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Home My WebLink About2026-06-03; Planning Commission; Minutes; Regular SessionPLANNING COMMISSION Minutes June 3, 2026, 5 p.m. CALL TO ORDER: 5 p.m. Council Chamber 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 ROLL CALL: Hubinger, Lafferty, Fitzgerald, Foster, Meenes. (Burrows, Merz -Absent} PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Fitzgerald led the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on May 6, 2026. Motion by Commissioner Lafferty, seconded by Commissioner Fitzgerald, to approve the Minutes as amended to include the reason for the recess was so that the article she presented and discussed could be shared with the Applicant and the rest of the Commission. Motion carried - 5/0/2 (Burrows, Merz -Absent}. PUBLIC COMMENT: None. PUBLIC HEARING: 1. SALK AVENUE APARTMENTS -(SDP2025-0001 DEV2025-0001) -1} Adoption of a resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California, adopting a SB 131 Focused Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND} and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program to allow for the development of a 397-unit, five-story, multifamily residential structure with 548 vehicular parking spaces both at grade and within an attached, five-story parking structure on a 9.78-acre site located on Salk Avenue between College Blvd and El Camino Real (Assessor· Parcel No. 212-021-04-00}, within the Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan, in the northwest quadrant of the city, the RD-M Zone, and Local Facilities Management Zone 5; and 2} Adoption of a resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Carlsbad, California approving a Site Development Plan (SOP} SOP 2025-0004 to allow for the development of a 397-unit, five-story, multifamily residential structure with 548 vehicular parking spaces both at grade and within an attached, five-story parking structure on a 9. 78-acre property generally located on Salk Avenue between College Blvd and El Camino Real (Assessor Parcel No. 212-021-04-00), within the Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan, in the northwest quadrant of the city, the RD-M zone, and Local Facilities Management Zone 5 case name: Salk Avenue. ACTION TYPE: Quasi-Judicial STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Take public input, close the public hearing, and adopt a Resolution. PLANNER: Kyle Van Leeuwen ENGINEER: Jason Geldert June 3, 2026 Carlsbad Planning Commission Meeting Page 2 Chair Meenes opened the duly noticed public hearing at 5:06 p.m. Chair Meenes requested the commissioners disclose any ex-parte conversations they may have had to which commissioners responded were familiar with the site. Chair Meenes added that he was contacted by Caroline Smith from Hanover Company to which Chair Meenes informed her that he does not discuss Agenda Items prior to the scheduled hearing date and their conversation ended there. Assistant Director of Community Development, Eric Lardy, stated that when more than one commissioner is absent, it is custom to ask Applicant if they would like to continue the Item to another date since there are two commissioners absent. The applicant indicated they would like the Item to be heard this evening. Assistant Director of Community Development, Eric Lardy, introduced Senior Planner, Kyle Van Leeuwen who reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk). In response to Commissioner Lafferty's inquiry, Engineering Manager Jason Geldert stated that the geotechnical report did not identify any constraints that would prevent the applicant from building underground parking. Assistant Director, Eric Lardy added that the City cannot require applicants build underground parking. In response to Chair Meene's request for clarification, Assistant Director Eric Lardy explained that a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) study was required for the project due to mitigation measures associated with the Housing Element Rezone Program Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The study identified VMT impacts, and the project is conditioned to implement mitigation measures, including providing transit passes to residents. Project Application representative, Joe Gamble from Hanover Properties, reviewed a PowerPoint Presentation. ( on file in the office of the City Clerk) Chair Meenes opened the Public Testimony at 5:40 p.m. Heather Riley, Consultant to the City and Partner at Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory & Natsis LLP, spoke in favor of the project and was available for questions. Seeing no one else wishing to speak, Chair Meenes closed the Public Testimony at 5:41 p.m. In response to Commissioner Fitzgerald's question regarding public comments requesting an EIR, Applicant Representative, Bob Stark of Michael Baker International, explained that the comments were reviewed and responded to in detail by his Company, but did not present substantial evidence requiring an EIR. Mr. Baker added that many of the concerns were speculative and the June 3, 2026 Carlsbad Planning Commission Meeting Page 3 biological studies, surveys, and mitigation measures conducted for the project were found to be adequate by the project team, regulatory agencies, and the City's biologist. He further noted that additional surveys were completed for species of concern and confirmed the project's compliance with applicable habitat protection requirements. Assistant Director Eric Lardy reiterated that the project is consistent with the City's Habitat Management Plan and incorporates mitigation measures to address impacts. Mr. Lardy also noted that the City reviewed and concurred with the environmental document and that an affordable housing agreement will be required to ensure rents, including applicable fees, comply with affordability limits. Motion by Commissioner Meenes, seconded by Commissioner Foster, to adopt Resolution Nos. 7578 and 7579. Motion carried, 5/0/2 ((Burrows, Merz -Absent). Chair Meenes closed the duly noticed public hearing at 5:56 p.m. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS: None 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. None. 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 talked about the Historic Preservation Committee's 3rd Grade Art Show that recently took place at the last City Council meeting. STAFF COMMENTS: Assistant Director of Community Development, Eric Lardy, reviewed the upcoming, tentative schedule of projects for the Planning Commission. ADJOURNMENT: 6:04 p.m. _) Administrative Secretary