HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-29; City Council; ; Citywide Objective Design Standards for Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development (ZCA 2020-0003, LCPA 2020-0007, PUB 2020-0004)CA Review __RK__
Meeting Date:
To:
From:
Staff Contact:
Subject:
District:
Aug. 29, 2023
Mayor and City Council
Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Shelley Glennon, Associate Planner
shelley.glennon@carlsbaca.gov, 442-339-2605,
Citywide Objective Design Standards for Multifamily Housing and Mixed-
Use Development (ZCA 2020-0003, LCPA 2020-0007, PUB 2020-0004)
All
Recommended Action
That the City Council hold a public hearing and:
1.Introduce an ordinance amending Carlsbad Municipal Code, Title 21 Zoning, to add Chapter
21.88 and amend Chapter 21.45, to establish citywide objective design standards for
multifamily housing and mixed-use development projects pursuant to Housing Element
Program 1.11 (Exhibit 1).
2.Adopt a resolution approving a Local Coastal Program Amendment to update the Local
Coastal Program Implementation Plan (Zoning Ordinance, Title 21 of the Carlsbad
Municipal Code) to establish citywide objective design standards for multifamily housing
and mixed-use development projects implementing Housing Element Program 1.11
(Exhibit 2).
3.Adopt a resolution amending City Council Policy No. 44 to achieve consistency with current
state regulations that require objective design standards (Exhibit 3).
4.Adopt a resolution rescinding City Council Policy No. 66 to achieve consistency with current
state regulations that require objective design standards (Exhibit 4).
Executive Summary
Every city in California is required to have a current Housing Element in its General Plan. The
Housing Element is a state-required plan that provides an analysis of a community’s housing
needs for all income levels, along with strategies to respond to and provide for those housing
needs.
Among other things, there are policies, programs and objectives within the Housing Element
that require the city to transition away from land use regulations and standards that are
“subjective” and open to interpretation, to more “objective” standards that involve no personal
or subjective judgment or interpretation by city staff, public officials or the general public and
are uniformly understood and applied.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 1 of 94
Specifically, the Housing Element’s Program 1.11 requires the development of objective design
standards for multifamily housing and mixed-use projects. This complies with recent changes in
state housing laws intended to help expedite the approval process for these kinds of projects so
they can be built more quickly.
The city has worked with the community to update the language and guidelines for design
standards so they are considered “objective” and meet state requirements. These standards
will not change the development standards on building heights, density or setbacks.
The proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (Exhibit 1) and Local Coastal Program
(Exhibit 2) establish the regulatory framework for these objective design standards and
incorporates the Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards Manual
(Exhibit 5). The manual details the required objective standards involving site design, building
design, mixed-use development, and utilitarian1 development.
The Zoning Ordinance changes and design manual are intended to provide the public, building
and design professionals, as well as decision-makers, with clear design direction that preserves
an area’s unique character and sense of place while ensuring predictable and consistent
application of established development standards, as required by state law. They also support
the goal in the City Council’s Strategic Plan to maintain Carlsbad’s community character. By
having enforceable design standards, the city can help ensure new multifamily and mixed-use
projects built in Carlsbad fit with the city’s character.
To fully implement the program, staff are also recommending revisions to City Council Policy
Statement No. 44 - Neighborhood Architectural Design Guidelines (Exhibits 3 and 7) and
rescinding City Council Policy Statement No. 66 - Development of Livable Neighborhoods
(Exhibits 4 and 5).
The proposed amendments will bring the Zoning Ordinance and the Local Coastal Program, the
planning document for the Coastal Zone, into compliance with the Housing Element as well as
with state law. Amending the Local Coastal Program would enable the proposed Zoning
Ordinance amendment to also apply in the Coastal Zone. Because the Zoning Ordinance is part
of the Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan, an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance
also constitutes an amendment to the implementation plan.
These amendments are being presented to the City Council because such amendments to the
Zoning Ordinance and the Local Coastal Program require the approval of the City Council under
Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 21.52.050. In addition, City Council Policy No. 1 requires a City
Council resolution that receives four affirmative votes for any amendment to or rescinding of a
City Council Policy.
Failure to make these changes to these housing programs may result in the California
Department of Housing and Community Development decertifying the city’s Housing Element,
which would greatly limit the city’s ability to regulate the type and location of housing built in
Carlsbad.
1 Utilitarian standards relate to the operational fixtures and structures of multifamily housing and mixed-use
residential buildings.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 2 of 94
Explanation & Analysis
Background
In 2017, the Governor signed multiple housing bills to address the current state housing crisis,
including:
• Senate Bill 35, which allow eligible projects to be approved through a streamlined
ministerial approval process subject to objective regulatory standards and affordable
housing requirements. (Ministerial describes a governmental decision that merely
applies the law to the facts as presented without any special discretion or judgment.)
• Senate Bill 330, which requires jurisdictions to streamline the approval process for
qualified multifamily housing projects based on objective regulatory standards but does
not require ministerial approval.2
Put another way, state law prohibits a jurisdiction from denying applications for building
permits filed under SB-35 or SB-330 based on standards or guidelines that are subjective in
nature. (Additional information on these senate bills is available in the city Community
Development Department informational bulletins, Exhibits 8 and 9).
While the city has not received any SB-35 applications, about five SB-330 applications have
been submitted and are currently under review. While this is a relatively low number compared
to the total number of applications being processed, staff anticipate that as developers become
more aware of these state law allowances, there will be a growing trend throughout the region
of more housing applications being submitted under the provisions of SB-330.
Additionally, the application of objective design standards and a streamlined ministerial
approval process is also embedded in Housing Element law (Government Code Section
65589.5), which states that sites that are included in a jurisdiction’s Housing Element rezoning
program are eligible for streamlined review if the development project provides a higher
percentage of affordable housing – 20% – and doesn’t involve any other discretionary permits
such as a subdivision or coastal development permit (Exhibit 10).
The City Council on April 6, 2021, adopted an update to Carlsbad’s Housing Element, consistent
with the housing element law discussed above. It was certified by the State Department of
Housing and Community Development on July 13, 2021.
As part of Housing Element Program 1.1, the City of Carlsbad proposed as to rezone sites to
allow for residential uses by right. That means residential projects that conform to all zoning
and building codes can be developed without the city’s discretionary approval as long as 20% of
the proposed development is affordable to lower-income households, as required by
Government Code sections 65583(c)(1) and 65583.2(h). Therefore, by-right development
projects allowed under Program 1.1 would be eligible to apply the objective design standards.
The objective design standards would better ensure these by-right projects are compatible with
the existing community character.
2 SB-35 is set to sunset on Jan. 1, 2026, and SB-330 is set to sunset on Jan. 1, 2034. However, there is a bill working
its way through the legislature (SB-423) that would extend SB-35 indefinitely.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 3 of 94
With the anticipated increase in the number of SB 330 applications, coupled with the city’s
affordable housing requirement for Housing Element rezoning sites discussed above, the need
for citywide objective design standards for multifamily housing and mixed-use development are
necessary to comply with state law.
Housing Element Program 1.11 commits the city to developing objective design standards that
can be used in the review of eligible multifamily housing and mixed-use development projects
as early as Oct. 13, 2023.
Subjective versus objective standards
Objective standards are standards that involve no subjective judgment by a public official and
are uniformly verifiable by reference to an external benchmark or criterion available and
knowable by the public.3 In contrast, subjective standards (or guidelines) require personal or
subjective judgment by a public official, as these standards are poorly defined, unmeasurable
and/or lack specificity needed to provide clear direction.
Below are examples of subjective and objective standards addressing light impacts:
“Site planning shall minimize, to the
greatest extent possible, light and noise
impacts to adjacent residences.”
This standard is subjective because it
is unmeasurable, thereby requiring
judgment by a public official.
“Vehicle parking areas shall be located,
oriented, and/or screened to prevent
visual intrusion of vehicle lights into
habitable residential spaces. Where
parking areas are located within 15 feet
of a residential unit, they shall be located
within a garage, carport, or parking
structure, or screened by a solid wall,
fence, or landscaping a minimum of six
feet in height.”
This standard is objective because it
provides clear direction for the
location of vehicle parking areas to
prevent light intrusion from vehicles
into residential units.
Proposed Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
The City Council approved a professional services agreement with RRM Design Group in 2021,
to be paid for with $185,000 in state grant funding, to complete Housing Element Program 1.11
(Exhibit 11). (A one-year extension was approved in 2022; it ends on Jan. 19, 2024.)
Under that agreement, RRM Design Group has worked with city staff and the public for the past
two years the consultant to develop an objective standards manual for multifamily and mixed-
use developments that would replace the city’s existing subjective design guidelines.
3 See full definition in Government Code sections 65913.4 and 66300(a)(7)
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 4 of 94
The following sections provide a summary of the more substantive elements of the guidelines
and how they will be applied to eligible projects. (Refer to the section on Community
Engagement for an overview of how the design guidelines were developed.)
Purpose and structure
The objective design standards manual provides clear design direction that enhances an area’s
unique character and sense of place, allows design flexibility, and promotes construction of
new housing in the city by meeting the following goals:
• Strengthening the multifamily housing and mixed-use development design regulations
• Ensuring multifamily housing and mixed-use development projects are designed to be
compatible with the city’s existing community character that promotes a pedestrian
scale and connectivity
• Assisting in the acceleration of residential construction for both affordable and market-
rate projects
The manual implements this by establishing objective standards for:
• Site design, including pedestrian access, vehicle access, and common recreational space
• Building design, including window treatment, building massing (its bulk and size), and
building articulation (the design elements on the façade)
• Mixed-use development design, including ground floor pedestrian scale and
transparency (through the appropriate material and placement of windows and doors)
• Utilitarian design, including equipment screening, trash enclosures and bicycle parking
These design standards will be paired with existing objective development standards – such as
those covering building height, density, and setbacks – in the city’s review of eligible
development applications.
What it applies to
The citywide objective design standards will apply to eligible multifamily housing and mixed-use
development projects that include two or more attached residential units, including:
• Townhomes
• Duplexes
• Condominiums
• Apartment complexes
• Mixed-use development projects with at least two thirds of the total project square
footage designated for residential uses.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 5 of 94
The new standards will not apply to the following:
• Previously approved multifamily housing or mixed-use projects (unless modifications are
proposed)
• Projects that are in process and deemed complete either through SB 330 or the Permit
Streamlining Act4 prior to the new standards becoming effective
• Single-family residential developments
• Accessory dwelling units
• Multifamily or mixed-use projects requiring an amendment to the General Plan or
rezoning
• Non-residential developments such as commercial, industrial or office sites
The Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual applies to all eligible multifamily housing and
mixed-use development projects within the city boundaries except for the Village & Barrio
Master Plan area. In keeping with the City Council’s direction, staff are also proposing a
separate set of objective design standards for the Village & Barrio Master Plan area, which is on
the City Council agenda along with this presentation.
Waivers
Recognizing that the not all development projects are the same, the proposed standards
manual include flexibility in the form of waivers. If an applicant is unable to comply with
required objective design standards, they may request up to four waivers that will allow
developers to deviate from strict adherence to the standard. The manual includes the process
to request a waiver and the findings that must be made before the decision-maker can
authorize it. This waiver process is recommended by the state Housing and Community
Development Department and is independent of and in addition to the waiver process
authorized under state density bonus law.5
Proposed regulatory framework
To implement the design manual, certain city regulations and policies must be amended and
updated, as summarized below.
Zoning Ordinance amendment
Making these changes requires adding a chapter to the Zoning Ordinance: Chapter 21.88:
Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development – Objective Design Standards. This requires
an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance under Chapter 21.52 The new chapter will also codify
the proposed Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design Standards
Manual (Exhibits 5 and 6) by incorporating it by reference, which means it is being incorporated
into the text of the city’s Municipal Code with a statement that the manual should be treated as
if contained within the city’s code. By having a manual that lives outside of the municipal code
4 The Permit Streamlining Act, California Government Code Section 65920, was enacted in 1977 to expedite the
processing of permits for development projects by imposing time limits within which state and local government agencies must either approve or disapprove permits.
5 Originally enacted in 1979, California's Density Bonus Law, Government Code Sections 65915 – 65918, allows a
developer to increase density on a property above the maximum set under a jurisdiction's General Plan land use
plan.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 6 of 94
allows for the incorporation of more graphics and visuals than is possible in the typical format
of a Zoning Ordinance chapter.
Local Coastal Program amendment
The proposed changes also require an amendment to the Local Coastal Program because they
are amending the Zoning Ordinance, which is the city’s Local Coastal Program Implementation
Plan. Proposed amendments to the Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan must be
reviewed for consistency with the city’s Local Coastal Program, including all applicable goals
and policies, in accordance with the California Coastal Act.
City Council Policy No. 44 - Neighborhood Architectural Design Guidelines
City Council Policy No. 44, adopted in 1989, established “neighborhood architectural design
guidelines” for new single-family and two-family residential projects of two or more homes to
ensure a variety of architectural elements are incorporated into these residential development
projects.
This policy was developed during a period when planned development projects were being
created without architectural guidelines, creating “cookie cutter” residential tract homes with
little to no architectural design elements. The guidelines address architectural features
traditionally associated with detached single family building types, although the policy language
is silent regarding detached or attached units.
Most of these existing guidelines are objective, so they can still be applied to eligible projects.
However, to prevent confusion with design standards intended for attached multifamily and
mixed-use building types — such as the proposed Citywide Objective Design Standards manual
— staff recommend amending City Council Policy 44 to specify it is applicable only to detached,
or freestanding, residential projects of two or more units.
Staff also recommend City Council Policy 44 be amended to replace the few existing subjective
guidelines with objective standards, which would provide developers with clear direction for
projects subject to this policy (Exhibit 3 - Attachment “A”).
City Council action on City Council Policy Statement No. 44 is independent of the action on the
Citywide Objective Design Standards manual and staff recommends this amendment whether
or not the City Council approves the Citywide Objective Design Standards manual.
City Council Policy No. 66 – Livable Neighborhoods
City Council Policy No. 66, adopted in 2001, established various principles and guidelines for the
development of new “livable neighborhoods.” This policy was developed during a period when
larger new master planned developments were being created and guidance was needed to help
ensure community developments had interconnected street designs, pedestrian walkways,
landscaped parkways and building facades that created “interest and character.”
All the guidelines in this policy are written in a subjective manner and open to interpretation.
Additionally, most of the remaining areas of the city where growth is likely to occur are not
large enough to require a master plan that would be subject to this policy. In fact, most housing
development is anticipated to be bult on smaller infill development sites. Because of this, staff
recommend that the policy be rescinded (Exhibit 4) and that the reference to City Council Policy
No. 66 be removed from Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 21 Chapter 21.45 - Planned
Development. (Exhibit 1)
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 7 of 94
City Council action on City Council Policy No. 66 is independent of the action on the Citywide
Objective Design Standards manual, and staff recommends it be revoked whether or not the
City Council approves the Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual.
Community Engagement
The city maintained a steady stream of information about the development of the objective
design standards and opportunities for public involvement. Community engagement efforts
included the following activities:
• A dedicated webpage was published and updated throughout the project with
information about the project, input opportunities, timeline, commonly asked questions
and links to relevant documents. It also included a link to allow community members to
sign up for email updates. The public was made aware of the webpage through
information shared in the weekly City Manager’s Update e-newsletter, social media,
news releases and other email newsletters.
• The draft citywide objective design standards were made available for public review for
30 days from May 18 to June 19, 2023, concurrent with the Village and Barrio Objective
Design Standards. The public review period was promoted through a news release to
local media, the city website, e-newsletters and emails to interested stakeholders, and
social media. Paper copies of the draft design standards were made available at the two
city libraries, The City Clerk’s Office and Faraday Administration building at the Planning
Division front counter.
• During the public review period, staff hosted an informational webinar on June 8, 2023,
to present the draft citywide objective design guidelines and answer questions from the
community. The webinar and availability of the draft standards for public review was
promoted through e-newsletters emailed to approximately 15,000 community members
and social media posts that reached more than 6,400 individuals. Approximately 40
people registered for the webinar and a total of 15 people attended.
• Staff reached out to several developers who are currently or have previously submitted
applications for multifamily housing or mixed-use development projects within the City
of Carlsbad to provide them with an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed
project. On June 8, 2023, staff met with two representatives from the development
community to receive and discuss their input on the draft citywide objective design
guidelines.
• Comments and questions were provided to staff from both the meeting with developers
and project webinar. Only one comment letter was received during the public review
period (Exhibit 15). The public comments received were minimal and were generally
about the feasibility of the proposed standards. A question was brought up at the
stakeholder meeting regarding the application of City Council Policy 44 and 66 which we
address in the proposed regulatory framework section in this staff report (Exhibits 3, 4
and 7). Project issues raised during the review process have been addressed through
minor modifications to the draft manual (Exhibit 6)
• A public notice of the proposed Local Coastal Program amendment was published on
Friday, May 26, 2023, in the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Coast News in accordance
with Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 21 Section 21.54.060 - Notices of applications and
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 8 of 94
hearings. A state-mandated six-week notice of availability period was required for the
proposed Local Coastal Program amendment which ended July 7, 2023. No comments
addressing the proposed amendment were received.
Benefits and state restrictions
The proposed objective design standards will help maintain the community character in
keeping with the city’s strategic goal and strengthen local control over the design of future
multifamily and mixed-use projects. It will also give developers of applicable projects clear
design direction, saving them time and expense in the permitting process.
By not approving the proposed citywide objective design standards, the city would not be in
compliance with Housing Element Program 1.11 -Objective design standards. Additionally, the
city would not be following the guidelines of the state grant that it used to pay for the
development of the objective design standards. A breach of the grant agreement can result in
disqualifying the city from being eligible for future grant funds from the state, revoking the
grant award, requiring the return of unexpended grant funds, and other remedies available at
law or by and through the grant agreement.
Assembly Bill 72, which passed in 2017, authorized the state Housing and Community
Development Department to review “any action or failure to act” by a city that it determines
“inconsistent” with the city’s adopted housing element or Government Code Section 65583
(part of the Housing Element Law), including any failure to implement any programs included in
the jurisdiction’s housing element.
If Housing and Community Development determines that the city’s action or failure to act does
not “substantially comply” with the state Housing Element Law, or the city’s adopted Housing
Element as certified by the state, then HCD may revoke that certification until it determines
that the city has come into compliance.
In carrying out this exercise, HCD may “consult with any local government, public agency,
group, or person, and shall receive and consider any written comments from any public agency,
group, or person.” Once HCD supplies its written findings to the city, a 30-day timeline begins,
by the conclusion of which the city must respond to the findings.
Additionally, the department may also notify the California Office of the Attorney General that
the city is in violation of state law for further action. It may also decertify a jurisdiction’s
housing element if it finds that a city has taken or failed to take action in violation of the state
Housing Accountability Act, or the state’s prohibition on discrimination against affordable
housing found in Government Code Section 65008.
Should Housing and Community Development decertify a city’s housing element, the city is
then subject to Government Code section 65589.5(d)(5), known as the "builder's remedy." This
is a provision of California's Housing Accountability Act that prevents jurisdictions without a
substantially compliant housing element from denying approval for certain housing projects,
even if such projects do not comply with the jurisdiction's zoning ordinance or general plan.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 9 of 94
Planning Commission recommendation
The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed project on July 19, 2023, and adopted
Resolution No. 7489, recommending the City Council adopt an ordinance approving an
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance and adopt a City Council resolution approving a Local
Coastal Program amendment to approve the Citywide objective design standards project (7-0-0;
exhibits 12 through 14).
Overall, the Planning Commission concurred with staff that the citywide objective design
standards project is necessary to comply with current state and local regulations and had no
issues with the proposed objective design standards.
Fiscal Analysis
There is no anticipated fiscal impact from this item.
Next Steps
Following the City Council’s introduction of the ordinance, it will be scheduled at the City
Council’s next meeting for adoption, tentatively on Sept. 12, 2023. Thirty days following
adoption of the ordinance, amendments to Title 21 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code will become
effective outside of the Coastal Zone.
The amendment will become effective within the Coastal Zone when the California Coastal
Commission approves the Local Coastal Program amendment. Staff will submit an application
to the California Coastal Commission for a Local Coastal Program Amendment following the City
Council’s adoption of the ordinance.
Environmental Evaluation
The City Planner determined that this project is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act under CEQA’s common sense exemption, Section 15061(b)(3), which applies to
projects which clearly do have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant
effect on the environment. In making this determination, the City Planner has found that the
exceptions listed in Section 15300.2 of the CEQA Guidelines and Chapter 19.04 of the Municipal
Code do not apply to this project.
A notice of intended decision regarding the environmental determination was advertised on
June 28, 2023, and posted on the city’s website, no appeal to this decision was filed.
Exhibits
1. City Council ordinance (Zoning Ordinance)
2. City Council resolution (Local Coastal Program Amendment)
3. City Council resolution (Amending City Council Policy No. 44)
4. City Council resolution (Rescinding City Council Policy No. 66)
5. Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 21 showing proposed revisions
6. Multifamily Housing Objective Design Standards Manual
7. Draft City Council Policy 44 showing proposed revisions
8. Community Development Department Informational Bulletin IB-135
9. Informational Bulletin IB-132
10. City Council Resolution No. 2021-073 adopting Housing Element (on file in the Office of the
City Clerk)
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 10 of 94
11.City Council Resolution No. 2021-023 approving scope of services with RRM Design Group
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
12.Planning Commission staff report, dated July 19, 2023 (on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
13.Planning Commission Resolution No. 7489 (on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
14.Planning Commission minutes, dated July 19, 2023 (on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
15.Public comment letter
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 11 of 94
ORDINANCE NO. CS-457
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 21 ZONING, TO
ADD CHAPTER 21.88 AND AMEND CHAPTER 21.45, TO ESTABLISH CITYWIDE
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY HOUSING AND MIXED
USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS PURSUANT TO HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAM
1.11
CASE NAME: CITYWIDE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CASE NO: ZCA 2020-0003, LCPA 2020-0007, PUB 2020-0004
WHEREAS, Section 65589.5 of the California Government Code requires cities and counties
approve or deny eligible housing development projects based on objective regulatory standards; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 35 and Senate Bill 330 were signed into law, which amended state law to
incentivize the construction of housing development projects through a streamlined permit review
process; and
WHEREAS, the above legislative bills took effect between 2017-2019, and existing subjective
design standards and guidelines are no longer enforceable for eligible housing development projects;
and
WHEREAS, the city's Housing Ele.ment Program 1.11 adopted in 2021 requires the city to
develop objective design standards for multifamily housing and mixed-use development projects; and
WHEREAS, the City Planner has prepared an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance (ZCA 2020-
0003) and the Local Coastal Program (LCPA 2020-0007) pursuant to Chapter 21.52 of the Carlsbad
Municipal Code, Section 30514 of the Public Resources Code, and Section 13551 of California Code of
Regulations Title 14, Division 5.5; and
WHEREAS, on July 6, 2023, the Airport Land Use Commission reviewed and found that the
proposed Zone Code Amendment is consistent with the adopted San Diego County McClellan-Palomar
Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan; and
WHEREAS, on July 19, 2023, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing as
prescribed by law to consider AMEND 2021-0008/ LCPA 2023-0016; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution No. 7489
recommending the City Council introduce an ordinance approving an amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance, to approve ZCA 2020-0003/ LCPA 2020-0007; and
Exhibit 1
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 12 of 94
WHEREAS, the Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design Standards
Manual, on file in the Planning Division, and incorporated herein by this reference, establishes
reasonable, uniform, and comprehensive standards and procedures for multifamily housing and mixed
use residential development projects; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad held a duly noticed public hearing as
prescribed by law to consider ZCA 2020-0003/ LCPA 2020-0007; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments, if
any, of all persons desiring to be heard, the City Council considered all factors, including written public
comments, if any, related to ZCA 2020-0003/ LCPA 2020-0007.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, does ordain that:
1.The above recitations are true and correct.
2.The findings of the Planning Commission in Planning Commission Resolution No. 7489
shall also constitute the findings of the City Council.
3.That the Carlsbad Municipal Code, Title 21 Zoning is hereby amended to include a new
Chapter 21.88: Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design
Standards as follows:
CHAPTER 21.88: MULTIFAMILY HOUSING AND MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT -OBJECTIVE DESIGN
STANDARDS
Contents:
21.88.010 Purpose and Intent
21.88.020 Eligibility
21.88.030 Additional Provisions
21.88.040 Incorporation of the Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective
Design Standards Manual by Reference
21.88.050 Severability
The purpose of the objective design standards of this chapter is to provide the public, building and
design professionals, and decision-makers with objective criteria for eligible new residential and
mixed-use development in the city. The intent is to provide clear design direction that enhances an
area's unique character and sense of place, allows design flexibility, and promotes construction of
new housing in the city.
21.88.020 Eligibility
A.The following sections provides objective design standards required for use in the review of
"developments" governed by California Government Code Section 65913.4 (Streamlined Ministerial
Approval Process) and "housing development projects" as governed by California Government Code
Section 65589.5 (Housing Accountability Act). These sections detail the review processes required for
projects that provide, generally, either affordable or market rate multifamily housing development
projects with at least two units or mixed-use development projects with at least two thirds square
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 13 of 94
footage designated for residential uses. For full eligibility criteria, see the California Government Code
sections listed above or the city's development application materials.
B.These objective design standards are intended to apply exclusively to multifamily and mixed-use
residential developments that consist of at least two attached dwelling units. These objective design
standards do not apply to any other land development type, including a detached dwelling unit.
Developments proposing detached dwelling unit product types or any other land development types
are subject to the applicable objective standards found in other relevant regulatory documents and
sections of code.
C.Modification or expansion of an existing conforming structure used for multifamily housing or
mixed-use development that includes attached units is also eligible to use applicable standards of the
Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design Standards Manual.
21.88.030 Additional Provisions
A.Other Applicable Objective Standards. Eligible projects must comply with all other objective
standards in the Carlsbad Municipal Code for topics on which Chapter 21.88 is silent.
B.Waivers. A project applicant may request up to four (4) waivers to the applicable objective design
standards provided in the Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design
Standards Manual without the requirement for an additional application. The waiver process set
forth in this section is a separate process from the concessions/incentives and waiver process
pursuant to Density Bonus Law (Govt Code Section 65915) and/or other applicable state laws.
However, if the state density bonus concession/incentive or waiver is for an objective design standard
in Section 21.88.030, it would be counted as one (1) of the four (4) allowed waivers under this section.
1.The request must be made in writing as part of the application for the proposed project. The
written justification for a waiver(s) must identify the design standard(s) that is requested to
be waived and how the request meets the waiver findings listed below.
2.Waiver Findings. The decision maker will consider the request and information provided and
make findings to approve or deny the request. A waiver shall be granted only if all the
following findings are made:
a.The proposed project meets the intent of the design standard under consideration,
or a similar design standard is implemented in substitution.
b.The project meets the allowed density with the proposed waiver(s).
C.Conflicting Standards. It is the intent of these objective design standards that all qualifying building
and construction projects to the exterior of a building achieve design conformance with the objective
standards provided in this document. If there is any conflict between these objective design
standards and other applicable standards, the standards provided in the Multifamily Housing and
Mixed-Use Development Objective Design Standards Manual shall prevail. Exception: The objective
design standards specified in the applicable master plan or specific plan shall prevail if such standards
conflict with the standards of the Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design
Standards Manual.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 14 of 94
21.88.040 Incorporation of the Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards
Manual by Reference
The City of Carlsbad's Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design Standards
Manual is incorporated by reference into this chapter.
21.88.050 Severability
Should any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of the ordinance codified in this chapter
be held for any reason to be invalid or unconditional by the decision of any court of competent
jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the ordinance
codified in this chapter. The City Council declares that it would have passed the ordinance codified in
this chapter and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase thereof irrespective of the
fact that any part thereof be declared invalid or unconditional.
4.CMC Section 21.45.070 Table D is amended to delete the first table row and update
Table D reference numbers once it is removed:
D.1 Livable Must comply with city council Policy 66, Principles for the
Neighborhood Development of Livable Neighborhoods
Policy
5.CMC Section 21.45.080 Table Eis amended to delete the first table row and update Table
E reference numbers once it is removed:
E.1 Livable Must comply with city council Policy 66, Principles for the
Neighborhood Development of Livable Neighborhoods
Policy
6.Proposed CMC Section 21.88.040 incorporates by reference the Multifamily Housing
and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design Standards Manual on file in the Planning
Division and incorporated herein by reference is approved.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE APPLICABLE TO PROPERTIES OUSTIDE THE COASTAL
ZONE: This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption; and the City Clerk shall certify
the adoption of this ordinance and cause the full text of the ordinance, or a summary of the ordinance
prepared by the City Attorney to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the
City of Carlsbad within fifteen days after its adoption.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 15 of 94
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE APPLICABLE TO PROPERTIES WITHIN THE COASTAL ZONE:
This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption or upon Coastal Commission approval of
LCPA 2020-0007, whichever occurs later; and the City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance
and cause the full text of the ordinance or a summary of the ordinance prepared by the City Attorney
to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Carlsbad within fifteen
days after its adoption.
INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ at a Regular Meeting of the Carlsbad City Council on the 29th
day of August, 2023, and thereafter
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the_ day of ___ _, 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
CINDIE K. McMAHON, City Attorney
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 16 of 94
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-228
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT TO
UPDATE THE LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (ZONING
ORDINANCE, TITLE 21 OF THE CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL CODE) TO ESTABLISH
CITYWIDE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR MULTIFAMILY HOUSING AND
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IMPLEMENTING HOUSING ELEMENT
PROGRAM 1.11
CASE NAME: CITYWIDE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CASE NO: ZCA 2020-0003, LCPA 2020-0007, PUB 2020-0004
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that pursuant to
the provisions of the Municipal Code, the Planning Commission did, on July 19, 2023, hold a duly
noticed public hearing as prescribed by law to consider Planning Commission Resolution 7489,
recommending approval of Local Coastal Program Amendment LCPA 2020-0007; and the Planning
Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution 7489 recommending to the City Council that
LCPA 2020-0003 be approved; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, on Aug. 29, 2023, held a duly noticed public hearing to consider
LCPA 2023-0016 as recommended by the Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Coastal Commission regulations, a six-week notice of
availability period for LCPA 2023-0017 began on May 26, 2023, and ended on July 7, 2023; no
comments were received during the six-week period; and
WHEREAS, at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments, if
any, of all persons desiring to be heard, the City Council considered all factors relating to LCPA 2020-
0007.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That the recommendation of the Planning Commission for approval of LCPA 2020-0007
to amend the Carlsbad Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan is approved, and the
findings of the Planning Commission contained in Planning Commission Resolution No.
7489, on file with the City Clerk and incorporated herein by reference, are the findings
of the City Council.
Exhibit 2
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 17 of 94
3.This action is final the date this resolution is adopted by the City Council. The provisions
of Chapter 1.16 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, "Time Limits for Judicial Review," shall
apply:
"NOTICE"
The time within which judicial review of this decision must be sought is governed by
Code of Civil Procedure, Section 1094.6, which has been made applicable in the City of
Carlsbad by Carlsbad Municipal Code Chanter 1.16. Any petition or other paper seeking
review must be filed in the appropriate court not later than the 90th day following the
date on which this decision becomes final; however, if within 10 days after the decision
becomes final a request for the record is filed with a deposit in an amount sufficient to
cover the estimated cost of preparation of such record, the time within which such
petition may be filed in court is extended to not later than the 30th day following the
date on which the record is either personally delivered or mailed to the party, or the
party's attorney of record, if the party has one. A written request for the preparation of
the record of proceedings shall be filed with the Office of the City Clerk, 1200 Carlsbad
Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 29th day of August, 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Luna.
None.
None.
None.l�
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
�
-� SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
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Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 18 of 94
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-229
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CITY COUNCIL POLICY NO. 44 TO ACHIEVE
CONSISTENCY WITH CURRENT STATE REGULATIONS THAT REQUIRE
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CASE NAME: CITYWIDE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CASE NO: ZCA 2020-0003, LCPA 2020-0007, PUB 2020-0004
WHEREAS, Section 65589.5 of the California Government Code requires cities and counties
approve or deny eligible housing development projects based on objective regulatory standards; and
WHEREAS, given the rapid and substantial changes in applicable law, public agencies are
required to study these changes and develop appropriate responses as to not suffer the significant
adverse consequences for noncompliance; and
WHEREAS the City Council has determined amending City Council Policy No. 44 "Neighborhood
Architectural Design Guidelines" to not apply to projects that are eligible to utilize the Citywide
Objective Design Standards Manual and CMC Chapter 21.88 and to update its existing subjective
guidelines to be objective guidelines, is desirable for consistency with current state regulations and to
not conflict with the Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual and CMC Chapter 21.88; and
WHEREAS, the City Council Policy No. 44, attached hereto as Attachment "A" and incorporated
herein by this reference, establishes reasonable, uniform, and comprehensive standards and
procedures for residential development projects consisting of single-family projects of 2 or more
detached homes; and
WHEREAS, on Aug. 29, 2023 the City Council considered this Resolution, at which the City
Council received, reviewed and evaluated the staff report, written and oral testimony from the public
and other information in the record.
Exhibit 3
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 19 of 94
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That the proposed amendments to City Council Policy No. 44, attached hereto as
Attachment "A" are approved.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 29th day of August, 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Luna.
None.
None.
None.
-tr
l�KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
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Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 20 of 94
City Council
POLICY STATEMENT
Policy No.
Date Issued
44
Aug.29,2023
Resolution No. 2023-229
Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Purpose
The purpose and intent of the architectural guidelines is to ensure that a variety of architectural
elements are incorporated into certain single-family homes so that they: a) are visually
interesting, b) have sufficient building articulation to reduce their bulk and mass, c) are in scale
to their lot size, and d) strongly contribute to the creation of livable neighborhoods.
Background
City Council Policy Statement No. 44 was first adopted in 1989 to establish architectural design
guidelines for the development of livable neighborhoods. It was subsequently amended in
1997, 2001, 2006 and 2023 -most recently to conform with state requirements related to
objective design standards.
Statement of policy
This policy is applicable for the following types of residential development projects:
•A new individual single-family home or remodel shall not be subject to these
architectural guidelines.
•New single-family residential projects of 2-4 detached homes shall comply with
architectural guidelines 1, 2, 3, 4, 9,10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 (regardless of stated
percentages).
•New single-family residential projects of 5 or more detached homes shall comply with
all of the architectural guidelines.
Procedure
•Applicants for discretionary project applications shall design projects/homes so that
they comply with the guidelines. Each applicant shall provide documentation
demonstrating compliance with this policy concurrent with the submittal of
development permit applications.
If an applicant wishes to propose an architectural style that complies with the Purpose
and Intent of this policy and yet cannot comply with the requirements of the guidelines,
the applicant may request up to four deviations from any one of the architectural
guidelines to achieve an architectural design or style of equally superior quality. All such
requests shall be fully justified specifying how the Purpose and Intent of this policy is
being achieved.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 21 of 94
Attachment A
City Council Policy Statement 44
Aug.29,2023
Page 2
•Staff shall review projects for compliance with the guidelines and provide
recommendations to the decision-makers regarding:
o Project compliance with the policy;
o Whether or not any requested deviations are justified; and,
o Whether or not the purpose and intent of the policy would still be achieved if a
deviation is granted.
•Decision-makers shall determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether the project complies
with the intent of the policy to create livable neighborhoods.
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES:
Floor Plans and Elevations
1.All residential projects shall be required to have a minimum number of different floor
plans, different front and corresponding matching rear elevations with different color
schemes as identified below:
•2-4 dwelling units shall provide 1 floor plan and 2 different elevations.
•5-12 dwelling units shall provide 2 different floor plans and 2 different
elevations.
•13-20 dwelling units shall provide 2 different floor plans and 3 different
elevations.
•21+ dwelling units shall provide 3 different floor plans and 3 different elevations.
2.All elevations of a house, including front, side and rear, shall be articulated with the
same design integrity of forms using common architectural details and materials.
3.Design details shall reinforce and enhance the architectural form of every house but
each house using the same floor plan shall differ in elevation. A minimum of 4
complimentary design details, including but not limited to those listed below, shall be
incorporated into each of the front, rear and street side building facade(s) of the house.
DESIGN DETAILS
•Balconies
•Decorative eaves and fascia
•Exposed roof rafter tails
•Arched elements
•Towers
•Knee braces
•Dormers
•Columns
•Exterior wood elements
•Accent materials (i.e.; brick, stone, shingles, wood or siding)
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 22 of 94
City Council Policy Statement 44
Aug.29,2023
Page 3
4.Floor plans in a project shall exhibit a variety of roof ridges and roof heights within a
neighborhood.
Site Planning
5.Houses with both the same floor plan and elevation style shall not occur on adjacentlots.
6.Reverse floor plans shall be included where possible to add variety to the street scene.
Single Story Requirements
7.A minimum of 15% of the total number of homes shall be single-story structures.
Single-story is defined as a maximum plate-line of 15 feet and a maximum building
height of 20 feet. Lofts are permitted subject to CMC Section 21.04.330.
or
A minimum of 10% of the total number of homes shall be single-story structures and
15% shall be reduced second story structures. A reduced second story structure shall
comply with the following criteria:
• A minimum of 60% of the roofline shall be single story;• A 2-story element may be added in the central portion of the front and rearelevation; and
•The second story element may be no greater than 25% of the floor area ofthe first floor of the house (including garage).
or
For alley-loaded product, a minimum of 20% of the homes shall be single-story for the
front 20% of the home (overall depth of house times 20%).
8.A maximum of 20% of the total number of homes are exempt from the requirement
to have a single-story building edge.
9.The remaining total number of homes shall comply with one of the following guidelines:
•The home shall have a single-story building edge with a depth of not less than 8
feet and shall run the length of the building along one side except for tower
elements. The roof covering the single-story element shall incorporate a
separate roof plane and shall be substantially lower than the roof for the two
story element. Porches and porte-cochere elements shall qualify as a single
story edge. Houses with courtyards that are a minimum of 15 feet wide located
along the side of the house and setback a minimum of 15 feet from the property
line are not required to have a single-story building edge.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 23 of 94
City Council Policy Statement 44
Aug.29,2023
Page 4
• The home shall have a single-story building edge with a depth of not less than 5
feet and shall run the length of the building along one side. The roof of the
single-story element shall be substantially lower than the roof for the two-story
element of the building.
•The home shall have a single-story building edge with a depth of not less than 3
feet for 40% of the perimeter of the building.
Multiple Building Planes
10.For at least 66% of the homes in a project, there shall be at least 3 separate building
planes on street side elevations of lots with 45 feet of street frontage or less and 4
separate building planes on street side elevations of lots with a street frontage greater
than 45 feet. Balconies and covered porches qualify as a building plane.
The minimum offset in planes shall be 18 inches and shall include, but not be limited to,
building walls, windows, porches and roofs. The minimum depth between the faces of
the forward-most plane and the rear plane on the front elevation shall be 10 feet. A
plane must be a minimum of 30 sq. ft. to receive credit under this section.
11.Rear elevations shall adhere to the same criteria outlined in Number 10 above for front
elevations except that the minimum depth between front and back planes on the rear
elevation shall be 4 feet. Rear balconies qualify as a building plane.
12.For at least 66% of the homes in a project, one side elevation shall have sufficient
offsets or cutouts so that the side yard setback averages a minimum of 8.5 feet.
Windows/Doors
13.At least 66% of exterior openings (door/windows) on every home in the project shall be
recessed or projected a minimum of 2 inches and shall be constructed with wood, vinyl
or colored aluminum window frames (no mill finishes).
14.Windows shall reinforce and enhance the architectural form and style of the house
through, the use of signature windows and varied window shapes and sizes.
Front Porches
15.Fifty percent (50%) of the homes shall be designed with a covered front porch, open
courtyard, or balcony (each with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum area of 60
square feet) located at the front of the dwelling. The minimum depth for a covered front
porch shall be measured from the front facade of the home to the inside of any
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 24 of 94
City Council Policy Statement 44
Aug.29,2023
Page 5
supporting porch posts. The front and sides of porches shall be open except for required
and/or ornamental guardrails. A variety of roof elements shall be provided over
porches. Porches may not be converted to living space.
Front Entries
16.Seventy-five percent (75%) of the homes must have a front entry to the home that is
clearly visible from the street. Walkways from the front door shall connect directly to
public sidewalks, private driveways and/or to other pedestrian walkways.
Chimneys
17.Chimneys and chimney caps shall be in scale with the size of the home and shall either
be painted the same color as the exterior wall or constructed with the same materials
present on other accents or elements of the fa�ade. No more than 2 chimneys shall be
allowed for homes on lots in planned developments having an area less than 7,500
square feet.
Garage Doors
18.Garage doors for 3 or 4 cars in a row that directly face the street must have a
minimum of an 18" plane change between the garage doors after the 2 car garage
door.
Note #1: Fractional units of 0.5 or greater shall be rounded up to the next whole number
and located in a manner to achieve the best project design as determined by the project
planner. When a percentage of units are described in the guidelines, the intent is to have
that percentage spread throughout the entire project.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 25 of 94
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-230
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING CITY COUNCIL POLICY NO. 66 TO ACHIEVE
CONSISTENCY WITH CURRENT STATE REGULATIONS THAT REQUIRE
OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CASE NAME: CITYWIDE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
CASE NO: ZCA 2020-0003, LCPA 2020-0007, PUB 2020-0004
WHEREAS, Section 65589.5 of the California Government Code requires cities and counties
approve or deny eligible housing development projects based on objective regulatory standards; and
WHEREAS, given the rapid and substantial changes in applicable law, public agencies are
required to study these changes and develop appropriate responses as to not suffer the significant
adverse consequences for noncompliance; and
WHEREAS the City Council has determined rescinding City Council Policy No. 66 "Development
of Livable Neighborhoods," is desirable for consistency with state regulations since this policy only
provides subjective language that cannot be enforced for eligible projects pursuant to Section 65589.5
of the California Government Code and is replaceable with the Citywide Objective Design Standards
Manual, CMC Chapter 21.88, City Council Policy No. 44 and/or other applicable Master Plan/Specific
Plan design standards; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that rescinding
City Council Policy No. 66, is necessary as the Policy is not consistent with current state regulations
requiring eligible projects to be approved or denied based on objective regulatory standards since it
only provides subjective principles; and
WHEREAS, on Aug. 29, 2023 the City Council considered this Resolution, at which the City
Council received, reviewed and evaluated the staff report, written and oral testimony from the public
and other information in the record.
Exhibit 4
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 26 of 94
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That City Council Policy No. 66 is hereby rescinded.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 29th day of August, 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Luna.
None.
None.
None.
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
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Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 27 of 94
•
Page 1
Exhibit 5
ZCA 2020-0003, LCPA 2020-0007, PUB 2020-0004 - Citywide Objective Design Standards for
Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development
Proposed amendments to Zoning Ordinance - Title 21 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC):
1.CMC Section 21.45.070 Table D is amended to delete the first table row and update Table D
reference numbers once it is removed:
D.1 Livable
Neighborhood
Policy
Must comply with city council Policy 66, Principles for the
Development of Livable Neighborhoods
2.CMC Section 21.45.080 Table E is amended to delete the first table row and update Table E
reference numbers once it is removed:
E.1 Livable
Neighborhood
Policy
Must comply with city council Policy 66, Principles for the
Development of Livable Neighborhoods
3.CMC Chapter 21.88 is added as shown below:
CHAPTER 21.88: MULTIFAMILY HOUSING AND MIXED-
USE DEVELOPMENT - OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
Contents:
21.88.010 Purpose and Intent
21.88.020 Eligibility
21.88.030 Additional Provisions
21.88.040 Incorporation of the Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design Standards Manual by Reference
21.88.050 Severability
21.88.010 Purpose and Intent
The purpose of the objective design standards of this chapter is to provide the public, building and design professionals, and decision-makers with objective criteria for eligible new residential and mixed-use development in the city. The intent is to provide clear design direction that enhances an area’s unique character and sense of place, allows design flexibility, and promotes construction of new housing in the city.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 28 of 94
Page 2
21.88.020 Eligibility
A. The following sections provides objective design standards required for use in the review of “developments” governed by California Government Code Section 65913.4 (Streamlined Ministerial Approval Process) and “housing development projects” as governed by California Government Code Section 65589.5 (Housing Accountability Act). These sections detail the review processes required for projects that provide, generally, either affordable or market rate multifamily housing development projects with at least two units or mixed-use development projects with at least two thirds square footage designated for residential uses. For full eligibility criteria, see the California Government Code sections listed above or the city’s development application materials.
B. These objective design standards are intended to apply exclusively to multifamily and mixed-use residential developments that consist of at least two attached dwelling units. These objective design
standards do not apply to any other land development type, including a detached dwelling unit. Developments proposing detached dwelling unit product types or any other land development types
are subject to the applicable objective standards found in other relevant regulatory documents and sections of code.
C. Modification or expansion of an existing conforming structure used for multifamily housing or mixed- use development that includes attached units is also eligible to use applicable standards of the
Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design Standards Manual.
21.88.030 Additional Provisions
A. Other Applicable Objective Standards. Eligible projects must comply with all other objective standards in the Carlsbad Municipal Code for topics on which Chapter 21.88 is silent.
B. Waivers. A project applicant may request up to four (4) waivers to the applicable objective design standards provided in the Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design Standards Manual without the requirement for an additional application. The waiver process set forth in this section is a separate process from the concessions/incentives and waiver process pursuant to Density Bonus Law (Govt Code Section 65915) and/or other applicable state laws. However, if the state density bonus concession/incentive or waiver is for an objective design standard in the Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use objective Design Standards Manual, it would be counted as one (1) of the four (4) allowed waivers under this section.
1. The request must be made in writing as part of the application for the proposed project. The written justification for a waiver(s) must identify the design standard(s) that is requested to be waived and how the request meets the waiver findings listed below.
2. Waiver Findings. The decision maker will consider the request and information provided and make findings to approve or deny the request. A waiver shall be granted only if all the following findings are made:
a. The proposed project meets the intent of the design standard under consideration, or a similar design standard is implemented in substitution.
b. The project meets the allowed density with the proposed waiver(s).
C. Conflicting Standards. It is the intent of these objective design standards that all qualifying building and construction projects to the exterior of a building achieve design conformance with the objective standards provided in this document. If there is any conflict between these objective design standards and other applicable standards, the standards provided in the Multifamily Housing
and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design Standards Manual shall prevail. Exception: The objective design standards specified in the applicable master plan or specific plan shall prevail if
such standards conflict with the standards of the Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design Standards Manual. 21.88.040 Incorporation of the Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Objective Design Standards Manual by Reference
The City of Carlsbad’s Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use Development Objective Design Standards Manual is incorporated by reference into this chapter.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 29 of 94
Page 3
21.88.050 Severability
Should any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of the ordinance codified in this chapter be held for any reason to be invalid or unconditional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction,
such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the ordinance codified in this chapter. The City Council declares that it would have passed the ordinance codified in this chapter and each section,
subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any part thereof be declared invalid or unconditional.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 30 of 94
City of Carlsbad
Multifamily Housing and
Mixed-Use Development
Objective
Design Standards
Manual
June 2023
Exhibit 6
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 31 of 94
I-2 City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Prepared for
City of Carlsbad
Acknowledgments
City Council
Mayor Keith Blackburn
Councilmember Melanie Burkholder, District 1
Councilmember Carolyn Luna, District 2
Mayor Pro Tem Priya Bhat-Patel, District 3
Councilmember Teresa Acosta, District 4
City StaffEric Lardy, City Planner
Robert Efird, Principal PlannerJennifer Jesser, Senior Planner
Shelley Glennon, Project Manager
Prepared by
RRM Design Group
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 32 of 94
{city of
Carlsbad
rrm
design
group
I-3June 2023
Prepared by
RRM Design Group
Section 1: Introduction..................................... 1-1
Section 2: Site Design Standards...................... 2-1
Section 3: Building Design Standards.............. 3-1
Section 4: Additional Mixed-Use Standards..... 4-1
Section 5: Utilitarian Design Standards........... 5-1
Definitions........................................................ A-1
Table of Contents
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 33 of 94
I-4 City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards ManualAug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 34 of 94
Introduction 1
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Section 1
Introduction1
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I-1City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 1
Introduction 1
C.How to Use the Objective Design
Standards Manual.
1.Apply Zoning Requirements in Title 21.
Identify which base zone and/or overlay
zone an eligible project is located in.
Chapter 21.06 through Chapter 21.40
of Title 21 establish standards for each
zone such as building height, yards and
setbacks, and lot size. Specific design
topics are also addressed, such as signs
in Chapter 21.41 and parking design in
Chapter 21.44.
2.Apply Objective Design Standards
Manual. An eligible project is subject
to site design standards, building
design standards, and utilitarian design
standards. Additionally, mixed-use
projects are subject to additional mixed-
use standards. Some standards only apply
to projects with a large amount of homes;
these standards specify a threshold for the
number of homes.
A.Purpose. Objective design standards are
intended to provide the public, building and
design professionals, and decision-makers
with objective criteria for development.
The Multifamily Housing and Mixed-Use
Development Objective Design Standards
Manual (“Manual”) provides clear direction
that enhances an area’s unique character and
sense of place, allows design flexibility, and
promotes construction of new housing in the
city. It is in alignment with the goals of the city
and State to address the housing affordability
in this community.
B.Eligibility. This document establishes
standards for new multifamily residential and
mixed-use development that consists of at
least two attached homes. Eligible projects are
established by the provisions of Chapter 21.88
of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, and Statewide
legislation that mandates a streamlined,
objective design process for various types of
homes.
Introduction
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I-2 June 2023
Section 1
Introduction
c.Waiver Findings. The decision maker will
consider the request and information
provided and make findings to approve
or deny the request. A waiver shall be
granted only if all the following findings
are made:
1.The proposed project meets
the intent of the design
standard under consideration,
or a similar design standard is
implemented in substitution.
2.The project meets the allowed density
with the proposed waiver(s).
4.Reconcile Conflicting Standards. The City
of Carlsbad maintains multiple regulatory
documents that contain design direction
for multifamily residential and mixed-
use development, including the Carlsbad
Municipal Code, specific plans, and master
plans. In the case of a conflict between an
objective standard in this Manual and an
objective standard in another regulatory
document, the standard in this Manual shall
prevail.
Exception: The objective design standards
specified in the applicable master plan or
specific plan shall prevail if such standards
conflict with the standards of the Multifamily
Housing and Mixed-Use Development
Objective Design Standards Manual.
1-2
1
3.Identify Waivers. A project applicant
may request up to four (4) waivers to
the standards provided in this manual
without the requirement for an additional
application.
a.Density Bonus. The waiver process set
forth in this section is a separate process
from the concessions/incentives and
waiver process pursuant to Density
Bonus Law (Govt Code Section 65915)
and/or other applicable state laws.
However, if the state density bonus
concession/incentive is for an objective
design standard in this Manual, it would
be counted as one (1) of the four (4)
allowed waivers under this section.
b.Waiver Request. The waiver request must
be made in writing as part of the
application for the proposed project. The
written justification for a waiver(s) must
identify the design standard(s) that is
requested to be waived and how the
request meets the waiver findings listed
below.
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Site Design Standards 2
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Section 2
Site Design Standards2
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2-1City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 2
Site Design Standards 2
A.Site Layout and Building
Placement.
1.Street Building Wall. If there is an
existing contiguous building wall that has
a consistent setback along the primary
street frontage (maintaining the same
building plane setback for at least 75% of
the buildings on a single street block), then
buildings shall be located to maintain the
contiguous street wall and consistent front
setback.
Site design refers to the arrangement of – and relationships between – buildings, parking areas, common
and private recreational space, and pedestrian connections. The site design standards in this chapter address
site layout and building placement, vehicular surface parking and access, pedestrian circulation and access,
landscaping, and private and common recreational space. Projects shall follow objective requirements of the
base zone it is located in, such as setbacks and building height.
2.Common Recreational Space Adjacent
to Primary Street – Projects with 50 or
More Units. Projects of 50 units or more
shall include at least one on-site common
recreational space located outdoors and
adjacent or visible from the primary street.
The common recreational space should
provide an opportunity for resident
interaction, such as a courtyard, picnic/sitting
area, or play area. This gathering space
counts towards the requirements of Section
2.D, Common Recreational Space – Projects of
20 or More Units.
Site Design Standards
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June 2023
Section 2
Site Design Standards
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1.Access and Driveways
a.Primary Access. Side street or alley access
shall serve as the primary vehicular
access to parking and carport areas, if
available. If not available, the primary
street shall provide vehicular access.
b.Number of Access points. A maximum of
one vehicle access point from the street
is permitted per 100 linear feet of street
frontage.
Figure 1: Enhanced paving treatments shall be provided for entry driveways (2.B.3.c)
B.Vehicular Parking and Access. Vehicular access and parking shall be designed as follows,
unless the Fire Department determines that doing so would endanger the public welfare and safety.
Refer to the Chapter 21.44, Parking, of the Carlsbad Municipal Code for additional parking and access
regulations.
c.Enhanced Paving for Entry Driveways.
Entry driveways connecting public
streets to the interior of the site shall
use enhanced paving treatment with
patterned and/or colored pavers,
brick, or decorative colored and scored
concrete, a minimum of 12 feet deep,
and spanning the width of the driveway.
Width o
f
t
h
e
D
r
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v
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w
a
y
Decorative Paving at
Pedestrian Crossings
12 Fe
e
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Mini
m
u
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2-3City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 2
Site Design Standards 2
2.Number of Parking Spaces. The provisions
of Section 21.44.020, Off-Street Parking
Spaces Required, of the Carlsbad Municipal
Code shall be implemented except as
defined by Section 65585 of the Government
Code:
3.Traffic Calming Measures – Private Streets.
Projects with privately owned or maintained
streets shall implement four traffic calming
measures and techniques from the City’s
Residential Traffic Management Program
(Phase II or Phase III) throughout the project.
Examples of such traffic calming tools
include speed tables and speed cushions,
high visibility crosswalks, and intersection
bulb-outs.
4.Passenger Pick-up and Drop-off Location
-Projects with 50 or More Units. Projects
with 50 or more units shall provide at least
one pick-up and drop-off location located
within 100 feet of a common recreational
space (such as a community clubhouse
or pool), or located within 100 feet of a
vehicular access point. The passenger
loading space shall be at least the size of a
standard parking space and shall be clearly
marked and visible from an entry driveway
(access point) into the site. Pick-up and drop-
off locations shall incorporate a minimum of
one bench and one shade structure.
5.Vehicle Light Intrusion. Vehicle parking
areas shall be located, oriented, and/or
screened to prevent visual intrusion of
vehicle lights into habitable residential
spaces. Where parking areas are located
within 15 feet of a residential unit, they
shall be located within a garage, carport, or
parking structure, or screened by a solid wall,
fence, or landscaping a minimum of six feet
in height.
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June 2023
Section 2
Site Design Standards
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2
c.Landscaping. See Section 2.F,
Landscaping, for landscaping
requirements adjacent to pedestrian
walkways.
D. Common Recreational Space
- Projects of 20 or More Units.
Projects of 20 or more units shall provide
on-site common recreational spaces at
a minimum of 100 square feet per unit.
Common recreational space include amenities
accessible to all residents such as play areas,
community center, courtyards, gathering and
picnic spaces, rooftop lounges, multi-use
paths/trails, pocket parks, athletic/recreational
courts or gyms, dog runs and enclosures;
pools and spas; and community gardens.
An applicant may provide on-site common
recreational space through an amenity not on
this list if it is readily accessible by all residents
for recreation and social purposes.
1.Minimum Dimensions. Except for
pocket parks and multi-use paths and
trails, common recreational spaces shall
be continuous space with no less than 15
feet in any given direction.
a.Pocket Parks. Pocket parks shall have a
minimum width of 50 feet in at least
one direction.
b.Exemption for Multi-Use Paths and
Trails. Multi-use paths and trails
are not subject to the minimum
dimension requirement of 15 feet.
2.Visibility. Common recreational space
shall be located and arranged to allow
visibility into the space from pedestrian
walkways on the interior of the site.
Fencing or barriers shall be designed with
transparency to allow visibility.
C.Pedestrian Circulation and Access.
1.General. Paved or hardscape on-site
pedestrian circulation and access shall
be provided according to the following
standards:
a.Pedestrian walkways shall connect
residential units to areas throughout the
site, such as vehicle parking areas, bicycle
parking areas, common recreational
space, waste and recycling enclosures,
and other amenities.
b.Pedestrian walkways shall connect public
sidewalks to all building entrances and
vehicle parking areas.
c.Pedestrian walkways shall connect
building entrances through the site
interior to all transit stops directly
adjacent to the project.
d.Pedestrian walkways shall connect
multiple buildings throughout the site.
2.Pedestrian Walkways. Pedestrian walkways
shall be provided with a minimum width of
five feet along the entire length, according
to the following standards:
a.Materials. Walkways shall be constructed
of firm, stable and slip-resistant materials
such as poured-in-place concrete
(including stamped concrete), permeable
paving, or concrete pavers.
b.Enhanced Paving for Pedestrian Crossings.
Where a pedestrian walkway intersects
with a vehicle accessway, enhanced
paving treatment using patterned and/
or colored pavers, brick, or decorative
colored and scored concrete shall be
used. Pedestrian crossings shall feature
enhanced paving with a minimum width
of five feet, and span the length of the
intersecting drive area.
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2-5City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 2
Site Design Standards 2
Figure 2: Private recreational space shall be provided for each residential unit and may include balconies
and decks for upper stories (2.E.3)
E. Private Recreational Space. Private recreational spaces include amenities such as porches,
patios, decks, and balconies. Where provided, private recreational spaces shall comply with the following
requirements:
1.Minimum Dimensions. Private recreational space shall be a minimum of six feet in any direction.
2.Screening. Where private recreational space (such as a balcony or ground floor patio) is located
within 15 feet of a window of an adjoining dwelling unit, railings, walls, and fencing shall be
constructed with wood, metal, or glazing. Screening shall be constructed with limited openings to
provide a minimum of 85 percent surface area screening (measured from the finished floor of the
private recreational space to the top of the railing, fencing, or walls).
Proper
t
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L
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e
6 Feet Min
Examples of private
recreational space
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June 2023
Section 2
Site Design Standards
2-6
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1.Landscape Buffer. A landscape buffer of
minimum five feet shall be located adjacent
to all ground-level residential spaces to
provide additional privacy and security for
residents. The buffer shall be planted with
shrubs which grow to or are maintained at a
maximum height of four feet.
2.Pedestrian Walkways. Pedestrian walkways
shall be flanked on both sides with
landscaping, including, groundcover, and
shrubs a maximum of four feet in height.
A tree shall be provided on either side of
the walkway at a minimum of every 50 feet
of walkway length. Regular alternating
intervals of trees on both sides of all
walkways may be provided where there is
sufficient space to promote healthy tree
growth and avoid root damage to adjacent
hardscape elements.
3.Plant Selection. Projects shall utilize plant
materials consistent with the requirements
of the Carlsbad Landscape Manual and any
applicable permit conditions.
4.Privacy. Landscape screening shall obscure
direct sight lines into dwelling units and
private recreational space from communal
areas such as parking areas, common
mailboxes, and pedestrian walkways.
Landscaping may be used in combination
with walls, fencing, and/ or trellises to screen
views where consistent with objective
standards from the Carlsbad Landscape
Manual.
F. Landscaping
Landscaping shall be utilized for all outdoor areas that are not specifically used for parking, driveways,
walkways, patios, or recreational space. Projects shall comply with additional objective standards in the
Carlsbad Landscape Manual and Chapter 18.50, Water Efficient Landscape, of the Carlsbad Municipal
Code.
Figure 3: A landscape buffer shall be located adjacent to all ground-level residential spaces (2.F.1-2.F.2)
5 Feet
Min.
Landscape buffer
growing or maintained to
4 foot maximum height
Prope
r
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L
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Building Design Standards 3
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Section 3
Building Design Standards3
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3-1City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 3
Building Design Standards 3
Topics in this chapter include building massing and form, façade articulation, roof forms, building and unit
entrances, fenestration, parking structure design, and building materials and colors.
A.Building Form, Massing, and Articulation. Building form, massing and façade
articulation facilitates the distinction of individual units, or groups of units, through varied heights,
projections, setbacks, and recesses. Materials and colors emphasize changes and hierarchy in form.
1.Building Form and Hierarchy. Buildings greater than two stories shall be designed to differentiate
a defined base; a middle or body; and a top, cornice, or parapet cap. Buildings two stories or less shall
include a defined base and top. The “base” and “top” each shall not exceed two stories in height. This
effect shall be achieved through at least two of the following for all buildings:
a.Color, texture, or material changes.
b.Variations, projections, or reveals in the wall plane.
c.Variations in fenestration size or pattern.
d.Decorative architectural details such as cornices and columns, or arcades.
Building Design Standards
Figure 4: The design of this building provides a defined base, middle, and top, through changes in colors,
materials, and a second story projection in the wall plane (3.A.1)
Variation/
projection in
the wall plane
Variation in
fenestration
size/pattern
Base
Middle
Top
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Section 3
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2.Wall Plane Variation. Building façades visible from the primary street shall not extend horizontally
more than 40 feet in length without a two-foot variation in depth in the wall plane. Building
entrances, unit entrances, upper-story setbacks, and projections such as stoops, porches, bays,
overhangs, fireplaces, and trellises count towards this requirement.
a.Upper Floor Area Reduction - Projects with 5 or More Units. The floor area for upper floors shall be a
maximum of 90% of the ground floor area. The upper floor area shall not protrude over the first
floor along the street frontage more than five feet.
b.Horizontal Articulation. Walls visible from a public right-of-way shall not run in a continuous
horizontal plane for more than 40 feet without incorporating articulating features such as
glazing, overhangs, cornices, canopies, columns, pilasters, trellises, arches, or clearly defined
projecting or recessed architectural elements.
Figure 5: Building facades shall not extend horizontally more than 40 feet in length without a variation in
the wall plane (3.A.2)
40 Feet
Maximum
40 Feet
Maximum
40 Feet
Maximum
CorniceUpper-Story
Setback GlazingOverhang
2 Foot
Min.
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3-3City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 3
Building Design Standards 3
3.Corner Buildings. Corner buildings greater than two stories shall include one or more of the
following features on both facades:
a.An entry to ground-floor commercial uses or a primary building entrance located within 25 feet
of the corner of the building.
b.A different material application, color, or fenestration pattern of windows and doors from the rest
of the façade located within 40 feet of the corner of the building.
c.A change in height of at least 5 feet (taller or shorter) compared to the height of the abutting
façade, located within 40 feet of the corner of the building.
Figure 6: Corner buildings shall incorporate a building entrance, variation in materials, colors, or
fenestration, or a variation in height (3.A.3)
Entry located within 25 feet of the building
corner
Different material color,
or fenestration pattern
located within 40 feet of the building corner
A change in height of at least 5 feet located within 40 feet of
the building corner 5 Feet
Minimum
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Section 3
Building Design Standards
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Figure 7: Roof lines shall not extend horizontally more than 40 feet in length without a prominent change in
roof form, variation in architectural elements, or a variation in roof height (3.A.4)
4.Roof Line Variation. Roof lines shall not extend horizontally more than 40 feet in length without at
least one prominent change as described below:
a.Provide variation in roof form, such as hipped, gable, shed, flat, and mansard.
b.Provide variation in architectural elements, such as parapets, varying cornices, chimneys, and
reveals.
c.Provide variation of roof height of at least 18 inches (as measured from the highest point of each
roof line).
5.Flat Roofs and Parapets. Parapets shall be provided around the perimeter of a flat roof.
a.Rooftop equipment shall be located a minimum of five feet away from any roof edge and
parapet adjacent to a public right-of-way.
b.Interior side of parapet walls shall not be visible from a common recreational space or public
right-of-way.
c.Parapets shall be capped with precast treatment, continuous banding, projecting cornices,
dentils, or similar edge treatment.
6.Garages. Garage doors shall be recessed into the garage wall a minimum of four inches to
accentuate shadow patterns and relief. Garages shall not be located adjacent to the primary street
unless there is no other driveway access available onsite for residential parking.
Example of variation in
architectural elements
Example of variation of roof form and
height change of at least 18 inches
18 Inches Min.
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3-5City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 3
Building Design Standards 3
B.Building and Unit Entrances. Entrances for buildings and individual units shall incorporate
architectural treatments e.g., feature window details, towers, decorative veneer or siding, porches,
stoops) and/or changes in roof line or wall planes.
1.Common Building Entrance. Common building entrances shall include weather protection that is
a minimum 6 feet wide and 4 feet deep by recessing the entrance, or providing an awning or similar
weather protection element. Common building entrances shall provide a minimum of 40 square
feet of decorative and accent paving that contrast in color and texture from the adjacent pedestrian
walkway paving.
a.Street-Facing Entrance. Buildings located adjacent to the primary street shall incorporate at least
one pedestrian entrance directly from the public sidewalk or right-of-way.
b.Non-Street-Facing Entrance. Buildings not located adjacent to a street shall have common
building entrances oriented to face parking areas, internal pedestrian walkways, or common
Figure 8: Buildings not located adjacent to a primary street can have common building entrances oriented
to face common recreational spaces (3.B.1.b)
Street-Facing
Entrance
Non-Street-Facing
Entrance
recreational space areas such as landscaped courtyards, plazas, or paseos.
Entrances
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Figure 9: Individual residential unit entrances located on the ground floor shall be a porch or other entrance
type (3.B.2.a.1)
Prima
r
y
S
t
r
e
e
t
Street-facing
porch or patio
2.Individual Unit Entrance.
a.Ground-Floor Unit Entrance. Residential entrances located on the ground floor shall include one
or more of the following:
1.Entrance Types. Allowable unit entrance forms include: porch,
stoop, patio, terrace, forecourt, and courtyard.
2.Weather Protection. Entrances shall have either a projected sheltering element or be recessed
from the main facade; the projection or recess shall have a minimum depth of 24 inches.
b.Upper-Floor Unit Entrance. Exterior entrances to individual units on upper floors are permitted. No
exterior access corridor providing access to upper-floor units shall be longer than 40 horizontal
feet, to avoid a “motel-style” appearance.
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3-7City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 3
Building Design Standards 3
Figure 10: Individual unit entrances shall have weather protection, either in the form of a recessed entrance
(left) or a projected element (right) (3.B.2.a.2)
Recessed
sheltering element
Projected
sheltering
element
24 Inch Min.
24 Inch Min.
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Section 3
Building Design Standards
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C.Windows and Doors.
1.Privacy. Where buildings are located within 10 feet of one another, window design on the building
facades adjacent to one another shall avoid unfiltered/direct views into the site and shall be
designed with one or more of the following:
a.Utilize non-transparent or obscured glazing, such as frosted/patterned glass, glass block, or non-
operable opaque windows. Reflective glazing is not permitted.
b.Provide permanent architectural screens or affixed louvers at windows.
c.Utilize clerestory windows a minimum height of 6 feet from the ground.
Figure 11: Window privacy from direct line-of sight into close, adjacent buildings can be provided in
various ways (3.C.1)
6 Feet Min.
Non-Transparent/
Obscured Glazing
Architectural Screen/
Affixed Louver
Clerestory Window
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3-9City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 3
Building Design Standards 3
2.Window Treatment. Windows shall either be recessed at least two inches from the plane of the
surrounding exterior wall, or shall have a trim or windowsill at least two and a half inches in depth.
a.Windows Facing a Public Street or Common Recreational Spaces. Windows within 40 feet of public
right-of-way or common recreational spaces shall feature enhanced window treatments, such as
decorative lintels, trim, shutters, awnings, and/or trellises.
b.Window Shutters. Exterior window shutters, when used, shall match the size and shape of
adjacent window openings.
Figure 12: Windows shall either be recessed from the wall plane (left) or shall have a surrounding trim or
windowsill (right) (3.C.2)
Depth of Recessed Window Depth of Trim or Windowsill
2 Inches Minimum
Recess
2.5 Inch Minimum
Trim or Sills
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Section 3
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D.Materials and Colors.
1.Variation Between Buildings – Projects
with Multiple Buildings. For projects with
multiple buildings, the colors and materials
of exterior walls, doors, and accents such as
window trim shall vary for each building.
2.Consistency Between Elevations. The
materials, colors, and styles of windows,
doors, roofs, decks, balconies, exterior
staircases, porches, and any façade
treatment shall be used on more than one
elevation of a building.
3.Wall Material. The primary exterior siding
material for buildings shall be wood, stone,
brick, stucco, fiber cement, composite wood
or stone. Plywood is prohibited.
4.Chimneys. Chimneys shall either be painted
the same color as the exterior wall or
constructed with the same materials present
on other accents or elements of the facade.
5.Material Transition. Changes in material
shall occur at inside corners of intersecting
walls or at architectural features that break
up the wall plane, such as columns.
6.Accent Material. Use of two or more accent
materials such as glass, tile, brick, stone,
concrete, or plaster, which differ from the
primary exterior siding material, shall be
incorporated to highlight building features.
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Additional Mixed-Use Standards4
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Section 4
Additional Mixed-Use Standards4
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4-1City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 4
Additional Mixed-Use Standards 4
The following standards shall be implemented by mixed-use projects in addition to the standards in Section
3, Building Design Standards. Topics in this chapter specifically remedy potential conflicts and considerations
derived from the integration of various uses. The following standards are broken into vertical mixed-use and
horizontal mixed-use; all standards apply to structures that contain both vertical and horizontal mixed-uses.
A.Vertical Mixed-Use. The following standards apply to all vertical mixed-use buildings where there
are multiple uses (e.g. residential and non-residential) on different floors of the same building.
1.Ground Floor Use and Activity. In addition to non-residential uses, common recreational spaces,
amenities, and leasing offices are allowed in the ground floor space and within 20 feet of the
building frontage along the primary street. Residential dwelling units shall not be located within the
ground floor space and within 20 feet of the building frontage along the primary street.
2.Ground Floor Height. Mixed-use buildings shall incorporate a minimum ground floor height
(measured from floor to floor) of 12 feet.
Additional Mixed-Use Standards
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 61 of 94
Section 4
Additional Mixed-Use Standards4
June 20234-2
3.Ground Floor Transparency. Mixed-use buildings located adjacent to the primary street shall
include windows and doors for a minimum of 50% of the building area located between three
and seven feet above the height of the sidewalk. The area of signage and posters within a window
display shall not count towards this requirement.
a.Parking garages are not required to meet the ground floor transparency requirement.
b.Transparent or translucent glazing is required on the ground floor façade. Opaque, reflective, or
dark tinted glass that obstructs interior views at the street level is not permitted.
Figure 13: To support a pedestrian-friendly environment, mixed-use buildings shall maintain transparent
windows and doors along 50% of the street-facing wall area between three and seven feet above the sidewalk
(4.A.3)
A 50% minimum of the
area 3 - 7 feet above the
sidewalk is transparent windows or doors
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4-3City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 4
Additional Mixed-Use Standards 4
4.Product Displays. The bottom of any
product display window shall be between
18 to 36 inches in height, measured from
the height of the sidewalk. Product display
windows shall be internally lit.
5.Ground Floor Pedestrian Scale. Mixed-
use building facades located adjacent to
the primary street shall provide two of the
following for every 40 feet in façade length.
a.An awning, canopy, or other shade/
weather protection structure a minimum
of 10 feet in height.
1.If provided as one continuous awning,
canopy, or other shade/weather
protection structure, the structure shall
extend a minimum of 10 feet in length.
2.If provided as multiple awnings,
canopies, or other shade/
weather protection structures, the
structure shall be provided at a
minimum over every window.
b.A change in exterior wall material,
consistent with Section 3.D, Materials and
Colors.
c.Planter boxes located under each
window or on either side of entry doors,
each a minimum of 4 feet in length.
d.Signage projecting from the building
façade wall at a perpendicular angle, or
signage attached to a fixed canopy or
awning.
B.Horizontal Mixed-Use. The following
standards apply to all horizontal mixed-use
developments where there are multiple
uses (e.g. residential and non-residential) in
different buildings within the same project or
development site:
1.Pedestrian Circulation. Pedestrian
walkways shall connect multiple buildings
throughout the site, as per Section 2.C,
Pedestrian Circulation and Access.
2.Access to Common Recreational Spaces.
Commercial tenants, visitors, and residents
may be given access to the same common
recreational spaces, or separate common
recreational spaces.
3.Nuisances and Hazards. Buildings shall
be located and sited in compliance with
objective standards in the Carlsbad
Municipal Code as related to noise, vibration,
odor, glare, and other nuisances and
hazards.
4.Loading and Service Areas. All required
loading and service areas shall be located
on a façade other than the primary building
frontage, and/or at the rear or side of the
site. Loading and service areas shall be
located so as to not disrupt or block the
flow of onsite and offsite vehicular traffic.
Loading and service areas shall not be
located within 50 feet of residential dwelling
units or common recreational space areas
and shall be visually screened from the
public right-of-way with walls, solid fencing,
and/or dense evergreen vegetation. Refer
to Chapter 10.40, Stopping, Standing, and
Parking, of the Carlsbad Municipal Code for
loading requirements.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 63 of 94
Section 4
Additional Mixed-Use Standards4
June 20234-4 Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 64 of 94
Utilitarian Design Standards 5
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 65 of 94
Section 5
Utilitarian Design Standards5
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 66 of 94
5-1City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 5
Utilitarian Design Standards 5
A.Bicycle Parking.
1.Short-term Bicycle Parking. Short-term
bicycle parking shall be provided to serve
residents, shoppers, customers, messengers,
guests, and other visitors to a site, who
generally stay for a short period of time.
a.Required Number of Spaces. Short-term
bicycle parking shall be provided in
the form of permanent bicycle racks
at the rate of one rack space per every
ten residential units and one rack space
per every 1,000 square feet of non-
residential space.
The following standards relate to the operational fixtures and structures of multifamily residential and
mixed-use buildings.
b.Location. Racks shall be located within
100 feet of a residential unit, or within
100 feet of a common building entrance
to the building it serves. One rack may
serve multiple tenants or buildings if the
distance requirement is met. Bicycle racks
and associated bicycle maneuvering shall
not impede upon the public right-of-
way so as to impede accessible paths of
travel.
c.Security. Bicycle parking spaces shall be
provided with a stationary, securely-
anchored rack or object to which a
bicycle frame and one wheel can be
secured.
Utilitarian Standards
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 67 of 94
Section 5
Utilitarian Design Standards5
June 20235-2
2.Long-term Bicycle, E-bike, E-scooter
Parking – Projects of More Than 20 Units.
Long-term bicycle parking shall be provided
to serve residents, employees, students,
commuters, and others who generally stay
at a site for a long period of time. Long-term
bicycle, E-bike, and E-scooter parking shall
be provided for projects of more than 20
units.
a.Required Number of Spaces. Long-term
bicycle parking shall be provided at a
rate of one rack space per every five
residential units.
b.Location and Security. Secure, long-term
bicycle, E-bike, and E-scooter parking
areas shall be located in an enclosed
bicycle locker; a fenced, covered, locked,
or guarded bicycle storage area; or a rack
or stand inside a building or site area
requiring key access. A garage or carport
for an individual residential unit may
fulfill this requirement.
1.Where the bicycle parking area is not
visible from the common building
entrance, signs located at a common
building entrance shall identify
the location of bicycle parking.
2.Bicycle parking areas shall be covered
(e.g. inside buildings, garages, bike
lockers, under roof overhangs).
3.Long-term bicycle parking
facilities shall not be visible
from the public right-of-way.
c.Size and Accessibility. Each long-term
bicycle parking space shall be a
minimum of two feet in width and six
feet in length and shall be accessible
without moving other bicycles. Two feet
of clearance shall be provided between
bicycle parking spaces and adjacent
walls, poles, landscaping, street furniture,
drive aisles, and pedestrian walkways.
Five feet of clearance shall be provided
from vehicle parking spaces.
B.Community Delivery Center –
Projects of 20 or More Units. For all
developments 20 units and larger, a delivery
room, consolidated mailbox, or mail pick-up
and drop-off locationshall be provided. This
amenity shall be located centrally to maximize
access for all occupants of the development and
have direct access to the public right-of-way for
delivery personnel.
C.Fences and Walls. Fences and walls
shall be constructed of materials such as wood,
wrought iron, or masonry and shall be a different
color than the exterior wall of the building(s).
Chain link fencing is prohibited. Where fences
and walls of different materials or finishes
intersect, an architectural transition or break
(such as a pier, post, column or pilaster) shall be
provided. Refer to the Carlsbad Municipal Code
for additional regulations associated with fences
and walls.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 68 of 94
5-3City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Section 5
Utilitarian Design Standards 5
D.Lighting. Outdoor light fixtures, including
pole lights, wall-mounted lights and bollards
shall be fully-shielded and downward-facing in
order to minimize glare and light trespass within
and beyond the project site.
1.All areas for pedestrian and vehicular
circulation, entrances, parking, and common
recreational spaces shall incorporate lighting
programmed with dusk to dawn lighting for
safety and security.
2.Energy-efficient fixtures incorporating light
emitting diode (LED) lamps or equivalent
energy-efficient fixtures shall be used.
E.Equipment and Utility Screening.
Wall-mounted utility elements such as wires,
conduits, junction boxes, transformers, ballast,
backflow devices, irrigation controllers, switch
and panel boxes, and utilities such as gas and
electrical meters shall be located at interior
corners of building walls, or behind building or
landscape elements that conceal them from the
view of pedestrian walkways.
F.Trash and Refuse. Trash and refuse areas
shall be located within a building, incorporated
into the exterior building design, or located
within a detached enclosure designed and
placed as follows:
1.Location. The enclosure shall be located to
the rear or side of the building, within 500
feet of an access point to the units served
and located outside of view from a public
right-of-way.
2.Screening. The enclosure shall be enclosed
within a solid wall without breaks or
transparency, and having gate or door.
3.Materials. The enclosure shall incorporate
the same materials and colors of the primary
building design.
G.Wall-Mounted Utility Elements.
All wall-mounted elements shall be located
at interior corners of building walls or behind
building elements that conceal them from
the view of pedestrian walkways . All flashing,
sheet metal vents, exhaust fans/ventilators,
downspouts, and pipe stacks shall be painted to
match the adjacent roof or wall material and/or
color.
H.Signs. Sign design shall comply with the
objective requirements of Chapter 21.41, Sign
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 69 of 94
Section 5
Utilitarian Design Standards5
June 20235-4 Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 70 of 94
Definitions A
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 71 of 94
DefinitionsA
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 72 of 94
City of Carlsbad
Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
Definitions A
The following terms are defined below and found throughout this Manual in italicized font.
Alley. A public thoroughfare or way having a width of not more than 20 feet which affords only a secondary
means of access to abutting property.
Arcade. A series of arches carried by columns or piers, a passageway between arches and a solid wall, or a
covered walkway providing access to building entrances.
Awning. An architectural fabric or metal projection that provides weather protection, building identity, or
decoration, and is wholly supported by the building to which it is attached. An awning is typically comprised
of a lightweight frame structure over which a cover is attached.
Balcony. An external extension of an upper floor of a building, enclosed by a solid or transparent screen,
balusters, or railings.
Carport. A structure, or portion of a structure, accessible to vehicles, with a solid weatherproof roof that is
permanently open on at least two sides, used as vehicle parking and/or outdoor storage.
Clerestory. An upper story or row of windows rising above the adjoining parts of the roof, designed to
admin increased light into the inner space of the building.
Cornice. The uppermost division of an entablature; a projecting shelf along the top of a wall supported by
a series of brackets; the exterior trim at the meeting of a roof and wall, consisting of soffit, fascia, and crown
molding.
Courtyard. Any portion of the interior of a lot or building site which is wholly or partially surrounded by
buildings, and which is not a required front, side, or rear yard.
Downspout. A vertical pipe that carries water from the roof gutters to the ground or cistern.
Elevation. The view of the front, back, or side of a building; or an architectural drawing of one of these views
showing architectural and design features, and the relationship of grade to floor level.
Façade. The exterior face of a building.
Fenestration. The arrangement, proportioning, and design of windows, doors, and other exterior openings
in a building.
Fully-Shielded. A term describing a light that is constructed so that light rays directly emitted by the fixture
are projected below a horizontal plane running through the lowest point on the fixture where light is
emitted.
Definitions
A-1Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 73 of 94
DefinitionsA
June 2023
Horizontal Mixed-Use. A term applied where multiple types of uses (e.g. residential and non-residential)
occur in different buildings within the same project or development site.
Housing Development Project. As defined by California Code Section 65589.5.
Lintel. The horizontal beam that forms the upper structural member of an opening for a window or door
and supports part of the structure above it.
Objective Design Standards. Standards which involve no personal or subjective judgment by a public
official and are uniformly verifiable by reference to an external and uniform benchmark or criterion.
Paseo. A recreational space that serves as a pedestrian connection and passive landscape between two
separate streets.
Parapet. A low protective wall or railing along the edge of a roof, balcony, or similar structure; in an exterior
wall, the part entirely above the roof.
Pilaster. A partial pier or column, often with a base, shaft, and capital, that is embedded in a flat wall and
projects slightly; may be constructed as a projection of the wall itself.
Primary Street. A primary street in relation to an existing or proposed site is the right-of-way with the
higher street classification according to the city’s General Plan Mobility Element, and which generally carries
the greater volume of vehicular traffic.
Side Street. A street which is adjacent to a corner lot and which extends in the general direction of the line
determining the depth of the lot. See Chapter 21.04, Definitions, of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
Vertical Mixed-Use. A term applied where multiple types of uses (e.g. residential and non-residential; retail
and office) occur on different floors of the same building.
A-2 Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 74 of 94
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 1 of 5 Policy No. 44 Date Issued August 29, 2023 Effective Date August 29, 2023 Cancellation Date No Cancellation Date Supersedes No. 10/10/89, 08/26/97, 12/11/01, 05/02/06
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Specific Subject: Establishment of Architectural Design Guidelines for the Development of Livable Neighborhoods
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
PURPOSE AND INTENT:
The purpose and intent of the architectural guidelines is to ensure that a variety of architectural elements are incorporated into single-family homes and two-family structures so that they: a) are visually interesting, b) have sufficient building articulation to reduce their bulk and mass, c) are in scale to their lot size, and d) strongly contribute to the creation of livable neighborhoods.
APPLICABILITY:
■A new individual single-family home or remodel shall not be subject to these architectural guidelines.•New single-family and two-family residential projects of 2-4 homes shall comply with architecturalguidelines 1, 2, 3, 4, 9,10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 (regardless of stated percentages).
•New single-family and two-family residential projects of 5 or more homes shall comply with all of the
architectural guidelines.
PROCEDURES:
1.Applicants for discretionary project applications shall design projects/homes so that they comply with
the guidelines. Each applicant shall provide documentation demonstrating compliance with this policy
concurrent with the submittal of development permit applications.
If an applicant wishes to propose an architectural style that complies with the Purpose and Intent of
this policy and yet cannot comply with the requirements of the guidelines, the applicant may request up
to four deviations from any one of the architectural guidelines to achieve an architectural design orstyle of equally superior quality. All such requests shall be fully justified specifying how the Purposeand Intent of this policy is being achieved.
2.Staff shall review projects for compliance with the guidelines and provide recommendations to the
decision-makers regarding:a.Project compliance with the policy;
b.Whether or not any requested deviations are justified; and,c.Whether or not the purpose and intent of the policy would still be achieved if a deviation isgranted.
3.Decision-makers shall determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether the project complies with the intentof the policy to create livable neighborhoods.
Exhibit 7
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 75 of 94
CITY OF CARLSBAD COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 2 of 5 Policy No. 44 Date Issued August 29, 2023 Effective Date August 29, 2023 Cancellation Date No Cancellation Date Supersedes No. 10/10/89, 08/26/97, 12/11/01, 05/02/06
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Specific Subject: Establishment of Architectural Design Guidelines for the Development of Livable
Neighborhoods
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES:
Floor Plans and Elevations
1. All residential projects shall be required to have a minimum number of different floor plans, different front and corresponding matching rear elevations with different color schemes as identified below:
□ 2-4 dwelling units shall provide 1 floor plan and 2 different elevations. □ 5-12 dwelling units shall provide 2 different floor plans and 2 different elevations. □ 13-20 dwelling units shall provide 2 different floor plans and 3 different elevations. □ 21+ dwelling units shall provide 3 different floor plans and 3 different elevations.
2. Every house should have a coherent architectural style. All elevations of a house, including front, side and
rear, shallould have be articulated with the same design integrity of forms using common, architectural details and materials.
3. In addition to the previous requirements, dDesign details should shall reinforce and enhance the
architectural form and style of every house butand differ from other elevations each house using of the same floor plan shall differ in elevation. A minimum of 4 complimentary design details, including but not limited to those listed below, shall be incorporated into each of the front, rear and street side building fac<;:ade(s) of the house.
DESIGN DETAILS
• Balconies
• Decorative eaves and fascia
• Exposed roof rafter tails
• Arched elements
• Towers
• Knee braces
• Dormers
• Columns
• Exterior wood elements
• Accent materials (i.e.; brick, stone, shingles, wood or siding)
4. Floor plans in a project shall exhibit a variety of roof ridges and roof heights within a neighborhood.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 76 of 94
CITY OF CARLSBAD COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 3 of 5 Policy No. 44 Date Issued August 29, 2023 Effective Date August 29, 2023 Cancellation Date No Cancellation Date Supersedes No. 10/10/89, 08/26/97, 12/11/01, 05/02/06
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Specific Subject: Establishment of Architectural Design Guidelines for the Development of Livable
Neighborhoods
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
Site Planning
5. Houses with both the same floor plan and elevation style shall not occur on adjacent lots. 6. Reverse floor plans shall be included where possible to add variety to the street scene.
Single Story Requirements 7. A minimum of 15% of the total number of homes shall be single-story structures. Single-story is defined
as a maximum plate-line of 15 feet and a maximum building height of 20 feet. Lofts are permitted subject to CMC Section 21.04.330.
or
A minimum of 10% of the total number of homes shall be single-story structures and 15% shall be reduced
second story structures. A reduced second story structure shall comply with the following criteria: □ A minimum of 60% of the roofline shall be single story; □ A 2-story element may be added in the central portion of the front and rear elevation; and □ The second story element may be no greater than 25% of the floor area of the first floor of the house
(including garage). or
For alley-loaded product, a minimum of 20% of the homes shall be single-story for the front 20% of the
home (overall depth of house times 20%).
8. A maximum of 20% of the total number of homes are exempt from the requirement to have a single-story
building edge.
9. The remaining total number of homes shall comply with one of the following guidelines:
• The home shall have a single-story building edge with a depth of not less than 8 feet and shall run the length of the building along one side except for tower elements. The roof covering the single-
story element shall incorporate a separate roof plane and shall be substantially lower than the roof
for the two-story element. Porches and porte-cochere elements shall qualify as a single- story edge. Houses with courtyards that are a minimum of 15 feet wide located along the side of the house and
setback a minimum of 15 feet from the property line are not required to have a single-story building
edge.
1 Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 77 of 94
CITY OF CARLSBAD
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
Page 4 of 5 Policy No. 44 Date Issued August 29, 2023 Effective Date August 29, 2023 Cancellation Date No Cancellation Date Supersedes No. 10/10/89, 08/26/97, 12/11/01, 05/02/06
General Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES Specific Subject: Establishment of Architectural Design Guidelines for the Development of Livable Neighborhoods
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads,
Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
■ The home shall have a single-story building edge with a depth of not less than 5 feet and shall run the length of the building along one side. The roof of the single-story element shall be substantially lower than the roof for the two-story element of the building.
■ The home shall have a single-story building edge with a depth of not less than 3 feet for 40% of the perimeter of the building.
Multiple Building Planes
10. For at least 66% of the homes in a project, there shall be at least 3 separate building planes on street side elevations of lots with 45 feet of street frontage or less and 4 separate building planes on street side elevations of lots with a street frontage greater than 45 feet. Balconies and covered porches qualify as a building plane.
The minimum offset in planes shall be 18 inches and shall include, but not be limited to, building walls, windows, porches and roofs. The minimum depth between the faces of the forward-most plane and the rear plane on the front elevation shall be 10 feet. A plane must be a minimum of 30 sq. ft. to receive credit under this section.
11. Rear elevations shall adhere to the same criteria outlined in Number 10 above for front elevations except
that the minimum depth between front and back planes on the rear elevation shall be 4 feet. Rear
balconies qualify as a building plane.
12. For at least 66% of the homes in a project, one side elevation shall have sufficient offsets or cutouts so
that the side yard setback averages a minimum of 8.5 feet.
Windows/Doors
13. At least 66% of exterior openings (door/windows) on every home in the project shall be recessed or
projected a minimum of 2 inches and shall be constructed with wood, vinyl or colored aluminum window
frames (no mill finishes).
14. Windows shall reinforce and enhance the architectural form and style of the house through, the use of signature windows and varied window shapes and sizes.
Front Porches
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 78 of 94
CITY OF CARLSBAD Page 5 of 5 Policy No. 44 Date Issued August 29, 2023 Effective Date August 29, 2023 Cancellation Date No Cancellation Date Supersedes No. 10/10/89, 08/26/97, 12/11/01, 05/02/06
COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT
General Subject:
Specific Subject:
NEIGHBORHOOD ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN GUIDELINES
Establishment of Architectural Design Guidelines for the Development of Livable Neighborhoods
Copies to: City Council, City Manager, City Attorney, Department Heads and Division Heads, Employee Bulletin Boards, Press, File
15. Fifty percent (50%) of the homes shall be designed with a covered front porch, open courtyard, or balcony (each with a minimum depth of 6 feet and a minimum area of 60 square feet) located at the front of the dwelling. The minimum depth for a covered front porch shall be measured from the front facade of the home to the inside of any supporting porch posts. The front and sides of porches shall be open except for
required and/or ornamental guardrails. A variety of roof elements shall be provided over porches. Porches may not be converted to living space.
Front Entries
16. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the homes must have a front entry to the home that is clearly visible from the street. Walkways from the front door to the street are encouraged.shall connect directly to public
sidewalks, private driveways and/or to other pedestrian walkways. Chimneys
17. Chimneys and chimney caps shall be in scale with the size of the home and shall either be painted the same color as the exterior wall or constructed with the same materials present on other accents or elements of the façade. No more than 2 chimneys shall be allowed for homes on lots in planned developments having an area less than 7,500 square feet.
Garage Doors
18. Garage doors for 3 or 4 cars in a row that directly face the street must have a minimum of an 18" plane
change between the garage doors after the 2 car garage door.
Note #1: Fractional units of .5 or greater shall be rounded up to the next whole number and located in a manner to achieve the best project design as determined by the project planner. When a percentage of units are described in the guidelines, the intent is to have that percentage spread throughout the entire project.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 79 of 94
Community Development Department | 1635 Faraday Ave. | Carlsbad, CA 92008 | www.carlsbadca.gov
SB-330 Housing Crisis Act
IB-135
CA Senate Bill 330 (SB-330) amended a number of
statutory provisions and added Gov. Code § 66300,
commonly referred to as the Housing Crisis Act of
2019 (HCA), which became effective on Jan. 1,
2020. This Info-Bulletin provides an overview of
how the HCA affects the city’s review and approval
of eligible housing developments. The bulletin has
been updated consistent with SB-8 (effective Jan.
1, 2022).
BACKGROUND
The HCA is based on the idea that needed housing
has largely already been planned for by local
jurisdictions. According to a 2019 report prepared
by UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies,
cities and counties in the state have collectively
approved zoning for roughly 2.8 million new
housing units. However, the housing is not getting
built.
The development community contributes the lack
of housing production to growing regulatory
requirements, permit processing delays, and
excessive impact and service fees that get imposed
on new development and growth.
In response, HCA created a number of new
procedures and legislative limitations on
municipalities with the goal of streamlining the
entitlement process by slashing the time and costs
it takes to secure permits for housing that meets
the local government’s existing rules.
The following sections provide information on
some of the more important provisions of the HCA.
It should be noted that the HCA is currently
intended to apply to housing developments projects
which have submitted a preliminary application
before Jan. 1, 2030, and the HCA, as a whole,
sunsets on Jan. 1, 2034.
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY
Projects that are located outside of California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s
(CALFIRE) mapped “Very-High Fire Severity” zones
(Gov. Code § 51178) and meet the following
definitions of Housing Development are eligible for
benefits afforded under the HCA (Gov. Code §
65589.5(h)(2).
•Residential unit projects; or,
•Mixed-use development consisting of
residential and nonresidential uses with at
least two-thirds of the square footage of the
project designated for residential use; or,
•Transitional Housing or Supportive Housing
project (see definitions of each term in Gov.
Code §§ 65582(j) and (h), 65650, Chapter 21.04
of the Carlsbad Municipal Code).
APPLICATION PROCESSES
Preliminary Housing Development Pre-Application
Eligible projects that seek the vesting and
processing benefits offered under SB-330 are first
required to submit a Preliminary Housing
Development (SB-330) Pre-Application, which the
city refers to as the SB-330 Pre-App (Form P-32),
and a Density Bonus Application, if applicable
Documents Referenced
The Housing Crisis Act; SB 330
Prelim Housing Development (SB-330) Pre-Application; P-32
State Density Bonus Law, IB-112
Density Bonus Supplemental Checklist; P-1(H)
Informal Preliminary Review Request Form; P-14
Master Fee Schedule
CMC Definitions; §21.04
Carlsbad Growth Management Plan; GMP
Exhibit 8
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 80 of 94
{city of
Carlsbad
Informational Bulletin
IB-133_SB330 Housing Crisis Act_11/2021 Page 2 of 4
(Form P-1(H)). The application needs to include
information and supporting documentation as
required in the SB-330 Pre-App (Gov. Code §
65941.1(a)), as well as payment of the permit fee;
charged as a “Preliminary Plan Review – Minor.”
The fee is $240 (FY 2021-22) but refer to the city’s
master fee schedule for the most current fees.
The application materials are reviewed by city
staff at a filing appointment to determine whether
the required submittal items are present so the
city can accept the submittal and “deem
complete” the application. While not required
under state law, deemed complete applications
will be approved (signed) by staff at the filing
appointment.
An approved application allows a development
project to be submitted under the permit
streamlining provisions of SB-330, and generally
limits the city to only applying those ordinances,
policies, rules, regulations, fees (excluding annual
adjustments), and development standards that
are in place on the date the SB-330 Pre-App was
approved. (Gov. Code §65589.5(o)(1).)
Discretionary Permit Application
The SB-330 Pre-App is not intended to represent
an in-depth analysis of the proposed project and
does not take the place of required discretionary
applications and approvals. The project is still
subject to all required discretionary permits,
processing procedures, hearings and timelines
governed by state law, including the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Coastal
Act. Development applications must be submitted
within 180 days from submittal of the Pre-App.
State law requires public agencies to determine
the completeness of a development application
within 30 days based on specific contents of the
application, rather than information deemed
relevant by the individual planner. If the city does
not make this determination within 30 days, the
application is automatically deemed complete.
If a project application is determined incomplete,
the city is required to provide the applicant with a
list of items that were not complete. The list must
be limited to those items actually specified on the
city’s application submittal requirement checklist.
Furthermore, the city cannot request that the
applicant provide any new information that was
not stated in the initial list of items that were
listed as incomplete. This does not preclude the
city from requesting additional information as
part of the CEQA process. (CEQA Guidelines §§
15060, 15084.)
Once the discretionary permit application is
deemed complete, for residential developments
proposing 150 units or fewer, the city has 30 days
from the date that an application is deemed
complete to determine whether the project is
“deemed consistent” with applicable plan,
program, policies, ordinances, and standards.
Cities have 60 days for residential developments
proposing greater than 150 units. (Gov. Code
§65589.5(j)(2)(A).) Different timelines apply for
ministerial applications. (Gov. Code
§65913.4(c)(1).) Failure to meet this deadline
automatically deems the project consistent.
Following certification of an Environmental Impact
Report (EIR), jurisdictions generally have 90 days,
to approve or disapprove the project. For low-
income projects seeking tax credits or public
funding, that time frame is 60 days. Following
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 81 of 94
IB-133_SB330 Housing Crisis Act_11/2021 Page 3 of 4
approval of a Negative Declaration or a CEQA
Exemption, jurisdictions have 60 days to approve
or disapprove the project. (Gov. Code § 65950.)
IMPORTANT TIMELINES FOR APPLICANT
To retain the benefits granted through the SB-330
Pre-Application process, a project must meet the
following timelines and project thresholds:
• The application must be filed with the city’s
Planning Division and deemed complete prior
to filing a formal application requesting
approval of any discretionary action for an
eligible housing development project.
• If the SB-330 Pre-App for the development
project is not deemed complete at the filing
appointment, the applicant shall submit the
specific information needed to complete the
application within 90 days of receiving the
agency’s written identification of the
necessary information.
• Once the city accepts a complete SB-330 Pre-
App, the applicant has 180 calendar days from
the acceptance date to submit a discretionary
permit application to the city for processing.
• The project proposed in the discretionary
permit application can deviate by no more
than 20 percent from the project reflected in
the SB-330 Streamline Application (exclusive
of any increase resulting from the receipt of a
density bonus, concession, waiver, or similar
provision). (Gov. Code § 65941.1(c).)
• If the applicant does not submit the requested
information to address an incomplete Pre-App
within the 90-day period, or a formal
application is not received within the 180-day
period from pre-application acceptance, then
the SB-330 Pre-App shall expire and have no
further force or effect. (Gov. Code §
65941.1(d).)
• Construction of the project must commence
within three and one-half (3½) years following
the date that the formal discretionary project
receives final approval. “Final approval”
includes all necessary approvals (including
other agencies’ approvals and permits) to be
eligible to obtain building permits, and all
appeal periods or statutes of limitations have
been exhausted or resolved in favor of the
housing development project. (Gov. Code §
65589.5(o)(2)(D))
IMPORTANT JURISDICTIONAL
LIMITATIONS
As previously noted, SB-330 was intended to help
the state address the housing supply crisis by
removing barriers to the approval process for
residential and mixed-use projects. Below are
some of the more significant provisions of the HCA
that limit the city’s land use authority.
• Cities may only apply those rules, regulations,
fees and development standards that are in
place on the date the SB-330 Pre-App was
deemed complete.
• Cities are prohibited from enforcing caps on
housing development. As such, the citywide
and quadrant housing caps listed in the city’s
Growth Management Plan (GMP) cannot be
applied to new housing development projects,
as documented in City Council Resolution No.
2021-074.
• Cities are prohibited from enacting a
development policy, standard, or condition
that would have the effect of imposing a
moratorium or limitation on housing
development, unless the city finds that there
is an imminent threat to the public health and
safety. As discussed in Resolution No. 2020-
104, 2020-208, No. 2021-003, these
limitations have prevented the city from
adopting moratoria in response to
exceedances of the city’s Growth
Management Plan Performance Standards.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 82 of 94
IB-133_SB330 Housing Crisis Act_11/2021 Page 4 of 4
• Only objective design standards can be
applied to eligible housing development
projects. Development standards that are
subject to interpretation and subjective in
nature cannot be applied to the project.
• Cities are limited to holding no more than five
hearings on housing development projects
which comply with applicable objective
standards after development applications
have been found complete. A “hearing”
covers any public hearing, workshop, or
similar meeting that is held by the City
Council, Planning Commission, or other
departments. If the city continues a hearing,
the continued hearing counts as one of the
five hearings. These provisions do not apply
to projects requesting legislative approvals.
• The City Council generally cannot deny a
Housing Development project unless it is able
to make written findings, pursuant to Gov.
Code §65589.5(d), based on the
preponderance of the evidence in the record
that either:
o The city has already met its Regional
Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)
requirement;
o There is a specific adverse impact upon
the public health or safety and this impact
cannot be mitigated;
o Approval of the project would violate
State or Federal law and this violation
cannot be remedied; or,
o The project is proposed on land zoned for
agriculture or resource preservation that
is surrounded on at least two sides by
land being used for agricultural or
resource preservation purposes,
o The project does not have adequate
water or wastewater facilities to serve the
project.
o The project is inconsistent with the zoning
ordinance and general plan land use
designation.
NO NET-LOSS OF UNITS
In addition to the items listed above, HCA generally
limits a city’s ability to reduce the permitted
residential density below that in place on January 1,
2018 without concurrently increasing density on
other property. This is referred to as the “no net-
loss” provision. (Gov. Code, § 66300(b)(1)(A).)
SB-8, which becomes effective January 2022,
clarified the definition of “concurrent” in the HCA
to mean the action is approved at the same
meeting of the legislative body. However, if the
action that would result in a net loss is requested
by an applicant for a housing project,
“concurrently” means “within 180 days.”
PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW (OPTIONAL)
Early consultation with the city is strongly
recommended since codes, standards and housing
requirements may apply to your project that could
affect the anticipated scope of a project. Although
it is not required, staff recommends applicants
informally discuss their preliminary review
application with Staff (P-14) to obtain input PRIOR
to submitting a Preliminary Housing Development
(SB-330) Pre-Application (Form P-32).
This review could assist in scoping the
development project, may provide a road map for
what discretionary applications will be required,
and may raise important issues of concern as the
project design is developed. This will help further
streamline the review process, consistent with the
intent and purpose of the HCA.
YOUR OPTIONS FOR SERVICE
To schedule an appointment or to learn more about
this process, please contact the Planning Division at
760-602-4610 or via email at
Planning@carlsbadca.gov.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 83 of 94
Community Development Department | 1635 Faraday Ave. | Carlsbad, CA 92008 | www.carlsbadca.gov
SB-330 Housing Crisis Act
IB-132
CA Senate Bill 330 (SB-330) amended a number of
statutory provisions and added Gov. Code § 66300,
commonly referred to as the Housing Crisis Act of
2019 (HCA), which became effective on Jan. 1,
2020. This Info-Bulletin provides an overview of
how the HCA affects the city’s review and approval
of eligible housing developments. The bulletin has
been updated consistent with SB-8 (effective Jan.
1, 2022).
BACKGROUND
The HCA is based on the idea that needed housing
has largely already been planned for by local
jurisdictions. According to a 2019 report prepared
by UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies,
cities and counties in the state have collectively
approved zoning for roughly 2.8 million new
housing units. However, the housing is not getting
built.
The development community contributes the lack
of housing production to growing regulatory
requirements, permit processing delays, and
excessive impact and service fees that get imposed
on new development and growth.
In response, HCA created a number of new
procedures and legislative limitations on
municipalities with the goal of streamlining the
entitlement process by slashing the time and costs
it takes to secure permits for housing that meets
the local government’s existing rules.
The following sections provide information on
some of the more important provisions of the HCA.
It should be noted that the HCA is currently
intended to apply to housing developments projects
which have submitted a preliminary application
before Jan. 1, 2030, and the HCA, as a whole,
sunsets on Jan. 1, 2034.
PROJECT ELIGIBILITY
Projects that are located outside of California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s
(CALFIRE) mapped “Very-High Fire Severity” zones
(Gov. Code § 51178) and meet the following
definitions of Housing Development are eligible for
benefits afforded under the HCA (Gov. Code §
65589.5(h)(2).
•Residential unit projects; or,
•Mixed-use development consisting of
residential and nonresidential uses with at
least two-thirds of the square footage of the
project designated for residential use; or,
•Transitional Housing or Supportive Housing
project (see definitions of each term in Gov.
Code §§ 65582(j) and (h), 65650, Chapter 21.04
of the Carlsbad Municipal Code).
APPLICATION PROCESSES
Preliminary Housing Development Pre-Application
Eligible projects that seek the vesting and
processing benefits offered under SB-330 are first
required to submit a Preliminary Housing
Development (SB-330) Pre-Application, which the
city refers to as the SB-330 Pre-App (Form P-32),
and a Density Bonus Application, if applicable
Documents Referenced
The Housing Crisis Act; SB 330
Prelim Housing Development (SB-330) Pre-Application; P-32
State Density Bonus Law, IB-112
Density Bonus Supplemental Checklist; P-1(H)
Informal Preliminary Review Request Form; P-14
Master Fee Schedule
CMC Definitions; §21.04
Carlsbad Growth Management Plan; GMP
Exhibit 9
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 84 of 94
{city of
Carlsbad
Informational Bulletin
IB-133_SB330 Housing Crisis Act_11/2021 Page 2 of 4
(Form P-1(H)). The application needs to include
information and supporting documentation as
required in the SB-330 Pre-App (Gov. Code §
65941.1(a)), as well as payment of the permit fee;
charged as a “Preliminary Plan Review – Minor.”
The fee is $240 (FY 2021-22) but refer to the city’s
master fee schedule for the most current fees.
The application materials are reviewed by city
staff at a filing appointment to determine whether
the required submittal items are present so the
city can accept the submittal and “deem
complete” the application. While not required
under state law, deemed complete applications
will be approved (signed) by staff at the filing
appointment.
An approved application allows a development
project to be submitted under the permit
streamlining provisions of SB-330, and generally
limits the city to only applying those ordinances,
policies, rules, regulations, fees (excluding annual
adjustments), and development standards that
are in place on the date the SB-330 Pre-App was
approved. (Gov. Code §65589.5(o)(1).)
Discretionary Permit Application
The SB-330 Pre-App is not intended to represent
an in-depth analysis of the proposed project and
does not take the place of required discretionary
applications and approvals. The project is still
subject to all required discretionary permits,
processing procedures, hearings and timelines
governed by state law, including the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Coastal
Act. Development applications must be submitted
within 180 days from submittal of the Pre-App.
State law requires public agencies to determine
the completeness of a development application
within 30 days based on specific contents of the
application, rather than information deemed
relevant by the individual planner. If the city does
not make this determination within 30 days, the
application is automatically deemed complete.
If a project application is determined incomplete,
the city is required to provide the applicant with a
list of items that were not complete. The list must
be limited to those items actually specified on the
city’s application submittal requirement checklist.
Furthermore, the city cannot request that the
applicant provide any new information that was
not stated in the initial list of items that were
listed as incomplete. This does not preclude the
city from requesting additional information as
part of the CEQA process. (CEQA Guidelines §§
15060, 15084.)
Once the discretionary permit application is
deemed complete, for residential developments
proposing 150 units or fewer, the city has 30 days
from the date that an application is deemed
complete to determine whether the project is
“deemed consistent” with applicable plan,
program, policies, ordinances, and standards.
Cities have 60 days for residential developments
proposing greater than 150 units. (Gov. Code
§65589.5(j)(2)(A).) Different timelines apply for
ministerial applications. (Gov. Code
§65913.4(c)(1).) Failure to meet this deadline
automatically deems the project consistent.
Following certification of an Environmental Impact
Report (EIR), jurisdictions generally have 90 days,
to approve or disapprove the project. For low-
income projects seeking tax credits or public
funding, that time frame is 60 days. Following
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 85 of 94
IB-133_SB330 Housing Crisis Act_11/2021 Page 3 of 4
approval of a Negative Declaration or a CEQA
Exemption, jurisdictions have 60 days to approve
or disapprove the project. (Gov. Code § 65950.)
IMPORTANT TIMELINES FOR APPLICANT
To retain the benefits granted through the SB-330
Pre-Application process, a project must meet the
following timelines and project thresholds:
• The application must be filed with the city’s
Planning Division and deemed complete prior
to filing a formal application requesting
approval of any discretionary action for an
eligible housing development project.
• If the SB-330 Pre-App for the development
project is not deemed complete at the filing
appointment, the applicant shall submit the
specific information needed to complete the
application within 90 days of receiving the
agency’s written identification of the
necessary information.
• Once the city accepts a complete SB-330 Pre-
App, the applicant has 180 calendar days from
the acceptance date to submit a discretionary
permit application to the city for processing.
• The project proposed in the discretionary
permit application can deviate by no more
than 20 percent from the project reflected in
the SB-330 Streamline Application (exclusive
of any increase resulting from the receipt of a
density bonus, concession, waiver, or similar
provision). (Gov. Code § 65941.1(c).)
• If the applicant does not submit the requested
information to address an incomplete Pre-App
within the 90-day period, or a formal
application is not received within the 180-day
period from pre-application acceptance, then
the SB-330 Pre-App shall expire and have no
further force or effect. (Gov. Code §
65941.1(d).)
• Construction of the project must commence
within three and one-half (3½) years following
the date that the formal discretionary project
receives final approval. “Final approval”
includes all necessary approvals (including
other agencies’ approvals and permits) to be
eligible to obtain building permits, and all
appeal periods or statutes of limitations have
been exhausted or resolved in favor of the
housing development project. (Gov. Code §
65589.5(o)(2)(D))
IMPORTANT JURISDICTIONAL
LIMITATIONS
As previously noted, SB-330 was intended to help
the state address the housing supply crisis by
removing barriers to the approval process for
residential and mixed-use projects. Below are
some of the more significant provisions of the HCA
that limit the city’s land use authority.
• Cities may only apply those rules, regulations,
fees and development standards that are in
place on the date the SB-330 Pre-App was
deemed complete.
• Cities are prohibited from enforcing caps on
housing development. As such, the citywide
and quadrant housing caps listed in the city’s
Growth Management Plan (GMP) cannot be
applied to new housing development projects,
as documented in City Council Resolution No.
2021-074.
• Cities are prohibited from enacting a
development policy, standard, or condition
that would have the effect of imposing a
moratorium or limitation on housing
development, unless the city finds that there
is an imminent threat to the public health and
safety. As discussed in Resolution No. 2020-
104, 2020-208, No. 2021-003, these
limitations have prevented the city from
adopting moratoria in response to
exceedances of the city’s Growth
Management Plan Performance Standards.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 86 of 94
IB-133_SB330 Housing Crisis Act_11/2021 Page 4 of 4
• Only objective design standards can be
applied to eligible housing development
projects. Development standards that are
subject to interpretation and subjective in
nature cannot be applied to the project.
• Cities are limited to holding no more than five
hearings on housing development projects
which comply with applicable objective
standards after development applications
have been found complete. A “hearing”
covers any public hearing, workshop, or
similar meeting that is held by the City
Council, Planning Commission, or other
departments. If the city continues a hearing,
the continued hearing counts as one of the
five hearings. These provisions do not apply
to projects requesting legislative approvals.
• The City Council generally cannot deny a
Housing Development project unless it is able
to make written findings, pursuant to Gov.
Code §65589.5(d), based on the
preponderance of the evidence in the record
that either:
o The city has already met its Regional
Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)
requirement;
o There is a specific adverse impact upon
the public health or safety and this impact
cannot be mitigated;
o Approval of the project would violate
State or Federal law and this violation
cannot be remedied; or,
o The project is proposed on land zoned for
agriculture or resource preservation that
is surrounded on at least two sides by
land being used for agricultural or
resource preservation purposes,
o The project does not have adequate
water or wastewater facilities to serve the
project.
o The project is inconsistent with the zoning
ordinance and general plan land use
designation.
NO NET-LOSS OF UNITS
In addition to the items listed above, HCA generally
limits a city’s ability to reduce the permitted
residential density below that in place on January 1,
2018 without concurrently increasing density on
other property. This is referred to as the “no net-
loss” provision. (Gov. Code, § 66300(b)(1)(A).)
SB-8, which becomes effective January 2022,
clarified the definition of “concurrent” in the HCA
to mean the action is approved at the same
meeting of the legislative body. However, if the
action that would result in a net loss is requested
by an applicant for a housing project,
“concurrently” means “within 180 days.”
PRE-APPLICATION REVIEW (OPTIONAL)
Early consultation with the city is strongly
recommended since codes, standards and housing
requirements may apply to your project that could
affect the anticipated scope of a project. Although
it is not required, staff recommends applicants
informally discuss their preliminary review
application with Staff (P-14) to obtain input PRIOR
to submitting a Preliminary Housing Development
(SB-330) Pre-Application (Form P-32).
This review could assist in scoping the
development project, may provide a road map for
what discretionary applications will be required,
and may raise important issues of concern as the
project design is developed. This will help further
streamline the review process, consistent with the
intent and purpose of the HCA.
YOUR OPTIONS FOR SERVICE
To schedule an appointment or to learn more about
this process, please contact the Planning Division at
760-602-4610 or via email at
Planning@carlsbadca.gov.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 87 of 94
Exhibit 10
City Council Resolution No 2021-073 adopting Housing
Element (on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 88 of 94
Exhibit 11
City Council Resolution No. 2021-023 approving scope of
services with RRM Design Group (on file in the Office of
the City Clerk)
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 89 of 94
Exhibit 12
Planning Commission staff report, dated July 19, 2023
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 90 of 94
Exhibit 13
Planning Commission Resolution No. 7489 (on file in the
Office of the City Clerk)
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 91 of 94
Exhibit 14
Planning Commission minutes, dated July 19, 2023 (on
file in the Office of the City Clerk)
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 92 of 94
From:Shon Finch
To:Shelley Glennon
Subject:RE: Citywide Objective Design Standards project - Comments due Monday June 19th
Date:Monday, June 19, 2023 9:57:13 AM
Attachments:emailsignature-aboutfairfieldbutton-01_22e9699f-6b84-4dab-9f3c-db4ad3e39fd6.png
Hi Shelley,
I am emailing to provide comments related to Carlsbad’s Draft Citywide Objective Design Standards.
The following comments are specific to how the proposed guidelines may impact high density
development (40 du/acre).
Sec. 2 A. 2 – Does the term “neighborhood interaction” seek to have a project/community’s
common recreational space open to the public (non-residents)? If so, a 30-40 du/acre
development would have a difficult time satisfying this requirement.
Sec. 2 B. 4 – The intent of this section makes sense and is appropriate. For high density
development, loading and service areas would include a resident move-in/out parking area
and a trash pick-up staging area. Often, this type of development includes ground floor units
around most of the building perimeter. This makes It challenging to find a service/loading area
that is 50’ away from a unit. A little more flexibility would be helpful.
Sec. 2 E. 2. a. – The 10% floor area reduction (relative to the ground level) for all upper floors
is very restrictive and punitive. If the intent of this requirement is to enhance building design
and articulation, I think there are other options to achieve the same goal. Roof line variation,
building face plane articulation and architectural elements are just a few effective
enhancement options.
Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to discuss further.
Thank you
Shon Finch
Development Manager
5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92121
Office: 858.626.8263
Cell: 858.752.4122
fairfieldresidential.com
View important disclosures and information about our e-mail policies here.
CA DRE #01889456, CA DRE #02111582, License #2022-FBN-0018000
From: Shelley Glennon <Shelley.Glennon@carlsbadca.gov>
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2023 11:56 AM
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Citywide Objective Design Standards project - Comments due Monday June
Exhibit 15
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 93 of 94
•
•
•
[ii
► ABOUT FAIRFIELD
19th
Hello:
Thank you to the stakeholders who were able to attend the stakeholder meeting on June 8, 2023.
Your comments are appreciated.
For all stakeholders, if you would like to submit written comments regarding the draft Citywide
Objective Design Standards Project, please do so to me no later than the close of business on
Monday June 19th.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
For more information, please visit the project website:
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/community-development/planning/citywide-objective-
design-standards
Thank you,
Shelley Esteybar Glennon
Associate Planner
Community Development Department
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Ave.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
shelley.glennon@carlsbadca.gov | www.carlsbadca.gov
442-339-2605 (office) | 442-339-2600 (general inquiries)
planning@carlsbadca.gov (general inquiries)
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | You Tube | |Enews
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
Aug. 29, 2023 Item #5 Page 94 of 94
Tammy Cloud-McMinn
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Anup Mehta <anup@tamarackcap.com >
Friday, August 25, 2023 12:11 PM
City Clerk
All ~eceive -Agend a Item n,S
For the Information of the:
£]~COUN CIL
Dat~CA v---cc ~
CM ✓ACM ~DCM(3)L
August 29, 2023 City Council Meeting request to speak on Agenda Item 5
To: City Council Members regarding Agenda Item 5, Citywide Objective Design Standards for Multifamily Housing
We are adding density to our neighborhoods without thoughtful review of the water, sewer, and electrical
capacity. Chinquapin Ave between Garfield and the tracks is t ransitioning from a primarily single family residence
community to being more evenly split between single family and multi-family developments. We have multiple years of
complaints to the city about sewage smells coming up through our pipes in the summer, and the street flooding when it
rains. As we add to the volume of humans on the street there needs to be a consideration by the city to review the
infrastructure to support these types of development projects. If developers are going to buy properties on residential
streets and turn single family dwellings into multi-family units they should bear the cost of updating the infrastructure of
the neighborhood to support their design plans.
I request to make this comment during the open comment period at the upcoming August 29, 2023 open City Council
Meeting regarding Agenda Item 5
Anup Mehta
344 Chinquapin Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Cell: 617-686-0966
CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY NOTICE
The contents of this message and any attachments may be confidential and proprietary and also may be covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. This message is not intended to be used
by, and should not be relied upon in any way by, any third party. If you are not an intended recipient, please infonm the sender of the transmission error and delete this message immediately without
reading, disseminating, distributing or copying the contents. Tamarack Capital Management makes no assurances that this e-mail and any attachments are free of viruses and other harmful code.
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1
Agenda Item 5: Citywide
Objective Design Standards
Shelley Glennon, Associate Planner
Community Development
August 29, 2023
1
{ City of
Carlsbad
MEETING AGENDA
•Background
•Citywide Objective Design Standards Manual
•Community Outreach
•Planning Commission Recommendation
2
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
{city of
Carlsbad
Village and
Barrio Master
Plan area
3
BACKGROUND -PROJECT AREA
Citywide Area
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
4
Limited/No
HearingsSB 35,
SB 167 and
SB 330
limit city’s
discretion
Applies to
multifamily
& mixed-use
No changed
standards
Limited
options for
project denial
No subjective
standards Objective
Design
Standards
Meet state
requirements
Housing
Element
Program 1.11
Community
Character
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
5
Multifamily Housing
Development
Mixed-Use Projects with 2/3
Residential
Multifamily Development
with GPA
Office/ Commercial/
Industrial ProjectsDuplexes
APPLICABLE
PROJECTS NON-APPLICABLE PROJECTS
Single-Family Homes
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
ffiffi 0 fffi
0 0 0 0 ~ ~
6
All Required
Objective
Standards
Objective
Development
Standards
Objective
Design
Standards
(max. height,
setbacks, etc.)
OBJECTIVE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
7
Objective Design Standards Manual
Contents:
1.Introduction
2.Site Design Standards
3.Building Design Standards
4.Additional Mixed-Use Standards
5.Utilitarian Design Standards
6.Definitions
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
CITY COUNCIL POLICY STATEMENT NO. 44 AND 66
•Amend City Council Policy Statement No. 44
“Neighborhood Architectural Design”
•Rescind City Council Policy 66 “Development of
Livable Neighborhoods”
8
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
{city of
Carlsbad
INPUT OPPORTUNITIES
Online webinar June 8, 2023
Public review of May 18 -
draft standards June 19, 2023
Meeting with developers June 7, 2023
9
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
~
I I
( City of
Carlsbad
10
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
( City of Carlsbad @carlsbadcagov · Jun 6
Proposed "objective" design standards for future multifamily housing are
ready for public review. Join us Thurs, 6/8 from 5-6 pm for an
informational webinar to learn about proposed citywide objective design
standards. Register: loom.ly/h91YEU8 #Carlsbad #Getlnvolved
Join us for a webinar to learn about citywide objective design
standards for multifamily projects
Preserving Carlsbad's unique community character is one of five goals in the
City Council's 5-Year Strategic Plan. That's why the city is working with the
community to update the language of design standards for apartments, condos
and mixed-use projects.
Two draft proposals are now ready for public review.
• Qtw,iide objective design standards that would apply to all areas in
Carlsbad outside of the Village and Barrio.
• A seRarate set of design standards and architectural styles specifically for
the Village and Barrio, two of Carlsbad's oldest neighborhoods
Webinar
Community members who would like to learn more about the citywide objective
design standards are welcome to attend an informational webinar which will
be held via Zoom on Thursday, June 8. '
Qtw,iide objective design standards virtual webinar
Thursday, June 8, 5 p.m.
Via Zoom
Register online
Feedback can be provided via mail or email through June 19, 2023, to
Shelley Glennon
Associate Plan ner, Community Development
1635 Faraday Ave , Carlsbad , CA 92008
Rlanning@carlsbadca.gov
442-339-2605 {city of
Carlsbad
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
11
On July 19th, 2023, the Planning Commission
recommended approval of the Citywide
Objective Design Standards project (7-0-0).
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
ENVIRONMENTAL
12
Project is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA’s common sense
exemption, Section 15061(b)(3).
The project will not have a significant effect on the
environment.
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
•Help strengthen local design regulations
•Ensures compatibility with existing community character
•Reduce project costs/long timelines
•Encourage residential construction for affordable and market-rate units
CONCLUSION
13
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
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•Introduce an ordinance amending Carlsbad Municipal Code (Title 21)
•Adopt a resolution approving a Local Coastal Program amendment
•Adopt a resolution approving amendments to City Council Policy Statement No. 44
•Adopt a resolution rescinding City Council Policy Statement No. 66
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
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Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
{city of
Carlsbad
Questions?
15
Item 5: Citywide Objective Design Standards
{city of
Carlsbad