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Home My WebLink AboutPRE 2025-0061; LEXUS CARLSBAD RENOVATION; Admin Decision Letter Community Development Department Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314  442-339-2600 December 16, 2025 VIA EMAIL AND MAIL Thomas Wong Commercial Development Resources 695 Town Center Drive, Suite 110 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 towng@cdrwest.com SUBJECT: PRE 2025-0061 (DEV2020-0121) – LEXUS CARLSBAD RENOVATION APNs: 211-060-16-00, 211-060-17-00 Thank you for submitting a preliminary review for a lot line adjustment for two properties located at 5424 and 5434 Paseo Del Norte (Assessor Parcel Numbers 211-060-16-00 and 211-060-17) and identified as Lot 6, Parcels 1 and 2. Both parcels are approximately 2.93 acres for a total of 5.86 acres. The existing shared lot line is proposed to be relocated further to the south within Parcel 2. There is a discrepancy between the submitted exhibits that indicates consolidation of Lot 6, Parcel 2, with Lot 7, Parcel 1 indicating a lot consolidation in addition to the lot line adjustment. The applicant has confirmed a lot consolidation is not proposed as part of this project – only a lot line adjustment between Lot 6, Parcels 1 and 2. Please note, some comments from reviewers may reflect this discrepancy. In response to your application, the Planning Division has prepared this comment letter. Please note that the purpose of a preliminary review is to provide you with direction and comments on the overall concept of your project. This preliminary review does not represent an in-depth analysis of your project. It is intended to give you feedback on critical issues based upon the information provided in your submittal. This review is based upon the plans, policies, and standards in effect as of the date of this review. Please be aware that at the time of a formal application submittal, new plans, policies, and standards may be in effect and additional issues of concern may be raised through a more specific and detailed review. Planning: General 1. General Plan and zoning designations for the property are as follows: a. General Plan: Regional Commercial (R); b. Zoning: General Commercial (C-2); {city of Carlsbad PRE 2025-0061 (DEV2020-0121) – LEXUS CARLSBAD RENOVATION December 12, 2025 Page 2________________________________________________ Community Development Department Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314  442-339-2600 c. Overlay Zone: The properties are located within the Commercial/Visitor Serving Overlay Zone; and, therefore, are subject to the applicable provisions contained in Chapter 21.208 of the Zoning Ordinance; d. Coastal Zone: The properties are located within the Coastal Zone and is subject to the policies of the Mello II Segment of the Local Coastal Program. The coastal land use designation and zoning for the site are the same as the General Plan and zoning above; and e. Specific Plan: The subject property is located within the Car Country Carlsbad Specific Plan, SP 19(J). Pursuant to Figure 2-1 of SP 19(J), the project site is identified as Lot 6, Parcels 1 and 2 of the “Original SP 19 Area.” 2. All parcels included as part of the lot line adjustment will be required to meet all current regulations pursuant to the City of Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) and Car Country Carlsbad Specific Plan (e.g., lot size, lot width, setbacks, landscaping, parking requirements, et cetera.) 3. The project is located within the coastal zone and would be required to comply with CMC, Chapter 21.201 (Coastal Development Procedures), for development in the Coastal Zone (Mello II Segment). Unless found to be exempt, all development shall be required to obtain approval of a Minor Coastal Development Permit (CDP) or CDP in accordance with CMC, Section 21.201.080. The approval type will be dependent upon whether the proposed project meets the Minor CDP requirements as listed below. Should the project not meet the Minor CDP requirements, or should a higher-level discretionary permit be required (e.g., Site Development Plan), then a Major CDP would be required. 4. Minor Coastal Development Permits. a. The City Planner may approve, conditionally approve or deny minor coastal development permits for: i. Development that costs less than sixty thousand dollars; ii. Accessory dwelling units (no discretionary approval shall be required for accessory dwelling units); iii. Projects that require a minor site development plan, minor conditional use permit, or minor variance, pursuant to the Village and Barrio master plan. b. The City Planner may approve or conditionally approve a minor coastal development permit, if the development complies with the following criteria: i. The development is consistent with the certified local coastal program as defined in Section 30108.6 of the Coastal Act. ii. The development requires no discretionary approvals other than a minor coastal development permit. PRE 2025-0061 (DEV2020-0121) – LEXUS CARLSBAD RENOVATION December 12, 2025 Page 3________________________________________________ Community Development Department Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314  442-339-2600 iii. The development has no adverse effect individually or cumulatively on coastal resources or public access to the shoreline or along the coast. c. The City Planner's decision shall be based upon his or her review of the facts as set forth in the application, of the circumstances of the particular case, and evidence presented at the administrative hearing, if one is conducted pursuant to the provisions of Section 21.54.060.B.2 of this title. d. The City Planner may approve or conditionally approve a minor coastal development permit if he or she finds that the project complies with the certified local coastal program and, if applicable, with the public access and recreation policies of Chapter 3 of the Coastal Act. If the project is an accessory dwelling unit, the City Planner shall additionally find that the project complies with the provisions of Section 21.10.030 of this title. 5. The following project types are exempt from the requirement for a Minor Site Development Plan or Site Development Plan (SDP) provided that the City Planner determines that the project meets all development standards and is consistent with all aspects of the Car Country Specific Plan: a. Any addition to an existing building that would result in an increase of less than ten percent of the internal floor area of the existing building. b. Construction of new buildings that would result in an increase of less than ten percent of the combined internal floor area of all existing buildings on the site. c. Any interior or exterior improvements that do not add square footage (e.g. architectural facade enhancements). d. Modifications to outdoor lighting plans. The following project types require administrative approval of a Minor SDP in accordance with CMC, Chapter 21.06: e. Any addition to an existing building that would result in an increase of between ten and fifty percent of the internal floor area of the existing building. f. Construction of new buildings that would result in an increase of between ten and fifty percent of the combined internal floor area of all existing buildings on the site. The following project types require approval of an SDP in accordance with CMC, Chapter 21.06: g. Any improvement to a building that would result in an increase of more than fifty percent of the internal floor areas of an existing building. h. Construction of new buildings that would result in an increase of more than fifty percent of the combined internal floor area of all existing buildings on the site. PRE 2025-0061 (DEV2020-0121) – LEXUS CARLSBAD RENOVATION December 12, 2025 Page 4________________________________________________ Community Development Department Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314  442-339-2600 i. Construction of any new building(s) or permanent physical improvements on a vacant lot. 6. Climate Action Plan (CAP). New requirements related to the city’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will likely impact development requirements of this project. A formal application submittal will need to include a completed CAP Checklist (Form P-30) to determine what requirements will apply to the project. New GHG reduction requirements are related to energy efficiency, photovoltaic, electric vehicle charging, water heating and traffic demand management requirements, as set forth in the California Green Building Standards Code and in Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapters 18.21, 18.30 and 18.51 which is available on the city’s website at the following address: http://www.qcode.us/codes/carlsbad/view.php?topic=18&frames=on 6. Architectural Design and Materials. Pursuant to the Car Country Specific Plan, the design of exterior building elements shall be of a Spanish or Mediterranean architectural style. The texture, color and materials used shall be harmonious with this motif and the quality of design and the selection of the materials and colors are subject to approval by the Planning Commission. Specifically, all structures shall comply with the following design standards: a. Exterior walls shall incorporate design elements that are consistent with the Spanish or Mediterranean architectural styles. Examples of these include, but are not limited to, slump stone adobe, stucco, arches, arcades, cornices, corbels, balustrades, fountains, and door/window details. Alternative design elements and materials may be incorporated into the architecture subject to the determination that the elements are found to be consistent with the Spanish or Mediterranean styles; b. All buildings shall have an exterior color consistent with the Spanish and Mediterranean architectural styles. The use of warm, muted earth tones is required; and c. If a roof element is incorporated into the building design, the roof shall include a mission clay barrel tile or S-tile design of terra cotta coloring. If any new exterior building improvements are proposed, please note materials and colors on the plans. 7. Building Height. Pursuant to the Car Country Carlsbad Specific Plan, the building height for developments east of Paseo Del Norte shall be restricted as follows: a. Service Buildings: One-story and a maximum height of 24 feet. b. Main Building: Two stories and a maximum height of 35 feet (Parts, showroom, offices). c. Parking Structures: Three stories and 35 feet maximum to top of roof deck, as shown in Figure 2-2. Height protrusions up to 45 feet are allowed per CMC Section 21.46.020. If buildings are required to be improved, please provide cross-sections and note building height as measured to the peak of the roof as part of the submittal. PRE 2025-0061 (DEV2020-0121) – LEXUS CARLSBAD RENOVATION December 12, 2025 Page 5________________________________________________ Community Development Department Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314  442-339-2600 8. Setbacks. Pursuant to the Car Country Carlsbad Specific Plan, developments east of Paseo Del Norte shall comply with the following setbacks: a. Front Yard: 45 feet minimum. Roof overhangs and other architectural devices may project six (6) feet into setback area. b. Side Yard: 10 feet minimum. Roof overhangs and other architectural devices may project six (6) feet into the setback area. c. Street Yard: 25 feet minimum. Roof overhangs and other unsupported architectural devices may project six (6) feet into the setback area. 9. Building coverage. Pursuant to the Car Country Carlsbad Specific Plan, the building coverage shall not exceed 25 percent of the project site area. Allowable total building coverage may be increased to 50 percent when a parking structure is included as part of a Site Development Plan. A lot coverage calculation was not provided with the Preliminary Review. Please include this calculation with the formal submittal. 10. Parking. Pursuant to the Car Country Carlsbad Specific Plan, Part 2, Section II (F), the project will be required to meet all parking requirements. A parking calculation was not provided on the cover sheet. Utilizing the required parking ratios, please include an updated, detailed parking calculation for both Parcels 1 and 2, Lot 6. Please ensure the parking spaces are numbered on the site plan and identify customer and employee parking requirements for each lot. 11. Local Facilities Management Plan. The project is located within the Zone 3 Local Facilities Management Plan and shall comply with all required conditions and mitigation required within Zone 3 LFMP. 12. Lighting. All lighting shall comply with the Car Country Specific Plan, Section II.I. 13. Landscaping. Landscaping requirements will be required pursuant to the Car Country Specific Plan, Section IV (Landscape Standards). 14. Signage. All signage shall comply with the Car Country Carlsbad Specific Plan, Part 4 (Comprehensive Sign Program). 15. Early Public Notice and Stakeholder Outreach. The project is subject to City Council Policy Statement No. 84, Development Project Public Involvement. The city has prepared an Informational Bulletin (IB), IB-184, to assist project applicants with this process. IB-184, Council Policy 84 Implementation Guide, can be found on the city’s website at: https://www.carlsbadca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/19417/638741675682230000 Please be aware that it is the project applicant’s responsibility to fully implement the requirements of Policy 84 and the IB-184 guidance document. Failure to comply shall cause the formal application to be deemed incomplete pursuant to CMC Section 21.54.010(F). PRE 2025-0061 (DEV2020-0121) – LEXUS CARLSBAD RENOVATION December 12, 2025 Page 6________________________________________________ Community Development Department Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314  442-339-2600 16. Please see links below for the Land Use Review Application (P-1) and Development Permits checklist (P-2) which includes a list of submittal requirements for the application submittal and details which are required to be included on the site plan, floor plans and elevations. P-1: https://www.carlsbadca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/13872/638496480611500000 P-2: https://www.carlsbadca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/19722/638737566242172112 All necessary application forms, submittal requirements, and fee information are available at the Planning counter located in the Faraday Building at 1635 Faraday Avenue or on line at www.carlsbadca.gov. You may also access the General Plan Land Use Element and the Zoning Ordinance online at the website address shown; select Department Listing; select Planning Home Page. Please review all information carefully before submitting. Land Development Engineering: Land Development Engineering Division staff have completed a preliminary review of the above- referenced project. Prior to formal application for the project permit submittal, the following items must be adequately resolved/addressed, unless otherwise noted: 1. Please label the parcels as either existing or proposed. 2. Please combine the Lot Line Adjustment Concept Exhibit and the ALTA Survey into one exhibit. 3. Please provide a Preliminary Title Report (current within the last six (6) months). 4. On the site plan, please clearly identify all existing improvements. Most of the improvements and buildings are labeled; however, there are still some that are not identified. 5. According to the legend, “AC” represents “access” but on the site plan, small squares are labeled “AC”. Please clarify. 6. It’s unclear if the lot line between the two southerly parcels is to remain or to be removed. The Lot Line Adjustment Concept exhibit labels the lot line to be removed, and the ALTA Survey exhibit does not label it. If that lot line remains, then the southerly parcel is not a part of this project and should be removed from all plans, exhibits and documents. 7. Please plot and/or label all reciprocal access and parking easements/agreements and cross lot drainage between the parcels. Reciprocal easements/agreements will be required if they do not already exist. 8. Please show existing and proposed lot line bearings and distances on the same sheet(s). 9. Please plot the access easement from the southerly parcel all the way to the public ROW. 10. Please show the proposed parcel areas. PRE 2025-0061 (DEV2020-0121) – LEXUS CARLSBAD RENOVATION December 12, 2025 Page 7________________________________________________ Community Development Department Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314  442-339-2600 11. Please note an adjustment plat with a certificate of compliance will be required for the lot consolidation. 12. Please provide typical street cross section for Paseo Del Norte, and provide existing right-of-way width and existing improvements. 13. Please delineate and annotate all existing driveways and driveway widths. 14. Please show all existing and proposed utilities and callout size for: water, water services, fire services, backflows, sewer, sewer laterals, storm drain, underground dry utilities, in Paseo Del Norte and the property. 15. Please note an improvement plan for work within the right-of-way may be required for this project if it’s determined utilities, such as water services/meters and sewer laterals, are required to be installed and/or re-located. 16. Please identify if the existing trash enclosure(s) are covered or not covered. If not covered, a cover will be required to be installed to comply with building department form B-76 and the city’s BMP Design Manual. 17. Please note this project requires an encroachment agreement for the encroachments (private parking lot lights, project signage, etc.) in the public ROW (Paseo Del Norte) and city easement (General Utility, Sidewalk and Landscape Easement along Paseo Del Norte). 18. There appears to be a building constructed over an existing public storm drain easement and storm drain. Please verify location of storm drain and the building. A determination on the future status of the easement, storm drain and building will be made when the locations are verified. 19. Please plot stopping sight distance at all driveways on Paseo Del Norte. 20. Please address the comments on the attached redlined plans. 21. Please be advised that a more in-depth review of the proposed development will occur with the discretionary permit application when a more complete design of the project is provided. Building Review: 1. Please address the following for all buildings shown on parcel 1 and parcel 2: a. Dimension the distance of each building’s exterior wall to the property line or assumed property line for buildings located within the same lot. b. Exterior walls within the required fire separation distance shall be fire rated per CBC table 705.5. PRE 2025-0061 (DEV2020-0121) – LEXUS CARLSBAD RENOVATION December 12, 2025 Page 8________________________________________________ Community Development Department Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314  442-339-2600 c. Where exterior walls are required to be fire-rated per CBC Table 705.5, parapets in accordance with CBC 705.11 are required. d. Note that openings and their rating in these exterior walls shall be in accordance with CBC table 705.8. Openings are prohibited when less than 3 feet. e. Note that projections, such as eave overhangs, shall be in accordance with CBC table 705.2. 2. Please identify locations of all onsite utilities for each building on the plan including sewer, water, electricity and gas. Utilities may not cross through property lines unless they are located within a recoded easement. 3. Please note that any work associated with alterations to the buildings or to the onsite private utilities will require a separate permit from Building and Safety. Utilities Review: 1. Please note this project appears to combine three (3) existing parcels into two (2), and the middle parcel being separated does not appear to contain any water or sewer services that need to be removed, rerouted or reassigned. 2. Please note any proposed work that will affect or impact public water or sewer facilities shall be submitted to the Utilities Department for review and approval, and all work on public utilities shall adhere to the current City of Carlsbad Engineering Standards. Fire Review: 1. Please confirm that new Parcel 2 will have two separate points of fire department access from Paseo Del Norte. 2. Please note Fire Department access shall be a minimum 24-foot-wide drive aisle provided throughout each parcel to within 150 feet of the exterior of all portions of all buildings. Where necessary, turnarounds shall be provided. Please clearly show fire department access routes on the plans. PRE 2025-0061 (DEV2020-0121) – LEXUS CARLSBAD RENOVATION December 12, 2025 Page 9________________________________________________ Community Development Department Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue  Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314  442-339-2600 If you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss this letter with the commenting departments, please contact Todd Arnhart at the number below. You may also contact each department individually as follows: •Planning Division: Todd Arnhart, Associate Planner, at (442) 339-2025 •Land Development Engineering Division: Tim Caroll, Principal Engineer, at (442) 339-2737 •Building Division: Jesse Sanchez, Building Official, at jesse.sanchez_ctr@carlsbadca.gov •Fire & Life Safety: Darcy Davidson, Fire Division Chief, at (442) 339-2662 •Public Works, Utilities: Markus Mohrle, Senior Engineer, at (442) 339-2322 Sincerely, ERIC LARDY, AICP City Planner EL:TA:cf Enc: Redlined Lot Line Adjustment Concept exhibit Redlined ALTA Survey exhibit c: Alena, Kriachko, Akriachko@cdrwest.com File Copy Data Entry/Laserfiche 303.24'N22°29'22"W 36 6 . 9 4 ' N6 7 ° 4 0 ' 3 8 " E 49 4 . 9 4 ' S6 7 ° 3 0 ' 3 8 " W 58 6 . 3 4 ' N6 7 ° 3 0 ' 3 8 " E 51 9 . 3 2 ' N6 7 ° 3 0 ' 3 8 " E 384.59'N22°29'22"W 239.24'N22°29'22"W 691.50'N22°29'22"W 323. 1 5 ' N0°2 2 ' 4 4 " E 130. 1 4 ' N0°2 2 ' 4 4 " E R=957'260' PAR 2 2.93 AC APN: 211-060-17-00 PAR 1 2.93 AC APN: 211-060-16-00 PAR 1 4.47 AC APN: 211-060-18-00 PROPOSED PROPERTY LINE PROPOSED PROPERTY LINE EXISTING PROPERTY LINE TO BE REMOVED PER LOI EXISTING PROPERTY LINE TO BE REMOVED PER LOI 12.0' PROPOSED PROPERTY LINE AT BUILDING PLANS PREPARED BY: TOYOTA CARLSBAD 5434 PASEO DEL NORTE CARLSBAD, CA 92008 SHEET OF 0101DATE: 07/31/25 LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT CONCEPT LEGEND: EX. PROPERTY LINE PROP. PROPERTY LINE EX. PROPERTY LINE TO BE REMOVED I ~..-......... !.:w.....----.1 _ _____,~ D I I ---- I ---- 100 200 ~ ::=~=~-~~1---1 i GRAPHIC SCALE ~ SCALE: 1" = too• ~ "' .......... -------------------------------------------------~ Cl>\Canrneldal Deve5opment Resources T,l:t,•:hl•:o T,··" _.,,::.,I•; ~ 11 ·o <I: / rii