CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2024..........Section B


SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024

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VOLUME 18 NO. 22VOLUME 18 NO. 22

MOUNT WILSON TRAIL RACE RESULTS..
Page 3

CITY COUNCIL ADOPTS 
ORDINANCE AMENDING 
RESIDENTIAL AND 
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY USE

By Kevin McGuire 

On March 12, 2024, Sierra Madre’s Senior Planner, Joshua 
Wolf, met before the City Council to initiate discussions on 
the uses permissible in the One-Family (R-1) Zone. The main 
focus revolved around temporary use permits (TUP), home 
occupations, and changes that could benefit historic landmarks 
in residential zones. 

After carefully considering the concerns voiced by the 
community and engaging in productive discussions, the City 
Council directed staff and the Planning Commission to draft 
amendments to address these issues. On March 26, 2024, at the 
regular Planning Commission Meeting, a decision was made 
to form a TUP subcommittee. This subcommittee analyzed the 
existing code and prepared a draft set of amendments to the 
TUP ordinance, ensuring that all perspectives are considered. 

The Planning Commission held several public hearings on April 
18, 2024. Draft amendments to the TUP, Historic Preservation, 
and Home Occupation ordinances were presented. After 
several edits, the Planning Commission recommended an 
ordinance amending the Sierra Madre Municipal Code for the 
City Council to adopt. 

Ordinance 1470 would amend the following sections of the 
Municipal Code: Chapter 17.08 (Definitions), Chapter 17.82 
(Historic Preservation), Chapter 17.85 (Home Occupations), 
and Chapter 17.88 (Temporary Use Permits) of Title 17 
(Zoning).

These changes proposed to the City Council resulted from 
the TUP exemption, which allows small events of less than 25 
people to be used more frequently to justify small commercial 
activity, negatively affecting surrounding neighbors.

One property in question is the Lavender Cottage, owned by 
Justin and Kim Brandstater. The historic property, located at 
89 Olive Ave., is open for tours and wedding events and has a 
rental property. Residents have complained about parking and 
noise issues from the property. A second property, Alverno 
School, has had several complaints filed against it over the years 
over its significantly large special events and film projects. 

Amendments

Joshua Wolf outlined the following amendments during his 
presentation at the City Council meeting on May 28, 2024.

Chapter 17.08 (Definitions): The new term “commercial use” 
was added to close loopholes that might allow inappropriate 
activities in residential zones. Clarifies what constitutes a 
commercial use to help prevent unintended commercial 
encroachments in residential areas. “Commercial use” means 
the use or advertisement for use of property for any fare, fee, 
rate, charge, or other consideration, or directly or indirectly 
in connection with any business or any other undertaking 
intended for profit or gain.

This new term may affect the rent or lease of dwelling units, 
a protected right under the California Civil Code. Under 
Sierra Madre’s zoning code, “commercial use” will not prevent 
anyone’s right to rent or lease their dwelling unit or prevent 
any advertising for the unit. 

Chapter 17.82 (Historic Preservation): Allows designated 
historic landmarks to choose only one benefit (either adaptive 
reuse OR Mills Act contract) to prevent the potential for 
double-dipping in incentives. (The current language states 
either adaptive use AND Mills Act contract). This ensures fair 
distribution of benefits and preserves the historical integrity 
and intent of the incentives. 

No historical landmarks within residential zones benefit from 
both a change of use and the Mills Act.

Chapter 17.85 (Home Occupations): 

•Application Streamlining. It makes the process more
predictable for residents.
•Ministerial and Discretionary Permits. Distinguishes
low-impact and high-impact home occupations.
•Increased Restrictions. Ensures that only low-impact
home occupations are allowed within extensive
review.
•Prohibited Uses. Ensures only appropriate uses are
permitted.


The amendments propose reorganization of many sections 
within and include new sections.

The following changes have been suggested. 

030 – Permits and city business licenses are required and 
maintained annually. The policy is to null and void a home 
occupation permit when its associated business license 
becomes inactive. Add interpretive clarity concerning TUPs. 

040—Home Occupations—The “Permitted” language will be 
changed to “Ministerial.” Generate any vehicle and pedestrian 
traffic (the terms “normal” and “reasonable” have been 
removed). No impact to public parking (removes use of garage 
parking spaces). Occupy no more than 25% of the residential 
floor area of a dwelling unit or 400 sq. ft., whichever is greater 
(changed from 50%). 

(continued on page 4)


ANNOUNCING THE 2024 JULY 4th 
GRAND MARSHAL & HOMETOWN HERO

5K participation and Parade Entries Open Sponsored by the 
Kensington 

Drum roll please ….. the 2024 4th of July Parade Grand Marshal will be Sierra Madre’s 
very own active 100 year old Helen Reece! Our little active and independent Helen just 
loves out little village we all call home. She can often be seen 
playing the accordion outside the Baldwin Avenue Gallery 
on special occasions. She walks around town and has many 
friends who cherish her in town. Helen brings joy to this 
community and is a true gem. He positive attitude is just 
infectious! 

 The Committee couldn’t think of a more special and 
appropriate way to honor her commitment to Sierra Madre, 
by being this year’s 4th of July Parade’s Grand Marshal!!

 Additionally, the Committee is proud and honored 
to announce that Sandy Duvall has been selected as 
“Hometown Hero”. Sandy has made an impact on so 
many of Sierra Madre and San Gabriel Valley residents 
— whether it’s operating Shabby Dog and caring for 
our four-legged family members, or keeping us healthy 
through the year at Sierra 
Fitness and Pilates. Sandy 
is always taking care of 
others in town. If a pet is 
found, everyone runs over 
to Shabby Dog to use their 
scanner to locate the owner. 
If a community member needs a little extra help, Sandy 
is always there with resources and help! Sandy goes out 
of her way to be there for others. She has been a part of 
our community for so many years with Sierra Fitness 
and Shabby Dog. She is innovative, selfless, always 
compassionate and one the best assets this town has! 
Her energy to be up early 7 days a week is unmatched, 
motivating all of her clients to be the best we can be. 
We are so grateful to her for her passion for fitness 
-and making Sierra Madre a better place. She has previously been recognized as
Sierra Madre Business Woman/owner of the year and this is why we are honored to
thank her for her as the 2024 Hometown Hero.

Continued on page 4


Helen Reece

Considering Selling 
Your Property in 2024?
Your next chapter awaits. Call us! We can help.
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listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation.
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