The Baldwin Park Planning Commission on Nov. 12 approved a zoning variance to convert a vacant 3,459-square-foot commercial building at 14650 Pacific Avenue into three dwelling units and an accessory dwelling unit. The commission adopted Resolution PC 25-20, approving ZV25-04 along with a related design review and ADU permit and finding the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under the small-structure conversion exemption.

Staff described the project as an adaptive reuse of a former physician’s office that has been vacant since July 2020. The proposal would create two two-bedroom apartments, one one-bedroom unit with a den, and one one-bedroom ADU. To make the conversion feasible on the existing building footprint, staff recommended deviations from several development standards: a front-yard setback reduction from the 15-foot requirement to 0 feet (to allow carports at the front), a side-yard reduction from a 10-foot standard to 4 feet 10 inches on one side, and a private-open-space reduction from the 200-square-foot requirement to about 147 square feet because of fire access constraints.

"Because it is a conversion of an existing space, it is exempt by CEQA under new construction or conversion of small structures," staff said, citing the CEQA class 3 exemption (staff materials referenced the CEQA guideline provision cited in the record). Staff also added a condition to the resolution requiring removal of the existing pole sign prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Commissioners asked about neighborhood notification, visual screening for front-facing carports, and the practical effects of reduced side-yard setbacks. Staff replied notices were sent pursuant to timelines, said the property is recessed and will include enhanced parkway landscaping to lessen visual impacts, and noted the reduced side-yard dimension is comparable to single-family setbacks and borders a flood-control channel on one side. The project team and the project architect said they aimed to preserve the building’s existing façade and to limit demolition while providing emergency access in the side yard rather than regular tenant circulation.

A commissioner moved to approve the project with staff’s recommended conditions and the categorical exemption; a roll call recorded Vice Chair Miranda DeZinn and Commissioner Rodriguez voting yes and the motion carried. The record shows the resolution adopting findings and approving the request to facilitate the conversion of the existing 3,459-square-foot building into three dwelling units and one ADU at 14650 Pacific Avenue.

The commission also introduced newly seated Commissioner Benny Arias, who said he has lived in Baldwin Park for 28 years. The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.