HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-05-04; Planning Commission; ; SDP 01-01B|CDP 01-02B|CUP 05-04 - BILTMORE PACIFICA PALOMAR OFFICE BUILDING1'he City of Carlsbad Planning Department
A REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Item No.
P.C. AGENDA OF: May 4, 2005
Application complete date: May 4, 2005
Project Planner: Van Lynch
Project Engineer: Jeremy Puddle
SUBJECT: SDP 01-OKBVCDP 01-02(BVCUP 05-04 - BILTMORE (PACIFICA
PALOMAR OFFICE BUILDING) - A request for a Site Development Plan
Amendment and Coastal Development Permit Amendment to reduce the size of a
previously approved 120,000 square foot, three story office building to 85,000
square feet and a Conditional Use Permit to allow a fitness facility on a 15.69 acre
site located adjacent and on the south side of Palomar Airport Road and east of
• Aviara Parkway in the Mello II Segment of the Local Coastal Program and in
Local Facilities Management Zone 5.
I. RECOMMENDATION
That the Planning Commission ADOPT Planning Commission Resolutions No. 5881, 5882, and
5883 APPROVING Site Development Plan Amendment SDP Ol-Ol(B), Coastal Development
Permit Amendment CDP 01-02(B) and Conditional Use Permit CUP 05-04 based on the findings
and subject to the conditions contained therein.
II. INTRODUCTION
The application request is for the construction of an 85,000 square foot, three-story office
building with a 35,000 square foot ground floor fitness center proposed on the south side of
Palomar Airport Road and east of Aviara Parkway.
m. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND
On September 19, 2001 the Planning Commission approved the Site Development Plan (SDP 01-
01) and Coastal Development Permit (CDP 01-02). On October 1, 2003 the Planning
Commission extended the approval of the SDP (SDP Ol-Ol(A)) and on October 2, 2003 the
Planning Director extended the approval of the CDP (CDP 01-02(A)) to permit a 120,000 square
foot, three-story office building located on the south side of Palomar Airport Road and east of
Aviara Parkway. This proposed SDP and CDP amendment is to reduce the size of the building
to 85,000 square feet and a request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP 05-04) to allow a 35,000
square foot fitness facility on the ground floor.
The project's site plan remains very similar to the original approval. The site is accessed from an
extension of Laurel Tree Lane via Aviara Parkway. The building is situated in the center of the
lot with parking provided in the front and on the west and east sides of the building. The
southern third of the property contains Encinas Creek and its associated sensitive habitats and
wetland buffer. The building faces, but does not have access to, Palomar Airport Road. A minor
subdivision is proposed to create a separate lot for the open space portion of the project to allow
O
SDP 01-01(B)/CDP 01-02(B)/CUP 05-04 - BILTMORE (PACIFICA PALOMAR OFFICE
BUILDING)
May 4,2005
Page 2
the open space lot to be later owner and managed by a separate entity for Habitat Management
Plan compliance. The Minor Subdivision is an administrative permit and will be acted on by the
City Engineer after Planning Commission's decision on the applications.
The original approval was for a 120,000 square foot three-story office building with a primary
entrance in the front center of the building. The proposed 85,000 square foot building is two and
three stories with main entrances located in the center and northwesterly corner of the building,
the office and fitness center entrances respectively. The fitness facility will occupy the first
floor, or 35,000 square feet. The second and third floors would be office space with a total of
50,000 square feet. The revised plan reduces the eastern quarter of the building to a tall one
story (30-foot building height) to accommodate the gymnasium portion of the proposed fitness
facility. This portion of the building's exterior would appear as a two-story building with the
proposed building height and window configuration. The remainder of the building would be
three stories. • The proposed building has similar design characteristics such as a rectangular
building footprint, window configuration and a red sandstone building color.
The reduction in the building size reduces the amount of parking required. The underground
parking in the original approval has been eliminated and all parking is now surface parking.
Grading for the original project projected a net export of 4,721 cubic yards of material. The
revised project requires an import of 962 cubic yards of material.
The applicant has received approvals from the Army Corps of Engineers, California Department
of Fish and Game and the Regional Water Quality Control Board for the project. The proposed
amendments do not impact the open space or modify the previously approved improvements in
the open space.
The project still meets the development standards of the zone and staff has no issues with the
proposal.
IV. ANALYSIS
The Biltmore project is subject to the following plans, ordinances and standards:
A. Planned Industrial (PI) and Open Space General Plan Land Use Designations;
B. Planned Industrial, Qualified Development Overlay Zone (P-M-Q);
C. Site Development Plan findings required by the Qualified Development Overlay
Zone, Carlsbad Municipal Code, Chapter 21.06, Section 21.06.020;
D. Conditional Use Permit findings, Carlsbad Municipal Code, Chapter 21.42,
Section 21.42.020;
E. Comprehensive Land Use Plan for McClellan-Palomar Airport;
F. Mello n Segment of the Local Coastal Program, the Coastal Agricultural Overlay
Zone - Carlsbad Municipal Code, Chapter 21.202 and the Coastal Resource
Protection Overlay Zone - Carlsbad Municipal Code, Chapter 21.203; and
G. Growth Management Ordinance (Local Facilities Management Plan Zone 5).
SDP 01-01(B)/CDP 01-02(B)/CUP 05-04 - BILTMORE (PACIFICA PALOMAR OFFICE
BUILDING)
May 4,2005
Page 3
The recommendation for approval of this project was developed by analyzing the project's
consistency with the applicable regulations and policies. The project's compliance with each of
the above regulations is discussed in detail in the sections below.
A. General Plan
The General Plan designation for the proposed development area of the project site is Planned
Industrial (PI). The project complies with all elements of the General Plan as illustrated in Table
A below:
Table A - GENERAL PLAN COMPLIANCE
ELEMENT
Land Use
Circulation
Noise
Open Space &
Conservation
USE,
CLASSIFICATION,
GOAL, OBJECTIVE
OR PROGRAM
Development area is
designated as PI.
New development
shall dedicate and
improve all public
right-of-way for
circulation facilities
needed to serve
development.
Utilize noise
standards contained in
the Comprehensive
Land Use Plan for
Palomar Airport.
Designate as buffers
portions of land next
to sensitive
environmental areas.
PROPOSED USES &
IMPROVEMENTS
Office uses and recreational
uses when oriented to support
industrial developments and
their populations.
Additional dedication for a
public road, Laurel Tree Lane
and frontage improvements to
Palomar Airport Road.
The project includes mitigation
measures to achieve the
required interior noise levels.
The project includes a 50-foot
buffer from Encinas Creek.
COMPLY?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
B. Planned Industrial, Qualified Development Overlay Zone
The development area of the project site is zoned Planned Industrial, Qualified Development
Overlay Zone (P-M-Q). The amended project complies with all requirements of the P-M Zone
as demonstrated in Table B below:
SDP 01-01(B)/CDP 01-02(B)/CUP 05-04 - BILTMORE (PACIFICA PALOMAR OFFICE
BUILDING)
May 4, 2005
Page 4
Table B - P-M ZONE COMPLIANCE
STANDARD
Permitted Use
Building Height
Setbacks
Parking
Parking area landscaping
Minimum Lot Area
Lot Coverage
Employee Eating Areas
Outdoor Equipment
REQUIRED
Business & Professional Offices
35 feet/ 45 ft.*; 55 ft. for allowed
protrusions
Palomar Airport Road - 50 ft. (+
10 feet*)
Interior Side Yard - 10 ft. (+ 10
feet*)
Rear Yard - 10 ft. (+ 10 feet*)
375 (1:250 office)/( 1:200 gym)
10% of the required parking area
1 acre
50% maximum
3,060 sq. ft.
Enclose by a concrete or masonry
wall not less than 6 ft. in height
PROPOSED
Multi-tenant office use and
fitness facility by CUP
45 ft. maximum; 55 ft. for
allowed protrusions
Palomar Airport Road - 90 ft.
Interior Side Yard - 355 ft.
Rear Yard -215 ft.
406(1:209)
10% of the required parking
area
15.69 acres
5.12%
3,081 sq. ft.
Mechanical equipment
enclosure built to 12 ft. tall
with masonry block
* Increase setbacks one foot for every foot of building height over 35 feet.
The increase in building height from 35 feet to 45 feet complies with Section 21.34.070, P-M
Development Standards, in that the building is not more than three stories; all setbacks have been
increased the amount of the increase in building height over 35 feet; and the building will
conform with Section 18.04.170 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code (regarding fire sprinklers,
smoke alarms and elevators). The increase in height for architectural features from 45 to 55 feet
complies with Section 21.34.070, P-M Development Standards, in that the architectural features
do not function to provide usable floor area; do not accommodate and/or screen mechanical
equipment; do not adversely impact adjacent properties; and are necessary to ensure the
building's design excellence. The building has very large setbacks; no adjacent neighbors on
three sides and topographic separation to the south. The architectural elements provide vertical
relief and add interest to the building's elevations.
C. Site Development Plan Findings Required by the Qualified Development Overlay
Zone
The Qualified Development Overlay Zone (Q-Overlay), which is a part of the zoning designation
for the property, requires that a SDP be approved for the proposed use prior to the issuance of
any building permit. The Q-Overlay Zone requires four findings. The adopted project findings
for SDP 01-01 (A), which are contained in Planning Commission Resolution No. 5468, still apply
to this project (SDP 01-01(B)). This section summarizes the necessary findings and support for
each.
The requested use is properly related to the site, surroundings and environmental setting as the
project design complies with the requirements of the P-M zone as discussed above. All required
SDP 01-01(B)/CDP 01-02(B)/CUP 05-04 - BILTMORE (PACIFICA PALOMAR OFFICE
BUILDING)
May 4, 2005
Page 5
building setbacks are provided, lot coverage is well below the maximum permitted, and
landscaping meets the minimum 10% P-M zone requirement. Adequate separation is provided
from adjacent uses and the required 50-foot buffer from Encinas Creek has been incorporated
into the site design. The site is also adequate in shape to accommodate the use as all other
applicable code requirements have been met, including the parking standard in addition to
building coverage. Thirty-one parking spaces over the required number are planned and building
coverage is less than one fourth of the maximum permitted. Ten percent of the parking area is
landscaped which meets the minimum 10 percent requirement.
As shown on Exhibits "A" - "J," all features necessary to adjust the use to existing and permitted
future uses will be provided. Landscaping is proposed to screen the parking areas from public
roadways. Adequate vehicle circulation has been provided to accommodate truck-turning
movements. Laurel Tree Lane, a public street off of Aviara Parkway, will provide access to the
site. The planned street system is adequate to handle all traffic (1,400 average daily trips)
generated by the use.
The adopted resolutions of approval for SDP 01-01 and SDP 01-01 (A) will become null and void
with the approval of SDP 01-01(B). The new Planning Commission Resolution for SDP 01-
01(B) will incorporate the findings and conditions of the previous approvals with revisions to
address the amended project.
D. Conditional Use Permit Findings
Conditionally permitted uses are those that possess unique characteristics thereby making it
impractical to allow them by right in certain zones. The Planned Industrial (P-M) zone specifies
in C.M.C. Section 21.34.030 that health and athletic clubs are permitted in the P-M Zone upon
the granting of a CUP. The findings necessary to approve a CUP can be made.
The requested use is desirable for the development of the community, is essentially in harmony
with the various elements and objectives of the General Plan, and is not detrimental to existing
uses specifically permitted in the zone in which the proposed use is located, in that the health
club facility will provide services in close proximity to the occupants of the zone.
The site for the intended use is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the use, in that the
facility is proposed in a building that meets the development standards for the zone and has
adequate size and parking to accommodate the proposed fitness facility and office uses.
All the yards, setbacks, walls, fences, landscaping, and other features necessary to adjust the
requested use to existing or permitted future uses in the neighborhood will be provided and
maintained, in that the project is part of a proposed office building that when developed will
include all features that may be appropriate to the proposed use.
The street system serving the proposed use is adequate to properly handle all traffic generated by
the proposed use, in that the proposed Laurel Tree Lane will be adequate to handle the 2,000
ADT generated.by the proposed office building and fitness facility and that the signalized
intersection of Laurel Tree Lane and Aviara Parkway is existing and adequate in capacity. The
fitness facility would also generate traffic in the off-peak hours thus reducing traffic impacts.
SDP 01-01(B)/CDP 01-02(B)/CUP 05-04 - BILTMORE (PACIFICA PALOMAR OFFICE
BUILDING)
May 4, 2005
Page 6
The project's parking demand and compliance with the standard is illustrated in the following
Table C.
Table C - PARKING
Health Clubs
Office
Total parking
Standard
1 space per 200 sq. ft.
1 space per 250 sq. ft.
Required
175
200
375
Provided
406
E. Comprehensive Land Use Plan for McClellan - Palomar Airport
The project site is located approximately 3,000 feet southwest of the airport and within the
Airport Influence Area for McClellan - Palomar Airport. The site is inside the 65 CNEL noise
contour with -ah area in the northwest corner located within the 70 CNEL noise contour. No
buildings are proposed within the 70 CNEL noise contour. The airport land use plan identifies
the use as being conditionally compatible within the 65 and 70 CNEL noise contour provided
interior noise levels are attenuated to an indoor level of 50 CNEL. The original project was sent
to the Airport Manager in addition to SANDAG staff. With the application of the noise
mitigation measures proposed, the project was found to be in conformance with the airport land
use plan. Since the amended project does not involve a General Plan Land Use change, the
amended project does not require additional review by the Airport Land Use Commission. The
project has been conditioned to implement the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for
the Pacifica Palomar project which includes the requirement to submit an acoustical study
showing compliance with the 50 CNEL interior noise level and requiring the property owner to
notify all tenants and include in their lease provisions detailing the environmental impacts
associated with McClellan-Palomar Airport and Palomar Airport Road.
F. Mello II Segment of the Local Coastal Program, the Coastal Agricultural Overlay
Zone and the Coastal Resource Protection Overlay Zone
As designed and amended, the project is consistent with the relevant policies of the Mello n
Segment of the Local Coastal Program (LCP), the Coastal Agricultural Overlay Zone (Zoning
Ordinance Chapter 21.202) and the Coastal Resource Protection Overlay Zone (Zoning
Ordinance Chapter 21.203). The project site has a LCP Land Use designation of Planned
Industrial (PI) and an LCP Zone designation of Planned Industrial with the Qualified
Development overlay (P-M-Q). The project includes the required 50-foot riparian buffer from
the edge of the riparian habitat of Encinas Creek. Water retention basins are proposed to be
located within the buffer area that are designed to control the rate of storm water runoff and
improve water quality from the site and existing storm drains from Palomar Airport Road. The
buffer area is presently a disturbed habitat containing exotic, primarily weedy, species. The
objective of the buffer is to protect water quality and associated biological resources by
providing a filtering mechanism for runoff before it enters the riparian zone. The retention
basins provide protection to regional and local biological resources as noted in the Biological
Report prepared for the project. The amended site plan does not change or modify the buffer
area or proposed improvements.
SDP 01-01(B)/CDP 01-02(B)/CUP 05-04 - BILTMORE (PACIFICA PALOMAR OFFICE
BUILDING)
May 4,2005 :
Page 7
No direct impacts are proposed to the wetland or riparian resources as dictated by Policy 3-7 of
the LCP as a result of the amended project. Pursuant to Policy 3-8 of the LCP, the California
Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were consulted on the
determination of the adequacy of the 50-foot buffer and have since issued permits for the project.
The buffer was determined to be acceptable with the following conditions: that all maintenance
of the proposed detention basin be done manually; that the public trail be placed between the
building and the basin; that the public trail not be paved and have a permeable surface; and that
the basin be planted with native vegetation. The buffer zone is protected by the execution of an
open space easement and a General Plan Open Space designation. No activity other than
seasonal maintenance will occur within the basin. The proposed pedestrian trail, a passive
recreational use, is located in the upper half of the buffer zone as allowed per Policy 3-8 of the
LCP and will be constructed with a permeable surface.
The property .'is designated as coastal agricultural land and has been conditioned to pay the
agricultural conversion mitigation fee. Because of the potential for least Bell's vireos to be
impacted by grading noise levels, a condition providing for modification of the coastal grading
timeframe, if necessary, is proposed. This condition will provide for the potential to grade the
site during the normal coastal grading prohibition period (winter grading) so as not to impact the
least Bell's vireo if present. The Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program requires
consultation with the wildlife agencies if grading will occur in the breeding season.
The adopted resolution of approval for CDP 01-02 and Planning Director approval of CDP 01-
02(A) will become null and void with the approval of CDP 01-02(B). The new Planning
Commission Resolution for CDP 01-02(B) will incorporate the findings and conditions of the
previous approvals with revisions to address the amended project.
G. Growth Management Ordinance (LFMP Zone 5)
The proposed project is located within Local Facilities Management Zone 5 in the southwest
quadrant. The impacts on public facilities created by this project and compliance with the
adopted performance standards are summarized as follows:
FACILITY
City Administration
Library
Wastewater Treatment
Capacity
Parks
Drainage
Circulation
Fire
Open Space
Schools
Sewer Collection System
Water Distribution System
IMPACTS
N/A
N/A
47EDU
$.40/sq. ft.
Basin C
2,000 ADT
Station 4
N/A
Payment of non-residential school fee at
bldg. permit issuance
47EDU
14,740 GPD
COMPLIANCE WITH
STANDARDS
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
SDP 01-01(B)/CDP 01-02(B)/CUP 05-04 - BILTMORE (PACIFICA ?ALOMAR OFFICE
BUILDING)
May 4,2005
PageS
V. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed project has been reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA). On November 6, 2001, the City Council adopted City Council Resolution No. 2001-
334 adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration, Addendum, and Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program for the project. Staff has reviewed the amendment request and the Planning
Director has determined that; the project is still in compliance, and within the scope of, the prior
environmental documents, dated June 17,1998; the project has no new significant environmental
effects not analyzed as significant in the prior Mitigated Negative Declaration; none of the
circumstances requiring a Subsequent Mitigated Negative Declaration under CEQA Guidelines
Sections 15162 exist and no further CEQA compliance is required.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Planning Commission Resolution No. 5881 (SDP 01-01(B))
2. Planning Commission Resolution No. 5882 (CDP 01 -02(B))
3. Planning Commission Resolution No. 5883 (CUP 05-04)
4. Location Map
5. Disclosure Statement
6. Background Data Sheet
7. Local Facilities Impacts Assessment Form
8. Planning Commission Resolution No. 5041 (SDP 01-01)
9. Planning Commission Resolution No. 5468 (SDP 01-01(A))
10. Planning Commission Resolution No. 5042 (CDP 01-02)
11. Reduced exhibits "A" - "M" dated May 4,2005