HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-15; Planning Commission; MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION
Special Meeting
Minutes
Jan. 15, 2025, 5 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: 5 p.m.
Council Chamber
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
ROLL CALL: Hubinger, Foster, Merz, Lafferty, Stine, Meenes (Burrows -Absent)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Foster led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on Dec. 4, 2024
Motion by Commissioner Stine, seconded by Commissioner Merz to approve the minutes as
presented. Motion carried. 5/0/1/1 (Hubinger -Abstain; Burrows -Absent).
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on Dec. 18, 2024
Motion by Commissioner Merz, seconded by Commissioner Stine to approve the minutes as
presented. Motion carried. 4/0/2/1 (Foster, Lafferty-Abstain; Burrows -Absent).
PUBLIC HEARING:
1. PALOMAR AIRPORT AND AVIARA OFFICE PROJECT -SOP 2023-0022/CDP 2023-0034 -
Adoption of a resolution of the Planning Commission approving a site Development Plan, SOP
2023-0022 and Coastal Development Permit, CDP 2023-0034, to construct a 62,600-square-
foot, three story, 42-foot-tall, medical office building with a 52-foot-tall glass tower, a surface
parking lot with 316 spaces and interior and exterior employee eating areas on a 6.07-acre
property located on the southeast corner of Palomar Airport Road and Aviara Parkway, in the
southwest quadrant of the city, the office (O) and Open Space (OS) Zone, the Mello II Segment
of the Local Coastal Program and Local Facilities Management Zone 5.
ACTION TYPE: Quasi-Judicial
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Take public input, close the public hearing,
and adopt the resolution.
PLANNER: Lauren Yzaguirre ENGINEER: Sanchez
Motion by Commissioner Hubinger, seconded by Commissioner Merz, to continue this item to a
date uncertain. Motion carried, 6/0/0/1. (Burrows -Absent).
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS :
2. OVERVIEW OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY Act (CEQA) AND DISCUSSION OF
PROSPECTIVE CHANGES TO CHAPTER 19.04 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE -INFORMATIONAL
REPORT & DISCUSSION -Receive a report and presentation on the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) and discuss prospective amendments to Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC)
Jan. 15,2025 Planning Commission Special Meeting Page 2
Chapter 19.04 (Environmental Protection Procedures). (Staff contact: Mike Strong, Assistant
Director of Community Development).
Recommended Action: Receive and discuss the report.
City Planner, Eric Lardy, introduced Assistant Director of Community Development, Mike Strong
who reviewed a PowerPoint on the Item. (On file in the Office of the City Clerk)
The Commission received the reports.
In response to Commissioner Stine's comment and question, Assistant Director of Community
Development, Mike Strong, confirmed that what is being presented is an informational item on
possible changes to the Municipal Code that would shift the function of making CEQA
recommendations or final decisions regarding CEQA exemptions from the City Planner to the
Planning Commission and or the City Council. Mr. Strong added that there will be ancillary
conforming amendments in conjunction with this update, so that the Municipal Code is up to
date and reflects recent changes in State law and the city's best practices.
In response to Commissioner Stine's inquiry, Mr. Strong affirmed that all three types of
exemptions of CEQA, Statutory, Categorical, and Common Sense, would be included in this
update to the Municipal Code if passed and that all Staff Reports will provide a staff
recommendation.
In response to Commissioner Hubinger's inquiry, Mr. Strong reiterated that under the proposed
ordinance changes the Planning Commission would be receive reports and expert evidence
necessary to make CEQA determinations
In response to Commissioner Merz's inquiry, Assistant Director of Community Development,
Mike Strong explained this CEQA process related issue has come up before in project review at
Planning Commission and City council meetings, but the impetus for this process review now
came about last year during the public hearing for the Carlsbad Village Mixed Use Project that
went before City Council.
In response to Commissioner Foster's inquiry, Assistant Director of Community Development,
Mike Strong, explained that most other agencies are following a process where the project's
decision-making body make a decision with regards to CEQA, similar to what is proposed as part
of these prospective amendments.
In response to Commissioner Lafferty's inquiry, Assistant Director of Community Development,
Mike Strong explained that Screening Criteria for exemptions would be detailed in the record
submitted by staff to the decision making body.
Vice Chair Meenes opened the public testimony at 5:55pm
Kris Wright, representing the Equitable Land Use Authority {ELUA}, expressed her support for the
Item, provided examples of what she sees as the issues with the current system and urged the
Commission to support the item.
Jan. 15,2025 Planning Commission Special Meeting Page 3
Steve Linke, Carlsbad resident, provided examples of why he thinks the Planning Commission
should support the Item, consider the public input on projects and recommend an increase the
ten day window for public feedback.
Hearing no one else wishing to speak, Vice Chair Meenes, closed the public testimony at 6:03 p.m.
Commissioner Lafferty explained that after reviewing the City Council meeting from Sept. 24,
2024, she feels that the directive is clear regarding amendments under consideration to Chapter
19.04 of the Municipal Code and the Planning Commission or the City Council should be
responsible for deciding on the permit application and any CEQA Decision, not the City Planner.
Ms. Lafferty added that she would like a reevaluation of the 10 day notice period in order to
maximize the opportunity for public awareness and input.
Commissioner Lafferty noted that if this ordinance passes, there will be an added complexity and
responsibility to the job of the Commissioners and Council members and training should be
provided.
3. ADOPTION OF 2025 PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING CALENDAR-Adoption of a
resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, establishing the
Commission's Regular Meeting calendar for calendar year 2025.
{Staff contact: Eric Lardy, City Planner).
Recommended Action: Adopt the resolution.
City Planner, Eric Lardy introduced the item.
Motion by Commissioner Stine, seconded by Commissioner Merz, to adopt Resolution
No.7534. Motion carried, 6/0/0/1. (Burrows -Absent).
4. APPOINT NEW CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR 2025 CALENDAR YEAR -1) Adoption of a
resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, appointing a Chair
to preside at all Planning Commission meetings; and
2) Adoption of a resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California,
appointing a Vice Chair to preside at all Planning Commission meetings in the Chair's
absence. {Staff contact: Eric Lardy, City Planner).
Recommended Action: Accept nominations and adopt the resolutions.
City Planner, Eric Lardy introduced the item.
Motion by Commissioner Stine, seconded by Commissioner Lafferty, to continue this item to
a date certain of Feb. 5, 2025. Motion carried, 6/0/0/1. (Burrows -Absent).
Jan. 15,2025 Planning Commission Special Meeting Page 4
ANNOUNCEMENTS: This section of the Agenda is designated for announcements to advise the
community regarding events that Members of the Planning Commission have been invited to,
and may participate in.
None.
STAFF COMMENTS: City Planner, Eric Lardy, reviewed the calendar of upcoming projects.
Sr. Assistant City Attorney, Allegra Frost, announced that this is her last meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: 6:16 p.m.
Administrative Secretary