HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRE 2022-0008; HOPE APARTMENTS; Admin Decision LetterApril 19, 2022
Patrick Zabrocki
Wermers Properties
5120 Shoreham Place #150
San Diego, CA 92122
SUBJECT: PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
APN: 203-320-02, -20, -40, -41, -48, -51
{"Cityof
Carlsbad
8FILE COPY
fY/4 ,l✓ '1/ip/ze.
Thank you for submitting a preliminary review to demolish the Motel 6 and three residential structures
for the development a 156-unit, four-story, 45-foot-tall multi-family residential building located at 950
and 1066 Carlsbad Village Drive (APNs 203-320-40, -48), 2944 Hope Avenue (APN 203-320-41), and 945-
A, 945-B and 955 Grand Avenue (APN 203-320-02, -20). The existing Carl's Jr. restaurant and parking lot
located at 950 Carlsbad Village Drive is proposed to remain. A 50% density bonus, resulting in a proposed
· density of 52.9 dwelling units per acre (du/ac) is proposed. A total of 15% or 16 units are proposed to be
set aside as Very-Low Income units. A total of 315 parking spaces are proposed in a two-level underground
parking structure. Access to the development will be provided by a shared private drive aisle with access
off Grand Avenue to the north and Carlsbad Village Drive to the south. A map consolidation is proposed
to merge six (6) lots into two (2) lots-one for the residential development and one for the lot currently
developed with Carl's Jr.
In response to your application, the Planning Division has prepared this comment letter. Please note that
the purpose of a preliminary review is to provide you with direction and comments on the overall concept
of your project. Furthermore, the project processing questions you submitted with your application and
answers to those questions are included in this letter. This preliminary review does not represent an in-
depth analysis of your project. It is intended to give you feedback on critical issues based upon the
information provided in your submittal. This review is based upon the plans. policies. and standards in
effect as of the date of this review. Please be aware that at the time of a formal application submittal.
new plans. policies. and standards may be in effect and additional issues of concern may be raised
through a more specific and detailed review.
Planning:
General
1. General Plan and zoning designations for the property are as follows:
a. General Plan: Village (V)
b. Zoning: Village Review (V-R)
c. The project is located within the Freeway Commercial (FC) District of the Village and Barrio
Master Plan (VBMP).
Community Development Department .,
Planning Division J 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008-7314 J 442-339-2600 www.carlsbadca.gov
PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 2
2. The project requires the following permit(s):
3.
4.
a. ,site D~velopment Plan. City Council approval is required.
b. Lot line adjustment to consolidate the properties if four or few lots are involved. If 5 or more
lots are involved in the lot line adjustment/merger, a Tentative Tract Map will be required.
Based on the initial review, a Tentative Tract Map will be required. City Council approval will
also be required for the Tentative Tract Map.
The Housing Crisis Act of 2019 (SB 330) established a preliminary streamline application process
for housing projects. It is not mandatory unless applicants seek the vesting and processing
benefits offered under SB 330. Participation in the SB 330 streamline process would occur first,
followed by the formal development application process required under Government Code (Gov.
Code)§§ 65940, 65941, 65941.5, and Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) § 21.42.050. Acceptance by
the city of a complete SB 330 Streamline Application (Form P-32) and fee will vest the project for
180 days in accordance with the ordinances, policies and standards in effect at the time the SB
330 Application is accepted.
Per the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 (SB 330), any project that includes the removal or demolition
of a "protected unit" is required to provide the occupants with 1) relocation benefits (Gov. Code
§ 7260 et seq.), and 2) right of first refusal for a comparable unit available in the new housing
development. (Gov. Code§ 66300 (d)(2)(D).) "Protected units" are generally defined by Gov. Code
§ 66300(d)(2)(E)(ii) as including residential units subject to affordability restrictions, price
controls, or occupied by low income households. The formal submittal of the project will need to
include documentation regarding any existing "protected units." With the project submittal.
please submit documentation from the property o_wner verifying whether the units are "projected
units."
5. Climate Action Plan (CAP). New requirements related to the city's goals to reduce greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions will likely impact development requirements of this project. A formal
application submittal will need to include a completed CAP Checklist (Form P-30) to determine
what requirements will apply to the project. New GHG reduction requirements are related to
energy efficiency, photovoltaic, electric vehicle charging, water heating and traffic demand
management requirements, as set forth in the California Green Building Standards Code and in
Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapters 18.21, 18.30 and 18.51 which is available on the city's website
at the following address:
http://www.qcode.us/codes/car1sbad/view.php?topic=18&frames=on
To the extent that new GHG reduction requirements are in effect at the time of application for
grading or building permits, the project will be required to comply with the effective requirements
even if different than what is proposed in the project's planning approvals. GHG reduction
requirements may impact, but are not limited to, site design and local building code
requirements. If incorporating new GHG reduction requirements results in substantial
modifications to the project after planning approvals are obtained, then prior to issuance of
grading or building permits, the applicant may be required to submit and receive approval of a
Consistency Determination or an Amendment application for the project through the Planning
Division.
PRE 2022-0008 {DEV2022-0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 3
6. Historical. Cultural and Paleontological Report. The existing structures proposed to be
demolished are at least 50 years old. In addition, the project proposes an underground parking
structure that may impact cultural or paleontological resources. Please prepare a comprehensive
report consistent with the California Environmental Quality Act and the city's Tribal, Cultural, and
Paleontological Resources Guidelines, which can be found online at:
http://www.carlsbadca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?Blob1D=34010
7. Noise Analysis. As the proposed project will be located in close proximity to Carlsbad Village Drive
and Interstate 5, a noise analysis prepared by a registered acoustician will be required. The study
shall be prepared in compliance with the requirements of the Noise Guidelines Manual. Please
see link below for additional information.
8.
9.
10.
https:ijwww.carlsbadca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?Blob1D=24094
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analyses. To assist staff with the environmental determination,
please submit Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Analyses.
Land Use. Pursuant to Table 2-1 of the VBMP, multi-family residential uses are permitted land
use in the FC District.
Density/Density Bonus. Pursuant to the VBMP, the allowable density range in the FC District is 28
to 35 dwelling units per acre {du/ac). The cover sheet of the plans identifies a project area of 3.04
acres while the project description submitted with the application indicates 2.95 acres. Staff will
need to verify the property size to verify the maximum number of units that can be built on the
project site.
Further, pursuant to Section 2.4 of the General Plan, Land Use and Community Design Element,
Land Use Designations and Density/Intensity Standards:
"Residential density is applied to overall parcel area, excluding land that is undevelopable
(as described later in this section) and, in mixed-use developments, excluding area devoted
to non-residential uses ... "
Pursuant to Section 2.4 of the VBMP:
"Density refers to the number of dwelling units permitted per developable acre of
property ... "
" ... maximum density shall be calculated based on the entire developab/e area."
If the Carl's Jr. development is not a part of the Hope Apartments parcel, it cannot be included in
the density calculation. If the density calculation for the project includes the Carl's Jr. property,
the project site area and resulting maximum allowable density will need to be revised accordingly.
For the purposes of verifying the density bonus request for the subject preliminary review, staff
utilized 2.95 acres of area since that is the area provided with the application. Please be advised
the density bonus calculation is subject to change if the residential site area {i.e., parcel) is not
2.95 acres.
PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-.0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 4
Summary of density bonus request:
Base maximum density:
Base maximum units:
Affordable housing proposed:
50 percent density bonus:
Proposed number of units:
Proposed density:
35 du/ac
2.95 acres x 35 = 103.25 or 104 dwelling units (round up per CMC
Section 21.86.040(G))
16 very low-income units; 15.38 or 15% of base units reserved for
affordable housing
104 units+ 50 percent= 156 units (per density bonus table in P-
l(H), Density Bonus Supplemental Checklist
156 units
156 units+ 2.95 acres= 52.88 or 53 du/acre
While not proposed at this time, pursuant to state density bonus law, the project qualifies for
three (3) incentives or concessions and additional waivers, if needed. The project application
should specify the number and types of concessions or waivers.
11. Building Height. The maximum building height is 45 feet and 4 stories. If four stories are
proposed, a maximum of 30 percent of the 4th story street-facing fa~ade can have a minimum 10-
foot setback. The remaining 70 percent shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet. In addition, the
total square footage of enclosed 4th floor space shall not exceed 80 percent of the largest enclosed
floor space below (floors one, two or three). However, in no case shall the 4th floor enclosed
space exceed the amount of the 3rd floor enclosed space. The conceptual project proposes a
height of 45 feet and four stories. Please submit additional information regarding how the
building height was determined and clearly indicate on the elevations and cross sections what
portion of the building is below-grade. Please be advised that any exposed portion of the building
shall be included in the overall building height. It is recommended the fill over the western half of
the parcel be minimized to maximum extent feasible as the amount of fill contributes toward the
visual impacts of the project.
12. Setbacks. The required setbacks will be applied as follows:
a. Front: 10 feet. As a result ofthe lot line adjustment, the parcel will be considered a through
lot. As such, there will be a front yard setback off Grand Avenue to the north and Carlsbad
Village Drive to the south. Pursuant to the VC district of the VBMP, the required front yard
setback is 10 feet. This area shall be landscaped. In addition, please ensure the front yard
setback is measured from the new property line after the dedication of right-of-way.
b. Side: 0 feet. No setback will be required off the property line shared with the Carlsbad
Village Lofts property (north property line) or the Hope Avenue alley (south property line).
However, given the adjacent residential uses on the west side of the alley, staff
recommends a landscaped setback adjacent to the west elevation of the building to soften
the visual impacts.
c. Rear: N/A. As a through lot is proposed, there is no rear yard setback to be applied to the
project.
PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 5
13.
14.
15.
16.
Building Massing. No building far;:ade visible from any public street or the 1-5 freeway shall extend
more than 50 feet in length without a 5-foot minimum variation in the wall plane, as well as a
change in the roofline. Compliance with this standard cannot be verified with what was provided
with the preliminary review. Please be advised this standard will be applied to the elevation facing
Carlsbad Village Drive (south elevation) and Grand Avenue (north elevation). Please demonstrate
compliance with this standard on the project plans submitted with the application.
Parking. The 156-unit project includes 8 studios, 67, one-bedroom units, 70 two-bedroom units
and 11, three-bedroom units. A 50% density bonus is proposed and a total of 15% or 16 units are
proposed to be set aside as Very-Low Income units.
Pursuant to the VBMP, the parking ratios for multiple-family dwellings are as follows:
Studio/one-bedroom: One space per unit
Two or more bedrooms: One and half spaces per unit
Visitor parking: None required in FC District
Pursuant to state density bonus law, projects which provide at least 11% very low-income units
and are located within one-half mile of a major transit stop, the maximum parking ratio that can
be applied to the project is 0.5 spaces per unit. As the project proposes 15% very low-income
units and is located within one-half mile of the Carlsbad transit station, the appropriate parking
ratio to apply to the project is 0.5 spaces per unit. Therefore, the proposal to construct 156 units
results in a parking requirement of 78 parking spaces (156 x 0.5 = 78 spaces).
The cover sheet for the concept plan indicates a total of 315 parking stalls will be provided,
resulting in a surplus of 237 parking stalls. Therefore, the proposed number of parking stalls far
exceeds what is required. Given the lack of nearby on-street parking, staff is supportive of
providing more parking than what is required pursuant to state density bonus laws. However,
please be advised that providing additional parking onsite may impact the VMT analysis (if
required).
Parking Structure. For every dead-end aisle, please ensure there is an area striped for "No
Parking", so cars have the ability to pull into the area and safely turn-around if the spaces are
occupied.
Open Space-General.
a. A minimum of 20 percent of property must be maintained as open space.
b. Public and residential private and common open space may be counted toward achieving
the property open space minimum requirement.
c. Open space may be dedicated to landscape planters, open space pockets and/or
connections, roof gardens/patios, balconies, other patios, and/or outdoor eating areas.
d. No parking spaces or aisles are permitted in the open space.
PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 6
Private Open Space
a. Private open space shall be provided at a minimum of 80 square feet per unit with a
minimum dimension of 6 feet in any direction. As currently designed, the project does not
comply with this requirement. A majority of the floorplans fall short with compliance.
b. This requirement may be satisfied by more than one private open space area.
Residential Common Open Space
a. Residential common open space shall be provided for projects with more than 10 units.
b. Common open space shall be provided at a minimum of 25 square feet per unit with a
minimum dimension of 10 feet in any direction. As 156 units are proposed, a minimum of
3,900 square feet of common open space shall be provided. As currently proposed, the
project complies with this requirement.
c. Common open space shall be purposefully designed as active or passive recreational
facilities.
d. Rooftop open space may satisfy this requirement, provided it is available for use by all
residents.
17. Service and Delivery Areas. Pursuant to Section 2.7.4(F) of the FC District, service and loading
shall be conducted using alley access where the condition exists. Please indicate a
loading/unloading area that moving/delivery trucks can utilize. Staff is concerned that service
trucks may block access in the drive aisle; therefore, an unloading/loading area is recommended.
18. Electrical Transformer. Please submit correspondence from SDG&E indicating whether a
transformer will be required. If required, please identify the location on the plans and provide
landscape screening. To minimize visual impacts, please make every effort to locate the
transformer off the Hope Avenue/alley.
19. Fences/Walls. Fences and walls in the front and side yard setback, including retaining walls, are
limited to 3.5 feet and 6 feet in height, respectively. As currently designed, the project does not
comply. Please revise the grading design adjacent to Grand Avenue so the retaining walls do not
exceed 42 inches in height.
20. Clear Zones. A clear zone shall be provided at the intersection of a street and an alley or driveway
to maintain a free line of sight. The clear zone shall consist of an isosceles right triangle measured
7.5 feet in both directions from the intersection of the two property lines. In addition, the clear
zone shall not be occupied by a ground floor building footprint, site features taller than 36 inches,
or landscaping that is taller than 30 inches. This requirement will apply to the northeast and
northwest corners of the building. As currently designed, the project does not comply. Please see
Section 2.6.lA of the VBMP for an example.
PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 7
21. Architectural Design/Site Design. The project should be designed to comply with Section 2.8
(pages 2-72 through 2-86) of the VBMP, Area-Wide Design Guidelines. While elevations were not
provided with the concept plan, staff has the following comments on the site design and
recommendations for the architecture. Visual simulations should be provided with the project
submittal so staff can fully evaluate the project's compliance. Visual simulations should be
provided that demonstrate public views of the project as viewed from Carlsbad Village Drive,
Hope Avenue, Grand Avenue and Interstate 5.
a. Site layout/design.
b.
i. Place buildings adjacent to, and oriented towards, the street. Locate prominent
architectural features near corners and intersections. Due to the project's
visibility from Interstate 5 (in between the Lofts building and hotel), Grand
Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive, the project shall incorporate prominent
architectural features on the street-facing facades.
ii. The pedestrian entries should be easily identifiable from the street and/or
sidewalk to key areas within the site. Staff recommends an enhanced building
entry off Grand Avenue, similar to what may be proposed facing Carlsbad Village
Drive. In addition, please redesign the project to provide enhanced pedestrian
access (i.e., lighting, decorative walkway, landscaping) from Carlsbad Village
Drive to the building. This may require the relocation of parking stalls. Staff does
not support the current design since pedestrians will need to walk through the
drive aisle off Carlsbad Village Drive to access the building.
iii. Create small pedestrian plazas along the street wall through the use of recesses
in building form. Significant recesses are recommended, particularly as viewed
from Grand Avenue, Carlsbad Village Drive, Hope Avenue alley, and the upper
stories as viewed from the Interstate 5 freeway.
iv. Incorporate plazas, landscaped areas, fountains, public art, textured pavement,
and vertical building features to create focal points that enhance a pedestrian's
experience. Enhanced architecture, landscaping and textured pavement are
recommended at each building entry.
v. Give careful design consideration to corner lots, as they are typically a focal point
in the urban fabric.
vi. Utilize courtyards or other methods to break up the building mass and provide
natural ventilation, wherever possible.
Building Form and Massing (pages 2-79 through 2-86). Based on the site and floor plans
provided, significant upgrades (i.e., steps in building) are recommended to reduce the
imposing scale of the building as viewed by Grand Avenue, Carlsbad Village Drive and the
Hope Avenue alley.
i. Reduce the imposing appearance of tall buildings by stepping back from street
level on elevations above the ground floor.
ii. Utilize horizontal and vertical articulation to break up monolithic street walls and
facades.
iii. Utilize techniques to reduce massing, such as variation in wall plane and height
and variation in roof form and levels.
iv. Consider adjacent low density uses when designing and orienting a building. For
example, avoid balconies overlooking rear yards. One and two-story buildings are
PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 8
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
vi.
X.
xi.
xii.
xiii.
xiv.
xv.
xvi.
xvii.
xviii.
xix.
xx.
located on the west side of Hope Avenue. Please ensure the design addresses
the adjacent lower density residential structures.
Minimize the vertical emphasis of architectural design elements by incorporating
features such as horizontal bands, reveals, trims, awnings, eaves, and overhangs
or other ornamentation, along different levels of the wall surface.
Minimize blank walls by:
• Adding window openings and/or entrances and other relief.
• Providing recessed glazing and storefronts.
• Adding vertical pilasters which may reflect internal building structure.
• Changing color and texture along the wall surface.
• Varying the planes of the exterior walls in depth and/or direction.
• Adding trims, projections, and reveals along different wall surfaces.
Articulate the building facade by varying building elements to create contrast.
Integrate all architectural elements into the building design to avoid the look of
"tacked on" architectural features.
Utilize facade projections and recesses such as bay windows, planter boxes, roof
overhangs, and entry way recesses.
Utilize details such as wall surfaces constructed with patterns, changes in
materials, building pop-outs, columns, and recessed areas to create shadow
patterns and depth on the wall surfaces.
Infill buildings that are much wider than the existing facades should be broken
down into a series of appropriately proportioned structural bays or components.
Consider transitions between the height of new development and the height of
adjacent existing development.
Utilize vertical building focal elements. Towers, spires, or domes may foster
community identity and serve as landmarks.
Utilize accent materials to highlight building features and provide visual interest.
Accent materials may include any of the following: wood, glass, glass block
(transom), tile, brick, concrete, stone, awnings, plaster (smooth or textured)
Use building materials and finishes that are true to the structure's architectural
style.
Windows, doors, and entries should be designed to capture the desired
architectural style of the building.
Ensure material changes occur at intersecting planes, preferably at inside corners
of changing wall planes or where architectural elements intersect, such as a
chimney, pilaster, or projection .
Utilize light and neutral base colors. Generally muted color schemes will promote
visual unity and allow awnings, window displays, signs and landscaping to be
given proper emphasis.
Ensure that the main entrance to a building is clearly identifiable and unique, as
it is the primary point of arrival and should be treated with significance.
Window type, material, shape, and proportion should complement the
architectural style of the building.
Utilize recessed windows where appropriate to the architectural style, to provide
depth. Staff would like to see all window recessed a minimum of three inches.
PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 9
22.
23.
24.
25.
Balconies:
i. Place balconies adjacent to operable doorways. Faux balconies or those that do
not appear usable are discouraged.
ii. Visually surmort all balconies. either from below by decorative beams and/or
brackets, from above by cables, or by other parts of the building.
iii. On corners, balconies may wrap around the side of the building.
Roof Forms
i. Ensure that roof materials and colors are consistent with the desired architecture
or style of the building.
ii. Utilize multi-roof forms, hips, gables, shed roof combinations, and sufficiently
articulated flat roofs to create interesting and varying roof forms that will reduce
building mass, add visual appeal, and enhance existing Village and Barrio
character and massing.
iii. Avoid long, unbroken, horizontal roof lines.
iv. Avoid flat roofs unless sufficient articulation of detail is provided, such as precast
treatments, continuous banding or projecting cornices, lentils, caps, corner
details, or variety in pitch (sculpted), height, and roofline.
v. Avoid the "tacked on" appearance of parapets, and ensure their appearance
conveys a sense of permanence. If the interior side of a parapet is visible from the
pedestrian and/or motorist area of the project, utilize appropriate detail and
properly apply materials.
Architectural Design. Photographs highlighting a number of architectural styles were submitted
with the concept review. The VBMP does not recommend a specific architectural style and
instead focusses on the aesthetics of the design which includes recommendations for massing,
roof forms, materials, etc. Further, as both the Planning Commission and City Council will be
weighing in on the design and there are a wide range of architectural designs in the Village, staff
is hesitant to recommend a specific architectural style. Please focus on complying with the
standards and design guidelines highlighted in this letter.
Bicycle Parking. Please revise the site plan to add a minimum of two locations for bicycle parking.
Pursuant to Page 2-74 of the VBMP, bicycle parking should be provided at convenient places such
as entrances or other visible and accessible areas.
Carl's Jr. Parking. As the property lines associated with Carl's Jr. will be modified with the lot line
adjustment, please verify the number of parking spaces for Carl's Jr. satisfy the minimum parking
requirements pursuant to the VBMP.
Owner Authorization. If Wermers Properties does not own all of the properties impacted by the
proposed project, please submit additional owner authorizations with the application.
QUESTIONS INCLUDED WITH APPLICATON
1. Please confirm the proposed units and density bonus calculations.
Staff response: Please see Planning comment No. 10 above.
PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 10
2. Please confirm that the project qualifies as a CEQA Guidelines Section 15332 (In-Fill Development
Projects) Class 32 Categorical Exemption, given the assumptions in the above project description.
Staff response: An environmental determination will be made once the environmental reports
have been reviewed and the application has been deemed complete.
3. Please confirm compliance with the applicable development standards.
Staff response: Please see Planning comments above.
4. Please comment on the proposed operational plan for trash removal.
Staff response: Please see Engineering comment No. 13 below.
5. What technical reports and environmental studies will be required?
Staff response: The following technical reports are required:
a. Historical, Cultural and Paleontological Reports
b. Noise Analysis
c. Hydrology Study
d. Water Study
e. Sewer Study
f Stormwater Quality Management Plan
g. Air Quality Study
h. Greenhouse Gas Analysis
i. Pending results of the ADT analysis, a traffic study may be required.
j. If the project is not categorically exempt from CEQA, a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
analysis will be required.
6. The project site appears to be located in a hydromodification exempt area as shown in
"Hydromodification Exemption Analyses for Select Carlsbad Watersheds" dated June 10, 2013 by
Chang Consultants. Please confirm the entire project will be HMP exempt.
Staff response: Please see Engineering comment No. 1 below.
7. Assuming the entire project will be HMP exempt, please confirm if proprietary biofiltration BMP
products (Modular Wetlands or similar) can be proposed to comply with the pollutant control and
water quality components of the project.
Staff response: Please see Engineering comment No. 1 below.
8. If proprietary biofiltration BM P's are not allowed for the entire site, can they be considered for a
portion of the project? It appears the Carlsbad Village Lofts across the street (DWG's 515-SA and
515-5B) utilized a combination of biofiltration planters and proprietary biofiltration BM P's.
Staff response: Please see Engineering comment No. 1 below.
9. Please confirm frontage improvements required along Grand Avenue, Carlsbad Village Drive, and
the public alley (Hope Avenue).
Staff response: Please see Engineering comment No. 2 below.
10. Please confirm any capacity concerns with the existing public water and sewer facilities in the
surrounding area. Please confirm that a sewer capacity study will not be required for this
proposed development.
Staff response: Please see Utilities comment No. 1 below.
PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 11
11. Please confirm that removal of the existing power poles along Grand Avenue and Hope Avenue,
as well as undergrounding of all overhead power lines, will not be required of the proposed
project. It is acknowledged that all existing overhead utilities serving the property will be
underground/ removed and any new services to the site will be installed underground.
Staff response: Please see Engineering comment No. 10 below.
12. As the project proposes for-rent apartments, please confirm if lx residential domestic master
water service and meter will suffice to serve the property. The project will likely have a submeter
room within the building and submeter within the property.
Staff response: Per the Utilities Department, lx residential domestic master water service and
meter will suffice. Provide separate fire service.
13. Please confirm if a dedicated irrigation service and meter will be required to serve the onsite
landscaped areas
Staff response: Per the Utilities Department, a dedicated irrigation service and meter are required.
All necessary application forms, submittal requirements, and fee information are available at the Planning
counter located in the Faraday Building at 1635 Faraday Avenue or online at www.carlsbadca.gov. You
may also access the General Plan Land Use Element and the Zoning Ordinance online at the website
address shown; select Department Listing; select Planning Home Page. Please review all information
carefully before submitting.
Land Development Engineering:·
1. Complete a Stormwater Standards Questionnaire. This questionnaire will guide you and the City
in determining what type of reports and storm water mitigation must be completed to satisfy
state and City storm water quality requirements. The questionnaire can be printed from the.
following website link:
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/604/637426047018270000
Preliminary analysis suggests that the project is a Priority Development Project and is therefore
subject to designing and installing numerically sized water quality basins via a Storm Water Quality
Management Plan (SWQMP) per Chapter 5 of the Carlsbad BMP Design Manual in addition to
installing site design and source control best management practices (BMP) per Chapter 4 of the
Carlsbad BMP Design Manual. Worksheets in the manual shall be used to size the proposed water
quality basin shown on the site plan. Provide details of BMPs. The entire project is exempt from
hydromodification requirements per the Hydromodification Exemption Analysis for Select
Carlsbad Watersheds dated 9-17-15, so no hydromodification facility is required.
Per section 5.4.3 of the Carlsbad BMP Design Manual, for any proprietary BMPs (i.e., modular
wetlands) proposed in lieu of a biofiltration basin, include justification as to why a biofiltration
basin would be infeasible. Given there is available space on the property to add biofiltration
basins and that the desired number of units, building size, etc. is not a valid reason for infeasibility,
justification for installing a proprietary BMP appears to be lacking. If infeasibility is proven,
however, also be aware that TAPE certification for the BMP is required and that the BMP will be
subject to Section F.l and F.2 of the Carlsbad BMP Design Manual. Modular wetlands were
installed on the adjacent Carlsbad Village Lofts project, but justification was granted due the
design already being approved under the less stringent standards of the SUSMP but later being
subject to the current BMP Design Manual during the grading plan check.
PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 12
2. Public street improvements will be required along the Grand Avenue frontage. Required
improvements would include 1) replacing the sidewalk contiguous with the curb to a sidewalk
non-contiguous with the curb, 2) grind and overlay half the street along the property frontage, 3)
adding missing curb, gutter and sidewalk on Grand Avenue, and 4) adding ADA accessible
pedestrian ramp(s) and crosswalk(s) as needed at the intersection of Hope Avenue and Grand
Avenue subject to CASp review and approval. Improvement plans shall also include grind and
overlay of the Hope Avenue alley fronting the project and all water and sewer connections. Please
plot all proposed public improvements on the preliminary grading (civil) plan.
3. Submit a preliminary grading plan with your application for discretionary permits. Include grading
quantities in cubic yards. A grading permit will be required. Please include topography and
existing structures within 25 to 50 feet of the subject property. Based on some of the scaled cross
sections between the underground parking garage and property line as shown on sheet A2.14,
temporary shoring walls will likely be needed. Show any temporary back cuts to construct said
walls and propose location of conceptual shoring walls as needed. Submit a preliminary soils
report with your application for discretionary review.
4. Submit a preliminary hydrology study with your application for discretionary permits.
5. Submit a current title report with your application for all lots involved and plot all easements listed
in the report. The report submitted is only for 203-320-48 and 51 yet the application shows
additional APNs (203-320-02, 20, 40 and 41). For any easements that cannot be plotted due to
insufficient data, list the easement on the site plan with a note stating such. For ease of accessing
the documents, providing a pdf of the title report with hyperlinks is preferred in addition to hard
copies.
6. If the boundaries of more than four lots are being adjusted, submit an application for a tentative
tract map. If the boundaries of four or less lots are proposed, the boundaries may be adjusted
through an adjustment plat or final map.
7. Plot a 15-foot offer of a public street and utility easement dedication on Grand Avenue fronting
203-320-02 and 20. Include 20-foot radius dedication at the corner of street intersection. Please
note Planning setbacks are required to be taken from the new property line.
8. Please process reciprocal vehicular access easements or agreements between the adjacent
property and subject property since shared driveways are proposed. Provide copies of any
reciprocal access agreements or easements that already exist on the property.
9. Plot the location of electrical transformer serving the property. Transformer shall be located
outside of the public right-of-way.
10. If a subdivision is processed in lieu of an adjustment boundary, and overhead utilities exceed 600
liner feet along the frontage of the subdivision, then the overhead utilities must be placed
underground. Otherwise, the property owner will be required to enter into an agreement with
the city agreeing to join a local improvement district to underground the utilities in the event such
a district is formed. Refer to Section 20.16.040(D) of the Carlsbad Municipal Code. The overhead
utilities appear to span a distance less than 600 linear feet. Therefore, an agreement rather than
undergrounding the utilities is anticipated. All overhead lines serving the property, however, will
need to be placed underground.
PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-0030) -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 13
11. Submit a traffic generation table. Compare the proposed generation rates in relation to existing
projected rates for uses currently permitted on the property. A traffic study may be required
based on the results of this information. Refer to the Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines
at: https://www.carlsbadca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/328/637425982502330000.
Also, depending on the CEQA status to be determined after the application for discretionary
permits is submitted, a Vehicle Miles Traveled {VMT) analysis may be required per the Vehicles
Miles Traveled Analysis Guidelines available at:
https:llwww.carlsbadca.gov/home/showdocument?id=312.
12. Show how the garage will drain from any periodic wash down. If connecting to the sanitary sewer,
obtain industrial permit from the Encina Wastewater District. Wash down shall not be discharged
to a water quality basin unless it can be demonstrated that there will be no illicit discharge of non-
storm water runoff to the city's public drainage system.
13. The trash pick-up plan on sheet Al.2 appears to be functional without issue. However, please
• contact Republic Services to confirm that this design is serviceable. Although Coast Waste
Management is currently providing service, Republic Services will be replacing Coast Waste
Management starting July 1, 2022.
Utilities:
1. Please submit a water study analyzing existing and proposed demands for the public water
distribution system. The water study shall include domestic meter and fire-sizing criteria, as well
as modeling of the public distribution system in response to on-site water demands per the
CMWD Potable Water Master Plan and applicable NFPA fire flow requirements.
2. Please submit a sewer study analyzing the existing and proposed demands for the public sewer
main. Please model the demands and performance criteria of the sewer per the City of Carlsbad
Sewer Master Plan Volume 1 engineering standards. The scope of the public sewer analysis shall
extend to Grand Avenue to the west intersection of Home and Hope Avenue.
3. Please address all mark-ups on the preliminary civil site plan submittal.
Fire:
1. It appears the passageways shown to access the pool courtyard are enclosed and not clear and
open to the sky. The fire department does not use enclosed access tunnels for the purpose of fire
department access; therefore, the pool courtyard area does not meet fire department access
requirements. In order for the fire department to consider use of interior tunnels/passageways,
you must submit an alternate means and methods request that will show any increased
protection of these passageways that would support our consideration of using them for fire
department access.
Building:
1. Carlsbad Climate Action Plan Section 18, 28, and 4A will need to be completely detailed in the
plans.
PRE 2022-0008 (DEV2022-0030} -HOPE APARTMENTS
April 19, 2022
Page 14
2. Accessibility provision of CBC Chapter llA will need to be considered in the design.
If you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss this letter with the commenting departments, please
contact Shannon Harker at the number below. You may also contact each department individually as
follows:
• Planning Division: Shannon Harker, Senior Planner, at (442) 339-2621
• Land Development Engineering: David Rick Project Engineer, at (442) 339-2781
• Utilities, Public Works: Neil Irani, Associate Engineer, at (442) 339-2305
• Building Division: Jason Pasuit, Building Official, at (442) 339-2721
• Fire Department: Randy Metz, Fire Inspections, at (442) 339-2661
Sincerely,
DON NEU, AICP
City Planner
DN:SH:cf
Enc: Utilities redlines
c: Carlsbad Village II LL, 3444 Camino Del Rio N. Ste. 202, San Diego, CA 92108
Don Neu, City Planner
David Rick, Project Engineer
Randy Metz, Fire Prevention
Neil Irani, Public Works-Utilities
Laserfiche/File Copy
GRAND AVENUE
--:1
Pl.AH VIEW· PRB.JMlNARY SITE E»fflT
b.J-1 •»iiaiitiiUL
:~·-:.J/-:~
I(
-•· --,,--~
--"" DISIWG~IAlRIU. ......
.' :r'== /
,,.. .... ,...,.
I
I
I
I
I
I
LEGEND:
~CUlD,ff(,lllf"',&K
~IOOl'TC,
-""""' =~:,...,
VISIIIICSIDM_INl"_, ..,_.., ....
~SIOIWOIUlll!i!l"NO _,......, ------------=,O:Cflltll(.l'I
N'.lfM,ll[UIBJIVf,WU #Vlllfflt~IO~I
_, ... ~~'°'
ll'lll!DiltM1RtOHlalD,OC:.,
(Pll)jUClU.M""-NIJ :'°""~'---
-"--0--" --0
--• ~ " -----Giil
P.:: ...... :::: ..... :: .. 1
L ':':':'":"':':::::I
[lJ
PREUMINARY BMP CALCULA T/ONS
..,,,,·u•sm•tJ•a.w, ,.. ....... U!Uf
.. .w.lllK'VMIEDIIUWIBI' ......
' ,.,
PASCO LARET SUITER · ... ·-••,• ...... -"' ..... ·· ~~= l'h0n9856.259.82121WflW~