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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1962-05-08; Planning Commission; Minutes" AllINUTES OF THE CARLSBAD CITY PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P. M. , by Chairman Grant. Secretary Price swore in Commissioners Davis, Ewald, Grant and Palmer as members of the Planning Commission. ALSO present were Commissioners Jarvie and Ward. Chairman Grant has served as Chairman since April, 1961 but was informed by the Secretary that the term of chairman runs from July 1 to June 30. Chairman Grant stated that he has no objections to carrying on for the additional two months and possibly by that time others will be acquainted with the business at hand. By common consent it was agreed Commissioner Grant should continue as chairman. Approval of Minutes of April 10, 1962. A motion was made by Commissioner Jarvie-aXd SecondedF~C~m~~~~rierward that the minutes of April 10. 1962 be approved as submitted. 4 ayes. 2 abstained as they were new members, motion carried. Approval of Minutes of April 24, 1962. A motion was made by commissioner aniT5Zcotiaecrtjy Tom-missforieFWard that the minutes of April 24, 1962 be approved as submitted. 4 ayes, 2 abstained as they were new members, motion carried. Written Communications, -.""- " ".- - Letter of appreciation from Cwn. Jane C. Sonneman dated April 16, 1962. €or the Commission's cooperation during her term on the City Council. Oral Communications: GEORGE HENRY, 5080 Carlsbad Boulevard asked that-he be given the opportunity to answer the same questions that are asked the applicant tonight after the hearing is closed. After a poll of members present Mr. Henry was granted the privilege of rebuttal for the members present. By common consent of the Commission. the order of the agenda was reversed because of the number of citizens waiting to hear the zone reclassification application of San Diego Gas.and Electric Company. "" ""... - HEARING - RECLASSIFICATION - Request of San Diego Gas and Electric Company. a corporation-3GF rZicGZifiZZ€i5iiiQTmRT- '(single family reside~a~o~~n~u~r~a~~ property conslstmgdfa j%GEel-runiiing HpprZx -- imCEety 4 0 0 aT6nmFe =sf SXe %TC ai Is?jad" Euiecra-dna sp@ro3rj-fay70T aorg the" nir*sideOfTzmar Udve and being a zozn-om H . Kancho"Aifuaeiord - "T - ,- Notice of hearing was read. The Secretary certified as to publication of notice of hearing and the mailing of notices to property owners in the area. The Secretary then read the application setting forth the reasons for requesting the zone reclass- ification. I -2- The Secretary distributed maps of the precise plans far the Commission to study. The Secretary read a memorandum from the City Attorney dated April 20 1962 stating that since the applicant has incorporated into the application a precise plan for the use of the subject property, they have thereby restricted themselves to the development and use of the property as shown in the precise plan, and in the event this request is granted no deviation therefrom can be made by the applicant without the consent of the Planning Commission. The Secretary read the following 18 letters and one telegram protesting this reclassification: Ernest T. Shy 5081 El Arbol Drive, Ca rlsbad Mrs. R. L. Hallmark 5440 El Arbol Drive, Carlsbad A. 0. Innis 5290 Carlsbad Blvd. , Carlsbad Mrs. G. M. Innis 5290 Carlsbad Blvd, , Carlsbad Hazel L. Scritsrnier 5201 Terramar Drive, Carlsbad Mary A. Peete 51 17 Carlsbad Blvd. , Carlsbad Harry D. Allen 5098 Shore Drive, Carlsbad J. V. Jones 5051 Shore Drive, Carlsbad Agnes G. Johnson 5380 Los Robles, Carlsbad Telegram from John and Arleen Lenihan 5031 Shore Drive, Carlsbad William Verne and Ruth F. Hanes 521 5 Shore Drive. Carlsbad Arthur A. Brown and Alice J. Brown 5021 Shore Drive. Carlsbad Warren H. and Rhea M. Leonard 5016 Shore Drive, Carlsbad Fred W. Maerkle 5032 Tierra del 9ro, Carlsbad P. S. Allen 5099 Shore Drive, Carlsbad Roland T. Smith 4205 Hillside Drive, Carlsbad Mr s . Gertrude Henry and George Henry 5080 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad Marie E. Quisenberry 5140 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad Col. D.M. Dunne 3016 Highland Drive, Carlsbad The Secretary read a petition protesting subject reclassification and containing 202 signatures. It was noted that the John Palmer signing the petition is not the same John Palmer who is on the Planning Commission. A short recess was called at 8:50. Reconvened at 9:03 P.M. FRANK W. DEVORE, GovernmenvRight of Way Supervisor, for the San Diego Gas and Electric Company, representing the applicant, introduced Mr. L. W. Davidson, President of Davidson and Mauer Architects of Los Angeles who designed the plans for the new operating headquarters. Mr. Devore stated that the Company had requested for the second time the zone change for operating headquarters at Carlsbad. He explained on the scale model that there would be a 200 by 300 feet park east of Carlsbad Boulevard separated from a proposed parking lot by a 4.67 feet suntan colored concrete block wall. East of the parking a1 ’. -3- lot would be the operating headquarters itself with office building facilities. dispatchers office personnel (7 or 8 people) rest rooms and storage area. North of this is the garage, immediately in front of garage are the wash rack facilities. The garage and warehouse are all enclosed. Surrounding the facilities on Terramar Drive would be an 8 foot high suntan colored decorative concrete wall with landscaping between walls on Carlsbad Boulevard and Terramar Drive. Trees would be of whatever the City would require, and the Company would provide the water for this. Setback of wall wouid be 15 feet from the property line on Terramar Drive and the setback of the buildings would be 35 feet from the property line on Terramar Drive. The San Diego Gas and Electric Company is most desirous of occupying this site as they would like to move from Oceanside. It would fit the needs of the Company and would not be a detriment to Carlsbad. They have pre- sented precise plans and would have no entrances on Terramar Drive except an emergency exit. Mr. DeVore stated that he wished to go on record that this exit will not be used except in case of a disaster and will only then use this road. It will be a betterment to the City of Carlsbad. The first application of approximately one year ago had a chain Waicfence but now they will put in a suntan colored concrete block wall which will buffer any noise ab the offices. They had proposed a future 30 feet access road be opposite entrance to Tierra del Oro and they do not want to deceive anybody in the event that in the future they should use this road. He stated that Mr. Davidson took great pains in preparing the plans which would be a better - memt and not a detriment. Mr. DeVore stated that he had met with the residents of Terramar and would not object to leaving the park area in R-1 zone and is willing to agree to a setback of the wall from 15 feet to 20 feet if necessary and will change the 4.67 feet wall to 6 feet. If necessary will go on record to raise wall on Terramar Drive to edge of park area. As for curbs and sidewalks the San Diego Gas and Electric Company has never refused to put in their share of sidewalks and improvements when required. They would be more than happy to do a first class asphalt paving job between existing part and Carlsbad Boulevard. They have been asked to accept a 12 o’clock curfew, They have an emergency crew between hours of 7 and 12 and there will never be more than 6 or 7 employees on the premises at that time. They will not be engaged in running trucks around the yard as they will be parked and serviced by a fuel truck. They propose that there will be about 40 vehicles working out of this yard. If more vehicles are needed they will move to Fallbook or Vista. It is unfair to the Company operating as a Public Utility to place the burden of a curfew as they will not be Operating three shifts in this area. They will operate between 8:30 A.M. , and 4:30 P.M. Chairmau Grant asked what goes on after 4:30 P.M. MR. DEVORE stated that when the trucks are brought in the yards they are parked and unload alnd load the trucks to about 12. There are 6 line trucks and 4 gas construction trucks. MR. CHARLES INSKEEP, District Supervisor of Oceanside stated that it never takes more than a couple of hours to had and unload these trucks. MR. DEVORE stated there will be between 11 0 and 120 employees; about 7 will be on night duty. The trucks are not moved unless to go in the garage and a lift is used to unload the trucks and they have no heavy equipment. The Company has a garage in San Diego for heavy equipment which takes up 2 1/2 blocks and they are proud of their equipment. The wash rack is westerly of the garage and is open on the moat westerly face, and will be concealed by the wall. The light standards will be turned off at 8 P. M. , and the shielded lights will not be objectionable. They have communications by loud speaker as 90% of the employees go in the wash room and change their clothes. There would be no necessity to use this facility after 5. -4 - MR. INSKEEP stated that the loud speaker would only be used between 8 A. M. and 5 P.M. Commissioner Davis asked about the storage of material and if it would be seen from the street. MR. DEVORE stated that the sand and gravel would be stored in the northeast corner and the dynamite would be stored underground in the northeast corner. ROY JEPPSON, 5101 El Arbol Drive stated that as a property owner living within 150 feet of this property he was in favor of this plan as he thought it would be much better with an 8' concrete block wall around this area. If this is turned down, they would fill in a gully east of this area and have a warehouse there with just a 6' chain link fence around it. This would not be exposed to Carlsbad Boulevard but would be exposed to people on Terramar Drive and El Arbol. He stated that he is an em- pLoyee of the Company. GEORGE C. HEN..R Y.,. 5080 Carlsbad Boulevard congratulated Mr. DeVore on his nice presentation. We stated that he would like to cover the points mentioned re- garding the materials and storage place in the open beyond the buildings. Me registered objection to the alternate plan of the Company although at this time it has not been duly filed with the City Clerk. He has worked for corporations for many years and what one man says verbally never stands. He respects Mr. De- -. Vore's statements but some time later they may have different personnel and there may be three shifts later on. When this was presented before. they said 12 to 15 employees might be working at night. The Company would have several hundred working if it is rezoned. Mr. Zitlau, Vice-president ,, did say they could fill in the hole in the gully and he respects Mr. Jeppson's opinions. Mr. Henry stated that he lives across the street within 300 feet of this area and he can hear the loud speakers from the Encinas Power Plant now. He is appearing as an individual and in no connection with the Terramar Association. The applicant shows no need or necessity as they have ample property to have this on property which is already zoned M. Re stated that there was no operational connection between the generat- ing plant and the operating yard. The operating yard could be located anywhere and have no effect on the generating plant. He had the privilege of touring light equipment yards on Saturday when not in operation. He stated that the applicant says they will be closed at 121SkE&h$,but wil1,ndt put in writing to have a curfew on this. After the hearing last year the officials of the Company later agreed that a chain link fence was not right. This operating headquarters belongs in a different area away from residences. He reported that that morning's San Diego paper had mentioned that the Company would employ an additional 11 0 people with an addition- al annual $500,000. payroll. Mr. Henry stated that the Company's headquarters is being moved from Oceanside and there would be no new employees hired. The park is included in the precise plan and if the City Council does not accept this it could be used as an M zone. He asked that he be permitted to answer questions after the hearing is closed. WARREN H. LEONARD, 5016 Tierra del Oro stated that he lives on the ocean side of Carlsbad Boulevard just south of $he proposed entrance. He registered objection to the loud speakers as he is home all of the time. He was glad the Company would allow the park along Carlsbad Boulevard and felt the wall should be 6 feet high as he hears the loud speakers now and there should be another way to get messages out to the men. He stated the Planning Commission should rather give a Use Permit on this property so the Commission could have control of this. These men from the Company are honest and mean every word they say but they may have other officials in a couple of years which may make other changes. He urged the Commission to keep a buffer of 200 feet; take the entrance on down to Hilda's Cafe; so that resi- dents will not hear the trucks and cars entering the yard. -5- NANCY ANN RYSHAEL, 5385 El Arbol stated that her main objection would be the increase of heavy traffic of approximately 40 trucks as their small children will be boarding busses from 8 to 8:30 A. M. , on Terramar Drive and Carlsbad Blvd, , and it would be hazardous for the children. She heard that they have an emergency gate at the main plant and that the Company uses it all of the time. EVELYN M. MOORE, 5149 El Arbol stated that a spur train came in during the night when they were building the Encino plant and asked if they would be using this spur during the night. HARRY ALLEN, 5098 Shore Drive lives across the street from people within the 300' area of this property. He stated he had bought his home and lived there with the hope chat the City would retain the R -1 buffer zone. The Company is willing to vacate a little area for a park at this time in order to get M zoning, and it sounds like double taxation. The park would require policing and upkeep and the M zoning would change the values of their homes. Carlsbad people are proud of their City government as it has stability; one commission will take over where the other commission left off. Do not upset this. WILLIAM L. TORRES, 5065 Los Robles brought out two points. He asked if the land that the Company is using has been deprived or restricted. The answer was no. He asked if the residential area in Terramar had been restricted because of City Planning and the answer was no. He stated the Company and the residents should have faith in the City and should consider the whole area as a park for a buffer zone. MR. DEVORE, in response to some of the points brought up, stated that the Company prior to purchasing the property of 850 acres (250 acres of water) had to file a right of convenience and necessity in 1947. The completion was made in 1950 with the right to use all of the property as a public utility use. The property owners in Terramar bought the property when the property was part of the County and not a City. The Company felt that they would not be hampered when Carlsbad became a City. When the Gordon Whitnal precise plan was prepared in 1956, the Company asked that the property be left in original use. The Company has recently prepared a Fact Booklet of future development of the Company property, and there would be no excess property; Encino I1 would be on the upper lagoon. East of the railroad will be tanks. If this zone change is passed it would be subject to precise plan subject to modification and the speaker system would not be used at night. The speakers can be minimized so interference will be minimized and would not be used after 5:30 or 6 P.M. In reference to new employee8 at this site, it is a fact all employees can bid up. New employees may live here but others may be brought in. The facilities in San Diego are not in a residential area, but three subdivisions are planning to go in near their plant in Chula Vista. There is a development planned within 300 feet of the operating plant in Rose Canyon. The railroad spur was installed when Unit. I was built and poles may be served from the spur in the day time. No poles will be stored in the yard. The Company has a school for their drivers and he does not feel the drivers are discourteous as the records indicate they practice safety and the area has a traffic zone. He feels the'. people will be proud of the installation. The emergency gate will not be used unless there is a dire emergency. If it becomes necessary for the Company to use the future entrance opposite Tierra del Oro, it could be brought before the Planning Commission if necessary in the future. The Company plans to put in two or three more units and the excavation would interfere with having the entrance to the opera- ting plant farther north. Mr. Zitlau hopes that the cafe and warehouse will be moved to make room for the next unit. The new units will be south of the present unit and in the same line with the same setback from Carlsbad Boulevard. There was a discussion regarding the intake and output of water, and the entrance to the operating headquarters; if entrance could be changed without having to take down the wall. MR. HENRY stated that the City had zoning in 1955 and Mr. Swirsky was on the Planning Commission at that time. The site was originally designed for a coal yard as emergency fuel, but this was no longer used. The plant would probably be allowed to grow up in width. Everything should be in writing and the Commission sh should not take verbal statements. The amount of trucks was discussed. Ahthing that has been done by the Company has been by force. The people were mislead before as the newspapers before showed landscaping which was not done. In regards to the safe drivers, children will be children. The Company asked for 15' setback and he has 25' setback with lawns. MR. DEVORE stated the Company has not had to use coal. The public hearing was closed at IO:% P.M. On question the Secretary reported that any restrictions can be made by the Commission and it would be binding. After a discussion among the Commissioners regarding the restrictions on the usage by the San Diego Gas and Electric Company and whether or not the City would accept the park, it was agreed that the following facts exist: 1. The applicant already has an industrial zoning for the adjacent property. 2. It is felt that the precise plans as amended by Planning Commission pro - viding for walls and a park area, would serve as the best buffer zone that could be created and still make use of the property. 3. That it would not be mare detrimental than if it were zoned commercial. 4. -re would be no appreciable increase in traffic than if this area were to be built up as either a commercial or residential area. The following resolution was presented for consideration: Resolution No. 243. A RESOLUTION OF THE CARLSBAD CITY PLANNING -MENDING RECLASSIFICATION FROM ZONE R-1 TO ZOgs Insert unanimously adopted on Commissioner Ewald's motion seconded by Commissioner Davis, subject to the following conditions and restrictions: M OF CERTAIN DESIGNATED PROPERTY IN THE CITY OF CARLSBAI)! was 1. That the request to rezone that area designated on the precise plan for park purposes was denied. 2. That the proposed future entrance across from Tierra del Oro be eliminated from the precise plan and denied. 3, That all of the wall along westerly portion of area shown on the precise plan as being 4.67 feet in height be increased to 6 feet in height, 4. That curb and gutters be placed on Carlsbad Boulevard from the entrance to the operating center area to Terramar Drive to include curb returns at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Terramar Drive. Insert: ACCORDING TO PRECISE PLAN, 5. That operations at the operating center be restricted to the hours of 8:OO A. M. until 12 midnight except in cases of emergency. 6. That the City accept the park with plantings, seed and water to be furnished by the San Diego Gas and Electric Company. 7. Use of the loud speaker shall be prohibited between 5 P. M. and 8 A. M. , and that speaker shall be directed away from the residential area and the volume be maintained at an absolute minimum to eliminate nuisance to surrounding residences. 8. That emergency gate on Terramar Drive be locked except in cases of disaster. 9. That the wall on Terramar Drive be setback 20 feet from property line instead of 15 feet as requested. A short recess was called at 1 X :27. Reconvened at 11 :37 P. M. HEARING - VARIANCE - Request of Robert 0. & Edythe Hall for a reduction in Xrontasze from 75' to 50' in order to create a lot sdit on roperty located on the east side.of Jefferson between &euna 'Drive and Knowles Avenue more particularly descrlbed as Lots 3, 4 5, 12 and portion of Lots 13 and 14 in Block 1, Map 486 Sunny Slope Tract in the City oc Carlsbad: said nroaertv beine Parcels 10 and 11. Book "" 155, Page 260 of the Assessor's Map of San Diego Coun9 I "" ~ - " ~ ""_ - "" - - ."~ - Notice of hearing was read. The Secretary certified as to publication of notice of hearing and the mailing of notices to property owners in the area. The Secretary then read the application setting forth the reasons for requesting the variance. There were no written or oral communications for or against this. There were no objections to this request. The public hearing was closed at 11 :44 P. M. It was agreed that this request was in keeping with the surrounding property, and should be granted for the following reasons: 1. That such variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right possessed by other property in the zone but which is denied to the property in question. 2, That the granting of such variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in such vicinity and zone in which the property is located. 3. That the granting of such variance will not adversely affect the comprehen- sive general plan. The Secretary requested that granting of this variance for lot split be made subject to the approval of monumentation by the City Engineer. The request was agreed to. -8- The following resolution was presented for consideration: Resolution No. 244. A RESOLUTION OF THE CARLSBAD CITY PLANNING -1NG A VARIANCE ON PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS PORTION OF BLOCK 1, MAP $86, SUNNY SLOPE TRACT IN :THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, was unanimously adopted on Commissioner Ewald's motion, seconded by Commissioner Davis. HEARING - VARIANCE - Request of Harry F. and Laverne R. Kelley for reduction in frontage from 60' to 50' in order to create a lot split on roperty located on the south side of Chestnut Ave., betwec dams Street and Highland Drive , more particuhrIy des- crlbed aspx31on of Thum Lands , Tract 240, Map 1681 In t" the City o'i Carlsbad; said ProDertv beinn a Dortibn of parcel 4, Book 105 , Page 21 of the Assessor's Map of Sari Dlego County. " v. Notice of hearing was read. The Secretary certified as to publication of notice of hearing and the mailing of notices to property owners in the area. The Secretary then read the application setting forth the reasons for requesting the variance, and containing 4 signatures in support of the application. There were no written or oral communications on this request. The Secretary asked the Commission to consider the amount of undeveloped land and that there are no substandard lots in this area. Section 1802 of the zoning ordinance. Commissioner PaLmer stated that he had visited this property and discussed the garage that is on the property. MR. HARRY KELLEY, 1172 Chestnut Avenue stated the width of the lot to the garage is 53'. He is not asking for this variance so they can sell this piece of property. They would like to build and live there as their present home is too large for them. No one spoke in opposition to this. The public hearing was closed at 11:51 P.M. Commissioner *vie stated that this would start a precedent as there is a consider - able amount of undeveloped land in that area. Commissioner Ewald asked if it was urgent that this be granted right away. MR. KELLEY stated that he would like to sell part of the property and would Like to know just how much of it he could sell. He had made an attempt to buy IO' from Mr. Petersen, but he did not want to sell. By common consent of the Commission it was agreed that this hearing be continued to the next meeting in order that the Commission can study the surrounding area. I " -9- " HEARING - VARIANCE - Request of Herbert T. & Etha K. Buel for reduction in frontage from 60' to 40' in order to create a lot s lit on property which is a through lot 330' deep with hge on Laguna Drive and approximately 40' frontage on Hope street, more particularly described as portion of Tract 1 14, Carlsbad Lands, Map No. 1661 in the City of carlsbad; said property bemg Parcel 11, Book 203 , Page 120 ot the Assessor's Map of San hego County. Notice of hearing was read. The Secretary certified as to publication of notice of hearing and the mailing of notices to prbperty owners in the area. The Secretary then read the application setting forth the reasons for requesting the variance. There was no correspondence on this request. The Secretary called attention to the Commission of Article 15, Section 150J(i) of Ordinance NO. 9060. Commissioner Ewald asked if there was any plan to extend Hope Street. The Secretary reported thatthere was no plan at present. Mrs. Cantarini is trying to get the property nearby zoned to g-3. Mr. Buel was present but had nothing more to say, No one present spoke for or against this request. The public hearing was closed at 12:03 W.M. It was agreed that this request be granted for the following reasons: 1. That such variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right possessed by other property in the zone but which is denied to the property in question. 2. That the granting of such variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in such vicinity and zone in which the property is located. 3. That there are exceptional circumstances or conditions applicable to the property or to the intended use that do not apply generally to the other property or class of use in the same vicinity and zone. The Secretary requested that granting of this variance for lot split be made subject to the approval of monumentation by the City Engineer. The request was agreed to. The following resolution was presented for consideration: Resolution No. 245. A RESOLUTION OF THE CARLSBAD CITY PLANNING -1NG A VARIANCE ON PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS PORTION OF TRACT 117, Carlsbad Lands, Map 1661 IN THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, was unanimously adopted on Commissioner Palmer's motion, seconded by Commissionet Jarvie. It was agreed that the Vice-chairman would be nominated at the next meeting. Adjournment: By proper motion the meeting was adjourned at 12:06 83. M. P J. H. PRICE, Secretary