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Home My WebLink About2025-02-05; Planning Commission; MinutesPLANNING COMMISSION Minutes Feb 5, 2025~ 5 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: 5 p.m. ROLL CALL: Hubinger, Burrows, Foster, Merz, Lafferty, Stine, Meenes Council Chamber 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Merz led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the Special Meeting held on Jan 15, 2025 Motion by Commissioner Lafferty, seconded by Commissioner Stine to approve the minutes as amended. Motion carried unanimously - 7 /0 . PUBLIC COMMENT: None. PUBLIC HEARING: This item was continued from the Special Planning Commission Meeting of Jan. 15, 2025. 1. PALOMAR AIRPORT AND AVIARA OFFICE PROJECT -SDP 2023-0022/CDP 2023-0034 - Adoption of a resolution of the Planning Commission approving a site Development Plan, SDP 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: Jose Sanchez City Planner, Eric Lardy, introduced Associate Planner, Lauren Yzaguirre, who reviewed a PowerPoint on the Item. (On file in the Office of the City Clerk) Vice Chair Meenes opened the duly noticed public hearing at 5:08 p.m. 23:00 In response to Commissioner Lafferty's inquiry regarding the validity of the original 2007 Mitigated Declaration document in light of the City's updated policies like the General Plan and the Climate Action Plan {CAP), Attorney representative Punam Prahalad explained that once an environmental document has been certified, like the 2007 MND, the law requires that we rely on that previous document unless there are project revisions or changes that meet those requirements described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 subdivision A, B or C. Ms. Prahalad added that if the Planning Commission cannot agree with staff's findings they can remand back to staff and ask for an environmental analysis to be completed. Feb.5,2025 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Page 2 In response to Commissioner Stine's inquiry regarding traffic and parking, City Planner, Eric Lardy explained that based on staff's evaluation, operationally, the project's proposed scope does not present significant new information or impact for the area. Mr. Lardy added that if the Planning Commission determines otherwise the Commission should direct it back to staff for them to consider for more environmental review which could result in an Addendum or Environmental Impact Report. In response to Commissioner Hubinger's inquiry, the City's contract Traffic Engineer, Ramon Lopez, LLG Engineers, explained that his Company considered all of the current conditions of the roads and the future plans for the surrounding roads when determining the traffic numbers. The new increased numbers are not a concern because there is less activity during rush hours and traffic is spread throughout the day. CEQA Consultant, Kim Bareneck, Bareneck consultants added that not only did they go back and validate the original documents but also applied the new General Plan and CAP and their related policies to the current project evaluation. In response to Commissioner Stine's inquiry, Ms. Bareneck reiterated that the increased traffic numbers do not result in a significant impact. Vice Chair Meenes opened the public testimony at 6:01 p.m. Seeing no one wishing to speak on this item, Vice Chair Meenes closed the public testimony at 6:01pm. Engineering Manager, Jason Geldert emphasized and reiterated that even if there are more cars on the road there may not be a significant impact to traffic due to a variety of factors, most mentioned in the previous discussions. Applicant representative and Project Manager, James Mccann added some further considerations for the proposed project. Mr. Mccann stated that because of the project's conditions, there will be a pedestrian walkway added to the side of Palomar Airport Road that connects the project with a bus stop. Mr. Mccann added that since there is a high level of residential properties in the area, the hope is that residents will walk or have only a short commute to the site for medical appointments. Applicant representative, Ray Fox from Ray Fox and Associates reiterated what Engineering Manager Jason Geldert explained and was available for questions. In response to Commissioner Stine's inquiry, Engineering Manager, Jason Gel de rt responded that City does not allow for another entry and exit to the building due to main road interference issues and traffic flow issues; emphasizing that at peak hours the neighborhood residents and the building's customers will likely be traveling in opposite direction, not sharing the same lanes at the same time. In response to Commissioner Lafferty's inquiry regarding runoff, applicant representative, James Mccann explained that there will be three drainage basins, the water will be treated at one of those points, will be held there and then will go to Encinas Creek. Commissioner discussion ensued. Feb. 5,2025 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Page 3 Seeing no one else wishing to speak on this item, Vice Chair Meenes closed the duly noticed public hearing at 6:26 p.m. Motion made by Commissioner Stine, seconded by Commissioner Merz to adopt Resolution No. 7535. Motion carried unanimously, 7/0. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: This item was continued from the Special Planning Commission Meeting of Jan. 15, 2025. 2. 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. Motion made by Commissioner Stine, seconded by Commissioner Hubinger to adopt Resolution No. 7536 appointing Roy Meenes as Chair of the Planning Commission. Motion carried unanimously, 7 /0. Motion made by Commissioner Stine, seconded by Commissioner Meenes to adopt Resolution No. 7537 appointing David Hubinger as Vice Chair of the Planning Commission. Motion carried unanimously, 7 /0. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTARY AND REQUESTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS: This portion of the agenda is for the Commission to make brief announcements, brief reports of their activities and requests for future agenda items. Commissioner Lafferty discussed Mills Act and Historic Preservation Commission updates and benefits to the City. STAFF COMMENTS: City Planner, Eric Lardy reviewed the Planning Commission tentative schedule of upcoming projects. Mr. Lardy also explained that the City Council approved the changes to Title 19, whereby the Planning Commission or City Council, instead of the City Planner will now make the determination for CEQA exemptions. He added that this will not apply to projects already deemed complete where the exemption status has already b -r-H:1€-t)ined . ADJOURNMENT: 6:36 p.m. -------- ia Vigeland Administrative Secretary