Planning commission approves two‑story addition at 19525 Sherrill Avenue

The Cerritos Planning Commission on July 2 approved Precise Plan 2025‑6, permitting a first‑floor addition of 574 square feet and a second‑floor addition of 686 square feet to an existing single‑family residence at 19525 Sherrill Avenue, Cerritos, California 90703. The commission adopted the resolution by a 5-0 vote.

Associate Planner Mitrae Anthony presented the project and said the property is zoned single‑family RS‑5000 and the work would bring the house to two stories while meeting setbacks and lot‑coverage requirements. The proposed first floor will include a living room, dining room, kitchen, family room, a bedroom with bath, two additional bedrooms, a powder room and laundry; the first floor also includes a 95‑square‑foot front porch. The second floor will include a master bedroom suite and a 106‑square‑foot balcony facing Sherrill Avenue.

Anthony noted an unpermitted rear‑yard structure will be demolished as part of the project and that the project will use white stucco with reddish‑brown trim, stone veneer on publicly visible elevations and Spanish‑Tuscany composite roof tile. Staff added project‑specific Condition of Approval 43 requiring the applicant to remove brick pavers from the parkway adjacent to the driveway apron and restore plantings.

Commissioners asked staff to clarify standard condition language on window trim (Condition 27). Commissioner Chowhan asked whether the trim requirement was 4 inches or 6 inches and whether materials other than wood were acceptable. Current Planning Manager Amanda Acuna told the commission the city’s residential design requirements call for a minimum 4‑inch trim and that acceptable materials may include wood, stucco or other approved materials; the project plans show a minimum 4‑inch trim. Commissioners also asked about Condition 30(c), which requires two coats of anti‑graffiti coating for block walls facing public areas; Assistant City Engineer Jared Lee and staff said private property owners are responsible for graffiti removal on private property, though the director of public works may authorize city maintenance assistance in visible cases.

Anthony said the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and that staff had not received public comments on the proposal; property owners within 500 feet were notified at least 10 days before the hearing. After questions and no public commenters, Commissioner Surty moved to approve the resolution and Vice Chair Javeri seconded; the electronic vote was 5-0.

The approval is subject to the conditions listed in the staff report, including the parkway restoration requirement and materials and color approvals by the Department of Community Development.