HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecision Letter
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
ArcadiaCA.gov | 240 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 | (626) 574- 5415
July 29, 2025 Via Email & EDGE Portal
Alan Gao
135 S. State College Boulevard
Brea, CA 92821
Subject: Single Story Architectural Design Review No. SSADR 25-07 and Major
Administrative Modification No. Major AM 25-06
Project Address: 139 Laurel Avenue
Dear Mr. Gao,
The public comment period for the Notice of Pending Decision has ended. Staff did not
receive any comments during the comment period. The Development Services Department
has conditionally approved Single Story Architectural Design Review No. SSADR 25-07 and
Major Administrative Modification No. Major AM 25-06 for a 908 square foot rear addition to
the home and to rebuild the existing roof throughout the existing structure, and a
modification to increase the height of a portion of an existing wall that is located 3’-10” from
the side property line, which is less than the required setback of five (5) feet, at the property
located at 139 Laurel Avenue.
According to Arcadia Development Code Section 9107.05.050, it states that an Administrative
Modification may be approved if at least one of the following findings can be made.
1. Secure an appropriate improvement of a lot;
2. Prevent an unreasonable hardship; or
3. Promote uniformity of development.
The requested modification to allow an increase in the height of a legal nonconforming side
yard wall will secure an appropriate improvement of the lot and promote uniformity of
development by facilitating a remodel that enhances the functionality and arch itectural
consistency of the existing home. The subject property has an existing nonconforming side
yard setback of 3’-10”, where the minimum required side yard setback is 5’-0”. The
modification would allow the height of the existing nonconforming wall to be increased by
2’-0” to accommodate a uniform 8’-6” plate height throughout the house and support a new
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hip roof design, replacing the existing gable roof. The proposed remodel will eliminate the
existing plate height discrepancy and provide a consistent ceiling height throughout the
residence. The introduction of a hip roof will reduce the perceived massing of the building
along the side yard and create a more visually cohesive design that is compatible with
surrounding development. The modification does not propose to expand the existing
building footprint, and no new windows or openings are proposed on the modified wall, thus
maintaining privacy for adjacent neighbors.
Rebuilding the existing wall at a higher but still modest height allows for necessary upgrades
while avoiding inefficient or impractical alternatives, such as stepping back the wall or
constructing an awkward internal ceiling transition. The requested modi fication enhances
the architectural character of the property, and is not expected to result in any negative
impacts to surrounding properties and therefore promotes uniformity of development and
is an appropriate improvement of the lot. Aside from the proposed modification, the overall
project will be consistent with the City’s Development Code and Single -Family Residential
Design Guidelines.
The proposed project qualifies as both a Class 1 and Class 5 Categorical Exemption for an
addition to an existing facility and minor alterations in land use limitations from the
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Sections 15301 and
15305 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Conditions of Approval
1. The project shall be developed and maintained by the Property Owner/Applicant in a
manner that is consistent with the plans submitted and conditionally approved for
Single Story Architectural Design Review No. SSADR 25 -07 and Major Administrative
Modification No. Major AM 25-06, subject to the satisfaction of the Deputy
Development Services Director or designee.
2. Prior to building plan check submittal, the Property Owner/Applicant shall submit an
updated landscape plan to the City’s Planning Division for review. The landscape plan
shall include additional mature planting along the street side yard setback to promote
privacy and screen the rear addition, and updated front yard landscaping to
complement the home’s updated architectural style. The landscape plan shall comply
with the provisions of the Development Code and must be prepared by a landscape
architect if the aggregate area of proposed landscaping exceeds 2,500 square feet,
subject to the City’s Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance (WELO).
3. The Property Owner/Applicant shall comply with all City requirements regarding
building safety, fire prevention, detection, suppression, emergency access, public right-
of-way improvements, parking, water supply and water facilities, sewer facilities, trash
reduction and recycling requirements, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) measures to the satisfaction of the Building Official, Fire Marshal,
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Public Works Services Director, and Planning & Community Development
Administrator, or their respective designees. Compliance with these requirements is to
be determined by having fully detailed construction plans submitted for plan check
review and approval by the foregoing City officials and employees.
4. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Applicant must defend, indemnify, and hold
the City, any departments, agencies, divisions, boards, and/or commissions of the City,
and its elected officials, officers, contractors serving as City officials, agents, employees,
and attorneys of the City (“Indemnitees”) harmless from liability for damages and/or
claims, actions, or proceedings for damages for personal injuries, including death, and
claims for property damage, and with respect to all other actions and liabilities for
damages caused or alleged to have been caused by reason of the Applicant’s activities
in connection with SSADR 25-07 and Major AM 25-06 (“Project”) on the Project site, and
which may arise from the direct or indirect operations of the Applicant or those of the
Applicant’s contractors, agents, tenants, employees or any other persons acting on
Applicant’s behalf, which relate to the development and/or construction of the Project.
This indemnity provision applies to all damages and claims, actions, or proceedings for
damages, as described above, regardless of whether the City prepared, supplied, or
approved the plans, specifications, or other documents for the Project.
In the event of any legal action challenging the validity, applicability, or interpretation
of any provision of this approval, or any other supporting document relating to the
Project, the City will notify the Applicant of the claim, action, or proceedings and will
cooperate in the defense of the matter. The Applicant must indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the Indemnitees, and each of them, with respect to all liability, costs and
expenses incurred by, and/or awarded against, the City or any of the Indem nitees in
relation to such action. Within 15 days’ notice from the City of any such action, the
Applicant shall provide to the City a cash deposit to cover legal fees, costs, and expenses
incurred by City in connection with defense of any legal action in an initial amount to
be reasonably determined by the City Attorney. The City may draw funds from the
deposit for such fees, costs, and expenses. Within 5 business days of each and every
notice from City that the deposit has fallen below the initial amount, Applicant shall
replenish the deposit each and every time in order for City’s legal team to continue
working on the matter. The City shall only refund to the Developer any unexpended
funds from the deposit within 30 days of: (i) a final, non-appealable decision by a court
of competent jurisdiction resolving the legal action; or (ii) full and complete settlement
of legal action. The City shall have the right to select legal counsel of its choice. The
parties hereby agree to cooperate in defending such action. The City will not voluntarily
assist in any such third-party challenge(s). In consideration for approval of the Project,
this condition shall remain in effect if the entitlement(s) related to this Project is
rescinded or revoked, at the request of the Applicant or not.
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There is a ten (10) day appeal period for this application. To file an appeal, a completed
Appeal Application form must be submitted to the Community Development Division along
with a $772.00 appeal fee by 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025. You will be notified if an
appeal is filed.
Approval of SSADR 25-07 and Major AM 25-06 shall not be of effect unless the property
owner and applicant have executed and filed the enclosed Acceptance Form to indicate
awareness and acceptance of these conditions of approval. The Acceptance Form is due
now and if it is not received by August 29, 2025, this approval will become null and void.
This approval shall expire in one year (August 12, 2026) from the effective date unless a
building permit is issued and the construction is diligently pursued, a certificate of occupancy
has been issued, or the approval is renewed.
An extension may be granted by the Development Services Director or designee, or the
Review Authority that approved the project for a maximum period of one (1) year from the
initial expiration date. An extension can only be granted if the required findings can be
made. Please note that acceptance of an extension request does not indicate approval of an
extension.
A building permit must be obtained prior to any construction activity. Please contact Building
Services at (626) 574-5416 to determine the type of documentation, plans, and fees for the
appropriate permit. This approval letter must be presented to Buildin g Services to initiate
the permitting process.
You may visit the City’s website at www.ArcadiaCA.gov/noticesanddecisions to view this
letter. If you have any questions regarding the above approval, please contact me at (626)
574-5442 or by email at fgraham@ArcadiaCA.gov. Thank you.
Sincerely,
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Community Development Division/Planning Services
Fiona Graham
Planning Services Manager
Attachment
c: Xin Wen Zhang, Property Owner