HomeMy WebLinkAboutAMEND 2017-0026; OMNI LA COSTA RESORT BALLROOM EXPANSION; THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN; 2019-01-31THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
THE
LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA
MASTER PLAN
Associated Entitlement List
• –SDP 2017-0011/SUP
2017-0008 (for PA 5)
• Master Plan Amendment
Application:
AMEND 2017-0026
Final Approval by
Carlsbad Planning
Commission on:
16 January 2019
A Resort Development By:
Omni Hotels & Resorts
4001 Maple Avenue, Suite 300, Dallas,
Texas, 75219
Prepared For:
THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, California 92008
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
Project Technical Team
LA COSTA DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATIONS.
Chevis Hosea
2100 Costa Del Mar Road Carlsbad,
CA 92009
THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
MASTER PLANNING/
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE/
ENTITLEMENT PROCESSING
FORREST K. HAAG ASLA, INC.
1254 North Coast Highway
Laguna Beach,
CA 92651
CIVIL/SITE ENGINEERING
SPEAR & ASSOCIATES
475 Production Street
San Marcos, CA 92078
LEGAL COUNSEL
The Loftin Firm
5760 Fleet Street, Suite 110
Carlsbad, CA 92008
RESORT VILLA
ARCHITECTURE
MCCABE
ARCHITECTURE1917
India Street. Suite. B
San Diego, CA 92101
ENTITLEMENT PROCESSING
HOFMAN PLANNING AND
ENGINEERING
3152 Lionshead Ave.
Carlsbad, CA 92010
PARKING CONSULTANT
WALKER PARKING
CONSULTANTS
5350 South Roslyn Street
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
P&D CONSULTANTS
8954 Rio San Diego Drive/San Diego Plaza
San Diego, CA 92108
FISCAL BENEFIT ANALYSIS
4612 Leir Drive
La Canada, CA 91011
CIVIL ENGINEERING
HUNSAKER & ASSOCIATES
10179 Huennekens Street
San Diego, CA 92121
&
RBF CONSULTING
5050 Avenida Encinas, Suite 260
Carlsbad, CA 92124
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
History of Actions
August 15th, 1972
Ordinance 9322 – An ordinance of the City of Carlsbad adopting the La Costa Master Plan subject
to annexation of
2900 acres of property to the City of Carlsbad. This development by the La Costa Land Development
Company is located east of El Camino Real, and northerly of Olivenhain Road.
December 16th, 1980
Case No. MP 149
Ordinance 9570 – An ordinance of the City of Carlsbad adopting the La Costa Master Plan / MP-149
isolating the La Costa Spa and Golf Course areas from the larger La Costa Master Plan area.
Subsequent revisions to MP-149(A-E) revising the boundaries of the La Costa Spa Master Plan area and
delineating changes to the circulation, drainage, and public facilities within the redefined plan area.
August 18th, 2004
Case No. 149(S)
Planning Commission Resolution 5701 - A resolution of the Planning Commission recommending
approval of a Master Plan amendment to remove property generally located at the La Costa Resort and Spa
from the original La Costa Master Plan MP149 in Local Facilities Management Zone 6.
August 18th, 2004
Case No. GPA 03-08, ZC 03-04, CT 03-01, PUD 03-06, SUP
03-06, SUP 03-03.
Planning Commission Resolution 5697 - A resolution of the Planning Commission recommending
approval of a Mitigated Negative Declaration, Addendum, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program to approve a Master Plan and related entitlements including General Plan Amendment 03-08, Zone
Change 03-04, Carlsbad Tract Map 03-01, Planned Unit Development 03-06, Special Use Permit 03-
06/Floodplain, Special Use Permit 03-03/Scenic Corridor.
June 16th, 2005
Case No. GPA05-09 / ZC05-06 / MP03-02(A)
La Costa Resort and Spa
Amendment 1, - Lot Line Adjustments
An application to address the transfer of certain land owned by the Developer/Owner of the La Costa
Resort and Spa to adjacent residential land owners by way of lot line adjustments and appropriate
engineering for transfer of title.July 11th, 2006
La Costa Lot Line Adjustments
Case No. MP 03-02(A); ZC 05-06; GPA 05-09
Resolution 2006-193 - A resolution of the City Council adopting a negative declaration and approving a
General Plan Amendment to residential Low Medium Density and Travel Recreation / Commercial on
multiple properties located East of El Camino Real between Alga Road and La Costa Avenue in local
facilities management Zone 6.
Ordinance No. NS809 - An ordinance of the City Council to allowing the zoning designation on multiple
properties to Residential single-Family, 7,500 square foot lot size mini- mum on multiple properties
located East of El Camino Real between Alga Road and La Costa Avenue in local facilities management
Zone 6.
Ordinance No. NS810 - An ordinance of the City Council approving the La Costa Resort and Spa Master
Plan Amendment to modify the boundaries of the Master Plan and Approve the land use and zoning map
changes.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
October 1st 2008
La Costa Resort, Planning Area 1
Case No. MP 03-02(B), CT 07-08, PUD 03-06(B)
Planning Commission Resolution 6487, 6472, 6473 - A resolution of the Planning Commission
recommending approval of the La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan Amendment and approving a Tentative
Tract Map and Non- Residential Planned Development Permit Amendment to subdivide 4.58 acres into 12
lots for the development of a
32-unit Commercial Dwelling Unit project and parking lot.
November 18th, 2008
Ordinance No. CS-017 - An ordinance of the City Council approving the La Costa Resort and Spa Master
Plan Amendment to eliminate references to project phasing, and transfer Commercial Dwelling Units from
one planning area to another.
October, 2011
Minor Master Plan Amendment – MP 03-02C
A minor amendment to address Section 4 Sign Program updates including deletion of obsolete sign
elements and the addition of one sign Campus Facilities Sign at the entrance to La Costa on El Camino Real.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
Companion Drawings, Documentation and Technical Information
• Planning & Landscape Architecture - 24" x 36" Exhibits
• Site Engineering - 24" x 36" Exhibits
• Architecture - 24" x 36" Exhibits
• Tentative Tract Map - 24" x 36" Exhibits
• Zoning Ordinance Tables
• Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
• Traffic Study
• Parking Needs Assessment
• Paleontology Report
• Fiscal Benefit Analysis
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
Table of Contents
1 INTRO DU CTION ............................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA - A COLORFUL PAST....................................................................................... 3
1.2 THE MASTER PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................. 4
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE MASTER PLAN ................................................................................................................. 5
1.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................ 5
1.4.1 THE COMMERCIAL DWELLING UNITS .............................................................................................. 6
1.4.2 THE GOLF LEARNING CENTER.......................................................................................................... 6
1.4.3 ADDITIONAL PARKING FACILITIES..................................................................................................... 6
1.5 MASTER PLAN GOALS ................................................................................................................................ 7
1.6 PROJECT REGIONAL SETTING .................................................................................................................. 8
1.7 PROJECT LOCAL SETTING ......................................................................................................................... 9
1.8 ENABLING LEGISLATION .......................................................................................................................... 10
2 PLANS, PROGRAMS, & GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................... 13
2.1 LAND USE PLAN MAP .............................................................................................................................. 13
2.2 ZONING MAP ....................................................................................................................................... 13
2.3 THE MASTER PLAN OF LAND USE ............................................................................................................ 17
2.3.1 CONCEPTUAL LAND USE TABLE .................................................................................................. 22
2.3.2 DESCRIPTION OF COMMERCIAL DWELLING UNITS ................................................................... 22
2.4 DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW OF THE MASTER PLAN .................................................................................. 25
2.4.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMERCIAL DWELLING UNITS .............................................................. 25
2.5 PLANNING AREAS BREAKDOWN.......................................................................................................... 26
2.5.1 PLANNING AREA 1 – LAND USE DESCRIPTION .............................................................................. 26
2.5.2 PLANNING AREA 2 – LAND USE DESCRIPTION ......................................................................... 28
2.5.3 PLANNNG AREA 3 - LAND USE DESCRIPTION ........................................................................... 30
2.5.4 PLANNNG AREA 4 – LAND USE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................ 32
2.5.5 PLANNNG AREA 5 – LAND USE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................. 34
2.5.6 PLANNING AREA 6 – LAND USE DESCRIPTION .............................................................................. 40
2.6 THE CIRCULATION PLAN .......................................................................................................................... 47
2.7 PARKING FOR THE LA COSTA MASTER PLAN AREA ................................................................................ 49
2.7.1 LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA- SHARED USE PARKING .................................................................... 49
2.7.2 LA COSTA PARKING PLAN ............................................................................................................... 51
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
2.8 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN ..................................................................................................... 53
2.8.1 OPEN SPACE WITHIN THE MASTER PLAN AREA ....................................................................... 53
2.9 MASTER PLAN AREA INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................................................. 55
2.9.1 FISCAL BENEFIT ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................... 55
2.9.2 SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS ....................................................................................................... 55
2.9.3 STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN ....................................................................... 56
2.10 THE LA COSTA RESORT COMMUNITY DESIGN STANDARDS ..................................................................... 65
2.10.1 ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE DESIGN GUIDELINES ......................................................................... 65
2.10.2 COLOR IN THE LA COSTA ARCHITECTURAL VERNACULAR ........................................................ 66
2.10.3 BUILDING MASSING AND SCALE ................................................................................................. 66
2.10.4 BUILDING DETAILS ....................................................................................................................... 68
2.10.5 ROOF MATERIALS IN THE LA COSTA ARCHITECTURAL VERNACULAR ....................................... 72
2.10.6 PROJECT WALLS ............................................................................................................................. 73
2.1 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES/STANDARDS ...................................................................... 77
2.11.1 KEY GUEST IMPACT AREAS ........................................................................................................... 77
2.11.2 EDGES ............................................................................................................................................. 77
2.11.3 TRAILS ............................................................................................................................................ 78
2.11.4 NODES ............................................................................................................................................. 80
2.11.5 ENCLAVES ....................................................................................................................................... 81
2.11.6 LANDMARKS .................................................................................................................................. 82
2.11.7 LANDSCAPE PLANT MATERIAL PALETTE / LANDSCAPE CONCEPTS PLANS ................................ 83
2.12 THE EL CAMINO REAL CORRIDOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT 03-03 ................................................................. 84
2.12.1 SUP #03-03 AREA WITHIN EL CAMINO CORRIDOR
2.12.2 PLANNING AREA 1 .......................................................................................................................... 84
2.12.3 PLANNING AREAS 2, 3, 4, 5, AND 7 ................................................................................................. 84
2.12.4 ARCHITECTURAL THEME WITHIN THE CORRIDOR ...................................................................... 85
2.12.5 PLANNING AREA 6 ........................................................................................................................... 87
2.12.6 PLANNING AREA 7 ......................................................................................................................... 87
2.13 SPECIAL EVENT PARKING PLAN AND PROGRAM .................................................................................... 87
3 ZO NING AND DEVELOPMEN T REGUL ATIONS ...................................................................................... 91
3.1 LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA ..................................................................................................................... 91
3.2 ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATION STANDARDS....................................................................... 92
3.2.1 PLANNING AREA 1 ....................................................................................................................... 92
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
3.2.2 PLANNING AREA 2 ....................................................................................................................... 94
3.2.3 PLANNING AREA 3 ....................................................................................................................... 96
3.2.4 PLANNING AREA 4 ....................................................................................................................... 98
3.2.5 PLANNING AREA 5 ....................................................................................................................... 100
3.2.6 PLANNING AREA 6 ..................................................................................................................... 103
3.2.7 PLANNING AREA 7 ..................................................................................................................... 107
3.3 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS FOR THE MASTER PLAN ................................................................... 109
3.3.1 DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC FACILITY PHASING .................................................................... 109
3.3.2 TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAPS ................................................................................................. 109
3.3.3 MASTER PLAN AMENDMENTS .................................................................................................. 110
3.3.4 ENFORCEMENT ........................................................................................................................... 112
4 THE LA CO S TA MASTER PLAN SIGN PROGRAM ................................................................................ 115
4.1 PRIMARY ENTRY MONUMENT SIGNS ................................................................................................. 116
4.2 SECONDARY MONUMENT SIGNS ........................................................................................................ 117
4.3 TERTIARY MONUMENT SIGNS ............................................................................................................ 117
4.4 CDU ENCLAVE IDENTIFICATION SIGNS ................................................................................................. 118
4.5 LA COSTA CAMPUS FACILITY AND MINOR DIRECTIONAL SIGNS ............................................................ 118
4.6 LA COSTA CAMPUS STREET NAME SIGNS .............................................................................................. 119
4.7 LA COSTA RESORT VILLA SIGNS .............................................................................................................. 120
4.8 SIGN PROGRAM COMPLIANCE WITH CARLSBAD SIGN ORDINANCE ................................................... 121
4.9 THE LA COSTA SIGN LOCATION DIAGRAM .............................................................................................. 125
4.10 EXISTING LA COSTA CAMPUS SIGN REGULATION .................................................................................. 125
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
List of Figures
Figure 1 - General Plan Land Use ............................................................................................................... 14
Figure 2 - Zoning Map ............................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 3 - Zoning Districts ......................................................................................................................... 16
Figure 4 - Overall Conceptual Site Plan ...................................................................................................... 19
Figure 5 - Development Overview ............................................................................................................. 21
Figure 6 - Planning Areas .......................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 7 - PA 1 Landscape Plan .................................................................................................................. 27
Figure 8 - PA 2 Landscape Plan .................................................................................................................. 29
Figure 9 - PA 3 Landscape Plan .................................................................................................................. 31
Figure 10 - PA 4 Landscape Plan ................................................................................................................ 33
Figure 11 - Ballroom Sections .................................................................................................................... 36
Figure 12 - Potential Ballroom Parking Structure ....................................................................................... 37
Figure 13 - Planning Area 7 Location Map .................................................................................................. 46
Figure 14 - Vehicular Circulation Diagram .................................................................................................. 48
Figure 15 - Built Out Site Parking Diagram ................................................................................................. 52
Figure 16 - Master Site Sign Program ....................................................................................................... 126
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
T H E L A C O S TA
R E S O R T A N D S PA
M A S T E R P L A N
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
3
1 INTRO DU CTION
1.1 LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA - A COLORFUL PAST
The spectacular site in Southern California where La Costa Resort and Spa now stands enjoys a colorful
history. The land has roots in the earliest days of California colonialism and the time of rancheros.
Centuries of Native American settlement gave way to Spanish and Mexican occupation before California
became a part of the United States in 1850.
Spain laid early claim to the California coast. In 1769, a trail was forged as El Camino Real (“The Royal
Road”) to link the missions that were established to make Catholics and farmers of the local Indians. To
this day Spain’s legacy still resonates in local architecture and flavor. It is apparent in the names of the
mountains, streams, cities (such as San Diego) and other area landmarks, including La Costa (“The
Coast”).
Today, La Costa Resort and Spa stands on the border of two old Mexican land grants from the mid-19th
Century, Agua Hedionda to the north and Rancho Las Encinitas to the south. The seed for La Costa
Resort and Spa was first planted in 1960 when real estate entrepreneur Allard Roen discovered the awe-
some albeit empty landscape on horseback. Inspired by the site’s remarkable history, Roen was deter-
mined to find a use for the land that would honor all those who came before.
Already involved in the Desert Inn in Las Vegas, Roen joined with a partner to purchase some of this land
and start a development project called Rancho La Costa. Roen’s original vision for Rancho La Costa
called for a residential community with recreational facilities including golf, tennis and horseback riding.
Roen’s personal interest in the game provided the impetus for two golf courses – the earthworks and con-
struction providing a creative solution to site drainage and open space preservation.
A clubhouse was erected to give prospective residents a preview of the property. Roen soon became
hooked on the idea of a spa at Rancho La Costa. On a stretch of sand not far from La Costa, Victorian
pioneer John Frazier founded the town of Carlsbad after discovering mineral water there in the 1880s.
He initiated the Carlsbad Mineral Spa, which became the namesake community’s main attraction,
creating a precedent for spas in the area and inviting visitors from that time onward.
In 1965, La Costa became the first U.S. resort to introduce a full-service spa, and what started off as a
90-room inn to accommodate prospective Rancho La Costa home buyers turned into a luxurious country
club. The inn became the main draw, putting Rancho La Costa on the map.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
4
Through the years La Costa, set among the beautiful coastal foothills north of San Diego in Carlsbad, has
evolved from its humble beginnings as the 90-room Rancho La Costa into the 474 room, world-class La
Costa Resort and Spa. Some things though have not changed. The entrance to the grounds lies along the
old El Camino Real, California’s road to its rich and colorful history.
1.2 THE MASTER PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan is organized in four sections and presents applications to the
City of Carlsbad including Comprehensive Master Plan, a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change
Special Use Permits for areas within the Floodplain and within a Scenic Corridor, Tentative Tract Map,
and a Planned Unit Development.
Section 1, Introduction: This section provides an overview of the Master Plan document, project
description and history, site location, the legislative authority for the La Costa Resort and Spa Master
Plan, and the method of plan compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Section 2, Plans, Programs and Guidelines: This section provides the organization and framework of the
Land Uses existing within the La Costa Resort and Spa plan area. It also provides design guidelines
which set design and development criteria and direction for individual project sites within the Master Plan
boundary. Mandatory program elements of the Planned Community (PC) zoning for the plan area are
addressed in detail within this section of the master plan.
Section 3, Zoning and Development Regulations: This section establishes the zoning applicable to land
within the Master Plan area boundary on a “Planning Area” basis. Development Regulations are present-
ed for each Planning Area within the Master Plan area boundary.
Section 4, La Costa Master Sign Program: This section of the document presents a comprehensive site
sign and monument program to guide the existing and future directional and information signage for the
Master Plan area.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
5
1.3 PURPOSE OF THE MASTER PLAN
This Master Plan is presented as a comprehensive planning and development document intended to guide
future development of land within the La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan area. This document guides
the character, design, and standards of development for the land within the La Costa Resort and Spa
Master Plan area. It is meant to provide a degree of flexibility to allow future development to respond to
the changes in the hospitality market of the Southern California region, which inevitably will occur over
the build out period of the project area. The La Costa Resort Master Plan establishes and updates the
design development policies applicable to development within the Master Plan area establishing the
regulations and standards which serve as the zoning and development regulation for the property.
The Master Plan delineates specific Planning Areas within the project specifying the land uses and
zoning for each Planning Area. Associated text describes the allowable uses and densities of
development in each Planning Area providing detailed development standards for each Planning
Area within the Master Plan area. Adoption of the Master Plan by the Carlsbad City Council, pursuant
to Chapter 21.38 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, will establish the zoning and development standards
applicable to the project, thereby removing the La Costa project area from the “Greater La Costa Area
Master Plan” MP 149 (149S- the amendment).
1.4 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
As of 2018, the La Costa Resort and Spa concluded the majority of site redevelopment with the
exception of the build-out of the Commercial Dwelling Units (CDUs) and Golf Learning Academy as
described within this Master Plan document.
Completed improvements include:
• A complete renovation of all existing hotel rooms;
• A new 42,500 sq. ft. ballroom facility containing a main ballroom, kitchen, additional
meeting rooms and support spaces;
• A 26,500 sq. ft. health and beauty spa to replace the original La Costa spa facility;
• Redevelopment of the existing hotel clubhouse.
• 32 CDU’s constructed in Planning Area 1
Additional permitted improvements that have not been
constructed as of 2018, include:
• 165 Additional privately-owned one, two, and three bedroom Commercial Dwelling Units
and up to an equal number of non-habitable commercial service units situated throughout the
campus.
• A ballroom expansion of 14,165 square feet within a 32,240 square foot structure
• A Golf Learning Academy
• Additional parking facilities
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
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1.4.1 THE COMMERCIAL DWELLING UNITS
The Commercial Dwelling Units (CDUs) proposed for the La Costa Resort consist of one, two and three
bedroom condominium units ranging in size from 530 sq. ft. to 3,955 sq. ft. The CDUs will be
constructed in two and three story buildings with an average of approximately 20 units in each building.
The majority of the units will orient inward to form intimate courtyards. The units are sold completely
furnished with very high-end merchandise including furniture, fixtures, art, accessories, appliances,
linens, dishes, and silverware. The units are first designed as hotel rooms and secondly as residential
units. Essentially, the units are a combination of one, two or three hotel rooms (bedroom/bath/keys) with
a parlor living, dining and kitchen area together. Each room is designed to lock off independently as a
standard hotel room or with a parlor to create a suite situation. A three or four bedroom unit may be
rented as three or four standard hotel rooms, a one- bedroom suite and two standard hotel rooms, a two-
bedroom suite and one standard hotel room or as a three-bedroom suite (entire unit), which allows for
maximization of rental opportunities and income for the owner, the La Costa Resort (as rental
manager) and the City of Carlsbad (TOT).
The Commercial Dwelling Units will allow their owners to invest in the expansion of the La Costa Resort
and enjoy the existing and recently renovated campus amenities. Each CDU purchaser will receive
ownership of a particular unit, with restrictions on the amount of use, and receive potential room revenue
associated with the rental of the units when not in residence.
1.4.2 THE GOLF LEARNING CENTER
The Golf Learning Center component of the Master Plan will be located in the vicinity of the current
driving range of the Resort and will serve both the La Costa Resort and Spa visitor and the community in
general. It provides the guests with an opportunity for lessons and self-improvement with professional
training encounters. The complex is comprised of putting greens, driving ranges, a sales and instruction-
al building and supporting parking lot area. The Golf Learning Center is an expansion of the existing
Resort driving range facilities, and retains a direct pedestrian and golf cart access to the existing Resort
clubhouse, pro shop and main campus of the Resort.
1.4.3 ADDITIONAL PARKING FACILITIES
Additional parking facilities will be constructed for the new development, as described in detail in
Section 2.7.
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1.5 MASTER PLAN GOALS
The La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan establishes goals and objectives that will guide development
pursuant to the Master Plan over the implementation period. All land within the Master Plan area for La
Costa is envisioned to be developed consistent with these goals and objectives:
• To enhance the world class recognition of the “La Costa Spa” brand and name recognition by
upgrading and promoting the newly constructed Health Spa facility within the Master Plan area.
• To ensure a harmonious balance between the existing and future environment by preserving and
enhancing the open space elements of the golf course while creating additional on-site trail
elements for the benefit of the “Resort Campus” area.
• To enhance the environmental resources of planting and open space buffers by creating and
augmenting existing landscape plant material in the Master Plan area.
• To provide a functional and economically viable balance between land use and services
required to provide recreation, hotel/living units, retail and commercial opportunities within the
plan area.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
8
1.6 PROJECT REGIONAL SETTING
The La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan site is approximately 85 miles south of the City of Los Angeles
and approximately 35 miles north of the San Diego metropolitan region.
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1.7 PROJECT LOCAL SETTING
The La Costa Resort and Spa is located on the east side of the El Camino Real
Transportation Corridor north of the intersection of El Camino Real Boulevard and La Costa
Avenue. It is accessible via Interstate
5, which is just west of the site.
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1.8 ENABLING LEGISLATION
The authority to prepare, adopt, and implement the La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan is
granted to the City of Carlsbad by the California Government Code (Title 7, Division I,
Chapter Article 8, Sections 65450 through 65457) and the City Municipal Code (Title 21,
Chapter 21.38).
The Planning Commission will conduct a hearing and make recommendations and
findings for final review and approval of the Master Plan by the City Council.
The La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan, as amended, is a regulatory document that, when
adopted, will serve as the zoning and development regulations for the La Costa Resort and
Spa plan area. Upon approval of the La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan, future
development must be consistent with the Master Plan and any amendments thereto.
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11
T H E L A C O S TA
R E S O R T A N D S PA
M A S T E R P L A N
SECTION 2: PLANS, PROGRAMS, & GUIDELINES
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THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
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2 PLANS, PROGRAMS, & GUIDELINES
2.1 LAND USE PLAN MAP
The General Plan Land Use Map for the La Costa Master Plan area is shown on the exhibit
on page 14.
2.2 ZONING MAPS
The Zoning Map for the La Costa Master Plan area is shown on the exhibit on page 15 and
the Zoning District Map is shown on page 16 .
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
14
<
l;=l
FIGURE 1 - GENERAL PLAN LAND USE
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
15
I
I
FIGURE 2 - ZONING MAP
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FIGURE 3 - ZONING DISTRICTS
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2.3 THE MASTER PLAN OF LAND USE
The “Vision for the Master Plan” for the La Costa Resort and Spa reflects the development goal
of pro- viding resort recreational amenities, Resort Hotel and Spa amenities, Commercial
Dwelling Units, and supporting sports, travel, and leisure amenities set in a campus-refined
landscape architecture and associated building architecture..
The new development within the Master Plan includes programmatic details linking it with the
services and amenities of the La Costa Resort. Within the Master Plan, complementary
architecture and landscaping, as well as connecting circulation systems for pedestrians, carts, and
motor vehicles will tie development to the La Costa Resort and Spa.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
18
The Master Plan delineates uses and locations within seven Planning Areas. An exhibit is
presented on Figure 5 of the document illustrating the Master Plan’s development.
Development regulations applicable to each Planning Area are described in Section 3 -
Zoning and Development Regulations. The Ballroom was completed and operational in
early November, 2003 pursuant to separate approvals, but is integrated into the context of
the overall Master Plan herein. The Master Plan proposes 197 Commercial Dwelling
Units and an equal number of non-habitable commercial service units within an approximate
land area of approximately 15 net acres and 392.4 gross acres including the golf area. An
exhibit of a portion of the Master Plan development at buildout is shown on Figure 4.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
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FIGURE 4 - OVERALL CONCEPTUAL SITE PLAN
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The development overview of the Commercial Dwelling Units and their supporting
infrastructure is discussed in Section 2.4 of the Master Plan document. A discussion of the
development overview pursuant to this Master Plan is presented in this section. A detailed
discussion of the zoning and development regulations for each of the seven Planning Areas is
provided in Section 3 of this document.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
21
, '
FIGURE 5 - DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW \ \
..........
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2.3.1 CONCEPTUAL LAND USE TABLE
The Conceptual Land Use Table below represents a tabulation of land uses, zoning, acreage, densities
and numbers of La Costa Commercial Dwelling Units (CDUs) within each Planning Area.
2.3.2 DESCRIPTION OF COMMERCIAL DWELLING UNITS
Planning
Area
General
Plan
Designation
Zoning
Planning
Area
Zoning
District
Use
Approximate
Acreage
1
T-R
P-C
C-2
54 CDUs
5.0
2
T-R
P-C
C-2
38 CDUs
3.0
3
T-R
P-C
C-2
60 CDUs
4.0
4
T-R
P-C
C-2
45 CDUs
3.0
5
T-R
P-C
C-2
Ballroom
6.0
Subtotal: 197 21.00
6
O-S
P-C
O-S
Golf
Course
11.0
7
OS/ T-R
P-C
OS/C-2
1
360.4
TOTAL: 1972 392.4
The Commercial Dwelling Units (CDUs) element of the La Costa Resort consist of one, two and three
bedroom condominium units ranging in size from approximately 530 sq. ft. to over 3,955 sq. ft. The
units will be constructed in an attached form in one, two and three story buildings with an average of
1 Planning Area 7 addresses the existing golf courses and supporting club facilities and amenities.
2 A total of 197 CDU’s are allowed within the entire La Costa Resort and Spa per Master Plan Approval, dated July 11, 2006,
Case No. MP 03-02 (A).
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
23
approximately 20 units in each building. The majority of the units will be oriented inward to form
intimate courtyards. The units are sold completely furnished with very high-end merchandise including
furniture, fixtures, art, accessories, large and small appliances, linens, dishes, and silverware.
The La Costa Resort and Spa Commercial Dwelling Units component of the Master Plan is to be
developed in multi-story buildings surrounding open space amenities consisting of pool, spas, gardens and
patios. These Commercial Dwelling Units will be accessed from plan area internal streets and parking
areas.
The Commercial Dwelling Units will allow their owners to invest in the expansion of the Resort. They
will receive ownership of a particular unit with restrictions on the amount of use and revenues associated
with the rental of the units when not in residence.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
24
The units are first designed as hotel rooms and secondly as residences. Essentially, the units are a
combination of one, two or three bedrooms (bedroom/bath) with a parlor (living, dining and kitchen area
together). Each room is designed to lock off independently as a standard bedroom or with a parlor to
create a suite situation.
For example, a three or four bedroom unit may be rented as three or four standard hotel rooms, a one-
bedroom suite and two standard hotel rooms, a two-bedroom suite and one standard hotel room or as a
three-bedroom suite (entire unit). This allows for maximization of rental opportunities and income for the
owner, La Costa Resort & Spa (as rental manager) and the City (Transit Occupancy Tax).
Commercial Dwelling Unit generation for the development is based on a maximum total of 197 units on
a net land area of 15 acres of land which equates to a net density of 13.13 DU/AC.
In addition to the CDUs, each of the Commercial Dwelling Unit buildings may contain up to an equal
number of non-habitable Commercial Service Units (CSUs), the maximum number of such CSUs to be
provided on the face of any final map and/or condominium plan for such building or phase of development.
The CSUs shall be used for non-habitation support uses only, such as for housekeeping supplies and storage,
disposal of garbage, general storage, and services or vending equipment.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
25
Planning
Area
General Plan Designation
Zoning Bldg. Ref. No.(s)
Number
of CDUs
Number
of Keys
1 T-R P-C 1, 9A, 9B,
10A-10E
54 107
2 T-R P-C 7, 8 38 76
3 T-R P-C 2,3, 4, 60 98
4 T-R P-C 5, 6 45 90
TOTAL 197 371
7
f393 keys are allowed per Master Plan Approval, dated July 11, 2006, Case No. MP 03-02 (A).
0
2.4 DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW OF THE MASTER PLAN
2.4.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMERCIAL DWELLING UNITS
The implementation of the Master Plan improvements contemplated herein includes four planning areas
of Commercial Dwelling Units (CDUs) with associated parking and amenities development. The
location of each improvement of the Resort is based on considerations such as access to operations,
amenities, and infrastructure availability for tie-ins.
Prior to the issuance of grading permits or building permits for the development of the Commercial
Dwelling Units, a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) will be filed with the City Engineer, Fire Chief, and
Planning Director to reduce to the greatest extent possible disruptions or adverse impacts to adjacent
residential properties. In addition to typical requirements, the TCP will address service delivery, trash
col- lection, and construction traffic routing in addition to providing required parking services to Resort
visitors. The TCP will also provide all feasible alternative construction access routes to reduce the
impact of heavy traffic in close proximity to residential properties, especially alternatives for primary
construction access via Arenal Road. The development overview table below represents a summary of
the uses, number of the buildings and zoning within each Planning Area.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
26
2.5 PLANNING AREAS BREAKDOWN
2.5.1 PLANNING AREA 1 – LAND USE DESCRIPTION
FIGURE 6 - PLANNING AREAS
Location: South east corner of Arenal Road and Estrella de Mar Rd.
Approximate Acreage: 5.0
General Plan Designation: T-R
Zoning: P-C
Planning Area Zoning District: C-2
Building Numbers: 1, 9, 9A-9B 10A-10E
Site Use: Planning Area 1 is the site for eight Commercial Dwelling Unit buildings sited to provide
commanding views of the La Costa golf course and beyond. Buildings will provide a total of 54 CDUs
and up to an equal amount of CSUs within this Planning Area. Detailed architectural graphics, plans and
elevations are appended to this Master Plan Document.
Processing Requirements: Improvements for Planning Area 1 of the approved Master Plan shall be
processed in accordance with Title 21 ZONING Section 21.38.130 and Section 21.38.140. Development
of property within a master plan pursuant to a special process such as a site development permit, planned
unit development permit, or conditional use permit shall meet all requirements of the permit, the approved
master plan, and the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance applicable to such permit.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
27
Parking Facilities: As construction of each CDU building is completed, permanent surface or subgrade
parking will replace the interim facilities in compliance with the Parking Needs Assessment for the
Master Plan.
The concept landscape plan for Planning Area 1 is illustrated in Figure 7 and is appended at a larger
scale to show the intended theme of the landscape architecture of Planning Area 1. These plans will be
processed within the building permit process to establish approval of final design for landscape elements in
Planning Area 1. Currently Planning Area 1 is an existing parking lot. See the discussion within Planning
Area 5 for the timing and provisions to construct permanent surface and landscape improvements in PA 1
within 5 years of this master plan amendment for the Ballroom Expansion in PA 5; or the construction of a
parking structure within PA 5 when CDU’s are developed within PA 1. PA 1 also has 32 CDU’s constructed
onsite.
Buildings 10A-10E
Building 9A&9B
Building 1
FIGURE 7 - PA 1 LANDSCAPE PLAN
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
28
2.5.2 PLANNING AREA 2 – LAND USE DESCRIPTION
Location: Within the La Costa Resort grounds at the south west corner of Arenal Road and Estrella
De Mar Rd.
Approximate Acreage: 3.0
General Plan Designation: T-R
Zoning: P-C
Planning Area Zoning District: C-2
Building Number: 7 and 8
Site Use: Planning Area 2 is the site for two Commercial Dwelling Unit buildings. These buildings will
contain a total of 38 CDUs and up to an equal amount of CSUs within this Planning Area. Detailed graph-
ic plans and elevations are appended to this Master Plan document.
Processing Requirements: Improvements proposed for Planning Area 2 of the approved Master Plan
shall be processed in accordance with Title 21 ZONING Section 21.38.130 and Section 21.38.140.
Development of property within a master plan pursuant to a special process such as a site development
permit, planned unit development permit, or conditional use permit shall meet all requirements of the per-
mit, the approved master plan, and the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance applicable to such permit.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
29
The concept landscape plan is illustrated in Figure 8 and appended to this Master Plan at a larger scale to
show the intended theme of the landscape architecture of Planning Area 2. These plans will be refined and
processed within the building permit process to establish approval of final design for landscape elements
in Planning Area 2. Currently Planning Area 2 is a gravel surface lot used informally for parking although
not technically required to provide required parking per the revised Parking Study by Walker Consultants
dated April 25, 2018. See the discussion within Planning Area 5 for the timing and provisions to construct
permanent surface and landscape improvements in PA 2 within 5 years of this master plan amendment for
the Ballroom Expansion in PA 5; or the construction of a parking structure within PA 5 when CDU’s are
developed within PA 2. All parking spaces shall comply with the size dimensions consistent with Carlsbad
Municipal Code Chapter 21.44.
Building 8
Building 7
FIGURE 8 - PA 2 LANDSCAPE PLAN
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
30
2.5.3 PLANNNG AREA 3 – LAND USE DESCRIPTION
Location: Located at the end of Costa Del Mar Road.
Approximate Acreage: 4.0
General Plan Designation: T-R
Zoning: P-C
Planning Area Zoning District: C-2
Building Number: 2,3
Site Use: Planning Area 3 is the site for three Commercial Dwelling Unit (CDU) buildings. The
buildings will contain a total of 60 CDUs and up to an equal amount of CSUs within this Planning Area.
The area envisioned for these units is currently vacant as a result of the demolition of the “old Spa
Building” that was replaced by the newly constructed La Costa Resort Health Spa. The CDUs are
presented in detailed graphic plans herein.
Processing Requirements: Improvements proposed for Planning Area 3 of the approved Master Plan
shall be processed in accordance with Title 21 ZONING Section 21.38.130 and Section 21.38.140.
Development of property within a master plan pursuant to a special process such as a site development
permit, planned unit development permit, or conditional use permit shall meet all requirements of the
permit, the approved master plan, and the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance applicable to such permit.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
31
Building 3
Building 2
Building 4
FIGURE 9 - PA 3 LANDSCAPE PLAN
The concept landscape plan is illustrated in Figure 9 and appended at a larger scale to show the
intended theme of the landscape architecture of Planning Area 3. These plans will be refined and
processed with- in the building permit process to establish approval of final design for landscape
elements in Planning Area 3.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
32
:.
2.5.4 PLANNNG AREA 4 – LAND USE DESCRIPTION
Location: Located north east of the intersection of El Camino Real and Costa Del Mar Rd.
Approximate Acreage: 3.0
General Plan Designation: T-R
Zoning: P-C
Planning Area Zoning District: C-2
Building Number: 5 and 6
Site Use: Planning Area 4 will provide the site for two multi-level CDU buildings containing a total of
45 Commercial Dwelling Units CDUs and up to an equal amount of CSUs. The units are clustered
around amenities including pools, spas, and patio gardens and are integrated into the grades of the knoll.
Processing Requirements: Improvements proposed for Planning Area 4 of the approved Master Plan
shall be processed in accordance with Title 21 ZONING Section 21.38.130 and Section 21.38.140.
Development of property within a master plan pursuant to a special process such as a site development
permit, planned unit development permit, or conditional use permit shall meet all requirements of the
permit, the approved master plan, and the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance applicable to such permit.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
33
Figure 10 - PA 4 Landscape Plan
The concept landscape plan is illustrated above and appended at a larger scale to show the intended theme of
the landscape architecture of Planning Area 4. These plans will be refined and processed within the
building permit process to establish approval of final design for landscape elements in Planning Area 4.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
34
2.5.5 PLANNNG AREA 5 – LAND USE DESCRIPTION
Location: West of Estrella de Mar Rd. and east of El Camino Real Road within the campus of La Costa
Resort and Spa
Approximate Acreage: 6.0
General Plan Designation: T-R Zoning:
P-C Planning Area Zoning District:
C-2
Processing Requirements: Improvements proposed for Planning Area 5 of the approved Master Plan
shall be processed in accordance with Title 21 ZONING Section 21.38.130 and Section 21.38.140.
Development of property within a master plan pursuant to a special process such as a site development
permit, planned unit development permit, or conditional use permit shall meet all requirements of the
permit, the approved master plan, and the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance applicable to such permit.
The ballroom expansion is also subject to the approved Special Use Permit SUP 03-03 and the standards
listed in Section 2.12 of the master plan.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
35
Site Use in Planning Area 5: Planning Area 5 is the site for La Costa Resort Ballroom and associated
landscaped parking facilities. This master plan allows for a Ballroom Expansion of up to 14,165 square feet within a 32,240
square foot structure and an outdoor event area of up to 8,960 square feet. Parking analysis for the resort was completed by an updated
Parking Study by Walker Consultants dated August 1, 2018. Site use within PA 5 will consist of the existing Ballroom
(42,510 square feet), a future Ballroom expansion, a future outdoor event area, and corresponding parking lot
areas, and a potential future parking structure.
Timing for Improvements for PA 1, PA 2 and PA 5
If CDU’s are not developed within Planning Areas 1 and 2, and five years have elapsed from the
date of approval of this master plan amendment, then the existing parking lot in Planning Area 1
and the gravel surface lot in Planning Area 2 shall be fully improved in compliance with all
applicable city codes and standards. This master plan involves financial security provisions,
monitoring, and enforcement regarding the improvements to Planning Areas 1 and 2 in advance of
CDU development and parking structure construction.
Per the Parking Study, adequate parking supply for the ballroom expansion is provided in existing
nearby and adjacent lots. When and if Planning Areas 1 or 2 are developed with CDU’s as allowed
by the master plan, a parking structure shall be constructed within Planning Area 5. See concept
footprint location on Figure 12; the structure will have up to 450 spaces although a parking
assessment at that future time will specify the parking requirement.
Within five years from date of final city approval of the ballroom expansion, the La Costa Resort
and Spa owner shall either (1) secure all necessary permits for the improvement of the surface
parking lot on PA 1 and 2, or; (2) submit, process and attain a Complete application for the allowed
Commercial Dwelling Units (CDU) while concurrently processing plans and permits for a parking
structure on PA 5 to address parking proximity and adequacy for the ballroom expansion.
No extension of the above noted five-year period is allowed unless a major master plan amendment
is processed and approved by the City Council after a recommendation by Planning Commission.
Periodic reports and parking surveys will be generated by the applicant for review by staff at a
minimum on an annual basis during the time period that the ballroom expansion is in operation and
use. In this manner, a database will be developed to assess parking adequacy prior to the expiration
of the five-year period. If a CDU development is proposed for PA 1or 2, then the data will serve to
assess the necessary size and capacity of the future parking structure. In addition, the city may
require parking improvements and/or operational changes to address any parking/traffic impacts to
adjacent neighborhoods or properties.
A financial guarantee shall be provided to ensure the parking lot improvements required for PA 1
and 2 after the five-year period in the form of a bond, letter of credit, or other financial instrument to
the satisfaction of the city. The financial guarantee may be released back to the applicant at the time
of completion of the PA 1 and/or 2 lot improvements or until the start of construction for the CDU’s
on PA 1 and/or 2 as well as the start of construction for the parking structure on PA 5. This financial
guarantee shall be provided and satisfied prior to the issuance of building permits for the ballroom
expansion in PA 5.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
36
As illustrated on Figure 11, on the west side of the Ballroom façade, a surface parking lot
is provided at grade with the option of converting that lot to a two or three level parking
structure. This optional parking structure may be provided as discussed in Section 2.7.
FIGURE 11 - BALLROOM SECTIONS
A Parking Structure within this Planning Area is designed as an option to provide
additional on-site parking that exceeds the analysis of the Master Plan’s Parking Needs
Assessment. Figure 12 shows a potential location of this structure. At project
buildout, if conditions and operations of the Resort so warrant, the Developer and the
Planning Director may determine an enforceable construction schedule of the parking
structure by mutual agreement.
.. :. l E g i = .
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
37
FIGURE 12 - POTENTIAL BALLROOM PARKING STRUCTURE
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
38
Current Landscape Improvements in Planning Area 5: The portion of the El Camino
Real Corridor landscape improvement currently in place adjacent to the interface between
the west face of the Grand Ballroom and El Camino Real is the first of two phases of
landscape improvements in this area. A two phased implementation of the corridor
landscape improvements in this area has been undertaken in order to address the completion
of the Ballroom improvements and landscape screening prior to the approval of the La
Costa Master Plan. This phased approach allowed for installation of major screen trees in
concert with the ballroom opening in November of 2003 with anticipation of the second
phase of screening trees and shrubs to be installed when approved within this Master Plan
application as shown on page 39.
The ultimate condition of the perimeter improvements is described below:
• Plantings of Date Palms, California Sycamore, New Zealand Christmas Tree, and
Brisbane Box Trees establish the look and character of the La Costa Resort
along the El Camino Real project edge.
• Understory plantings of large screening shrubs such as Olive, Bougainvillea and
Eucalyptus species will supplement view blocking to the west face of the
ballroom structure.
• Accent elements including flowering shrubs, perennials, seasonal color will
be used to add seasonal interest and variety.
Future landscaping in the western portion of the ballroom parking lot in
conjunction with the future ballroom expansion will be implemented as part of the
landscape concept plan processed with the expansion’s discretionary permit
approval and installed prior to ballroom expansion occupancy with the grading
permit process.
The Master Plan for La Costa supersedes CUP 258C and is the standard and
guideline for development in Planning Area 5. No new or revised uses, parking,
and structures are allowed without approval of a Master Plan Amendment.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
39
l
i
. '
.
.
! l I ! : I
j
:'. ;•
'
i i i
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THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
40
2.5.6 PLANNING AREA 6 – LAND USE DESCRIPTION
Location: South of the golf clubhouse in the vicinity of the driving range. A Special Use
Permit/Floodplain (#03-06 herein) is required as approximately 1,100 sq. ft. of site grading is
contemplated in the floodplain.
Approximate Acreage: 11.0
General Plan Designation: O-S
Zoning: P-C
Planning Area Zoning District: O-S
Site Use: Planning Area 6 is the site for La Costa Resort Golf Performance Center and Academy, as
described in Section 2.5. An elevation of the architecture for the Golf Performance Center is illustrated
on page 43.
Processing Requirements: Improvements proposed for Planning Area 6 of the approved Master Plan
shall be processed in accordance with Title 21 ZONING Section 21.38.130 and Section 21.38.140.
Development of property within a master plan pursuant to a special process such as a site development
permit, planned unit development permit, or conditional use permit shall meet all requirements of the
permit, the approved master plan, and the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance applicable to such permit.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
41
The concept landscape plan is illustrated on page 44 and appended to this Master Plan a larger scale to
show the intended theme of the landscape improvements of Planning Area 6. Pages 42 and 43
delineate the Special Use Permit #03-06 for construction within the floodplain and indicate gentle
mounding, bunker installations and peripheral tree and shrub placement to provide a visual backdrop to
the Performance Center driving range and to screen site buildings and ball screen netting to the south
and east of the facility.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
42
.,.
:·
.·..·..,.-__.,-,.._-,,._,.. .
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
43
t
•·• ;! I;; ,.,t1
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
44
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THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
45
2.5.7 Planning Area 7 – Land Use Description
Location: The golf courses of the La Costa resort
Approximate Acreage: 360.4
General Plan Designation: O-S/T-R/RLM
Zoning: P-C
Planning Area Zoning District: O-S/C-2
Phase of Development: Not Applicable
Site Use: Planning Area 7 is the remaining land and buildings of the Resort and golf
course areas. Figure 13 shows the location of Planning Area 7.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
46
00
0
FIGURE 13 - PLANNING AREA 7 LOCATION MAP
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
47
2.6 THE CIRCULATION PLAN
The circulation system for the La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan conforms to the requirements of the
City of Carlsbad General Plan Circulation Element by providing a hierarchy of vehicular traffic-ways
with pedestrian-ways segregated within the plan area. This provides a safe and pleasing interface with
vehicular and pedestrian circulation. Figure 14 illustrates the components of the circulation plan
including public and private streets, shared private streets, fire access lanes and streets, and access lanes to
the subgrade parking structure within the plan.
A detailed discussion of the technical issues of traffic impact analysis is presented in a companion
document appended to this Master Plan. Additional focused technical analysis related to circulation
patterns, traffic control and parking management are presented in the La Costa Parking Needs
Assessment Study appended to this Master Plan and incorporated by reference.
2.6.1 THE PLAN AREA CIRCULATION HIERARCHY
Entry into the campus has been located to provide adequate line of sight and optimum traffic ingress and
egress to and from the Commercial Dwelling Unit components of the Master Plan area.
As shown on Figure 14, the La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan circulation system has been designed
to accomplish the following:
• Provide for internal private roadways that provide a safe route for project ingress and egress to all
Commercial Dwelling Units, commercial and resort amenity areas.
• Provide for easy access to El Camino Real primarily by way of Costa Del Mar to minimize
impact to Arenal Lane for Resort guest use and visitor serving traffic, minimizing conflict with
existing traffic patterns.
• Provide a hierarchy of street configurations which accommodate the anticipated user load
envisioned within the Master Plan build out.
• Provide for easy access to El Camino Real and Arenal Road for properties that are not a part of the La Costa campus while sharing internal circulation links of the Resort.
• Provide for a vehicular circulation plan for service vehicles and tour bus routes that will
minimize impact to Arenal Lane. The La Costa Resort shall coordinate with service vendors and
service providers to follow the approved circulation plan.
Where walkways or "trails" intersect interior streets within t he Master Plan area, landscaping and hard-
scape improvements are intended to soften and make more safe, the interface between pedestrian and
vehicular traffic.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
48
FIGURE 14 - VEHICULAR CIRCULATION DIAGRAM
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
49
2.7 PARKING FOR THE LA COSTA MASTER PLAN AREA
2.7.1 LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA- SHARED USE PARKING
In order to address the dynamic nature of the Master Plan's parking needs, parking for the Resort is
considered for the "shared use approval" for the campus as a whole based on the findings of the report
appended herein prepared by Walker Consultants.
For La Costa Resort and Spa, the land uses were divided into daytime and nighttime categories, depending
on when they are expected to generate the peak number of vehicles. Many of the land uses at La Costa
benefit from shared use of the on-site parking supply, reducing the total number of spaces needed to support
guests and employees. In addition to hourly adjustment, reduction may be suggested in the number of
spaces required because much of the patron demand for ancillary land uses (such as the spa, golf course,
tennis courts, clubhouse and ballrooms) will already be parked on site for the primary land use; the hotel and
villas. In parking, this adjustment is referred to as the captive ratio. More detailed discussion of these
assumptions is presented in the Parking Needs Assessment prepared by Walker Consultants, dated August 1,
2018.
Key considerations for the shared use parking analysis include:
Data collection on two weekends when the experienced high hotel/villa occupancy and multiple
simultaneous events to help determine the actual parking demand ratio experienced by the hotel and
other uses at the Resort.
Research to determine the applicability and detail of the general parking requirementsoutlined under
the City of Carlsbad Municipal Code.
The satisfaction of these requirements where applicable to the intent of the Master Plan of
development for La Costa.
Satisfaction of the shared use requirements delineated in a shared use approval for the Resort as a
whole in order to qualify for a reduction in the number of parking spaces required.
Proposed an alternative requirement based on research collected and actual parking demand data
collected at the Resort over two busy weekends.
Additional parking supply will be constructed within the Master Plan area for development
incrementally. Adequate parking, based on the findings of the Parking Needs Assessment and
subsequent annual monitoring, will be provided either at grade or in structured facilities depending
on the intensity of site development at the time of building permit issuance.
The Walker Study presents the case that though the City’s minimum parking requirements may be useful in
projecting parking demand at peak conditions for stand-alone land uses; they overstate parking demand for
mixed use developments. This is because stand-along ratios do not adjust for the fact that different land
uses generate parking demand at different times of the time. For example, a complex containing a movie
theater and an office building can benefit from a shared-use agreement where office employees use parking
spaces during the day, while theater patrons use the parking spaces during the evening. This concept can
also be applied to multiple uses that are generally considered “daytime” or “nighttime” uses. For example, a
restaurant and nightclub can share parking, even though they are both “nighttime” generators, because the
nightclub will generate peak parking demand much later in the evening that the restaurant. In this case, the
ratio of carspresent at a certain hour determines how much of the parking supply can be shared between
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
50
various land uses. This observation is the basis for the La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan shared parking
plan.
The overall parking exhibit, with construction of the ballroom expansion, is provided to illustrate the
locations of the various parking facilities at the Resort upon completion of the ballroom expansion. In
addition to the Shared Use Parking provisions summarized herein, and described in detail in the appended
Walker Consultants Parking Needs Assessment, the Developer is committed to providing surplus parking on
an interim basis as each subsequent phase of development is undertaken. Additional, a parking structure
with up to 450+ parking spaces (150 spaces per level, up to 3 levels) in Planning Area 5 has been included
as an option to provide additional on-site parking when and if Planning Areas 1 and 2 are developed with
CDU’s as allowed by the existing Master Plan. The timing and delivery of the parking structure are
contingent on the timing and delivery of development on PA1 and PA2 per the section titled Timing for
Improvements for PA 1, PA 2, and PA 5 in the PA 5 section of the Master Plan.
When and if PA1 and PA2 are developed, if the conditions and operations at the Resort so warrant, the
Developer and the Planning Director may determine an enforceable construction schedule for the parking
structure by mutual agreement. The need for a parking structure shall be informed in part by periodic
reports and parking surveys that will be generated by the Developer for review by City staff on an annual
basis (at a minimum) during the time period that the Ballroom expansion is in operation in order to develop
a data set to assess parking adequacy at the Resort.
If there is not a mutual agreement then the Planning Director will initiate a Master Plan amendment as
allowed by the City ordinance to bring the matter before the City Council for resolution.
The following table and exhibits delineate parking areas that demonstrate:
The quantity of parking spaces provided shall be based on the Shared Use allocation delineated in
the updated Parking Needs Assessment prepared by Walker Consultants.
The location of permanent parking spaces to be provided shall be reasonably accessible to the
facilities that they serve,
Parking stalls shall not be assigned to one particular use; rather they will be “shared” to address the
dynamics of each use’s parking needs.
The following table and Figure 15 identify the available parking as well as the required number of spaces
based on the Parking Needs Assessment. Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for any
development, compliance with the requirements of the Master Plan’s updated Parking Needs Assessment
shall be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Planning Director. The project shall not be required to exceed
the amount of parking identified in the assessment.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
51
2.7.2 – LA COSTA PARKING PLAN
Parking Area Plan Key Parking Area Description Proposed Number of Spaces
1 Main Valet 12
2 Valet Lot 44
3 Valet Pick-Up/Drop-Off 10
4 Main Gate Lot 514
5 Ballroom North Lot 0
6 Ballroom West Lot 155
7 Planning Area 2 Gravel (~200)
8 Building 9 Lot 264
9 Building 4 North lot 67
10 Garden Rooms West Lot 34
11 Garden Rooms North Lot 11
12 South San Marco Lot 220
13 Loading Dock 4
14 ADA Spaces by Signature Rooms 2
Total 1337 (excluding PA2 Gravel)
Parking Needs Assessment Project Peak Demand 1263
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
52
FIGURE 15 - BUILT OUT SITE PARKING DIAGRAM
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
53
2.8 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN
2.8.1 OPEN SPACE WITHIN THE MASTER PLAN AREA
Within the Master Plan area, approximately 75% of the project area is dedicated to open space on site.
Preservation of the open space feel of the Resort Golf Course element is an important facet of the Master
Land Use Plan. Open space constitutes the largest single land use within the Master Plan area and is there-
fore a primary image of the La Costa Resort campus.
Planning Areas 1 through 7 provide the setting for various open space amenities complimenting other
primary Resort uses in place or planned to occur.
The La Costa Resort and Spa open space preservation concept involves natural canyons adjacent to golf
corridors, hillsides similarly sited, utility corridors limiting certain use, trails, landscaped parkways and
vegetation areas which are located throughout the Master Plan area dedicated to either golf course area
and/or to other open space interspersed within the overall site area.
Two (2) categories of open space use serving the Resort campus include the following:
1. O PE N S PAC E F O R O U T D O O R R ECR E AT I O N
Two 18-hole Championship Golf Courses and supporting use areas are located in Planning Area 7 pro-
viding a significant visual amenity that serves as a buffer between Commercial Dwelling Units areas and
the other Master Plan land uses. The private golf courses are available to members and guests of the hotel
and limited outside play. This area includes areas within the golf course and associated waterways,
creeks, and drains including natural slopes adjacent to the golf corridors, tree groves within the golf
course and lake features.
Planning Area 6 proposes a 7,000 square foot Golf Instruction Academy to provide additional recreation
opportunities as described in Section 2 herein.
Also included in the Open Space element of the plan are jogging and walking trails which are located
throughout the context of the La Costa campus.
To a lesser extent, limited open space on site is necessitated within utility corridors and easements already
in place within the La Costa campus. These utility corridors are located in detail in the Tentative Tract
map Exhibits as companion documents to this Master Plan. In addition to carrying public utility lines,
the corridors serve as “visual” open space buffers between Planning Areas of differing land use.
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2. O F F S I T E O PE N SPAC E O P P O R T U N I T Y
The City of Carlsbad’s provision of Special Resource Areas in the form Public Open Space Parks pro-
vide another facet to the recreation opportunities in the vicinity of the La Costa Resort and Spa. The
Master Plan area falls within Park District 4 and interfaces with Park District 3. This district has a
number of Community Parks, Planned Community Parks, and Special Use and Special Resource areas.
The major regional facility linking the La Costa Resort area with the Pacific Coastline is the
Batiquitos Lagoon located adjacent to the El Camino Real Transportation Corridor immediately west of
the Resort. This regional facility provides natural attributes for the Carlsbad public and the Resort
guest to enjoy such as unique topographic features, unusual landform and/or historic scenery. Access
to the Lagoon from the Resort is via peripheral sidewalks. These offsite recreation opportunities are
available primarily for the residents and visitors of Carlsbad - the typical Resort user interface to those
community facilities is limited. Typically, the Destination Resort of La Costa is the resort-recreation
destination for the guests thereby creating minimal demand on offsite recreation amenities.
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2.9 MASTER PLAN AREA INFRASTRUCTURE
The essential components of the infrastructure system which serves the La Costa Resort Master Plan area
are currently addressed by City and County system providers in a coordinated system of quasi-public and
private services to adequately serve the plan area presently and at full build out. Service providers for the
plan area include:
Water – Leucadia County Water District
Sewer – Carlsbad Municipal Water District
Gas – San Diego Gas and Electric
Electricity – San Diego Gas and Electric
Telephone – SBC
On site and offsite infrastructure serving the improvements within the Master Plan boundary are
delineated in the engineered technical drawings appended to this document and are incorporated by
reference. These documents include:
Lots
Topography
Easements
Grading
Utilities
2.9.1 FISCAL BENEFIT ANALYSIS
The primary purpose of this analysis is to project the fiscal benefit impact that the La Costa Resort and
Spa will have on the City of Carlsbad. For the purposes of this analysis, projections go through the Year
2009. The study includes two comparative components: Master Plan vs. development. The variable dif-
ference in fiscal impact between the two plans will enable City officials to view and anticipate both cur-
rent and future financial benefits. The full report is included in the La Costa Resort and Spa Fiscal
Benefits Analysis dated June 16, 2004 in the Appendix to this document.
2.9.2 SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS
At project build-out in Year 2009, La Costa Resort and Spa as described in the Master Plan, is
anticipated to generate estimated gross revenues in excess of several million dollars annually to the
City of Carlsbad. As a result of the Master Plan components, there will be a direct fiscal impact to three
tax revenue generators; Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), Property Tax, and Sales Tax. This study has not
included other tax generating programs, such as Franchise Tax and Vehicle License Fees. They have been
omit- ted because these programs were not considered significant. Of the two plus million dollars,
approximately 90% will be generated from TOT revenue attributable to the construction of 197
Commercial Dwelling Units. The remaining revenue balances are Property Taxes and Sales Taxes.
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On a Master Plan project of this magnitude, there are intangible items or events that cannot be measured
or assigned value. As the project progresses and each CDU building is completed, there will be new job
opportunities created. It is anticipated that the payroll expenditures for the implementation of the Master
Plan will continue to increase at project build-out. At the current time, La Costa Resort and Spa is the
host for nationally renowned sporting events. Attendance at these events attracts fans and visitors from
throughout the United States. These events create an economic benefit for the City of Carlsbad, ranging
from room accommodations, dining experiences, tourist attractions and retail sales.
In summary, it is expected that the Master Plan will have a substantial positive impact on the City. At
buildout, the Resort will have a campus-like atmosphere with pedestrian plazas, recreational golf and
tennis facilities, state-of-the-art health spa, and expanded ballroom and banquet facilities. These
amenities will allow visitors and guests, as well as major corporations, to select La Costa Resort and Spa
as their destination for weekend getaways, vacations, and corporate sponsored events and conferences.
Through this fiscal benefit analysis, it is our intention to show that KSL Recreation Corporation is
committed to returning the La Costa Resort and Spa to being an internationally recognized destination
resort.
2.9.3 STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN
OVE RV I E W
This storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP), or storm water management plan (SWMP), covers
the operations at the La Costa Resort and Spa It has been developed as required by the City of Carlsbad,
Public Works Department for storm water discharges and in accordance with best management practices.
This SWPPP/SWMP describes this facility and its operations, identifies potential sources of storm water
pollution at the facility, recommends appropriate best management practices (BMPs) or pollution control
measures to reduce the discharge of pollutants in storm water runoff, and provides for periodic review of
this SWPPP/SWMP.
It should be noted that the La Costa Resort’s Golf course is the recipient of drainage and run-off from
several hundred acres of neighboring property including public streets, residential lots and common area
open space and other land not controlled by the developer.
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The golf course and majority of the Resort site drains into the San Marcos Creek which flows to the
Batiquitos Lagoon and eventually drains to the Pacific Ocean. This critical drainage path requires focused
attention to the maintenance of water quality on site in order to reduce the potential impact on these
waters and their habitat where these on-site drainages can be monitored and maintained.
OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of the SWPPP/SWMP is to improve the quality of surface waters exiting the La Costa
property by reducing the amount of pollutants potentially contained in the storm water runoff which
reaches the San Marcos Creek. Commercial facilities are required by the City of Carlsbad to prepare and
implement a SWPPP/SWMP for their facility in order to manage runoff and potential pollutants entering
these critical habitats.
The SWPPP/SWMP for La Costa Resort and Spa will:
1. Identify sources of storm water and non-storm water contamination to the storm water drainage
system;
2. Identify and prescribe appropriate "source area control" type best management practices
designed to prevent storm water contamination from occurring;
3. Identify and prescribe "storm water treatment" type best management practices to reduce
pollutants in contaminated storm water prior to discharge;
4. Prescribe actions needed either to control non-storm water discharges or to remove these dis-
charges from the storm drainage system;
5. Prescribe an implementation schedule to ensure that the storm water management actions
described in this plan are carried out and evaluated on a regular basis.
STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION TEAM
The assignment of a storm water pollution prevention team is created herein and is responsible for develop-
ing, implementing, maintaining, and revising this SWPPP/SWMP. The members of the La Costa Resort and
Spa team are familiar with the management and operations of the site in its entirety.
Members of the La Costa Resort and Spa team and their responsibilities are as follows:
Title: Director of Engineering
Responsibility: La Costa Team Leader
Title: Chief of Engineering
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Responsibility: La Costa Clean-up Team, Observation Specialist, and Chief Engineering Staff
Trainer - This position insures that all Facility Engineering Operations are maintained with the BMP’s
listed herein.
Title: Chief Golf Course Superintendent
Responsibility: La Costa Golf Course Clean-up Team, Golf Observation Specialist, and Golf
Operations and Maintenance Staff Trainer - This position insures that all Golf Operations are maintained
with the BMP’s listed herein.
Title: Chief Landscape Maintenance Director
Responsibility: La Costa site landscape installation and maintenance team, and Maintenance Staff
Trainer. This position insures that all site landscape installations are maintained with the BMP’s listed
herein.
Detailed contact information is provided in the SWPPP in the Technical Appendices to the Master Plan.
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF STORM WATER POLLUTION
DETAILED SITE MAP
Graphics included herein present a site map of the facility showing the following features as required by
the SWPPP:
• The facility property boundaries;
• A depiction of the storm drainage collection and disposal system, including all known surface and
subsurface conveyances, with the conveyances named;
• Any secondary or other containment structures;
• The location of all outfalls, including outfalls recognized as impaired water bodies, numbered for
reference, that discharge directed flows to surface water, groundwater, or wetlands;
• The drainage area boundary for each storm water outfall;
• The surface area in acres draining to each outfall, including the percentage that is impervious such
as paved, roofed, or highly compacted soil and the percentage that is pervious such as grassy areas
and woods; structural storm water controls;
• The name and location of receiving waters; and
• The location of activities and materials that have the potential to contaminate storm water shall also
be depicted on the drainage base map.
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INVENTORY OF POTENTIAL SOURCES OF POLLUTION
The following have been identified as potential sources of storm water contamination.
• Areas of significant soil erosion;
• On site storage of plant material;
• Storage and maintenance areas for material handling or cleaning or golf maintenance
equipment;
• Golf Maintenance yard access road;
• Material handling sites (storage loading, unloading, transportation, or, conveyance of any raw
material, finished product, intermediate product, by-product or waste;
• Shipping and receiving areas at loading dock;
• On-site repair and manufacturing buildings;
• Residual treatment, storage, and disposal sites;
• Storage areas in the Golf maintenance area for raw products, chemicals, and materials,
• Trash, grease, and waste disposal areas onsite in areas of loading dock and dumpster sites;
• Areas containing residual pollutants from past activity, spills and leaks;
• Vehicle or equipment maintenance and cleaning areas; spills and leaks;
• Pool Water Discharge areas;
• Pressure Washing areas.
NON-STORM WATER DISCHARGES
Non-storm water discharges are prohibited. Any unauthorized non-storm water discharges must be
eliminated.
A list of non-storm water discharges or flows that are not considered illicit (unless identified as a
significant source of contamination) if properly monitored for compliance with the guidelines herein is
provided in full in the appendices.
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OTHER PLANS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following plans are incorporated into the SWPPP/SWMP by reference, unless superseded by approval
of this Master Plan:
• Conditional Use Permits on file with the City of Carlsbad, (prior to and subsequent to
approval to the Master Plan)
• Applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Action Plans and
Preventative Maintenance Plans as applicable to Commercial operations.
• Manufacturer supplied manuals for safe and responsible operation and maintenance of
equipment used in the daily site activity addresses herein.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
The potential sources of storm water contamination identified will indicate BMPs to eliminate or reduce
pollutants and to prevent storm water from becoming contaminated. These include processes,
procedures, and structural controls selected to prevent contamination by stressing the importance of
storm water management and employee awareness of potential pollutant sources at the Resort. BMPs
can be structural and non-structural and will form a decisive link to determining the effectiveness of
improving storm water quality. The successful implementation of this SWPPP/SWMP includes
reviewing, generating, and incorporating BMPs completely and accurately to receive the maximum
benefit for the area of potential impact. The use of BMPs can be an ever-changing process for a site of
La Costa’s magnitude. New technologies and creative uses of simple applications will result in a “check
and balance” for the Resort with regulatory requirements of the City of Carlsbad.
NON-STRUCTURAL AND STRUCTURAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Non-structural BMPs generally consist of prohibitions and/or procedures of activities that prevent
pollutants associated with a La Costa Resort and Spa activities from having contact with storm water
runoff or authorized non-storm water discharges. They are mostly considered low technology, cost
effective measures implemented by the Resort Staff.
Structural BMPs are physical structures that remove pollutants from storm water and usually include
specially constructed devices/systems. Traditionally, structural BMPs included storm water ponds
that directed runoff to oil-sand or oil-water separators. Many new structures manage to reduce pollution
in storm water are designed and constructed to use innovative techniques. For example, BMPs often
rely on the natural filtering capacity of the ground and the absorption capabilities of plants to help with
the removal of pollutants. Some filter pollutants from storm water by using natural and man- made
materials such as straw bales, semi-porous plastic filter fabric, and silt fences. Storm water management
controls, or best management practices (BMPs), will be implemented to reduce the amount of pollutants
in storm water discharged from the La Costa Resort and Spa as follows:
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• Good Housekeeping: Good housekeeping practices are designed to maintain a clean and
orderly work environment. This will reduce the potential for significant materials or
equipment to encounter storm water and should reduce safety hazards to facility personnel. The
good house- keeping BMPs which will be implemented in an effort to prevent pollutants from
entering storm water discharges are included in the Technical Appendices in full.
• Preventative Maintenance: Preventive maintenance involves the regular inspection and
maintenance of the materials storage area. These inspections will help to uncover conditions
that might lead to a release of materials. Preventive maintenance BMPs to be implemented for
the Resort and are included in the Technical Appendices in full.
• Spill Response: Spills and leaks can become the largest site source of storm water pollution if
not properly managed. Equipment and procedures necessary for cleaning up spills and
preventing pollutants from being discharged are identified herein. Spill response for the site
BMPs and are included in the Technical Appendices in full.
• Materials Storage: Raw materials, by-products, finished products, containers, and other
materials exposed to rain and/or runoff can pollute storm water. Storm water can become
contaminated by a wide range of pollutants when materials wash off or dissolve or when spills or
leaks occur. To the maximum extent practicable, and to the extent it is cost effective, the use of
source area control BMPs should prevent storm water from becoming contaminated. Materials
storage BMPs are included in the Technical Appendices in full.
• Employee Training and Awareness: Pollution prevention eliminates or reduces the
management of polluted storm water runoff. To achieve successful implementation
of the SWPPP/SWMP cooperation among La Costa Resort and Spa employees, staff
training, public communication, and outreach programs will be implemented. Training will
target staff that will be conducting activities at the materials storage area. Training to
implement BMPs and are included in the Technical Appendices in full.
• Waste Handling and Recycling: Trash and debris from the La Costa site proper that is not
intercepted may enter the storm drain system and eventually end up polluting beaches and water
ways by way of San Marcos Creek. Waste handling and recycling BMPs are included in the
Technical Appendices in full.
• Record Keeping: Forms for the documentation, record keeping, and reporting associated with the
SWPPP/SWMP are found in the Technical Appendices Book, Appendix 2. All reports and
records pertaining to implementation of this management plan shall be retained for a minimum of
five years. The forms are to be managed by the Team Leader and kept on site and shall be made
available to the City and/or Regional Water Quality Control Board upon request.
• Erosion Control: Erosion control, also referred to as “soil stabilization” is the most effective
way to retain soil and sediment, preserve vegetation where feasible, and to stabilize and vegetate
disturbed areas. At a minimum, an effective combination of erosion and sediment control
must be implemented at the Resort, especially during the rainy season. BMPs for soil erosion
include the following:
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• Inspections: Facility inspections will be conducted annually to determine if the storm water
pollution prevention controls are being effectively and properly implemented. Specific BMPs that
are not working as intended or properly implemented will be noted and brought to the attention
of La Costa staff. If problems are found during the inspection, the inspector and site staff will
determine whether operation and maintenance activities require modifications in order to comply
with the SWPPP/SWMP or if the BMPs need to be revised. When improvements are needed
another inspection will be scheduled within the same year to check if modifications have been
implemented. These operational and maintenance changes will be prioritized and implemented
and the SWPPP/SWMP revised by The La Costa Resort and Spa Team Leader.
• Quality Assurance: The implementation of this management plan requires routine visual
inspections of the storm water runoff during and after rainfall events. Records of the inspections
generated after significant events must be kept on file with the SWPPP/SWMP. Quality assurance
BMPs are included in the Technical Appendices in full.
EVALUATION OF BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Once the SWPPP/SWMP is in place and BMPs implemented, further actions must be taken to ensure that it
remains current. An evaluation of BMPs during each reporting period should be completed to deter-
mine the success, revision, or failure of specific BMPs. If the SWPPP/SWMP needs to be revised based
on an evaluation of the BMPs, the revisions should be implemented within 90 days of the evaluation.
Successful implementation of BMPs requires proper employee training and awareness to be effective.
The evaluation criteria of BMPs are included in the Technical Appendices in full.
STORM WATER TREATMENT BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Structural control measures may be necessary to control pollutants that are still present in the storm water
after the non-structural controls have been implemented. These types of controls are physical features
that control and prevent storm water pollution. They can range from preventive measures to collection
structures to treatment systems. Structural controls will require construction of a physical feature or barrier.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Preventive measures in the form of Rock Filters have been installed at points along the San Marcos Creek
where runoff may enter the stream flow. These features are intended to prevent the exposure of storm
water pollution to the creek and lagoon.
The following preventive measures have been chosen for this facility.
• Signs and labels to direct traffic away from high erosion areas
• Safety posts to direct vehicular traffic to paved areas vs. unpaved erosion-prone area
• Fences along embankments and slopes otherwise prone to erosion form uncontrolled traffic
• The Site security system which minimizes vandalism to grounds and slopes
• In the Maintenance sites and yards, coverings over areas of concern.
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AREA MATERIAL CONTROL MEASURE - DIVERSIONS
Diversion practices are structures including paving that are used to divert storm water away from high-
risk areas and prevent contaminants from mixing with the runoff, or to channel contaminated storm water
to a treatment facility or containment area. The following areas are to be protected using diversion
structures.
• Loading Docks at Back of House
• Loading Docks at the Ballroom
• Material storage areas in all facilities
• Streets and paths used for cart and vehicular traffic
• Other areas that exhibit the potential for requiring diversion of runoff
AREA MATERIAL CONTROL MEASURE - CONTAINMENT
Containment areas are structures designed to hold pollutants or contaminated storm water to prevent it
from being discharged to surface waters. These structures can range from drip pans to large containment
areas. Containment structures will be/have been installed in the following areas. Containment shall be
implemented:
• Around waste fluid storage areas
• Areas requiring drip pans under valves and pipe connections
• Areas requiring curbing around dismantling areas or parts storage areas in the maintenance
yards for Golf Operations and Landscape Maintenance Yards
OTHER MATERIAL CONTROL MEASURES
The following additional controls will be used at the La Costa Resort and Spa facility:
• Sumps for retention of spills prior to clean up
• Oil/water separators to allow proper disposal
• Sand filters
• Vegetative filters
• Basins for collection, retention, detention of storm water and pollutants
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials wherever possible to avoid the necessity of waste
ANNUAL FACILITY SITE COMPLIANCE INSPECTION
The Team Leader shall make an annual inspection to evaluate the effectiveness of the SWPPP/SWMP.
The inspection shall be adequate to verify that the site drainage conditions and potential pollution sources
identified in the SWPPP/SWMP remain accurate, and that the best management practices prescribed in
the SWPPP/SWMP are being implemented, properly operated and adequately maintained. Information
reported shall include the inspection date, inspection personnel, scope of the inspection, major
observations, and revisions needed in the SWPPP/SWMP. This form is contained in the Technical
Appendices Book, Appendix 2.
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QUARTERLY VISUAL MONITORING
The Team Leader or his Chief Engineer shall perform and document quarterly visual inspections of storm
water discharge quality at each storm water discharge outfall. Inspections shall be conducted within the
first 30 minutes of discharge or as soon thereafter as practical, but not exceeding 60 minutes. The
inspections shall include any observations of color, odor, turbidity, floating solids, foam, oil sheen, or
other obvious indicators of storm water pollution. Information reported shall include the inspection
date, inspection personnel, visual quality of the storm water discharge, and probable sources of any
observed storm water contamination.
IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE
This SWPPP/SWMP becomes effective as of the date of approval of the Master Plan for La Costa Resort
and Spa. The non-structural controls will be implemented as of the date of approval of the Master Plan
for La Costa Resort and Spa. Structural controls will be in place by no later than six months following
approval of the Master Plan for La Costa Resort and Spa.
RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING
Forms for record keeping and reporting associated with the La Costa Resort and Spa SWPPP/SWMP are
found in the Technical Appendices Book, Appendix 2.. All reports and records pertaining to the permit
coverage under requirements by the City shall be retained for the later of 5 years beyond the date of the
violation or incident. The forms are to be kept on site and shall be made available to the City of Carlsbad
and/or Regional Water Quality Control Board upon request.
These forms include (at a minimum):
• Training Records for La Costa Resort and Spa Staff responsible for the implementation and ongoing
maintenance of this management practice document
• Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Annual Facility Site Compliance Inspection Report
In the case of facilities which discharge storm water to a La Costa Resort and Spa separate storm sewer
system, the records must also be made available to the operator of the La Costa Resort and Spa system.
A current copy of the SWPPP/SWMP will be sent to the City’s Planning Department for record and inter-
nal distribution to the Engineering Department and other responsible City and State Agencies. In the
event of a change in position within the staff for the Resort, a revised General Facility Information Form
and Team Member Roster shall be provided to the City’s Planning Department and shall be reflected in
an updated BMP document for re-issuance to the City’s responsible agencies.
A complete Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is included in its entirety in the Technical
Appendices. All applicable Best Management Practices (BMP’s) are included in detail in the SWPPP in
the appendices.
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2.10 THE LA COSTA RESORT COMMUNITY DESIGN STANDARDS
Purpose – This Section of the La Costa Master Plan document presents Architectural and Landscape
Architectural guidelines and standards for the use of builders and developers within the planning areas.
After years of previous implementation of random architectural themes and poorly thought out site
planning, the present developer of the La Costa plan area has undertaken a commitment to renovate,
revitalize, and homogenize, to the greatest extent feasible, the architecture and landscape architecture
of the Resort campus. This is being accomplished by utilizing a conforming set of Architectural and Site
Design Guidelines set within the “Spanish Colonial” vernacular.
2.10.1 ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE DESIGN GUIDELINES
THE SPANISH COLONIAL ARCHITECTURAL THEME FOR THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA:
The Spanish Colonial style refers to the Mediterranean and Spanish Revival styles built in the 1920's and
1930's. Two main factors influenced the creation of the Spanish Colonial style. First, Southern California
established itself as a prestigious winter resort. Its mild climate and impressive seaside setting attracted
many wealthy residents from the East and Midwest. Architects added historic fragments gathered from
their clients travels to Spain, North Africa and Mexico. This had the overall effect of expressing an
exotic and romantic architecture and (more importantly due to the mild climate) the landscape
architecture. These exotic themes dictated that houses be placed comfortably in lush garden settings
using Spanish tower elements expanded in height to capture ocean views.
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The Spanish Colonial style is an eclectic mixture of Mediterranean architecture unified by the use of clay
tile roofs, expansive stucco walls, ornate pre-cast stone details, canvas awnings to support the Resort
character, decorative hand-painted ceramic tile, decorative wood in conjunction with wrought iron rails,
timber beams and columns and second floor decks, deeply recessed wall fenestration and asymmetrical
volumes. Rear and private yards are more open and exotically decorated. Interior spaces are organized
as self-contained separate rooms rather than "open" floor plans.
2.10.2 COLOR IN THE LA COSTA ARCHITECTURAL VERNACULAR
The earth tone color palette that predominates within the architectural context of La Costa Commercial
Dwelling Units construction and ancillary structures is based on a history of whitewashed stucco over
adobe bricks. This motif is complemented with a simplistic color scheme and a variety of roof tones and
textures offset by the contrast of the window moldings and associated architectural detail.
The predominant color of all structures shall be limited to the spectrum of white, cream, tan, sand, light
brown, mauve and other muted earth tones. Colors outside of this spectrum shall be used for accents only
in a limited way to compliment these earth tones. In order to achieve the variety of architectural
expression envisioned for the Commercial Dwelling Units components of the project, a limited variety of
materials and colors shall be used to create a rich tapestry of design elements. The simpler the
expression, the more authentic the representation of the Spanish Colonial style.
2.10.3 BUILDING MASSING AND SCALE
The general character of Commercial Dwelling Units development areas shall reflect a scale in which the
building massing does not overwhelm the street scene. Typically, a building shall create a pleasant
pedestrian environment and enhance the street scene.
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Where site planning criteria allows, building wall planes, particularly on the front elevation, shall be
staggered to create interest along the street scene, to provide a desirable human scale, and to avoid visual
monotony. Multi-story Commercial Dwelling Unit plate lines are encouraged on the front elevation by
stepping back the second-story wall plane to effectively break up the building mass and provide a reduced
scale along the street scene. Multi-story plate lines with second-story wall setbacks are encouraged on
side and rear elevations.
• Articulated roof structures shall be created through the use of a variety of articulated roof forms.
• Repetitious gable ends along front and rear elevations shall be minimized.
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2.10.4 BUILDING DETAILS
WALL PLANES, WINDOWS, AND DOORS
• The use of multi-pane windows is encouraged for front elevations which are visible from other
private or quasi-public spaces. Trim may, wherever possible, be painted to be compatible with
the building architecture.
• The style of windows shall be compatible with the architectural style of the building. The use of
many different styles of windows on one building plane shall be avoided. The size and
proportion of panes shall correspond to the overall proportioning of the elevation. Accent
windows having different or articulated shapes or with a finer texture (e.g., many small panes)
shall be used as an accent element to create interest on building elevations if consistent with the
Spanish eclectic style.
ENTRIES
• The entry of Commercial Dwelling Units shall be articulated as a focal point of the building’s
front elevation through the appropriate use of roof elements, columns, porticos, recesses or
projections, windows or other architectural features.
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PORCHES, BALCONIES, AND RAILINGS
• Front porches shall be designed, where feasible, as an integral part of the front elevation to pro-
vide visual interest and activity along the street scene, as well as to promote social interaction
among community residents by providing outdoor living spaces oriented to the front of the unit.
• Porches and balconies function as an extension of interior spaces, providing shaded outdoor
living space.
• Second story balconies are encouraged providing visual interest to the street scene increasing
the perceived front setback of the second story.
• Porches and balconies shall be designed as an integral component of the building’s architecture
and style.
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COLUMNS
• Columns used as a structural or aesthetic design element shall convey a solid and durable
image, and shall be consistent with the architectural style of the building.
• Columns may be used as a freestanding form, or as support for roofs and balconies.
EXTERIOR STAIRS
• Exterior stairways shall be simple bold elements which complement the architectural massing and
form of the La Costa building environment.
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ARCHWAYS
• The use of archways must be compatible with the architectural style of the building, and shall be
designed as a complimentary part of the building or adjacent courtyard.
• When used, archways shall define or frame the entry space, such as Commercial Dwelling Units
entries, porticos, garden walled patios, and pool courtyards.
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2.10.5 ROOF MATERIALS IN THE LA COSTA ARCHITECTURAL VERNACULAR
A limited variety of roof materials shall be, wherever possible, primarily terra cotta barrel and “s” tile.
Structures and other operational buildings may use a limited variety of asphalt and built-up roof
materials in cases where the visual impact is not an issue. The color of roofs shall provide a range of deep
tones complementing the building mass and color and, where possible, shall be varied to reflect the
surrounding architectural theme. All roofing material shall be fire retardant.
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2.10.6 PROJECT WALLS
The La Costa development projects a subtle sense of security and privacy without the necessity of a high-
ly visible security guard presence or monumental walls or fence elements surrounding the project. This
is accomplished, in part, by a series of landscaped areas, setbacks from the adjacent materials and other
land use, and low wall elements at the property boundaries and entry points which reinforce this element
of perceived security.
SOLID LOW WALL
Project Wall standards described and detailed herein are intended to apply to all situations where such
walls are visible from public streets, public use areas, common areas within the project and other semi-
public areas. A matrix of wall standards relating to the Carlsbad Zoning Ordinance is provided at the end
of Section 2.10.6 that addresses wall standards and descriptions in each of the seven Planning Areas of
the Master Plan.
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SOLID WALL
WROUGHT IRON THEME ELEMENTS
The use of wall forms described herein are not mandatory yet are envisioned to provide an opportunity to
mitigate noise, visual, and security concerns and impacts as necessary. Allowable wall heights are
delineated for each Planning Area in Section 3 - Zoning and Development Regulations of this document.
Wall forms under 6' in height are illustrated herein with additional wall types allowed on a case by case
review by the Community Development Department to determine consistency with the intent of the
project theme and design character of the La Costa Master Plan area.
PONY WALL W/DECORATIVE WROUGHT IRON FENCING
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• Fences and walls may be used in conjunction with plant materials and other landscape
techniques to reinforce the character of the La Costa Master Plan area.
• Fences and walls are to be used in a consistent manner throughout the community with a
variety of characters for individual site driven situations. The material, style, and height of walls
are envisioned to provide an element of continuity throughout the La Costa Master Plan to
ensure visual consistency.
• As a significant thematic element the details and materials used in walls and fences will be of a
high quality suited to the particular function and purpose.
OPEN FENCE
• Long linear walls may be staggered horizontally or broken with pilasters to provide interest and to
break or create sight lines.
• Fences adjacent to open space areas may be of an open construction to allow continuation of
views or to allow for planted screening to be enjoyed by both sides of the fence.
• Fences are envisioned to be constructed primarily of ornamental metal or masonry or a
combination of these. Where necessary for sound attenuation, masonry walls and earthen berms
may be used to mitigate these design constraints. All wall material and design treatment is
envisioned to result in a consistent visual appearance in the La Costa Master Plan.
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WALL CONDITIONS
Walls or fences are not necessarily required between open spaces and Commercial Dwelling Units sites
and yet are allowed if necessary for protection of privacy and aesthetics.
• Because cluster Commercial Dwelling Unit developments are envisioned along streets with
higher traffic volumes, special wall or fence requirements for these developments are envisioned
to be determined as part of the internal design review process with resulting solutions conform-
ing to the standards for height delineated in Section 3 of this document.
WALL CONDITIONS BY PLANNING AREA
Planning
Area
Existing
Wall Heights
Proposed
Wall Heights
Proposed Wall
Locations
Exceeding 6'
Description of Walls
By Planning Area
1 3-6' 3-10' slopes & grade-breaks
at planning area
perimeters
and parking areas
Garden Walls and
Retaining Walls
2
3-6'
3-10' slopes & grade-breaks
at planning area
perimeters
and parking areas
Garden Walls and
Retaining Walls
3 3-6' 3-10' slopes & grade-breaks
at planning area
perimeters
and parking areas
Garden Walls and
Retaining Walls
4 3-6' 3-10' slopes & grade-breaks
at planning area
perimeters
and parking areas
Garden Walls and
Retaining Walls
5 6-10' 3-10' Parking Structure grade
retention, loading dock and
screen walls
Existing walls at the loading
dock of the Ballroom
6
3-6'
No change
No change
Garden Walls and
Retaining Walls
7
6-8'
No change
No change
Various Retaining conditions
within Golf Course area and
maintenance yard
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2.1 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES/STANDARDS
La Costa Resort and Spa Master Landscape Concept draws upon the mild Mediterranean climate of the
region, the spirit of the settlers who brought various plant materials which are still in use today, and the
historic aspect of the first resort and spa on the west coast.
The La Costa Resort is nestled on gentle rolling hills overlooking the San Marcos Creek. It touches the
easterly edges of the Batiquitos Lagoon and is adjacent to the historical El Camino Real – an area rich in
plant diversity and interest. Due to the mild climate of the region, there are wide varieties of plant
material that can be integrated into the landscape concept Drawing on these materials and others. Date
Palms, Olives, California Peppers, Eucalyptus species and Citrus are some of the plant material introduced
to the region by the Spanish and American settlers and are included in the plant matrix provided herein
as a guideline for plant selection.
The Master Landscape Concept for the Resort Master Plan is organized into distinct areas where guests
can fully appreciated the experience of the Resort Campus landscape architecture.
2.11.1 KEY GUEST IMPACT AREAS
Individual Hotel Entries are high impact areas for the Resort guests. Guests are escorted from the Resort
registration area to the Hotel Entry and then on to their suites. Flowering shrubs, perennials, seasonal
color and mature trees will provide a bright, organized and upscale “sense of place” garden experience at
these locations.
2.11.2 EDGES
Edges define the boundaries of the Resort, which provide the guests and the public the initial impression
of the site. Formal plantings of Date Palms, California Sycamore, New Zealand Christmas Tree, and
Brisbane Box Trees will establish the look and character of the El Camino Real project edge and will pro-
vide dense screening to the internal resort features such as the Grand Ballroom and Commercial Dwelling
Units.
The landscape improvement plan utilize shrub massing, ground cover, and turf on the lower reaches of
the landscaped area of the plan in order to create an effective barrier for the La Costa grounds against a
backdrop of traffic noise and turbulence created by the Corridor traffic.
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2.11.3 TRAILS
Trails are treated with consistent plant material to define and reinforce the high quality Resort character.
Tall vertical formal Date Palm arrangements coupled with lower, secondary Citrus Tree planting between
the palms will provide a well-organized and stately character.
TRAIL INTERSECTION AT STREET
Trails throughout the Resort campus will be constructed of DG on native soil, asphalt, concrete and other
materials; and will provide extensions to sidewalks and paths currently in place.
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2.11.4 NODES
Nodes are special places such as the entry, junctions and local spots. Enhanced hardscape, enclosure
walls coupled with a variety of palms, and flowering canopy trees will reinforce the importance of the
“sense of place.”
INTERNAL STREET ENTRY CONCEPT
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2.11.5 ENCLAVES
Enclaves are a specific individual area within the Resort campus, such as the Commercial Dwelling
Units, the Golf Rooms, the Garden Rooms and the Clubhouse. These enclaves will have their own
unique hardscape and landscape features, but with a strong connection to the entire Resort setting. Wide
varieties of plant material are integrated into a strong, simple and cohesive landscape treatment. Pools
and Jacuzzi features are a predominant feature of each individual enclave.
AN ENCLAVE WITHIN THE RESORT CAMPUS
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2.11.6 LANDMARKS
Landmarks are key elements of the landscape, which the Resort guests use as the reference points when
strolling within the Resort Campus. A landmark can be a plaza, tower on a building, building sign,
specimen tree, etc. Unique and significant trees such as the Date Palm, California Pepper Tree, Coral
Tree and Canary Island Date Palm will be incorporated into the design and further reinforce the
landmark.
THE LA COSTA SPA - ENTRY COURTYARD
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It is important for each participant in the development of the plan area to understand the overall landscape
development concept of the project. Proper selection and use of the plant materials while emphasizing
individual project theme will reinforce overall connection to the City of Carlsbad which will become
known for its use of color and scale in the landscape.
The selection of plant materials for each Planning Area shall generally reinforce the overall Spanish
Colonial thematic image of the architecture as well focus on reinforcing the individual architectural style
of each building within the project area when slight variations are created. An emphasis shall be placed
on the use of indigenous, naturalized and drought resistant species of plant materials in keeping with the
City’s desire to promote water efficient landscape architecture and in light of our environmental
obligation to conserve.
2.11.7 LANDSCAPE PLANT MATERIAL PALETTE / LANDSCAPE CONCEPTS
PLANS
Every Site Development Plan or other discretionay entitlement that implements allowed master plan land uses
shall process a Landscape Concept Plan that is consistent with the City’s Landscape Manual.
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2.12 THE EL CAMINO REAL CORRIDOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT 03-03
The intent and purpose for the City of Carlsbad in developing the El Camino Real Corridor Development
Standards is to maintain and enhance the appearance of the El Camino Real roadway area. These
standards reflect the existence of certain identified characteristics which the City considers worthy of
preservation. The La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan relationship to this corridor furthers the goals
of the Land Use and Scenic Highways Elements of the General Plan in their objective of preserving
unique City resources as they relate to highways.
The La Costa Resort and Spa frontage on the Corridor is defined within “Area 5” of the Corridor and is
further delineated herein. Standards presented in the El Camino Real Corridor Development document for
the area within the corridor reflect an intention to provide an easily identifiable homogenous corridor with a
single design concept that motorists will recognize from any point along the route.
Section 2.12.3 presented within Special Use Permit #03-03 herein compares the Corridor Standards with
the Master Plan compliance or deviation from each of the 11 listed standards. Discussion is provided
where applicable. Planning Areas 2, 3, 4 ,5 and 7 are subject to these development standards in the area
adjacent to El Camino Real as shown on the SUP Drawing. Planning Areas 1 and 6 are not subject to
these development standards given their distance from the El Camino Real Corridor.
Where practical application of a standard is not feasible, deviation from strict adherence to the standard
is allowed by the City of Carlsbad Planning Department given the following findings:
• Compliance with a particular standard is infeasible for a particular project,
• That the scenic qualities of the Corridor will continue to be maintained if the standard is not fulfilled,
• That the project will not have an adverse impact on traffic safety, and
• That the project is designed so as to meet the intent of the scenic preservation overlay zone.
The Master Plan for La Costa provides for minor modification to the strict adherence of the Corridor
standards to address unique site driven constraints and opportunities along the La Costa frontage on
the Corridor discussed in detail below.
2.12.1 SUP #03-03 AREA WITHIN EL CAMINO CORRIDOR
The La Costa Resort property presents varied topography, diverse views, and several different land use
functions adjacent to the El Camino Corridor. The La Costa site topography offers views of the
surrounding hills and valleys and includes adjacency to the Batiquitos Lagoon across the travel lanes of
the El Camino Real.
2.12.2 PLANNING AREA 1 - Not Applicable due to distance from Corridor
2.12.3 PLANNING AREAS 2, 3, 4, 5, AND 7 are subject to the El Camino Real Corridor
standards.
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DESIGN STANDARDS WITHIN THE EL CAMINO REAL CORRIDOR
The following standards are presented in the City’s document referred to as “El Camino Real
Development Standards - Exhibit A.” Within the Master Plan for La Costa, deviation from the standards
are noted in BOLD text adjacent to applicable standards.
This criteria is applicable to Planning Areas 2,3,4,5, and 7 where the Planning Areas is within the 45' set-
back to El Camino Real Blvd.
1. Design Theme ............Old California. No change to the standard
2. Median Breaks........... No breaks south of Alga and north of La Costa Avenue.
3. Sidewalks....................Along Costa Del Mar / El Camino Real.
4. Signs...........................Free-standing monument not to exceed 7' above grade or as modified with-
in this master plan document Section 4. Changes to Sign standards are noted in Section 4 with
relevant discussion to the Corridor Standards herein.
5. Building Height..........Maximum of 35’ from pad grade using City adopted formula. No change 6. Grading...................... No cut or fill exceeding 10’ from original grade. Grading: The City’s Planning Manager and City Engineer together may grant a variance to Cut or fill exceeding 10’ from grade with findings to support a variance based on the merits of individual grading plan review.
7. Setback from ROW....The setback along ECR is 45’ along the entire edge of the project. Views from
the upper story CDUs to the Batiquitos Lagoon are preserved wherever possible.
8. Street furniture........... Wrought iron, wood or plaster. No change
9. Street lights................ City standards. No change
10. Roof equipment......... No roof equipment shall be visible. No change
11. Landscaping...............Theme Tree - London Plane - The Resort’s Theme Tree in the Corridor is
the London Plane with supporting species of Date Palm, and Brisbane Box.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IN THE RESORT’S CORRIDOR
Date Palms are utilized to make a statement of scale and signature along the frontage of the La Costa
property adjacent to El Camino Real. This landscape element is the only change to the landscape
standards suggested for the Corridor. The vegetation is envisioned to be “cleaned up” to allow for a
maintainable and safe landscape buffer to the Resort grounds. Understory trees, shrub and groundcover
will be used to further enhance the Resort’s landscape theme exemplifying the Corridor Standard of “Old
California”.
2.12.4 ARCHITECTURAL THEME WITHIN THE CORRIDOR
Design Theme: The predominate development theme reflects an “Old California Hispanic”
architectural theme. The architecture is composed of white plaster, clay barrel tile roofs with
wood accents. The basis of design for the new La Costa Resort is a blend of Spanish Colonial
images. Courtyard furniture is wrought iron, wood and stucco which the following standards are
intended to preserve:
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Sidewalks: The side walk adjacent to the curb parallel to El Camino Real may remain in place or
be moved away from the curb in area where pedestrian safety is best served.
Monument: Per graphic delineation in Section 4, monument shall not exceed 15’ in height within
SDG & E overhead easement.
Signs: Per graphic delineation in Section 4. Predominant materials: wood, metal and stucco.
Building Height: Maximum of 35 feet from pad grade. Planning Area specific height criteria is
delineated within Section 3 of this document. Architectural and roof projections not providing
habitable or otherwise unusable space, such as chimneys, spires, finials, and similar features shall be
permitted to extend up to ten feet above the maximum structure height.
GRADING CONCEPTS FOR THE LA COSTA RESORT
The Resort will maintain the concept of the Corridor standard’s emphasis of retaining the character of
the topography while allowing for individual pads within the campus adjacent to the roadway to be re-
graded to reduce visual impacts of development to users of the transportation corridor. The grading con-
cept will rely on careful integration of subgrade parking structures concealed beneath the Commercial
Dwelling Unit buildings. Grades will be modified as delineated in the appended grading plan documents
submitted with this Master Plan. The slopes along the roadways conceal the structured parking, while
the CDUs are located at elevations which give views from within to the amenities of the interior court-
yards and gardens. Entry access to these units is from the first floor grades relating to the CDU rooms
level and via vehicular access from the sub-grade parking facilities serving
The La Costa Master Plan will use careful grade manipulation using the following Corridor guidelines
that include:
• Site sensitive grading to minimize “visible” development along the roadway while providing for
development pads in areas suitable for Commercial Dwelling Units development.
• Contour grading will be employed along the Corridor to help retain the effect of the natural
rolling hillside qualities while allowing reshaping of development pads adjacent to El Camino
Real Boulevard.
• Intersections and access points are minimized along the corridor to the two access points. The
primary entry point remains Costa Del Mar Road and the secondary access point to the property
is via Estrella de Mar Road by way of Arenal Lane.
Setback From Roadway (ROW): Methods of screening are incorporated into the Corridor setback per
the exhibits shown in this Section. Planning Area specific setback criteria is delineated within Section 3
of the document based on the site development plan conditions and the project characteristics unique to
individual buildings and uses.
a. Setbacks along side and rear property lines are not required; however, any setback provided must
be made wide or deep enough to be usable space, such as for pedestrian access to side-load- ing
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commercial space, stairwells, or through-access between front and rear of the building(s).
b. Arcades, trellises, awnings and similar architectural treatments are exempt from setback
requirements, but must be designed to accentuate pedestrian atmosphere, the use(s), and the
project architecture where utilized.
c. Upper floors of buildings shall be designed to be articulated from the immediately lower floor, to
achieve a terraced effect where consistent with the design theme of the Resort. This reduces the
appearance of mass to the structure, allows for upper floor outdoor areas and walkways, and
enhances pedestrian scale.
Landscaping: Project landscaping guidelines are provided herein to implement the La Costa design
guidelines and city policies.
2.12.5 PLANNING AREA 6 – Not Applicable due to distance from Corridor
2.12.6 PLANNING AREA 7 – With the exception of the entry monument sign delineated in
Section 4 of this document, this area is currently fully improved as a landscape buffer to the San Marcos
Creek Parking Lot in the area within the Corridor.
2.13 SPECIAL EVENT PARKING PLAN AND PROGRAM
The La Costa Resort and Spa is currently the location of two nationally recognized, annual sporting
events. The PGA of America sponsorship of the Accenture Match Play Championship takes place at the
Resort. The Resort also is the host to the Acura Tennis Classic. These on-site special events are unique
from other special events in the City given their size and notoriety. As such, there are various issues that
need to be addressed with respect to these events.
In order to assure that any special event does not result in any significant traffic or parking problems, in
connection with the special use permit required for such event, the following will be required:
• Prior to the issuance of any Special Event Permit by the Carlsbad Police Department, the City’s Fire
Chief, Planning Director and City Engineer shall provide written support for the Permit. Such
support shall be based on the adequate inclusion of a Traffic and Parking Management Plan, which
shall contain the following elements:
a. Closing of adjacent public streets: Adjacent public streets within 1000 feet of the resort
property of Planning Areas 1-6 shall be sign-posted “No Parking” by the Special Event
Permit holder at least 72 hours in advance of the event with wording approved by the Police
Department. Sign removal is the responsibility of the Permit holder within 24 hours after the
event, and fines may be assessed if not removed. The Police Department shall be
responsible for the enforcement of the no parking restrictions on the posted public streets
during the course of the special event.
b. Residential Access Passes: The Special Event Permit holder shall provide documentation that
certified mailings to residences within 1000 feet of the resort property of Planning Areas 1-6
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were provided two (2) Residential Access Passes to allow access through the public streets to
their residence.
c. Special Event Parking Passes: The Special Event Permit holder shall provide numbered
parking passes to special event participants and attendees that correspond to the number
of available parking spaces within the Resort property, per a corresponding Special Event Site
Plan that designates potential parking areas in a quantity equal to parking passes. Only vehicles
with a Special Event Parking Pass may enter the Resort during a Special Event; all
others except emergency service vehicles shall be restricted access.
d. Special Event Site Plan: The available parking areas are identified to generate parking passes
per vehicle. Fire access lanes, restricted safety or buffer zones and any public service or
safety staging areas shall also be depicted on the Special Event Site Plan. Areas not designated
for park- ing may be required to be so posted, and vehicles in violation will be towed and/or
cited.
e. Special Event Offsite Parking Location Map: Emphasis for major special events will be on
shuttling the general public from offsite parking locations per a Special Event Offsite Parking
Location Map. All offsite locations need documentation of property owner approval.
Onsite access will be limited to vehicles with a Parking Pass.
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T H E L A C O S TA R E S O R T
A N D S PA M A S T E R P L A N
SECTION 3: ZONING &
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
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3 ZO NI NG AND DEVELOPMEN T REGUL ATIONS
3.1 LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA
THE INTENT AND PURPOSE OF THE PLANNED COMMUNITY (P-C) OVERLAY ZONE
Zoning exhibits follow which depict the zoning for the La Costa Master Plan area. The purpose of a P-C
zone is to provide a method to encourage orderly implementation of the City’s General Plan and any
applicable Specific Plans and/or Master Plans by the comprehensive planning and development of large
tracts of land under unified ownership or developmental control so that the entire tract will be developed
in accord with an adopted master plan to provide an environment of stable and desirable character. The
Planned Community overlay will apply to the area that comprises the La Costa Resort and Spa Master
Plan. Within the La Costa Resort Planned Community, specific zone designations will be assigned to each
of the Planning Areas set forth in the Master Plan which designations are modified as explained below
when necessary to accomplish the goals of this Master Plan. The Planned Community (P-C) Overlay
Zoning for La Costa will:
• Provide a flexible regulatory procedure to encourage and foster creative and imaginative
master planning of hotel units, open space, community facilities and commercial mixed uses.
• Allow for the coordination of planning efforts between the developer of the La Costa Resort and
the City of Carlsbad to provide for the orderly development of infrastructure to insure
availability concurrent with need.
• Provide a framework for the phased development of the Master Plan for La Costa while
assuring the developers of the property that later phases of development will be acceptable over
the length of the build out period.
• Allow for the continuing operation and use of resort facilities while addressing the opportunity for
augmentation and improvement to the resort facilities and guest experience.
PERMITTED USES
This Master Plan specifies the permitted uses within the planned community boundary as defined here-
in. Permitted uses in the Master Plan area will combine resort recreation based services, tourism and site
visitor-based retail facilities necessary for the operational demands of such uses. The P-C Zone may
include any use found to be necessary and desirable for a community planned in accordance with the
purposes of Chapter 21.38 of the Carlsbad Zoning Ordinance, provided that such permitted uses and
structures are consistent with the General Plan and this Master Plan. Zoning Exhibits follow which depict
zoning for the La Costa Master Plan area. Supplementing these exhibits is a text description of the
Planned Area Zoning District that is assigned to each Planning Area (i.e. C-2 or O-S); this section dis-
cusses the development regulations applicable to that Planning Area, including modifications provided in
this Master Plan.
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3.2 ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATION STANDARDS
PLANNED AREA ZONING DISTRICT
The P-C Zoning and the Planning Area Zoning District designations as defined by this Master Plan, will
provide the development regulations and standards for each the Planning Area. Once adopted, this
document becomes the official zoning policy for the Master Plan area within the City of Carlsbad.
The Zoning District designation for Planning Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and part of Area 7 is C-2. Planning Area
6 and the larger portion of Planning Area 7 is O-S. As such, except as modified by this Master Plan
(which modifications are discussed below), the development regulations set forth in the City’s Code for
these zoning designations apply.
Each Planning Area is discussed in more detail below. In addition, the Technical Appendix Book
identifies in detail by Planning Area the City’s development regulations for the applicable zoning district
designation (i.e. C-2 or O-S) and then highlights in bold text the changes to those regulations that have
been approved pursuant to this Master Plan.
3.2.1 PLANNING AREA 1
Site Location: This 5 acre Planning Area is located at the intersection of Estrella De Mar Road and Arenal
Road. Detached structures currently within the Planning Area boundary will be replaced by the
Commercial Dwelling Unit development.
Zoning P-C
Planning Area Zoning District C-2
Development Standards: All development in Planning Area 1 shall conform to the development
standards of the C-2 Zone as modified by this Master Plan.
Master Plan Uses: Planning Area 1 provides for the development of a maximum of 54 CDUs and up to an
equal amount of CSUs. The 54 CDUs will generate a maximum total of 107 Keys.
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Permitted Uses: Commercial Dwelling Unit and non-habitable Commercial Service
Unit use as described in Section 2 and 3 of this Master Plan. Prior to development of the
site as CDUs, all Resort hotel uses within the Planning Area boundary are allowed.
SPECIAL DESIGN CRITERIA AND REGULATIONS FOR PLANNING AREA 1
The following identifies the modifications to the C-2 zoning regulations that apply to this
Planning Area. To the extent anything provided herein is inconsistent with the regulations
of the C-2 zone, which are set forth in City code Chapter 21.28, the provisions set forth
herein shall control.
• Parking Regulation for the Master Plan: Pursuant to Chapter 21.44 of the
City’s zoning code, parking shall conform to the standards set forth in the
Parking Needs Assessment prepared by Walker Parking Consultants dated August 1,
2018 for this Master Plan. At a minimum, 1.5 spaces shall be provided for each
CDU. The minimum parking stall shall be 8.5' x 20' or 9’x 19’ consistent with
Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.44 and additional width of 1.5’ will be required
against solid walls. Compact spaces may be provided consistent with 21.44.110 of
the Carlsbad Zoning Ordinance. The minimum drive isle width shall be 24' wide
unless a fire access aisle which may be a minimum of 20'-0" wide.
• Signage: Sign standards for this Planning Area shall conform to the standards set
forth in Section 4 of this Master Plan document and shall be consistent with the
architectural theme of the Resort and shall not otherwise be required to comply
with Chapter 21.41. The primary emphasis of signage in this Planning Area will be
for pedestrian direction within the Resort campus and for identification of the Resort
from El Camino Real Boulevard. Signage currently in place serving the hotel
rooms of this Planning Area are to remain in place and may be upgraded to
conform to the Signage Plan included in this Master Plan document.
• Maximum Allowable Wall Height: The maximum wall height in this Planning
Area shall be as delineated on grading and site improvement Drawings within this
Master Plan documentation package. All on-site retaining walls in Planning Area 1
shall be 6' or less with the exception of structural walls necessary to provide access to
the sub-grade parking garages beneath the Villa units. The visual impact of all
walls in excess of 6' in height will be mitigated as described below where
structurally feasible. The maximum wall height in this Planning Area shall be
per the Wall Conditions table on page 2.69.
• Fencing and Walls: All fencing and walls shall conform to the design guidelines
set forth in Section 2 of this document. The visual impacts of any retaining walls,
if over 6' in height and exposed to an exterior view, will be mitigated with the
installation of climbing vines and other plant material that will help conceal the
plane of the wall. The maximum allowable wall height shall be per engineered
design plans appended to this Master Plan submittal.
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• Landscaping: All community-wide landscape standards described in
Section 2, Community Design Elements, shall be incorporated into the
development phased within this Planning Area. All setbacks shall be landscaped.
Manufactured slopes in this Planning Area shall be landscaped to be consistent with
the intent of the landscape theme of the Resort and will be maintained by the Resort
operator.
• Open Space: Views to and from the golf course and surrounding open space should
be maximized for the CDUs in this Planning Area.
• Trails: Trails are delineated on page 2.72 and in Section 2.11.3. Trails are
treated with consistent plant material to define and reinforce the high quality resort
character by using vertical palm arrangements coupled with lower, secondary
Canopy Tree planting between the palms to provide a well-organized and recognizable
path between resort facilities.
• In-room mini bars: Mini bars shall be allowed in the CDUs without a Conditional
Use Permit.
• Development: Development pursuant to this Master Plan shall not require a CUP,
even though it includes hotel use, as would otherwise be required pursuant
to Section 21.28.015(5).
• Maximum Building Height: No building shall have more than three floors above
ground level.
3.2.2 PLANNING AREA 2
Site Location: As more specifically shown in page 2.20, this 3 acre Planning Area is flanked
by Arenal Road, Estrella de Mar Road, and El Camino Real. Site use is vacant with un-
improved surface parking.
Zoning P-C
Planning Area Zoning District C-2
Development Standards: All development in Planning Area 2 shall conform to the
development standards of the C-2 Zone as modified by this Master Plan.
Past Uses: Planning Area 2 is a primarily vacant area resulting from the removal of the surface
parking pavement.
Master Plan Uses: Planning Area 2 provides for the development of a maximum of 38 CDUs
and up to an equal amount of CSUs. The total Planning Area CDU key count is 76.
Permit Uses: Commercial Dwelling Unit and non-habitable Commercial Service Unit use as
described in sections 2 and 3 of this Master Plan.
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Temporary and Interim Uses Allowed: On-site construction staging and temporary site
guard and/or construction office trailers and temporary parking for on-site users of the Resort.
Temporary outdoor staging elements to facilitate Resort operations provided however that any
tents shall require review by City fire department and approval if required.
SPECIAL DESIGN CRITERIA AND REGULATIONS FOR PLANNING AREA 2
The following identifies the modifications to the C-2 zoning regulations that apply to this
Planning Area. To the extent anything provided herein is inconsistent with the regulations of the
C-2 zone, the provisions set forth herein shall control.
• Parking Regulation for the Master Plan: Pursuant to Chapter 21.44 of the City’s
zoning code, parking shall conform to the standards set forth in the Parking Needs
Assessment prepared by Walker Parking Consultants dated August 1, 2018 for this
Master Plan. At a minimum, 1.5 spaces shall be provided for each CDU. The
minimum parking stall shall be 8.5' x 20' or 9’x 19’ consistent with Carlsbad
Municipal Code Chapter 21.44 and additional width of 1.5’will be required against solid
walls. Compact spaces may be provided consistent with 21.44.110 of the Carlsbad
Zoning Ordinance. The minimum drive isle width shall be 24' wide unless a fire access
isle which may be a minimum of 20'-0" wide.
• Signage: Sign standards for this Planning Area shall conform to the standards set
forth in Section 4 of this Master Plan document and shall be consistent with the
architectural theme of the Resort and shall not otherwise be required to comply with
Chapter 21.41. The primary emphasis of signage in this Planning Area will be for
pedestrian direction within the Resort campus and for identification of the Resort from
El Camino Real Boulevard. Signage currently in place serving the hotel rooms of this
Planning Area are to remain in place and may be upgraded to conform to the Signage
Plan included in this Master Plan document.
• Maximum Allowable Wall Height: The maximum wall height in this Planning Area
shall be as delineated on grading and site improvement Drawings within this Master
Plan documentation package. All on-site retaining walls in Planning Area 2 shall be 6'
or less with the exception of structural walls necessary to provide access to the sub-
grade parking garages beneath the Villa units. Minor retaining walls will be required to
maintain the grade differential between the land- scape edge on the perimeter of the
Planning Area and the Villa units. The visual impact of all walls in excess of 6’ in
height will be mitigated as described below where structurally feasible. The maximum
wall height in this Planning Area shall be per the Wall Conditions table described
earlier.
• Fencing and Walls: All fencing and walls shall conform to the design guidelines set
forth in Section 2 of this document. The visual impacts of any retaining walls, if over
6' in height and exposed to an exterior view, will be mitigated with the installation of
climbing vines and other plant material that will help conceal the plane of the wall.
The maximum allowable wall height shall be per engineered design plans appended to
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
96
this Master Plan submittal.
• Landscaping: All community-wide landscape standards described in Section 2,
Community Design Elements shall be incorporated into the development phased within
this Planning Area. All setbacks shall be landscaped. Manufactured slopes of this
Planning Area shall be landscaped to be consistent with the intent of the landscape
them of the Resort and will be maintained by the Resort operator.
• Open Space: Views to and from the golf course and surrounding open space should be
maximized for the CDUs in this Planning Area.
• Trails: Trails are delineated in Section 2.11.3. Trails are treated with consistent
plant material to define and reinforce the high quality resort character by using
vertical palm arrangements coupled with lower, secondary Canopy Tree planting
between the palms to provide a well-organized and recognizable path between
resort facilities. Trails throughout the Resort campus will be constructed of DG on
native soil, asphalt, concrete and other materials; and will provide extensions to existing
sidewalks and paths currently in place.
• In-room mini bars: Mini bars shall be allowed in the CDUs without a Conditional Use
Permit.
• Development: Development pursuant to this Master Plan shall not require a CUP, even
though it includes hotel use, as would otherwise be required pursuant to Section
21.28.015(5).
• Maximum Building Height: No building shall have more than three floors above ground
level.
3.2.3 PLANNING AREA 3
Site Location: This 4 acre Planning Area is located at the terminus of Costa Del Mar Road
at the new Spa at La Costa.
Zoning P-C
Planning Area Zoning District C-2
Development Standards: All development in Planning Area 3 shall conform to the
development standards of the C-2 Zone as modified by this Master Plan.
Past Uses: Planning Area 3 is a primarily vacant landscaped area resulting in the removal of
the “old” spa facilities of La Costa which have been replaced with the newly constructed Spa
La Costa.
Master Plan Uses: Planning Area 3 provides for the development of a maximum of 60 CDUs
and up to an equal amount of CSUs with the CDUs generating a maximum total of 98 keys.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
97
Permitted Uses: Commercial Dwelling Unit, and non-habitable Commercial Service Unit as
described in Section 2 and 3 of this Master Plan.
Temporary and Interim Uses Allowed: On-site construction staging and temporary site
guard and/or construction office trailers and temporary parking for on-site users of the Resort.
Temporary outdoor staging elements to facilitate resort operations provided however that any
tents shall require review by the City fire department and approval if required.
SPECIAL DESIGN CRITERIA AND REGULATIONS FOR PLANNING
AREA 3 -
The following identifies the modifications to the C-2 zoning regulations that apply to this Planning
Area. To the extent anything provided herein is inconsistent with the regulations of the C-2 zone,
the provisions set forth herein shall control.
• Parking Regulation for the Master Plan: Pursuant to Chapter 21.44 of the City’s
zoning code, parking shall conform to the standards set forth in the Parking Needs
Assessment document prepared by Walker Parking Consultants dated August 1, 2018 for
this Master Plan. At a minimum, 1.5 spaces shall be provided for each CDU. The
minimum parking stall shall be 8.5' x 20' or 9’x 19’ consistent with Carlsbad Municipal
Code Chapter 21.44 and additional width of 1.5’ will be required against solid walls.
Compact spaces may be provided consistent with 21.44.110 of the Carlsbad Zoning
Ordinance. The minimum drive isle width shall be 24' wide unless a fire access isle
which may be a minimum of 20'-0" wide.
• Signage: Sign standards for this Planning Area shall conform to the standards set
forth in Section 4 of this Master Plan document and shall be consistent with the
architectural theme of the Resort and shall not otherwise be required to comply with
Chapter 21.41. The primary emphasis of signage in this Planning Area will be for
pedestrian direction within the Resort campus and for identification of the Resort from
El Camino Real Boulevard. Signage currently in place serving the hotel rooms of this
Planning Area are to remain in place and may be upgraded to conform to the Signage
Plan within this Master Plan document.
• Maximum Allowable Wall Height: The maximum wall height in this Planning Area
shall be as delineated on grading and site improvement drawings within this Master
Plan documentation package. All on-site retaining walls in Planning Area 3 shall be 6'
or less with the exception of structural walls necessary to provide access to the sub-
grade parking garages beneath and/or adjacent to the Villa units. Minor retaining walls
will be required to maintain the grade differential between the landscape edges adjacent
to the Villa units and surrounding grade. Walls in excess of 6' in height will be visually
mitigated as described below where structurally feasible. The maximum wall height in
this Planning Area shall be the Wall Conditions table as previously discussed.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
98
• Fencing and Walls: All fencing and walls shall conform to the design guidelines set
forth in Section 2 of this document. The visual impact of any retaining walls, if over
6' in height and exposed to an exterior view, will be mitigated with the installation of
climbing vines and other plant material that will help to conceal the plane of the wall.
The maximum allowable wall height shall be per engineered design plans appended to
this Master Plan submittal.
• Landscaping: All community-wide landscape standards described in Section 2,
Community Design Elements shall be incorporated into the development phased within
this Planning Area. All setbacks shall be landscaped. Manufactured slopes of this
Planning Area shall be landscaped to be consistent with the intent of the landscape
theme of the Resort and will be maintained by the Resort operator.
• Open Space: Views to and from the golf course and surrounding open space
should be maximized for the Commercial Dwelling Units in this Planning Area.
• Trails: Trails are delineated in Section 2.11.3. Trails are treated with consistent
plant material to define and reinforce the high quality resort character by using
vertical palm arrangements coupled with lower, secondary Canopy Tree planting
between the palms to provide a well-organized and recognizable path between
resort facilities. Trails throughout the Resort campus will be constructed of DG on
native soil, asphalt, concrete and other materials; and will provide extensions to existing
sidewalks and paths currently in place.
• In-room mini bars: Mini bars shall be allowed in the CDUs without a Conditional Use
Permit.
• Development: Pursuant to this Master Plan shall not require a CUP, even though it
includes hotel use, as would otherwise be required pursuant to Section 21.28.015(5).
• Maximum Building Height: No building shall have more than three floors above ground
level.
3.2.4 PLANNING AREA 4
Site Location: This 3 acre Planning Area is located at the inter- section of Costa Del Mar Road
and El Camino Real. Hotel uses currently in the Planning Area will be phased out as
Commercial Dwelling Unit development occurs within the Planning Area.
Zoning P-C
Planning Area Zoning
District C-2
Development Standards: All development in Planning Area 4 shall conform to the development
standards of the C-2 Zone as modified by this Master Plan.
Master Plan Uses: Planning Area 4 provides for the development of a maximum of 45 CDUs and
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
99
up to an equal amount of CSUs with the CDUs generating a total of 90 keys.
Permitted Uses: Commercial Dwelling Unit and non-habitable Commercial Service Unit use as
described in Section 2 and 3 of this Master Plan. All Resort Hotel uses are allowed without
requiring further modification.
Temporary and Interim Uses Allowed: On-site construction staging and temporary site
guard and construction office trailers and office modular units. Temporary outdoor staging
elements to facilitate resort operations for sporting events, i.e. Golf Tournament spectator
staging and seating, provided however, that any tents shall require review by the City fire
department and approval if required.
SPECIAL DESIGN CRITERIA AND REGULATIONS FOR PLANNING AREA 4 -
The following identifies the modifications to the C-2 zoning regulations that apply to this
Planning Area. To the extent anything provided herein is inconsistent with the regulations of the
C-2 zone, the provisions set forth herein shall control.
• Parking Regulation for the Master Plan: Pursuant to Chapter 21.44 of the City’s
zoning code, parking shall conform to the standards set forth in the Parking Needs
Assessment document prepared by Walker Parking Consultants dated August 1, 2018 for
this Master Plan. Parking for the development in this Planning Area is envisioned to be
located in a subterranean parking structure as illustrated in Section 2. This structure
will provide for a minimum total of 100 spaces or 50 parking spaces per building
phase. The minimum parking stall shall be 8.5' x 20' or 9’x 19’ consistent with
Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.44 and additional width of 1.5’ will be required
against solid walls. Compact spaces may be provided consistent with 21.44.110 of
the Carlsbad Zoning Ordinance. The minimum drive isle width shall be 24' wide unless
a fire access isle which may be a minimum of 20'-0" wide.
• Signage: Sign standards for this Planning Area shall conform to the standards set
forth in Section 4 of this Master Plan document and shall be consistent with the
architectural theme of the Resort and shall not otherwise be required to comply with
Chapter 21.41. The primary emphasis of signage in this Planning Area will be for
pedestrian direction within the Resort campus and for identification of the Resort from
El Camino Real Boulevard. Signage currently in place serving the hotel rooms of this
Planning Area are to remain in place and may be upgraded to conform to the Signage
Plan included in this Master Plan document.
• Maximum Allowable Wall Height: The maximum wall height in this Planning Area
shall be as delineated on grading and site improvement drawings within this Master
Plan documentation package. All on-site retaining walls in Planning Area 4 shall be 6'
or less with the exception of structural walls necessary to provide access to the sub-grade
parking garages beneath and/or adjacent to the Villa units. This wall condition will be at
the access point to the CDUs along the west bound lane of Costa Del Mar Road Minor
retaining walls will be required to maintain the grade differential between the landscape
edges adjacent to the Villa units and surrounding grade. All walls in Planning Area 4
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
100
which are in excess of 6' in height will be visually mitigated as described below where
structurally feasible. The maximum wall height in this Planning Area shall be per the
Wall Conditions table previously discussed.
• Fencing and Walls: All fencing and walls shall conform to the design guidelines set
forth in Section 2 of this document. The visual impact of any retaining walls, if over
6' in height and exposed to an exterior view, will be mitigated with the installation of
climbing vines and other plant material that will help conceal the plane of the wall.
The maximum allowable wall height shall be per engineered design plans appended to
this Master Plan submittal.
• Landscaping: All community-wide landscape standards described in Section 2,
Community Design Elements shall be incorporated into the development phased
within this planning Area. All setbacks shall be landscaped. Manufactured slopes of
this Planning Area shall be landscaped to be consistent with the intent of the landscape
theme of the Resort and will be maintained by the Resort operator.
• Open Space: Views to and from the golf course and surrounding open space should be
maximized for the CDUs in this Planning Area.
• Trails: Trails are delineated in Section 2.11.3. Trails are treated with consistent
plant material to define and reinforce the high quality resort character by using
vertical palm arrangements coupled with lower, secondary Canopy Tree planting
between the palms to provide a well-organized and recognizable path between
resort facilities. Trails throughout the Resort campus will be constructed of DG on
native soil, asphalt, concrete and other materials; and will provide extensions to existing
sidewalks and paths currently in place.
• In-room mini bars: Mini bars shall be allowed in the CDUs without a Conditional Use
Permit.
• Development: Development pursuant to this Master Plan shall not require a CUP, even
though
it includes hotel use, as would otherwise be required pursuant to Section
21.28.015(5).
• Maximum Building Height: No building shall have more than three floors above ground
level.
3.2.5 PLANNING AREA 5
Site Location: This 6 acre Planning Area is located at the inter- section of Costa Del Mar Road
and Estrella de Mar Road within the campus of La Costa Resort and Spa.
Zoning P-C
Planning Area Zoning District C-2
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101
Development Standards: All development in Planning Area 5 shall conform to the
development standards of the C-2 Zone as modified by this Master Plan.
Past Uses: The ballroom and surface parking was approved pursuant to CUP/SUP 258C and
superceded by the master plan. An optional parking structure as illustrated in detail within
Section 2 Planning Area 5 may be located in this area.
Master Plan Uses: The ballroom and surface parking will remain in this
Planning Area.
Permitted Uses: The only allowable uses in Planning Area 5 are Ballroom, outdoor event area
and related resort uses, parking and related improvements.
Temporary and Interim Uses Allowed: On-site construction staging and temporary site guard
and construction office trailers and office modular units. Temporary outdoor staging elements
to facilitate resort operations for sporting events, i.e. Golf Tournament Spectator staging
and seating, provided however that any tents shall require review by City fire department and
approval if required.
SPECIAL DESIGN CRITERIA AND REGULATIONS FOR PLANNING AREA 5
The following identifies the modifications to the C-2 zoning regulations that apply to this Planning
Area. To the extent anything provided herein is inconsistent with the regulations of the C-2 zone,
the provisions set forth herein shall control.
• Parking Regulation for the Master Plan: Pursuant to Chapter 21.44 of the City’s
zoning code, parking shall conform to the standards set forth in the Parking Needs
Assessment prepared by Walker Parking Consultants dated August 1, 2018 for this
Master Plan. Parking aisles and spaces sizes shall comply with Carlsbad Municpal Code
Chapter 21.44
• Signage: Sign standards for this Planning Area shall conform to the standards set
forth in Section 4 of this Master Plan document and shall be consistent with the
architectural theme of the Resort and shall not otherwise be required to comply with
Chapter 21.41. The primary emphasis of signage in this Planning Area will be for
pedestrian direction within the Resort campus and for identification of the Resort from El
Camino Real Boulevard. Signage currently in place serving the hotel rooms of this
Planning Area are to remain in place and may be upgraded to conform to the Signage
Plan within this Master Plan document.
• Maximum Allowable Wall Height: The maximum wall height in this Planning Area
shall be delineated on grading and site improvement drawings within this Master Plan
documentation package. All on-site retaining walls in Planning Area 5 shall be 6' or
less with the exception of structural walls necessary to provide access to the
subgrade parking garages beneath and/or adjacent to the Villa units. The plan
scenario exhibiting construction of the optional parking garage will require retaining
wall conditions in excess of 6' in height at the access point to the garage. Minor
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
102
retaining walls less than 6' in height will be required to maintain the grade
differential between the landscape edges adjacent to the Ballroom and
surrounding grade. All walls in Planning Area 5 which are in excess of 6' in height will
be visually mitigated as described below where structurally feasible. The maximum
wall height in this Planning Area shall be per the Wall Conditions table previously
discussed.
• Fencing and Walls: All fencing and walls shall conform to the design guidelines set
forth in Section 2 of this document. The visual impacts of any retaining walls, if over
6' in height and exposed to an exterior view, will be mitigated with the installation of
climbing vines and other plant material that will help conceal the plane of the wall.
The maximum allowable wall height shall be per engineered design plans appended to
this Master Plan submittal.
• Landscaping: All community-wide landscape standards described in Section 2,
Community Design Elements shall be incorporated into the development phased within
this Planning Area. In addition, the following specific landscape concepts shall be
included in the development of this Planning Area. All setbacks shall be landscaped.
Manufactured slopes of this Planning Area shall be landscaped to be consistent with the
intent of the landscape theme of the Resort and will be maintained by the Resort
operator maximized for the Commercial Dwelling Units in this Planning Area.
• Trails: Trails are delineated in Section 2.11.3. Trails are treated with consistent
plant material to define and reinforce the high quality resort character by using
vertical palm arrangements coupled with lower, secondary Canopy Tree planting
between the palms to provide a well-organized and recognizable path between
resort facilities. Trails throughout the Resort campus will be constructed of DG on
native soil, asphalt, concrete and other materials; and will provide extensions to existing
sidewalks and paths currently in place.
• Open Space: Views to and from the golf course should be maximized for the CDUs
in this Planning Area.
• Development: Development pursuant to this Master Plan shall not require a CUP, even
though it includes hotel use, as would otherwise be required pursuant to Section
21.28.015(5).
• Maximum Building Height: 35' per current Zoning Ordinance.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
103
3.2.6 PLANNING AREA 6
Site Location: This 11 acre Planning Area is located near the driving range of the La Costa
Golf Course.
Zoning P-C
Planning Area Zoning District O-S
Development Standards: All development in Planning Area 6 shall conform to the
development standards of the P-C Zone as modified by this Master Plan.
Past Uses: This area is currently developed in golf course
amenities.
Master Plan Uses: Planning Area 6 provides for a maximum of 8,270 SF of Building Area
planned for construction within the La Costa Resort golf course area.
Permitted Uses: Resort golf operations, driving ranges, teaching facilities and supporting
use as described in Section 2 of this Master Plan. All Resort Hotel and related uses are
allowed without requiring further modification.
Temporary and Interim Uses Allowed: On-site construction staging and temporary site guard
and construction office trailers and office modular units. Temporary outdoor staging elements
to facilitate resort operations for sporting events, i.e., golf and tennis tournament spectator
staging and seating provided however that any tents shall require review by City fire department
and approval if required.
SPECIAL DESIGN CRITERIA AND REGULATIONS FOR PLANNING AREA 6
The following identifies the modifications to the O-S zoning regulations that apply to this
Planning Area. To the extent anything provided herein is inconsistent with the regulations of the
O-S zone, the provisions set forth herein shall control.
• Parking Regulation for the Master Plan: Pursuant to Chapter 21.44 of the City’s
zoning code, parking shall conform to the standards set forth in the Parking Needs
Assessment document
prepared by Walker Parking Consultants dated August 1, 2018 for this Master Plan.
Parking for the development in this Planning Area is as illustrated in detail within the
engineering documentation for the Master Plan. Parking aisles and spaces sizes shall
comply with Carlsbad Municpal Code Chapter 21.44
• Signage: Sign standards for this Planning Area shall conform to the standards set
forth in Section 4 of this Master Plan document and shall be consistent with the
architectural theme of the Resort and shall not otherwise be required to comply with
Chapter 21.41. The primary emphasis of signage in this Planning Area will be for
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
104
pedestrian direction to and from resort golf facilities.
• Maximum Allowable Wall Height: The maximum wall height in this Planning Area shall be delineated on grading and site improvement drawings within this Master Plan documentationpackage and per the Wall Conditions table as previously discussed.
• Fencing and Walls: All fencing and walls shall conform to the design guidelines set
forth in Section 2.10.6 of this document. The visual impacts of any retaining walls, if
over 6' in height and exposed to an exterior view, will be mitigated with the installation
of climbing vines other plant material that will help conceal the plane of the wall. The
maximum wall height in this Planning Area shall be per the Wall Conditions table on
page 2.69.
• Landscaping: All community-wide landscape standards described in Section 2,
Community Design Elements shall be incorporated into the development phased within
this Planning Area. In addition, the following specific landscape concepts shall be
included in the development of this Planning Area. All setbacks shall be landscaped.
Manufactured landscape theme of the Resort and will be maintained by the Resort
operator.
• Open Space: Views to and from the golf course and surrounding open space should be
maximized for the CDUs in this Planning Area.
• Trails: Trails are delineated in Section 2.11.3. Trails are treated with consistent
plant material to define and reinforce the high quality resort character by using vertical
palm arrangements coupled with lower, secondary Canopy Tree planting between the
palms to provide a well-organized and recognizable path between resort facilities.
Trails throughout the Resort campus will be constructed of DG on native soil, asphalt,
concrete and other materials; and will provide extensions to existing sidewalks and paths
currently in place.
• Development: Development pursuant to this Master Plan shall not require a CUP, even
though it includes hotel use, as would otherwise be required pursuant to Section
21.28.015(5).
• Maximum Building Height: No building shall have more than three floors above
ground level.
• Special Building Criteria: To the extent that ancillary or temporary buildings or
structures may be required as described in Temporary and Interim Uses, the building
will be constructed to conform with Standards of construction delineated in section
21.110.160 of the Carlsbad Zoning Code to include:
• Construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with materials and utility
equip- ment resistant to flood damage.
• Construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed using methods and
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
105
practices that minimize flood damage.
• Construction and substantial improvements shall be constructed with electrical, heating,
ventilation, plumbing and air conditioning equipment and other service facilities
that are designed and/or located so as to prevent water from entering or
accumulating within the components during conditions of flooding.
• Provide for adequate drainage paths around structures on slopes to guide floodwaters
around and away from structures.
• All design for meeting the requirements for construction in the floodplain will be
certified by a registered professional engineer or architect to meet or exceed the
minimum City of Carlsbad Building Code criteria.
• Upon completion of the structure the elevation of the lowest floor including basement
shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or surveyor, or verified by
the city building inspector to be properly elevated. Such certification or verification shall
be provided to the floodplain administrator.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
106
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
107
3.2.7 PLANNING AREA 7
Site Location: This Planning Area represents the remainder parcels of the La Costa Resort and Spa Golf
Courses Open Space - the O-S portion of Planning area 7. Associated ancillary golf maintenance build-
ings and related golf supporting use is included in the Open space area of Planning Area 7. Resort Hotel
facilities, uses, and support facilities are not envisioned to substantially change in use with the approval
of the Master Plan as defined the C-2 area of Planning Area 7. This area is shown on the graphic in the
proceeding page.
Zoning P-C
Planning Area Zoning District O-S/C-2
Development Standards for the O-S portion of Planning Area 7: All golf course use and supporting
facilities shall conform to the City of Carlsbad Zoning Section 21.33 - O-S and as modified in this Master
Plan.
Development Standards for the C-2 portion of Planning Area 7: The Resort Hotel facilities and uses
which are not envisioned to substantially change with the approval of the Master Plan define are C-2 area
of Planning Area 7.
• In-room Mini-Bar Use: Mini bars shall be allowed in the C-2 zone of Planning Area 7 without a
Conditional Use Permit
• Development: Development pursuant to this Master Plan shall not require a CUP, even though it
includes hotel use, as would otherwise be required pursuant to Section 21.28.015(5).
• Maximum Building Height: No building shall have more than three floors above ground level.
Permitted Uses / Planning Area 7, C-2 and O-S: All hotel uses are allowed without requiring further
modification, as well as interim and permanent parking.
Temporary and Interim Uses Allowed / Planning Area 7, C-2 and O-S: On-site construction staging
and temporary site guard and construction office trailers and office modular units. Temporary outdoor
staging elements to facilitate resort operations for sporting events, i.e., golf and tennis tournament spec-
tator staging and seating, provided however that any tents shall require review by City fire department
and approval if required.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
108
SPECIAL DESIGN CRITERIA AND REGULATIONS FOR PLANNING AREA 7 C-2 AND O-S
The following identifies the modifications to the O-S zoning regulations that apply to Planning Area 7.
To the extent that anything provided herein is inconsistent with the regulations of the O-S zoning
designation, the provisions set forth herein shall control.
• Design: All community-wide design standards for architecture as described in Section 2 of this
Master Plan shall be embodied in the implementation of development in this planning area and
shall be consistent with the “Spanish Colonial” theme of the Resort renovations to date.
• Landscaping: All community-wide landscape standards described in Section 2, Community.
Design Elements shall be incorporated into renovations within this Planning Area. In addition, the
following specific landscape concepts shall be included in the development of this Planning Area.
All setbacks shall be landscaped. Manufactured slopes of this Planning Area shall be landscaped
to be consistent with the intent of the landscape theme of the Resort and will be maintained by the
resort operator.
• Maximum Allowable Wall Height: All fencing and walls shall conform to the design guide-
lines set forth in Section 2 of this document. Retaining wall conditions, if over 6' in height and
exposed to an exterior view, will be mitigated with plant pockets or structural systems that allow
for “planting” the wall. The maximum wall height in this Planning Area shall be per the Wall
Conditions table as previously discussed.
• Open Space: Views to and from the golf course and lagoon should be maximized for
continued renovations within.
• Parking: Pursuant to the City’s zoning code, parking shall conform to the standards set forth in
the Parking Needs Assessment document prepared in conjunction with this Master Plan.
• Trails: Trails are delineated in Section 2.11.3. Trails are treated with consistent plant
material to define and reinforce the high quality resort character by using vertical palm
arrangements coupled with lower, secondary Canopy Tree planting between the palms to provide a
well-organized and recognizable path between resort facilities. Trails throughout the Resort
campus will be constructed of DG on native soil, asphalt, concrete and other materials; and will
provide extensions to existing sidewalks and paths currently in place.
THE REALIGNMENT OF ARENAL LANE IN PLANNING AREA 7
Arenal Lane is realigned to address revisions in grades and to maximize efficiency of land use for both
residential open space and the adjacent Resort use.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
109
3.3 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS FOR THE MASTER PLAN
The Master Plan establishes the development standards for the La Costa Resort and Spa project area. The
La Costa Resort and Spa Master Plan consists of this Master Plan text, the Master Land Use Plan and
related Master Plan exhibits and technical appendices. The Master Plan area is divided into 7 individual
Planning Areas. Each of the Planning Areas has been established based on a number of factors including
natural and man made features, circulation system, product type and compatibility with adjacent land
uses.
The specific uses, square footage, and number of Commercial Dwelling Units within each Planning Area
shall be established by approval of this Master Plan.
3.3.1 DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC FACILITY PHASING
The Zone 6 Local Facilities Management Plan contains a detailed development phasing program. The
objective of the program is to coordinate the provision of public facilities and services with a projected
sequence and pattern of development. The project has been divided into 5 development phases. Each
phase has specific onsite and offsite improvements that are required prior to or concurrent with develop-
ment. Thresholds (Performance Standards) are established in the Zone 6 Local Facilities Management
Plan to ensure the appropriate timing of facilities and services. All public facility performance standards
identified in the Zone 6 Local Facilities Management Plan must be complied with as the Master Plan
develops.
3.3.2 TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAPS
A tentative subdivision map has been submitted concurrently with the submittal of the Master Plan. The
Planning Commission and City Council shall review the tentative subdivision map for approval pursuant
to this Master Plan. In their review of the map the Planning Commission and City Council shall not
approve the map unless they are able to make the findings that the map is consistent with the Master Plan,
Applicable Local Facilities Management Plans, the City’s Hillside Development Ordinance, if applicable,
and the provisions of Title 20 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, provided however, that where this is a con-
flict in regulations, this Master Plan shall control.
Subdivision maps will be processed pursuant to the City of Carlsbad Municipal Code.
THE LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA MASTER PLAN
110
3.3.3 MASTER PLAN AMENDMENTS
This Master Plan sets forth a general framework and specific development standards for the future
development of La Costa Resort and Spa. It is anticipated that various additional modifications to the
Master Plan text and exhibits will be necessary during the life of the project.
Future modifications to the Master Plan shall occur in accordance with the specific amendment process
described in this section. These amendments are divided into three categories described below and may
be initiated by the City Staff and/or property owner. Amendments must be consistent with the goals,
objectives and requirements of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, as modified by this Master Plan
and associated entitlements.
Upon determination by the Planning Director, modifications to the Master Plan uses, text and/or graphics
may be approved by an administrative amendment without public notice and/or hearing upon a finding
that the modification is in substantial conformance with the approved Master Plan. All Master Plan
modifications found by the Planning Director not to be of a minor nature or not in substantial
conformance with the approved Master Plan shall require an amendment that shall be processed in
accordance with Section 21.38.120 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
NON-ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENTS
Minor modifications to the Master Plan as approved shall not require administrative or formal
amendments (i.e. through Staff review or public hearing). The Developer has authority to make minor
modifications to the Master Plan as follows:
a. Modifications to facilities to insure safety of the Resort guests and visitors of the Resort.
b. Realignment or modifications of internal pedestrian pathways servicing the project consistent with
the circulation concepts of the Master Plan.
c. Minor amendments to site sign locations to address operational and safety issues and
operational functions of the Resort.
d. Minor modification of design features such as paving treatments, fencing, lighting, trails, entry
treatments and landscape treatments if consistent with the intent of the Design Guidelines of the
Master Plan.
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ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENTS
Upon determination by the Planning Director, certain minor modifications to the Master Plan text and/or
graphics as approved may be approved by an administrative amendment without public notice and/or
hearing. The Planning Director (or his staff) has the authority to approve the following changes or admin-
istrative amendments to the Master Plan:
a. Expansions or reductions to the geographic Planning Areas up to 25% in area may be allowed
by the Planning Director if the overall unit yield or use allocation specified for the Planning Area
in Section 3 of this Master Plan does not increase.
b. Realignment or modifications of internal streets servicing the project if approved by the City
Engineer.
c. Minor changes to subsequently approved Site Development Plans provided such amendments
do not increase the approved densities or inordinately modify boundaries of the Site Development
Plan, nor permit a new use or group of uses not shown on the approved Site Development Plan.
d. Design modifications to features such as paving treatments, fencing, lighting, trails, entry treat-
ments and landscape treatments.
FORMAL AMENDMENTS
All Master Plan modifications which do not meet the criteria of a Non-Administrative or Administrative
Amendment as provided in this chapter shall require a formal amendment to the Master Plan. A formal
amendment shall be processed pursuant to Section 21.38.120 (P-C Zone) of the Carlsbad Municipal
Code.
Any request for a formal amendment to the Master Plan shall require serious consideration as it relates
to the intent of the original Master Plan. As a condition of consideration of any formal amendment to the
Master Plan, it shall be the applicant’s responsibility to:
a. Ensure the amendment meets the goals and objectives of the original Master Plan for development.
b. Ensure that any impacts to the Master Plan resulting from the amendment can be
satisfactorily mitigated within the guidelines of the California Environmental Quality Act.
c. Update any Master Plan studies and/or provide additional studies when determined necessary to
comply with the California Environmental Quality Act.
d. Provide a strikeout/underline copy of the Master Plan Text when changes are necessary and
update any Master Plan exhibits affected by the amendment.
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3.3.4 ENFORCEMENT
All land uses and operations within the Master Plan shall be subject to on going monitoring to ensure
compliance with the terms and conditions of the Master Plan. The City may initiate a master plan
amendment at any time to initiate public hearings to address any compliance
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T H E L A C O S TA
R E S O R T A N D S PA
M A S T E R P L A N
SECTION 4: SIGN PROGRAM
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4 THE LA CO S TA MASTER PLAN SIGN PROGRAM
The City's Sign Ordinance is set forth in Section 21.41 of the City Code. Section 21.41.060 of the Carlsbad
Zoning Code allows for a Master Plan to delineate a site specific “Sign Program.” This element of the
Master Plan complies with the intent of Section 21.41.060 and applicable subsections by presenting a
cohesive program of signs for the La Costa campus with this program.
Upon approval of the Master Plan Sign Program, the standards set forth herein shall become the guide-
lines for regulating allowable sign elements in connection with future development pursuant to the
Master Plan, notwithstanding any subsequent amendments or revisions to the City's Sign Ordinance. Per
Section 21.41.060D, if required by the Planning Director, additional detailed structural, mechanical,
architectural, and landscape details and drawings may be required in order to comply with building code
compliance and construction permitting requirements of the City of Carlsbad.
The La Costa Master Plan Sign Program is presented as related sign types which include to following
elements depicted graphically below:
COSTA DEL MAR ROAD ENTRY ELEVATION
THE MASTER PLAN SIGN PROGRAM HIERARCHY
• Primary Entry Monument Signs
• Secondary Monument Signs
• Tertiary Monument Signs
• CDU Enclave Identification Signs
• La Costa Campus Facility and Minor Directional Sign
• La Costa Campus Street Name Signs
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T H E L A CO S TA R E S O R T A N D S PA M A S T E R P L
A N
COSTA DEL MAR ROAD ENTRY CONCEPT
4.1 PRIMARY ENTRY MONUMENT SIGNS
Description of Sign Element: Permanent Primary Community Entry Monument signs will identify the La
Costa Resort and Spa at the intersection of El Camino Real Blvd. and Costa Del Mar Road.
ARENAL ROAD ENTRY CONCEPT
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4.2 SECONDARY MONUMENT SIGNS
Description of Sign Element: One permanent Secondary Community sign which identifies the northwest
campus boundary of the La Costa Resort and Spa.
4.3 TERTIARY MONUMENT SIGNS
Description of Sign Element: Permanent tertiary community entry signs serve to identify the Resort at
the intersection of Arenal Road and Estrella De Mar Road.
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4.4 CDU ENCLAVE IDENTIFICATION SIGNS
Description of Sign Element: Permanent CDU Villa Enclave Entry Signs serve to identify individual
enclaves within the overall Resort Campus.
4.5 LA COSTA CAMPUS FACILITY AND MINOR DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
Description of Sign Element: Permanent facility entry signs mark entrances and give the resort visitor
direction to resort hotel buildings, restaurants and retail facilities, resort golf and tennis facilities.
Permanent minor campus directional signs direct traffic to major facilities within the campus e.g. Fitness
Center, Kid’s Club, Patio Dining Restaurant, etc., shall be located discretely at each building or site
facility throughout the La Costa Campus.
One Permanent Campus Facility Sign shall be allowed at the intersection of El Camino Real and Costa Del
Mar Road and is illustrated in elevation below.
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4.6 LA COSTA CAMPUS STREET NAME SIGNS
Description of Sign Element: Street control signs will be utilized to direct pedestrian and vehicular traf-
fic throughout the master plan area.
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4.7 LA COSTA RESORT VILLA SIGNS
Description of Sign Element: To identify future development and direct traffic to Villa development areas,
sign “Coming Soon” type of sign as shown above. The quantity, locations, and sizes shall conform to this
sign program and shall be consistent with the purpose of this section of the Master Plan, and may be
reviewed and approved by the Planning Director and/or his staff.
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4.8 SIGN PROGRAM COMPLIANCE WITH CARLSBAD SIGN ORDINANCE
Applicable City Sign Ordinance sections and text is highlighted in bold text below. Each key criteria
from the Sign Ordinance is summarized below, along with a comparison of how the Sign Program
complies with those criteria. As shown below, the Sign Program does not vary from the Sign Ordinance
criteria. The key sign criteria elements presented for comparison include:
• Quantity of Sign Elements
• Location of Sign Elements
• Sight Distance to and from Sign Elements
• Size of Sign Elements
• Copy on Sign Elements
• Materials and Colors of Sign Elements
• Illumination of Sign Elements
a. Quantity: Per Section 21.41.095 Permitted permanent signs, (2) sign monument are allowed for
Resort Hotels - Per 21.41.095 Permitted permanent signs - Signs on entry walls or retaining
walls (e.g., curved, angled or similar walls integrated into a project entry or perimeter) are
encouraged. In cases where such walls are on both sides of an entry drive, two signs (each at less
than the maximum allowable square footage) are permitted. Wall mounted signs - one per street
frontage is allowed. Directional signs - five per driveway opening are allowed.
• Primary Entry Monument Signs
Two (2) are allowed in the Ordinance. One monument at each side of Costa Del Mar R
o a d approximately 175’ apart from one-another along El Camino Real Blvd.
• Secondary Monument Signs
One is at the southeast corner of Arenal Road and El Camino Real Blvd.
• Tertiary Monument Signs
Two (2) are allowed in the Ordinance. One s p l i t - monument at each side of Estrella De
Mar approximately 135’ apart from each-other along Arenal Road and one on El Camino
Real north of Costa Del Mar Road.
• CDU Enclave Identification Signs
As shown on page 4.11, a maximum of two per Enclave driveway opening for a total of ten
site wide.
• La Costa Campus Facility and Minor Directional Signs
As shown on page 4.11, a maximum of 5 per project driveway opening for a total of fifteen
site- wide.
• La Costa Campus Street Name Signs
As shown on page 4.11, a maximum of one per project and E ncla ve driveway opening
for a total of ten signs site wide.
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b. Location: Per Section 21.41.080(E), signs must be located as to not interfere with the
unobstructed clear view of the public right-of-way and nearby traffic regulatory signs of any
pedestrian, bicyclist or motor vehicle driver. All locations of signs are delineated as shown on
page 4.11 with the exception of temporary and "Special Event" signs that will be reviewed and
approved in connection with a Special Use Permit or other approval.
• Primary Entry Monument Signs
This sign is located at the intersection of El Camino Real and Costa Del Mar Road and is
set-back an adequate distance so as not to interfere with the unobstructed clear view of the
public right-of- way and nearby traffic regulatory signs and signals.
• Secondary Monument Signs
This sign is located at the intersection of El Camino Real and Arenal Road and is set
back an adequate distance so as not to interfere with the unobstructed clear view of the
public right-of-way and near by traffic regulatory signs and signals.
• Tertiary Monument Signs
This sign is located at the intersection of Arenal Road and Estrella De Mar Road and is set
back an adequate distance so as not to interfere with the unobstructed clear view of the
public right-of-way and nearby traffic regulatory signs.
• CDU Enclave Identification Signs
All locations are delineated as shown on page 4.11.
• La Costa Campus Facility and Minor Directional Signs
All locations are delineated as shown on Page 4.11. Signs shall be placed so as to aid in
directing or to prohibit guests, service vendors and service providers.
• La Costa Campus Street Name Signs
All locations are delineated as shown on page 4.11 with the exception of temporary and
"Special Event" signs that will be reviewed and approved in connection with a Special Use
Permit or other approval.
c. Sight Distance: No sign or sign structure shall be placed or constructed so that it impairs the
sight distance requirements at any public or private street intersection or driveway. Per Section
21.41.080 - Sign Design Standards. All sign elements presented herein will comply will all
applicable Carlsbad Building and Safety, and Engineering Department design and site
placement regulations to assure adequate sight distance is maintained.
• Primary Entry Monument Signs
These monuments are sited so as to insure adequate sight distance between the street
frontages and the improvements for the sign element.
• Secondary Monument Signs
These monuments are sited so as to insure adequate sight distance between the street
frontages and the improvements for the sign element.
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• Tertiary Monument Signs
These monuments are sited so as to insure adequate sight distance between the street frontages
and the improvements for the sign element.
• CDU Enclave Identification Signs
These monuments are sited so as to insure adequate sight distance between the street
frontages and the improvements for the sign element.
• La Costa Campus Facility and Minor Directional Signs
These minor sign elements are placed so as to insure adequate sight distance between the
street frontages, walkways and the sign element.
• La Costa Campus Street Name Signs
These minor sign elements are placed so as to insure adequate sight distance between the
street frontages, walkways and the sign element.
d. Size: The size of all signs listed below comply with the Sign Ordinance.
• Primary Entry Monument Signs
Copy of area of sign element on each wall not to exceed 50 square feet per current
Ordinance. Maximum height of lettering, 18''. Signage complies.
• Secondary Monument Signs
Copy of area of sign element on each wall not to exceed 50 square feet per Current
Ordinance. Maximum height of lettering, 18''. Signage complies.
• Tertiary Monument Signs
Copy of area of sign element on each wall not to exceed 50 square feet per Current
Ordinance. Maximum height of lettering, 18''. Signage complies.
• CDU Enclave Identification Signs
Copy of area of sign element on each wall not to exceed 50 square feet per Current
Ordinance. Maximum height of lettering, 18''. Signage complies.
• La Costa Campus Facility and Minor Directional Signs
Copy of area shall not exceed 10 square feet per Current Ordinance. Maximum height
of lettering, 18''. The Campus Facility Sign located at the intersection of El Camino Real and
Costa Del Mar Road includes six sign placards approximately 24 inches by 24 inches .
• La Costa Campus Street Name Signs
Copy of area of sign element on each wall not to exceed 10 square feet per Current Ordinance. Maximum height of lettering, 18''. Signage complies.
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e. Copy:
• Primary Entry Monument Signs
Copy restricted to community identification only (e.g. La Costa Resort and Spa) 21.41.095
Permitted permanent signs - Resort Hotels
• Secondary Monument Signs
Copy restricted to community identification only (e.g. La Costa Resort and Spa) 21.41.095
Permitted permanent signs - Resort Hotels
• Tertiary Monument Signs
Copy restricted to community identification only (e.g. La Costa Resort and Spa) 21.41.095
Permitted permanent signs - Resort Hotels
• CDU Enclave Identification Signs
Permanent copy restricted to neighborhood identification only e.g. "La Costa Resort and Spa
Commercial Dwelling Unit #5" or similar text.
• La Costa Campus Facility and Minor Directional Signs
Permanent copy restricted to facility or directional identification only e.g. "La Costa Resort
and Spa Fitness Club", "Service Vehicle Entrance", "No deliveries - Service entry at Main
entrance", "Tour bus entry" or similar text.
• La Costa Campus Street Name Signs
The "Copy Area" of all signs listed above comply with the Sign Ordinance.
f. Materials and Colors: The Material and Color palette for all sign types listed above are
derived from prominent architectural finishes within the project such as stucco and masonry
walls, and wood trellises on stucco columns; sign element - individual dimensional wrought
iron letters. The principal color of the signage background element is white with contrasting
wrought iron. The materials and colors of all signs listed below comply with the Sign
Ordinance.
• Primary Entry Monument Signs
• Secondary Monument Signs
• Tertiary Monument Signs
• CDU Enclave Identification Signs
• La Costa Campus Facility and Minor Directional Signs
• La Costa Campus Street Name Signs
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g. Illumination: Per Section 21.41.080 Illumination from or upon any sign shall be shaded, shield- ed,
directed or reduced so as to minimize light spillage onto the public right-of-way or adjacent properties.
Externally illuminated signs shall be lighted by screened or hidden light sources. Free- standing and
building-mounted signs shall either be non-illuminated or externally illuminated, except for signs
with opaque backgrounds which give the appearance of individual channel letters and changeable copy
signs.
• Primary Entry Monument Signs
• Secondary Monument Signs
• Tertiary Monument Signs
• CDU Enclave Identification Signs
• La Costa Campus Facility and Minor Directional Signs
• La Costa Campus Street Name Signs
All sign lighting elements listed above within this Master Plan comply with the Sign Ordinance.
Landscape lighting for all sign elements listed above shall be located to subtly highlight sign
elements, plant material and wall without featuring the light source.
4.9 THE LA COSTA SIGN LOCATION DIAGRAM
Figure 16 depicts t h e s i x sign types within in the La Costa Master Sign Program and their g e n e r a l
location on and off of the site. Locations are diagrammatic and may be changed to address sight
distance, safety consideration, and placements based on existing site features such a trees, shrubs, mounding,
and other location criteria.
4.10 EXISTING LA COSTA CAMPUS SIGN REGULATION
Figure 16 depicts existing a n d p r o p o s e d signs on the La Costa Campus. Any changes to existing signs
shall comply with the regulations set forth in Section 21.41.130 if applicable.
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FIGURE 16 - MASTER SITE SIGN PROGRAM
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