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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-11-01; Design Review Board; ; RP 95-02 - BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO9BLOCKBUSTER VIDEO - STAFF REPORT l l /1 J 95 Blockbuster Video has requested a redevelopment and coastal development permit to construct a new 5400 square foot single story commercial building and related parking facilities at 660 Carlsbad Village Drive for a new Blockbuster Video Store. The store will provide videos for purchase or rent. The new building will require site improvements which include parking, a trash dumpster/enclosure, decorative sidewalk and landscaping. The land use is consistent with the Village Design Manual, Village Local Coastal Plan and the Redevelopment Plan for the Village Redevelopment Area. The uses allowed in this area are the same as those allowed within the C-1, C-2 and R-P zones as indicated in the Carlsbad Municipal Code. The project is consistent with the General Plan. The project meets the parking requirements for the proposed retail use. The parking requirement for the building is 18 and 18 spaces are to be provided within the new parking lot for the project. The project also meets all other standards set forth within the Zoning Ordinance and the Village Design Manual, including landscaping, set backs, and height limit. Signs for the building will be approved separately through the sign permit process and must comply with the Village Design Manual and applicable city ordinances. Planning completed the appropriate environmental analysis for the project and issued a Negative Declaration for review. No comments have been received on the environmental review. Currently, there are no approved design guidelines for the Village Redevelopment Area. However, Blockbuster worked with City Staff to design a building which is consistent with the new guidelines proposed within the draft Village Master Plan and Design Manual which will be considered again by the DRB and Planning Commission tonight for approval. A considerable amount of tA was involved in the design &e proposed building. City Staff wanted a building that fit into the Village, was attractive and was consistent with the goal to create a pedestrian-friendly environment downtown. Blockbuster wanted a functional building but was also willing to accommodate the City's desires in terms of design and building orientation. The property owner wanted a building that could be reused if Blockbuster. were to leave. There were a number of competing interests but staff feels that the ultimate design before you tonight is both attractive and compatible with the Village character. Therefore, staff is recommending approval of the project. Staff is supportive of the project because 1) it will provide a new specialty retail store to the Village and add to the variety of services and products available within the area; 2) a new building will be constructed which is consistent with the Village character; and 3) the project will have a positive financial impact in terms of increased property tax and sales tax revenue and additional employment opportunities. With that, staff completes its report and recommends that the Design Review Board approve Resolution No. 240 approving a Negative Declaration for the project and approve resolution Nos. 241 and 242 recommending approval of a Major Redevelopment Permit and Coastal Development Permit for the project.