HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-19; Planning Commission; Minutes; Regular SessionPLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes
Nov. 19, 2025, 5 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER: 5 p.m.
Council Chamber
1200 Carlsbad Vill age Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
ROLL CALL: Fitzgerald, Burrows, Merz, Foster, Lafferty, Hubinger, Meenes
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Planning Commissioner Fitzgerald led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on Nov. 5, 2025.
Motion by Commissioner Burrows seconded by Commissioner Lafferty, to approve the minutes
as presented. Motion carried, 7 /0.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. 2025 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT AMENDMENT LCPA -2025-0023, ZCA2025-0001 (PUB
2025-0009) - A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California,
recommending approval of a CEQA Exemption, Zone Code Amendment and a Local Coastal
Program Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance (Title 21) of the Carlsbad Municipal Code to
ensure consistency with state law related to accessory dwelling units and junior accessory
dwelling units.
ACTION TYPE: Legislative
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Take public input, close the public hearing,
and adopt the Resolution.
PLANNER: Shelley Glennon ENGINEER: n/a
City Planner Eric Lardy introduced Senior Planner, Shelley Glennon, who reviewed a PowerPoint
presentation regarding the item. (On file in the office of the City Clerk)
Chair Meenes opened the duly noticed public hearing at 5:05 p.m.
In response to Commissioner Fitzgerald's inquiries, Senior Planner, Shelley Glennon explained
that the term "single family" was updated to "one family" to be consistent with the terminology
used in the City of Carlsbad's zoning ordinance. Regarding uncovered parking for the project, Ms.
Glennon further clarified that the term "uncovered parking" refers to any uncovered parking
space that was intended for a specific use.
In response to Commissioner Lafferty's inquiry, Senior Planner, Shelley Glennon explained that if
a project meets the requirements of government code 66323, a one-family dwelling lot is allowed
up to 2 ADU's and 1 JADU in addition to the original one-family dwelling.
Nov. 5, 2025 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 2
In response to Commissioner Lafferty's inquiry regarding second stories, Senior Planner, Shelley
Glennon, clarified if a project can meet the height requirement of the city's zoning ordinance and
the Building Code, a second story is permitted.
In response to Commissioner Lafferty's inquiry regarding inclusionary housing, Senior Planner,
Shelley Glennon, explained that inclusionary housing is not required for ADU projects and City
Planner, Eric Lardy, added that City Council Policy 57 establishes additional options for the
standard inclusionary housing requirements as well.
Chair Meenes opened the public testimony at 5:27 p.m.
Hearing no one wishing to speak, Chair Meenes closed the public testimony at 5:27 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner Burrows, seconded by Commissioner Merz, to adopt Resolution 7560.
Motion carried 7 /0, (Docusign Envelope ID: AC39B595-2573-4AAA-AD7 A-D85A9AC3815C}
2. FORESTER RESIDENCE -CDP 2024-0009 (DEV2020-0111) -A Resolution of the Planning
Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, approving of Coastal Development Permit,
CDP2024-0009, to demolish an existing single-family residence and construct a new 4,085
square foot single-family residence on a 0.53-acre site located at 4464 Adams St. within the
Mello II Segment of the City's Local Coastal Program and Local Facilities Management Zone
1.
ACTION TYPE: Quasi-Judicial
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Take public input, close the public hearing,
and adopt the Resolution.
PLANNER: Todd Arnhart ENGINEER: Nichole Fine
Chair Meenes opened the duly noticed public hearing at 5:30 p.m.
City Planner Eric Lardy introduced Associate Planner Todd Arnhart, who reviewed a PowerPoint
presentation regarding the item. (on file in the office of the City Clerk)
Applicant representative and architect, Sam Wright, was available for questions.
In response to Commissioner Burrows' inquiry, Engineering Manager, Jason Geldert confirmed
that while the utilities will be underground from the house to the utility pole, there is no
requirement for additional undergrounding of public utility lines for a project of this nature.
In response to Commissioner Merz' request for further information regarding the public
comment received regarding landscaping, Associate Planner, Todd Arnhart explained that the
concern in the public comments was regarding the public view on Highland Ave., which is not a
protected view; and for which a private property owner has the right to construct a residential
home and associated landscaping that's consistent with the city's landscape standards.
Nov.5,2025 Carlsbad City Council Regular Meeting Page 3
In response to Chair Merz and Commissioner Fitzgerald's concerns regarding fire safety and the
trees planned for the site, Todd Arnhart explained that the trees in question are aligned with the
City's Street Tree Plan and Fire Department staff have reviewed project and found that it meets
all landscape requirements, including fire safety. Engineering Manager Jason Geldert added that
the City's Landscape Architect confirms that all projects which include tree removal meet the
City's Landscape Manual requirements before approving it for the next steps.
In response to Commissioner Lafferty's inquiry, Engineering Manager, Jason Geldert explained
that this is an Alternative Design street and sidewalks are not required .
In response to Commissioner Fitzgerald's inquiry, City Planner Eric Lardy explained that this
project's CEQA exemption was issued under the previous process, when decisions were final. The
current process allows the Planning Commission to refer a project back to staff for a different
CEQA recommendation for a variety of reasons and allows the City Council to refer a project back
to the Planning Commission for reconsideration as well.
Chair Meenes opened the public testimony at 5:46 p.m.
Hearing no one wishing to speak, Chair Meenes closed the public testimony at 5:46 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner Burrows, seconded by Commissioner Merz, to adopt Resolution 7561.
Motion carried 7 /0. (Docusign Envelope ID: AC39B595-2573-4AAA-AD7 A-D85A9AC3815C)
Hearing no one else wishing to speak, Chair Meenes closed the public hearing at 5:47 p.m.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: None.
COMMISSION COMMENTARY AND REQUESTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS:
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 .
Commissioner Lafferty reported on considerations and the actions taken at the Historic
Preservation Commission meeting held on November 10, 2025.
STAFF COMMENTS:
City Planner, Eric Lardy reviewed the Planning Commission tentative schedule of upcoming
projects and projects going to City Council.
Mr. Lardy provided an additional report on upcoming City Council projects and a review of
recently approved projects that the Planning Commission recom
ADJOURNMENT: 5:52 p.m.
ynthia Vigeland
Administrative Secretary