SYNOPSIS
PLANNING COMMISSION
JULY 8, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING
6:00 P.M.
NORWALK CITY HALL/COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Kim Apodaca, Chair
Rosa Barragan, Vice Chair
Linda Lopez, Planning Commissioner
Chris Macias, Planning Commissioner
Lisa Vernola-Salas, Planning Commissioner
Public Comment: The public is encouraged to address the Planning Commission on any matter listed on the agenda or on any other matter within its jurisdiction subject to the rules and proceedings described in Section 2.16.060 of the Norwalk Municipal Code. If you wish to address the Planning Commission, please complete the card that is provided at the rear entrance to Council Chambers and hand the card to the Secretary. The Planning Commission will hear public comment on items listed on the agenda during discussion of the matter and prior to a vote. The Planning Commission will hear public comment on matters not listed on the agenda during the Oral Communications period.
Pursuant to provisions of the Brown Act, no action may be taken on a matter unless it is listed on the agenda, or unless certain emergency or special circumstances exist. The Planning Commission may direct staff to investigate and/or schedule certain matters for consideration at a future Planning Commission meeting.
Please adhere to the following procedures when addressing the Planning Commission:
Comments should be limited to 3 minutes or less.
Comments should be directed to the Planning Commission as a whole and not directed to individual Planning Commission members.
Americans with Disabilities Act: In compliance with the ADA, if you need special assistance to participate in a City meeting or other services offered by this City, please contact the Community Development Department, (562) 929-5744. Assisted listening devices are available at this meeting. Ask the Secretary if you desire to use this device. Upon request, the agenda and documents in the agenda packet can be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability. Notification of at least 48 hours prior to the meeting or time when services are needed will assist the City staff in assuring that reasonable arrangements can be made to provide accessibility to the meeting or service.
Note: Any writings and/or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on this agenda after it has been posted will also be made available for public inspection.
Writings and/or documents are available for inspection in the Community Development Department, City Hall, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., every other Friday; telephone (562) 929-5744. You may also contact the City Clerk via e-mail at [email protected] Planning Commission Synopsis, July 8, 2026 Page 2 of 2 CALL TO ORDER6:00 P.M.
FLAG SALUTEChair Apodaca
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERSCommissioner Macias, Commissioner Vernola-Salas, Vice Chair Barragan and Chair Apodaca.
Commissioner Lopez was absent.
1. MEETING MINUTES – Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the Special Planning Commission Meeting of June 10, 2026.
Planning Commission Action: Approved.
PUBLIC HEARING
2. DIRECTOR APPROVAL REQUEST (DAR) NO. 2026-06
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) NO. 2025-02
Joshua Laureano (“Applicant”); a request to allow the unclassified use of an indoor recycling facility as a conditionally permitted use pursuant to Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) Sections
17.02.204 and 17.02.203.C.1.k. The subject property is located at 10921 Rosecrans Avenue (also known as Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (“APN” 8052-001-038 and 8052-001-039), within the Restricted Commercial (C-1) Zone.
Environmental: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this project will not have a significant effect on the environment per Section 15303 (Class 3 – New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the CEQA Guidelines.
The project includes a request for:
(1) DAR No. 2026-06 – requesting approval to allow the unclassified use of an indoor recycling facility as a conditionally permitted use pursuant to Norwalk Municipal Code (NMC) Sections
17.02.204 and 17.02.203.C.1.k.;
(2) CUP No. 2025-02 – requesting approval to establish and operate of an indoor recycling facility (buyback center) within an enclosed 1,725 square foot building located within an existing 4.16- acre shopping center pursuant to NMC Sections 17.02.210 and 17.04.110.
Staff Recommendation: That the Planning Commission:
(1) Adopt Resolution No. 26-07 to approve Director Approval Request No. 2026-06 subject to the Conditions of Approval contained in Exhibit “A”;
(2) Adopt Resolution No. 26-08 to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 2025-02 subject to the Conditions of Approval contained in Exhibit “A”; and
(3) Consider and find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15303 (Class 3 – New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Planning Commission Action: Approved staff’s recommendations by a vote of 4-0.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
A resident who lives close to the proposed recycling facility expressed concern with the traffic and pedestrian safety in the area. Another resident asked for clarification on the tenant space, and he stated that he has no objection to the request.
Chair Apodaca shared that the City is going to monitor the site. Development Services Manager Lee added that the operator is required to abide by the conditions, and that should any problems arise, the project can be brought back to the Planning Commission for review and possible revocation.
ADJOURNMENT 6:35 P.M.