum of five feet from any structures on the property. These physical
characteristics are in compliance with development standards. In addition, the pad will also be a
minimum of ten feet from neighboring structures.
Lastly, the applicant will construct the portion of the driveway most visible to the public right-of-
way in a ribbon strip style. An example of a ribbon strip driveway is attached as Exhibit D. As
required by the municipal code, a different design must be incorporated in order to distinguish
the secondary driveway and limit the amount of hardscape present within the front setback.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Development Review Committee (DRC) discussed and evaluated the project as it pertains
to Planning, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Building and Safety matters. No departments
expressed concerns or opposition over the project, and issued standard conditions.
Recommended conditions of approval have been included in the attached Resolution to address
potential impacts.
PLN-22-00037 — 13205 Blodgett Avenue
July 20, 2022 - Page 2
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
Staff has reviewed the proposed use for compliance with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA). Upon completion of this review, staff determined that this request is categorically
exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15304 (Class 4, Minor Alterations to
Land). Categorical Exemptions are projects, which have been determined not to have a
significant effect on the environment and have been exempted from the requirements of CEQA.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Municipal Code, staff recommends that the Planning
Commission make the following findings to approve the request:
The proposed activity or use will be consistent with the objectives, policies, and
general land uses and programs specified in the City's General Plan.
The project does not conflict with any applicable goals and policies specified in the City's
General Plan. The proposed use is determined to be strictly ancillary to the primary
residential use, and further enhances how the applicant uses their property. The design
of the secondary driveway will be in compliance with the following policy:
Policy 8.3.1— Enhance the views of the property from the public streets to exhibit a
positive image.
The applicant will construct the portion of the driveway most visible to the public right-of-
way in a ribbon strip style. As required by the municipal code, a different design must be
incorporated in order to distinguish the secondary driveway and limit the amount of
hardscape present within the front setback.
2. The proposed activity or use is consistent with other provisions of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code.
A secondary driveway for the purposes of RV storage is a permitted use upon the
approval of the Planning Commission in accordance with Downey Municipal Code
Section 9710.02(m)(2). Furthermore, the project directly complies, or has been
conditioned to comply, with all relevant provisions within Article XI of the Downey
Municipal Code. These provisions include, but are not limited to, review process, width,
design, and location.
3. The proposed activity or use will not result in conditions or circumstances
contrary to the public health, safety, and general welfare.
The incidental nature of the secondary driveway is anticipated to have no lasting effects
to the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community. Secondary driveways
for RV storage are a common feature within R-1 neighborhoods. In addition, all
conditions of approval have been incorporated in an effort to mitigate potential
nuisances.
PLN-22-00037 — 13205 Blodgett Avenue
July 20, 2022 - Page 3
PC Agenda Page 3
CORRESPONDENCE
As of the date that this report was printed, staff has not received any correspondence regarding
this matter.
CONCLUSION
Based on the analysis contained within this report, staff concludes that all of the required
findings can be made in a positive manner. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission
adopt a resolution approving the application.
EXHIBITS
A. Maps
B. Draft Resolution
C. Project Plans
D. Example of Ribbon Strip
PLN-22-00037 — 13205 Blodgett Avenue
July 20, 2022 - Page 4
Exhibit `A'
PLN-22-00037 — 13205 Blodgett Avenue
July 20, 2022 - Page 5
PC Agenda Page 5
PLN-22-00037 — 13205 Blodgett Avenue
July 20, 2022 - Page 6
RESOLUTION NO. 22-
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DOWNEY APPROVING A SECONDARY DRIVEWAY FOR RECREATIONAL
VEHICLE STORAGE (PLN-22-00037) LOCATED AT 13205 BLODGETT
AVENUE, ZONED R-1 5,000 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL)
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. On March 18, 2022, Jawad Haddad (hereinafter "applicant"), submitted a request
for Secondary Driveway for Recreational Vehicle Storage; and,
B. On July 7, 2022, after deeming the application complete, a notice of the public
hearing was sent to all property owners within 500' of the subject site and the
notice was published in Downey Patriot; and,
E. The Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on July 20, 2022,
and after fully considering all oral and written testimony, facts, and opinions
offered at the aforesaid public hearing adopted this resolution.
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
comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and is categorically exempt from
CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15304 (Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land).
SECTION 3. Having considered all of the oral and written evidence presented to it at
said public hearings, the Planning Commission further finds, determines and declares that:
A. The proposed activity or use will be consistent with the objectives, policies, and
general land uses and programs specified in the City's General Plan. The project
does not conflict with any applicable goals and policies specified in the City's
General Plan. The proposed use is determined to be strictly ancillary to the
primary residential use, and further enhances how the applicant uses their
property. The design of the secondary driveway will be in compliance with the
following policy:
Policy 8.3.1— Enhance the views of the property from the public streets to exhibit
a positive image.
The applicant will construct the portion of the driveway most visible to the public
right-of-way in a ribbon strip style. As required by the municipal code, a different
design must be incorporated in order to distinguish the secondary driveway and
limit the amount of hardscape present within the front setback.
B. The proposed activity or use is consistent with other provisions of Article IX of the
Downey Municipal Code. A secondary driveway for the purposes of RV storage
is a permitted use upon the approval of the Planning Commission in accordance
with Downey Municipal Code Section 9710.02(m)(2). Furthermore, the project
PC Agenda Page 7
Resolution No. 22-
Downey Planning Commission
directly complies, or has been conditioned to comply, with all relevant provisions
within Article XI of the Downey Municipal Code. These provisions include, but are
not limited to, review process, width, design, and location.
C. The proposed activity or use will not result in conditions or circumstances
contrary to the public health, safety, and general welfare. The incidental nature of
the secondary driveway is anticipated to have no lasting effects to the public
health, safety, and general welfare of the community. Secondary driveways for
RV storage are a common feature within R-1 neighborhoods. In addition, all
conditions of approval have been incorporated in an effort to mitigate potential
nuisances.
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 Secondary
Driveway (PLN-22-00037), subject to conditions of approval attached hereto, 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 20t" day of July 2022
Patrick Owens, 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 201" day of July
2022 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
COMMISSIONERS:
NOES:
COMMISSIONERS:
ABSENT:
COMMISSIONERS:
ABSTAIN:
COMMISSIONERS:
Mary Cavanagh, Secretary
City Planning Commission
Resolution No. 22-
Downey Planning Commission
SECONDARY DRIVEWAY FOR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE STORAGE (PLN-22-00037)
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
1) The approval of this Secondary Driveway for Recreational Vehicle Storage approves the
size, location, and design of a secondary driveway and concrete pad, located at 13205
Blodgett Avenue.
a. Size: 10-foot wide maximum driveway width within the front setback.
b. Design: Concrete ribbon strip within the front setback.
c. Location:
i. Driveway located to the south of the residential structure.
ii. Concrete pad is setback 32 feet from the front property line and five feet setback
from the north side property line.
2) Approval of this Secondary Driveway for Recreational Vehicle Storage 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) The Owner/Applicant agrees, as a condition of approval of this resolution, to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless, at Applicant's expense, City and City's agents, officers and
employees from and against any claim, action or proceeding commenced within the time
period provided in Government Code Section 66499.37 to attack, review, set aside, void
or annul the approval of this resolution, to challenge the determination made by City
under the California Environmental Quality Act or to challenge the reasonableness,
legality or validity of any condition attached hereto. City shall promptly notify Applicant of
any such claim, action or proceeding to which City receives notice, and City will
cooperate fully with Applicant in the defense thereof. Applicant shall reimburse the City
for any court costs and attorney's fees that the City may be required to pay as a result of
any such claim, action or proceeding. City may, in its sole discretion, participate in the
defense of any such claim, action or proceeding, but such participation shall not relieve
Applicant of the obligations of this condition.
5) An affidavit of Acceptance of Conditions, as provided by the City of Downey, shall be
signed, notarized, and returned to the Planning Division within fifteen (15) days of
approval. This approval will be considered invalid until this condition has been fulfilled.
6) Project must remain in strict conformance with the approved set of plans.
7) The secondary driveway and concrete pad shall only be used for recreational vehicle
storage.
8) Landscaping shall be planted and maintained within and along the sides of the ribbon
strip driveway. Landscaping shall be exclusively drought tolerant.
Resolution No. 22-
Downey Planning Commission
9) Prior to the issuance of any building permit for a secondary driveway, said driveway shall
comply with the approved set of plans.
10) The applicant shall obtain all required Building permits and inspections.
11) This approval shall be valid for the duration of one year. Work must be completed and
receive final building inspections no later than July 20, 2023.
Public Works
12) Proposed public improvements shall comply with the latest edition of Standard Plans
and Specifications for Public Works Construction, City of Downey standards and the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
13) The owner/applicant shall be responsible for the removal of any parkway trees in the
public right-of-way. Any parkway tree removed in the public right-of-way must be
replaced with a tree in accordance to City of Downey Master Tree Plan. The
owner/applicant shall coordinate the species of Tree with Gio Amador of the City of
Downey Tree Maintenance Division at 562-904-7194.
14) Obtain permits from the Public Works Department for all improvements within the public
right of way at least two weeks prior to commencing work. Contact Brian Aleman,
Assistant Civil Engineer, at (562) 904-7110 for information.
15) Encroachment Permit for the driveway approach shall be issued to a contractor whom
possess a valid State of California Contractor's License in the Classification of A,
"General Engineering Contractor" or C-08, "Concrete Contractor".
16) Owner/Applicant shall construct proposed driveway approach per City of Downey
Standard No. 19. Driveway width bottom of X to bottom of X shall be a minimum of 10
feet. The new driveway approach shall be at least five (5) feet away from any above-
ground obstructions (including storm drains) in the public right-of-way to the top of the
driveway 'X" Otherwise, the obstruction shall be relocated at the applicant's
expense. Ensure that each driveway provides proper pedestrian access across, in
compliance with ADA standards. The final layout and site driveway approach design
shall be subject to approval by the Public Works Department.
17) Remove all Underground Service Alert (USA) temporary pavement markings
immediately following the completion of the work / Final permit inspection.
18) Any utilities that are in conflict with the proposed driveway approach shall be relocated at
the owner/applicant's expense. Owner/applicant shall coordinate the relocation with the
utility owner and proper Public Works permit will need to be pulled.
END OF CONDITIONS
PC Agenda Page 10
10,
RIBBION
RV
PARKING
PAD
a
PLN-22-00037 (Secondary Driveway)
13203 Blodgett Ave.
GARAGE
T
LL,
13203
V I o
13205
2'-6" CONCRETE
RIBBONS AND 6-0"
LANDSCAPE MIDDLE
LEGEND
= LANDSCAPING
ml RV PARKING PAD
RIBBON DRIVEWAY
(CONCRETE WITH LANDSCAPE IN MIDDLE)
PC Agenda Page 11
Exhibit D
PC Agenda Page 13
PC Agenda Page 14
PC Agenda Page 15