HomeMy WebLinkAboutV 2020-0001; JAMES GREENHOUSE VARIANCE; Admin Decision LetterMarch 18, 2020
Charles Gang
1563 Calle Ryan
Encinitas, CA 92024
FILE
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SUBJECT: V 2020-0001 (DEV2020-0017)-JAMES GREENHOUSE VARIANCE
Ccityof
Carlsbad
The City Planner has completed a review of your application for an Administrative Variance, V 2020-
0001 -JAMES GREENHOUSE VARIANCE at 3931 Garfield Street, a request to reduce the north side yard
setback from five feet to three feet to accommodate a new 368-square-foot greenhouse. After careful
consideration of the circumstances surrounding this request, the City Planner has determined that the
findings required for granting an Administrative Variance cannot be made and therefore, DENIES this
request based on the following findings and conditions.
Findings:
1. There are not special circumstances applicable to the subject property, including size, shape,
topography, location or surroundings, so the strict application of the zoning ordinance does not
deprive such property of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity and under identical
zoning classification in that there are no unusual circumstances associated with the property in
question in that the property is of average size and shape similar to many other properties in the
vicinity and is relatively flat with no physical constraints such as slopes.
2. That the variance constitutes a grant of special privileges inconsistent with the limitations upon
other properties in the vicinity and zone in which the subject property is located in that to grant a
variance to reduce the north side yard setback from the required five feet to three feet would
grant this property special privileges that are not enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity and
the RD-M -Residential Density -Multiple Zone. Other properties are subject to a minimum five-
foot side yard setback requirement and no similar variances have been granted in the vicinity.
The proposed greenhouse size and applicant's desire to avoid causing stress to the root system of
the existing tree does not constitute a special circumstance on the property. Additionally, the city
does not have a tree protection ordinance for trees located on private property and does not
require the construction of accessory structures that may impact trees.
3. That the variance would authorize a use or activity which is not otherwise expressly authorized by
the zone regulation governing the subject property in that the subject property is designated
RD-M -Residential Density -Multiple Zone and Carlsbad Municipal Code {CMC) Section
21.24.090(D)(2) requires a minimum setback of five feet for non-habitable accessory structures.
Community Development Department
Planning Division I 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008-73141760-602-4600 I 760-602-8560 f I www.carlsbadca.gov
V 2020-0001 (DEV2020-0017) -JAMES GREENHOUSE
March 18, 2020
Pa e 2
4. That the variance is not consistent with the generat;"j~Y ... ose)~ ":l,t of the general plan and any
applicable specific or master plans in that the suli e ,.WlilPirtY i~ within the R-23 Residential
General Plan Land Use designation and althoug non-habitable accessory structures are
compatible and permitted in residentially designated areas, the proposed greenhouse is not
consistent with the development standards to which it is subject. A desire to promote the
Community Forest Management Plan does not warrant a deviation from required zoning
development standards.
5. That the variance is consistent with and implements the requirements of the certified local coastal
program and that the variance does not reduce or in any manner adversely affect the protection of
coastal resources as specified in the zones included in this title, and that the variance implements
the purposes of zones adopted to implement the local coastal program land use plan in that it
would not have any Impact on sensitive environmental resources.
This decision may be appealed by you or any member of the public to the Planning Commission within
ten days of receipt of this letter. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Planning Commission at
1635 Faraday Avenue in Carlsbad, along with a payment of $876. The filing of such appeal within such
time limit shall stay the effective date of the order of the City Planner until such time as a final decision
on the appeal is reached. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact
Esteban Danna at (760) 602-4629.
Sincerely,
le. -. k-y.
TERI DELCAMP
Principal Planner
TD:ED:mf
c: Joyce James, 3931 Garfield Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Don Neu, City Planner
Tecla Levy, Project Engineer
Data Entry
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