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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-09-16; Planning Commission; MinutesCITY OF CARLSBAD PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SPECIAL ADJOURNED MEETING HELD AT: ST. ELIZABETH SETON CHURCH, LA COSTA SEPTEMBER 16, 1980 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 8:00 P.M. by Chairman Schick. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Schick, Commissioners Friestedt, Jose, and Larson. Absent: Commissioners Leeds, Rombotis and Marcus. Staff Present: Tom Hageman, Principal Planner and Charles Grimm, Associate Planner. Chairman Schick advised that this special meeting of the Planning Commission was called to review the revisions of the Master Plan for La Costa; he stated this was the first of at least two special meetings to be held on these revisions and the Planning Commission wished to receive input from the public hearing during these sessions. The staff report was presented by Tom Hageman advising the public why the plan was being prepared, which areas are affected, and what the plan proposes. He then defined the Master Plan process as a refinement of the General Plan which shows a comprehensive land use approach to public facilities, i.e., roads, schools, parks, etc., and the relationship of land use types to each other. The Master Plan reflects unique or special characteristics of a particular area and lays out broad development types and standards. This sets the frame- work for future land use decisions. He emphasized that the Master Plan does not subdivide land; this must be done through a separate subdivision procedure. It does, however, call for special review of designated areas as they develop using a permit process and sets specific criteria for items such as signing, landscaping and grading. With the use of wall exhibits, he pointed out Planned Community (P-C Zone) areas of Carlsbad covered by Master Plans, and explained the reason for the P-C Zone as principally a holding zone in order to provide the city with a comprehensive look at large areas prior to development. - He stated that La Costa has an existing Master Plan on the developed areas of La Costa that would remain unchanged; this is an amendment to that Master Plan intended to include new territory and add development standards. Charles Grimm of the city staff then presented a report setting forth the contents of the plan. He stated that the plan is not in final form; changes may occur based on input at this and other meetings, particularly in the area of public facilities and processing. He pointed out that Environmental Impact Report No. 307, required by state law, was certified by the city in 1976 and mitigation measures identified in the EIR included as part of the Master Plan text. The most significant of the mitigation measures include the submittal of detailed soils, archaeological, drainage and biology reports on each major project. The measures also call for the preservation of stream habitat and steep slopes. He explained that under land use, the Master Plan is divided into three subareas. With the use of exhibits he then pointed out these areas, giving the location, proposed uses and density. He stated that development will occur in phases, the first of which would probably begin by 1985, the second phase between 1985 and 1990 and construction under the third phase by 1990. He explained the development process by citing an example and describing the two alternatives from which a developer could select in developing the property. The first process is to utilize the current zoning standards in effect in the city; the alternative would be to use a Site Development Plan. The Site Development Plan allows the developer to be more innovative because it allows him to reduce lot sizes, cluster units or provide large open spaces areas along as he does not increase the desnity in a neighborhood. A Site Development Plan must be fully reviewed by the Planning Commission and is submitted in conjunction with a Tentative Tract Map, which requires a public hearing. If the developer chooses to develop by the Site Development Plan process, he is subject to the general and individual standards outlined in the Master Plan. The general standards apply to all neighborhoods, while individual regulations differ for each neighborhood based on topography and special characteristics. This Master Plan provides for a number of other regulations such as provision of recreational vehicle storage, fire suppression, trail systems, signs and noise attenuation. The Master Plan also has wording for a provision of affordable housing. This section is tied’ to the adoption of the city’s Housing Element and may allow a density bonus for rental units in certain areas, the most likely of which would be those areas shown on the map as SE 10, SE 16, SW 2, SW 3, and SW 8. -2- Mr. Grimm then pointed out on the map the proposed 223 acres of open space that will define the neighborhoods. r. With the use of wall aids, existing and proposed parks for the area were pointed out, along with the approximate acreage. It was stated that a copy of the Master Plan is available both in the Planning Department and the Carlsbad City Library for review by the public. Chairman Schick then requested supplemental information from Mike Zander, the city's consultant for the La Costa Master Plan. Mr. Zander compared the La Costa Master Plan with that of Lake Calavera which had been adopted by the city and pointed out major differences in the two plans, stating that a major difference is in La Costa's option to utilize either con- ventional zoning or the Site Development approach, which allows more design flexibility. He also mentioned that the plan offers opportunity for a density bonus designed to promote affordable housing. Chairman Schick then compared the sewer system of Lake Calavera Hills with that proposed for La Costa, which will utilize effluent where practicable. .- Mr. Zander advised that, while the land use plan shos utility areas, it should be noted that the Leucadia Sewer District is studying various sites. Rather than showing sites on the plan as open space, the plan shows one of the sites being proposed and the plan would be amended at the time of a final selection of a site. Commissioner Jose asked whether affordable housing incorporated low income housing. Mr. Zander answered there is nothing specific in the plan relative to low and moderate income housing; this will be handled through the proposed Housing Element itself and will be applied throughout the city. This can be done either by an increase in density for apartments or by allowing a doubling of density in the RLM zone for a mobilehome park. Commissioner Jose then asked if the proposed commercial center in the southeast would be of the magnitude of May Company. Mr. Zander replied it would not; it is a community shopping center comparable to the one across the street from May Company in which Van's is located or Flower Hill. Mr. Zander further mentioned to the Commission that through the Site Development Plan process, a few of the neighborhoods may elect to waive the 35' height limit and allow six story buildings. -3- Commissioner Jose asked whether an ordinance change would be required for this; Mr. Zander responded that zoning sets the development standards. In a Planned Community Zone, the standards are set by the Master Plan; when the Master Plan is adopted, the ordinance becomes official. Commissioner Jose requested that staff spell out the definition of recreational storage particularly as to motorhomes, boats, golf carts, etc.; he also made mention of the minimum lot size. A recess was called at 9:00 P.M. The meeting was reconvened at 9:lO P.M., by Chairman Schick, who then accepted questions informally from the audience. A question was asked from the audience as to whether or not land shown under power lines was shown as open space; Charles Grimm responded that this land would be left in its natural state. Mr. Zander further informed the audience that the plan proposed a series of pedestrian trails with the potential of being linked to other city properties. Commissioner Schick pointed out that these areas were partially subject to SDGGE easements. A citizen wished clarification of the low cost housing and trailer homes, and their proposed location. Charles Grimm pointed out on the map the potential sites. Commissioner Schick stated that the plan would be refined to show actual locations prior to adoption. It was asked if the Circulation Element is a part of the Master Plan; staff responded in the affirmative. The plan will be coordinated with the Circulation Element. Mr. Zander further informed the audience that the county is presently undergoing possible changes in circulation. A question was raised relative to the status of Olivenhain Road, specifically whether it is county or city. Mr. Zander replied it is both city and county and is currently one-half improved. It has an approximate 102 foot right-of-way, about one-half of which has been constructed. General questions ensued relative to the amount of traffic on Olivenhain Road and the effect the possible deletion of the proposed Melrose Road would have on traffic. Mr. Zander advised the audience to get involved and make their concerns known to the county. He stated this could have impact on development within the county. Another question arose as to the total amount of dwelling units proposed east of Ranch0 Santa Fe Road; Mr. Zander stated approximately 2,200 units ultimately. -4- - Further conversation ensued relative to prospective traffic circulation and possible changes in alignment. A member of the audience wanted to know the projected timing of the phases; with the aid of a map, staff responded to the question. There was more general conversation relative to the Circulation Element; specific questions were answered and staff advised the audience that a copy of all documents relating to the proposed plan are on file in the city library. A question was asked about the proposed timing of the nine- hole golf course; this was responded to by Jim Goff, who advised that it is intended for the first phase and is an integral part of the development of the northwest areas in that homes would be built around it. He estimated the time of construction at three to five years. Commissioner Jose referred to an original plan for an eighteen hole golf course; Mr. Goff replied that the design would not work - there is simply not room for an eighteen hole course at this location. When asked, he stated that the golf course would cover 105 acres approximately. A member of the audience asked when Master Plan would be adopted; staff responded hopefully by the end of this year. Conversation ensued relative to the CC&R'S within La Costa, with specific emphasis on whose responsibility it is to enforce these conditions. Mr. Goff responded to the q,uestions and advised the audience to leave their names and addresses for specific information about the CC6Rl.S and he would contact them on an individual basis regarding the CCeR'S. It was aksed what the city's position is in regard to solar energy 9 solar rights, and solar developments. Commissioner Schick said that the Planning Commission does not get involved in the economics of solar energy; nor do they set construction standards or insulation requirements. The question of solar rights was pursued with the questioner citing an example of allowing a two-story building to be built when it would shade the solar screen of an adjacent building. Commissioner Schick responded that Carlsbad presently has no ordinance relative to solar energy per se. Tom Hageman advised the Commission and audience that an ordinance relative to solar energy is forthcoming from the Planning Department and would be presented to the Commission in the near future. He further advised the Commission that a committee for an Energy Element will soon be established. -5- General questions relative to traffic flow and traffic control problems at Olivenhain Road and El Camino Real were discussed. Mr. Zander advised that both the city and county are working on a traffic design at the present time. A question relative to the area north of Ranch0 Santa Fe Road asking whether or not this area is a part of the Master Plan was offered; Mr. Goff advised that this area is the San Marcos Reservoir; its purpose is the storage of reclaimed water for irrigation. The Commission continued this matter to October 1, 1980, at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers, 1200 Elm Avenue, Carlsbad, California. The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, JAMES C. HAGAMAN Secretary to the Planning Commission JCH:JD:ar -6-