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Montebello planning commission approves 5,516‑sq‑ft commercial building, parking plan
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a site plan, setback variances, a conditional use permit and a parking management plan to allow a single‑story, 5,516‑square‑foot commercial building with seven retail/office units and a new surface parking lot on an adjacent residentially zoned parcel; the motion passed with one abstention.
The Montebello Planning Commission voted to approve a site plan review, zone variance, conditional use permit and parking management plan for a new single‑story, 5,516‑square‑foot commercial building containing seven retail and office units and an associated surface parking lot on two vacant parcels in Montebello.
Grace Hayashi, the city staff presenter, told commissioners the project covers two adjacent vacant parcels (APNs 6346‑003‑022 and 6346‑003‑021) and that the applicant reduced building area from 5,814 to 5,516 square feet after adding landscaping, yielding one additional parking space. "Based on the total area of the 5,516 square feet, the project will require a total of 14 spots," Hayashi said, noting the proposal includes 15 standard stalls on the parking parcel plus five tandem employee spaces designated through the parking management plan.
The project requests variances from Montebello Municipal Code setback requirements: a 5‑foot front setback instead of the 10 feet normally required where a building fronts a residentially zoned parcel, and a 0‑foot side setback where 15 feet is required adjacent to residential. Staff recommended the commission adopt Resolution No. 11‑25 approving the site plan review (PC2025‑001‑SPR), zone variance (PC2025‑0007‑ZV), conditional use permit (PC2025‑0007‑CUP) and parking management plan (PC2025‑0010‑PMP). Hayashi also stated the project is considered covered by an infill development categorical exemption under CEQA (Class 32).
Chuck Lau of Liu Architects, representing applicant Robert Liu, described the proposal as an infill project consistent with the city’s general plan and existing infrastructure. "We believe that it serves the community and it is consistent with the goals and objectives of the city's general plan," Lau said. He added the team had walked the site and proposed a landscape buffer along the south property line to provide privacy screening between the new parking lot and the adjacent single‑family residence.
Commissioners pressed the applicant on tenant outreach, neighborhood contact, vehicle circulation and security. Lau said the applicant had not finalized tenants and had not personally contacted adjacent neighbors but expected the public hearing and mailed notice to prompt comments; staff confirmed no written comments had been received. On circulation, staff confirmed the northeast parcel is owned by the same property owner and that any future shared or overflow parking would require a written parking agreement reviewed by planning staff. On security, the applicant said no gates or fencing were currently proposed and that businesses did not intend to operate late at night; staff said the plans will include a 6‑foot fence plus landscaping along the southern buffer.
A commissioner noted the site's proximity to Adventist Point Memorial Hospital and suggested the center could attract higher‑paying jobs depending on tenant mix. Hayashi said final tenant uses (office, retail, takeout food with no seating) and parking calculations were shown on the plans and that the project will proceed through administrative plan check, building and fire review, and a required lot merger during the plan‑check process.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to adopt Resolution No. 11‑25 approving the project as conditioned; the motion was seconded. The commission conducted a roll‑call vote. Vice Chair Lomeli registered an abstention; other commissioners voted in favor and the motion passed.
The commission’s approval permits the applicant to proceed to administrative plan check and building review, subject to the conditions in Resolution No. 11‑25 and the required lot merger prior to issuance of permits. Staff and the applicant were available for follow‑up questions at the meeting.
Votes at a glance: Resolution No. 11‑25 (site plan review, zone variance, CUP, parking management plan) — Outcome: approved; yes: Commissioners Lopez, Cuevas, Morales, Chairperson Medina; abstain: Vice Chair Lomeli.
