HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-18; Planning Commission; Minutes; Regular SessionPLANNING COMMISSION Minutes
March 18, 2026, 5 p.m.
Council Chamber
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
CALL TO ORDER: 5 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Hubinger, Merz, Lafferty, Fitzgerald, Burrows, Foster, Meenes
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Fitzgerald led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the Regular Meeting held Feb. 18, 2026.
In response to Commissioner Lafferty's request for additions, Assistant Director of Community
Development, Eric Lardy, recommended that the approval of the minutes be continued in order to
verify the specifics of the information addition.
Motion by Commissioner Lafferty, seconded by Commissioner Burrows, to continue the approval of
the meeting minutes to a date certain of April 15, 2026. Motion carried, 7 /0.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
PUBLIC HEARING:
1.2026 DRAINAGE MASTER PLAN -LCPA2025-0024/(PUB2022-0009/MCA2026-0001) -1} Adoption
of a resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, recommending
approval of Addendum No. 1 to the City of Carlsbad Drainage Master Plan (DMP} Final EIR State
Clearinghouse No. 2006041066 (EIR 04-02}, for a Local Coastal Program Amendment to replace
references to the Master Drainage Plan adopted in 1994 and the 2008 Drainage Master Plan with
references to the 2026 Drainage Master Plan; and
2)Adoption of a Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California,
recommending approval of a Local Coastal Program Amendment to replace references to the
Master Drainage Plan adopted in 1994 and the 2008 Drainage Master Plan with references to the
2026 City of Carlsbad Drainage Master Plan.
ACTION TYPE: Quasi-Judicial
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Take public input, close the public hearing,
and adopt a Resolution.
PLANNER: Alex Patterson ENGINEER: David Edwards
Chair Meenes opened the duly noticed public hearing on Item 1 at 5:06 p.m.
Assistant Community Development Director Eric Lardy introduced Assistant Planner, Alex Patterson,
and Senior Engineer, David Edwards, who reviewed a PowerPoint presentation on the project. (On file
in the Office of the City Clerk.}
March 18, 2026 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Page 2
In response to Commissioner Hubinger and Vice Chair Foster's inquiries, Senior Engineer, David
Edwards explained that when it comes to natural disasters, risks cannot be eliminated entirely, but
designs have, to the degree possible, taken potential disasters under consideration and are
continually improving to better accommodate future conditions. Mr. Edwards added that the Master
Plan provides a strong foundation to protect the city and its residents.
In response to Commissioner Burrows inquiry, Senior Engineer, David Edwards confirmed that future
development was considered when developing this Master Plan.
Chair Meenes opened Public Testimony at 5:26 p.m.
Seeing no one wishing to speak, Chair Meenes closed Public Testimony at 5:26 p.m.
Assistant City Attorney Dalton Sorich clarified the amendment to the draft Ordinance staff
recommended in Exhibit 2, Attachment B, on page 156 of 861: "Whereas, as required by state law a
six-week notice of availability was issued for LCPA-2025-0024 began March 18, 2026, and endin on
April29,202~and11
Motion by Commissioner Burrows, seconded by Commissioner Fitzgerald to adopt Resolution Nos.
7570 & 7571 as presented by staff. Motion carried, 7 /0.
2. EL CAMINO REAL WIDENING PROJECT, ARENAL ROAD TO LA COSTA AVE -CDP2022-0030,
HMP2022-0004, HDP2022-0001, SUP2022-0003, SUP2022-0004 (PUB 2021-0012) -1) Adoption
of a resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, recommending
adoption of an initial study/mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitoring and
reporting program to construct roadway, landscape, bikeway, and pedestrian improvements
along an approximately 0.80 mile segment of El Camino Real from Arena I Road to La Costa Avenue
in Local Facilities Management Zones 6, 19 and 23; and
2) Adoption of a resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California,
recommending approval of a Coastal Development Permit, Habitat Management Plan Permit,
Hillside Development Permit, Special Use Permit (floodplain), and Special Use Permit (El Camino
Real Corridor Development Standards) and a Waiver of General Plan Open Space {Policy 4-P.6 for
the construction of roadway, bikeway, and pedestrian improvements along an approximately
0.80 mile segment of El Camino Real from Arena! Road to La Costa Avenue in Local Facilities
Management Zones 6, 19 and 23.
ACTION TYPE: Quasi-Judicial
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Take public input, close the public hearing,
and adopt the Resolution.
PLANNER: Scott Donnell ENGINEER: Linda Ontiveros
Chair Meenes opened the duly noticed public hearing on Item 2 at 5:29 p.m.
Assistant Director of Community Development, Eric Lardy, introduced Senior Planner, Scott Donnell,
who reviewed a PowerPoint presentation on the project. (On file in the Office of the City Clerk.)
March 18, 2026 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Page 3
In response to Commissioner Fitzgerald's inquiry regarding the city's consideration of alternative
designs, Senior Planner, Scott Donnell, replied that the project aligns with the city's General Plan and
the San Diego Association of Government's (SANDAG) recommendations, which call for three lanes
in each direction in an arterial road of this type. Mr. Donnell added that measures were taken to
make the pedestrian and cyclists experience safer with some buffers added in some areas of the road
improvement.
In response to Chair Meenes' inquiry, Senior Planner, Scott Donnell, explained that after the city's
research on this, and consideration of the Coastal Commission's recommendation, the city
determined it would not be wise to add a vertical buffer on El Camino Real. Transportation Director
and City Engineer, Tom Frank explained the internal reviews with the Transportation Director, Police
Department and Fire Department to balance this portion of the road segment with applicable
guidelines.
In response to Vice Chair Foster's inquiry, Transportation Director and City Engineer, Tom Frank,
reiterated that the proposed design is consistent with the General Plan for this road; so, in order to
maintain consistency and avoid confusion on behalf of the users, it did not make sense to add barriers
for cyclists here. Mr. Frank added that the city's emergency responders evaluated this project and
agreed that this design is the best fit for this segment.
In response to Commissioner Lafferty's inquiry and safety concerns regarding the distance and design
of the bridges, Associate Engineer, Brandon Miles, explained that the main factor determining the
bridge design and location was avoiding conflicts with underground utilities. Ms. Lafferty added that
she is concerned about the bridge design isolating pedestrians and the ability of emergency vehicles
to access people on the bridge.
In response to Commissioner Hubinger's comments regarding much of the discussion reflecting
differing personal opinions rather than clear, measurable safety standards and inquiring if there is a
possibility that the bridge is actually safer, Tom Frank, Transportation Director and City Engineer,
explained that generally, separating sidewalks is preferred by pedestrians and the plans have been
reviewed the both the City Fire and Police Departments.
In response to Chair Meenes' inquiry regarding the Crossings Golf Course and the mitigation aspect
of that location, Senior Planner, Scott Donnell, explained the Crossings' location enables project
habitat impacts to be mitigated to ensure no net loss of habitat in the Coastal Zone.
In response to Vice Chair Foster's inquiry, Associate Engineer, Brandon Miles, explained that the west
bridge is included in this project because it conforms with the city's standards which include
pedestrian access on both sides of an arterial street like this one. Mr. Miles added that there are
future planned trail connections that the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation has planned for this location
as well.
Chair Meenes opened Public Testimony at 6:07 p.m.
March 18, 2026 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Page4
Seeing no one wishing to speak, Chair Meenes closed Public Testimony at 6:07 p.m.
In response to Commissioner Lafferty's inquiry, Transportation Director, Tom Frank, explained that
all designs were reviewed by the city's Fire and Police departments and neither indicated that this
design is unsafe.
Commissioner discussion ensued.
Commissioner Fitzgerald expressed concern that road widening leads to increased congestion and
vehicle speeds and suggested project alternatives could have been considered, such as narrowing the
street or widening bike lanes.
Vice Chair Foster specified that he would need to see barriers for cyclists included in this project's
street improvements before he would approve it.
Commissioner Lafferty expressed that she would be comfortable approving the first resolution but
not the second unless assured by design and development team that the bridge locations will be
further studied with the goal of bringing them closer to the roadway and reducing the separation
space. In light of this, Ms. Lafferty inquired if the resolutions could be voted on separately and
Assistant Director of Community Development, Eric Lardy, explained that while the resolutions could
be voted on separately, the second resolution could not be passed if the first one did not pass.
Motion by Commissioner Burrows, seconded by Commissioner Merz, to adopt Resolution Nos. 7572
& 7573 as presented by staff. Motion carried, 5/2 (Foster, Lafferty -No.)
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
3. TRIBAL CULTURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION AND CONSULTATION PRESENTATION -Receive a
report and presentation on tribal cultural resource protection and consultation. (Staff contact:
Robert Efird, Community Development)
Recommended Action: Receive the report.
Assistant Director of Community Development, Eric Lardy, introduced Principal Planner Robert Efird
and consultant from Helix Environmental, Nikki Falvey, who reviewed a PowerPoint (On file in the
Office of the City Clerk.) and provided an informational report on the topic.
The Commission received the report; staff and consultant, Nikki Falvey responded to clarifying
questions from the Planning Commission.
Chair Meenes opened Public Testimony at 7:11 p.m.
Seeing no one wishing to speak, Chair Meenes closed Public Testimony at 7:11 p.m.
March 18, 2026 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Page 5
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 shared some information
regarding the Planning Commissioner's Academy she and other staff and Planning Commissioners
recently attended.
STAFF COMMENTS: Assistant Director of Community Development, Eric Lardy, indicated that the next
meeting scheduled for April 1, 2026, will be canceled and reviewed the upcoming Planning
Commission Tentative Schedule of projects.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:28 p.m.
Cynthia Vigeland
Administrative Secretary