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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-10-05; Planning Commission; MinutesPlanning Commission Minutes October 5, 2016 CORRECTED Page 1 Minutes of: Time of Meeting: Date of Meeting: Place of Meeting: PLANNING COMMISSION 6:00p.m. October 5, 2016 COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Anderson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Montgomery led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Anderson, Commissioners Black, L'Heureux, Goyarts, Montgomery, Segall and Siekmann Absent: None STAFF PRESENT Don Neu, City Planner Heather Stroud, Deputy City Attorney Farah Nisan, Senior Office Specialist Van Lynch, Principal Planner Jason Goff, Senior Planner Austin Silva, Associate Planner Chris Garcia, Associate Planner Jason Geldert, Engineering Manager Mike Peterson, Development Services Manager Glen Van Peski, Community & Economic Development Director Craig Williams, Public Works Transportation Manager PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA None. PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING Chairperson Anderson asked Mr. Neu to introduce the first item and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 1. 1. CUP 16-05-JEWISH COLLABORATIVE SAN DIEGO-Request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow the Jewish Collaborative San Diego to install a 3,868 square foot mobile building and operate a sanctuary on property located at 7805 Centella Street in the RD-M zone, in Local Facilities Management Zone 6. The City Planner has determined that the project belongs to a class of projects that the State Secretary of Resources has found do not have a significant impact on the environment, and is therefore categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents pursuant to Section 15303(c)-New Construction of Small Structures. 2. COP 16-27-EVELYN TABATA RESIDENCE LOT 3-Request for approval of a Coastal Development Permit to allow for the construction of a 4,268 square foot single-family residence with an attached two-car garage and attached one-car garage within the Mello II Segment of the city's Local Coastal Program generally located on the east side of Strawberry Place (Lot 3 of CT 06-15) within Local Facilities Management Zone 20. The project site is not within the appealable area of the California Coastal Commission. The Planning Commission Minutes October 5, 2016 Page2 City Planner has determined that the project belongs to a class of projects that the State Secretary for Resources has found do not have a significant impact on the environment, and it is therefore categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents pursuant to Section 15303(a), construction of a single family residence, of the state CEQA Guidelines. 3. COP 16-26-TABATA RANCH LOT 4-Request for approval of a Coastal Development Permit to allow for the construction of a 4,308 square foot single-family residence with an attached two-car garage and attached 443 square foot guest house within the Mello II Segment of the city's Local Coastal Program generally located at the southern terminus of Strawberry Place (Lot 4 of CT 06-15) within Local Facilities Management Zone 20. The project site is not within the appealable area of the California Coastal Commission. The City Planner has determined that the project belongs to a class of projects that the State Secretary for Resources has found do not have a significant impact on the environment, and it is therefore categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents pursuant to Section 15303(a), construction of a single family residence, of the state CEQA Guidelines. Mr. Neu stated Agenda Items 1, 2 and 3 would normally be heard in a public hearing context; however, the projects appear to be minor and routine in nature with no outstanding issues and staff recommends approval. He recommended that the public hearing be opened and closed, and that the Commission proceed with a vote as consent items. Staff would be available to respond to questions if the Commission or someone from the public wished to comment on Agenda Items 1, 2 and 3. Chairperson Anderson asked if any member of the audience wished to address Agenda Items 1, 2 or 3. Seeing none, she opened and closed public testimony. MOTION MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Segall and duly seconded by Commissioner L'Heureux that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7205 approving CUP 16-05 for a period of 5 years, based upon the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. VOTE: 7-0 AYES: Chairperson Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner Goyarts, Commissioner L'Heureux, Commissioner Montgomery, Commissioner Segall and Commissioner Siekmann NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Segall and duly seconded by Commissioner L'Heureux that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7204 approving Coastal Development Permit COP 16-27, based upon the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. VOTE: 7-0 AYES: Chairperson Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner Goyarts, Commissioner L'Heureux, Commissioner Montgomery, Commissioner Segall and Commissioner Siekmann NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Planning Commission Minutes October 5, 2016 Page 3 MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Segall and duly seconded by Commissioner L'Heureux that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7203 approving Coastal Development Permit COP 16-26, based upon the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. VOTE: 7-0 AYES: Chairperson Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner Goyarts, Commissioner L'Heureux, Commissioner Montgomery, Commissioner Segall and Commissioner Siekmann NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Anderson closed the public hearing on Agenda Items 1, 2 and 3, asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 4. 4. CT 15-11 -YADA FAMILY FARM SUBDIVISION-Request for adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Addendum; and approval of a Tentative Tract Map to subdivide a 4.57 acre site into 12 single-family residential lots and a remainder lot on property located at 1835 Buena Vista Way within Local Facilities Management Zone 1. The City Planner has determined that through the implementation of the proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and Addendum, the proposed project avoids the effects or mitigates the effects to a point where clearly no significant effect on the environment would occur, and there is no substantial evidence in light of the whole record before the City that the project may have a significant effect on the environment. Mr. Neu introduced Agenda Item 4 and stated Senior Planner Jason Goff would make the staff presentation. Mr. Goff gave a brief presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions. Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Montgomery asked if there will be additional soil testing after the grading. Mr. Goff stated that it is a part of the environmental health requirement. Commissioner Montgomery asked if the City of Carlsbad is protected. Mr. Goff replied yes, that has been done in the past. Chairperson Anderson asked if there any further questions of staff. Commissioner L'Heureux inquired about street lights and pedestrian lights as part of the project. Mr. Geldert stated that street lights will be evaluated for conformance with current engineering standards and added that there is no standard or need for pedestrian lights in that type of residential neighborhood. Chairperson Anderson asked if there any further questions of staff. Seeing none, she asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. Rod Bradley, BHA, gave a brief presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions. Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any questions of the applicant. Seeing none, she asked if any person in the audience wished to speak on the item. Seeing none, Chairperson Anderson opened and closed public testimony on Agenda Item 4. DISCUSSION Commissioner Montgomery commented that he can approve the project. Commissioner Black stated that he can approve the project. Planning Commission Minutes October 5, 2016 Page4 Commissioner Siekmann commented that she can also approve the project. Commissioner L'Heureux commented that he can support this mish mash of a project. Commissioner Segall stated he can also support the project. Chairperson Anderson commented that she can also approve the project. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Segall and duly seconded by Commissioner Siekmann that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7201 adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and Addendum; and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7202 approving Tentative Tract Map (CT 15-11 }, based upon the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. VOTE: 7-0 AYES: Chairperson Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner Goyarts, Commissioner L'Heureux, Commissioner Montgomery, Commissioner Segall and Commissioner Siekmann NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Anderson closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 4, asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 5. 5. MP 178KIPUD 16-05/SDP 16-17/SUP 16-01/MS 16-04 -VIASAT BRESSI RANCH CAMPUS -Request for a determination that the project is within the scope of the previously certified Bressi Ranch Master Plan Program EIR and that the Program EIR adequately describes the activity for the purposes of CEQA; and approval of a Minor Master Plan Amendment, Site Development Plan, Scenic Corridor Special Use Permit, Non-Residential Planned Development Permit and Tentative Parcel Map for the re- subdivision of eight industrial lots to three on 23.1 acres of land, the development of 477,000 square feet (sq. ft.) of planned industrial/office and manufacturing space within five, two-and three-story buildings, a 7,500 sq. ft. cafe, a 9,140 sq. ft. conference center, and three parking structures on property generally located north of Town Garden Road, south of Gateway Road, east of El Camino Real, and west of Alicante Road in Local Facilities Management Zone 17. Mr. Neu introduced Agenda Item 5 and stated Principal Planner Van Lynch would make the staff presentation. Commissioner Goyarts stated that he would like to recuse himself. Mr. Lynch gave a brief presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions. Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner Montgomery asked if the pedestrian crossing on El Camino Real can be better managed so that the city is not inconvenienced. Mr. Neu stated that Craig Williams is available to answer any questions the Commission might have regarding the pedestrian crossing. Commissioner Montgomery stated that the signal is unacceptable as it is disruptive to drivers when pedestrians are not crossing. Mr. Neu commented that the signal is synchronized from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Chairperson Anderson asked if the signals are synchronized. Mr. Williams stated that there should not be any reason why the signal turns red at night. The signal for the pedestrian crosswalk is coordinated with Planning Commission Minutes October 5, 2016 Page 5 the east and west traffic flow with Palomar Airport Road and when westbound traffic is given green on Palomar Airport Road, the signal allows pedestrians to cross. Commissioner Montgomery stated that it would be a great improvement. Mr. Williams stated that staff as well as the traffic consultants would look into improving the signal coordination. Commissioner Segall stated that the pedestrian signal coordination has never worked since the approval of this project. He stated that the Commissioners were told that traffic priority goes to El Camino Real. Commissioner Siekmann concurs with Commissioners Montgomery and Segall and stated that she has also experienced the same issue with the red light during night hours and no pedestrians were present. Commissioner Segall stated that he wants the record to show that other commissioners share the same views on the signal coordination. Chairperson Anderson inquired about the amount of vehicles driving through the intersection. Mr. Williams stated that they would not be a burden. Commissioner Black asked if the compound of the campus is designed to hold the employees all in 1 area. Mr. Williams stated yes. Mr. Lynch referred to the reduced exhibit. Commissioner Segall stated that building 12 has a majestic, fantastic entry point however, it is lacking a point of entrance. Commissioner Black inquired about the parking garage elevations, if a set of trees were going to hide cars from the pedestrian's visibility and from other buildings, if landscaping was real and how the maintenance is going to be arranged. Mr. Lynch stated that the applicant would answer those questions. Commissioner Segall stated that the sign does not fit the building, will the signage be dinky and unreadable due to further setbacks. Mr. Neu stated that there are current provisions in the sign ordinance for a modified sign program and the criteria that if signage is disproportionate to the building there are allowances for the sign area and the letter height to be increased. He stated that the modified sign program allows for staff to increase the requirements by 15% and then an increase up to 30% would have to come to the Planning Commission for approval. Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any further questions of staff. Seeing none, she asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. Robert Roda, Vice President of security and facilities at ViaSat, 6155 El Camino Real, stated that the signage is currently being evaluated to add some interest to the property. He stated that ViaSat would be opened to pavers and sidewalks to the crosswalk located south on Gateway Road once cost tradeoffs have been determined. Mr. Roda stated that tall bamboo hedges in planters were added to the face of the parking structures to avoid residents looking into the structure at cars and is easy to be maintained by ViaSat. He stated that they appreciate the crosswalk as it is an integral part of the campus and will need to be maintained. Mr. Roda added that once the first two buildings are delivered on the east side of El Camino Real, there will be a massive shuffle as the core agencies of the business is currently being evaluated, to relocate all the government business to the west side of El Camino Real, and all the commercial, operations, and support organizations to the east side. He stated that ViaSat has proactively been taking traffic counts on the pedestrian crosswalk and 38 percent of employees cross between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mr. Roda stated that ViaSat is investing 15 million dollars in the first phase of the project to build a cafe and conference center that will accommodate growth of the entire project including the 3 existing buildings on the east side of El Camino Real. He added that an amenity is created for employees to stay on the east side, however employees will still utilize the crosswalk. Mr. Roda stated that 8 million dollars will be invested in the park that will be built in between the proposed buildings to afford the employees on the east side of El Camino Real the same amenities they have on the west side to minimize the back and forth of employees crossing. He concluded that he wanted to express his appreciation on behalf of ViaSat for the cooperation and support that all levels of city staff have exhibited for this project. Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any questions of the applicant. Planning Commission Minutes October 5, 2016 Page6 Commissioner Siekmann asked if the glare caused by sunset reflecting off of the green windows and onto drivers traveling from Palomar Airport Road has been considered. Mr. Roda stated that ViaSat would consider looking into that issue and also stated that there will be a significant amount of mature landscaping, once the project will be approved, as ViaSat will be immediately investing in the landscape so that by the time they are planted, there will be a year and a half growth on the landscaping. Commissioner Siekmann asked if the sale of this building is in the plan. Mr. Roda stated no, ViaSat is master planning for growth and that there are no plans on selling the building as of right now. Commissioner Siekmann asked if the noise levels from construction will be a part of the consideration for the residents who live nearby. Mr. Rod a stated yes. Commissioner Black asked what other areas are considered for future projects in Carlsbad. Mr. Roda stated if ViaSat's growth continued, somewhere such as the Oaks North where they could deliver more than one building. Commissioner Segall stated that it would be interesting to see the concept of live and work from the Bressi Ranch Master Plan. Commissioner Segall asked how many employees from Bressi Ranch would benefit from living close by ViaSat who can walk to work. Mr. Roda stated that most employees, under 60 percent, live in Encinitas and Carlsbad and a lot of employees who bike to work. He stated that the CEO, Mark Dankberg would like to meet with city staff to discuss bike lanes so that more employees could bike to work rather than driving. Commissioner Segall stated that it would be interesting to know how successful or not that urban planning concept is based on the approval of the Master Plan. Commissioner L'Heureux asked if the building will be LEED certified buildings. Mr. Roda replied stating no, they will likely not be LEED certified however, ViaSat is building in sustainability and are trying to do the right thing. Commissioner L'Heureux inquired about the extensive mature landscaping and if they are intended to be as similar to the renderings. Mr. Rod a stated that the renderings show landscaping projected for 3 years from occupancy. Chairperson Anderson asked if there are government and commercial on both sides of El Camino Real. Mr. Roda stated yes. Chairperson Anderson asked if there is a conference center located on the west side of El Camino Real. Mr. Roda replied stating yes, there are also multipurpose rooms available. Chairperson Anderson stated that bamboo is a burden to plant near the parking structures and urged Mr. Rota to be careful as it could become invasive very quickly. Mr. Roda stated that it will be surrounded by concrete. Chairperson Anderson asked if the awnings are architectural. Mr. Roda replied stating yes, the wooden look is designed to reflect a warm beach feel. Chairperson Anderson asked if there were any further questions of the applicant. Seeing none, she asked if any person in the audience wished to speak on the item. Seeing none, Chairperson Anderson opened and closed public testimony on Agenda Item 5. DISCUSSION Commissioner Montgomery commented he believes that ViaSat has established a presence in Carlsbad that the city greatly appreciates and also the citizens who work with ViaSat. He stated that the building located on the east side of El Camino Real is a great vision and especially building 12 being the center piece of the campus and stated that he can see how it all ties everything together. He stated that he applauds ViaSat for the particulars in the architecture that make it a focal point and that the project is outstanding. Commissioner Montgomery stated his concerns with the existing pedestrian crosswalk on El Camino Real that the city owns and concluded that he can approve the project. Commissioner Black stated that he is in awe with the project as it is very well designed. He added that ViaSat is one of Carlsbad's prime corporations in town and appreciates their location in the city. Commissioner Black commented that he is happy to see the city is on top of things and is in the motive of doing everything possible to help. Commissioner Black added that ViaSat's sponsorships have been well received over the years and hopes to see it continue in the future. He stated that he looks forward to the next expansion as his curiosity grows and concluded that he can approve the project. Commissioner Siekmann thanked staff and ViaSat for an excellent project and stated that building 12 is going to enhance the scenic view of the El Camino Real corridor. Commissioner Siekmann stated that she Planning Commission Minutes October 5, 2016 CORRECTED Page 7 especially appreciates what is being done with renewables and bicycling as it is most important to her. She stated that she is thrilled to support the project. Commissioner L'Heureux commented that this is a high quality project that had a tremendous amount of thought put into the design.. He stated that ViaSat is a major partner in our city and appreciates the commitment made to us. Commissioner L'Heureux stated that he shares Commissioner Siekmann's observation about glare from the large reflective glass and asked if ViaSat would look into the concerns to avoid a problem. He thanked ViaSat for their commitment to a culture of bicycling, sustainability and environmental awareness and hopes that they become a model for our community for what the corporate culture can be. Commissioner L'Heureux concluded that he is very pleased with mature landscaping, stated that this project is an excellent and beautiful addition to the campus, and that he can support the project without any reservation. Commissioner Segall stated that he concurs with his fellow Commissioners and appreciates what ViaSat has contributed to the community, the quality of the project, the park and all the amenities included as a whole environment. Commissioner Segall can support the project. Chairperson Anderson stated that she concurs with her fellow Commissioners and stated that she is happy to approve the project. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Segall and duly seconded by Commissioner L'Heureux that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7197 approving, Minor Master Plan Amendment (MP 178(K)), Non-Residential Planned Unit Permit (PUD 16-05), Site Development Plan (SOP 16-17), Scenic Corridor Special Use Permit (SUP 16-01) and Tentative Parcel Map (MS 16-04), based on the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. VOTE: 6-0 AYES: Chairperson Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner L'Heureux Commissioner Montgomery, Commissioner Segall and Commissioner Siekmann NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Goyarts ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Anderson closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 5. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Black stated that he would like to thank Mr. Lynch for his work on ViaSat's project. CITY PLANNER COMMENTS None. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS None. ADJOURNMENT By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of October 5, 2016 was adjourned at 7[m~ DON NEU City Planner Farah Nisan Minutes Clerk