HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-20; City Council; CS-474; AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A ZONE CODE AMENDMENT AND A LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT TO TITLE 15, GRADING AND DRAIN...ORDINANCE NO. CS-474
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A ZONE CODE AMENDMENT AND A LOCAL
COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT TO TITLE 15, GRADING AND DRAINAGE,
AND TITLE 21, ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL CODE TO
COMPLETE VARIOUS MISCELLANEOUS CLEANUP CHANGES
CASE NAME: 2024 ZONE CODE CLEANUP
CASE NO.: ZCA 2024-0001/LCPA 2024-0020/MCA 2024-0001 (PUB
2024-0005)
WHEREAS, on May 15, 2024, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing as
prescribed by law to consider ZCA 2024-0001/LCPA 2024-0020; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution No. 7514
recommending to the City Council that ZCA 2024-001/LCPA 2024-0020 be approved; and
WHEREAS, as required by state law, a six-week notice of availability was issued for LCPA 2024-
0020 from May 10, 2024, to June 21, 2024, and no comments were received; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad held a duly noticed public hearing as
prescribed by law to consider ZCA 2024-0001/LCPA 2024-0020/MCA 2024-0001; 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 2024-0001/LCPA 2024-0020/MCA 2024-0001.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, ordains as follows that:
1.The above recitations are true and correct.
2.That the findings of the Planning Commission in Planning Commission Resolution No.
7514 shall also constitute the findings of the City Council.
3.Ordinance CS-449 as adopted by the City Council on June 6, 2023, is pending Coastal
Commission review and is incorporated into this ordinance.
4.That Section 15.16.060 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
15.16.060 Work exempt from grading permit.
A.A grading permit shall not be required for the following:
1.Cemetery graves.
2.Refuse disposal sites controlled by other regulations.
3.Excavations for wells, tunnels, utilities, or swimming pools/spas.
4.Exploratory excavations under the direction of soil engineers or engineering geologists.
5.Clearing and grubbing of vegetation done for the purpose of routine landscape maintenance,
the removal of dead or diseased trees or shrubs or the removal of vegetation done upon
order of the fire marshal to eliminate a potential fire hazard or for the abatement of weeds.
6.Clearing and grubbing of vegetation done preparatory to agricultural operations on land
which has been used for agricultural purposes within the previous five years.
7.Grading on a site where the city engineer finds that the following conditions exist:
a.The amount of soil material moved does not exceed 200 cubic yards (excluding excavation
for basements, foundations and footings);
b.No fill material is placed on an existing slope steeper than five units horizontal to one
vertical;
c.No cut or fill material exceeds four feet in vertical depth at its deepest point, measured
from the existing ground surface.
8.Grading in an isolated, self-contained area.
9.Grading associated with stem wall construction.
10. Retaining walls with a maximum height of 6 feet and the soil material moved does not exceed
200 cubic yards.
11.City capital improvement program (CIP) projects and city-initiated improvement and
maintenance projects.
12.Notwithstanding the above, a grading permit shall be required if the city engineer determines
that the work may adversely affect existing drainage patterns, result in a condition which may
cause damage to adjacent property now or in the future, or may have a detrimental effect on
the public health, safety or welfare.
5.That Section 15.16.065 E. of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
15.16.065 Application for grading plan.
E.Grading plan applications for which a permit is not granted within three years following the
date of application shall be deemed withdrawn, provided the improvement plans are not associated
with a tentative map, tentative parcel map, vesting tentative map, or vesting tentative parcel map, in
which case the grading plan application shall be deemed withdrawn on the date of the expiration of
the associated tentative map. The grading plans and other documents submitted for review may
thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the City Engineer. In order to renew action on
an application after withdrawal, the applicant shall resubmit a new application and pay a new grading
plan review application fee.
6.That Chapter 21.04.024 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the addition of a
new section as shown below:
21.04.024 Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands.
Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands mean a structure of no larger than 200 square feet ancillary to
active agriculture/aquacultural uses on the property and for the display and sale of products
produced on or off-site. There shall be no space for customers within the structure itself.
7.That Table A, Permitted Uses, of Section 21.07.020 (E-A Exclusive Agricultural Zone) of
the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the addition and deletion of the following
use listings, modification of related footnote 3 and the addition of footnote 7 to read as
follows:
21.07.020 Permitted uses.
Table A
Permitted Uses
Use P CUP Acc
Agriculture (see note 7 below) X
Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands (see note 3 below) (defined:
Section 21.04.024)
X
Notes:
3.Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands. Provided that the floor area of the stand shall not exceed
two hundred square feet, that the stand is located not nearer than twenty feet to any street or
highway, and that the stand is only allowed accessory to an active agricultural or aquacultural use.
7. Only the following agricultural uses, and buildings accessory to such agricultural uses, under this
use type are permitted in the E-A zone: (A) Field and seed crops, (B) Truck crops, (C) Horticultural
crops, (D) Orchards and vineyards, (E) Tree farms, (F) Fallow lands.
8.That Table A, Permitted Uses, of Section 21.08.020 (R-A Residential Agricultural Zone)
of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the modification of the following use
listings and the addition of related footnotes 8 and 9 to read as follows:
21.08.020 Permitted uses.
Table A
Permitted Uses
Use P CUP Acc
Agriculture (see note 8 below) X
Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands (see note 9 below) (defined:
Section 21.04.024)
X
Notes:
8.Only the following agricultural uses, and buildings accessory to such agricultural uses, under this
use type are permitted in the R-A zone: (A) Field and seed crops, (B) Truck crops, (C) Horticultural
crops, (D) Orchards and vineyards, (E) Tree farms, (F) Fallow lands.
9. Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands. Provided that the floor area of the stand shall not exceed
two hundred square feet, that the stand is located not nearer than twenty feet to any street or
highway, and that the stand is only allowed accessory to an active agricultural or aquacultural use.
9.That Table A, Permitted Uses, of Section 21.09.020 (R-E Rural Residential Estate Zone)
of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the addition and deletion of the following
use listing and the addition of related footnotes 7 and 8 to read as follows:
21.09.020 Permitted uses.
Table A
Permitted Uses
Use P CUP Acc
Agriculture (see note 7 below) X
Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands (see note 8 below) (defined:
Section 21.04.024)
X
Notes:
7. Only the following agricultural uses, and buildings accessory to such agricultural uses, under this
use type are permitted in the R-A zone: (A) Field and seed crops, (B) Truck crops, (C) Horticultural
crops, (D) Orchards and vineyards, (E) Tree farms, (F) Fallow lands.
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8. Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands. Provided that the floor area of the stand shall not exceed
two hundred square feet, that the stand is located not nearer than twenty feet to any street or
highway, and that the stand is only allowed accessory to an active agricultural or aquacultural use.
10.That Section 21.10.030 E. deletes the allowance to require owner-occupancy and
renumbers sections E.3 – E.12 to correct a numbering error in CS-449 to read as follows:
21.10.030 Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units.
E.Other Requirements and Standards. ADUs and JADUs shall comply with all the following
requirements and standards:
3.The maximum size of an ADU or JADU shall be limited as follows, consistent with
California Government Code Sections 65852. 2 (effective Jan. 1, 2023) and 65852.22
(effective Jan. 1, 2023):
a.Attached ADUs — 50% of the total floor area of the main dwelling or 1, 200
square feet, whichever is less, but not less than 800 square feet;
b.Detached ADUs —1, 200 square feet
c.JADUs — 500 square feet
4.The maximum height of an ADU or JADU shall be limited as follows, consistent with
California Government Code Sections 65852. 2 (effective Jan. 1, 2023) and 65852. 22
effective Jan. 1, 2023):
a.A detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family, two-family
or multiple -family dwelling unit shall be allowed a height up to 16 feet and one
story.
b.A detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family, two-family
dwelling, or multiple -family dwelling unit that is within one- half of one mile
walking distance of a major transit stop (Carlsbad Village Station or Poinsettia
Station), shall be allowed a height up to 18 feet. An additional two feet in
height (20 feet maximum) is allowed to accommodate a roof pitch on the ADU
that is aligned with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling.
c.A detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed two-family, multiple -
family, multistory dwelling shall be allowed a height up to 18 feet.
d.An attached ADU is allowed a height up to 25 feet, or the height limits of the
applicable zoning for the primary dwelling, but not to exceed two stories.
e.An ADU constructed above or below a detached garage shall be permitted and
shall conform to the height limits applicable to the zone. Structures that
contain an ADU located above or below a detached garage shall be limited to a
maximum of two stories including the garage.
5.Roof decks shall not be permitted on detached ADUs.
6.The construction of an ADU or JADU that is all new construction, or is a conversion of a
portion or all of an existing structure, or expands the square footage of an existing
structure, shall be consistent with all habitat preserve buffers, geologic stability
setbacks, and visual resource protection policies in the certified local coastal program,
habitat management plan, general plan, or geotechnical report, as applicable.
7.On lots with one -family dwelling(s), the exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the
color palette of the ADU or JADU shall incorporate the same features as the primary
dwelling unit.
8.On lots with two-family or multiple -family dwellings, the exterior roofing, trim, walls,
windows and the color palette of the ADU addition shall incorporate the same features
as the existing building that the ADU would be provided within. For detached ADUs, it
shall be reflective of the nearest building as measured from the wall of the existing
building to the nearest wall of the proposed unit.
9.Parking.
a.An ADU shall provide off-street parking in compliance with Chapter 21. 44
Parking), unless it qualifies for an exemption as specified in California
Government Code Section 65852. 2 (effective Jan. 1, 2023).
b.No off-street parking is required for a JADU if it meets the requirements
specified in California Government Code Section 65852.22 (effective Jan. 1,
2023).
c.When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in
conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, the loss
of parking for the primary dwelling does not need to be replaced, except on
lots located west of the rail corridor and on lots located east of the rail corridor
and west of Interstate 5 between Avenida Encinas to the north and Batiquitos
Lagoon to the south. In which case, the loss of parking for the primary dwelling
shall be replaced subject to the parking requirements in Chapter 21.44
Parking), except as follows:
i.The replacement parking spaces may be covered, uncovered, or tandem
spaces, or provided by the use of mechanical automobile parking lifts
within a garage); and may be located in the front, side or rear yard,
provided the parking area is an improved parking surface, such as
paving, hardscape, decomposed granite, etc.
ii.The location of the replacement parking spaces shall be consistent with
all habitat preserve buffers, geologic stability setbacks, and visual
resource protection policies in the certified local coastal program.
10.ADUs intended to satisfy an inclusionary requirement shall comply with the
requirements of Chapter 21.85, including, but not limited to, the applicable rental
rates and income limit standards.
11.A Notice of Restriction shall be recorded on the property declaring that:
a.An ADU(s) or JADU shall not be used for short-term rentals of less than 30 days.
This requirement does not apply to any unit that was issued a building permit
prior to January 1, 2020.
b.The obligations and restrictions imposed on the approval of the ADU(s) per
California Government Code Section 65852. 2 (effective Jan. 1, 2023) or JADU
per California Government Code Section 65852. 22 (effective Jan. 1, 2023) are
binding on all present and future property owners.
c.For a JADU, the property owner must reside in either the primary residence or
the JADU. Sale of the JADU separate from the single-family residence is
prohibited; said prohibition is binding on all present owners and future
purchasers.
12.An ADU may be sold separately from the primary dwelling only in limited situations
pursuant to California Government Code Section 65852.26 (effective Jan. 1, 2023).
11.That Section 21.10.040 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.10.040 Home occupations.
A.Home occupations which are not disruptive to the residential character of the neighborhood
shall be permitted as an accessory use, subject to the following conditions:
1.The use of the dwelling for a home occupation shall be clearly incidental and
subordinate to its use for residential purposes by its inhabitants. The establishment and
conduct of a home occupation shall not change the principal character or use of the dwelling
unit or property involved.
2.The home occupation may not utilize an area greater than twenty percent of the
combined total floor area of all on-site structures.
3.There shall be no exterior evidence of the conduct of a home occupation, including
outdoor display of equipment, materials, or supplies related directly or indirectly to
the home occupation activity. A home occupation shall be conducted entirely within a
dwelling, or an attached garage with the exception of tutoring in sports.
4.No employees shall be employed on the premises unless required by local or state law.
5.There shall be no signs, banners or flags identifying or advertising
the home occupation.
6. The home occupation shall not create vehicular or pedestrian traffic in excess of that
which is normal for the zone in which it is located.
7.The required residential off-street parking shall be maintained.
8.Limited indoor storage of goods or supplies (125 cubic feet maximum) may take place
within no more than one room of the dwelling and/or in the attached garage (provided
required parking on-site is maintained and properly located).
9.There shall be no separate entrance or exit way specifically provided in the dwelling or
on the premises for the conduct of the home occupation, unless required by local or state law.
10.There shall be no process, procedure, substance, or chemical used which is hazardous
to public convenience, health, safety, or general welfare or that changes the fire safety
or occupancy classifications of the residence.
11.Electrical or mechanical equipment which creates visible or audible interference in
radio or television receivers or causes fluctuations in line voltage outside the dwelling unit
shall be prohibited. Home occupation activities shall not produce dust, glare, noxious matter,
excessive noise, or vibrations beyond the subject property lines.
B.Maximum number of customers and vendors.
1.Home occupations may have a maximum of one customer or vendor on the premises
at any one time, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through
Saturday. Home occupations shall not host customers or vendors on the premises more
frequently than one customer or vendor within a 2-hour time period.
2.Home occupations involving tutoring students in music, academics, dance swimming
or tennis at a residence may have a maximum of six non-resident students at any one time,
and no more than 18 non-resident students during any one day. Sports related tutoring may
be conducted between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
C.Notwithstanding the provisions above, the following uses are prohibited:
1.Automotive repair or other vehicle repair, body or mechanical;
2.Welding or machining;
3.Medical clinics or labs;
4.Animal hospitals, kennels and grooming facilities (see exception in Section 21.10.040
D); and
5.Uses that require explosives or highly combustible or toxic materials.
D.Notwithstanding 21.10.040 C.4., animal sitting or grooming facilities may be permitted when
conducted entirely indoors. Grooming services shall be limited to one customer on the premises at
any one time, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday with no more than one
customer within a 2-hour time period.
E.The home occupation use shall not have utility services modifications, other than those
required for normal residential use, that would be classified as commercial or industrial in load or
design.
F.Cottage Foods Operation.
1.Cottage Foods Operations shall be permitted as defined by Health and Safety Code
Section 113758, conducted only within a dwelling that contains the dwelling’s kitchen and
shall not be allowed in a garage or other accessory building.
2.There shall be no on-premise sale of goods except as allowed for a Cottage Food
Operation by Health and Safety Code Section 114365 and with a valid County of San Diego
Cottage Food permit from Department of Environmental Health. Occasional transport of
goods from the premises for off-site sale may occur. Internet sales are not considered on-
premise sale of goods.
G.No person shall commence or carry on a home occupation/cottage food operation without
first having received approval of a city business license.
H. Home occupations shall comply with all noise, lighting, nuisance, health/safety, and other
applicable city and state regulations.
13.That Table A, Permitted Uses, of Section 21.26.010 (C-1 Neighborhood Commercial
Zone) of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the addition of the following use
listing to read as follows:
21.26.010 Permitted uses.
Table A
Permitted Uses
Use P CUP Acc
Mixed use developments (defined: Section 21.26.015) X
14.That Table A, Permitted Uses, of Section 21.28.010 (C-2 General Commercial Zone) of
the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the addition of the following use listing to
read as follows:
21.28.010 Permitted uses.
Table A
Permitted Uses
Use P CUP Acc
Mixed use developments (defined: Section 21.28.015) X
15.That Table A, Permitted Uses, of Section 21.29.030 (C-T Commercial Tourist Zone) of
the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the deletion and addition of the following
use listings and the addition of related footnote 3 to read as follows:
21.29.030 Permitted uses.
Table A
Permitted Uses
Use P CUP Acc
Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands (see note 3 below) (defined:
Section 21.04.024)
X
Notes:
3.Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands. Provided that the floor area of the stand shall not exceed
two hundred square feet, that the stand is located not nearer than twenty feet to any street or
highway, and that the stand is only allowed accessory to an active agricultural or aquacultural use.
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16.That Table A, Permitted Uses, of Section 21.30.010 (C-M Heavy Commercial Zone) of
the Carlsbad Municipal Code regarding the permitting of educational facilities is
amended to read as follows:
21.30.010 Permitted uses.
Table A
Permitted Uses
Use P CUP Acc
Educational facilities, other (defined: Section 21.04.137) X
17.That Table A, Permitted Uses, of Section 21.31.030 (C-L Local Shopping Center Zone) of
the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the addition of the following use listing to
read as follows:
21.31.030 Permitted uses.
Table A
Uses Permitted in the C-L Zone
Use P CUP Acc
Mixed Use Development (defined: Section 21.31.065) X
18.That Table A, Permitted Uses, of Section 21.32.010 (M Industrial Zone) of the Carlsbad
Municipal Code regarding the permitting of educational facilities is amended to read as
follows:
21.32.010 Permitted uses.
Table A
Permitted Uses
Use P CUP Acc
Educational facilities, other (defined: Section 21.04.137) X
19.That Table A, Permitted Uses, of Section 21.36.020 (P-U Public Utility Zone) of the
Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the addition and deletion of duplicative
agricultural use listings and the addition of related footnotes 2 and 3 to read as
follows:
21.36.020 Permitted uses.
Table A
Permitted Uses
Use P CUP Acc
Agriculture (see note 2 below) X
Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands (see note 3 below) (defined:
Section 21.04.024)
X
Notes:
2. Only the following agricultural uses, and buildings accessory to such agricultural uses, under this
use type are permitted in the P-U zone: (A) Field and seed crops, (B) Truck crops, (C) Horticultural
crops, (D) Orchards and vineyards, (E) Tree farms, (F) Fallow lands.
3.Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands. Provided that the floor area of the stand shall not exceed
two hundred square feet, that the stand is located not nearer than twenty feet to any street or
highway, and that the stand is only allowed accessory to an active agricultural or aquacultural use.
20.That Table A, Permitted Uses, of Section 21.39.020 (L-C Limited Control Zone) of the
Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the deletion of the outdated terminology and
addition of the following use listings and the addition of related footnote 3 to read as
follows:
21.39.020 Permitted uses.
Table A
Permitted Uses
Use P CUP Acc
Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands (see note 3 below) (defined:
Section 21.04.024)
X
Notes:
3.Agriculture/aquaculture/flower stands. Provided that the floor area of the stand shall not exceed
two hundred square feet, that the stand is located not nearer than twenty feet to any street or
highway, and that the stand is only allowed accessory to an active agricultural or aquacultural use.
21.That Table F, Residential Additions and Accessory Uses to One-Family Dwellings and
Twin-Homes on Small Lots, of Section 21.45.090 (Planned Developments Zone) of the
Carlsbad Municipal Code and the table’s footnotes are amended by deleting footnote
2 and renumbering the remaining footnotes to read as follows:
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21.45.090 Residential additions and accessory uses.
Table F
Residential Additions and Accessory Uses to One-Family Dwellings and Twin-Homes on Small Lots
Addition/Accessory Use
Minimum Front
Yard Setback
Minimum Side and Rear
Yard Setbacks
Attached/detached patio covers
10 feet to posts
(2-foot overhang
permitted)
5 feet to posts
(2-foot overhang
permitted)
Non-habitable detached accessory
buildings/structures
(e.g., garages, workshops, decks over 30 inches in
height)(1) (2)
20 feet 5 feet
Habitable detached accessory buildings
(i.e. guest houses and accessory dwelling units) (2) (3)
(4)
Same setbacks as required for the primary
dwelling
Additions to dwelling (attached) Same setbacks as required for the dwelling
Notes:
(1) Maximum building height is 1 story and 14 feet with a 3:12 roof pitch or 10 feet with less than a
3:12 roof pitch.
(2) Must be architecturally compatible with the existing structure.
(3)Except as otherwise permitted for accessory dwelling units pursuant to Section 21.10.030.
(4)Refer to California Government Code Section 65852.2 (effective Jan. 1, 2023) for front yard setback
requirements for 800 sq. ft. maximum ADUs with four-foot side and rear yard setbacks and constructed
in compliance with all other development standards.
22.That Section 21.58.030 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.58.030 Expiration of permits.
A. Any permit or approval granted pursuant to this title becomes null and void if not exercised within
three years of the date of approval; however, permits or approvals which are issued in conjunction
with a tentative map or tentative parcel map, shall not expire sooner than the approved tentative
map or tentative parcel map. The permit or approval may be extended pursuant to
Section 21.58.040.
B. A project shall be considered “exercised” when:
(1) A vesting tentative map has been approved pursuant to California Government Code
section 66498.1 and has not expired; or
(2) A valid building or grading permit has been issued and substantial work has been
performed with at least one inspection conducted by the city to ensure compliance with
codes and approved construction documents; or
C.If no building or grading permits are required, the action granting an approval pursuant to this title
shall specify the terms and limitations of a use or activity.
23.That Section 21.85.020 A. of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as
follows:
21.85.020 Definitions.
Whenever the following terms are used in this chapter, they shall have the meaning established by
this section:
A.“Affordable housing” means housing for which the allowable housing expenses paid by a
qualifying household shall not exceed a specified fraction of the county median income,
adjusted for household size, as follows:
1.Extremely low-income, rental units: the product of thirty percent times thirty
percent of the county median income, adjusted for household size, in accordance with
California Health and Safety Code Section 50053;
2.Extremely low-income, ownership units: the product of thirty percent times thirty
percent of the county median income, adjusted for household size, in accordance with
California Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5;
3. Very low-income, rental units: the product of thirty percent times fifty percent of
the county median income, adjusted for household size, in accordance with California
Health and Safety Code Section 50053;
4. Very low-income, ownership units: the product of thirty percent times fifty percent
of the county median income, adjusted for household size, in accordance with
California Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5;
5. Low-income, ownership units: the product of thirty percent times seventy percent
of the county median income, adjusted for household size, in accordance with
California Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5; and
6. Low-income, rental units: the product of thirty percent times sixty percent of the
county median income, adjusted for household size, in accordance with California
Health and Safety Code Section 50053.
24.That Section 21.85.040 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.85.040 Affordable housing standards.
The affordable housing standards are as follows:
A.All qualifying residential developments pursuant to Section 21.85.030(A) are subject to
and must satisfy the inclusionary housing requirements of this chapter, notwithstanding a
developer’s request to process a residential development under other program requirements,
laws or regulations, including, but not limited to, Chapter 21.86 (Residential Density Bonus) of
this code. If an applicant seeks to construct affordable housing to qualify for a density bonus
in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 21.86 (Residential Density Bonus), those
affordable dwelling units that qualify a residential development for a density bonus shall also
be counted toward satisfying the inclusionary housing requirements of this chapter.
B.Whenever reasonably possible, inclusionary units should be built on the residential
development project site.
C.The required inclusionary units shall be constructed concurrently with market-rate units
unless both the final decision-making authority of the city and developer agree within the
affordable housing agreement to an alternative schedule for development.
D.Inclusionary rental units shall remain restricted and affordable to the designated income
group for fifty-five years. In addition to the income of a targeted group, limitations on assets
may also be used as a factor in determining eligibility for rental or ownership units.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, no inclusionary unit shall be rented
for an amount which exceeds ninety percent of the actual rent charged for a comparable
market unit in the same development, if any. For projects with both inclusionary units and
market-rate units, the inclusionary units shall be provided in the same tenure as the market-
rate units, consistent with California Civil Code 714.7.
E.After the initial sale of the inclusionary ownership units at a price affordable to the target
income level group, inclusionary ownership units shall remain affordable to subsequent
income eligible buyers pursuant to a resale restriction with a term of thirty years or ownership
units may be sold at a market price to other than targeted households provided that the sale
shall result in the recapture by the city or its designee of a financial interest in the units equal
to the amount of subsidy necessary to make the unit affordable to the designated income
group and a proportionate share of any appreciation. Funds recaptured by the city shall be
used in assisting other eligible households with home purchases at affordable prices. To the
extent possible, projects using ownership units to satisfy inclusionary requirements shall be
designed to be compatible with conventional mortgage financing programs including
secondary market requirements.
F.Inclusionary units should be located on sites that are in proximity to or will provide access
to employment opportunities, urban services, or major roads or other transportation and
commuter rail facilities and that are compatible with adjacent land uses.
G.Both the internal and external design of the inclusionary units shall be reasonably
consistent or compatible with the design of the total project development in terms of
appearance, materials and finished quality. Interior finishes and amenities may differ from
those provided in the market rate units, but neither the workmanship nor the products may
be of substandard or inferior quality as determined by the city.
H.Inclusionary projects shall provide a mix of number of bedrooms in the affordable
dwelling units in response to affordable housing demand priorities of the city. Bedroom count
and unit sizes of inclusionary units shall be commensurate with market rate units.
I.No building permit shall be issued, nor any development approval granted for a
development which does not meet the requirements of this chapter. No inclusionary unit shall
be rented or sold except in accordance with this chapter.
J. For Mixed-Income projects, where both inclusionary units and market rate units exist, the
inclusionary units shall be dispersed throughout the project, and not congregated to specific
areas or floors, consistent with California Health and Safety Code Section 17929.
25.That Section 21.85.140 D. of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as
follows:
21.85.140 Affordable housing agreement as a condition of development.
D. An affordable housing agreement will not be required for projects which will be satisfying their
inclusionary housing requirement through payment to the city of an in-lieu fee or credit purchase.
26.That Section 21.86.100 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.86.100 Design and quality.
A.The city may not issue building permits for more than 50 percent of the market rate units until it
has issued building permits for all of the affordable units, and the city may not approve any final
inspections or certificates of occupancy for more than 50 percent of the market rate units until it has
issued final inspections or certificates of occupancy for all of the affordable units.
B.Affordable units shall be comparable in exterior and interior appearance and overall quality of
construction to market rate units in the same housing development. Interior finishes and amenities
may differ from those provided in the market rate units, but neither the workmanship nor the
products may be of substandard or inferior quality as determined by the city.
C.The number of bedrooms of the affordable units shall at least equal the minimum number of
bedrooms of the market rate units. Bedroom count and unit size shall also be commensurate with
market rate units.
D. For Mixed-Income projects, where both inclusionary units and market rate units exist, the
inclusionary units shall be dispersed throughout the project, and not congregated to specific areas or
floors, consistent with California Health and Safety Code Section 17929.
27.That the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended by the addition of new Chapter 21.89
Substantial Conformance Review to read as follows:
Chapter 21.89 SUBSTANTIAL CONFORMANCE REVIEW
21.89.010 Purpose and Intent.
After a discretionary project is approved, the applicant may need to request minor revisions, usually
as the result of a plan check or new requirement. Minor changes may be approved by the city planner
if found to be in “substantial conformance” with the original project description, findings, and
conditions.
The purpose of this section is to provide a process that determines if a post-entitlement permit or
ministerial permit application is substantially consistent and in conformance with a previously
approved discretionary action when changes to the previous approval are proposed. This includes a
review of the post-entitlement permit or ministerial permit application against approved exhibits,
permit conditions, and environmental documentation associated with the authorizing discretionary
permit, and applicable land-use policies and standards.
21.89.020 Applicability.
Unless otherwise stated as a permit condition or as required by the municipal code, substantial
conformance review is an optional service available to applicants who are proposing to modify their
project after an authorizing discretionary permit has been approved by the city.
21.89.030 Immaterial Changes.
The city planner may determine changes are immaterial, do not require substantial conformance
review, and may be approved as part of the ministerial application. Immaterial changes are very
minor changes to the project and incidental in nature, are consistent with all development standards,
and are of no substantial consequence to the project approval, including its exhibits, conditions, and
environmental documentation. The city documents the approval of immaterial changes in the post-
entitlement permit or ministerial permit application. Examples of immaterial changes may include
but are not limited to:
A.Floor plan revisions that do not increase parking demand or modify the building footprint.
B.Modification of the length, height and location of garden, perimeter, and retaining walls.
C.Reconfiguration or addition of parking lot planters.
D.Resizing of a minor feature, such as a window, that does not exceed a 10 percent change
from the original dimensions.
E.Repainting a structure or appurtenance in a hue that is substantially similar to the
approved project.
21.89.040 Substantial Conformance Request.
An application for a substantial conformance review shall be on a form provided by the city planner,
which shall require that information necessary to make the findings specified within this chapter.
21.89.050 Fees.
The City Council may impose by resolution a nonrefundable fee to reimburse the city for its
reasonable and necessary costs in receiving, processing, and reviewing applications for a substantial
conformance review.
21.89.060 Review Authority and Procedure.
A.A request for substantial conformance review may be approved by the city planner and shall
be processed independently of any other required development permits.
B.The filing of an application for request for substantial conformance review shall not require
public notice.
C.If necessary to reach a determination on the request for substantial conformance review, the
city planner may request:
1.Further information from the applicant, specifying in detail the information that is
required.
2.Information from other city departments and divisions or other agencies.
D.Conditions of approval cannot be removed or revised as a substantial conformance request.
E.Within 30 days after receipt of a complete substantial conformance review application, the
city planner shall notify the applicant of the decision to approve or deny the request, with the
reasons for denial stated according to the findings contained in Section 21.89.070.
F.If the city planner denies the request, the applicant may pursue the request to change the
project by filing an amendment to the authorizing discretionary permit(s) pursuant to Section
21.54.125 of this title.
21.89.080 Required Findings.
A.A project revision may be determined to be consistent with the approved discretionary action
if the following findings can be made:
1.That the proposed revision provides an architectural style of development that is
substantially consistent with the building forms, building colors, and building materials that
were approved as part of the authorizing discretionary action.
2.That the proposed revision complies with all relevant development standards and
design criteria and will not result in any health, safety, or welfare impacts.
3.That the proposed revision is consistent with the density, intensity, or use from what
was approved as part of the authorizing discretionary action.
4.That the proposed revision is minor and authorizes a deviation or deviations of no
more than 10 percent, provided that it is consistent with the authorizing discretionary action
and maintains compliance with all relevant development standards. Examples of deviations
that may be granted include but are not limited to:
a.On an individual lot or structure basis: yards, setbacks, lot coverage and
building height (height reductions of greater than 10 percent are permitted).
b.On an aggregate project basis: parking, open space, common area, or
landscaping, including planting area, quantity and size.
c.A deviation permitted under this section does not increase the intensity of the
project or have a potentially detrimental effect.
5.That the proposed revision maintains, in their entirety, all of the project conditions
required as part of the authorizing discretionary action.
6.That the proposed revision is consistent with the previously evaluated environmental
findings and will not result in any significant environmental impact, and/or require further
environmental review.
7.That the proposed revision is consistent with the standards set forth in the Village and
Barrio Objective Design Standards or the Citywide Objective Design Standards, as applicable.
21.89.090 Public Parks.
Modifications to approved discretionary permits for public parks also may be permitted subject to
Section 21.42.140 B. 100 of this title.
21.89.100 Appeal.
The effective date of the city planner’s decision and method for appeal of such decision shall be
governed by Chapter 21.54.140 of this title.
21.89.110 Severability.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held invalid or
unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision will not affect
the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter. The city council declares that it would have
passed the ordinance codified in this chapter and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or
phrase contained in it irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences,
clauses, or phrases are declared invalid or unconstitutional.
28.That Section 21.201.130 A. 3. of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as
follows:
21.201.130 Developments appealable to the coastal commission.
A.The following developments, due to their type or location, are within the appeal jurisdiction of
the coastal commission. Only decisions approving a coastal development permit for these
developments are appealable to the coastal commission, unless otherwise noted. Areas subject to
appeal jurisdiction are shown on the post LCP certification map which is on file in the planning
division.
3.Developments approved by the city not included within subsection A of this section
which are located in a sensitive coastal resource area.
29.That Section 21.210.030 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to include new
subsection C. to read as follows:
21.210.030 Applicability.
C.No removal of habitat, including mowing, shall occur until all the processing and permitting
requirements of this chapter are satisfied.
30.That Section 21.210.100 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to update A.2 to
read as follows:
21.210.100 Enforcement measures – Violations and remedies.
A.Whenever the City Planner determines that a violation of this chapter has occurred or an
individual has impacted habitat without the benefit of an HMP permit, the following
enforcement measures and remedies may be undertaken by the City Planner, in lieu of or in
addition to any remedial actions undertaken in accordance with Section 15.16.140 of the
municipal code.
1.Stop Work Notice. The City Planner shall issue a stop work order demanding that all
activities in violation of this chapter be stopped until a valid HMP permit is obtained
and corrective action is authorized by the City Planner.
2.Corrective Action. The City Planner, in consultation with the wildlife agencies, shall
determine the extent of corrective action necessary to cure the violation. Corrective
action may include a higher mitigation ratio than specified in Table 11 of Section D.6 of
the HMP. The owner of the property shall be responsible for correcting any grading,
clearing, or removal of habitat on the property, which occurred in violation of this
chapter, including a violation which occurred prior to the owner’s acquisition of the
property and which continues after the acquisition of the property.
31.That all instances of the abbreviation “O-S” in Title 21 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code
shall be replaced with “OS.”
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE APPLICABLE TO PROPERTIES OUTSIDE 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.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE APPLICABLE TO PROPERTIES INSIDE THE COASTAL ZONE:
This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption or upon Coastal Commission approval of
LCPA 2024-0020, 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 30th day of !!,tly, 2024, and thereafter PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the 20th day of August, 2024 by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
BLACKBURN, BHAT-PATEL, ACOSTA, BURKHOLDER, LUNA. NONE. NONE. NONE. APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
i1 KEITH BlCKBURN, Mayor
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk (SEAL)