HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-04-20; City Council; 3626; Request for certification of EIR-307CITY OF CARLSBAD
AGENDA BILL NO. Q>fe <*<6 * . Initial:-1
Dept.Hd.
DATE: April 20, 1976 fv^ * /\.t*cy •
DEPARTMENT; PLANNING '. *C. Mgr. 3v
Subject: REQUEST FOR CERTIFICATION OF 'EIR-307 AND APPROVAL
OF A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT F'OR THE CIRCULATION AND
' LAND USE ELEMENTS TN THF I A CPSTA ARFfl "(RPA-38)
Statement of the Matter Cn
The Planning Commission considered certification of EIR-307 in conjunction
with the La Costa General Plan Amendment (GP/U38). The Planning Commission
unanimously recommended certification of the La Costa EIR, wi.th the
understanding that the mitigation measures would appropriately be applied
at such time as the La Costa Master Plan is considered.
GPA-38 would affect the Land Use Element text and plan and the Circulation
Element plan. The Amendment was initiated at the request of La Costa
Land Co. to provide for a pending Master Plan Amendment. Staff suggested
modifications to the proposal, which the applicant concurred with. The
Planning Commission recommendation of approval therefore refers to GPA-38
as modified. The Staff report of April 20-to the City Manager also refers
to GPA-38 as modified.
EXHIBITS:
EIR-307, Exhibit D, 3/24/76
Staff Report GPA-38 & EIR-307) 4/20/76
P.C. Resolution #1227 .
RECOMMENDATION:
If the City Council concurs with the findings and recommendations of
Planning Commission Resolution #1227, the Council should instruct the
City Attorney to prepare the necessary documents.
Council action •
4-27-76 Following the public•hearing the CounciT certified EIR-307 and
instructed the..City Attorney to prepare the documents necessary
for approval of a General Plan Amendment for the circulation
and land use elements in the La Costa area (GPA-38)
CITY OF CARLSBAD
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
April 20, 1976
TO:
FROM:
CASE NOS:
APPLICANT:
REQUEST:
CITY MANAGER ' '
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
EIR-307; GPA-38
LA COSTA LAND CO.
CERTIFICATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT AND
APPROVAL OF A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT (LAND USE AND
CIRCULATION ELEMENTS) TO PROVIDE FOR A FUTURE
MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT
SECTION I: STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
A. EIR-307: Staff recommends that the Final EIR-307 (including all
comments made at the public hearings) be certified as having met
all requirements of the Carlsbad EnvironmentalProtection
Ordinance of 1972 and the California Environmental Quality Act.
FINDINGS:
1. The draft EIR was properly noticed and reviewed.
2. The comments received from reviewing agencies have been adequately
addressed by the Planning Director.
3. The impacts of the project can be adequately mitigated.
B. GAP-38: Staff recommends that GPA-38.be approved
based on the following findings and subject to the following
conditions.
FINDINGS:
1. The amendment reflects a more thorough investigation
of the land use potential of the area than currently exists.
2.
3.
The amendment is consistent with the ottier elements
of the General Plan.
An environmental impact report has been PreP^?d ^^ Jh« [ro{* J*that adequately identifies the existing conditions and potentla
imjacts which can be properly mitigated through the normal develop-
ment review process.
4. The amendment is consistent with the surrounding
land use proposals.
CONDITIONS:
1. This approval is granted for the land described on Exhibit C,
dated March 24, 1976. The Land Use and Circulation Elements shall
be amended to reflect the applicable items as represented on
Exhibit C, unless indicated otherwise herein.
2. On page 31 of the Land Use Element text, under "Special Treatment
Area", the following addition shall be made:
(f) The proposed Community Core area located in southeast
Carlsbad."
On page 42 of the Land Use Element text, under "Special
Area Guidelines", the following addition shall be made:
Treatment
"6. A specific plan should be prepared for the proposed Community
Core area located in southeast Carlsbad. Particular attention
should be given to the possible land uses, their function
and need, and their impact on the surrounding area and the
rest of the City."
The mitigating measures suggested in the environmental impact
reports shall be incorporated with later discretionary approvals.
SECTION II: BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
I.
II.
LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: Subject property is
"Real and south ofgenerally located east of El Camino
Palomar Airport Road. The 3610-acre area emcompasses all of
the undeveloped, "P-C" zoned lands owned by La Costa Land Co.
EXISTING ZONING:
Subject Property:
North:
East:
South:
West:
Enclosed:
III. EXISTING LAND USE:
Subject Property:
North:
East:
SC-uth:
P-C
P-C
County (San Marcos)
County (Olivenhain)
Mixed City and County
Mixed City Zoning
Mostly vacant (some abandoned dry farming
and marginal grazing)
Vacant and agriculture
Vacant, agriculture and minimal urban uses
Vacant and agriculture
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III. EXISTING LAND USE (Continued):
West: Batiquitos Lagoon, vacant and agriculture
IV. PAST HISTORY AND RELATED CASES:
The Rancho La Costa Area began developing within San Diego
County's jurisdiction in 1965. In 1972, approximately 4909
acres of La Costa properties were annexed to Carlsbad and a
Master Development Plan was approved. In 1973, an additional
493 acres (El Camino Glens or Wiegand Property and La Costa
Northeast) were annexed. These two areas are not included
within any Master Plan approval. Also in 1973, the City ap-
proved a Master Plan (and annexation) on 717 acres owned by
Marvin Kratter. La Costa purchased this property in 1974 and
calls the area La Costa North. The 3610 acres of land that
fall under the purview of this request encompass all of the above
La Costa properties not presently covered by approved maps.
In 1974, the City adopted its present Land Use Element of the
General Plan. At that time, both the City and La Costa were
aware of certain inconsistencies between the new Land Use Plan
and the adopted Master Plans. A Master Plan amendment was
encouraged at that time and a coordinated program between
La Costa, their consultants and City Staff began.
During the course of study, both the landowners and City Staff
realized the need to again amend the General Plan, especially
the Land Use Element. The need for this amendment was based
on many things: trend changes in the housing market, changes
in the overall La Costa concept, environmental factors, plan
refinement, etc. The proposed amendment represents those
findings and desired changes.
V. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT INFORMATION:
Environmental Impact Report #307 addresses the anticipated
impacts of the La Costa General Plan and Master Plan Amendments
State law requires that the EIR be certified at the first
discretionary action associated with the project. The EIR must
address the ultimate impacts of the project; those impacts
which cannot be adequately assessed in the early planning
stages must be covered in subsequent EIR supplements.
The Planning Commission and City Council, therefore, must
certify the EIR prior to acting on the General Plan Amendment
for La Costa. The certified EIR must then be reconsidered in
conjunction with the upcoming hearing on the La Costa Master
Plan. It is Staff's opinion that EIR supplements will be
necessary for all individual development proposals within the
Master Plan area.
Mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately lessen
the anticipated impacts of the project. Staff believes that
these mitigations should appropriately be applied as condi-
tions to the Master Plan.
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VI. GENERAL PLAN INFORMATION: The proposed amendments are
consistent with the other elements and the purpose and intent
of the General Plan.
VII. PUBLIC FACILITIES: Public facilities, such as future
schoolsites,have been adequately addressed for this level
of approval. An involved discussion of future needs is
contained in the EIR and the necessary mitigation measures
(i.e., development phasing) will occur during later Master
Plan Amendment discussions.
VIII. MAJOR PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Is the proposed amendment better than the existing plan?
2. Is the proposed amendment the best possible plan?
3. Is the proposed amendment consistent with City policy
and general planning objectives?
IX. INCIDENTAL INFORMATION: All affected departments have
reviewed and contributed in part to this report.
SECTION III; DISCUSSION:
The existing General Plan for the La Costa area is basically
a composite of previously approved master plans. The proposed
changes in the Northeast and Far South areas are relatively
consistent with the existing plan but reflect certain refine-
ments that evolved from a more thorough investigation than
had been done previously.
The changes in the La Costa North area are somewhat more
involved. Primarily, this is due to La Costa's desire to
modify the development concept adopted in the Kratter Master
Plan. The community needs (open space corridors, etc.) and
environmental constraints have still been considered and
incorporated into the plan.
Staff feels that the amendment proposal is more appropriate
than the existing plan because it is based on a much more
thorough study of the areas than had been done previously.
Staff also suggests that the proposal is consistent with
City policy and the objectives of the total General Plan.
Whether or not the proposal is the best possible plan Is
difficult to judge. It is possible, and in fact expected,
that future amendments will be made in some areas after
further study is made. However, the proposal does represent
the best planning efforts to date.
-4-
PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION:
The Planning Commission was presented graphics showing the
existing General Plan, La Costa's initial request, and Staff's
proposal. Staff's proposal made minor modifications to the
areas designated open space, and adjusted areas designated
for commercial land use. During the public hearing the
applicant stated he agreed with Staff's proposal. The
Commission approved Staff's proposal. Therefore, only
Exhibits A and C from Staff's report to the Commission are
attached to this report.
ATTACHMENTS:
Planning Commission Resolution No. 1227
Letter dated 3/12/76 from
Rick Engineering Co.
Exhibits A, Existing General Plan
Exhibits C, Staff Proposal
AM:cpl
(4/14/76)
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WHEREAS, the Planning Commission did on the 24th day of
March, 1976, hold a duly-noticed public hearing as prescribed
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currently exists.
B) GPA-38, as modified, is consistent with the other
elements of the General Plan.
C) An Environmental Impact Report has been prepared and
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PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 1227
RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA,' RECOMMENDING TO THE CITY
COUNCIL ADOPTION OF GPA-38, AN AMENDMENT TO THE
CIRCULATION ELEMENT AND LAND USE ELEMENT TEXT
AND PLAN FOR THE LA COSTA AREA, AND GPA-39, AN
AMENDMENT TO THE LAND USE ELEMENT GOALS AND
POLICIES
by -|aw to consider amendments to the General Plan, making changes
and additions to the Land'Use and Circulation Elements; and
WHEREAS, the subject General Plan amendments have complied
with the requirements of the City of Carlsbad Environmental
Protection Ordinance of 1972; and
12 WHEREAS, at said public hearing, and at a subsequent public
hearing on the 31st of March, 1976, after'the testimony and
14 arguments of all persons who desired to be heard, said Commission
I considered all the factors relating to the General Plan amend-15 ments and found the following facts and reasons to exist:
16 A) GPA-38, as modified, reflects a more thorough investi-
gation of the land use potential of the area than
certified for GPA-38 that adequately identifies the
existing conditions and potential impacts which can
be properly mitigated through the normal development
review process.
D) GPA-38, as modified, is consistent with the surrounding
land use proposals.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Planning Commission
of the City of Carlsbad as follows:
A) That the above recitations are true and correct.
B) That the following amendments to the Land Use and
Circulation Elements of the General Plan are recom-
mended to the City' Council for approval:
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proposed Community Core area located in southeast
Carlsbad: Particular attention should be given
to the possible land uses, their function and
need, and their impact on the surrounding area
and the rest of the City."
4) Replace the existing goals of the Land Use Eleme.nt
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The Land Use and Circulation Elements' Plans
be amended to reflect.the applicable items.' a.(
represented on Exhibit "C". dated March 24. '
1) The Land Use and Circulation Elements' Plans shall
as
represented on Exhibit "C", dated March 24, 1976.
2) On page 31 of the Land Use ElemenJ; text, under
"Special Treatment Area", the following addi-
tion shall be made: .
"(f) The proposed Community Core area located in
southeast Carlsbad". • . .
3) On. page 42 of the Land Use Element text, under
"Special Treatment Area Guide! ines ", the following
addition shall be made:
. * t i
''6. A, Specific Plan should be prepared -for the
with the following: .(GPA-39-)
a) Preserve and enhance the environment, character,
and image of the City as a desirable residen-
tial, beach, and open space-oriented Community.
b) Create a pleasing ar.d ur.lque downtown area
, deisgned to attract the tourist and to provide
the necessary amenities to the permanent residents
of -the area.
c) Promote the economic viability of the agricultural
and horticultural industries.
d) Develop an industrial base of light, pollution-
free industries of such magnitude as will provide
a reasonable tax base and opportunities for
employment of local citizens.
e) Generate the development of commercial enter-
prises that support locaj industries, population
and tourist trade.
f) Protect and conserve natural resources, fragile
ecological areas, unique natural assets and
historically significant features of the
Community.
g) Provide for an orderly balance of both public
and private land uses within convenient and
compatible locations throughout the City and
ensure that all such uses — their type, amount,
amount, design and arrangement —serve to protect
and enhance the environment, character and image
of the City."
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h) En.courage development only in those areas which
can best support a change in land use without
adverse impact.
5) Move the second sentence of existing goal "E" to the
policy section as follows:
"L. Implementation of this Element shall consider
the social, economic and physical impacts on
the Community."
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at an adjourned meeting of
the Planning Commission held on March 31, 1976, by the following
vote, to wit:
AYES: Commissioners Watson, Dominguez, Larson, Fikes, Jose,
L'Heureux
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN:None . •-•...
Stephen M. L'Heureux, Chairman
Donal d A . Aga tep , Secretary
FMPIMFFPINf f^HMDANV I BANNING CONSULTANTStlNUillN ttnllNU L-UlvlrAINY | AND CIVIL ENGINEERS
3088 PIO PICO DR. • SUITE 202 • CARLSBAD, CA 92008
P.O. BOX 1129 • PHONE • AREA CODE 714 "• 729-4987
March 12, 1976
RECEIVED
Mr. Don Agatep
City Planning Director MAR 16 1976
City of Carlsbad
1200 Elm Avenue Qjjy QF. CARLSBAD
Carlsbad, California 92008 Biannjng Dspaiiment
RE: SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE LA COSTA
MASTER PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL'IMPACT REPORT
Dear Don;
We have reviewed the above report and find the entire report
acceptable. I would like to take this opportunity to fhank your
staff, especially Dana -Ilield for her excellent job of answering
the comments of the reviewing agencies that responded to the
EIR data.
If you have any questions, please call.
Sincerely,
JRobert C. Ladwig
RCLrfm
cc: Mr. Paul D. Bussey
Ms.. Dana Hield
Mr. Irving Roston
us
)f
"planning
LA COSTA
EXHIBIT' V2L.
5oOTKs
0
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Environmental Impact Report (EIR-307)
General Plan Amendment (GPA-38)
(Circulation and Land Use Elements)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Carlsbad
will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 20, 1976, at 7:00 P.M. in the
Council Chambers, 1200 Elm Avenue, Carlsbad, California to consider an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR-307) and an amendment (GPA-38) to the
following elements of the Carlsbad General Plan:
1) Circulation Element - amend the adopted alignment and
intersection of Mission Estancia (a future secondary
arterial) with Rancho Santa Fe Road.
2) Land Use Element - make additions to the adopted Land Use
Element text and amend the adopted land use designations
within the undeveloped portions (approx. 3610 acres) of
Rancho La Costa.
APPLICANT: La Costa Land Company
Publish: April 7, 1976 CARLSBAD CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Environmental Impact Report (EIR-307)
General Plan Amendment (GPA-38)
(Circulation and Land Use Elements)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of
the City of Carlsbad will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday,
March 24, 1976, at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers, 1200 Elm
Avenue, Carlsbad, California to consider an Environmental Impact
Report (EIR-307) and an amendment (GPA-38) to. the following
elements of the Carlsbad General Plan:
1) Circulation Element' - amend the adopted
alignment and intersection of Mision Estancia
(a future secondary arterial) with Rancho Santa
Fe Road.
2) Land Use Element - make additions to the adopted
Land Use Element text and amend th'e adopted land
use designations within the undeveloped portions; ' (approx. 3610 acres) of Rancho La Costa.
Those persons wishing to speak on this proposal are-cordially
invit.pH t.n attend the public hearing. If you have a.ny questions 4please call 729-1i81 and ask for the Planning Department.
APPLICANT: La Costa Land Company
PUBLISH: March 13, 1976 . CITY OF CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION