Planning commission approves 20-unit infill project at 7826 Eastern Avenue with four affordable units

The Bell Gardens Planning Commission adopted staff recommendations to approve site plan SPR25-000012 and a density-bonus request to build a 20-unit apartment complex at 7826 Eastern Avenue, including four deed‑restricted affordable units, a parking concession and a waiver of the city’s common open-space requirement.

Associate Planner Adrian Adduco told commissioners the project would sit on a vacant 23,518-square-foot lot on Eastern Avenue and comprise two three‑story buildings totaling 20 dwelling units, including four deed‑restricted affordable units that will remain restricted for a minimum of 55 years through a recorded density-bonus housing agreement. "The project provides a total of 21 on‑site parking spaces consisting of 16 enclosed parking spaces and 5 surface parking spaces, including 1 ADA parking space," Adduco said, and described architecture and materials as consistent with objective design standards.

Staff recommended that the commission adopt Resolution PC2026‑08, approve SPR25‑000012 and find the project categorically exempt from CEQA under Guidelines section 15332 for infill development. Adduco said the applicant requests the parking concession and one common open‑space waiver pursuant to Government Code section 65915.

Applicant project manager Steven Senemar said the team has worked with Bell Gardens planning staff for roughly 18–19 months and expects construction could finish within about two years. "Most people have at least 2 cars per unit," Senemar said, acknowledging parking limits at the site and saying the proximity to nearby bus stops is part of the project’s justification.

Commissioners focused questions on parking, unit mix and safety. Commissioners asked whether at least some of the four affordable units were studios as listed in the staff report and whether affordable units would match market‑rate units in design and materials. City staff said they would ensure compliance with Government Code section 65915 and that unit types would be adjusted as required by state law; a condition of approval will require staff to confirm the affordable units are comparably distributed and meet state requirements.

Traffic and driveway access were also discussed. The applicant provided a traffic/sequence study; staff said the project triggered a VMT (vehicle‑miles‑traveled) review but did not require a more extensive level‑of‑service or queuing analysis. Public works and plan check will review driveway approaches and any needed traffic controls during building plan review, and the project must meet Los Angeles County fire and life‑safety requirements.

No members of the public spoke during the public-hearing portion. A commissioner moved to adopt staff recommendations, the motion was seconded, and a roll-call vote was recorded: Commissioner Barado — yes; Commissioner Monroy — abstain; Commissioner Preciado — no; Vice Chairperson Barrera — yes. The secretary announced the motion passed.

The approval includes the density bonus, one parking concession and the requested common open‑space waiver; staff will finalize conditions to ensure state density‑bonus requirements and life‑safety standards are met during plan check. The applicant said construction would move forward subject to final ministerial approvals and plan‑check conditions.

Votes and formal action

Motion: "Move forward with staff recommendations as noted in the staff report." Mover: Commissioner Bueno. Second: Commissioner Preciado. Recorded roll call: Commissioner Barado (yes); Commissioner Monroy (abstain); Commissioner Preciado (no); Vice Chairperson Barrera (yes). Outcome: Motion passed.

What happens next

Staff will finalize conditions of approval and proceed with ministerial plan‑check and public‑works reviews; the project must clear LA County fire and other plan‑check requirements before building permits are issued.