Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-03; Planning Commission; Minutes(i) PLANNING COMMISSION Minutes . City Council Chamber 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 Wednesday, April 3, 2019 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Luna called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Chair Luna, Commissioners Anderson, Geidner, Lafferty, Meenes, Merz, and Stine STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Attorney Kemp, City Planner Neu, Senior Planner Goff, Associate Planner Garcia, Associate Planner . Drew, Engineering Manager Ge Ide rt, Associate Engineer Chua and Administrative Secretary Flores PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Merz led the Pledge of Allegiance Chair Luna directed everyone's attention to the slide on the screen to review the procedures the Commission would be following for that evening's public hearing. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA: Chair Luna asked if there were any requests from the public to speak on items not listed on the agenda. Seeing none, she opened the public hearing. PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING: Chair Luna opened the public hearing for Item 1. 1. CDP 2018-0020/V 2018-0013/NCP 18-0005 (DEV2018-0036) -BUCCOLA ADDITION -Request for approval ofa Coastal Development Permit, MinorVariance and Nonconforming Construction Permit to 1) allow f9r a 3,325-square-foot one-and two-story addition to an existing 3,499-square-foot one-story single-family home with basement; and 2) allow for a reduced front yard setback from 20 feet to 10 feet on property located at 5031 Tierra Del Oro within the Mello II segment of the city's Local Coastal Program and Local Facilities Management Zone 3. The project site is 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 Sections 15301(e)(2) - Existing Facilities; and Section 15305(a)-Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations of the state CEQA Guidelines. City Planner Neu introduced Agenda Item 1 and stated Senior Planner Goff would make the staff presentation (on file in the Planning Division). STAFF PRESENTATION: Senior Planner Goff gave the presentation. Chair Luna asked if there were additional questions of staff. Commissioner Lafferty asked for further information on the property almost doubling in size. Planning Commission Minutes April 3, 2019 Page2 Senior Planner Goff stated the non-conforming construction ordinance was expanded awhile back and as long as the setbacks are met, the amount a property can expand is not limited. Commissioner Lafferty asked if the size of the expansion will increase facility demand. Senior Planner Goff stated no, it does not. Commissioner Lafferty asked if fire sprinklers would be required due to the size of the expansion. Senior Planner Goff stated he does not have the answer to that question. He stated the City Building Official would make that determination, however the building would have to meet all California building codes. Commissioner Lafferty asked how the property design is consistent with the neighborhood. Senior Planner Goff stated the general design is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. Commissioner Geidner asked if there was a geotechnical study conducted since the building will become heavier with the addition. Senior Planner Goff stated there was a study done in relation to the property and the bluff. He stated the report came back stating the addition will not have a significant geotechnical impact to the bluff. Chair Luna asked if the applicant would like to make a presentation. APPLICANT PRESENTATION: James Chinn, Architect, Del Mar CA, made a presentation and stated he would be available to answer questions. Commissioner Geidner asked how storm water will be handled on the site. Mr. Chinn stated the storm water will come through the landscaped areas and percolate through the ground. Commissioner Lafferty stated her concern that because this is an addition the project will most likely not be required to install sprinklers. Mr. Chinn stated if sprinklers are required they will install them. City Planner Neu stated if the project is approved, the next step for the applicant would be a plan check review by the Fire Prevention and Building departments to determine if sprinklers will be required. Assistant City Attorney Kemp stated the Planning Commission does not determine if sprinklers are required that will happen in the building and plan check area. Chair Luna asked if there were additional questions for the applicant. Seeing none, she asked if there were any members of the public who wished to speak on the project. Seeing none, she opened and closed public testimony. Planning Commission Minutes April 3, 2019 Page 3 MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Anderson and duly seconded by Commissioner Meenes to Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7325 APPROVING Coastal Development Permit 2018- 0020, Minor Variance V 2018-0013, and Nonconforming Construction Permit NCP 18-0005, based upon the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. VOTE: 6-1 AYES: Chair Luna, Commissioners Anderson, Geidner, Meenes, Merz, and Stine NOES: Commissioner Lafferty Chair Luna closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 1. Chair Luna opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 2. 2. CT 2017-0006/SDP 2018-0013 (DEV2017-0213) -ROOSEVELT TOWNHOMES -Request for a recommendation of approval of a Tentative Tract Map and Site Development Plan to construct a five-unit, residential air-space condominium project on a 0.22-acre site located at 2569 Roosevelt Street in the Village General (VG) District of the Village and Barrio Master Plan and within Local Facilities Management Zone 1. The City Planner has determined that this 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 is therefore categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents pursuant to section 15332 (In- fill Development Projects) of the State CEQA guidelines. City Planner Neu introduced Agenda Item 2 and stated Associate Planner Garcia would make a staff presentation (on file in the Planning Division). DISCLOSURES: Commissioner Stine recused himself due to a conflict of interest. Commissioner Lafferty stated she drove by the site. Commissioner Merz stated he drove by the site. Commissioner Meenes stated he drove by the site. Chair Luna stated she drove by the site. STAFF PRESENTATION: Associate Planner Garcia gave the presentation. Commissioner Meenes asked why one of the buildings is a duplex and the others are stand alone . Associate Planner Garcia stated the original design came in as standalone units however the space between the units were very small providing little usable yard. He stated it was recommended by staff to attach at least two of the units to create usable yards between the structures at ground level. Planning Commission Minutes April 3, 2019 Commissioner Anderson asked where the trash receptacles would be stored. Associate Planner Garcia stated storage is located within the exclusive use area. Commissioner Lafferty asked for an explanation on the in-lieu fee for the inclusionary housing. Page4 Associate Planner Garcia stated the City's requirement for projects under seven units, this one is five, qualifies for the in-lieu housing fee which is currently $4515 per unit for four units. He stated they get credit for the existing single-family home on site unless they do not build the project within two years of demolishing that home. Commissioner Lafferty stated that seems to be a low fee to be exempt from creating inclusionary housing. She stated the area is situated near transit and has there been any discussion about bicycle storage on the site . Associate Planner Garcia stated bike storage is currently not a code requirement, however each two-car attached garage will have adequate storage inside or in the front entry on the ground level. City Planner Neu stated the way the in-lieu fee is currently set up it is to allow smaller projects to have a reduced impact to their finances by complying with the inclusionary ordinance. He stated City Council has asked housing staff to review the fee since it is quite dated. Commissioner Lafferty stated her concern is that the area is readily accessible to transit and would like to see inclusionary units in the area . Commissioner Geidner asked if the project was submitted under the new village and barrio master plan. Associate Planner Garcia stated the project was submitted under the old village and barrio master plan, however, the new master plan was approved during project review. Therefore, the project was reanalyzed to ensure it was consistent with the new master plan. Commissioner Anderson asked if the project was at the highest possible density for the site. Associate Planner Garcia stated yes, the site allows for a minimum of four units and a maximum of five. He stated the project is five units. APPLICANT PRESENTATION: Scott Frontis, Architect, San Diego CA, made the presentation and stated he would be available to answer questions. Chair Luna asked if there were questions for the applicant. Commissioner Anderson stated the design is very nice. Commissioner Lafferty stated the design is well articulated. Chair Luna asked if there were additional questions for the applicant. Seeing none, she asked if there were any members of the public who wished to speak on the project. Seeing none, she opened and closed public testimony. Planning Commission Minutes April 3, 2019 Page 5 MOTION: ACTION : Motion by Commissioner Meenes and duly seconded by Commissioner Merz to Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7326 RECOMMENDING APPROVAL of Tentative Tract Map CT 2017-0006 and Site Development Plan SDP 2018-0013, based upon the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. VOTE: 6-0-1 AYES: Chair Luna, Commissioners Anderson, Geidner, Meenes, Merz, and Lafferty NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Stine Chair Luna closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 2. Chair Luna opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 3. 3. AMEND 2018-0007/AMEND 2018-0008 {DEV2018-173) -ENCINA WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY-Request for a recommendation of approval of a Precise Development Plan Amendment and a Coastal Development Permit Amendment to allow for the: 1) construction of a new grit and screenings annex including applicable equipment; 2) repair, rehabilitation and replacement of existing aging infrastructure through the preliminary and primary areas; 3) construction of 21 new parking spaces to the east of the existing administration building; and 4) construction of a waste hauling truck turn-around area, all within the Mello II Segment of the city's Local Coastal Program and located at 6200 Avenida Encinas within Local Facilities Management Zone 3. The project is appealable to the California Coastal Commission per Section 30603(a)(S) of the Public Resources Code of the California Coastal Act, which states any development which constitutes a major public· works project or major energy facility costing $100,000 or more is appealable to the 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 15301 (Existing Facilities). City Planner Neu introduced Agenda Item 3 and stated Associate Planner Drew would make the staff presentation (on file in the Planning Division). DISCLOSURES: Commissioner Stine stated he drove by the site. Commissioner Lafferty stated she went by the site. Commissioner Meenes stated he drove by the site. Commissioner Geidner recused herself due to a conflict of interest. STAFF PRESENTATION: Associate Planner Drew gave the presentation. Planning Commission Minutes April 3, 2019 Page 6 Chair Luna asked if there were additional questions of staff. Commissioner Stine asked if after the project is complete, will staff of Encina Wastewater be better protected from exposure to odors. Associate Planner Drew stated yes, that is her understanding. Commissioner Meenes asked what the current parking is on site. Associate Planner Drew stated the parking is spread out around the building. She deferred to the plant manager for a better explanation. Commissioner Meenes asked if there was a noise study done. Associate Planner Drew stated there was not a noise study done, there was an environmental study done. She stated the equipment is housed inside the building and no additional noise pollution would occur. Commissioner Anderson asked about the electrical vehicle charging station requirement. She stated that the plant is already highly energy efficient and that she feels they are being penalized. She asked if there is an alternative to the electric vehicle charging station such as solar panels due to the estimated cost of the charging station. Associate Planner Drew stated the ordinances that were recently approved by city council are in effect. She stated there were other energy efficiency conditions that were removed due to the current energy efficiency of the plant. She stated the Transportation Management Plan was kept on and the charging stations are required. She stated that is not necessarily related to energy efficiency but to the City's Climate Action Plan ordinance. Commissioner Anderson asked if there was any leeway since the applicant is a public utility. Associate Planner Drew stated that each development is treated the same . She stated staff is working with the applicant to determine what their options are such as the charging station being placed in an adjacent property where employees or visitors could have access to use it. She stated that if it is determined that it is infeasible, then they do not have to install the charging stations however, the applicant has not had time to research the installation of the charging station. Assistant City Attorney Kemp stated they would be required by State EV Codes and that the City's ordinance is an enhancement of State codes. Commissioner Anderson asked if the city could cut back the requirement for the stations to be EV ready and not install them. Assistant City Attorney Kemp stated that the Planning Commission does not have that authority because it is an ordinance that was passed by the City Council. Commissioner Merz asked how the feasibility of cost on the EV requirement is made. Assistant City Attorney Kemp stated the State code doesn't define how feasibility is determined. He stated we will have to look at that on a case by case basis. Planning Commission Minutes April 3, 2019 Page 7 Commissioner Lafferty asked what other municipalities or jurisdictions are reviewing the project. Associate Planner Drew stated she was not sure. She deferred to the applicant. Assistant City Attorney Kemp stated the ordinance contains two conditions related to infeasibility. He stated one would be insufficient electrical supply and the second is where there is evidence suitable to the local enforcing agency substantiating the additional local utility infrastructure design requirements directly related to the implementation may adversely impact the construction cost of the project. Chair Luna asked if there were any additional questions of staff. Seeing none, she asked if the applicant would like to make a presentation. APPLICANT PRESENTATION : Scott Mclellan, Managing Director of Encina Wastewater Authority, Carlsbad CA, made the presentation and stated he would be available to answer questions. Chair Luna asked if there were additional questions for the applicant. Commissioner Stine asked if any other member agency cities have reviewed the project through their planning commission. Mr. Mclellan stated the project does not go directly to those governing bodies. He stated it only comes to Carlsbad since they are the host city when it comes to land use. Commissioner Lafferty asked if the plant generates its own power. Mr. Mclellan states yes, approximately 86 percent of the power used by the plant is self-generated. Commissioner Meenes asked what has prompted the improvements to the facility. Mr. Mclellan stated the project is a repair project and an upgrade to the equipment on the site. Commissioner Meenes asked how th~y determined the project will take two years to complete. Mr. Mclellan stated the project timeline was designed to allow the plant to continue functioning while the work is being done. Chair Luna asked if there were any further questions of the applicant. Seeing none, she asked if there were any members of the public who wished to speak on the project. Seeing none, she opened and closed public testimony. MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Stine and duly seconded by Commissioner Meenes to Adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7327 and 7328 RECCOMMENDING APPROVAL of Precise Development Plan Amendment AMEND 2018-0007 and Coastal Development Permit Amendment AMEND 2018-0008, based upon the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. Planning Commission Minutes April 3, 2019 VOTE: 6-0-1 AYES: NOES: Chair Luna, Commissioners Anderson, Meenes, Merz, Lafferty and Stine None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Geidner Chair Luna closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 3. A five-minute recess was called. Meeting called back to order at 7:26 p.m. 4. DISCUSSION OF RESIDENTIAL DESIGN STANDARDS: Page 8 City Planner Neu made a staff presentation on residential design standards (on file in the Planning Department). PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Anderson stated she would like to craft a specific plan for residential design standards. She stated she would like to see the standards that address all four sides of a building, or four-sided articulation. She stated she is in favor of creating objective guidelines. Commissioner Stine asked if there are applicants or developers who are not clear on current standards or is it an issue for staff. City Planner Neu stated it has been a mix. He stated some applicants like freedom in their design and others like to have specific standards laid out with expectations they will get a positive response on their design. He stated from the perspective of staff, having a clear set of standards is helpful. Commissioner Geidner stated having specific design guidelines would be beneficial in the larger density projects to get a good-looking project. She stated the presentation given by the City of Livermore broke design standards down by building type and focused on the new building being in context with the existing ones. Commissioner Stine asked if the standards would mostly be geared towards new condominium and apartment developments. City Planner Neu stated yes, mostly towards apartments. He stated the city does not currently have specific design standards for apartments. Commissioner Stine asked if a consultant would need to be hired to accomplish this project. City Planner Neu stated yes, a consultant would need to be involved and does not currently have a specific cost. Commissioner Lafferty asked if any properties in Carlsbad were registered as historical sites. City Planner Neu stated he believes parts of Carrillo Ranch are nationally registered. Planning Commission Minutes April 3, 2019 · Page 9 Commissioner Lafferty stated that perhaps the City of Carlsbad can look at what community character looks like in relation to historical buildings. She suggested that design guidelines incorporate historical buildings. She suggested getting historical preservation involved or someone serving as a liaison between the Planning Commission and the Historical Preservation Commission. She stated her big concern is the height of new development. Commissioner Geidner stated many design guidelines she reviewed from other cities strongly encouraged certain standards, not required them. She stated this is really needed in the larger density projects. Commissioner Stine stated the city already has many master planned communities, design standards in the village and barrio area and he does not think the time and cost it would take to develop new design standards are currently justified. Chair Luna stated the commission should consider where funds would be best spent if they were to request them for any project. She stated there are many master plans that have design guidelines and if there is an issue with one then the commission can request to amend them. Commissioner Merz stated most master plans design standards are broken up geographically. He suggested having objective guidelines towards a product type, specifically multifamily residential, and not necessarily by geographical location. Commissioner Geidner suggested re-writing a portion of the city's municipal code. Assi.stant City Attorney Kemp stated they could look at where in the code something could be changed and make a recommendation. He stated any changes would need to be approved by the Coastal Commission. Commissioner Anderson stated she would like the Planning Commission to make a recommendation to the City Council for the commission to explore developing Citywide design standards. Commissioner Meenes stated he would like the commission to wait on making a recommendation until a work plan for the Planning Commission is developed. Commissioner Stine stated he would like the commission to wait as well until the work plan is developed. Commissioner Geidner asked when the work plan would come to the Planning Commission. City Planner Neu stated the proposal would come to the Planning Commission between June and July. MOTION: ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Anderson and duly seconded by Commissioner Lafferty to make a recommendation _to the City Council that the Planning Commission create residential design standards. VOTE: 2-5 AYES: Commissioners Anderson and Lafferty NOES: Chair Luna, Commissioners Geidner, Meenes, Merz and Stine Planning Commission Minutes April 3, 2019 Page 10 MOTION:· ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Meenes and duly seconded by Commissioner Stine to table the recommendation to the City Council, request that City Planner Neu look at the most time efficient way to add or create residential design guidelines, request that City Planner Neu consider the item as part of the work plan and that the Planning Commission discuss the item at that time. VOTE: 6-1 AYES: Chair Luna, Commissioners Geidner, Meenes, Merz, Lafferty and Stine NOES: Commissioner Anderson PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS: None CITY PLANNER REPORTS: City Planner Neu stated there was an appeal filed on the Romeria Pointe Apartments project that will go to City Council. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS: None ADJOURNMENT: The Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of April 3, 2019, was adjourned at 8:56 p.m. Don Neu -City Planner Melissa Flores -Minutes Clerk