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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-17; Planning Commission; MinutesPLANNING COMMISS I ON Minutes City Council Chamber 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive Carlsbad, CA 92008 March 17, 2021 CALL TO ORDER: 3:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Kamenjarin, Lafferty, Luna, Meenes, Merz, Sabellico, and Stine APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Commissioner Stine, seconded by Commissioner Luna, to approve the Jan. 6, 2021 meeting minutes. Motion carried 5/0/2 (Commissioners Kamenjarin and Sabellico abstained). Motion by Commissioner Luna, seconded by Commissioner Merz, to approve the Jan . 13, 2021 meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried 5/0/2 (Commissioners Kamenjarin and Sabellico abstained). Motion by Commissioner Luna, seconded by Chair Meenes, to approve the Jan. 20, 2021 meeting minutes. Motion carried 5/0/2 (Commissioners Kamenjarin and Sabellico abstained). Motion by Commissioner Luna, seconded by Commissioner Stine, to approve the Feb. 3, 2021 meeting minutes. Motion carried 7 /0. Motion by Commissioner Luna, seconded by Commissioner Lafferty, to approve the Feb. 17, 2021 meeting minutes as amended. Motion carried 7 /0. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA: None PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING: Chair Meenes 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. Ch!')ir Meenes opened the public hearing for Item 1. 1. SDP 2019-0005/CDP 2019-0013/MS 2019-0003 (DEV2018-0198) -BMW CARLSBAD -Request for approval of a Site Development Plan, Coastal Development Permit, and Tentative Parcel Map for the demolition of the existing buildings and the construction of a new 65,350 square-foot automobile dealership with a parking structure, located on a 3.7-acre lot at 1060 Auto Center Court, within the Car Country Carlsbad Specific Plan (SP 19(J)), the Mello II Segment of the Local Coastal Program and Local Facilities Management Zone 3. The project site is not located within the appealable area of the California Coastal Commission. 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. Planning Commission Minutes March 17, 2021 Page2 City Planner Neu introduced Agenda Item 1 and stated Associate Planner Danna would make the staff presentation (on file in the Planning Division). DISCLOSURES: Commissioner Lafferty visited the site and looked it up on Google Maps. Commissioners Merz, Stine and Chair Meenes drove by the site. Commissioners Sabellico and Luna have rented a car at the site. STAFF QUESTIONS: Commissioner Stine asked for a response to the letter sent by San Diego County regarding airport height issues. Associate Planner Danna responded that the letter identifies the project may be required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to file a notice for alterations exceeding 200 ft. above ground level. However, the proposed project does not meet the threshold for filing a notice to the FAA as it does not exceed 45 ft. above ground level. He stated that the letter is more of a courtesy notice on behalf of the County of San Diego. Commissioner Lafferty noted language on page 2 of the staff report stating that the Carlsbad Municipal Water District easement would be vacated, and a new water district easement would be dedicated. She asked what the difference between both water easements will be and if it is affecting the building location on the site. Associate Planner D~nna responded that the existing water easement is located on an area of the site that the proposed building would cover. He added that the new easement is moved towards the outer perimeter of the site for water line accessibility purposes. He stated that building setbacks and the required fire lane are the driving factors in the buildings location. Commissioner Lafferty asked what a quitclaim is with regard to the water easement, as is stated on page 10 of the resolution. Assistant City Attorney ·Kemp responded that to quitclaim an easement means giving an easement back as is and water pipes will not be removed from the ground. He added that CMWD has moved away from owning water pipes on private property. Engineering Manager Geldert added that the existing easement is for the waterlines that loop around the property and the easement will be quitclaimed. He added there may be a smaller easement to monitor a detector check valve for fire department use, and that all water lines on site will be private. APPLICANT QUESTIONS: Commissioner Luna asked for the addition of language to condition 11 stating where landscaping is proposed in front of monument signs, consideration should be given so that height or vegetation does not obstruct monument lettering. The applicant agreed to the request. Commissioner Merz asked for input regarding a traffic analysis letter submitted by resident Steve Linke. Planning Commission Minutes March 17, 2021 Page 3 Engineering Manager Geldert responded with a summary of the TIA TOM Plan concerns. He noted that a TOM was required and meets thresholds of the General Plan Mobility Element Policy as required through ordinance. He stated that the TSM Mitigation was a requirement of the Transportation Department which determined what was adequate for this project. He stated the Transit LOS calculations were made in accordance with TIA guidelines, multi-use trails and public transit don't affect the analysis, and the TOM Plan meets the highest standards. He added that the TOM plan and measures will be monitored and adjusted as necessary to meet climate action plan goals. Chair Meenes noted the report states the project will add traffic to Cannon Road however, it is exempt from the vehicle LOS standard. He asked for clarification regarding City Council's Jan. 12, 2021 action to exempt the road. Engineering Manager Geldert responded that growth management performance standards must be met as per the general plan. However, when performance standards for roadways are not met, City Council can exempt that corridor. A requirement of the exemption is that projects adding new traffic are subject to TOM and Traffic Systems Management (TSM) requirements. This project is providing a TOM plan and is conditioned to meet TSM requirements. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Lafferty stated concern with the design of the building but does not see this as a reason to deny the project. Commissioner Stine commented that the project has proposed surplus parking on the site which is a feature he likes. In terms of architecture, he commented that it is compatible with other dealerships in the area, notes negative comments and opposition were not submitted, and stated support for the project. Commissioner Merz commented that the project's proposed parking is impressive and adds that the project will benefit car country Carlsbad. ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Stine, seconded by Commissioner Luna, to adopt Resolution No 7408 as amended, motion carried, 7 /0. 2. PLANNING COMMISSION WORK PLAN FOR FISCAL YEARS 2020-2021 AND 2021-2022 -:- Request for a recommendation of approval of the Planning Commission Work Plan for fiscal year 2020 -2021 and 2021-2022. The proposed action does not constitute a "project" pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. City Planner Neu introduced Agenda Item 2 and made the staff presentation (on file in the Planning Division). COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Planning Commission Minutes March 17, 2021 Page4 Chair Meenes suggested an item be added to include a workshop provided by staff for the Planning Commission to discuss commissioner roles and plans that City Council is adding to their own work plan such as growth management. Commissioner Lafferty expressed concern in reviewing policies and priorities pertaining to historic preservation and the Mills Act. She stated that because a list has not been approved by City Council, there isn't a method for historic preservation or opportunity for private owners to be. eligible for tax benefits inherent with the Mills Act. She asked for clarification on how the Housing Element can impact properties that are potentially of historic value. Commissioner Stine supported the idea of staff providing workshops covering topics such as historic preservation and coastal development permits for the commission. City Planner Don Neu stated that a workshop focusing on current Planning Commission needs can be prepared and recommended adding the item to the 2021/2022 workplan. ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Luna, seconded by Commissioner Stine, to adopt Resolution No. 7409 as amended, motion carried, 7 /0. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS/COMMENTS: None CITY PLANNER REPORTS: City Planner Neu reported that the final meeting for the City Council goal setting process is available on the city website homepage. CITY ATTORNEY REPORTS: None ADJOURNMENT: Chair Meenes adjourned the duly noticed meeting at 5:05 p.m. Corina Flores, Minutes Clerk