Planning Commission continues hearing on proposed 14‑bed residential care facility at 10628 Jordan Road to Oct. 20

The Whittier Planning Commission continued the public hearing on Conditional Use Permit CUP25-0003 and Development Review DRC25-0400 for a proposed residential care facility at 10628 Jordan Road to October 20, 2025, to allow staff, building-safety reviewers and the applicant to respond to outstanding technical questions.

Staff told the commission the existing single-family residence would be converted to a residential care facility for the elderly serving up to 14 residents, including a 441-square-foot rear addition; staff found the project categorically exempt under CEQA Class 1 (existing facilities) and recommended approval with conditions, including a requirement to obtain state license approval from the California Department of Social Services and building- and fire-department clearances.

Commissioners pressed staff on accessibility and building-code issues, noting that the architectural plans as presented did not appear to show ADA-compliant bathrooms or other features and that some accessibility items are typically enforced at the building plan-check stage. Commissioner Borsey asked specifically about Condition 21-style items and accessibility verification; staff pointed to Condition 14 and Condition 25, which require the applicant to demonstrate compliance with accessibility requirements prior to issuance of building permits and to complete on-site accessibility improvements to the satisfaction of the building official.

Commissioners also asked for enhanced language on landscaping and programming so outdoor spaces are secure and usable for therapy and recreation for the facility’s residents; staff suggested amending Condition 15 to require open areas to be landscaped, maintained in healthy condition and ‘‘programmed for use by elderly residents.’’ Members of the public raised environmental and safety concerns, including proximity to Jordan Elementary School and past pesticide exposure on nearby open land, and one commenter said the facility would charge about $7,000 per month per resident (a figure provided by a public commenter, not by staff).

Given the unresolved technical questions and the applicant’s absence, the commission voted to continue the hearing to Oct. 20, 2025, to allow the applicant and building-safety staff to address ADA, security, programming and licensing questions.

What’s next: Staff will work with the applicant to provide clearer documentation of the intended resident type, accessibility measures, secure landscape programming, and state licensing steps before the hearing is resumed on Oct. 20.