La Habra planning commission approves design review for 815 East La Habra Boulevard doctor's office

The City of La Habra Planning Commission on Feb. 10 approved a design review to renovate and expand an existing building at 815 East La Habra Boulevard into a two-story, 1,500-square-foot doctor's office.

Ashley Eid, senior planner for the City of La Habra, told commissioners the project site is on the north side of La Habra Boulevard between College Street and Valencia Street and occupies a 6,500-square-foot parcel. The site currently contains a 978-square-foot, one-story building constructed in 1920 that was last used by a printing and form distribution business in 2020. "Staff recommends the planning commission approve this project subject to the conditions of approval," Eid said.

The proposal calls for a relocated driveway and a one-way drive aisle, six parking spaces at the rear of the site, removal of existing chain-link fencing and construction of six-foot CMU walls along the eastern and western boundaries, a six-foot wrought-iron fence along the northern boundary and six-foot swing-open wrought-iron gates at the entrance and exit. Landscaping described by staff includes crepe myrtle at the La Habra Boulevard frontage and a mix of trees and drought-tolerant shrubs. The project's architecture complies with the La Habra Boulevard Specific Plan, featuring Spanish-Mediterranean elements, earth-tone stucco and a red clay tile roof.

Commissioners asked staff how the driveway flow would be communicated to drivers and whether elevator access shown on the plans was currently in place. Eid said the one-way flow would be marked with signage and ground striping: "Yes. So there will be, there will be a sign and then striping with arrows on the ground." Eid also said the elevator shaft shown is not presently built and that elevator/ADA requirements would be addressed by building and safety review.

Delfin Pukiz, a member of the project's architect design team, spoke in support of the project and said the applicant and owners agreed with the staff presentation.

Commissioner Mahecha recused herself from the discussion and vote, stating for the record that her primary residence is within 500 feet of the project. Commissioner Cardenas moved to approve a resolution finding the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (Class 32, infill development) and approving Design Review DRPH 2043 as conditioned; Commissioner Ramsland seconded. The motion passed 3-0. The decision becomes effective in 10 working days unless appealed to the City Council.

The approval covers the project description and the conditions of approval recommended by staff; commissioners did not add conditions during the hearing. Any building permits or further entitlements will be subject to subsequent building and safety review.