HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-21; Planning Commission; 02; Planning Commission Work Plan; Request for a recommendation to accept the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Work Plan Annual Report and adopt a resolution approving the Planning CommisMeeting Date: May 21, 2025 Item No. 2
To: Planning Commission
Staff Contact: Eric Lardy, City Planner, 442-224-9595, eric.lardy@carlsbadca.gov
Subject: Planning Commission Work Plan; Request for a recommendation to accept the
Fiscal Year 2024-25 Work Plan Annual Report and adopt a resolution approving
the Planning Commission Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
Location: Citywide
Case Numbers: N/A
Applicant/Representative: N/A
CEQA Determination: ☒Not a Project ☐ Exempt ☐ IS/ND or IS/MND ☐ EIR
☐Other:
Permit Type(s): ☐SDP ☐ CUP ☐ CDP ☐ TM/TPM ☐ GPA ☐ REZ ☐ LCPA
☒Other: N/A
Commission Action: ☐Decision ☒ Recommendation to City Council ☐ Informational (No Action)
Recommended Actions
That the Planning Commission ADOPT a resolution RECOMMENDING ACCEPTANCE of the Fiscal Year 2024-25
Work Plan Annual Report and RECOMMENDING APPROVAL of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Work Plan
Existing Conditions & Project Description
In 2018 the City Council created uniform policies and procedures related to boards and commissions, requiring
each board or commission to provide the City Council with its approval an annual work plan of activities to be
undertaken in the coming year and to provide a subsequent report of its accomplishments. Carlsbad Municipal
Code, Chapter 2.15, includes the requirements for content and timing. It is typical that this item is completed
before the start of the fiscal year, on July 1 of each year.
The responsibilities and corresponding work of the Planning Commission is well defined in state law and
Titles 19 (Environment), 20 (Subdivisions), and 21 (Zoning) of the Carlsbad Municipal Code. As such many
of the items on the workplan are projects undertaken to comply with state laws, City Council direction, or
those submitted by private applicants or city departments. Some items in the work plan are multi-year
efforts that will carry over into future years. The Fiscal Year 2024-25 Report was presented to the City Council
on May 21, 2025 (Exhibit 2).
May 21, 2025 Item #2 1 of 11
PLANNING COMMISSION
Staff Report .
0
As reflected in the annual report, the Planning Commission is expected to have met 16 times during the current
fiscal year and has acted on multiple significant public and private development projects, including
recommending approval of or approving:
•Climate Action Plan Update,
•Private Development Projects, including Carlsbad Village Mixed Use, Three on Garfield, Juniper
Coast Homes, and The Roosevelt,
•Agua Hedionda Outer Lagoon Maintenance Dredging; and the,
•Terramar Stairway Repair and Stabilization.
A number of larger multi-year projects are anticipated to be completed in Fiscal Year 2025-26 and are included
in the work program
Environmental Review
This action does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a “project” within the meaning
of the California Environmental Quality Act under California Public Resources Code Section 21065 in that it has
no potential to cause either a direct physical change or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the
environment.
Conclusion
The Planning Division, Community Development, recommends the Planning Commission adopt the resolution
and the information contained within. The Planning Commission could recommend inclusion of other tasks for
completion during the next fiscal year for evaluation for inclusion in future work programs.
Exhibits
1.Planning Commission Resolution with attachments
2.City Council staff report, Annual Work Plans for the Planning Commission and Historic Preservation
Commission (May 21, 2024):
https://records.carlsbadca.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=8791266&dbid=0&repo=CityofCarlsbad
May 21, 2025 Item #2 2 of 11
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING ACCEPTANCE OF THE FISCAL
YEAR 2024-2025 WORK PLAN ANNUAL REPORT AND APPROVAL OF THE
FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 PLANNING COMMISSION WORKPLAN.
CASE NAME: PLANNING COMMISSION WORKPLAN FOR FISCAL
YEAR 2025-2026
WHEREAS, Chapter 2.15 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) requires that each board
or commission provide to the City Council for its approval an annual work plan of activities to be
undertaken by the board or commission and a subsequent report of its accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, this action does not require environmental review because it does not
constitute a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under California Public
Resources Code Section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change or a
reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
WHEREAS, the City Planner has prepared a proposed Planning Commission Work Plan for
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and a report of the items accomplished on the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Work Plan;
and
WHERAS, the Planning Commission has reviewed the documents prepared by the City
Planning, with the attached “Exhibit A” containing a report of accomplishments titled as "Fiscal Year 2024-
25 Planning Commission Work Plan Annual Report" and the proposed work plan is shown on “Exhibit B”
titled "City of Carlsbad, Planning Commission Work Plan, Fiscal Year 2025-2026"; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did, on May 21, 2025, hold a duly noticed public
meeting as prescribed by law to consider said request; and
WHEREAS; at said public meeting, upon hearing and considering all testimony and
arguments, if any, of all persons desiring to be heard, said Commission considered all factors relating to
the work plan and report of accomplishments.
PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 7544
May 21, 2025 Item #2 3 of 11
Exhibit 1
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the Planning Commission of the City of
Carlsbad as follows:
A)That the foregoing recitations are true and correct.
B)That based on the evidence presented at the public meeting, the Commission
RECOMMENDING ACCEPTANCE of the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Work Plan Annual Report and
RECOMMENDING APPROVAL of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Work Plan; Subject to the best
efforts of the commission and the possibility of unforeseen circumstances which may
impede or delay the adoption/completion of the items presented in the work plan._
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission of
the City of Carlsbad, California, held on May 21, 2025, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Meenes, Burrows, Foster, Lafferty, Merz, Stine
NAYES: Hubinger
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ROY MEENES, Chairpe on
CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION
ATTEST:
ERIC LARDY
City Planner
May2ll, 2025 Item #2 4 ofll
Fiscal Year 2024-25 Planning Commission Work Plan Annual Report Attachment A
I.Mission Statement
The Planning Commission holds regularly scheduled public hearings to consider land use matters, such as the general plan, local
coastal program, growth management program, specific plans, master plans, amendments to the zoning ordinance, zone
changes, special studies, and discretionary development permits for public and private projects.
For some actions, the Planning Commission acts in an advisory role and provides a recommendation to the City Council. In many
cases the City Council has delegated to the Planning Commission the authority to take a final action on the item subject to appeal
to the City Council. Prior to an item being considered by the Planning Commission the Planning Division staff complete its review
of a proposed project for compliance with all applicable plans, policies, and laws and provides a written recommendation.
Planning Commissioners also serve on special committees or task forces as requested by the City Council.
II.Composition
The Planning Commission consists of seven members appointed by the City Council to a four-year term. There are also three ex
officio members who shall be the City Planner, Assistant City Attorney, and City Engineer.
III.Fiscal Year 2024-25 Goals & Tasks
The City of Carlsbad Planning Commission had selected to focus on the following goals and tasks in adoption of the Work Plan on
May 1, 2024. Subsequently the City Council on May 21, 2024 adopted the work program with the addition of a task to “develop a
series of options for the regulation of drive-thru facilities ranging from a continued ban to citywide allowance and have these
options presented to the Planning Commission and the Economic Development Subcommittee for their recommendation before
returning to the City Council for consideration.”1 In FY 2024-25 the Planning Commission is expected to meet a total of 16 times.
This reports on those actions as anticipated through June 30, 2025:
1 City Council Minutes, May 21, 2024: 2024-05-21; City Council; Minutes (3) May 21, 2025 Item #2 5 of 11
GOAL/TASK STATUS COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATION
Advance Planning & Special Projects
Climate Action Plan Update (Public Works
Project)
This project was recommended for approval
by the Planning Commission on Oct. 2, 2024,
after a workshop on Sept. 4, 2024, and
approved by the City Council on Nov. 12, 2024.
This item is completed and removed
in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Work
Program.
• Village, Barrio, and Beach Area Parking
Management Plan Update and Village
and Barrio Master Plan Amendment
A comprehensive study of true parking
demand over a 12-month period is being
initiated. A memo was provided to the City
Council in April 2025 with the latest status:
https://records.carlsbadca.gov/WebLink/DocV
iew.aspx?id=10292897&dbid=0&repo=CityOfC
arlsbad
This item is being removed and will
be added to a future work program.
• Review and act on permits requested for
city capital improvement projects.
Major projects expected to be
considered by the commission include:
o Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail
o El Camino Real (Arenal to La
Costa)
o Terramar Area Roadway
Improvements
o Tamarack Maintenance Yard
These projects have been subject to various
project updates and have not progressed to a
point where they can be presented to decision
makers. Planning staff continues to review
applications as they are submitted by project
managers.
This item is completed and removed
in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Work
Program.
Current Planning May 21, 2025 Item #2 6 of 11
GOAL/TASK STATUS COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATION
• Review and act on permits requested for
private development projects. Major
projects expected to be considered by
the commission include:
o Carlsbad Village Mixed Use
o Newage Carlsbad Luxury Resort
o Legoland Plan Amendment
o North County Plaza Mixed Use
Carlsbad Village Mixed Use was recommended
for approval by the Planning Commission on
July 17, 2024 and approved by the City Council
on September 24, 2024.
The remaining three projects have not had
enough activity from the applicants to move
forward for decision. Applications will be
placed on the agenda when they are
submitted and through the review cycles as
outlined in the Permit and Service Delivery
Process Guide.
An updated list of Projects is included
in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Work
Program.
May 21, 2025 Item #2 7 of 11
Training and City Operations
GOAL/TASK STATUS COMMENTS/RECOMMENDATION
The Planning Division will work with the
Planning Commission to meet one to two
times each month for efficient and
productive meetings
The Planning Commission is expected to have
met 16 times during the current fiscal year.
Approximately 1.25 meetings per month. Staff
will continue to balance the work for
customers of the city along with having
efficient meetings.
This item is retained in the Fiscal Year
2025-26 Work Program.
Review state laws and options related to
Professional Care Facilities, the Regional
Housing Needs Allocation, and Inclusionary
Housing Ordinance for recommendations to
the City Council
This item will be accomplished during the
Fiscal Year 2025-26 Work Program
This item is retained in the Fiscal Year
2025-26 Work Program.
Have one or two members attend the League
of Cities California Conference Receive
Updates on New State Laws and City Council
Actions applicable to the commission
Two Commissioners attended the March 2025
Planning Commissioners Academy.
Commissioners were brought up to date on
recent regulatory & legislative changes and
received guidance and tools to assist them in
their role.
This item is retained in the Fiscal Year
2025-26 Work Program.
Members of the Planning Commission serve
on the following committees:
• Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee
Advisory Committee
• Historic Preservation Commission Ex-
Officio Member
This objective continues to be met. This item is retained in the Fiscal Year
2025-26 Work Program.
May 21, 2025 Item #2 8 of 11
Other/Misc. Accomplishments
GOAL/TASK STATUS COMMENTS/RECOMM
ENDATION
Special projects The Planning Commission approved several
items during the Fiscal Year that were not on
the work program, including the
- Ponto Sewer Manhole Rehabilitation
Project; clean and rehabilitate 9 sewer
Manholes
- Agua Hedionda Outer Lagoon
Maintenance Dredging
- Repair and stabilize Terramar stairway - a
public stairway on private property
providing public access to South Carlsbad
State Beach.
N/A
Receive a presentation of a series of options
for the regulation of drive-thru facilities
ranging from a continued ban to citywide
allowance.
Options were received at the Planning
Commission on Nov. 06, 2024, the Economic
Development Subcommittee in November 19,
2024, and the City Council on April 29, 2025.
The City Council did not staff to initiate any
amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to
reverse the current restriction on new drive-
thru restaurants. Private applicants are able to
propose case by case projects.
Approved nine housing project or remodels. The Planning Commission approved several
housing projects during the Fiscal Year that
were not on the work program.
- Three on Garfield – new, three unit, three
story condos
- The Roosevelt – approved 23 apartments
- Juniper Coast Homes - approved 21 units
- Carlsbad by the Sea Summerhouse
Approving housing development
projects helps implement a number of
General Plan policies and goals related
to addressing the housing shortage and
improving local economic conditions.
May 21, 2025 Item #2 9 of 11
Attachment B
City of Carlsbad
Planning Commission Work Plan
Fiscal Year 2025-26
I. Mission Statement
The Planning Commission holds regularly scheduled public hearings to consider land use
matters, such as the general plan, local coastal program, growth management program, specific
plans, master plans, amendments to the zoning ordinance, zone changes, special studies, and
discretionary development permits for public and private projects.
For some actions, the Planning Commission acts in an advisory role and provides a
recommendation to the City Council. In many cases the City Council has delegated to the
Planning Commission the authority to take a final action on the item subject to appeal to the
City Council. Prior to an item being considered by the Planning Commission the Planning
Division staff complete its review of a proposed project for compliance with all applicable plans,
policies, and laws and provides a written recommendation.
Planning Commissioners also serve on special committees or task forces as requested by the
City Council.
II. Composition
The Planning Commission consists of seven members appointed by the City Council to a four-
year term. There are also three ex officio members who shall be the City Planner, Assistant City
Attorney, and City Engineer.
III. FY 2025-26 Goals & Tasks
The City of Carlsbad Planning Commission has selected to focus on the following goals and
tasks; covering the period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The tasks are divided into
the categories of Advance Planning & Special Projects, Current Planning Projects, and
Training/City Representation:
Advance Planning & Special Projects
•Workshop and Recommendations on amendments to City Council Policy No. 64
(Wireless Facilities)
•Zoning Ordinance Amendment: Accessory Dwelling Units
•Tribal, Cultural, Paleontological Resources Guidelines Update
•Review and act on permits requested for city capital improvement projects. Major
projects expected to be considered by the commission include:
May 21, 2025 Item #2 10 of 11
o Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail
o El Camino Real (Arenal to La Costa)
o Tamarack Maintenance Yard
o Robertson Ranch Park
Current Planning Projects
•Review and act on permits requested for private development projects. Major projects
expected to be considered by the commission include:
o Newage Carlsbad Luxury Resort
o Rincon CVD (Carlsbad Village Drive)
o Sunny Creek
Training and City Operations
•The Planning Division will work with the Planning Commission to meet one to two times
each month for efficient and productive meetings
•Receive quarterly informational and training presentations related to Planning
Commission operations and this work program. It is anticipated that the first
presentations will focus on the following:
o The California Environmental Quality Act process and findings anticipated to be
seen by the Planning Commission.
o Title XVIIII of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
•Review state laws and options related to Professional Care Facilities, the Regional
Housing Needs Allocation, and Inclusionary Housing Ordinance for recommendations to
the City Council
•Have one or two members attend the League of Cities California Conference Receive
Updates on New State Laws and City Council Actions applicable to the commission
•Members of the Planning Commission serve on the following committees:
o Agricultural Conversion Mitigation Fee Advisory Committee
o Historic Preservation Commission Ex-Officio Member
May 21, 2025 Item #2 11 of 11