HomeMy WebLinkAboutSP 207H; Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan; Specific Plan 207H; 2009-12-01
Carlsbad Ranch
Specific Plan
(SP 207)
Prepared For:
The Carltas Company
Prepared By:
Hofman Planning Associates
SP 207
Specific Plan on approximately 423.5 acres of land located north of Palomar Airport Rd,
south of future Cannon Rd, east of Paseo Del Norte and west of Local Facilities
Management Zones 5 and 8
Approved by
Planning Commission Resolution No. 3480, January 6, 1993
City Council Ordinance No. NS-227
California Coastal Commission, June 10, 1993
* * *
SP 207(A)
Increase the land area of the original specific plan by 23.89 acres; including the transfer
of 20.56 acres from Zone 5 to Zone 13, which is located along the southeast boundary
of the project and the inclusion of 3.33 acres south of Cannon Road. Proposed land
uses were changed to reduce office/research and development and focus on
recreational, retail, and visitor serving land uses – (LEGOLAND)
Replaced SP 207, in its entirety
Approved by:
Planning Commission Resolution No. 3848, December 6, 1995
City Council Ordinance No. NS-344, January 9, 1996
California Coastal Commission Application No. 6-96-9, April 11, 1996
* * *
SP 207(B)
Minor amendment to permit the realignment of the flower field trail, modifying the
alignment and width of the trail to more closely approximate the existing agricultural
road, eliminating proposed non-agricultural landscaping, reducing the viewpoint at what
was previously the eastern terminus of the trail, and adding an alternative access point
north of the new alignment.
Approved by
Planning Director, August 25, 1995
California Coastal Commission Application No. 6-93-34-A4, December 5, 1995
* * *
SP 207(C)
Hotel/Time Share Amendment
WITHDRAWN June 3, 1996
* * *
SP 207(D)
To allow a museum open to the public, with incidental retail sales related to the museum
(Museum of Music Making, located in the
National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) building)
Approved by
Planning Commission Resolution No. 4538, April 21, 1999
City Council Ordinance No. NS-488, June 8, 1999
California Coastal Commission Application No. 3-99A, December 8, 1999
* * *
SP 207 (E)
To allow the development of Planning Area 5 with a hotel/time-share resort
Independent of development of Planning Area 8
Approved by
Planning Commission Resolution No. 5693, September 1, 2004
City Council Ordinance No. NS-727, October 19, 2004
California Coastal Commission Application No. 3-04A, March 17, 2005
* * *
SP 207 (F)
To allow for an administrative approval process for Legoland Inner Park improvements,
modify the allowed uses to include overnight uses, and to define Minor and Major
Specific Plan Amendments
Approved by
Planning Commission Resolution No. 6356, December 5, 2007
City Council Ordinance No. NS-875, February 8, 2008
Coastal Commission Application No. 1-08B, September 9, 2009
City Council Ordinance No. CS-066, October 27, 2009
* * *
SP 207 (G)
To allow for a second driveway access for ingress only into the Armstrong Garden
Center/Flower Fields property from Palomar Airport Road
Approved by
Planning Commission Resolution No. 6414, April 16, 2008
City Council Ordinance No. NS-893, June 24, 2008
Coastal Commission Application No. 1-08A, August 14, 2009
* * *
SP 207 (H)
To add hotel and accessory hotel uses to Planning Area 4, modify the parking rates for
LEGOLAND and gyms within the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan and reflect the previous
street name change of Hidden Valley Road to The Crossings Drive
Approved by
Planning Commission Resolution No. 6524, January 21, 2009
City Council Ordinance No. CS-025, March 10, 2009
Coastal Commission Application No. 1-09B, October 9, 2009
City Council Ordinance No. CS-069, December 1, 2009
INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PREPARATION OF THIS SPECIFIC PLAN
Hofman Planning Associates
2386 Faraday Avenue, Suite 120
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(619) 438-1465
Bill Hofman
Mike Howes
Stan Weiler
Lisa King
Dan King
OTHERS CONTRIBUTING TOWARD THE PREPARATION OF THIS SPECIFIC PLAN
O'Day Consultants
7220 Avenida Encinas, Suite 204
Carlsbad, CA 92009
(619) 931-7700
EDAW, Inc.
1920 Main Street, Suite 450
Irvine, CA. 92714
(714) 660-8044
Pointe Design Group, Inc.
3130 Bonita Rd., Ste. 200
Chula Vista, CA. 91910
(619) 691-1800
Krommenhoek McKeown Associates
1515 Morena Boulevard
San Diego, CA. 92110
(619) 275-7421
City of Carlsbad
2075 Las Palmas Drive
Carlsbad, CA. 92009
(619) 438-1161
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan ii
OTHERS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS SPECIFIC PLAN
Carlsbad Ranch Company
5600 Avenida Encinas, Suite 100
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(619) 431-5600
Chris Calkins
John White
Lizbeth Ecke
LEGO
7040 Avenida Encinas
Carlsbad CA. 92008
(619) 438-5346
John Jakobsen
Flemming Jensen
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan iii
I. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................1
A. INITIATION OF THE PLAN..............................................................................1
B. PROJECT LOCATION AND OWNERSHIP......................................................1
C. SPECIFIC PLAN ACREAGE AND SITE DESCRIPTION....................................1
D. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN.................................................................................5
E. PROPOSED LAND USES ................................................................................5
F. ISSUES ADDRESSED IN THE PLAN .................................................................7
G. RELATIONSHIP OF THE PLAN'S POLICIES TO ITS REGULATIONS..................7
H. COMPLIANCE WITH THE GENERAL PLAN....................................................7
1. LAND USE ELEMENT ........................................................................7
2. OPEN SPACE & CONSERVATION ELEMENT...............................10
3. CIRCULATION ELEMENT................................................................10
4. NOISE ELEMENT .............................................................................11
I. AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE .........................................................................12
J. ENTITLEMENT AND APPROVALS PERMITTED BY THE SPECIFIC PLAN ........14
K. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE................................................................................14
II. LAND USE AND CIRCULATION ................................................................................15
A. INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................15
B. OVERVIEW OF PLANNING AREA OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS...15
1. COMMUNITY CONTEXT..................................................................15
2. NATURAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES ........................................16
3. INFRASTRUCTURAL CONSIDERATIONS.....................................18
4. INSTITUTIONAL AND JURISDICTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS.....18
5. NOISE AND AIRPORT COMPATIBILITY ........................................19
C. DESCRIPTION OF THE CARLSBAD RANCH PLAN CONCEPT.....................19
D. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES.........................................................28
III. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES .................................62
A. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES ..........63
1. BUILDING HEIGHT...........................................................................63
2. BUILDING COVERAGE....................................................................64
3. PARKING STANDARDS...................................................................64
4. SIGNAGE ..........................................................................................68
5. EMPLOYEE EATING AREAS...........................................................69
6. SERVICE LOADING AREAS AND TRASH ENCLOSURES...........69
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan iv
7. OPEN SPACE TRANSITION AREAS ..............................................70
a. Perimeter Wall ..............................................................................................70
b. Berms ...........................................................................................................70
c. Drainage .......................................................................................................71
8. ROADWAYS......................................................................................74
a. Palomar Airport Road...................................................................................74
b. Cannon Road ...............................................................................................75
c. Armada Drive................................................................................................76
d. LEGO Drive ..................................................................................................78
e. The Crossings Drive.....................................................................................80
f. Street ............................................................................................................81
9. LANDSCAPE CONCEPT..................................................................82
a. Golf Course ..................................................................................................85
b. Parking Areas...............................................................................................87
c. Project Entries ..............................................................................................89
B. PLANNING AREA 1 - GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA ...............94
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS........................................................96
C. PLANNING AREA 2 - RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT...........................100
2. DESIGN GUIDELINES....................................................................104
D. PLANNING AREA 3 - HOTEL/RETAIL ........................................................106
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS......................................................106
2. DESIGN GUIDELINES....................................................................108
E. PLANNING AREA 4 - LEGOLAND Carlsbad............................................111
1. PLANNING AREAS.........................................................................111
2. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS......................................................118
3. DESIGN GUIDELINES....................................................................134
4. LANDSCAPE AREAS .....................................................................140
F. PLANNING AREA 5 - RESORT...................................................................152
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS......................................................152
2. DESIGN GUIDELINES....................................................................155
G. PLANNING AREA 6 - SPECIALTY RETAIL..................................................156
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS......................................................156
2. DESIGN GUIDELINES....................................................................159
H. PLANNING AREA 7 - FLOWER FIELDS......................................................162
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS......................................................162
I. PLANNING AREA 8 - GOLF COURSE.......................................................168
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS......................................................168
J. PLANNING AREA 9 - NATURAL OPEN SPACE.........................................174
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS......................................................174
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan v
IV. COMMUNITY FACILITIES .......................................................................................176
A. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................176
B. CITY ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES............................................................176
C. LIBRARY FACILITIES ..................................................................................177
D. PARK FACILITIES.......................................................................................177
1. GOLF COURSE ..............................................................................177
2. TRAIL SYSTEM/PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY ..................................178
3. PARK MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS .................................178
E. OPEN SPACE ............................................................................................178
F. FIRE ...........................................................................................................180
G. SCHOOLS .................................................................................................180
V. UTILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE .....................................................................182
A. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................182
B. DOMESTIC WATER....................................................................................182
C. RECLAIMED WATER..................................................................................187
D. STORM DRAINAGE...................................................................................188
E. SEWER AND WASTEWATER FACILITIES.....................................................189
F. SOLID WASTE............................................................................................191
G. ELECTRICITY..............................................................................................191
H. NATURAL GAS..........................................................................................191
I. TELEPHONE...............................................................................................191
J. CIRCULATION...........................................................................................191
VI. SPECIFIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES...............................................203
A. ORDINANCES TO BE ADOPTED................................................................203
B. SUBSEQUENT APPROVALS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE SPECIFIC
PLAN.........................................................................................................203
C. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.......................................................208
D. PHASING PROGRAM ...............................................................................208
E. GRADING/EROSION CONTROL ..............................................................221
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................................221
2. GUIDELINES...................................................................................221
3. CONFORMANCE WITH CITY OF CARLSBAD ORDINANCES ...224
4. PHASING OF GRADING ................................................................224
5. LANDSCAPE MITIGATION ............................................................225
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan vi
VII. SPECIFIC PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.....................................................226
A. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (94-01)............................................226
B. OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS.......................................................226
1. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES ....................................................226
2. AIR QUALITY ..................................................................................226
3. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES 228
4. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ..........................................................230
5. TRAFFIC/CIRCULATION................................................................231
6. HAZARDOUS WASTE/PESTICIDE RESIDUE..............................234
7. LAND USE COMPATIBILITY..........................................................234
8. NOISE..............................................................................................235
9. PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES .............................................235
a. Fire Protection Services.............................................................................235
b. Police Protection Services .........................................................................235
c. Sewer and Wastewater Treatment Facilities .............................................235
d. Schools.......................................................................................................235
e. Water Supply/Reclaimed Water.................................................................236
10. SOLID WASTE ................................................................................236
11. VISUAL AESTHETICS/GRADING..................................................238
12. WATER QUALITY ...........................................................................238
C. SUBSEQUENT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW.................................................238
VIII. SPECIFIC PLAN ADMINISTRATION....................................................................239
A. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................239
B. STATE REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................................239
C. LOCAL REQUIREMENTS............................................................................240
1. AMENDMENTS...............................................................................240
IX. SPECIFIC PLAN ENFORCEMENT .........................................................................241
LIST OF FIGURES
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan vii
Figure 1 Regional Context .......................................................................................2
Figure 2 City Context...............................................................................................3
Figure 3 Vicinity Map ...............................................................................................4
Figure 4 Development Summary .............................................................................6
Figure 5 Williamson Act Lands...............................................................................13
Figure 6 Site Features ...........................................................................................17
Figure 7 Airport Flight Line Analysis ......................................................................20
Figure 8 General Plan Uses...................................................................................23
Figure 9 Zoning Designations................................................................................24
Figure 10 Planning Areas ........................................................................................25
Figure 11 Development Program.............................................................................26
Figure 12 Parcelization ............................................................................................27
Figure 13 Grading Concept......................................................................................37
Figure 14 Storm Water Management Concept ........................................................38
Figure 15 Circulation Plan........................................................................................47
Figure 16 Typical Street Cross Section....................................................................48
Figure 17 Typical Stree Cross Sections...................................................................49
Figure 18 Typical Street Cross Sections..................................................................50
Figure 19 Typical Street Cross Sections..................................................................51
Figure 20 Typical Street Cross Sections..................................................................52
Figure 21 Typical Street Cross Sections..................................................................53
Figure 22 Typical Street Cross Sections..................................................................54
Figure 23 Typical Street Cross Sections..................................................................55
Figure 24 Typical Street Cross Sections..................................................................56
Figure 25 Pedestrian Walk In Flower Field ..............................................................61
Figure 26 Typical Surface Parking...........................................................................66
Figure 27 Typical Parking Structure Treatment .......................................................67
Figure 28 Agricultural Buffers ..................................................................................72
Figure 29 Typical Berm Treatments.........................................................................73
Figure 30 Landscape Concept.................................................................................83
Figure 31 Planning Area 1 - Gemological Institute of America.................................95
Figure 32 Planning Area 2 - Research and Development......................................101
Figure 33 Planning Area 3 - Hotel/Retail................................................................107
Figure 34 Planning Area 4 - LEGOLAND Carlsbad ...............................................114
Figure 35 LEGOLAND Carlsbad - Planning Areas.................................................116
Figure 36 LEGOLAND Carlsbad - Conceptual Site Plan .......................................117
Figure 37 LEGOLAND Carlsbad - Key Setbacks...................................................121
Figure 38 LEGOLAND Carlsbad - Parking Concept Plan ......................................125
Figure 39 LEGOLAND Carlsbad - Parking Geometries.........................................126
Figure 40 LEGOLAND Carlsbad - Circulation Plan................................................127
LIST OF FIGURES
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan viii
Figure 41 LEGOLAND Carlsbad - Landscape Concept Plan.................................141
Figure 42 LEGOLAND Carlsbad - Cross Sections.................................................142
Figure 43 LEGOLAND Carlsbad - Cross Sections.................................................143
Figure 44 LEGOLAND Carlsbad - Cross Sections.................................................144
Figure 45 LEGOLAND Carlsbad - Cross Sections.................................................145
Figure 46 Planning Area 5 - Resort........................................................................153
Figure 47 Planning Area 6 - Specialty Retail..........................................................157
Figure 48 Planning Area 6 - Specialty Retail..........................................................161
Figure 49 Planning Area 7 - Flower Fields.............................................................165
Figure 50 Cross Section - Wall & Promenade .......................................................167
Figure 51 Planning Area 8 - Golf Course...............................................................171
Figure 52 Trail at LEGO / Golf Boundary...............................................................172
Figure 53 Cannon Road Golf Course Crossing Illustrative ....................................173
Figure 54 Planning Area 9 - Natural Open Space..................................................175
Figure 55 Open Space...........................................................................................179
Figure 56 Existing Utilities......................................................................................185
Figure 57 Water.....................................................................................................186
Figure 58 Sanitary Sewer ......................................................................................190
Figure 59 Capital Improvement Program...............................................................210
Figure 60 Earthwork Phasing - Previous Grading Done For CT 92-07..................216
Figure 61 Earthwork Phasing - Phase 1 CT 94-09.................................................217
Figure 62 Earthwork Phasing - Phase 2 CT 94-09.................................................218
Figure 63 Earthwork Phasing - Phase 3 CT 94-09.................................................219
Figure 64 Phasing Program...................................................................................220
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan ix
APPENDICES
A. Project Summary Sheet
B. Legal Description
C. Glossary of Specific Plan Terms
D. Airport Noise/Land Use Compatibility Matrix
E. Williamson Act Contract
F. Potential LEGOLAND Attractions
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 1
I. INTRODUCTION
A. INITIATION OF THE PLAN
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan Amendment was prepared at the request of the
major property owner, the Carlsbad Ranch Company. A portion of the subject property is
within the Palomar Airport Influence Area which is designated a Special Treatment Area by
the City's General Plan. As required by the General Plan's Special Treatment Area
Guidelines, a specific plan must be processed and approved prior to development of this
property. In addition, a combination district is proposed for the subject property which also
necessitates the preparation of a specific plan pursuant to the General Plan. The property
is also located within the boundary of the Mello II Segment of the Local Coastal Program
(LCP) which also requires a specific plan for development of the site.
B. PROJECT LOCATION AND OWNERSHIP
The Carlsbad Ranch site is located within the northwest quadrant of the City of
Carlsbad. The site is located entirely within the boundary of Local Facilities Management
Zone 13. A regional map depicting the location of the property within the County and a city
context map presenting the location of the property within the City of Carlsbad are provided
in Figures 1 and 2 on pages 2 and 3 respectively. The specific project site is shown on
Figure 3 on page 4.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific plan is largely under the ownership of the Carlsbad
Ranch Company. The Gemological Institute of America also owns approximately 29.0
acres within the specific plan.
C. SPECIFIC PLAN ACREAGE AND SITE DESCRIPTION
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan Amendment area is 447.40 acres in size. This
specific plan amendment increases the land area of the original specific plan by 23.89
acres. This increase includes the transfer of 20.56 acres from Zone 5 to Zone 13 which is
located along the southeast boundary of the project. The remainder of this increase is due
to the inclusion of additional right-of-way from Cannon Road along the northern boundary of
the project. Of this area, 412.52 acres are considered developable pursuant to Section
21.53.230 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code. The site is composed of gently rolling
topography and contains three north-south trending ridges. Almost all of the site has been
disturbed by agricultural operations. Environmentally constrained areas of the site consist
of steep slopes in the northeast and southeast corners of the property. Some of these
slopes are covered with sensitive vegetation, including coastal sage scrub and mixed
coastal chaparral.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 5
D. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
The purpose of the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan is to provide a comprehensive set
of guidelines, regulations and implementation programs for guiding and ensuring the
orderly development of the Carlsbad Ranch in accordance with the City's General Plan.
The specific plan defines the allowable type and intensity of land use, provides
detailed development and design standards and criteria, and describes the method by
which the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan will be implemented. City Council adoption of the
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan will establish the zoning and development standards for this
property. The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan Amendment will ensure that the subject
property is developed in full accordance with the following:
• City of Carlsbad General Plan
• Local Coastal Program - Mello II Segment
• Zone 13 Local Facilities Management Plan
• McClellan-Palomar Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan
• Land Conservation Contract 76-1
E. PROPOSED LAND USES
The proposed land uses for the Specific Plan Amendment will be similar in type to
the original Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan, but with a significantly reduced office/research &
development component and the addition of recreational, retail, and visitor-serving land
uses. Proposed land uses for the Specific Plan Amendment reflect a mix of compatible and
complementary non-residential uses, including office, research and development, related
light manufacturing, commercial, hotel, destination resort, golf course, agriculture, a
vocational school campus and LEGOLAND Carlsbad. The integrated uses will allow for the
creation of a diverse, high quality development with appropriate recreational opportunities
and services for the community. It will enhance the regional focus that the Carlsbad Ranch
now holds as entry to the business and industrial corridor and as a visitor and community
destination for its agricultural, aesthetic, retail and entertainment characteristics. A table
detailing the proposed land uses and associated square footage is provided as Figure 4 on
page 6.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 7
F. ISSUES ADDRESSED IN THE PLAN
Issues addressed by this plan include land use compatibility with the existing and
future agricultural operations and Palomar Airport to the east, preservation of open space,
visual aesthetics of the development, provision of adequate public facilities and
improvements, and consistency with the General Plan, Local Coastal Plan - Mello II
Segment and the Zone 13 Local Facilities Management Plan.
G. RELATIONSHIP OF THE PLAN'S POLICIES TO ITS REGULATIONS
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan is both a policy and a regulatory document. The
Plan will serve as the zoning ordinance for the subject property. Where the plan varies
from existing City regulations, specific policy statements are presented to clarify the intent
and purpose of the proposed regulation.
The specific plan goals, objectives and policies will serve to generally guide and
direct development within the Carlsbad Ranch. The specific plan regulations will implement
these goals, objectives and policies. Detailed regulations will control the type, location,
intensity and appearance of development in Carlsbad Ranch. The illustrative plans
contained in this document are conceptual in nature only. Specific project site design shall
be subject to future City review and must conform to all applicable codes, standards and
design requirements.
H. COMPLIANCE WITH THE GENERAL PLAN
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan is consistent with and implements the Carlsbad
General Plan. The following highlights some of the major General Plan goals applicable to
Carlsbad Ranch and discusses the relationship between these goals and the Carlsbad
Ranch Specific Plan.
1. LAND USE ELEMENT
Overall Land Use Pattern
a. Goal A.1 - A City which preserves and enhances the environment,
character and image of itself as a desirable residential, beach and open
space-oriented community.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 8
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan is consistent with the intent of this goal, since the
majority of the project will remain as an open family park, golf course and agricultural area.
The project has been designed to concentrate development along Paseo Del Norte, the
site's developable western ridge and the flatter portions of the eastern boundary, thus
preserving significant amounts of open space including the well known "flower fields".
b. Goal A.2 - A City which provides for an orderly balance of both public
and private land uses.
The specific plan meets this goal by providing public recreational uses
and amenities, including a family park, a golf course open to the public, a
pedestrian promenade and a trail through the flower fields which will channel
foot traffic through the fields. The private uses that contribute to balance the
specific plan include LEGOLAND Carlsbad, the Resort, the Gemological
Institute, the Hotel/Timeshare area and the Specialty Retail shops.
Growth Management And Public Facilities
c. Goal A.1 - A City which ensures the timely provision of adequate
public facilities and services to preserve the quality of life of the
residents.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan includes provisions which ensure
that all necessary public facilities will be available concurrent with need. The
specific plan has been developed to be consistent with and to implement the
Zone 13 Local Facilities Management Plan (LFMP) as identified in the
Community Facilities (IV), Utilities and Infrastructure (V) and Specific Plan
Implementation Measures (VI) chapters of this document.
The Zone 13 Local Facilities Management Plan Amendment is being
processed concurrently with this Specific Plan Amendment. Development
within the Carlsbad Ranch has been anticipated and provisions have been
established to ensure the availability of public facilities.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 9
Commercial
d. Goal A.1 - A City that achieves a healthy and diverse economic base
by creating a climate for economic growth and stability.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan will provide a family oriented theme
park, destination resort and golf course, as well as a diverse range of
commercial services including restaurants, specialty shops, regional retail,
etc. The commercial uses of the specific plan will also serve to attract and
accommodate local residents as well as meet the needs of the specific plan's
tenants and guests.
Industrial
e. Goal A - A City which develops an industrial base of light, pollution-
free industries.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan incorporates research and
development uses into the Specific Plan Program, thus maintaining
consistency with the intent of this goal. The research and development uses
contribute a light industrial component to the specific plan that will serve to
strengthen the City's tax base as well as increase job opportunities for local
residents.
Agriculture
f. Goal A.2 - A city which supports agriculture while planning for possible
transition to urban uses.
The proposed development on the site will provide supplemental
income to help sustain agricultural operations in Planning Area 7, the Flower
Fields. The specific plan will increase the amount of acreage preserved as
permanent Open Space for agricultural purposes.
Environmental
g. Goal A - A City which protects and conserve natural resources, fragile
ecological areas, unique natural assets and historically significant
features of the community.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan contains provisions to preserve the
community landmark of the "Flower Fields". This is made possible by the
revenue created by the other proposed uses.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 10
Special Planning Considerations -- Airport
h. Goal A - A City which maintains land use compatibility between
McClellan-Palomar Airport and surrounding land uses.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan area is located within the Palomar
Airport Special Treatment Area as defined by the "Comprehensive Land Use
Plan for Palomar Airport". As discussed in the Land Use Element of the
General Plan, specific plans should be developed for properties located
within the Airport Influence Area to ensure definite work programs for those
identified key areas that affect the character of the entire community.
Through the development of comprehensive design guidelines, the Carlsbad
Ranch Specific Plan shall ensure the orderly and consistent development of
all properties within the specific plan.
2. OPEN SPACE & CONSERVATION ELEMENT
a. Goal A.1 - Preserve and create an open space system
The first goal of the Open Space & Conservation Element identifies
the need to preserve and create open space systems that maintain
community identity, achieve a sense of natural spaciousness, and provide a
certain degree of visual relief to the cityscape. The Carlsbad Ranch Specific
Plan provides for the preservation of all existing General Plan Open Space in
addition to proposing additional General Plan Open Space for a golf course
open to the public. The open space areas also include an area of native
vegetation in the northeast corner of the specific plan area.
3. CIRCULATION ELEMENT
Streets And Traffic Control
a. Goal A.1 - A City with an integrated transportation network serving
local and regional needs.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan shall provide a comprehensive
circulation system that will serve the present and future traffic needs of
Carlsbad and the region as a whole. The proposed internal circulation
system of the project creates a circulation pattern which provides logical links
with the existing system. The Carlsbad Ranch's internal circulation system is
also intended to enhance the existing network by providing alternative routes
for movement.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 11
Signage will direct traffic generated by LEGOLAND Carlsbad and the
resort to access these areas by using Cannon Road. This will preserve the
capacity along Palomar Airport Road.
Alternate Modes Of Transportation
b. Goal A - A City which promotes, encourages and accommodates a
variety of transportation modes as alternatives to the automobile.
This specific plan proposes goals, objectives and policies to address
potential transit services and opportunities provided for alternate modes of
transportation for the tenants and guests of the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan
Area.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan will provide a pedestrian circulation
system, which is both safe and comfortable thus encouraging non-vehicular
traffic. The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan will provide a pedestrian oriented
environment, which will provide views of the surrounding open space and
natural features while supplying access between the various uses. Sidewalk
widths within the specific plan will be increased to 15 feet along portions of
Armada Drive.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan also identifies potential locations for
future bus stops within the specific plan area. The potential bus stop
locations are as shown on Figure 15 on page 47.
4. NOISE ELEMENT
Airport
a. Goal A - A City that achieves long-term compatibility between the
airport and surrounding land use.
The subject property is impacted by noise from Palomar Airport and
Interstate 5. The land uses proposed in the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan
are in full compliance with the noise standards contained in the City's Noise
Element and the Comprehensive Land Use Plan for Palomar Airport. (See
Appendix E for the Airport Noise/Land Use Compatibility Matrix.) Noise
impacts will be evaluated in the accompanying Environmental Impact Report.
All future development within the specific plan shall incorporate the
applicable noise mitigation measures identified in the EIR to reduce indoor
noise levels to acceptable levels consistent with the Airport's Land Use Plan
and the City's Noise Element.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 12
I. AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE
Notice of Non-Renewal of the Williamson Contract was filed, effective January 1,
1992. Pursuant to the provisions of the Williamson Act Land Conservation Contract, the
Contract will expire as to certain portions of the Agricultural Preserve on January 1, 2001
and January 1, 2006 as shown on Figure 5 on page 13. Prior to such expiration, use of the
property, notwithstanding the specific plan, will be restricted to those uses permitted under
the Contract with the City of Carlsbad.
Portions of the property which are subject to the terminating Contract are designated
for use by LEGOLAND Carlsbad, GIA, the Specialty Retail area and the resort, together
with related infrastructure and certain affected areas as shown on Figure 5 on page 13. It
is anticipated that development of these areas for those uses prior to the normal expiration
of the Contract will require cancellation of the Contract for the specific uses, reflecting the
unique character and the limited opportunities for their location elsewhere within the city or
in adjacent areas. Cancellation of the Act on these areas will require action by the City
Council of the City of Carlsbad to make appropriate findings for purposes of tentative
cancellation, and final cancellation will reflect the satisfaction of the conditions specified in
the tentative cancellation.
So long as the Williamson Act is in effect on portions of Planning Areas 1, 2, 4, 5 &
6, the only uses permitted are agricultural and recreational as provided under the
Williamson Act Contract. Figure 10 on page 25 provides the locations of the Planning
Areas described.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 14
J. ENTITLEMENT AND APPROVALS PERMITTED BY THE SPECIFIC PLAN
Approval of this specific plan establishes the zoning for the Carlsbad Ranch, setting
forth permitted uses and regulatory criteria and guidelines. Approval of this plan does not
vest any rights for future approvals of any licenses, discretionary acts or other entitlement
necessary for future development within Carlsbad Ranch.
No person shall use or develop any property covered by this specific plan in a
manner which is contrary to the provisions contained herein as established by the City
Council. Development within the specific plan area shall be subject to all terms and
conditions of the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan is supplemental to the existing certified Mello II
Land Use Plan. All the resource protection and land use provisions of the existing certified
land use plan are applicable to the Carlsbad Ranch (LCP Amendment 1-93, Suggested
Modification Number 2).
A General Plan Amendment, Local Coastal Plan Amendment, cancellation of a part
of a Land Conservation Contract, an Agricultural Preserve Amendment, Zone Change,
Local Facilities Management Plan Amendment, Tentative Map, Non-Residential Planned
Development Permit, Hillside Development Permit, a Development Agreement and an
Environmental Impact Report have been processed concurrently with this Specific Plan
Amendment. Future discretionary approvals required prior to development in the specific
plan area shall include one or more of the following:
Site Development Plan (for each Planning Area or any lot within a Planning
Area pursuant to the Qualified Development Overlay Zone - Chapter 21.06)
Coastal Development Permit
Non-Residential Planned Development (optional, at discretion of property
owner)
Conditional Use Permit (as appropriate)
K. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE
In the event that any regulation, condition, program, or portion of this specific plan is
held invalid or unconstitutional by the California or Federal Court of competent jurisdiction,
such portions shall be deemed separate, distinct and independent provisions, and the
invalidity of such provisions shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions thereof.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 15
II. LAND USE AND CIRCULATION
A. INTRODUCTION
This section describes the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan, its conservation and
development goals and proposed land uses. It begins with an overview of the site features
which present opportunities and constraints for development, followed by a description of
the planning and design concepts for the site and the goals, objectives and policies which
will provide the framework for future development of the Carlsbad Ranch.
B. OVERVIEW OF PLANNING AREA OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS
1. COMMUNITY CONTEXT
The City of Carlsbad lies within an area that has experienced rapid growth
since the 1960's, due to the attractive environment and strong economy of the San
Diego region. As with many California coastal communities, Carlsbad has been
transformed from a primarily residential and visitor serving town to a much more
diverse community which supports a growing employment and commercial base in
addition to residential development. The development pattern of the Carlsbad
community has changed dramatically in response to these basic shifts in land use.
Originally structured as a residential neighborhood clustered around a compact
village center located along the beach and railroad, Carlsbad now extends over a
much larger area that includes within its corporate limits business parks, shopping
areas, resort hotels, residential neighborhoods and large open space and
agricultural areas.
Within this context, the Carlsbad Ranch has shifted from being in a location
on the periphery of the community, to a position that is near the geographic heart of
Carlsbad, with direct access to Interstate 5 along two major east - west corridors.
Similarly, the site has shifted from a location within a primarily agricultural area, to a
position within a developing sub-regional commercial and employment center. All of
these factors make the Carlsbad Ranch well suited for land uses other than
agriculture, and points to an important role for the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan in
creating a framework for urban uses, which integrates development with open space
to maintain the scenic qualities of the site.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 16
2. NATURAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES
The Carlsbad Ranch planning area encompasses approximately 447.40
acres of land bounded by Paseo Del Norte on the west, Palomar Airport Road on
the south, future Cannon Road on the north and the amended boundary of Zone 13
on the east. The site is comprised of three gently sloping parallel ridges that
traverse the site in a north-south direction as shown on Figure 6 on page 17. The
highest point on the property, adjacent to the water tower along the eastern edge of
the property, is approximately 200 feet higher than the lowest point on the property,
the Specialty Retail Center. The site topography is gently sloping, with only a small
portion of land, approximately 12.56 acres, achieving slopes of 40% or greater.
Steep slopes are concentrated at the northeast corner of the site adjacent to
Macario Canyon and within road cuts along the periphery of the site and drainage
swale at the southern portion of the site.
The ridges that run through the site provide panoramic views of the ocean,
Agua Hedionda Lagoon and the community of Carlsbad, and are prominent
landforms that are highly visible from the west. Cultivation of flowers on the west
facing slopes of the property create colorful landscape features that are unique
visual resources of the Carlsbad community. The visibility of the site demands a
high quality design response, which will contribute positively to the image and
character of the City of Carlsbad.
Natural plant communities that occur on the site are limited, due to the history
of agricultural uses on the site. Coastal sage scrub and mixed chaparral
communities occur in association with steeper slopes in two areas along the eastern
perimeter of the site.
Nearby Agua Hedionda Lagoon provided rich and varied resources for
prehistoric populations, including shellfish, fish, plants and game. Surveys
conducted by the property owners indicate that archaeological resources are
present on the Carlsbad Ranch site, although they have been disturbed by
agricultural activity.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 18
3. INFRASTRUCTURAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Carlsbad Ranch site enjoys excellent vehicular access, due to its
proximity to I-5 and accessibility from four circulation element roadways; Paseo Del
Norte, Armada/LEGO Drive, Palomar Airport Road and future Cannon Road. The
Carlsbad Ranch comprises the majority of Local Facilities Management Zone 13.
The primary constraining infrastructural concern is the capacity of the circulation
system to accommodate the traffic generated by new development. In order to
maintain acceptable levels of service on the local circulation system, it has been
determined that the total amount of traffic, measured in Average Daily Trips (ADT),
that can be generated by Zone 13 is 69,376 ADT. Acceptable levels of service have
been defined by the City's Growth Management Ordinance as follows: no road
segment or intersection within the zone nor any road segment or intersection out of
the zone which is impacted by development in the zone shall be projected to exceed
a Service Level C during off-peak hours, nor Service Level D during peak hours.
Impacted road segments and intersections occur when twenty percent or more of
the traffic generated by the Local Facilities Management Zone will use the road
segment or intersection.
4. INSTITUTIONAL AND JURISDICTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Carlsbad Ranch is located within the incorporated territory of the City of
Carlsbad, and is within the boundaries of the Coastal Zone as defined by the
California Coastal Commission. The property is subject to the policies and
ordinances of the City of Carlsbad as well as the requirements of the California
Coastal Act of 1972. The Carlsbad Ranch is in three ownerships two of which has
been held by the Ecke family since the 1950's, during which time the site has been
in continuous agricultural production. Presently, approximately 329 acres of the
property are under a Williamson Act Land Conservation Contract, as shown in
Figure 5 on page 13; of this area, 135.491 acres are proposed as open space by this
specific plan. A notice of non-renewal was filed in 1991 on the Williamson Act
contract thus limiting urban development of this portion of the property until at least
January 1, 2001 with the remainder under contract until January 1, 2006.
In 1988, a series of planning actions were approved by the City of Carlsbad
and the California Coastal Commission, which resulted in the current configuration
of land designated for urban development. The site was designated
`Non-Residential Reserve' and `Open Space' in the City's General Plan, providing
for urban and continued agricultural use of the site, and the preservation of 39.1
acres of open space along the southwest facing slopes of the property currently
1 Acreages in this specific plan are based on tentative map level of analysis. The acreages
may vary from those shown in LFMP 13 due to slight differences in the geographic area
described and in the constraints considered (e.g. non-circulation element streets).
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 19
used for growing flowers. Several measures aimed at reducing potential conflicts
between urban and agricultural uses on Carlsbad Ranch were adopted by the
Coastal Commission at the time approvals were granted. These measures have
been refined, where appropriate, and incorporated into the specific plan policies and
standards.
In 1993, the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan was approved by City Council
(City Council Ordinance No. NS-227) for the development of 117.1 acres. A
corresponding amendment to the City's General Plan which converted some Non-
Residential Reserve to Open Space, Commercial, Office, Planned Industrial and
Travel Service was also approved by the City Council.
The proposed amendment to the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan will increase
the size of the specific plan area from 423.51 acres to 447.40 acres. The
amendment will change several of the previously approved land uses which will
include the provisions for a golf course open to the public, a destination resort and
LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
5. NOISE AND AIRPORT COMPATIBILITY
The site is also located in the Palomar Airport Influence Area. A portion of
the site is within the projected 60 and 65 CNEL noise contours for Palomar Airport.
Specific mitigation measures have been incorporated in this specific plan to ensure
the compatibility of development with airport operations and consistency with the
Palomar Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan (see Chapter VII, Section B -
Environmental Mitigation Measures). Building height, although a consideration, is
not an issue in regard to airport operations as the proposed development lies well
below the 100:1 flight line as illustrated by Figure 7 on page 20.
C. DESCRIPTION OF THE CARLSBAD RANCH PLAN CONCEPT
The concept underlying the plan for the Carlsbad Ranch is to create a mix of
distinctive, complementary and compatible non-residential land uses including offices,
research and development, commercial, destination resort, agriculture, golf, education
institute and LEGOLAND Carlsbad. The mix of uses is supported by a pedestrian-scale
circulation plan that encourages guests, employees, students and visitors to conveniently
attend classes, work, shop, dine, exercise, golf and enjoy wholesome entertainment within
walking distance. The plan concentrates building development within a limited area so that
open space can be preserved and enhanced.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 21
Much of the most visible west-facing slope will maintain agricultural use of the site as
flower fields. Formal elements will heighten the sense of the hillside landscape and will
reinforce the visual importance of the ridgeline extending through the site and creating a
prominent brow at the southwest end. A transitional wall will create an edge to the flower
fields that will become a promenade providing scenic vistas to the fields, the city and the
ocean.
Development will be concentrated within a limited area along the western-most ridge
and areas to the east. A hotel/timeshare will occupy a prominent location at the southern
end of the site. The hotel/timeshare will serve a role in Carlsbad much like the La Valencia
Hotel in La Jolla and the Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado as a major landmark and social
gathering place for the community. The use of courtyards, terraces, landscaping, sloping
and tiled roofs, distinctive massing and many of the qualities characteristic of
Mediterranean buildings are envisioned.
The focus of development in the north and central portion of the specific plan will be
on Biotech, research/corporate users and a vocational campus housing the Gemological
Institute of America. The development will be a mix of one, two and three-story buildings.
Design standards will continue to require architectural articulation on all buildings,
incorporating a vocabulary, which is compatible with the overall Mediterranean character of
the Carlsbad Ranch.
LEGOLAND Carlsbad will be situated on the southeast quadrant of the Carlsbad
Ranch. It will consist of an inner park of active and passive clusters, along with a service
and administration area and an outer park containing a hotel and parking. All areas of the
park will be heavily landscaped. The inner park will also contain water features. All areas
of the park will be child and pedestrian oriented. All structures will be designed to blend in
with the extensive landscaping in garden-like settings. LEGO models will be featured in
LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
A full-service destination resort, which may include up to 700 suites is proposed to
be located on the northeast corner of the Ranch. The architecture will be compatible with
the same Mediterranean vocabulary prevalent throughout the Ranch and features such as
sloping tile roofs, terraces, arches, and elevated walkways connecting the various buildings
should be encouraged. A golf course, open to the public, will be situated below the resort
adding to the open space in the Ranch.
The western-most portion of the Ranch below the flower fields and adjacent to
Paseo Del Norte will be developed as a specialty retail center. Buildings will be designed
and oriented to allow for views of the flower fields to the east. There will be a focus on food
service at the end of the pedestrian access to the flower fields and ridge promenade.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 22
Figures 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, found on pages 23 through 27, identify the proposed
location of land uses and the development program to be achieved on the developable
portion of the Carlsbad Ranch, which is expected to build out over a 10 to 15 year time
period.
The acreage contained in the Parcelization map on page 27 does not directly
correspond with the land use acreage as contained in the Zone 13 LFMP. The
Parcelization map provides separate lots for the developable land and the roadways. While
the land use maps contained in the Zone 13 LFMP provides acreage that includes the
adjacent roadways in the land use area.
The plans and maps provided in this specific plan are conceptual in nature only. Site
Development Plans and/or Conditional Use Permits will be required prior to development in
any of the Planning Areas within the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan, or as otherwise stated
within the Implementation section of each Planning Area
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 28
D. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The following section presents the goals, objectives and policies which provide the
basis of the land use plan and will serve as a guide for future development and use of the
Carlsbad Ranch property.
GOAL 1
Create an open space system that builds upon the visual prominence and
agricultural traditions of the site.
GOAL 2
Establish an attractive, mixed use development which preserves the open
space character of the Carlsbad Ranch and enhances the scenic qualities and
identity of the Carlsbad community.
GOAL 3
Intensify development within designated development areas to create an
appropriate level of pedestrian activity and vitality; to provide increased
opportunities for mass transit; and to preserve larger areas of recreational
open space on the site.
GOAL 4
Create a business center and community destination at this significant
location within the City of Carlsbad.
GOAL 5
Provide for a circulation system that facilitates movement and access needs
of automobiles, pedestrians and bicyclists, and provides structure and
amenity to the Carlsbad Ranch development.
GOAL 6
Encourage and facilitate the use of travel modes other than the private
automobile for trips made to, from and within the Carlsbad Ranch.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 29
GOAL 7
Ensure that new development and new roadways meet City of Carlsbad
growth management standards for traffic levels of service.
GOAL 8
To establish a family oriented theme park and destination resort that will
benefit both the citizens of and visitors to the City of Carlsbad.
The plan for the development of the Carlsbad Ranch property recognizes the
prominent location and key role the site occupies within the larger Carlsbad community.
Development on the Carlsbad Ranch is planned with a strong public orientation that will
invite use by the community. Central to the proposed development is LEGOLAND
Carlsbad which will focus on providing fun and creative, educational experiences for
children in the 2-13 age group and their families. This will be complemented by a
destination resort, golf course open to the public, hotel, retail and open space. Other uses
such as professional office and research and development will be integrated in the site.
Development of a golf course open to the public, provision of pedestrian paths and
promenades that link to the planned citywide trail system, and integration of community
serving retail uses with employment opportunities will encourage use of the site by the
community.
OBJECTIVE 1: Plan for a variety of compatible land uses separated and
buffered by open space areas and landscape setbacks.
POLICY 1-A: Allow for the development of approximately 2.93 million square feet of
professional office, corporate headquarters, research and development, tourist
recreational uses and a destination resort, which includes a 550,000 square foot
vocational campus, a 700-suite destination resort (647,000 square feet), the 128-acre
LEGOLAND Carlsbad, a 9-hole golf course open to the public, 326,000 square feet of
retail uses, and one 280 room hotel (commercial living unit) (192,080 square feet), as
shown on the Carlsbad Ranch Development Program (Figure 11 on page 26).
The land uses proposed by the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan are illustrated on the
General Plan Designations Figure 8 on page 23. The specific plan divides this site into five
land uses: Office/Planned Industrial, Regional Commercial, Travel/Recreation Commercial,
Travel/Recreation Commercial/Community Commercial and Open Space. These proposed
land uses are defined below:
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 30
OFFICE/PLANNED INDUSTRIAL (O/PI):
This category includes most business and administrative office uses.
Research and development uses and their related manufacturing uses are also
included within areas designated "O/PI" provided they are compatible in character
with the business and administrative uses. The specific plan also allows for the
development of a vocational campus in Planning Area 1.
REGIONAL COMMERCIAL (R)
This category applies to Planning Area 6 for a specialty retail center with a
regional focus. Due to its location along Paseo Del Norte near the I-5 interchange,
the Specialty Retail Area is planned as a more automobile oriented retail center.
This would be an appropriate location for uses such as a factory outlet center, eating
establishments, commercial uses related to agriculture, movie theaters, and other
similar entertainment.
TRAVEL/RECREATION COMMERCIAL (TR):
These designations are applied to Planning Areas 4 and 5. The
Travel/Recreation Commercial category includes establishments which serve
business and industrial areas as well as the traveling public.
The Travel Recreation Commercial designation is applied to LEGOLAND
Carlsbad and the resort area. The land uses will be primarily visitor serving
commercial and recreational. Carlsbad Ranch is well situated for this use given its
visibility from and proximity to Interstate 5, Palomar Airport Road and Cannon Road.
Central to this use will be LEGOLAND Carlsbad in Planning Area 4 which will attract
families from throughout the region. A destination resort in Planning Area 5 will be
designed to complement LEGOLAND Carlsbad and provide accommodations and
other services to those who visit the Park.
TRAVEL/RECREATION COMMERCIAL/COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (TR/C):
The Travel/Recreation Commercial/Community Commercial designation is a
split General Plan land use designation. This split land use designation is utilized
only for Planning Area 3.
Planning Area 3 is well situated to serve interregional traffic given its visibility
from Interstate 5 and Palomar Airport Road. It is also convenient to nearby
business and industrial areas. A business-quality hotel or timeshare project and
related retail uses could be developed within Planning Area 3 in addition to
commercial retail and office uses.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 31
OPEN SPACE (OS):
The Open Space category provides for agricultural and recreational uses.
Approximately 39.1 acres of land near the southwestern corner of the property are
presently designated as Open Space. This area (Planning Area 7) is proposed to
increase in size to 53.422 acres and is intended to remain in floriculture to maintain
the local landmark "Flower Fields".
An additional 72.072 acres is proposed for designation as Open Space to
provide a golf course open to the public. The golf course open to the public, on a
fee basis, will consist of two areas. A portion of the golf course will be located north
of the flower fields between Car Country Carlsbad on the west and the Gemological
Institute of America on the east. The other portion of the golf course area will be
located north of LEGOLAND Carlsbad, south of future Cannon Road and between
the Gemological Institute on the west and the resort on the east.
POLICY 1-B: Plan for the intensification of areas designated for development in
order to maximize the amount of land retained in agriculture, recreation and
open space uses.
The development program for the Carlsbad Ranch establishes levels of development
that encourage the maximum utilization of land set aside for development, thereby
preserving larger land areas for agriculture, recreation and open space use, as well as
establishing a pedestrian environment.
OBJECTIVE 2: Establish a mixed-use development by combining
complementary uses around LEGOLAND Carlsbad that will become a focus
and activity center for the City of Carlsbad.
The focus of the Specific Plan Amendment is to establish a family oriented theme
park and create a destination resort. LEGOLAND Carlsbad will gain inspiration from the
original LEGO Family Park in Billund, Denmark and the LEGO Family Park in Windsor, UK,
presently under design. The Resort will further contribute to the success of LEGOLAND
Carlsbad by providing amenities, which will interact directly with the Park, such as providing
quality lodging.
2 Acreages in this specific plan are based on tentative map level of analysis. The acreages
may vary from those shown in LFMP 13 due to slight differences in the geographic area
described and in the constraints considered (e.g. non-circulation element streets).
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 32
POLICY 2-A: Organize the office development in a compact pattern of buildings and
streets. Adequately screen the parking areas from the primary cross streets.
POLICY 2-B: Emphasize pedestrian activities and linkages in the specific plan area.
OBJECTIVE 3: Establish recreational, agricultural and open space uses that
maintain the open character and scenic quality of the Carlsbad Ranch
property.
Build out of the specific plan will result in the utilization of a significant portion of the
Carlsbad Ranch property in recreational, agricultural and open space uses. In contrast to
more conventional development patterns which spread development over a site, and set
aside fragmented pieces of land for open space uses, the planning and design of Carlsbad
Ranch has balanced the research and development, the recreational uses and open space
areas.
POLICY 3-A: Allow the development of a golf course open to the public on a fee
basis and clubhouse on lands proposed as Open Space.
A privately owned golf course open to the public on a fee basis will be developed in
Planning Area 8. This will be accomplished by a design allowing a portion of the golf course
to be located on SDG&E land to the north of the specific plan area.
POLICY 3-B: Provide for the continuation of agricultural uses in Planning Area 7
(Flower Fields)
The continuation of agricultural uses is planned over the highly visible west facing
slopes currently used for flower farming.
OBJECTIVE 4: Minimize conflicts between agricultural and urban uses.
There is the potential for conflicts between uses at the interface of urban and
agricultural areas. The primary physical impacts that would be expected to occur in this
area involve the drift of dust and pesticides from the agricultural to urban areas, inability of
farm vehicles to move through the agricultural areas, and the transport of urban pollutants
from the development area to the agricultural fields through storm and irrigation water
runoff.
Previous planning actions on the Carlsbad Ranch identified a number of mitigation
measures aimed at minimizing potential conflicts between agricultural and urban uses.
Those measures have been refined, where appropriate, and incorporated as the following
policies into the specific plan. Grading and storm water management concepts are also
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 33
addressed in this chapter under Objective 6. More specific design standards addressing
the perimeter wall and berm treatment are discussed in the design guidelines.
LAND USE AND DESIGN MEASURES
POLICY 4-A: Establish a 25-foot building setback from adjoining agricultural areas.
Structures must be set back 25 feet from adjacent agricultural areas in order to
ameliorate the impacts of agricultural dust, pesticides and noise on the commercial uses.
POLICY 4-B: A 6 foot solid wall or 3 foot high berm with 3 foot high landscaping on
top shall be installed around the perimeter of the area designated for development
adjacent to agricultural areas, to provide a physical barrier between urban and
agricultural uses and to restrict access into agricultural areas. Construction of the
perimeter wall and/or berms will occur concurrent with development. Installation of
temporary barriers are required if the construction of Armada Drive precedes
development on portions of the site.
A combination of a wall and landscaped berms are located around the perimeter of
the development area to provide a barrier between agricultural and urban uses, as shown
on Figures 28 and 29 on pages 72 and 73. Along the western edge of the ridge
developable area, a solid wall is proposed as a barrier between uses. Due to the high
visibility of the wall, design guidelines provided in the following chapter will ensure that the
wall is treated to provide a positive contribution to the project design. An illustrative plan
and section of the wall appears in Figure 50 on page 164.
Landscaped earth berms are proposed around the remainder of the developable
areas and the agricultural area where a barrier which is softer in appearance is desirable.
Berms will be 3 feet in height and supplemented with 3 feet of plant material, to achieve a
6-foot barrier. Typical berm treatment is illustrated in Figure 29 on page 73.
POLICY 4-C: Re-grade the road cut adjacent to Palomar Airport Road in the area
designated as "Open Space" to allow agricultural use of the land. Soils in the
regraded area should be amended to be equivalent to the existing Class III Marina
soils.
The grading concept prepared for the specific plan regrades road cuts at the south
edge of the property to a slope of 6:1 in order to allow agricultural use of the land. The
grading concept is illustrated by Figure 13 on page 37.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 34
POLICY 4-D: Require the disposal of irrigation and storm water runoff from the
buildings, streets, parking lots and landscaped areas through a system of detention
basins and storm drains so as to segregate urban and agricultural runoff and
mitigate the potential water degradation associated with each land use.
The storm water management concept for the Carlsbad Ranch development collects
urban water runoff and disposes of it through an integrated system of features which are
designed to improve the quality of the storm water before it is discharged off site. Drainage
facilities are planned to segregate urban runoff from agricultural areas. The storm water
management concept is discussed more fully in the following section, beginning on page
36.
POLICY 4-E: Project landscaping shall incorporate windbreaks to aid in reducing the
effects of farm spraying and dust generation.
The landscape concept for the Carlsbad Ranch includes generous landscaping
which provides amenity and shelter from the sun, wind and rain. In other areas of the
development, informal groupings of trees and shrubs are planted on berms and in setback
areas to provide shelter from the wind.
POLICY 4-F: Landscape plant material shall be selected for resistance to pests,
particularly aphids, thrips, whitefly and spider mites. The use of herbaceous plant
material should be minimized. Landscaping should be inspected routinely for the
presence of pests and treated to control them. All pests shall be eliminated by
means that do not adversely impact agricultural crops.
Suggested plant material included in the Landscape Concept portion of the design
guidelines (beginning on page 82), considers susceptibility to pests as well as suitability to
the climate, drought tolerance and image.
OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL MEASURES
In addition to measures that address the physical planning and design of the
Carlsbad Ranch development, the following policies address land use compatibility issues
through operational and financial means:
POLICY 4-G: The project sponsor shall notify all future tenants, users or landowners
of the developable area that the area is subject to dust, pesticides and odors
associated with adjacent farm operations. The notification should specify that users
occupy the area at their own risk. The notice shall be included on all deeds to
parcels created, as well as in the rental and lease agreements.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 35
POLICY 4-H: Farm operators shall regularly water dirt roads to minimize the drift of
dust to adjoining uses. All agricultural leases for the property shall contain this
requirement.
POLICY 4-I: Should water rates increase as a result of urban development on the
Carlsbad Ranch, the project sponsor will subsidize water rates for agricultural
operations so that they equal agricultural water rates. All leases for the property
shall contain this requirement.
POLICY 4-J: The cost of all mitigation measures shall be borne by the project
sponsor and not passed on to the agricultural operators. Should the property
owners choose not to farm on a yearly basis, a reasonable effort shall be made to
offer the agricultural land for lease or rent for agricultural uses at a value equal to or
less than the average market rents for similarly situated coastal agricultural land
within a 30-mile radius of the Carlsbad Ranch.
OBJECTIVE 5: Develop LEGOLAND Carlsbad to focus on providing fun and
creative educational experiences for children in the 2-13 age group and their
families.
POLICY 5-A: Establish the child as the focal point.
All of the attractions and rides within LEGOLAND Carlsbad will be designed and built
at a scale to appeal to children in the 2-13 age group. No high-speed thrill rides (those
rides typically oriented towards the teenage and young adult audience) will be provided.
POLICY 5-B: Provide for family interaction and fun.
The attractions at LEGOLAND Carlsbad will be designed to ensure that a child and
his or her family won't just observe, they will actually become involved and active in the
attractions.
POLICY 5-C: Create a "park within a park".
The entire LEGOLAND Carlsbad will be heavily landscaped including the entrances
and parking areas. The portion of the Park containing the attractions will appear as a park
set within a heavily landscaped park setting.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 36
POLICY 5-D: Create a world of learning.
LEGOLAND Carlsbad will provide play opportunities and educational activities that
actively engage children. Educational programs and opportunities will be designed to
appeal to all age groups.
POLICY 5-E: Develop theme areas corresponding to LEGO brands.
A section of the Park will be developed with DUPLO products to appeal to the
younger children. Other areas will be developed with LEGO products appealing to older
children.
OBJECTIVE 6: Grading and drainage approaches for the site should build on
the topographic character of the Carlsbad Ranch.
POLICY 6-A: Grading for the site should reflect and, where appropriate, enhance the
site's topography.
Through its history of agricultural use, the landforms of the Carlsbad Ranch property
have been significantly altered from their natural state to accommodate field agricultural
uses. In addition, development of roadways around the perimeter of the site have resulted
in sharp road cuts which are among the steepest slopes on the site. The underlying
topographic character of the site is legible, however, and provides the basis for the
proposed grading approach.
All grading within the specific plan will be in accordance with the requirements of
Carlsbad's Hillside Development Ordinance. The area around the intersection of Palomar
Airport Road and Armada Drive shall be re-contoured to facilitate the use of this area for
agriculture.
POLICY 6-B: Establish a storm water management system which utilizes, to the
extent feasible, natural drainage courses and best management practices to improve
environmental quality of water runoff prior to discharge from the site.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan proposes a comprehensive system of water
detention basins and conveyance systems, as depicted in Figure 14 on page 38, which is
intended to improve the quality of water runoff prior to being discharged off site and
ensures that urban runoff does not flow over agricultural land. The concept calls for the
development of an integrated system of detention ponds, grassed swales and catchment
basins which filter storm water runoff before discharging it into the City's storm drainage
system which eventually flows into the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and Encinas Creek.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 39
The proposed storm water management approach for the Carlsbad Ranch varies
somewhat from the approach assumed by the Zone 13 Local Facilities Management Plan.
The Zone Plan assumed runoff would be conveyed on-site through underground storm
drains, whereas the specific plan advances the concepts of segregating flows based on
land use and incorporating above ground flows on the golf course and extended detention
in order to improve the quality of water runoff. The Carlsbad Ranch system works within
the limitations set by the surrounding citywide drainage improvements. As allowed by the
Zone 13 Local Facilities Management Plan, and subject to the approval of the City
Engineer, alternative storm water facilities such as those proposed herein shall be
acceptable to accommodate future development within the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan
area.
The Carlsbad Ranch contributes storm runoff to two watersheds, the Agua Hedionda
Creek Watershed, which discharges into Agua Hedionda Lagoon to the north, and the
Canyon de las Encinas Watershed, discharging into the Pacific Ocean to the south and
west of Carlsbad Ranch.
The potential for the degradation of water quality at storm water runoff discharge
points is largely determined by land use. Moreover, the characteristics of pollutants
contributed by different land uses, determine different facilities that are best suited to
specific pollutant removal. To best address water quality degradation that may be
associated with specific land uses, this storm water management plan segregates runoff
based on land use. By doing so, different facilities that target particular pollutants can be
most efficiently located in the system.
Distinctions have been made between three land use types: urbanized development,
landscaped open space/golf course and agricultural land (Flower Fields).
The urbanized areas with increased impervious cover (streets, parking lots, roof
tops) will contribute the highest increase in storm runoff compared to pre-development
conditions. The increase in runoff quantity can be mitigated by providing permanent ponds
that have sufficient added capacity to detain or hold back additional storm water, while only
releasing water at pre-development rates. Pollutants that may potentially be introduced are
primarily associated with streets and parking areas that collect oil-related and other
automotive by-products on their hard surfaces. Leaves, dust, and accumulated litter also
are often washed from these surfaces by storm water. Urban landscape areas have the
potential for contributing nutrients and pesticides to runoff from fertilizers, soil amendments
and spraying. Similarly, landscaped open space and golf course areas are potential
sources for the introduction of increased nutrients and pesticides in storm water.
Agricultural areas, due to their cultivated state, are known to be potential sources for
suspended silts and sediment loads in storm water. Agricultural fertilizers and pesticides
also present the potential for additional nutrient loads and pesticide-related tainting of storm
runoff.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 40
The primary goal of this storm water management plan is to prevent flooding and
protect property by providing safe, effective site drainage. This plan also addresses the
potential impacts that the proposed land uses may have on the environmental quality of the
water.
To mitigate these potential impacts, this plan relies on a variety of facilities each
specifically located within the system to provide incremental removal of urban pollutants.
The applicant shall comply with the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The applicant shall provide Best Management
Practices to control discharges of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable to waters of
the United States. Plans for such improvements shall be approved by the City Engineer
prior to, or concurrent with, approval of the final map, issuance of grading or building
permit, whichever occurs first, in the affected area. Said plans shall include, but not be
limited to the following, which shall be included in the project's CC&Rs:
The owner's association shall coordinate the use of the City's established program
to assist owners with the removal and proper disposal of toxic and hazardous waste
products.
Toxic chemicals or hydrocarbon compounds such as gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze,
solvents, paints, paint thinners, wood preservatives, and other such fluids shall not
be discharged into any street, public or private, or into storm drain or storm water
conveyance systems. Use and disposal of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides,
insecticides, fertilizers and other such chemical treatments shall meet Federal,
State, county and City requirements as prescribed in their respective containers.
Best Management Practices shall be used to eliminate or reduce surface pollutants
when planning any changes to the landscaping and surface improvements.
All parking and driving areas shall be swept and vacuumed on an established
schedule to prevent the accumulation of dirt/oil/grease which could be washed into
the storm drain system. The sweeping schedule shall be determined during the
processing of the Site Development Plan for each Planning Area.
AGUA HEDIONDA CREEK WATERSHED
The proposed development establishes four drainage basins within the Agua
Hedionda Creek Watershed. Basin One captures storm drainage from the golf course.
Surface water will be conveyed through swales to an NPDES storm drain system which will
connect with the existing system in Cannon Road. This system will empty onto the SDGE
property north of Cannon Road. A temporary depolluting/desilting basin will be constructed
in November 1995, to provide protection for SDGE.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 41
Basin Two runoff is generated from the agricultural flower fields, a portion of the golf
course and the Specialty Retail commercial area. Runoff from these three areas is treated
independently prior to being combined and discharged from the site. Runoff from
agricultural areas is proposed to be collected and conveyed through a swale system to the
lower reaches of the site. Check dams and periodic NPDES sedimentation basins are
proposed, as necessary, to reduce velocity of runoff and promote settling of suspended
sediments, prior to reaching the Specialty Retail commercial area. Upon reaching this
area, storm runoff will be conveyed in storm drains along Paseo del Norte and released to
the west in an extension of the existing culverts under Paseo del Norte. Storm runoff
generated from the Specialty Retail will be conveyed through a swale system in the
landscaped setback incorporating Best Management Practices and to the satisfaction of the
City Engineer prior to release into the storm drain system. These facilities are intended to
capture urban runoff pollutants resulting from parking lot/automotive sources.
Basin Three runoff is generated from a small portion of the golf course area east of
LEGO Drive and a small northerly portion of the resort site. Runoff will surface-flow to a
basin just southeast of the Cannon/Armada intersection. . This facility will allow for
elimination of urban pollutants, regulated release of the runoff, as well as reduction of
velocity, and promotion of settlement of suspended sediments. After treatment, the water
will be discharged into a storm drain system crossing both Armada Drive and Cannon Road
and emptying onto the north side of Cannon Road within the SDGE property. A temporary
depolluting/desilting basin will be constructed in November 1995, to provide protection for
SDGE.
Basin Four of the Agua Hedionda Creek Watershed is located in the extreme
northeast corner of the site. As no development is proposed for this portion of the site, due
to extreme slope conditions and habitat value, no storm drainage improvements are
proposed. The proposed resort entrance drive must therefore be designed so as not to
release storm water into this portion of the watershed.
CANYON DE LAS ENCINAS WATERSHED
The proposed development establishes three drainage basins within the Canyon De
Las Encinas Watershed.
Basin One consists of the southern portion of the resort, the majority of the O/PI site,
the hotel site, and all of LEGOLAND Carlsbad. Runoff will be conveyed by an underground
storm drain system to a vegetated swale/detention system on the north side of Palomar
Airport Road which will also provide depolluting before discharge into the existing culverts
crossing Palomar Airport Road.
Basin Two consists of golf course and resort areas. Drainage will flow on the
surface, either through swales or lined channels, to a basin just east of the Armada/Lego
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 42
intersection. After depolluting in the basin, these flows will be carried into the underground
system and carried south to join flows from Basin One and into Palomar Airport Road.
Basin Three consists of the GIA site and the northerly portion of the R & D lots.
Flows will be carried in the underground system in Armada Drive, and then into the Lego
Drive underground system to be carried south to join flows from Basins One and Two and
into Palomar Airport Road. Removal of urban pollutants for Basins One and Three will be
accomplished with long, flat grassy swale systems within the longitudinal basins north of
Palomar Airport Road. The gentle slopes will allow for settling of the pollutants, and the
vegetation will allow for some filtering. Periodic cleaning of basins to remove accumulated
pollutants will be recommended.
DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE
The ongoing maintenance of facilities in the system and the surface areas that
contribute runoff will be essential to the storm water system's success. The property owner
shall be responsible for the maintenance of drainage facilities and parking area surfaces.
In urban areas, regular street and parking lot sweeping are important to prevent
unnecessary loading of the system with dust and debris. Landscape and open space
areas, including the golf course, shall institute integrated maintenance and pest control
policies to avoid unnecessary application of fertilizers and pesticides. Soil conservation
practices to minimize soil erosion and silt loading in runoff will contribute to the efficiency of
the system.
Since the facilities of the system are intended to remove silt and other contaminants
from storm water, they will require periodic cleaning to remove accumulations that could
eventually render them ineffective. Vegetated filter strips, sediment basins and detention
ponds will require periodic dredging, regarding and replanting as sediments they trap
eventually reduce flow and storage capacities. Water quality inlets will also require periodic
removal of the accumulated petroleum-based products that they capture. The final design
of these facilities will need to consider these requirements, providing reasonable
maintenance access. The property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of
drainage facilities.
Where the storm water management system relies on overland flow courses, its
appearance must be carefully integrated into the overall landscape of the Carlsbad Ranch
Specific Plan area. The coarse grasses and riparian plants that are best suited to nutrient
uptake and variably wet conditions will offer a natural appearance that is desired as part of
the landscape identity for the golf course.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 43
CIRCULATION
In developing the specific plan for the Carlsbad Ranch, consideration has been given
to the larger regional issues of automobile dependency, urban sprawl, and air quality as
well as project specific circulation. Given the strategic location of the Carlsbad Ranch near
the I-5 corridor, and within one-half mile of the San Diego Northern Railroad rail line, there
are clear opportunities to develop a land use plan and circulation system for the planning
area that will encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation, while conveniently
accommodating automobiles. While the current mode of transportation is clearly dominated
by private automobile use, there are indications that in the future there will be a greater
reliance on alternative forms of transportation. The primary impetus for this change stems
from the need to reduce air pollutants in order to achieve state and national standards for
air quality.
This portion of the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan addresses internal project
circulation systems within the context of the regional transportation setting of San Diego
County. Policies and guidelines for the overall design and configuration of the project road
system, transit accommodation, Transportation Demand Management (TDM), bicycle and
pedestrian circulation are contained herein. Specific provisions regarding the phasing and
implementation of circulation system improvements are contained within Chapter 6,
Specific Plan Implementation Measures. Design Guidelines for the project roadways are
found within Chapter 2, Land Use and Circulation.
Transportation Context
The Carlsbad Ranch is situated immediately east of I-5 and accessible via the
Palomar Airport Road interchange to the south and the Cannon Road interchange to the
north. The site is bounded by Palomar Airport Road, a 6-lane primary arterial on the south,
and Paseo Del Norte, a 4-lane secondary arterial on the west. At the present time, Cannon
Road terminates at the northwestern corner of the site.
In terms of the regional transit system, the City of Carlsbad is served by the North
County Transit District (NCTD) which provides bus transit services to the north county
coastal communities, including the Cities of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Del Mar.
The NCTD currently operates two local bus routes through the city of Carlsbad, two
"corridor" bus routes which run along the coastal corridor and the El Camino corridor inland,
and one express line that provides bus service from Oceanside to La Jolla and San Diego.
The specific plan identifies potential locations for future bus stops within the specific plan
area. These locations are shown on Figure 15 on page 47.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 44
A commuter rail service has been established linking Oceanside with San Diego
along the existing San Diego Northern Railroad rail line, which connects Los Angeles and
San Diego. Two station locations in the City of Carlsbad, on Grand Avenue and on
Poinsettia Lane have been constructed along the proposed 42-mile transit line. Support
transit service between the Carlsbad commuter rail stations and residential and
employment centers are being developed.
Circulation Concept
The circulation plan for the Carlsbad Ranch has been designed to comfortably
accommodate automobile, mass transit, pedestrian and bicycle needs. The plan
recognizes that LEGOLAND Carlsbad in Planning Area 4 and the Resort and Hotel in
Planning Area 5 will become a destination for visitors, recreational users and local residents
in addition to the employees associated with these uses. This diversity of users and
activities demands a circulation system that can accommodate a multiplicity of needs in a
comfortable and attractive setting. The basic vehicular circulation system will route most of
the visitor traffic for the park, resort and golf course via Cannon Road to LEGO Drive and
Armada Drive. Access to the office/commercial uses may be via either Cannon Road or
Palomar Airport Road to Armada Drive. Because most of the visitor trips are by choice,
they will typically not coincide with the employment generated trips to the business section
of the development. By separating the predominant visitor serving traffic from Palomar
Airport Road, the overall projected levels of service of the roadways can be improved.
Roadway System
The primary circulation system of the Carlsbad Ranch includes a four-lane
north-south secondary arterial (LEGO Drive / Armada Drive) that links Cannon Road to the
north and Palomar Airport Road to the south. A "roundabout" intersection is planned for the
intersection of LEGO Drive and Armada Drive. A four lane private road is planned to
provide access to the LEGO parking lot. Both of these roadways provide logical and direct
connections to the larger city-wide circulation system. Each of these roadways is
configured and designed to meet pedestrian and recreational needs, provide clear linkages
between project activity areas, and create memorable public spaces, which are comfortable
for pedestrian use, in addition to providing efficient automobile circulation.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 45
OBJECTIVE 7: Establish an attractive roadway system that provides
access to the Carlsbad Ranch from the north and south.
POLICY 7-A: Provide a north-south arterial roadway (LEGO Drive / Armada Drive)
linked to Palomar Airport Road on the south and Cannon Road on the north.
Establish a pedestrian promenade along the central segment of the roadway that
allows public use and enjoyment of the ocean views, and links the office sites with
LEGOLAND Carlsbad and the resort.
POLICY 7-B: Provide parking pockets along the central portion of Armada Drive for
visitors to the Carlsbad Ranch development. Punctuate parking lanes with
landscaping to provide amenity and reduce the impact of the road on the adjoining
walkways.
The primary roadway through the project area, (Armada Drive), will serve as the
primary point of access to the development in Planning Areas 2 and 3 from Palomar Airport
Road to the south and Cannon Road to the north, as shown in Figure 15 on page 47.
Armada Drive will serve as a secondary arterial in the planning area, with four lanes to
accommodate traffic flow.
Armada Drive has been carefully configured to provide a sequence of visual
experiences as the visitor travels through the site. Along the southern portion of the
roadway, views of the agricultural areas on the west side of the road will provide a dramatic
entry to the project area. The central segment of the roadway is configured as a single
loaded roadway, which maximizes public views of the flower fields, the ocean and the City
of Carlsbad. Along this leg of Armada Drive, a landscaped pedestrian promenade will invite
passive (viewing, sitting, eating lunch, watching passersby) and active (strolling, jogging)
recreational activities. Similar to the southern segment of the roadway, the northern section
of Armada Drive that links to Cannon Road via LEGO Drive will derive its character from
the views of the adjoining golf course. Prototypical roadway sections for Armada Drive are
illustrated on Figures 20 and 21 on pages 52 and 53.
The parking pockets to be located along Armada Drive are permitted only on the
west side of Armada Drive from the southerly boundary of Planning Area 1 to the northerly
boundary of Planning Area 3.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan also provides for a private street within Planning
Area 2. The private street will allow for the total separation of the adjacent office/research
and development uses from the tourist recreational use. Although the two land uses are
adjacent to each other, the people visiting LEGOLAND Carlsbad will not be required to
interact with the people working in Planning Area 2.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 46
The private street will provide special landscape treatment adjacent to the street
which would not be possible along a public street. Since the City has strict requirements
regarding landscaping within the public right-of-way, the private street will allow for a
greater flexibility in the landscaping adjacent to the street. This flexibility will allow for an
enhanced landscaping treatment along the private street.
The proposed private street is a workable solution to resolve the potential vehicular
conflict between the two separate uses without providing a full public street through the
middle of Planning Area 2.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 57
Transit
Currently, mass transit in the City of Carlsbad is primarily comprised of bus service
that connects Carlsbad with Oceanside to the north and San Diego to the south. Amtrak
operates daily inter-city train service between Los Angeles and San Diego eight times a
day. The San Diego - Los Angeles train stops in Oceanside. Existing North County Transit
District (NCTD) bus service provides connections between the Oceanside Transit Center
and major destinations within North County. The primary transit focal points in Carlsbad
include the Plaza Camino Real commercial center on Highway 78 and El Camino Real for
the inland routes, and the Carlsbad Boulevard/Carlsbad Village Drive area for the coastal
routes. At these points, regional and local bus transit lines converge, enabling riders to
travel to several destinations from these areas. The transit district has considered
extending an east-west route along Palomar Airport Road; however, existing levels of
development are not sufficient to support such a line.
OBJECTIVE 8: Provide a circulation system that allows for efficient
transit service to the Carlsbad Ranch
POLICY 8-A: Extend public transit service to serve employees, patrons and visitors
to the Carlsbad Ranch.
With the development of the Carlsbad Ranch as a significant community focal point
and destination, there are significant opportunities for this area to emerge, over time, as a
local transit hub. NCTD bus service should be extended to serve the project area as soon
as is feasible.
Transit stops may be established on Armada Drive near LEGOLAND Carlsbad
entrance, at the Gemological Institute of America, within Planning Area 2 and at the
Hotel/Retail area. The potential transit stops, illustrated on the Circulation diagram, would
make all destinations in the Carlsbad Ranch within a convenient walking distance. The
proposed system of pedestrian paths and walkways provide direct and attractive linkages
between the transit stops and office and commercial destinations.
Feeder buses linking the Carlsbad Ranch with the commuter rail station near
Poinsettia Lane should be considered.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 58
Transportation Demand Management
OBJECTIVE 9: Cooperate with the regional planning and air quality
agencies responsible for developing and maintaining the transportation
control management plan and regional air quality plans.
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is a term used to describe an
assortment of strategies to reduce single occupant vehicle trips. TDM measures are aimed
at reducing traffic congestion and motor vehicle emissions which contribute significantly to
regional air quality problems. In response to the California Clean Air Act of 1988 and the
Congestion Management Act, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is
charged with developing a regional transportation plan which will provide for reduction of
vehicle emissions to meet air quality standards. SANDAG has developed a plan which sets
forth transportation control measures designed to reduce vehicle emissions to levels that
meet air quality standards. The plan includes a TDM program, along with
recommendations for transportation capacity expansion (e.g., transit improvements, van
pool, High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) facilities, etc), Transportation System Management
techniques (e.g., computerized signalization), and Indirect Source Control measures (e.g.,
integration of air quality considerations in local land use planning). Overall, the
recommended transportation control measures recommended by SANDAG have been
designed to achieve an average vehicle occupancy of 1.5 persons per vehicle during
weekday commute hours by the year 1999, and no net increase in vehicle emissions after
1997.
POLICY 9-A: Provide incentives for the use of transit, carpools, vanpools and
bicycles.
In order to meet regional goals to improve air quality, there is a need to reduce
single-occupancy automobile use. New employment uses should be encouraged to
provide incentives to their employees to use alternative modes of transportation. Priority
parking spaces for car or vanpools shall be considered for new office development.
Flexible work schedules and telecommuting should be offered to employees, in order to
reduce peak hour trips. Larger employers may also consider hiring a transportation
systems management coordinator to promote and coordinate the use of alternative modes
of transportation, and monitor the project compliance with the regional Average Vehicle
Ridership (AVR) goals. Transportation coordinators can distribute transit information,
coordinate carpools and vanpools, sell transit passes and assist employers with flexible
work hours and telecommuting programs.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 59
Bicycle Circulation
OBJECTIVE 10: Provide bicycle facilities that promote the use of the
bicycle as an alternative mode of transportation.
POLICY 10-A: Incorporate bikeways into the circulation system of the Carlsbad
Ranch.
Development of the Carlsbad Ranch will also promote the use of bicycles for
commute and recreational trips. A Class III (shared route) bicycle route is planned along
Armada Drive and the north portion of LEGO Drive where the bicycle route would connect
with Cannon and Palomar Airport Roads, both designated bicycle routes in the City's
General Plan. Pedestrian/Bicycle trails within the specific plan shall be designed to connect
into the Citywide Trail System.
POLICY 10-B: Provide facilities for bicycle parking at each development site
The Carlsbad Ranch will be an attractive destination for both commuter and
recreational bicyclists. To accommodate and encourage the use of bicycles for these trips,
conveniently located bicycle-parking facilities should be provided within each development
site.
Pedestrian Circulation
OBJECTIVE 11: Develop a strong pedestrian circulation network within
the Carlsbad Ranch that connects with planned citywide trail systems.
POLICY 11-A: Establish a pedestrian promenade along the western perimeter of the
planning area, which will serve as an active public gathering place for the
development, and the City of Carlsbad.
In planning the Carlsbad Ranch, emphasis has been placed on developing a friendly
environment for the pedestrian. The promenade along the main road (Armada Drive) will
be the backbone of the Carlsbad Ranch pedestrian network that will link together the
various destinations within the Ranch. Located along the western ridge of the development
area with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and flower fields, the promenade will
provide an attractive setting for pedestrian use. An illustrative section and plan of the
pedestrian promenade can be found in Figure 50 on page 164.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 60
POLICY 11-B: Provide a pedestrian walkway linking the Carlsbad Ranch to the
planned city-wide trail system.
A pedestrian system in the specific plan is designed to allow connection between the
Carlsbad Ranch and the City of Carlsbad's Citywide trail system.
POLICY 11-C: Establish a pedestrian trail connection between the Specialty Retail
area (Planning Area 6) and the promenade along Armada Drive. Design the trail to
allow movement of farm vehicles across the trail to adjoining agricultural uses.
A pedestrian path is planned to connect the Specialty Retail area (Planning Area 6)
on Paseo del Norte with the promenade along Armada Drive. The pedestrian connection
would serve to channel foot traffic which presently traverses the fields, particularly when
flowers are in bloom. The path will be gated at both ends so that pedestrian access can be
cut off completely, if warranted by the farming operations. A cross section of the pedestrian
path is shown on Figure 25 on page 61.
Parking
OBJECTIVE 12: Provide adequate parking facilities to serve the needs
of the commercial and recreational uses on the Carlsbad Ranch.
POLICY 12-A: Encourage the shared use of parking lots and structures.
POLICY 12-B: Review and update parking standards to respond to changes in
transportation modes.
Development within the specific plan is required to comply with the requirements of
the Carlsbad Municipal Code. In the future there may be a need to reduce the current
parking standards in order to encourage the use of alternative commute modes, such as
transit, bicycle and carpools. Most transit experts agree that an abundance of free parking
is one of the most significant deterrents to reducing drive alone vehicle trips.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 62
III. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES
The purpose of this chapter is to establish the development standards and design
guidelines that address the critical issues of visual quality and urban design for the
Carlsbad Ranch. The standards and guidelines shall serve as the planning regulations for
the Carlsbad Ranch development, and as such shall serve as the zoning for the site upon
adoption of the specific plan. The following standards and guidelines are based on land
use and zoning standards contained within the Carlsbad General Plan and Zoning
Ordinance and are specifically adapted to suit development on the Carlsbad Ranch.
The regulations included within the City's zoning code will apply unless otherwise
stated herein.
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan has been divided into the following 9 Planning
Areas as depicted in Figure 10 on page 25.
Planning Area 1 - Gemological Institute of America, located at the southeast corner of
Armada Drive and Cannon Road;
Planning Area 2 - Office/Research and Development, located in the central portion of the
specific plan area, south of Planning Area 1 on the east side of Armada Drive;
Planning Area 3 - Hotel/Retail, located south of Planning Area 2 on the west side of
Armada Drive overlooking the Flower Fields;
Planning Area 4 - LEGOLAND Carlsbad, located in the southeast corner of the specific plan
area;
Planning Area 5 - Resort, located north of Planning Area 4 at the eastern edge of the
specific plan area;
Planning Area 6 - Specialty Retail, located on the east side of Paseo Del Norte;
Planning Area 7 - Flower Fields, located east of Planning Area 6, west of Planning Areas 2
and 3 and north of Palomar Airport Road;
Planning Area 8 - Golf Course, located on the south side of Cannon Road;
Planning Area 9 - Open Space, located east of Planning Area 5 in the northeast corner of
the specific plan area.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 63
Plans contained herein are conceptual in nature only. Specific project site design
shall be subject to future City review and must conform to all applicable codes, standards
and design requirements. The requirements of the following General Development
Standards and Design Guidelines shall apply to each individual Planning Area unless
review of a Planning Area's Development Standards and Design Guidelines indicate that
they are not applicable.
A. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. BUILDING HEIGHT
Building heights shall conform to the building height standards of the City's
Zoning Ordinance (Chapters 21.04 and 21.29.060 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code)
except as modified in this section.
All buildings within the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan shall not exceed the
height of thirty-five feet or three levels. Additional building height may be permitted
to a maximum of forty-five feet through a Site Development Plan approved by the
City Council provided that:
a. The building does not contain more than three levels;
b. All required setbacks shall be increased at a ratio of one horizontal
foot for every one foot of vertical construction beyond thirty-five feet.
The additional setback area will be maintained as landscaped open
space;
c. The building conforms to the requirements of Section 18.04.170 of the
Carlsbad Municipal Code;
d. The allowed height protrusions as described in Section 21.46.020 of the
Carlsbad Municipal Code do not exceed 45 feet; with the exception of
architectural features and exhibits which may be permitted up to 55 feet in
height if the City Council makes the specific findings that the protruding
architectural features or exhibits (1) do not function to provide usable floor
area; (2) do not accommodate and/or screen building equipment; (3) do
not adversely impact adjacent properties; (4) are necessary to ensure a
building's or exhibit's design excellence; and (5) are restricted to no more
than 3 percent of the total roof surface area of the structure from which it
protrudes, or in the case of exhibits within Planning Area 4, that they be
restricted to no more than 3% of the aggregate of the exhibit as measured
from each exhibit's base, upon review of a Site Development Plan
approved by the City Council.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 64
2. BUILDING COVERAGE
For developments which utilize surface parking, all structures shall not cover
more than fifty percent of the lot on which they are located.
For developments which include a parking structure or parking is located
within or under the building it serves, the total coverage of all structures shall not
exceed seventy-five percent of the lot. This provision shall apply only if seventy-five
percent of the required parking is located in the parking structure or within or under
the building it serves.
3. PARKING STANDARDS
Parking spaces for all permitted and ancillary uses shall be provided
consistent with the parking standards and parking ratios set forth in this specific
plan. Facilities for bicycle parking shall be provided within all planning areas. The
parking requirements for LEGOLAND Carlsbad are provided in the development
standards for Planning Area 4.
If the parking standards or parking ratios are not specifically addressed in this
specific plan then Chapter 21.44 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code shall be utilized.
a. Parking Ratios
Parking ratios shall conform with the following standards:
Art Galleries/Museums 1 space per 500 GSF
Financial Institutions 1 space per 250 GSF
Gyms and Health Clubs 1 space per 200 GSF
Hotels 1.2 spaces per room
Manufacturing 1 space per 400 GSF plus 1 space for
each vehicle used in conjunction with the
use
Medical Offices 1 space per 200 GSF
Pre-schools/Daycare Facilities 1 space per employee and 1 space per 10
students
Professional Offices 1 space per 250 GSF
Research and Development 1 space per 250 GSF
Bio Industrial -
Research and Development 1 space per 300 GSF
Restaurants - <4000 sq.ft. 1 space per 100 GSF
Restaurants - >4000 sq.ft. 40 spaces plus 1 space per 50 sq.ft. over
4000 sq.ft.
Retail 1 space per 200 GSF
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 65
Timeshare 1.2 spaces per each room
Vocational School 1 space per employee plus 1 space for
each three students
Warehouse 1 space per 1000 GSF plus 1 space for
each vehicle used in conjunction with the
use
b. Size and Access
The size and access of all parking spaces and aisle-ways shall follow
the standards as provided in Section 21.44.050(a)(1) of the Carlsbad
Municipal Code.
c. Parking Overhang
1. No parking overhang will be allowed into any required setback
area.
2. Parking overhang will be allowed only in special, specific
situations as reviewed and approved by the Planning Director
on a case-by-case basis.
3. In no case shall parking overhang be allowed for compact car
spaces.
d. Landscaping
Section 9.b. of this chapter identifies the landscaping standards within
the parking lot areas. Also see Figure 27 regarding the landscape concept
for parking structures.
e. Parking Structures
Parking structures shall be located away from LEGO Drive and
Armada Drive and shall be screened from public view to the maximum extent
possible. Above ground structures should utilize landscaped earth berms
around the edges to reduce the apparent height of the structures.
Architectural treatment, building materials and colors shall be consistent with
surrounding buildings. Architectural treatment (e.g., moldings and joints)
should be utilized to provide relief on large walls. Decorative screen and
trellis elements of durable high quality materials and vine planting are also
required on each level to screen and soften the appearance of parking
structures, as shown in Figure 27 on page 67.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 68
4. SIGNAGE
Signage shall conform to the requirements of the City's zoning regulations
(Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code), the Mello II segment of the LCP,
as well as the following guidelines:
- Signage design should be integrated within the site and building design to
create a unified appearance for the total property.
- Signage should be designed to be viewed by the pedestrian or motorist on
the immediately adjacent street. Freeway oriented signage is not allowed.
- Signage which is illuminated by projecting light onto a sign face is
encouraged. Backlit plastic "box" signs, flashing or moving signs are not
allowed.
- Monument project directional and community identity signs shall be permitted
at the locations shown on Figure 30 on page 83. These signs shall have a
maximum height of 8 feet. Monument project directional and community
identity signs shall be constructed of materials that are compatible with the
architectural styles of the Carlsbad Ranch. Monument project directional
signs shall not block vehicular sight distance and placement must be
approved by the City Engineer.
- The aggregate sign area of all signs in the specific plan project directional
and community identity sign program shall not exceed a total of one hundred
square feet, plus three square feet per acre of property within the specific
plan (1,342.2 square feet). No individual sign shall have an area larger than
one hundred and fifty feet.
- A sign program shall be approved by the Planning Director for the specific
plan project directional and community identity sign program prior to the
issuance of any permits to construct any such signs.
- Each Planning Area shall provide a detailed sign program to be approved along
with the Site Development Plan for that area. The sign program shall provide
guidelines for the size, locations, materials and structure of all signs within that
particular Planning Area. The sign program must conform with the requirements
of this section as well as the Mello II portion of the Local Coastal Program.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 69
5. EMPLOYEE EATING AREAS
Outdoor eating facilities for employees shall be provided outside all
industrial/office buildings containing more than five thousand square feet, as follows,
except as noted below:
- A minimum of three hundred square feet of outdoor eating facilities shall be
provided for each five thousand square feet of building area. Credit towards
the required amount of square footage will be given for indoor eating facilities
on a 1:1 basis, as determined by the Planning Director.
- The area shall be easily accessible to the employees of the building.
- The area shall be located such that a sense of privacy is apparent.
- The area shall be landscaped and provided with attractive outdoor furniture
(i.e., metal, wood, or concrete picnic tables, benches/chairs and trash
receptacles).
- The site, size, location, landscaping and furniture required above shall be
approved as part of the required discretionary action (site development plan
or planned unit development) required under Title 21 of the Carlsbad
Municipal Code.
- These standards shall not apply to industrial/office buildings which are
located within one thousand feet of an approved mini-park or city park which
is accessible by walking as determined by the Planning Director.
6. SERVICE LOADING AREAS AND TRASH ENCLOSURES
Most buildings on the Carlsbad Ranch will be in public view from every
direction. Service and loading areas shall be architecturally detailed so as to not
appear as a service area and shall be designed in accordance with City Engineering
standards and design requirements. All loading areas shall be screened by berming
and/or landscaping or other methods acceptable to the Planning Director.
Trash collection containers shall be completely screened and located as
inconspicuously as possible. Trash receptacle areas shall be enclosed by a six-foot
high masonry wall with gates, as required by City standards. The enclosure shall be
of similar colors and/or materials as the project, subject to review and approval by
the Planning Director.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 70
7. OPEN SPACE TRANSITION AREAS
The Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan provides for the continuation of agricultural
uses along with the development of urban uses. The following design guidelines are
intended to provide for the establishment of transitional elements and other
mitigation measures that will minimize conflicts between agriculture and urban uses.
The primary impacts that may occur include the drift of dust and pesticides from
agricultural operations and runoff from urban uses to agricultural fields.
a. Perimeter Wall
A 6-foot wall shall be provided along the majority of the western edge
of Planning Areas 2 and 3, adjacent to the flower fields, as illustrated on
Figure 28 on page 72. The wall should be situated with the hillside
topography in a manner that will allow views over the wall from the roadway
and development sites east of the wall. The design character of the wall shall
complement the architectural character of the larger development,
incorporating a Mediterranean style, utilizing light colored sandblasted
concrete, stucco or slump block building material.
The perimeter wall is conceived as an element that will make a
positive design contribution to the project, by providing a hard edge that
clearly defines the open space areas. In addition to providing a buffer
between agricultural uses and urban uses, a landscaped pedestrian
promenade is planned along the wall, to provide connections between the
Hotel/Retail and Research and Development areas, and allow public views of
Carlsbad and the ocean. Landscaping along the promenade shall
incorporate evergreen and flowering accent trees to provide screening from
dust and pesticides, shade in the summer months and seasonal interest. An
illustrative plan and typical cross section of the wall and landscaped
promenade are presented in Figure 50 on page 164.
b. Berms
Where perimeter walls are not planned, densely landscaped earth
berms should be provided along the edge of the developed area, as
illustrated by Figure 29 on page 73. Earth berms should be a minimum of
three feet in height and planted with 3' shrubs to create a 6' barrier.
Variations in the height and slope of the berms are required to create a more
natural appearance. Trees and shrubs should be planted along the berms in
an informal, natural pattern.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 71
Landscaping around the perimeter of the development at the
agricultural interface shall utilize shrubs in addition to trees to create a buffer
suitable to reduce conflicts between agricultural and urban land uses. The
proposed landscaping shall be approved by the Planning Director prior to
issuance of a grading permit.
c. Drainage
Each parcel shall collect all storm water and irrigation runoff and
release it in an approved point or points in the drainage system serving the
development area. Drainage systems are to be designed to ensure that
runoff from the development area does not flow to the surrounding
agricultural areas.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 74
8. ROADWAYS
The primary objectives of the roadway design guidelines are to encourage the
development of roads which link activity areas, unify the project design and create
memorable public spaces which are comfortable for the pedestrian. A diagram
illustrating the circulation network (Figure 15) and cross-sections, which describe the
dimensions of each roadway, are included on Figures 15 through 24 on pages 47
through 56.
a. Palomar Airport Road
i. Roadway Character
The City of Carlsbad has adopted guidelines, which are
intended to enhance the visual quality and character of the City's
designated scenic corridors. Palomar Airport Road is one of two
scenic corridors that is adjacent to the Carlsbad Ranch. Palomar
Airport Road is considered a Community Theme Corridor.
The agricultural fields along the north side of Palomar Airport
Road corridor will provide a visual amenity to motorists using this
roadway. Due to the configuration of the development area, buildings
located in Planning Area 3 that are potentially visible from PAR will be
at least 400 feet from the road and separated from PAR by the
agricultural fields. This exceeds the 50-foot setback requirement of
the Scenic Corridor Guidelines. Along the LEGOLAND Carlsbad
frontage, a 140-foot setback will separate the park from Palomar
Airport Road right-of-way also exceeding the 50-foot setback
requirement. Due to the topography, the Lego parking area will be
approximately 30' above PAR, which will effectively screen it from
view from the road. The slope within the setback will be "contour
graded" with undulations varying from 3:1 to 4:1. A 6' sidewalk shall
be provided along the north side of Palomar Airport Road.
ii. Landscaping/Street Trees
The landscaping of this road and within the landscape setback of
development parcels fronting Palomar Airport Road shall conform to
the Scenic Corridor Guidelines and the City of Carlsbad Landscape
Manual. These documents state that the landscape theme of the PAR
corridor is "oak grove woodland."
Oak, sycamore, alder and London plane trees shall be planted within
the landscape setback consistent with this theme. In order to ensure
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 75
screening of slopes and the LEGO site, a quick growing evergreen
tree and pine tree species will be added to this plant mix. Trees shall
be a minimum of 15 gallon size with at least 25% being 24" box or
larger and shall be planted 25' to 40' o.c. in informal massing. An
understory of shrubs and groundcovers planted in informal drifts shall
be planted in the setback per the City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
requirements.
iii. Lighting
Light fixtures should be 30' in height and should be spaced to meet
City standards for luminosity. High-pressure sodium vapor fixtures
should be utilized for the best representation of natural tones.
b. Cannon Road
i. Roadway Character
Cannon Road is considered a Community Scenic Corridor. The 30-
foot landscape setback along Cannon Road at the Gemological
Institute of America's expansion site shall be landscaped to conform
with the City's Scenic Corridor Guidelines and Landscape Manual. A
6' wide sidewalk shall be provided along the south side of Cannon
Road.
ii. Landscaping/Street Trees
I-5/Cannon Road Intersection
The proposed widening of the on/off ramps will require the removal of
some of the existing landscaping adjacent to the ramps. Caltrans will
require mitigation for the removal of the trees at the ratio of 5:1, five
trees planted for each tree removed. The planting scheme for this
area should be informal in keeping with the regional freeway
landscape. Trees shall be a minimum of 15 gallon with at least 25%
being 24" box or larger and should be grouped in sufficient numbers to
create a visual impact within 3-5 years.
Flowering groundcover or low (20-30") shrub massing should also be
planted in this area. Ice plants or Myoporum are recommended with a
mix of Caltrans approved shrubs. Primary tree species will include
pines, Melaleuca, California Pepper Tree, Erythrina, palms and
Chorisia Speciosa for a softer, richer effect.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 76
Cannon Road Corridor
The theme for this section of Cannon Road is "lagoon vistas and
wetlands". Torrey pines, palms and melaleuca trees shall be planted
in the setback in an informal manner to express the theme and screen
the development. Trees shall be a minimum of 15 gallon size with at
least 25% being 24" box or larger and shall be planted 25' to 40' o.c.
in informal massing. An understory of shrubs and groundcovers
planted in informal drifts shall be planted in the setback in accordance
with the Landscape Manual requirements.
iii. Lighting
Light fixtures should be 30' in height and should be spaced to meet
City standards for luminosity. High-pressure sodium vapor fixtures
should be utilized for the best representation of natural tones.
c. Armada Drive
i. Roadway Character
Armada Drive will branch off of LEGO Drive at the roundabout and
provide the primary access to Planning Areas 2 & 3. In addition to
accommodating vehicular access, Armada Drive will serve as an
active public open space where employees and visitors to the
Carlsbad Ranch can stroll, enjoy views of the ocean and the flower
fields, eat lunch, read or watch passers-by in an outdoor setting. As
such, design features which ensure that the roadway will comfortably
accommodate these activities are an important planning
consideration. As illustrated on the Circulation Plan diagram, Figure
15 on page 47, Armada Drive is planned as a four-lane roadway along
its entire length. At the center of the development, the roadway will
provide views to the west and separate agricultural and urban uses.
Six-foot wide walkways shall be provided along both sides of Armada
Drive. Along the pedestrian promenade walkways shall be a minimum
of 15 feet in width on the west side of Armada Drive to accommodate
pedestrian activity. An illustrative plan and section of the pedestrian
promenade appears as Figure 50 on page 164.
ii. Landscaping/Street Trees
Landscaping shall be installed adjacent to the curbs along both sides
of the roadway to separate the walkways from the traffic lanes. In
areas without on-street parking, continuous landscaping shall be
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 77
installed adjacent to the curb. Street side landscaped areas shall be a
minimum of 6 feet in width. The property owner shall be responsible
for the maintenance of these landscaped areas.
Street trees shall be provided along Armada Drive through the
development area. Along this road, trees shall be planted in a formal,
urban arrangement to clearly define the streetscape and indicate the
importance of Armada Drive in the circulation system hierarchy.
Street tree planting at the southerly project entry shall take into
consideration the needs of the adjoining agricultural lands. Near
Palomar Airport Road, for example, street trees shall be placed in the
road median, but shall not be placed within the flower fields.
iii. Lighting
Street lighting should reflect the design objectives of the roadways.
Along the pedestrian promenade through the central portion of
Armada Drive, pedestrian scale lighting fixtures should be used. Light
fixtures should be 30' in height and should be spaced to meet City
standards for luminosity. High-pressure sodium vapor fixtures shall
be utilized for the best representation of natural tones. The light
fixtures will be consistent with City lighting standards unless
modification to the height of the light fixtures is approved by the City
Engineer.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 78
d. LEGO Drive
i. Roadway Character
LEGO Drive will serve as the primary point of access to the Carlsbad
Ranch development from Cannon Road. Approximately 1,200 feet
south of Cannon Road, LEGO Drive will intersect with Armada Drive
at a roundabout intersection. The segment of LEGO Drive between
Cannon Road and the roundabout will be dedicated as a public
roadway. The proposed right-of-way for the public portion of LEGO
Drive between Cannon Road and the roundabout ranges from 110 to
121 feet with 74 feet to 85 feet of pavement and a 8 foot wide
landscaped median.
The private portion of LEGO Drive from south of the roundabout to the
LEGOLAND Carlsbad site ranges from 68 to 73 feet which includes
48 - 53 feet of pavement and a 6 foot sidewalk on the east side only.
LEGO Drive is designed to meet the City of Carlsbad's collector street
standards from the roundabout south to LEGOLAND Carlsbad. It is
designed to meet the City's secondary arterial standards from Cannon
Road south to the roundabout.
The proposed paved width for the portion of LEGO Drive from the
LEGOLAND Carlsbad property line to the guest parking area is 48
feet, which includes 10-foot parkways on each side. This portion of
LEGO Drive will be a four lane private roadway and will be maintained
by LEGO in addition to the private portion of LEGO Drive beginning
south of the roundabout.
A walkway shall be provided along both sides of LEGO Drive from
Cannon Road to the beginning of the private portion of LEGO Drive.
The 6 foot wide walkway will be separated from the curb by an 8 foot
wide landscaped area along the public portion of LEGO Drive between
Cannon Road and the roundabout intersection. The private portion of
LEGO Drive will provide a sidewalk on the east side of the private
road from the roundabout to the entrance of LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
This walkway will be 6 feet in width along the roadway, and will be
within the landscape setback, which will be a minimum of 35 feet. The
walkway will be a meandering trail (within the landscape setback)
along the roadway south of the roundabout to the entrance to
LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 79
A series of walkways/pedestrian paths will also be provided within the
LEGO Inner Park. These walkways/pedestrian paths will provide easy
and safe access to LEGO activity areas, unify the project design and
create memorable public spaces which are comfortable for the
pedestrian.
Trail links/connections to the overall Carlsbad Ranch will be provided
on the southwestern boundary of the park on LEGO Drive, adjacent to
Armada Drive and on the eastern boundary of the Park off of Hidden
Valley at the entrance to the employee parking or service
administration area. Figure 15 on page 47 of this document illustrates
the overall trail plan for the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan.
ii. Landscaping/Street Trees
A defined landscape theme shall be provided along the vehicular route
to LEGOLAND Carlsbad along Cannon Road and LEGO Drive.
Special landscaping emphasis shall be placed at the intersection of
LEGO Drive and Armada Drive. This will ensure that visitors easily
find their way to the Park and begin the LEGO "experience" before the
visitors leave their cars. Street trees shall be provided in accordance
with the City's minimum standards. As a guideline, one tree should be
provided for every 40 linear feet of road frontage. Trees shall be
planted in informal massing adjacent to the roadway. See Section
IV.E.4 for a detailed discussion of landscaping along LEGO Drive.
iii. Lighting
Street lighting shall be provided at a pedestrian scale and should
reflect the design objectives of the roadways. Along the pedestrian
walkways, pedestrian scale lighting fixtures may be used. Light
fixtures along the public portion of LEGO Drive shall be 30' in height
unless a lesser height is approved by the City Engineer and shall be
spaced to meet City standards for luminosity. High-pressure sodium
vapor fixtures shall be utilized for the best representation of natural
tones. The private segment of LEGO Drive may be designed to
accommodate seasonal lighting (e.g. Christmas, etc.).
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 80
e. The Crossings Drive
i. Roadway Character
The Crossings Drive will provide emergency and service access to
Planning Areas 4 & 5, LEGOLAND Carlsbad and the Resort. The
Crossings Drive will end outside the northeastern boundary of the
specific plan and may provide secondary access to the future
Veteran's Memorial Park. From Palomar Airport Road to the entrance
to LEGOLAND Carlsbad, The Crossings Drive will have a Right-of-
Way width of 84', with a curb-to-curb width of 64'. From the
LEGOLAND Carlsbad Entrance to its northern terminus it will have a
62' Right-of-Way with a curb-to-curb width of 40’.
Sidewalks in conformance with City standards shall be constructed on
both sides of The Crossings Drive from Palomar Airport Road to the
entrance to LEGOLAND Carlsbad. From the entrance to LEGOLAND
Carlsbad to the northern edge of the specific plan, an 8' wide
meandering trail in 14' landscaped area shall be provided along the
western edge of The Crossings Drive. This will accommodate
Segment 28 of the City's Trail Plan. A standard 5.5' wide sidewalk
shall be provided along the easterly side of this portion of The
Crossings Drive.
If the City of Carlsbad develops the property to the east of The
Crossings Drive as a public golf course, Segment 28 of the Citywide
Trail System may be located along the eastern side of The Crossings
Drive, subject to the approval of the City.
ii. Landscaping/Street Trees
Landscaping shall be installed concurrent with the development of the
roadway in conformance with all applicable City standards. The
Landscaping of The Crossings Drive shall be compatible with the
landscaping of LEGOLAND Carlsbad. As a guideline, one tree should
be provided for every 40 linear feet of road frontage, to comply with
the City's minimum standards.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 81
iii. Lighting
Street lighting should be compatible with the lighting provided in
LEGOLAND Carlsbad. Lighting fixtures should be 30' in height and
should be spaced to meet City standards for luminosity. High-
pressure sodium vapor fixtures shall be used for the best
representation of natural tones.
f. Street "D"
i. Roadway Character
Street "D" will provide the primary access to the lots in Planning Area
2 that do not have frontage on Armada Drive, and secondary access
to those lots with frontage on Armada Drive. This street is being
developed as a private street with a curb-to-curb width of 40' with
parking on the west side only.
A 6' wide sidewalk will be provided along the east side of Street "D".
This sidewalk will provide access to the pedestrian walkways along
Armada Drive. A 6' wide sidewalk will be provided on the west side of
Street "D" from its northern intersection with Armada Drive to the first
driveway on Street "D" south of this intersection.
ii. Landscaping/Street Trees
Landscaping shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of
the City of Carlsbad's Landscape Guidelines Manual.
As a guideline, one street tree should be provided for every 40 linear
feet of road frontage to meet the City's minimum standards.
iii. Lighting
Light fixtures should be 30' in height unless a lower height is approved
by the City Engineer and should be spaced to meet City standards for
luminosity. High-pressure sodium vapor fixtures should be utilized for
the best representation of natural tones.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 82
9. LANDSCAPE CONCEPT
The landscape concept for the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan is illustrated in
Figure 30 on page 83. Key elements of the landscape are arranged to heighten the
contrasts between urban and rural features, cultivated and natural, formal and
informal:
• The golf course will be landscaped in an informal fashion, making
reference to the large open spaces that surround the property.
• Landscaping within the various development parcels will be more
manicured and urban in character. Landscaping is used to enhance
architecture and create a pedestrian scale with defined entries,
walkways and outdoor spaces.
• Parking areas will be planted in an informal manner with an emphasis
on screening and reducing the impact of large expanses of pavement.
• In contrast to the informal pattern of the golf course and parking
areas, streets and pedestrian paths through the development area are
given a formal landscape treatment, which clearly marks the
importance and public nature of these spaces.
• The Landscape Guidelines provided in this section are applicable to
all portions of the specific plan except for LEGOLAND Carlsbad. See
the Landscape Guidelines for LEGOLAND Carlsbad provided in
Planning Area 4 for additional information.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 84
Landscape Zones & Guidelines
"Landscape zones" will be established within the Carlsbad Ranch as defined
in the City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual. Plant species, methods of arrangement
(formal vs. informal), water use and maintenance requirements are some of the
elements used to define the zones. Four "landscape zones" are defined in the
Landscape Manual and are briefly summarized as follows:
Zone 1 - Lush Landscape: a traditional landscape, green, lush and flowering,
requiring large amounts of water and intensive maintenance. Should be used only
in areas of high use or visual importance (entries, courtyards, pedestrian ways,
recreation areas, etc.).
Zone 2 - Refined Landscape: an unmanicured appearance, not unkempt, but
requiring less water and maintenance. Ornamental, low water using plants suited to
the climate and soils and used in areas of moderate use and visual importance.
Zone 3 - Naturalizing Landscape: a "self-sufficient" landscape characterized by
plants (not necessarily native) that can adapt to the region's natural rainfall, climate
and soils. Planted in low use areas whose visual character need not have a refined
appearance.
Zone 4 - Native Landscape: areas of existing natural, native or naturalized
vegetation which will remain with very little disturbance from site improvements.
May be wildlife habitat or open space areas where passive recreation or other low
activity uses may occur. No irrigation and a minimal level of upkeep required.
The landscape zones that will occur within the Carlsbad Ranch (excluding
agricultural lands) will be primarily composed of Refined and Naturalizing Landscape
(Zones 2 and 3). Lush (Zone 1) landscaping will occur within the golf course and
areas within the development parcels that are of intensive use or visual importance
such as entries, courtyards, pedestrian and recreational areas. The landscape of
the golf course and parking areas will be informal in appearance using "refined" and
"naturalizing" plant materials. In contrast, the streets and pedestrian paths in the
development will be planted in an urban and formal manner to provide clarity and
orientation to visitors to the site. Streets and pedestrian paths are within the
Refined Landscape (Zone 2), as appropriate to their use in highly visible, pedestrian
oriented areas.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 85
The main entry into the Carlsbad Ranch from Palomar Airport Road will be
dominated by the landscape of the cultivated agricultural fields. The entry from
Cannon Road will be characterized by the golf course landscape and views to Agua
Hedionda Lagoon. Informal massing of flowering accent trees are planned near the
project entries to provide an informal yet distinct entry image. The informal planting
of the project entries and suggested plant material for these areas are consistent
with the guidelines for arterial streets included within the City of Carlsbad Landscape
Manual.
The following landscaping guidelines address the framework elements for the
Carlsbad Ranch; parking areas, golf course and project entries. The recommended
plant palettes given for these areas will be the dominant, reoccurring species
providing for project unity, but may be supplemented with other species for variety
and interest. Planting palettes are not specified for each development parcel.
Landscaping within development parcels may have a wider range of plant material
than described in these guidelines, but should incorporate material used in the
framework elements to unify the development. LEGOLAND Carlsbad will be
extensively landscaped and has special landscape objectives and guidelines of its
own as detailed in the text for Planning Area 4.
a. Golf Course
i. Landscaping Objectives:
Planting, excluding turf areas should be informal, unmanicured,
and natural looking; designed to require low maintenance.
Plant material should be drought resistant and tolerant of
marine exposure.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 86
ii. Recommended Plant Material:
(a) Dominant trees (15-gallon minimum):
Turfed areas:
Pinus torreyana Torrey Pine
Pinus halepensis Aleppo Pine
Pinus canariensis Canary Island Pine
Pinus pinea Italian Stone Pine
Platanus racemosa California Sycamore
Melaleuca leucadendra Cajeput Tree
Metrosideros excelsus New Zealand
Christmas Tree
Transition areas--not turfed (15 gallon minimum):
Quercus species Oak
Platanus racemosa California Sycamore
Pinus torreyana Torrey Pine
Schinus molle California Pepper
Acacia melanoxylon Black Acacia
(b) Accent trees (24" box minimum):
Jacaranda acutifolia Jacaranda
Tipuana tipu Tipu Tree
Erythrina caffra Coral Tree
Cocos plumosa Queen Palm
Washingtonia robusta Mexican Fan Palm
Planting should be 25' to 40' o.c., informal massing, with
a mix of 15 gallon through 48" box. Some 60" box trees
should be used in key areas (e.g., entries).
Accent trees should be planted in specific locations to
emphasize view corridors through the golf course and
around greens and tees.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 87
(c) Shrubs:
Informal massing of both large and medium size shrubs
(see Shrub List on page 92) should occur around golf
fairways mixed with native ornamental grasses. A
hydroseed California coastal range wildflower mix
should be applied between shrub massing and grasses
for accent. Shrubs shall be a mix of 5 gallon (75%) and
15 gallon (25%) sizes.
b. Parking Areas
i. Landscaping Objectives
Parking areas will be screened using a combination of berms
and landscape treatment. Planting and irrigation shall conform
to guidelines within the City of Carlsbad Landscape Manual
and as described below. Landscaping shall establish a
densely planted informal massing of plant material to screen
parking lots from adjacent property and streets.
Plant material should promote low maintenance, be drought
resistant, and tolerant of marine exposure.
Parking lot landscaping shall meet the following guidelines:
- One tree for every four parking spaces shall be
provided. No less than 3% of the parking area shall be
planted and maintained with trees listed on the
Recommended Plant Material palette contained on
page 88 in this specific plan.
- Trees planted in parking areas shall be contained in
planting areas with a minimum dimension of four feet
and bounded by a concrete or masonry curb of a
minimum of six inches in height.
- Planting should be 25' to 30' o.c., with informal massing
in and around parking areas, at a minimum rate of 1
tree for every 4 parking spaces. An even mix of 15
gallon (50%) and 24" box (50%) sizes minimum should
be included.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 88
- All landscape areas shall be served by an automatic
irrigation system and be supplied with bubblers, spray
type sprinklers or drip irrigation.
- All landscaping shall be approved as a part of the Site
Development Plan.
ii. Recommended Plant Material
(a) Dominant trees (15-gallon minimum):
Quercus species Oak
Ulmus parvifolia Evergreen Elm
Alnus rhombifolia Alder
Metrosideros excelsus New Zealand Christmas
Tree
Populus fremontii Western Cottonwood
Cupaniopsis anacardiodes Carrotwood
(b) Accent Trees (24" box minimum):
Cassia leptophylla Golden Medallion Tree
Chorisia speciosa Floss Silk Tree
Jacaranda acutifolia Jacaranda
Prunus "Krauter Vesuvius" Purpleleaf Plum
Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia
Tipuana tipu Tipu Tree
Erythrina caffra Coral Tree
Cocos plumosa Queen Palm
Washingtonia robusta Mexican Fan Palm
(c) Shrubs:
Informal massing of both medium and small size
shrubs/groundcover (see Shrub List on page 92) should occur.
50% of the shrubs (except on slopes 3:1 or steeper) shall be a
minimum of five (5) gallons in size. The remaining 50% of the
shrubs shall be a minimum of one (1) gallon in size.
Vine planting for trellis on walls and roof of parking structures
should be provided.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 89
c. Project Entries
The two main project entries to the Carlsbad Ranch are at the intersections
of Cannon Road with LEGO Drive at the north and Palomar Airport Road with
Armada Drive at the south. Special landscape treatment will be used at
these areas to help the motorist identify the development, provide character
and a sense of arrival.
i. Landscape Objectives
(a) Intersection of Palomar Airport Road and Armada Drive:
Provide an informal yet distinct entry into the Carlsbad Ranch.
Provide a continuation of cultivated flower color across Armada
Drive so that the visual character of the cultivated fields
becomes part of the entry image.
Provide a backdrop of large accent trees adjacent to the
Community Hotel/Retail parcel and LEGOLAND Carlsbad
parcel flanking Armada Drive to create an informal gateway.
Do not use landscape elements to identify this intersection as
an entry to LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
(b) Intersection of Cannon Road and LEGO Drive:
Provide an informal yet identifiable entry into the Carlsbad
Ranch, continuing the landscape theme of the golf course and
Cannon Road Scenic Corridor.
Provide clear identification of this intersection as the access
route to LEGOLAND Carlsbad through the use of signage and
landscape treatment.
Provide informal massing of evergreen trees (pines, and/or
melaleuca) and a clean ground plane of groundcover as a base
for project signage. Limit use of accent trees and bedding
color at this entry.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 90
(c) Intersection of LEGO Drive and Armada Drive
(Roundabout):
Provide an enhanced landscape treatment and LEGO theme
signage for the main entry into LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
Directional and identification sign(s) shall be permitted in and
around this intersection (roundabout). Said sign(s) shall be
subject to the approval of a detailed sign program by the
Planning Director prior to the issuance of a building permit for
the first project that proposes such signing.
Use planting and signage to clearly distinguish for the motorist
the LEGO entry vs. the Armada Drive entry to the other
developed parcels.
Provide specimen size accent trees (minimum 36" box size) at
the intersection. Allow filtered views into the golf course
landscape beyond.
All signs and landscaping in the roundabout shall be designed
so that they do not create obstructions to vehicular sight
distance through the roundabout.
(d) Individual Parcel Entries:
In addition to the two main Carlsbad Ranch entries and the
LEGOLAND Carlsbad entry described above, there are various
driveway entries to individual development parcels which may
be embellished with special landscape treatment consistent
with the theme of each parcel.
Provide accent trees, landscape color, low walls, signage,
lighting, decorative paving surfaces, or other landscape
elements to direct the motorist and add significance to the main
entries. Creative design of such features can reflect the
architectural design themes of the individual parcels as long as
general compatibility is maintained with the overall Carlsbad
Ranch landscape and signage concepts presented in this
specific plan.
De-emphasize secondary service and emergency access
driveways.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 91
ii. Recommended Plant Material
(a) Accent Trees - (36" box minimum):
Cassia leptophylla Golden Medallion Tree
Tipuana tipu Tipu Tree
Chorisia speciosa Floss Silk Tree
Jacaranda acutifolia Jacaranda
Erythrina caffra Coral Tree
Prunus "Krauter Vesuvius" Purpleleaf Plum
Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia
Cocos plumosa Queen Palm
Washingtonia robusta Mexican Fan Palm
Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm
Phoenix canarilusis Canary Island Palm
Plant 20' to 25' o.c., informal massing, 36" box minimum.
(b) Bedding Color:
Similar to flower fields (in season).
(c) Shrubs:
The following plant list is intended to provide a basis for
developing a planting palette. This list only suggests some of
the shrubs, groundcovers, and vines that could be used for the
project. Other species may be used subject to the approval of
the City's Landscape Architect and/or Planning Director. Also
see the shrub list beginning on page 92.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 92
LARGE SHRUBS (Over 4')
Botanical Name
Common Name
Size
(gal.)
Spacing
(o.c.)
Arbutus unedo
Cistus purpureus
Leptospermum scoparium
Melaleuca nesophila
Nerium oleander
Pittosporum tobira
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Strawberry Tree
Orchid Rockrose
New Zealand Tea Tree
Pink Melaleuca
Oleander
Pittosporum
Toyon
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
3' to 6'
4' to 6'
8' to 10'
6' to 8'
6' to 8'
4' to 6'
4' to 6'
MEDIUM SHRUBS (2' to 4')
Botanical Name
Common Name
Size
(gal.)
Spacing
(o.c.)
Ceanothus griseus horizontalis
Cistus corbariensis
Dietes vegeta
Hemerocallis hybrids
Kniphofia uvaria
Lantana camara
Raphiolepis indica
Carmel Creeper
White Rockrose
Fortnight Lily
Day Lily
Red Hot Poker
Lantana
Indian Hawthorn
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5'
3' to 5'
3' to 5'
2'
2'
3' to 5'
2'
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 93
SMALL SHRUBS AND GROUNDCOVERS (Under 2')
Botanical Name
Common Name
Size
(gal)
Spacing
(o.c.)
Coprosma kirkii
Dietes bicolor
Gazania
Lantana montevidensis
Myoporum parvifolium
Trachelospermum jasminoides
Rosmarinus officinalis `Prostratus'
Hedera helix (small leaved)
Lonicera japonica
Coprosma
Fortnight Lily
Gazania
Trailing Lantana
Myoporum
Star Jasmine
Rosemary
English Ivy
Honeysuckle
1
1
flat
1
flat
1
1
1
1
2'
2'
1'
4'
2'
2'
4'
2'
4'
VINES
Botanical Name
Common Name
Size
(gal.)
Spacing
(o.c.)
Bougainvillea
Jasminum polyanthum
Wisteria sinensis
Bougainvillea
Jasmine
Wisteria
5
5
5
20'
15'
20'
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 94
B. PLANNING AREA 1 - GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
Planning Area 1 is being developed as a vocational campus for the Gemological
Institute of America. The campus would generally include classroom facilities, auditoriums,
research and laboratory facilities, libraries, administrative offices, warehousing, museum,
bookstore, dining and recreational facilities and dormitories. Given the location of this
Planning Area outside of the 60 CNEL contour and beyond the airport influence area, this is
an appropriate location for a campus. The vocational campus would be compatible with and
complement the research and development, hotel and retail uses to the south and could
potentially attract similar or related users to Planning Area 2. The development standards
and design guidelines for the vocational campus shall be compatible with the guidelines for
the research and development uses in Planning Area 2 with the exceptions of permitted
uses, as noted below.
Planning Area 1 consists of three lots. The Gemological Institute of America has
processed and obtained approval of a Site Development Plan that covered the two
southern lots of Planning Area 1. This Site Development Plan was approved by the City of
Carlsbad in December of 1994 and this area could be one of the first areas of the specific
plan to be developed.
The northern most lot in Planning Area 1 is currently under a Williamson Act Land
Conservation Contract and will not be available for development until after December 31,
2001. It is possible that this lot will be used for an expansion of the GIA campus that was
approved for development on the southern lots in Planning Area 1. This would require an
amendment to the Site Development Plan for this area. Any development that occurred on
this lot would have to be designed to share access from LEGO Drive. No additional access
point would be allowed on LEGO Drive or Cannon Road for this lot.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 96
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The following are specific development standards and design
guidelines applicable to this Planning Area. However, Chapter III, Section A.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES
beginning on page 63, contains additional development standards and design
guidelines that are applicable to all Planning Areas within this Specific Plan
Amendment.
a. Permitted Uses
(1). Principal permitted uses within Planning Area 1 are as follows:
- Professional, business, administrative and financial
service uses;
- Research and development uses; such as research and
testing enterprises, which function within buildings
whose general characteristics are compatible with
facilities for office uses, as determined by the Planning
Director;
- Educational institutions including all related facilities
such as classrooms, auditoriums, research and
laboratory facilities, libraries, administrative offices,
dining and recreational facilities and dormitories. A
Conditional Use Permit will not be required for the
educational institution. A Site Development Plan,
however, will be required to be approved prior to
issuance of any building permits on these parcels;
- Related manufacturing, processing, storage, wholesale,
and distribution facilities which are an integral and/or
essential component of the vocational school.
(2) Daycare facilities for child care are permitted by a Conditional
Use Permit within Planning Area 1.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 97
b. Building and Landscape Setbacks
Building setbacks shall conform with the requirements of the Office (O)
Zone requirements (Chapter 21.27 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code) and the
setback requirements of the Building Height Ordinance (Chapter 21.04 of the
Carlsbad Municipal Code), which apply to the project as follows:
Building Setbacks
Front or Side Yard on an Arterial
(LEGO Drive, Armada Drive and
Cannon Road) 30 feet
Interior Side Yard 10 feet
Rear Yard (Golf Course) 20 feet
Landscape Setbacks
Front or Side Yard on an Arterial
(LEGO Drive, Armada Drive and
Cannon Road) 30 feet
Interior Side Yard 10 feet
Rear Yard (Golf Course) 10 feet
These base setback requirements assume 2 to 3 story buildings up to 35
feet. For buildings which exceed 35 feet in height, all required setbacks shall
be increased at a ratio of one horizontal foot for every one foot of vertical
construction above 35 feet. The additional setback area must be maintained
as landscaped open space.
c. Parking Areas
Office buildings and parking areas in Planning Area 1 shall be sited
and designed to minimize unfavorable views of the development from the
west. Parking areas shall be sited between the public street section of LEGO
Drive and Armada Drive and the buildings, to screen views of parking from
the west. Berms and landscaping shall be utilized to screen parking areas to
the maximum extent possible while still meeting other City ordinances and
standards for sight distances.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 98
2. DESIGN GUIDELINES
a. Building Orientation
Primary building entrances shall be oriented to the onsite parking
area and not facing Armada Drive. Secondary building entrances are
permitted to be oriented toward Armada Drive; however, as each office
building is visible from all sides, no building elevation can appear as a
"backside". Special landscaping treatment shall be used to define project
entries at LEGO Drive and Armada Drive. Provision for comfortable
pedestrian as well as vehicular linkages between LEGO Drive and Armada
Drive and the buildings shall be provided.
b. Building Form and Massing
Office buildings shall be well articulated by changes in height and
vertical planes to reduce the appearance of bulk and create interesting
building silhouettes. The use of special architectural features such as
dormers, cupolas, loggias, balconies, arcades and window and entry
recesses, are encouraged to provide visual interest and detail.
c. Architectural Character
Architectural features such as tower, roof and courtyard elements, that
provide building articulation, diversity and pedestrian amenity shall be
provided. Building design shall incorporate or be generally compatible with a
mediterranean vocabulary.
d. Building Materials
Building materials shall incorporate or be generally compatible with a
mediterranean architectural vocabulary and shall use durable, high quality
building and roofing materials. Exterior wall and roof colors shall be low
intensity earth tones. Stucco with accent materials such as tile, natural
stone, or other compatible natural building materials shall be preferred. Roof
colors shall be low intensity colors, which blend with the environmental
setting of the project.
Glass curtain walls and other highly reflective building materials are
considered inappropriate for building walls. Substantial use of mirrored,
reflective or darkly tinted glass should be avoided, as it would give the
appearance of a glass curtain wall.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 99
e. Roofs
Sloping roofs, varying roof heights and forms are encouraged to
provide interesting building silhouettes. As a guideline, roof planes should be
broken in height or form every 75 to 100 feet. Rooftop mechanical
equipment shall be screened, enclosed and architecturally incorporated into
visually interesting building tops.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 100
C. PLANNING AREA 2 - RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
A combination of approximately 300,000 square feet of office and approximately
500,000 square feet of research and development uses will be developed in Planning Area
2, east of Armada Drive. As the nine lots in Planning Area 2 are developed, the City will
monitor the square footage of the different uses. This monitoring will enure that the square
footages proposed by the Site Development Plans do not exceed the estimates of the Zone
13 Local Facilities Management Plan, unless a future amendment to the LFMP would allow
for a greater amount.
The development standards and design guidelines of Planning Area 2 are
compatible with the Gemological Institute of America's campus in Planning Area 1, with the
exceptions of the permitted uses listed below. Buildings within Planning Area 2 should be
oriented towards Armada Drive or LEGO Drive to provide screening of the parking areas
from these access points.
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The following are specific development and design guidelines
applicable to this Planning Area. However, Chapter III, Section A. GENERAL
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES beginning on
page 63, contains additional development standards and design guidelines
that are applicable to all Planning Areas within this Specific Plan Amendment.
a. Permitted Uses
(1). Principal permitted uses within the parcels designated
Professional Office and Research and Development are as
follows:
- Professional, business, administrative and financial
service uses;
- Research and development uses; such as research and
testing enterprises, which function within buildings
whose general characteristics are compatible with
facilities for office uses, as determined by the Planning
Director;
- A museum open to the general public, including retail sales related to the
museum, not to exceed a total floor area of 325 square feet on only Lot 11
(Shown on Figure 21; Lot 8 of Final Map 13357)
Amended June 8, 1999
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 102
- Limited commercial uses located within the same
building as the principal permitted use, such as
deli/mini-convenience stores or other similar uses,
limited to the sales of goods and services intended to
satisfy the needs of the occupants of the Research and
Development parcels. Restaurants, other than limited
service delicatessens, shall not be permitted within
Planning Area 2;
- Related manufacturing, processing, storage, wholesale,
and distribution facilities, which are an integral and/or
essential component of principal permitted uses
occurring within the Office/Research and Development
area. These ancillary operations shall be located on the
same parcel as the principal permitted use which they
support;
- The proposed mixing of light manufacturing with other
diverse uses may require that measures be taken to
mitigate the possibility of exposure of commercial and
other less intense uses to accidents involving
hazardous materials.
(2) Daycare facilities for childcare are permitted by a Conditional
Use Permit within parcels designated Research and
Development.
c. Building and Landscape Setbacks
Building setbacks shall conform with the requirements of the Office (O)
Zone requirements (Chapter 21.27 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code) and the
setback requirements of the Building Height Ordinance (Chapter 21.04 of the
Carlsbad Municipal Code), which apply to the project as follows:
Building and Landscape Setbacks -
Front or Side Yard on Armada Drive 30 feet
Rear Yard on LEGO Drive 35 feet
Interior Side Yard 10 feet
Interior Private Street "D" 20 feet
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 103
These base setback requirements assume 2 to 3 story buildings up to
35 feet. For buildings which exceed 35 feet in height, all required setbacks
shall be increased at a ratio of one horizontal foot for every one foot of
vertical construction above 35 feet. The additional setback area must be
maintained as landscaped open space. Setbacks from the Interior Private
Street shall be measured from the face of curb. Due to the unusual shape of
Lot 15, setbacks will not have to be increased for buildings over 35 feet in
height.
Special landscape treatment shall be provided on the first 50 feet of
the interior street (Street "D") serving Planning Area 2 as it separates from
Armada Drive. This treatment shall be designed to create a sense of entry
into the research and development area. This area shall be maintained by
the Carlsbad Ranch Maintenance Association.
d. Access and Internal Circulation
Lots within Planning Area 2 may gain access from driveways off
Armada Drive or the private internal street "D" as shown on Figure 32 on
page 101. As shown by Figure 32 Lots 10,11 & 12 will take their primary
access off of Armada Drive. Lots 6,7,8,9,14 & 15 will take their primary
access off of Street" D". Access points must comply with all applicable
Engineering design standards of the City of Carlsbad.
Through access from Armada Drive to the internal street via the
parking areas approved as a part of the Site Development Plan may be
permitted as long as it meets with all applicable Engineering design
standards. The private street within Planning Area 2 shall have a curb-to-
curb width of 40 feet with parking allowed on the west side only. The first 50
feet of the internal street as it branches off Armada Drive shall receive
enhanced landscaping and create an entryway into the internal portion of
Planning Area 2. No access to LEGO Drive shall be permitted from Planning
Area 2.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 104
e. Parking Areas
Buildings and parking areas in Planning Area 2 shall be sited and
designed to minimize unfavorable views of the development from the west
and from the LEGOLAND Carlsbad entrance to the east. When feasible,
parking areas for Planning Area 2 shall be located away from Armada Drive
behind the office structures to conceal them from view and separate them
from pedestrian walkways and away from the LEGOLAND Carlsbad
entrance. Berms and landscaping shall be utilized to screen parking areas to
the maximum extent possible while still meeting other City ordinances and
standards for sight distances.
2. DESIGN GUIDELINES
a. Building Orientation
Office buildings should maintain a strong relationship to the road.
Primary building entrances shall be oriented to the onsite parking area and
not facing Armada Drive. Secondary building entrances are permitted to be
oriented toward Armada Drive; however, as each office building is visible
from all sides, no building elevation can appear as a "backside". Building
mass should be parallel or on axis with Armada Drive. Special landscaping
treatment shall be used to define project entries at Armada Drive. Provision
for comfortable pedestrian as well as vehicular linkages between Armada
Drive and the office buildings shall be provided.
b. Building Form and Massing
Buildings shall be well articulated by changes in height and vertical
planes to reduce the appearance of bulk and create interesting building
silhouettes. The use of special architectural features such as dormers,
cupolas, loggias, balconies, arcades and window and entry recesses, are
encouraged to provide visual interest and detail.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 105
c. Architectural Character
Architectural features such as tower, roof and courtyard elements, that
provide building articulation, diversity and pedestrian amenity shall be
provided. Variations in design may incorporate some of the features
illustrated. Building design shall incorporate or be generally compatible with
a mediterranean vocabulary. Communication devices such as satellite
dishes and antenna shall be located or treated to reduce the visibility from
pedestrian areas. Mechanical equipment such as ground transformers
located away from the building shall be completely screened from public view
with landscaping or other materials finished to match the building to which
they relate. The use of recessed windows and the expression of columns
and beams that create shadow and texture shall be encouraged to create a
sense of human scale.
d. Building Materials
Building materials shall incorporate or be generally compatible with a
mediterranean architectural vocabulary and shall use durable, high quality
building and roofing materials. Exterior wall and roof colors shall be low
intensity earth tones. Stucco with accent materials such as tile, natural stone,
or other compatible natural building materials shall be preferred. Roof colors
shall be low intensity colors which blend with the environmental setting of the
project.
Glass curtain walls and other highly reflective building materials are
considered inappropriate for building walls. Substantial use of mirrored,
reflective or darkly tinted glass should be avoided, as it would give the
appearance of a glass curtain wall.
e. Roofs
Sloping roofs, varying roof heights and forms are encouraged to
provide interesting building silhouettes. For large buildings, flat roofs with
appropriate parapet treatment to provide relief may be acceptable. As a
guideline, roof planes should be broken in height or form every 75 to 100
feet. Rooftop mechanical equipment shall be screened, enclosed and
architecturally incorporated into visually interesting building tops.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 106
D. PLANNING AREA 3 - HOTEL/RETAIL
Located along the southern portion of Armada Drive, within close proximity to the
adjoining Research and Development area and Palomar Airport Road, Planning Area 3 will
be developed with Hotel/Retail uses which include a mixture of retail, lodging and office
uses. Development in Planning Area 3 will be designed to take advantage of views to the
west over the flower fields. At some future date, Planning Area 3 may be re-subdivided to
create separate legal parcels for the hotel/timeshare and retail uses.
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The following are specific development and design guidelines
applicable to this Planning Area. However, Chapter III., Section A.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES
beginning on page 63, contains additional development standards and design
guidelines that are applicable to all Planning Areas within this Specific Plan
Amendment.
a. Permitted Uses
- Hotels;
- Commercial Living Units (Timeshare) may be permitted by the City
Council in conjunction with a hotel project;
Accessory Uses - The following uses are permitted only as accessory
uses to the hotel and/or timeshare.
- Retail, wholesale or service businesses catering directly to the
consumer, except new or used car sales;
- Restaurants, not including drive-up or drive in services;
- Health and Fitness Clubs;
- Daycare facilities for child care;
- Personal Services; barbers, beauty shops etc.;
- Art Galleries/Museums;
- Professional, business, administrative and financial offices;
- Bars and nightclubs as part of hotel or restaurant;
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 108
b. Building and Landscape Setbacks
Building setbacks shall conform with the requirements of the
Commercial Tourist (CT) Zone requirements (Chapter 21.29 of the Carlsbad
Municipal Code) and the setback requirements of the Building Height
Ordinance (Chapter 21.04 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code), which apply to
the project as follows:
Building Setbacks -
Front or Side Yard on Armada Drive: 30 feet
Rear or Side Yard From Flower Fields: 25 feet
Landscape Setbacks -
Front or Side Yard on Armada Drive: 30 feet
Rear or Side Yard From Flower Fields: 10 feet
As noted above, development in Planning 3 is required to conform with
the requirements of the C-T Zone which does not require any setbacks from
the property lines. Planning Area 3 is providing a 30-foot front yard setback
and 25-foot rear and side yard setbacks. Since these setbacks are far
greater than the requirements of the C-T Zone, buildings that exceed the 35-
foot height limit are not required to increase the setbacks described above.
c. Parking
The joint use of parking facilities is allowed within the Hotel/Retail
area, based on the potential for off-peak uses, and the establishment of a
pedestrian oriented environment which will encourage multi-purpose trips.
Specific reductions of parking requirements shall be determined based on the
provisions set forth in section 21.44.050(a)(4) of the Carlsbad Municipal
Code.
2. DESIGN GUIDELINES
a. Building Orientation
Buildings should be oriented to take advantage of views overlooking
the flower fields and the Pacific Ocean. Buildings in Planning Area 3
adjacent to Armada Drive should have pedestrian oriented architecture.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 109
People oriented activities (i.e. recreation, restaurants with outdoor
seating, retail shops, lobbies, ballrooms) should be established adjacent to
the pedestrian promenade to enliven and reinforce the public nature of the
space.
b. Building Form and Massing
A variety of building size, form and height is encouraged for Planning
Area 3.
Within Planning Area 3, an architectural feature (e.g., tower), which
exceeds 35-feet in height, is encouraged for the hotel only to enhance the
building silhouette. The architectural feature must meet the criteria listed
under building height in Section III.A.1. of this specific plan.
c. Architectural Character
Architectural features such as tower, roof and courtyard elements, that
provide building articulation, diversity and pedestrian amenity shall be
provided. Variation in design should incorporate several or all of these
elements. Building design shall incorporate or be generally compatible with a
mediterranean vocabulary.
Ground level building facades in Planning Area 3 shall be rich in
architectural detail. Architectural features such as windowsills and moldings,
windowpanes, columns, arcades and awnings are encouraged.
d. Building Materials
Building materials shall incorporate or be generally compatible with a
mediterranean architectural vocabulary and shall use durable, high quality
building and roofing materials. Exterior wall and roof colors shall be of low
intensity earth tones. Stucco with accent materials such as tile, natural stone,
or other compatible natural building materials shall be preferred. Roof colors
shall be low intensity colors which blend with the environmental setting of the
project.
The material utilized for the sloping roofs shall be a clay roof tile with
mottled tones or metal roof panels of copper, aluminum or steel.
Glass curtain walls and other highly reflective building materials are
considered inappropriate for building walls. Substantial use of mirrored,
reflective or darkly tinted glass should be avoided, as it would give the
appearance of a glass curtain wall.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 110
e. Roofs
Sloping roofs, varying roof heights and forms are encouraged to
provide interesting building silhouettes. Rooftop mechanical equipment shall
be screened, enclosed and architecturally incorporated into visually
interesting building tops.
f. Access
Primary building entrances may be oriented toward Armada Drive. A
prominent building entrance should be established using architectural and
landscape features (e.g., special entry landscaping and hardscape and
awnings or canopies.). Clear, un-tinted glass shall be used at street level for
retail uses to foster direct visual interaction between indoor and outdoor
areas. Mirrored, highly reflective or darkly tinted glass shall not be permitted.
Pedestrian access from Planning Area 3 to LEGO may be provided in
accordance with all applicable City standards. If warranted by the amount of
traffic on Armada Drive a grade separated crossing may be constructed. If a
grade separated crossing of Armada Drive is provided the construction and
maintenance of this crossing shall be the responsibility of the developer of
Planning Area 3. The design and location of a grade-separated crossing
shall be reviewed as a part of the Site Development Plan for Planning Area 3.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 111
E. PLANNING AREA 4 - LEGOLAND Carlsbad
The focus of LEGOLAND Carlsbad will be on the provision of fun and creative,
educational experiences for children in the age group 2 through 13 and their families. The
planning and design shall comply with the following criteria:
• Establish the child as the focal point
• Provide for family interaction and fun
• Provide Environmental sensitivity including designing with nature, energy
conservation, reuse, and recycling
• Create a "park within a park"
• Facilitate participation and creativity
• Create a world of learning
• Develop theme areas corresponding to LEGO brands
• Provide comfort and quality for guests and staff
• Create synergy with the local community and environment
The overall concept of LEGOLAND Carlsbad may be described as a "park within a
park". A significant portion of LEGOLAND Carlsbad will consist of attractive landscape
areas with an emphasis on native and water conserving landscapes. Figure 36 on page
116 provides an overall planning summary of LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
1. PLANNING AREAS
The general planning areas and acreages, which make up LEGOLAND
Carlsbad are shown on Figure 35 on page 115. The approximately 128-acre site
consists of two (2) distinct planning areas. These consist of the Inner Park and the
Outer Park. A brief description of the approximate size and location of each of the
planning areas is provided below.
a. Inner Park
The Inner Park is approximately 70 acres in size and includes both
Active Clusters and Passive Clusters. The Inner Park planning area is
located in the northern portion of the LEGO property and serves as the core
of LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
The Inner Park is accessed through an entrance structure with
ticketing booths and turnstiles, an entrance building with guest related
facilities and retail uses, restaurant/cafe buildings, public toilets and comfort
rooms, and the themed attractions buildings.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 112
The key elements of LEGOLAND Carlsbad are the "Active Clusters"
and "Passive Clusters". These key elements are shown on Figure 36 on
page 116.
Active Clusters will include LEGO attraction areas such as
MINILAND and will be distinguished by plantings, paving, site furnishings,
water features, pedestrian trails and landscape lighting. Rides created for
these areas will be designed to allow the child and his/her family to view and
interact with the LEGO models and attractions. High-speed thrill rides will not
be a part of LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
It is anticipated that LEGOLAND Carlsbad will include approximately
five (5) Active Clusters. The size of each Active Cluster is expected to be at
the range of 2 and 5 acres. Examples of activities which may occur in the
Active Clusters include the following:
Miniland - Miniland will be the heart of LEGOLAND Carlsbad. This
area will illustrate the creative uses of LEGO bricks in a garden
setting. Miniland will be alive with movement and sound and will
create landmarks and scenes from the world, North America and
California. It will include famous buildings and towns surrounded by
landscape settings.
DUPLO Play Town - DUPLO Play Town will focus on younger
children. Children can enjoy attractions that will feature DUPLO
theme areas and will offer plenty of creative play opportunities. Rides
designed for and controlled by small children will allow them to interact
with DUPLO model creations. DUPLO buildings will allow children to
explore and interact with their surroundings in unique ways.
LEGO Building Workshops - LEGO building workshop areas will be
incorporated in several areas of the Park to allow children at different
age levels to build their own LEGO creations. Master-classes led by
LEGO model designers will offer groups of children and families
opportunities to participate in guided building tasks with LEGO bricks
and elements.
LEGO Driving School - Among other educational elements will be a
driving school for children to learn the rules of the road. The driving
school will offer group instructions and testing of skills on a driving
course with LEGO instructors. Following this driving experience,
children will be awarded their own LEGO driver's license.
LEGO Attraction Areas - Other attractions in LEGOLAND Carlsbad
emphasize LEGO themes such as Town, Castle, and Pirates.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 113
Activities created for these areas will be designed to allow the child
and his/her family to view and interact with the theme LEGO models
and attractions.
Passive Clusters will be located next to the Active Clusters within the
Inner Park. The Passive Clusters are characterized by unobstructed park
like plantings with occasional walkways and limited paving, site furnishings,
garden features and landscape lighting. The key objective of the passive
clusters is to allow families to picnic, relax, and enjoy the park atmosphere.
Service and Administration
The Service and Administration planning area is located on the
eastern end of the project site. The service and administrative buildings will
include storage, workshops, staff, educational and administrative facilities.
External waste and storage facilities will be established in connection with the
storage building.
b. Outer Park
The Outer Park contains landscape areas, LEGOLAND hotel and
parking facilities for LEGOLAND Carlsbad. The actual boundaries of both the
Inner Park and Outer Park as well as the acreage of the Planning Areas may
vary and will be precisely determined at the time of the Site Development
Plan review.
LEGOLAND Hotel
The hotel, accessory uses to the hotel and hotel guest parking are to
be located in the Outer Park between the LEGOLAND entrance and
administrative offices. Hotel parking will be separated from the general visitor
parking for LEGOLAND Carlsbad and accessible from the main entrance and
The Crossings Drive. Details of the hotel, accessory uses and hotel guest
parking will be provided as part of the application for the Site Development
Plan.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 114
Parking and Circulation
Proposed parking consists of areas for guest parking, bus parking,
recreation vehicle, employee parking and hotel parking.
Guest parking includes provisions for handicap parking in accordance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In an effort to work with the existing
topography of the site and maximize views within LEGOLAND Carlsbad, the
parking area is designated for the southern portion of the LEGO site. Access
to the guest parking will be taken from LEGO Drive by way of Cannon Road.
All directional signage including freeway signs, signs on Palomar Airport
Road and promotional advertisements shall direct motorists towards Cannon
Road. Parking expansion space will be provided within the LEGO park site
adjacent to the parking lot on the south. This will also provide space for
parking overflow should it be needed during peak visitor days.
Bus/RV parking will be provided at the southwestern portion of the
site. The bus/RV parking area will be double striped and available for use as
standard LEGOLAND visitor parking during peak periods in which bus
demand is low, on an as-needed basis. Charter bus and school bus access
to LEGOLAND theme park will be through the main entrance. Bus drop-off
areas are provided in the parking lot along the pedestrian spine which leads
into LEGOLAND.
NCTD bus access will be provided via The Crossings Drive. Charter
bus service to the hotel will be via The Crossings Drive.
Employee parking facilities are provided at the southeastern portion of
the site. Access to these areas will be from Palomar Airport Road via The
Crossings Drive. Emergency vehicle access is also provided via The
Crossings Drive. Details of the parking areas will be provided as a part of the
application for the Site Development Plan.
Hotel parking will be separated from the general visitor parking for
LEGOLAND Carlsbad and accessible from the main entrance and The
Crossings Drive. It is anticipated that upon initial arrival to the hotel,
guests will enter from Cannon Road through the LEGOLAND main
entrance. Once at the hotel, guests are likely to utilize the entrance via
The Crossings Drive to avoid the general park traffic.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 118
2. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The following are specific development and design guidelines applicable to
this Planning Area. However, Section III.A. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES beginning on page 63 contains
additional development standards and design guidelines that are applicable to all
Planning Areas within this Specific Plan Amendment.
a. Permitted uses within LEGOLAND Carlsbad are as follows:
- Entrance facility;
- Toll "plaza";
- Retail shops, not including drive-up or drive-in services;
- Restaurants, not including drive-up or drive-in services;
- Service buildings associated with Park activities;
- Offices related to Park activities, business and administration;
- Ancillary uses related to LEGO park;
- Hotel and accessory uses to the hotel including:
Retail
Restaurants, not including drive-up or drive-in services
Health and Fitness Clubs
Staged entertainment
Recreational facilities for water play
Rental car agency
Childcare facilities
Personal services, Barbers, Beauty shops, etc.
Bars and Nightclubs
Art Galleries/Museums
Administrative and Business Offices
- Indoor and outdoor facilities for children related to
entertainment and education including overnight uses, but not
including high-speed thrill rides (those rides typically oriented
towards the teenage and young adult audience);
- Water features, lakes;
- Picnic areas;
- Landscaped areas;
- Guest services and facilities;
- Accessory uses which are clearly incidental or necessary to
principal permitted uses;
- People moving systems;
- Signs related to Park activities;
- Parking;
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 119
- Any other uses as determined by the Planning Director to be of
the same general character as the uses listed above.
b. Permitted temporary uses within LEGOLAND Carlsbad which are
limited in duration, but occur from time to time, are as follows:
- Festivals;
- Craft fairs;
- Markets;
- Construction facilities; trailers, equipment and material storage
areas; ancillary uses related to project construction.
c. Uses not permitted within Legoland Carlsbad are as follows:
- Hotel Conversions. Any hotel rooms within Planning Area 4 of
the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan shall not be converted to a
limited use overnight visitor accommodation.
d. LEGOLAND Carlsbad Setbacks
Figure 37 on page 121 depicts the proposed setback conditions for
LEGOLAND Carlsbad at four key locations.
i. LEGO Drive (Area 1)
Building Setbacks
- No building shall be closer than 50 feet from the eastern
curb of LEGO Drive.
Landscape Setbacks
- Landscaping shall extend a minimum of 35 feet from the
eastern curb of LEGO Drive.
Parking Setbacks
- No parking area shall be allowed closer than 35 feet
from the eastern curb of LEGO Drive.
ii. Northeast Boundary of the Park (Area 2)
Building Setbacks
- No building shall be closer than 35 feet from the
property line of LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 120
Landscape Setbacks
- Landscaping shall extend a minimum of 35 feet from the
property line into Planning Area 4.
Parking Setbacks
- Not Applicable.
iii. The Crossings Drive (Area 3)
Building Setbacks
- No building shall be closer than 20 feet from the right-of-
way line.
Landscape Setbacks
- Landscaping shall extend a minimum of 20 feet from the
right-of-way line.
Parking Setbacks
- No parking area shall be allowed closer than 20 feet
from the right-of-way line.
iv. Palomar Airport Road (Area 4)
Building Setbacks
- No building shall be closer than 300 feet from the
northern right-of-way line along Palomar Airport Road.
Landscape Setbacks
- Landscaping shall extend a minimum of 140 feet from
the northern right-of-way line along Palomar Airport
Road (150 feet from the curb).
Parking Area Setbacks
- No parking area shall be allowed closer than 140 feet
from the northern right-of-way line along Palomar
Airport Road (150 feet from the curb).
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 122
e. Building Height
Building heights shall conform to the building height standards of the
City's Zoning Ordinance (Chapters 21.04 and 21.29.060 of the Carlsbad
Municipal Code), which apply to the LEGOLAND Carlsbad parcel except as
modified in this section.
All buildings within LEGOLAND Carlsbad shall not exceed the height
of thirty-five feet or three levels and allowed height protrusions, as described
in Section 21.46.020 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, shall not exceed forty-
five feet. Additional building height may be permitted to a maximum of forty-
five feet through a Site Development Plan approved by the City Council
provided that:
i. The building does not contain more than three levels;
ii. All required setbacks shall be increased at a ratio of one
horizontal foot for every one foot of vertical construction
beyond thirty-five feet. The additional setback area will be
maintained as landscaped open space;
iii. The building conforms to the requirements of Section
18.04.170 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code;
iv. The allowed height protrusions as described in Section
21.46.020 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code do not exceed 45
feet; with the exception of architectural features and exhibits
may be permitted up to 55 feet in height if the City Council
makes the specific findings that the protruding architectural
features or exhibits (1) do not function to provide usable floor
area; (2) do not accommodate and/or screen building
equipment; (3) do not adversely impact adjacent properties; (4)
are necessary to ensure a building's or exhibit's design
excellence; and (5) are restricted to no more than 3 percent of
the total roof surface area of the structure from which it
protrudes, or in the case of exhibits within Planning Area 4, that
they be restricted to no more than 3% of the aggregate of the
exhibit as measured from each exhibit's base, upon review of a
Site Development Plan approved by the City Council.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 123
f. Parking Standards3
The required parking for LEGOLAND Carlsbad is as follows:
LEGOLAND
Park – Autos 3,103 spaces
Park – RV’s 20 spaces
Employee 600 spaces
Hotel 1.2 spaces per room
Restaurant 1 space per 100 SF
(if over 4,000 SF) 40 + 1 space per 50 SF
Retail 1 space per 300 SF
In addition, 60 bus spaces and an additional 26 RV spaces are
provided as a convenience to touring bus companies and schools. During
peak demand events however, this parking may be converted to visitor
parking spaces. If additional uses not specifically listed above are
developed, Chapter 21.44 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code shall be utilized for
the parking standards or parking ratios.
Automobile parking stall sizes shall be a minimum width of 8’6" with a
minimum area of 170 square feet. All aisles shall be a minimum of 24 feet in
width Recreation Vehicle parking stalls shall be 34' x 11'. Bus parking stalls
shall be 40' x 12'. All bus aisles shall be a minimum of 75 feet in width. If
tandem bus parking occurs, there shall be a minimum of 3 feet between
buses. All handicapped parking stalls shall meet the requirements of the
Americans With Disabilities Act. The proposed parking concept shall meet or
exceed the City of Carlsbad landscape requirements of 1 tree per 4 parking
stalls. Bicycle access to the parking lot shall be provided at the trail
connections off LEGO Drive and off The Crossings Drive. Bicycle racks shall
be provided within the parking area.
3 The City of Carlsbad does not have a specific parking standard for a theme park such as LEGO. The theme park
standards are derived based on the justification and analysis contained in an addendum prepared by RBF dated
January 23, 2008 to the April 1994 Traffic Study for LEGOLAND Carlsbad ,prepared by KAKU Associates, Inc. (, This
report and addendum are available at the City of Carlsbad Planning Department and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 124
The parking lot layout and design are shown on Figure 38 on page
125 and the parking lot geometrics are illustrated in Figure 39 on page 126.
These Figures are intended to show that it is feasible to design a parking
layout to accommodate the required parking on the LEGO site. It is not
intended to be a final design. The actual design may vary subject to the
review of the Site Development Plan. The final parking lot layout shall be
subject to City approval at the time of Site Development Plan review.
Directed parking may be necessary during certain peak season days.
A requirement for directed parking would be based on the final design of the
parking lot and determined if necessary at the time of the Site Development
Plan review.Legoland shall monitor the number of vehicles entering Legoland
on a daily basis, and combine the data collected through such monitoring to
produce annual parking reports. Such reports shall be submitted for review
by the City and the Coastal Commission in association with any request to
modify the certified parking standards or any proposed alternative
transportation plan.
g. Circulation PlanThe Circulation Plan is shown in Figure 40 on
page 127. The Circulation Plan establishes the roadway network and the
basic standards for safe automotive, bicycle and pedestrian movement within
the LEGO site and as it relates to the proposed circulation system of the
adjacent Carlsbad Ranch Planning Areas. Figure 40 on page 127 of this
document illustrates the overall circulation plan for the Carlsbad Ranch
Specific Plan. In order to comply with the established performance standard
for circulation facilities contained in the Local Facilities Management Plan,
Zone 13, the only directional signing allowed on Palomar Airport Road will be
a directional sign for west bound vehicles directing them to go north on
Armada Drive to LEGO Drive. All directional signage located along the I-5
corridor shall direct visitors to the Cannon Road off ramps.
All promotional material, television and radio advertising, shall direct visitors
to access the Park using the I-5 and Cannon Road interchange.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 128
Visitor traffic will approach the Park heading east on Cannon Road
from the I-5 interchange, then make a right turn at LEGO Drive.
A roundabout will be located at the intersection of LEGO Drive and
Armada Drive. This roundabout will guide visitors to LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
LEGO Drive empties directly into the private driveway leading to the LEGO
visitor parking lot.
Access to the employee parking, LEGOLAND Hotel and service areas
shall be provided from The Crossings Drive via Palomar Airport Road.
Access to charter/school bus parking will be provided through the main
LEGOLAND entrance. Drop-off areas for buses are provided along the
pedestrian spine that leads from the parking lot into the LEGOLAND park.
NCTD bus access shall be provided from The Crossings Drive via Palomar
Airport Road. In the event of a chartered bus specifically for LEGOLAND
Hotel guests, access will be provided via The Crossings Drive.
The service road will be landscaped and screened to prevent public
view from Park visitors. Vehicles shall be separated from the Active and
Passive Clusters of the Park to avoid pedestrian contact. The service road
shall be constructed to meet the City of Carlsbad standards to accommodate
emergency vehicles.
Pedestrian access is provided through a system of circulation which
links a series of Active Clusters. This system provides a main circulation
route with opportunity to return to clusters of particular interest. Trail
links/connections to adjacent portions of the Carlsbad Ranch will be provided
on the southwestern boundary of the park on LEGO Drive, adjacent to
Armada Drive and on the eastern boundary of the Park off of The Crossings
Drive at the entrance to the employee parking or service administration area.
h. Alternative Transit
The City and Legoland shall actively encourage convenient
alternatives to automobile use throughout the Carlsbad Ranch and
surrounding coastal areas including the Poinsettia Station and the
Carlsbad Village Transit Center by implementing the following
measures:
• The City shall encourage transit operators to provide low-cost transit
service from Legoland Hotel and Legoland Park to beaches and
visitor-serving areas, as well as major transit stations, and to provide
such transit service within walking distance of Legoland Park,
especially throughout the summer. Such encouragement should
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 129
include, at a minimum, joint advertising of such services by Legoland
and the City.
• If daily public transit service is not available, Legoland shall provide
shuttle service to all Legoland Hotel and Legoland Park guests, as
well as Legoland employees, providing transportation from the
Poinsettia Station and the Carlsbad Village Transit Center on a regular
schedule including at least two times each morning, with scheduled
returns every afternoon. If after a minimum two-year period, the City
has documentation that such a service is not being utilized by the
public, an amendment to this LCP policy may be considered. Transit
opportunities shall be advertised on the Legoland website explaining
to all patrons how to make best use of transit when arriving at either
the Poinsettia Station or the Carlsbad Village Transit Center.
• In order to minimize energy consumption and vehicle miles traveled
and provide substitute means of serving development with public
transportation, Legoland shall provide incentives for alternative transit
use such as providing employee transit passes or subsidies,
ridesharing programs, preferred parking for carpooling, company
bulletin boards for use of organizing carpools, employee bike racks,
and on-site shower facilities.
i. Operation and Safety
LEGO Drive shall comply with the operation and safety standards and
criteria as provided in the Standards for Design and Construction of Public
Works Improvements in the City of Carlsbad. Lighting shall be provided that
will conform with the City lighting standards.
The LEGO parking concept allows for the maximization of landscape
opportunities, while providing for the required amount of parking in a safe and
efficient manner. If it is required that the parking area be lit, it will conform to
the City lighting standards. The LEGO parking lot will be loaded from front to
back, allowing for minimal contact between pedestrian and vehicular
movement. Visitor parking will be controlled and directed by parking
attendants during peak attendance days. The service access road will be
separate from pedestrian traffic within the main portion of LEGO Park.
j. Signs
Signage within LEGOLAND Carlsbad shall conform to the
requirements of the City's zoning regulations (Chapter 21.41 of the Carlsbad
Municipal Code) and the Mello II segment of the LCP.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 130
Signage for LEGOLAND Carlsbad will consist of both permanent and
temporary signs, which will fall into two categories:
Off Site Signage
On Site Signage
The approximate location of the project identity and directional signs is
shown on Figure 40 on page 127. The exact location, size and design of
these signs will be determined when the Site Development Plan for
LEGOLAND Carlsbad is submitted for review by the City of Carlsbad.
i. Off-Site Signage
(a) Freeway Identification/Directional Signage -Interstate 5:
The function of the Freeway Identification signs are to identify
the Cannon Road exit as the access to LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
A minimum of four ground-mounted signs indicating the
LEGOLAND Carlsbad exit point will be provided by CalTrans
along Interstate 5. These signs will be designed in
accordance with all applicable CalTrans standards.
(b) Project Identity and Directional Signage Within The
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan
Primary Park Identification
The function of the Primary Park Identification sign is to create
a sense of project entry and establish the park image and
character. This signage will be located at the main park
entrance at the roundabout intersection of Armada Drive and
LEGO Drive. Directory signage for the other uses within the
Carlsbad Ranch may also be located on this sign. This sign
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 131
shall be designed so that it does not create obstructions to
vehicular sight distance through the roundabout.
The aggregate sign area of all signs in the specific plan
community identity sign program shall not exceed a total of one
hundred square feet, plus three square feet per acre of
property within the development (1,342.2 square feet). No
individual sign shall have an area larger than one hundred and
fifty feet.
Secondary Project Identification
The function of the Secondary Project Identification sign is to
direct vehicular traffic from Cannon Road on to LEGO Drive.
Additionally, this sign will announce park closures, and
activities that are not in operation. The Secondary Project
Identification sign will be located at the Cannon Road and
LEGO Drive intersection.
ii. On Site Signage
The exact locations and size of the on site signs will be determined as
a part of the Site Development Plan for LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
The design and size of these signs will be kept in character with
LEGOLAND Carlsbad. The following text provides a description of the
various types of signs that will be provided and their function.
(a) Auto/Directional
The function of the Auto/Directional signs is to direct visitors to
the specific areas of LEGOLAND Carlsbad, including
pedestrian entrances and auto/parking lot exits.
(b) Pedestrian
The function of the Pedestrian signage is to direct visitors to
various portions of the Park.
(c) Gateways
The function of the Gateway signage is to delineate "districts"
by marking the entrance to a new "experience" within
LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 132
(d) Regulatory
The function of Regulatory signs is to enforce existing
Municipal Code, State and/or Federal Regulations, and
LEGOLAND Carlsbad imposed regulations(i.e., Do Not Enter,
No Smoking).
(e) Attractions
The function of Attraction signs is to provide information about
the subject attraction or ride, or point of interest in the Park.
(f) Educational and Informative
The function of Educational and Informative signs is to provide
general and specific information about various educational
features within the Park.
(g) Service
The function of Service signs is to direct service vehicles and
service and administration related vehicles to Service and
Administration areas of the Park.
(h) Marketing/Promotional
The function of Marketing signs is to announce forth-coming
attractions ("coming soon"). The purpose of promotional signs
is to announce upcoming special events at the site that may
occur during special times of the year.
(i) Construction/Construction Traffic
The function of the Construction signs is to disclose
construction site rules, warnings and information.
k. Service/ Loading Areas and Trash Enclosures
Service/loading areas and trash enclosures shall be located behind
buildings and screened in such a manner that they are not visible from the
street and the pedestrian walkways. Service and loading areas shall be
designed so as to not appear as a service area and shall be designed in
accordance with City Engineering standards and design requirements.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 133
Trash collection containers shall be completely screened and located
as inconspicuously as possible. A six-foot high masonry wall shall enclose
trash receptacle areas with gates as required by City standards. The
enclosure shall be of similar colors and/or materials as the buildings, subject
to the approval of the Planning Director. All equipment stored outdoors shall
be visually screened from adjacent streets and property. Equipment shall be
screened by a solid concrete or masonry wall not less than six feet in height.
l. Fencing and Walls
LEGOLAND Carlsbad will be surrounded by a variety of fences and
walls to prohibit entry into the park by non-paying or unauthorized visitors.
The actual design and the exact location of the fences and walls will be
addressed during the processing of the Site Development Plan for
LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
m. Lighting
Lighting within Planning Area 4 shall be designed to provide adequate
illumination for visitors to LEGOLAND Carlsbad, while avoiding adverse
impacts on adjacent properties. A detailed lighting plan shall be reviewed
and approved as a part of the Site Development Plan for LEGOLAND
Carlsbad. The following principles should be considered in the design of a
lighting plan for Planning Area 4:
i. Lighting should be designed so that it does not spill over into
adjacent areas.
ii. Lighting should be directed downwards to avoid impacting
aircraft approach or takeoff from Palomar Airport.
iii. All lights should be of a type which conserves energy.
iv. Lighting will be provided at a pedestrian scale and should
reflect the design objectives of the roadways as well as
complementing the character of the environment in which they
are placed. Along the pedestrian walkways pedestrian scale
lighting fixtures shall be used. Light fixtures shall not exceed
22' in height and shall be spaced to meet City standards for
luminosity. High-pressure sodium vapor fixtures shall be
utilized for the best representation of natural tones.
v. The private segment of LEGO Drive shall be designed to
accommodate seasonal lighting (e.g. Christmas, etc.).
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 134
vi. Parking lot lighting shall be designed in conformance with City
standards.
vii. Lighting should provide a safe and desirable level of
illumination for both pedestrians and motorists without intruding
into adjacent areas.
viii. Project signage should be illuminated on the sign face only, in
such a way as to minimize light overflow.
ix. Search lights and lasers directed towards the sky should not be
permitted.
3. DESIGN GUIDELINES
The following are specific development and design guidelines applicable to
this Planning Area. However, Section III.A. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES beginning on page 63 contains
additional development standards and design guidelines that are applicable to all
Planning Areas within this Specific Plan Amendment.
The purpose of the following section is to provide sufficient design guidelines
and descriptive text to give the City an idea of the appearance and feeling of
LEGOLAND Carlsbad when it is developed. The exact details of LEGOLAND
Carlsbad will be provided when the Site Development Plan is processed for this
area.
LEGOLAND Park
a. General Building Orientation
LEGOLAND Carlsbad Building Orientation
The LEGOLAND Carlsbad entrance structures will be oriented toward
the guest parking area. Other Park buildings and structures will be oriented,
in general, toward a main pedestrian pathway system linking the various
Activity Clusters. Entrance to the various buildings and structures should in
general be from the main pathway system. Secondary entrances and service
entrances will be from a secondary pathway system and the outer ring
service road surrounding the Inner Park. Buildings and structures should be
of various masses and orientation in a "village/town landscape" arrangement.
Provisions for comfortable service and emergency vehicular access will be
established park-wide and will link up with the service and emergency road
system.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 135
Service and Administration Building Orientation
LEGO service buildings shall be architecturally compatible with the
administration building. Primary service building entrances shall be oriented
to the access road area. Secondary building entrances will in general be
oriented toward the Family Park. Building mass should be parallel or on axis
with the access road.
Provisions for comfortable pedestrian as well as vehicular linkages between the Park,
access road, staff car parking and the service administration building shall be provided.
b. Access
LEGOLAND Carlsbad Buildings
The main entrance for guests to LEGOLAND Carlsbad will be from the
guest car parking via guest "car park islands" to an entrance plaza in front of
the entrance structure. In connection with the entrance plaza, disabled
parking, charter/school bus and taxi drop-off will be established. NCTD bus
access is provided via The Crossings Drive.
From the main entrance, a main pedestrian pathway will lead through
the various Active and Passive Clusters. Access to the various attractions
will be from the main pathway system as well as a secondary pathway
system in each individual cluster. Entrance facilities to each individual
attraction will include various setbacks and/or queuing facilities to secure
sufficient flow on pathway systems.
Pathway systems and access to attractions will satisfy all applicable
requirements for disabled accessibility. A service road system will be
established within the Outer Park area for easy accessibility for service
vehicles to the various main facilities in the Park. An emergency and fire
engine corridor system will be established acceptable to the Carlsbad Fire
Department.
Service and Administration Buildings
Main access to the administration building and service building area
will be from the secondary access road via The Crossings Drive off Palomar
Airport Road. Secondary access to administration and service buildings,
including service gates to the service building, will be from a service yard
between the administration and service building. A combined staff service
road and pathway will connect the service yard with the service road around
the Park. The service area will be screened from the surroundings by
planting.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 136
c. General Architectural Character
Architectural features, such as facades, roofs and courtyard plaza
elements that provide building articulation, diversity and pedestrian amenity
shall be provided. Variations in design are anticipated and should
incorporate some of the features described below. Building design should be
generally compatible with a variety of theme characters.
Building Form
LEGOLAND Carlsbad and service/administration building
facades shall be well articulated by changes in height and vertical
planes to reduce the appearance of bulk and create interesting
building silhouettes. The typical facade will be asymmetrical and
building elevations will be varied and staggered to suggest a "village"
character. In some areas, theme building and structures may
incorporate decorative details borrowed from architecture in
connection with some attraction.
Roofs
Roofs will be generally low pitch or flat. Gable roof materials
shall be of suitable roof sheet material or tiles, with subdued colors.
Roof planes shall be varied for visual interest and to achieve intimate
scale. Overhangs will be short and rakes will be tight, except porches
and verandas. Roof planes will be varied for visual interest.
Entries
Entrances to general buildings in the Park will generally be
recessed and covered. Entrances to theme attraction buildings will be
of various types. Arches above the doorways will be established
where it is compatible with the theme and character of the building.
Materials will include rendered facades, tiles and decorative
doorways, and strong features. Entries to service and administration
buildings will usually be the focal point of the building and will typically
be recessed or covered.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 137
Windows
Windows may commonly appear recessed on general
buildings. Detail treatments include the use of architectural accents.
Shutters will be common where suitable. A variety of styles and sizes
will typically be used together to form a random pattern.
Balconies & Verandas
Balconies and verandas will be used as strong ornamental
elements, in order to add interest to the elevation and shade to the
buildings and outdoor areas.
Public Spaces
Shaded areas will be established park-wide through the use of
pergola structures, etc. A warm, relaxed atmosphere will be created
to enhance the guest's comfort.
d. Potential Building Materials
Building materials utilized in the LEGOLAND Carlsbad buildings shall
incorporate or be generally compatible with a theme architectural vocabulary
and shall use durable, high quality building and roofing materials. The Inner
Park will include a variety of architectural themes, which will delineate
different activity areas of the Park. Exterior wall and roof colors shall be
carefully selected. Stucco with accent materials are preferred. Roof colors
shall be low intensity colors, which blend with the environmental setting of the
project.
e. Citywide Trail Segment
Trails within Planning Area 4 shall be designed to link into the Citywide
Trail System along Hidden Valley Drive. Trail Segment 28 of the Citywide
Trail System may be located on the east side of The Crossings Drive if that
area is developed as a public golf course by the City of Carlsbad and its
relocation is approved by the City.
LEGOLAND Hotel
a. General Building Orientation
The hotel will be set in an articulated form to help create an entrance
plaza for the Park on the North side.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 138
The service area will orient to the existing Park service area to the
East of admissions. This area links to the outer ring service road.
At the option of LEGOLAND, the hotel construction may be phased. A
phasing concept may be provided and reviewed through the site
development plan process.
b. Access
Guests
Guests arriving by car will access the hotel through the main
LEGOLAND entrance or via The Crossings Drive. Upon arrival,
guests will be directed to the hotel entrance plaza where there will be
a covered area for drop-off from cars and taxis. Parking for disabled
people will be provided close to the entrance and there will be
dedicated parking for other hotel guests. NCTD bus access will be
provided via The Crossings and drop-off guests at the east end of the
hotel.
Service Area
This will be accessed (as is the LEGOLAND administration building
and service building area) from the secondary access road via The
Crossings Drive off Palomar Airport Road. A combined staff service
road and pathway will connect the service yard with the service road
around the Park. The service area will be screened from the
surroundings by planting.
c. General Architectural Character
Architectural features, such as well articulated and varied facades,
roofs and courtyard plaza elements that provide building articulation,
diversity and pedestrian amenity will be provided. Variations in design
are anticipated and will incorporate some of the features described
below.
Building Form
The LEGOLAND hotel will be articulated both in plan and section to
reduce the appearance of bulk and to create an interesting building
silhouette for the elevations facing the entry plaza and general public
spaces. The typical facade will incorporate some fantasy features to
reinforce the LEGOLAND brand and these will be most intense at the
entrance to the hotel.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 139
Roofs
Roofs will be low pitch or flat. Roof materials will be of suitable roof
sheet material or tiles. Roof planes will be varied for visual interest
and to achieve intimate scale.
Entrances
Entrances to the hotel and public areas will be recessed and covered.
They will be compatible with the theme and character of the building.
Materials may include rendered facades and tiles.
Windows
The design of windows will follow the themes mentioned above.
Balconies
Balconies and french balconies may be used as strong ornamental
elements, in order to add interest to the building and outdoor areas.
Public Spaces
Public space may be established through the creation of a plaza at the
connection of the hotel and LEGOLAND Park. A warm, relaxed
atmosphere will enhance the guest's comfort.
d. Potential Building Materials
Building materials utilized in the LEGOLAND Hotel will incorporate or
be generally compatible with a theme architectural vocabulary and
shall use durable, quality building and roofing materials. Exterior wall
and roof colors will be carefully selected. Stucco with accent
materials will be preferred. Roof colors will blend with the
environmental setting of the project.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 140
4. LANDSCAPE AREAS
The following have been identified as the key landscape areas for
LEGOLAND Carlsbad. A total of twelve distinct landscape areas have been
identified as shown on Figure 41 on page 138. Some of these areas fall outside of
the 128-acre LEGO property. The landscape treatment of these "outside areas"
(which include areas a-e) is further described in Chapter III, Section A.9.
LANDSCAPE CONCEPT of the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan. The following
provides a brief description of landscape character and planting scheme for each of
the twelve areas.
The proposed tree and plant palette for the entire LEGOLAND Carlsbad site
is provided on page 146 and follows the concept statements provided below.
a. Area A - I-5 Intersection
Concept Statement
The CalTrans landscaping shall be upgraded and a minimum of 4
signs identifying LEGO Family park access shall be incorporated along I-5 in
locations approved by CalTrans. An informal planting scheme with the
potential for color ground plane treatment shall be utilized. Primary tree
species in accordance with CalTrans guidelines are to be Melaleuca, Pines,
Palms, California Pepper Trees, Jacarandas, Erythrina and Chorisia
Speciosa.
b. Area B - Cannon Road
Concept Statement
An informal planting scheme per the City of Carlsbad's scenic corridor
guidelines shall be used along Cannon Road. This informal scheme will
create an open character with views to the lagoon and adjacent golf course.
Primary tree species in accordance with City guidelines are to be Melaleuca,
and Pines. Mass planting of shrubs and potential for flowering ground plane
treatment should also be considered.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 146
c. Area C - Cannon Road/LEGO Drive Intersection
Concept Statement
Informal massing of pines shall occur at this intersection. This will
serve as a transition landscape with no color. A clean ground cover will
create a base for secondary LEGO signage. Primary tree species are to be
Carrotwood and Queen Palm which are consistent with the landscape
improvement plans approved for CT 92-07 Units I and II.
d. Area D - LEGO Drive
Concept Statement
LEGO Drive landscaping will be a continuation of the theme of Area C.
The landscape concept addresses and includes only the portion of LEGO
Drive from Cannon to the roundabout intersection. The informal massing of
this landscape will serve as a transition from Cannon Road to the
roundabout. No other color will be used in this area. The open character of
this landscaping will allow views to the adjacent golf course. Views to the
adjacent Gemological Institute parking areas will be screened. The primary
tree species could include Pines and others.
e. Area E - Roundabout/LEGOLAND Carlsbad Entry
Concept Statement
This area serves as the primary entry into LEGOLAND Carlsbad.
Color massing shall be used in the center island of the "roundabout" with
specimen trees around perimeter. The primary LEGO signage as well as
signage for other uses within the specific plan shall appear in this area.
Landscaping in this area will be located and sized to avoid creating
obstructions to vehicular sight distance through the roundabout. Landscaping
shall create filtered views of the golf course. This landscaping begins the
distinct LEGO Drive landscape treatment. Primary tree species could include
Melaleuca and Pines.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 147
f. Area F - LEGO Drive (Private Section)
Concept Statement
The primary entrance sequence into LEGOLAND Carlsbad occurs in
this area. The west side of LEGO Drive shall be landscaped with evergreen
trees to create a visual buffer to adjacent office/R&D uses. The east side of
LEGO Drive will create an introduction to LEGOLAND Carlsbad. Flower
fields may be used in this area to create broad vistas with filtered views of
LEGOLAND Carlsbad attractions. Primary tree species could include
Melaleuca, and Pines. Figure 42 Cross Sections depicts the relationship
between LEGO Drive and the landscape setback areas.
g. Area G - Parking Area
Concept Statement
Landscaping shall be designed to provide visual mitigation of the
parking area from adjacent uses. Landscaping shall include planting islands,
evergreen trees, and a pedestrian system channeling visitors to the
LEGOLAND Carlsbad main entrance. Primary tree species are to be
Melaleuca and Pines. The City requirement of 1 tree per 4 stalls may be
accommodated in larger planting areas, which will permit larger tree sizes.
Figures 44 and 45 on pages 141 and 142 contain Cross Sections depicting
the relationship between the parking area, the Outer Park, and Palomar
Airport Road.
h. Area H - Palomar Airport Road Buffer
Concept Statement
The landscape concept addresses only the portion of the 150' Palomar
Airport Road buffer along the LEGO site. An "oak woodland theme" is
proposed for this roadway. Screen trees will be located at the top of slope.
There will be a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, flowering shrubs and
groundcovers. The primary tree species will be in accordance with City
standards contained in the Landscape Manual and supplemented with pines,
oaks, sycamores, and alders for screening purposes. Figures 43 and 44
contain cross sections depicting the relationship between Palomar Airport
Road, the parking area and the Outer Park areas.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 148
i. Area I - Service Areas
Concept Statement
Service areas shall be screened from public view as shown in Figure
45 on page 142. This area will be a continuation of the Area H plant palette
utilizing evergreen trees throughout for continuity. Trees can include pines,
oaks, sycamores, alders and others.
j. Area J - The Resort Edge
Concept Statement
Transitional landscape from the resort to LEGOLAND Carlsbad will be
planted in this area. Landscaping will create a park-like character, with an
undefined edge through the use of informal tree and shrub massing.
Screening will be provided where necessary. Trees can include Melaleuca,
and Pines. Figure 44 Cross Sections depicts the relationship between the
LEGO property and resort property.
k. Area K - Passive Clusters
Concept Statement
Canopy trees combined with evergreen massing shall be used to
create a park-like character. Turf shall be planted in passive use areas.
Trees can include Melaleuca and Pines.
l. Area L - Active Clusters
Concept Statement
A unique identity for each active cluster will be created with a unified
planting scheme. Small-scale accent trees and shrubs combined with
evergreen massing, flowering shrubs and ground covers and bedding/bulbs
shall be used in these areas. Trees can include Melaleuca and Pines.
m. Plant Material Size, Spacing and Quality
Plant material size, spacing and quantity shall be consistent with the
City of Carlsbad's Landscape Guidelines Manual.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 149
PROPOSED TREE AND PLANT PALETTE
Tree List
Common Name Botanical Name
Torrey Pine Pinus torreyana
California Sycamore Platanus racemosa
Cajeput Tree Melaleuca quinquenervia
New Zealand Christmas Tree Metrosideros excelsus
Oak Quercus species
California Pepper Schinus molle
Black Acacia Acacia melanoxylon
Honey Locust Gleditsia triacanthos
Jacaranda Jacaranda acutifolia
Tipu Tree Tipuana tipu
Coral Tree Erythrina caffra
Queen Palm Cocos plumosa
Mexican Fan Palm Washington robusta
Camphor Cinnamomum camphora
Alleppo Pine Pinus halepensis
Senegal Date Palm Phoenix reclinata
Evergreen Elm Ulmus parvifolia
Western Cottonwood Populus fremontii
Golden Medallion Tree Cassia leptophylla
Floss Silk Tree Chorisia speciosa
Carrotwood Cupaniopsis anacardioides
American Sweet Gum Liquidambar styraciflua
Lombardy Poplar Populus nigra 'Italica'
Chinese Flame Tree Koelreuteria bipinnata
Pistache Pistacia chinesis
Olive Olea europaea 'Swan Hills'
Brazilian Pepper Schinus terbebinthifolius
Canary Island Pine Pinus canariensis
Canary Island Date Palm Phoenix canariensis
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 150
Shrub List4
Large Shrubs
Common Name Botanical Name
Strawberry Tree Arbutus unedo
Orchid Rockrose Cistus purpureus
New Zealand Tee Tree Leptospermum scoparium
Pineapple Guava Feijoa sellowiana
Pink Melaleuca Melaleuca nesophila
Oleander Nerium oleander
Pittosporum Pittosporum tobira
Toyon Heteromeles arbutifolia
Giant Bird-of-Paradise Strelitzia nicolai
Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus
Pride of Madeira Echium fastuosum
Medium Shrubs
Ceanothus Ceanothus species
White Rockrose Cistus corbariensis
Fortnight Lily Dietes vegeta
Sage Salvia species
Flax Phormium terax
Lily-of-the-Nile Agapanthus orientalis
Day Lily Hemerocallis hybrids
Red-Hot Poker Kniphofia uvaria
Lantana Lantana species
Indian Hawthorne Raphiolepis indica
Matilija Poppy Romneya coulteri
Bird-of-Paradise Strelitzia reginae
Camellia Species Camellia species
Ferns Fern species
4 This list is comprised of the greatest percentage of plants which will occur in the aforementioned areas.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 151
Small Shrubs and Groundcovers
Common Name Botanical Name
Coprosma Coprosma kirkii
Fortnight Lily Dietes bicolor
Gazania Gazania
Trailing Lantana Lantana montevidensis
Myoporum Myoporum parvifolium
Sage Sage species
Dwarf Oleander Oleander petite species
Lily Turf Liriope and Ophiopogon
Star Jasmine Trachelospermum jasminoides
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis 'Prostratus'
English Ivy Hedera helix
Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica
Lavender Cotton Santolina chamaecyparissus
Mexican Evening Primrose Oenothera berlandieri
Blue Fescue Festuca ovina glauca
Fushia Fushia Species
Prostate Acacia Acacia redolens
Vines
Bougainvillea Bougainvillea species
Giant Burmese Honeysuckle Lonicera hildebrandiana
Boston Ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata
Angelwing Jasmine Jasminum nitidum
Vining Roses Rosa species
Cup-of-Gold Vine Solandra maxima
Blood-Red Trumpet Vine Distictis buccinatoria
Creeping Fig Ficus pumila
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 152
F. PLANNING AREA 5 - RESORT
A full-service destination resort is proposed on an approximately 52.8 acre parcel in
the northeast corner of the Carlsbad Ranch. This resort will include up to 700 suites and
will target the large group professional and business meeting market. These meetings
typically combine business with recreation and are increasingly including family members of
the business representative. The surrounding uses of Carlsbad Ranch including
LEGOLAND Carlsbad, golf course, and retail facilities and nearby beaches make this a
particularly desirable meeting destination.
Accommodations at the resort will generally be two-room suites integrated into the
topography using terraced buildings and featuring ocean views, overlooking extensively
landscaped open areas and courtyards. Elevated walkways may be used to connect resort
buildings linking meeting facilities, suites, and a selection of dining experiences. A sports
club may combine a fitness center and dining with an emphasis on healthy, light cuisine.
This facility could provide sports medicine, tennis pro shop, weight training, racquetball,
steam rooms, saunas and aerobics.
The meeting and conference center will offer function space with the ability to mix
and match agendas to accommodate groups from 10 to 2,700 guests. Adjacent gardens
and landscaped terraces will provide additional meeting and function areas. Most resort
facilities including the tennis center, sports club and dining will be designed to encourage
use by the general public as well as the resort guest. Figure 46 on page 150 shows some
of the planning features for the resort.
A pedestrian/bike/golf cart trail shall be provided from the eastern portion of the golf
course along the southerly edge of Planning Area 5 to provide a link from the specific plan
golf course to the future City golf course to the east of the specific plan. The trail shall be
designed as shown on Figure 52 on page 169.
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The following are specific development and design guidelines applicable to
this Planning Area. However, Section III.A. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES beginning on page 63 contains
additional development standards and design guidelines that are applicable to all
Planning Area within this Specific Plan Amendment.
a. Permitted Uses
- Hotels;
- Commercial Living Units (Timeshare) may be permitted by the
City Council in conjunction with a hotel project;
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 154
Accessory Uses - The following uses are permitted only as accessory
uses to the resort.
- Retail related to the resort;
- Restaurants, not including drive-up or drive-in services;
- Health and Fitness Clubs;
- Daycare facilities for child care;
- Personal Services; Barbers, Beauty Shops, etc.;
- Art Galleries/Museums;
- Administrative and Business Offices for the resort;
- Bars and Nightclubs as a part of the resort or restaurant;
- Horse Stables - provided that all stables are located at least 40'
from any building used for human habitation and 25' from any
property line. In addition, Carlsbad's Citywide Trail System
must be revised to allow equestrian use of the portions of the
trail adjacent to the resort.
b. Building and Landscape Setbacks
Building setbacks shall conform with the requirements of the
Commercial Tourist (CT) Zone requirements (Chapter 21.29 of the Carlsbad
Municipal Code) and the setback requirements of the Building Height
Ordinance (Chapter 21.04 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code), which apply to
the project as follows:
Building and Landscape Setbacks -
Front Yard on Cannon Road: 50 feet
Front Yard on The Crossings Drive: 20 feet
Rear or Side Yard From Golf Course or
LEGOLAND Carlsbad 50 feet
Rear or Side Yard From Open Space 20 feet
For building heights over 35 feet, see the building setback
requirements contained in Chapter III., Section A.1. BUILDING
HEIGHT on page 63.
c. Parking Standards
The joint use of parking facilities is allowed within the resort based on
the potential for shared/off-peak uses. Specific reductions in parking
requirements shall be determined based on provisions set forth in Section
21.44.050(a)(4) of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 155
2. DESIGN GUIDELINES
a. Building Orientation
The main building will be located near the resort entrance off Cannon
Road. It will be oriented to provide views of Carlsbad Ranch and the ocean
beyond from a maximum number of suites. Likewise, the other lodging
buildings will be sited on the steeper terrain to the south of the main building
to maximize views.
b. Architectural Character
All buildings shall reflect a Mediterranean vocabulary. Distinctive
architectural features characteristic of this style such as courtyards, arcades,
balconies, terraces, arches and arbors shall be encouraged to create
richness and visual interest to the buildings.
c. Building Materials
Building materials should incorporate or be generally compatible with a
Mediterranean architectural vocabulary and shall be durable and high quality.
Exterior wall and roof colors should be of low intensity earth tones. The
buildings should be predominantly stucco walls with sloping tile roofs. Other
materials which are permitted as accents for exterior walls are ceramic tile,
ornamental wrought iron, natural stone, decorative block, wood or other
compatible natural building materials.
d. Building Form and Massing
The resort buildings shall be well articulated by changes in horizontal
and vertical planes to reduce the appearance of bulk and create interesting
building silhouettes. Features such as arches, loggias, balconies, elevated
walkways and window and entry recesses will be used to provide additional
visual interest and detail.
e. Building Roof Tops
Sloping roofs, varying roof heights and forms shall be used to provide
interesting building silhouettes. Rooftop mechanical equipment shall be
screened, enclosed and architecturally incorporated into visually interesting
building tops.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 156
G. PLANNING AREA 6 - SPECIALTY RETAIL
Located along Paseo Del Norte at the western edge of the planning area, the
Specialty Retail area is planned as a more traditional automobile oriented retail center, in
keeping with the surrounding uses along this road corridor. Special design guidelines are
recommended to ensure that the center is a visually interesting and high quality commercial
development. Figure 47 on page 154 shows some of the planning features for the specialty
retail area.
Figure 48 on page 158 represents a conceptual plan only intended to show how
driveway locations, building locations, etc. could be arranged. The actual site plan could
vary and would be approved as part of the Site Development Plan required for Planning
Area 6. Any future site plan changes with regards to building and/or parking layout within
the approved boundaries of Planning Area 6 will not necessitate a revision to the Carlsbad
Ranch Specific Plan.
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The following are specific development and design guidelines applicable to
this Planning Area. However, Section III.A. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES beginning on page 63 contains
additional development standards and design guidelines that are applicable to all
Planning Areas within this Specific Plan Amendment.
a. Permitted Uses
Within the Specialty Retail area, the following uses are permitted:
- Retail business uses;
- Garden centers and nurseries;
- Restaurants;
- Professional, business and administrative office uses;
- Medical offices;
- Personal services, such as barbers shops, beauty shops and
exercise studios;
- Other retail services and administrative uses, except new or
used car sales, determined by the Planning Director to be
consistent with the general character of the above listed uses.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 158
b. Building and Landscape Setbacks
Building Setbacks -
Front Yard on Paseo Del Norte 25 feet
Street Side Yard 25 feet
Interior Side Yard (Agricultural Setback) 25 feet
Rear Yard (Agricultural Setback) 25 feet
Landscape Setbacks -
Front Yard on Paseo Del Norte 25 feet
Street Side Yard 25 feet
Interior Side Yard (Agricultural Setback) 15 feet
Rear Yard (Agricultural Setback) 15 feet
c. Access
Planning Area 6 shall gain its main access from Paseo Del Norte. The
location of this driveway and other driveways providing access to Planning
Area 6 may be changed during the processing of the Site Development Plan
to comply with all requirements of Carlsbad's Engineering Standards.
A 32-foot wide service access road from Car Country Drive to the
northeast corner of this site may be permitted if it can be designed in
conformance with the requirements of Carlsbad's Engineering Standards.
This 32 foot wide service road may extend along the entire easterly boundary
of Planning Area 6. A 15 foot wide heavily landscaped strip shall be planted
between this road and the agricultural areas and golf course to the east of
this Planning Area.
d. Building Height
In order to preserve the views of the flower fields from I-5 and Paseo
Del Norte, special height restrictions are necessary for Planning Area 6.
In addition to the height requirements as specified in Chapter III.
Section A.1. Planning Area 6 shall comply with the following requirements:
i. The single story parapet height of any building shall not exceed
28 feet.
ii. The two-story parapet height of any building shall not exceed
38 feet. No building shall have more than two stories of usable
floor area.
iii. Architectural features, such as towers having no usable floor
area, shall not exceed 42 feet.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 159
iv. No more than 2% of the total building square footage built
within Planning Area 6 may be utilized as usable second story
floor area or architectural features.
2. DESIGN GUIDELINES
a. Building Orientation
A continuous covered walkway or arcade shall be developed along the
building frontage facing the parking area. A focus at the juncture of the
pedestrian walkway and the Specialty Retail area must be created with
gardens or a plaza with benches for foot traffic.
Building massing, two-story elements and any architectural features
shall be sensitive to views of the flower fields from I-5 and Paseo Del Norte,
retaining view corridors with single story uses where feasible.
b. Architectural Character
Retail buildings shall reflect a Mediterranean vocabulary. Distinctive
architectural features characteristic of Mediterranean style buildings, such as
courtyards, arcades, loggias, balconies, and arbors are encouraged to add
richness and visual interest to the buildings.
c. Building Materials
Building materials shall be those associated with Mediterranean style
architecture. Buildings shall be predominately stucco walls with tile roofs.
Other materials which are permitted as accents for exterior walls are colorful
ceramic tiles, ornamental iron work, natural stone, decorative block, wood or
other compatible natural building materials.
The material utilized for the sloping roofs shall be clay roof tiles with
mottled tones or metal roof panels of copper, aluminum or steel. Exterior
wall colors shall be white or earth tones. Roof colors shall be mottled tones of
terracotta or low intensity colors which blend with the Mediterranean style
architecture.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 160
Glass curtain walls and other highly reflective building materials are
considered inappropriate for building walls. The use of mirrored, reflective or
darkly tinted glass should be avoided.
d. Roofs
Roof planes shall be varied to create interesting building silhouettes.
As a guideline, roof planes should be broken every 50 to 75 feet.
e. Circulation
Planning Area 6 shall be designed such that there is full integration of
the parking lot and internal access roads. A complete layout of the building
placement, site uses, circulation and parking layout shall be submitted with
the Site Development Plan.
Concurrent with the development of the site if developed in phases
under separate ownership, the property owner shall place a covenant over
the property agreeing to grant reciprocal access rights over the parking lot
and internal circulation roads to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. The
covenant shall include provision for shared maintenance and liability over the
internal circulation roads and driveways.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 162
H. PLANNING AREA 7 - FLOWER FIELDS
Planning Area 7 is located on the site's western ridge; this area has traditionally been
known as the "Flower Fields". Figure 49 on page 162 shows the Flower Fields planning
features and Figure 50 on page 164 displays features of the wall and promenade. To
minimize impacts on surrounding land uses, agricultural activities in Planning Area 7 shall
comply with the Policies of Objective 4 of this specific plan, pages 32 - 35.
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The following are specific development and design guidelines applicable to this
Planning Area. However, Section III.A. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
AND DESIGN GUIDELINES beginning on page 63 contains additional development
standards and design guidelines that are applicable to all Planning Areas within this
Specific Plan Amendment.
a. Permitted Uses
i. The Flower Fields shall remain in flower production in perpetuity. The
landowner will plant an open-field flowering crop every year, substantially
in the area as shown in the Flower Field Figure 49(A). If the landowner
desires to change or modify this obligation, landowner will provide a five-
year advance notice to the City Council, accompanied by an alternative
agricultural use proposal which landowner intends to initiate at the end of
said five years. The City Council shall hold a hearing to review and
approve the proposed alternative. Additionally, the City and landowner
shall investigate and may implement any methods available to allow the
continuation of flower production in accordance with the General Plan.
This Condition shall be evidenced by a deed restriction and inclusion of
notice in the CC&R's restricting Planning Area 7 to agricultural use.
Subject to any Right of First Offer held by LEGO Park Planning, Inc.,
Landowner shall grant to City an exclusive Right of First Offer ("First
Offer Right") to acquire the Flower Fields at a purchase price and upon
such other terms and conditions, as Landowner would be willing to
accept from any third party. Landowner shall not sell all or any potion of
the Flower Fields (other than to a party purchasing for purposes of
continuing the open field flower business with a continued obligation to
provide this First Offer) without (i) first offering the property to City by
written notice at a purchase price and upon such other terms and
conditions that Landowner would be willing to accept from any third
party, and (ii) City's failure to elect to purchase on such terms and
conditions by written notice to Landowner within 90 days
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 163
of said notice. Any sale at a purchase price of less than 90% of the price
at which the property has been offered to the City shall not be made
without first offering the City the right to purchase at this price upon 60
days notice, to purchase the property.
The foregoing First Offer Right shall survive any transfer by the
Landowner to any affiliate of Landowner and shall be included in a deed
restriction for Planning Area 7.
ii. Principal permitted uses within Planning Area 7 designated as Open
Space are as follows:
- Bicycle/Pedestrian Paths;
- Open Space Easements;
- Public Parks;
- City Picnic Areas;
- City Playgrounds;
- Public Access easement, non vehicular;
- Public Lands;
- Scenic Easement;
- Slope Easement;
- Transportation Right-of-Way;
- Vista Points;
- Agricultural uses as follows:
- Green houses of 2,000 sq.ft. or less;
- Field and seed crops;
- Truck crops;
- Horticulture crops;
- Orchards and vineyards;
- Pasture and rangeland;
- Tree farms;
- Fallow lands;
- Produce sheds.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 164
iii. Accessory uses and structures permitted:
- Public Rest Rooms, Changing Rooms;
- Playground Equipment;
- Fencing, Patios, Stairways, Barbecue and Fire Pits;
- Parking, Staging, Processing and Storage Areas for
agricultural crops;
- Shade Houses;
- Facilities for the sale of flowers, produce and other items
related to the promotion of the "Flower Fields";
- Other similar accessory uses and structures, determined
by the Planning Director to be required for the conduct of
the principal uses.
iv. The following uses and structures are permitted by a conditional
use permit:
- Farmers markets;
- Private picnic area;
- Green houses greater than 2,000 sq.ft.;
b. Parking Standards
Parking spaces for all permitted and ancillary uses shall be provided
consistent with Section 21.44 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
c. Building Height
Building Height for all structures within the open space parcels shall not
exceed twenty-five feet in height, unless a higher elevation is approved by a
conditional use permit issued by the Planning Commission.
d. Signs
Signs consistent with the style and character of the specific plan shall be
utilized for all agricultural, recreational and accessory uses on Open Space Area
7. Signs shall be consistent with Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.41.
e. Access
Vehicular access to Planning Area 7 shall be at two (2) City Engineer
approved locations. One on the east side of Paseo del Norte, north of the
intersection of Paseo del Norte and Palomar Airport Road, and the other (for
ingress only), on the north side of Palomar Airport Road east of the intersection.
Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan 168
I. PLANNING AREA 8 - GOLF COURSE
The golf course will be a 9-hole course and will cover over 70 acres in the northern
portion of the specific plan. As proposed, the golf course will provide desirable open space
buffers in the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan between Car Country, the Gemological
Institute and the resort.
Access between the eastern and western parts of the golf course shall be provided
on the SDG&E property on the north side of Cannon Road as shown on Figure 51 on page
168. One or two holes of the golf course may be located in this area. Golf cart
overcrossings or under crossings of Cannon Road shall provide access to this area. If an
overcrossing is determined to be the most viable alternative, then the design of the
overcrossing shall be similar to the design shown on Figure 53 on page 170. An
amendment to the SDG&E Specific Plan shall be required for this area to be used for a golf
course. The portion of SDG&E property used for this section of the golf course will not be a
part of the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan. The design and layout of the holes in this area
as well as the rest of the golf course shall be determined as a part of the Site Development
Plan for Planning Area 8.
A pedestrian/bike/golf cart trail shall be provided along the southerly edge of
Planning Area 5 to provide a link from the specific plan golf course to the future City golf
course to the east of the specific plan. The trail shall be designed as shown on Figure 52
on page 169. A golf cart undercrossing on The Crossings Drive shall be provided to
facilitate the joint use of the two golf courses.
Sophisticated computerized weather and water monitoring and delivery systems and
reclaimed water will be used for irrigation. The course will be open to the public on a fee
basis.
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
The following are specific development and design guidelines applicable to
this Planning Area. However, Section III.A. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS AND DESIGN GUIDELINES beginning on page 63 contains
additional development standards and design guidelines that are applicable to all
Planning Area within this Specific Plan Amendment.
a. Permitted Uses
i. Agricultural Uses -
- Field and seed crops;
- Truck crops;
- Horticulture crops;
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- Orchards and vineyards;
- Pasture and rangeland;
- Tree farms;
- Fallow lands;
- Produce sheds.
ii. Non-Agricultural Uses-
- Golf course, driving range, putting green;
- Public parks;
- City picnic areas;
- City playgrounds;
- Public Trails;
- Public access easements and right-of-way;
- Public rest rooms;
- Fencing;
- Transportation right-of-way;
- Vista points;
- Other similar accessory uses and structures, determined
by the Planning Director to be required for the conduct of
principal use.
iii. Accessory uses and structures permitted;
- Public Rest Rooms, Changing Rooms;
- Playground Equipment;
- Fencing, Patios, Stairways, Barbeque and Fire Pits;
- Parking, Staging, Processing and Storage Area for
agricultural crops;
- Shade Houses;
- Other similar accessory uses and structures, determined
by the Planning Director to be required for the conduct of
the principle uses.
b. Parking Standards
Parking spaces for all permitted and ancillary uses shall be provided
consistent with Section 21.44 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code. Joint
use of parking facilities is allowed based on the potential for
shared/off-peak uses. Specific reductions in parking requirements
shall be determined based on provisions set forth in Section
21.44.050(a)(4) of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
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c. Building Height
Building Height for all structures within Planning Area 8 shall not
exceed twenty-five feet in height, unless a higher elevation is approved by a
conditional use permit issued by the Planning Commission.
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J. PLANNING AREA 9 - NATURAL OPEN SPACE
Planning Area 9 consists of steep slopes covered with native vegetation. No grading
or construction is anticipated in this area by the specific plan. Planning Area 9 will remain
in its existing condition.
1. DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
a. Principal permitted uses within Planning Area 9 are as follows:
- Open Space Easements;
- Bicycle & Pedestrian Trails;
- Vista Point.
b. Accessory uses and structures permitted in Planning Area 9 are as
follows:
- Fencing;
- Other similar structures and uses required for the maintenance
of this area.