HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-01-04; Planning Commission; MinutesPlanning Commission Minutes January 4, 2017 Page 1
Minutes of: PLANNING COMMISSION
Time of Meeting: 6:00 p.m.
Date of Meeting: January 4, 2017
Place of Meeting: COUNCIL CHAMBER
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Segall called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Anderson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Segall, Commissioners Anderson, Black, Goyarts, L’Heureux, Montgomery
and Siekmann
Absent: None
STAFF PRESENT
Don Neu, City Planner Ron Kemp, Assistant City Attorney
Farah Nisan, Secretary Shannon Werneke, Associate Planner
Carl Stiehl, Associate Planner Jeremy Riddle, Associate Engineer
Craig Williams, Transportation Manager Jennifer Horodyski, Assistant Engineer
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Segall asked if there were any corrections or revisions to the minutes of the meeting of December
7, 2016.
MOTION
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Black and duly seconded by Commissioner Siekmann to
approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 7, 2016.
VOTE: 5-0-2
AYES: Chairperson Segall, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner Goyarts and Commissioner Siekmann
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner L’Heureux and Commissioner Montgomery
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA
None.
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Planning Commission Minutes January 4, 2017 Page 2
PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
Chairperson Segall introduced new procedural matters for the 2017 calendar year that follow the League of California Cities’ adopted Rosenberg’s Rules of Order and Robert’s Rules of Order to help expedite the
Planning Commission meetings.
Assistant City Attorney Ron Kemp added that Planning Commission Resolution No. 6100 is also consistent with Rosenberg’s Rules of Order and Robert’s Rules of Order that sets out the procedures on how the
Planning Commission is to run the meetings.
Chairperson Segall asked Mr. Neu to introduce the first item and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 1.
1. ZCA 16-04/ZC 16-02/SP 207(L)/LCPA 16-03 – PROP D CANNON ROAD
AGRICULTURAL/OPEN SPACE ZONE — A request for a recommendation of approval of an amendment to Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 21 (Zoning Ordinance) to add Chapter
21.209 Cannon Road Agricultural/Open Space Zone (CR-A/OS), and recommending approval of other related amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map, Carlsbad
Ranch Specific Plan, and the Local Coastal Program.
Mr. Neu introduced Agenda Item 1 and stated Associate Planner Carl Stiehl would make the staff presentation.
Mr. Stiehl gave a brief presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions.
Chairperson Segall asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Anderson inquired about the height within Planning Area 8 and page 67 of the Carlsbad
Ranch Specific Plan. She asked if there was a conflict with the height in the new zone regulations and the specific plan. Mr. Stiehl responded that there was not a conflict because the specific plan covers the entire
450+ acres and the new zone height regulations supersede the regulations in just the two parcels. Mr. Neu gave additional supporting clarifications that there was not a conflict and that the two sections on page 67
cover two different areas of the specific plan.
Commissioner Montgomery asked what becomes of the existing under crossings as part of the original specific plan that were constructed based on future actions that will come on those properties. Mr. Stiehl
replied stating that the proposed trails in planning area 5 would connect to those under crossings on Legoland Drive and Cannon Road and the proposed trails that will be added will allow for those additional
connections to be used in the future.
Chairperson Segall asked if there were any further questions of staff. Seeing none, he asked if any member of the audience wished to speak on the item and opened public testimony.
Chris Calkins, Suite 204, 7220 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, spoke in support of the zone change and stated
that it represents a reasonable compromise.
Chairperson Segall asked if any other members in the audience wished to speak on the item. Seeing none, Chairperson Segall closed public testimony on Agenda Item 1.
Planning Commission Minutes January 4, 2017 Page 3
MOTION
ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Montgomery and duly seconded by Commissioner Siekmann that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution
No. 7217 recommending approval of an Addendum to the Negative Declaration for
previously approved “PROP D – CANNON ROAD AGRICULTURAL/OPEN SPACE LANDS ZCA 09-02/ZC 09-06/SP 207(I)/SP 144(K)/LCPA 09-05,” and Resolution No.
7218 recommending approval of PROP D CANNON ROAD AGRICULTURAL/OPEN SPACE ZONE ZCA 16-04, ZC 16-02, SP 207(L), and LCPA 16-03, based on the findings contained therein including the errata sheet dated January 4, 2017
VOTE: 7-0
AYES: Chairperson Segall, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner Goyarts, Commissioner L’Heureux, Commissioner Montgomery and Commissioner Siekmann
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Chairperson Segall closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 1, asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 2.
2. RP 16-05/MS 16-06 – CARLSBAD VILLAGE LOFTS – Request for a recommendation of
approval of a Major Review Permit and Minor Subdivision to demolish an existing restaurant and remove a 57-foot-tall freeway pole sign for the construction of a four-story,
45-foot-tall, mixed-use project, including ground floor retail and office uses and 106 residential apartments, 16 of which will be designated as inclusionary housing units. The
site is located at 1044 Carlsbad Village Drive in Land Use District 3 of the Village Review zone and within Local Facilities Management Zone 1. The project qualifies as a CEQA
Guidelines Section 15332 (In-Fill Development Projects) Class 32 Categorical Exemption.
Mr. Neu introduced Agenda Item 2 and stated Associate Planner Shannon Werneke would make the staff presentation.
Ms. Werneke gave a brief presentation and stated she would be available to answer any questions.
Chairperson Segall stated that a letter has been submitted to the Commission from Preserve Calavera and
asked if there were any questions of staff.
Commissioner Goyarts asked if there were any concerns as to what may happen with the freeway. Ms. Werneke stated no additional right of way is required for future work on I-5 and a sound wall is not
anticipated to be constructed on the eastern property line. She stated that a retaining wall would be associated with the improvements adjacent to the off ramp.
Commissioner Anderson asked if the project is located in a zone that allows for short term rentals. Mr. Neu
stated no.
Chairperson Segall asked if the project meets the proposed Village and Barrio Master Plan ordinances the way that they’re currently proposed. Ms. Werneke stated that mixed use is anticipated to be added to the
Village and Barrio Master Plan, however; since staff is in the process of reworking the design guidelines and possibly revisiting the redevelopment standards, she felt that it was not worthwhile to review the project
against the current Master Plan because of changes that will be proposed.
Chairperson Segall asked if there were any further questions of staff. Seeing none, he asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation.
Evan Gerber, 1044 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, and Doug Austin, 12943 Via Latina, Del Mar, project
architect made a presentation.
Planning Commission Minutes January 4, 2017 Page 4
Chairperson Segall asked if there were questions of the applicant.
Commissioner Anderson asked where the closest crosswalk to the south side of Carlsbad Village Drive is located to get to the shopping center across the street. Mr. Gerber stated that a pedestrian will walk west
on Carlsbad Village Drive and cross at Harding Street. Commissioner Montgomery asked what the purpose of the live-work unit is. Mr. Austin stated that they felt
it was more appropriate for live-work units facing the pedestrian contact rather than facing the cul-de-sac. Commissioner Montgomery asked if there were any other elevator models or manufacturers were
considered to reduce the maximum height. Mr. Austin stated that they are willing to find one to fit the tightest clearance, generally speaking for a maintenance worker assumed to be riding on top of the elevator
for repairs. Commissioner Montgomery asked if the roof top decks will be screened from the freeway. Mr. Austin replied yes. Commissioner Montgomery asked if the transportation module would display real time
traffic. Mr. Gerber stated they would look into it.
Commissioner Goyarts inquired about the number of electric vehicle charging stations. Mr. Austin stated 4 charging stations. Ms. Werneke clarified that it is not currently on the project plans, however; there is a
condition crafted for the applicant to provide 4 charging stations if there is a desire to add this as a requirement in addition to solar thermal water heater on the roof. Commissioner Goyarts asked if 4 charging
stations are sufficient for 106 units. Ms. Werneke stated it is not required for the project. Commissioner Goyarts asked if there will be motorcycle and scooter parking available. Mr. Austin replied yes.
Commissioner Black asked if there will be management onsite. Mr. Gerber stated yes, the project will be
professionally managed with a leasing consultant as well as an engineer and a porter onsite daily.
Chairperson Segall asked if onsite management would occupy the live-work units. Mr. Gerber replied stating no, they will be in the residential lobby/leasing office.
Commissioner L’Heureux asked if bicycle repair services will be available as part of the amenities. Mr. Gerber stated that it would be located in the bike storage facility in the parking garage. He stated that it
would be an amenity to consider and that it is not a part of the plans. Chairperson Segall asked if the intent for the commercial structures will be for food services. Mr. Austin stated the commercial tenants have not been confirmed. Commissioner Segall inquired about the location
of loading areas for commercial service vehicles. Mr. Austin stated that there are three options for parking of delivery vehicles, one located on Grand Avenue for larger service trucks and the rest will be based on
off-store timing located at the retail parking area that acts as a loading service area during certain hours. He concluded that the third option for smaller vehicles under 10 feet high could utilize the garage for the
vehicles to pull in. Chairperson Segall inquired about off-hour times for off-loading. Mr. Austin stated that depending on the tenants for commercial retail, they would offload in the morning and the larger trucks will
be encouraged to utilize Grand Avenue. Chairperson Segall asked if it would be encouraged or managed. Mr. Austin clarified that it would be managed. Ms. Werneke stated that it would be challenging for staff to
enforce due to odd hours of the night although it could be included as a condition for assurance. Chairperson Segall asked how the tenant moving trucks will be managed for 106 units. Mr. Austin stated
the timing of move ins will be carefully managed and Grand Avenue will be utilized for larger moving trucks.
Chairperson Segall asked if there were any further questions for the applicant. Seeing none, he asked if any members of the audience wished to address Agenda Item 2. Chairperson Segall opened public
testimony. The following speakers spoke in favor in the project:
Farzad Tadayon, 640 Sand Shell Avenue, Carlsbad
Wendy Austin, 12943 Via Latina, Del Mar Chris Velasco, 5480 Foxtail Loop, Carlsbad
Ann Saurman, 4890 Alondra Way, Carlsbad Bill Sonneman, 1416 Paru Street, Alameda
Dan Weis, 6453 Goldenbush Drive, Carlsbad Robert Wilkinson, 2277 Cameo Road, Carlsbad
Mark Benjamin, 2689 State Street, Carlsbad
Planning Commission Minutes January 4, 2017 Page 5
Diane Nygaard, Preserve Calavera, 5020 Nighthawk Way, Oceanside, stated her concerns with excess parking and greenhouse gas emissions in Carlsbad.
Patricia Amador, Suite A, 3256 Lincoln Street, Carlsbad, stated her concerns with the Village and Barrio
Master Plan, asked where the inclusionary housing units and reduced parking will be located. Ms. Amador inquired about access to the public plaza that is proposed.
Chairperson Segall asked if there were any other members of the audience who wished to speak on the
item.
Christine Wright, 4902 Via Aracepa, Carlsbad, stated her concerns with tenants living next to the freeway, the building height and stated that she would not like to see the village turned into an urban development.
Chairperson Segall asked if there were any other members of the audience who wished to speak on the
item. Seeing none, he asked if the applicant could respond to the issues raised and closed public testimony.
Mr. Gerber stated that the inclusionary housing units and the reduced parking spaces will be disbursed throughout the project. Mr. Austin stated that the corridors accessing the units are along the freeway so
that the residents’ views and noise impacts are minimized.
Commissioner Siekmann asked what future plans are for the Motel 6 site. Mr. Gerber stated that the Motel will continue to operate during and after the construction. She asked if the 24 foot wide emergency access
lane adjacent to the eastern elevation of the building located in an excessively noisy area will be counted in the required open space. Ms. Werneke stated yes, however; the project exceeds the open space
requirements. She clarified that 19,427 square feet of open space is required for the site and the project has 68,000 square feet of open space which includes the retail plaza, court yards, balconies and the roof
top decks. Commissioner Siekmann inquired about the number of people considered in a high turnover restaurant.
Jeremy Louden, LDN Consulting, stated an average daily trip of 1,120 vehicles per day based on what a
traffic study would analyze. Mr. Neu stated that those rates are taken from the SANDAG traffic generation rates.
Commissioner L’Heureux asked where guest parking for the residential units will be located. Mr. Gerber
stated guest parking is not required and that there will be retail parking on the internal street available at night. He added that there will be a few stalls available for guest parking inside the residential garage that
are not allocated to residential units. Commissioner L’Heureux asked if the units were for sale. Mr. Gerber stated no, they are all rental units.
Commissioner Anderson asked if there is a loading zone or a future resident parking. Mr. Gerber stated
yes, in front of the lobby adjacent to Motel 6 located next to Grand Avenue.
Commissioner Siekmann asked what other measures the applicant is willing to do for lowering GHG’s for the project. Mr. Austin stated a Power Purchase Agreement was considered which would provide energy
onsite.
MOTION
A motion was made by Commissioner Montgomery, which was seconded by Commissioner Siekmann, to add a condition requiring the applicant to install solar thermal heating for domestic hot water, five (5) vehicle
charging stations (4 residential and 1 commercial), and photovoltaic cells on the roof to generate electricity for the mixed use building. The Commission voted 7-0 to approve the amendment.
A motion was made by Commissioner Montgomery, which was seconded by Commissioner Siekmann, to
require the owner to manage both the commercial and apartment loading/unloading for the project. The property owner of Parcel A shall prohibit loading/unloading or obstruction along the 24-foot wide common
drive aisle serving Parcel A and Parcel B, nor any emergency fire lanes. Onsite commercial deliveries to Parcel A shall be made during off-peak hours using available parking spaces in the parking garage
dedicated to the commercial operation of Parcel A or available parking spaces along the 24-foot wide drive aisle that are dedicated to the commercial operation on Parcel A. Property owner of Parcel A shall ensure
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Planning Commission Minutes January.4, 2017 Page6
parking spaces dedicated to Parcel B are not impacted by either: 1) onsite deliveries or 2) apartment
loading/unloading. Property owner of Parcel A shall also coordinate delivery times to limit impacts to
residents. The Commission voted 7-0 to approve the amendment.
A motion was made by Commissioner Montgomery, which was seconded by Commissioner Siekmann, to
reduce the height of the elevator shafts to the maximum extent feasible. The Commission voted 7-0 to
approve the amendment.
The applicant concurred with the recommended changes presented by the Commission.
DISCUSSION
Commissioner Anderson stated that she is struggling with the compatibility and the character of the
architecture since it is a gateway project on Carlsbad Village Drive. She stated that she cannot support the
project.
MOTION
ACTION:
VOTE:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Motion by Commissioner Montgomery and duly seconded by Commissioner
Siekmann that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution
No. 7220 recommending approval of Major Review Permit RP 16-05 and Minor
Subdivision MS 16-06 to the City Council based on the findings and subject to the
conditions contained therein as amended including the errata sheet dated January
4, 2017.
6-1
Chairperson Segall, Commissioner Black, Commissioner Goyarts, Commissioner
L'Heureux, Commissioner Montgomery and Commissioner Siekmann
Commissioner Anderson
None
ABSTAIN : None
Chairperson Segall closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 2.
COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commissioner Siekmann commented that she feels the CAP is important and stated that we are lucky
having an applicant that is willing to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Neu stated that staff will be
preparing energy conservation ordinances and that there will be a scale difference that is tied to the CEQA
requirement.
CITY PLANNER COMMENTS
Mr. Neu stated that the League of California Cities Planning Commissioners Academy handout has been
provided to the Commission.
CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
By proper motion, the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of January 4, 2017 was adjourned at
9 [m~
DON NEU
City Planner
Farah Nisan
Minutes Clerk