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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-11-05; Planning Commission; MinutesCITY OF CARLSBAD Minutes of: PLANNING COMMISSION Date of Meeting: November 5, 1980 Time of Meeting: 7:00 P.M. Place of Meeting: City Council Chambers CALL TO 'ORDER was made by Chairman Marcus ROLL CALL at 7:02 P.M. PRESENT: CHAIRMAN MARCUS COMMISSIONERS ROMBOTIS, FRIESTEDT, LARSON, JOSE AND L'HEUREUX, ABSENT: COMMISSIONER LEEDS Ex-Officio member Dan Hentschke, Assistant City Attorney, was also present. Staff members present were: Richard Allen, Principal Civil Engineer Charles Grimm, Associate Planner PLEDGE 'OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairman Marcus. AGENDA 'ITEM COMMUNICATIONS Chairman Marcus advised that she would present a letter concerning Resolution No. 1687 at the end of this meeting. 'PIANNING COMMISSION PROCEDURE Chairman Marcus explained Planning Commission procedures in its capacity as an advisory commission to the City Council and identified those matters delegated to the Planning Commission for a final decision. Chairman Marcus further explained the procedure observed by the Commission during public hearing items. PUBLIC 'HEARINGS 1. 5'5 CB') - UKEGAWA - Request for amendment to Land Use Element from Non-Residential Reserve to Planned Industrial on property located on the south side of Palomar Airport Road near Laurel Tree Road. - With the aid of the overhead projector, Charles Grimm presented the staff report. He advised that the property in question is currently in the county and also in the coastal zone. The application for the change in designation to Planned Industrial is perhaps a little premature at this point because there is no existing development around the site. However, it is recognized that a problem exists for a property owner, when his property is designated Non-Residential Reserve, in obtaining financing from lending institutions because of their reluctance to provide loans on property with no clear cut land use designation. Mr. Grimm indicated the basic reason that staff were recommending approval on the General Plan Amendment at this time was that a Specific Plan would be done for the site which would control both land use and the time of development. Staff feels that Planned Industrial designation is appropriate for this site. Mr. Grimm pointed out that under the Non-Residential Reserve designation in the General Plan it is stated that the burden of proof to reclassify such property lies with the developer. In this case the developer has provided some information with regard to this section of the General Plan and he feels it is appropriate for industrial use. Mr. Grimm further pointed out that this property is in the Coastal Commission LCP area. Staff has been in contact with the consultant on the LCP who indicated that perhaps this area should be designated for industrial use. It is therefore felt that the Planning Commission should direct staff to prepare the appropriate documents to approve GPA-55(B). Commissioner Jose then sought clarification as to whether the Commission was being asked to actually change present zoning. Mr. Grimm replied that they were not being requested to alter zoning but to change the General Plan on this property to Planned Industrial. Chairman Marcus opened the public hearing at 7:12 P.M. and invited the applicant to speak. The Commission recognized Joe Sandy of P.0 Box 590, Carlsbad, who advised that he agreed with the points raised by staff and would add two more points. The property in question has not been in agricultural production for 15 years and the Coastal Commission has given a development permit for the inteended use of an agricultural packing facility. Since no one else wished to speak, the public hearing closed at 7:13 P.M. Commissioner Jose commented that he had no objection to the Commission considering this an industrial area but he was not prone to go along with rezoning property not in the city and which would not become part of the city until annexation. Commissioner Jose further commented that, while he realized property owners could not get financing until their land is rezoned, he felt the Commission was in effect aiding owners of such property to increase its value by taking this action and, in this particular case, it was somewhat premature since the property in question is not part of the city. PC Minutes of 11/5/80 PzlrrP Twn 13) - Mr. Grimm replied that the fact an owner cannot get financing should not be a reason for approval by the Commission. Under state law a city can change a General Plan designation for property not in the city as this property is in the city's sphere of influence. This is not a zone change. Cormnissioner Friestedt then asked if staff had had a chance to see a Site Development Plan. Mr. Grimm advised that they had not although they had discussed intended uses, one of which was a tomato processing plant. A Specific Plan will be required, at which time a great deal of scrutiny of the property will take place. Based on discussions, the Commission approved the following motion: THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT 55(B). MOTION: Commissioner Rombotis SECOND: Commissioner Larson AYES: Chairman Marcus, Commissioner Rombotis, Friestedt and Larson NOES: Commissioner Jose ABSTAIN: Commissioner L'Heureux 2. - '55'(C) k O'HARA - Request for amendment to the Circulation Element to delte two secondary arterials, Los Manos Road and San Francisco Peak Road currently designated east of El Camino Real between College Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road and request amendment to the Land Use Element to change the designation from RLM to RL in one area from RLM to RL in one area, from RIM to a Combination District in two areas, and from NRR to 0 in another area. All areas were shown with the use of an overhead projection. Charles Grimm presented the staff report with the aid of the projector. On the first application, under the Land Use Element the applicant has proposed a change on 25 acres from Residential Low Medium density to a combination district comprising residential, high density, professional and related commercial and community commercial designations. It was felt this is an acceptable use for this area because of high noise factors. It would also act as a buffer area between El Camino Real and residential uses farther inland. The second request is essentially the same as the first application. The applicant, in further discussions with Current Planning Section, has now expressed the wish to add the Community Commercial designation to this particular property. He is therefore seeking the same change as on the first area discussed. In the next request covering 53 acres on the west side of El Camino Real, Mr. Grimm advised that because of development problems the applicant has agreed to withdraw this particular application. PCMinutes of 11/5/80 Page 3 - Mr. Grimm then discussed the inter-relation of the last two requests and the applicant's desire for either the deletion or realignment of Los Manos Way and the deletion of San Francisco Peak Road. The applicant has proposed a lower density in this area with a large estate type development. Mr. Grimm commented that it is felt the Commission should initiate a resolution of intention to look at the feasibility of realigning Los Manos so staff can take a comprehensive look at the entire area and conduct a traffic study. Commissioner jose sought clarification on whether it was correct that Los Manos Way connected with Palomar Airport Road further east of El Camino Real and west of Carlsbad Raceway where an industrial development plan was approved years ago although nothing had transpired since. Mr. Grimm stated that Los Manos Way was proposed to connect with Melrose Avenue which feeds down into Palomar Airport Road. Commissioner Jose then commented that, in looking at develop- ments of this nature, he was concerned about El Camino Real becoming one commercial development after another. Since that area is presently vacant he felt there was a good opportunity for some excellent planning to be done to ensure that El Camino Real does not become the unattractive mass of commercial activity evident in so many areas. Mr. Grimm concurred with the Commissioner's feelings and advised there is a Specific Plan on this property. He also commented that it is policy not to allow any direct access to El Camino Real. Chairman Marcus opened the public hearing at 7:27 P.M. The Commission recognized Mike Zander, 906 Woodrow Drive, Cardiff, who advised that he concurred with staff's rec- ommendations. In response to a question from Commissioner Larson, Mr. Zander pointed out on the graphic the areas for which the desired changes are sought. He advised that on one of the properties it is desired that a tennis club be built at the rear of what will be a high quality office park. It was discovered that if a clubhouse and cocktail lounge were to be included then they would be required to have a commercial designation. The Commission then recognized Mr. Robert Kelly, 2770 Sunny Creek Road, Carlsbad. Mr. Kelly is the owner of the adjoining property and he expressed concern that the original intent of the industrial type commercial area was on top of the Mesa farther to the south and he was becoming worried about the spread. Mr. Grimm commented that it would a policy decision of the City Council as to whether the land is ultimately developed as proposed and a Specific Plan would be required allowing the city close scrutiny of the placement of buildings, streets, etc. The public hearing closed at 7:38 P.M. PC Minutes of 11/5/80 a The Commissioners hen discussed the changes-ith Commissioner . ,d Larson speaking 1 .&her on the points raised .y Mr. Kelly and Commissioner Jose concerning the spread of commercial development in the area. Et was felt that a cut off should occur possibly at College Blvd. The Commission further discussed the property east of College and north of el Camino Real. It _- was decided each item should be handled separately and the following resolution was approved: THAT THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE DELETION OF SAN FRANCISCO PEAK ROAD FROM THE CIRCULATION ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN. MOTION: COMMISSIONER ROMBOTIS SECOND: COMMISSIONER JOSE AYES: CHAIRMAN MARCUS, COMMISSIONERS JOSE, LARSON, FRIESTEDT, ROMBOTIS ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONER L'HEUREUX Discussion then centered on the resolution of intent covering the property east of College Blvd. and north of El Camino Real. The Assistant City Attorney advised that if the Commission wanted to express their intent to process a General Plan Amend- ment they should say so and staff could then come back with the necessary documents to approve and sign. He commented that when there are no documents it is difficult to adopt a resolution. The Commission then approved the following motions: THAT THE REQUEST FOR A CHANGE FROM RESIDENTIAL LOW MEDIUM DENSITY TO COMBINATION DISTRICT COMPRISED OF HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL, COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL AND RELATED COMMERCIAL AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTER- SECTION OF COLLEGE BLVD. AND EL CAMINO REAL BE DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE. MOTION: COMMISSIONER LARSON SECOND: COMMISSIONER ROMBOTIS AYES: CHAIRMAN MARCUS, COMMISSIONERS JOSE, LARSON, FRIESTEDT AND ROMBOTIS ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONER L'HEUREUX THAT THE COMMISSION APPROVE A DESIGNATION CHANGE FROM RESIDENTIAL LOW MEDIUM DENSITY TO A COMBINATION DISTRICT COMPRISED OF RESIDENTIAL HIGH DENSITY, COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL AND RELATED COMMERCIAL ON PROPERTY ADJACENT TO EL CAMINO REAL SOUTH EAST OF COLLEGE BLVD. MOTION: COMMISSIONER LARSON SECOND: COMMISSIONER ROMBOTIS AYES: CHAIRMAN MARCUS, COMMISSIONERS JOSE, LARSON, FRIESTEDT AND ROMBOTIS ABSTAIN: 'COMMISSIONER L'HEUREUX THAT THE COMMISSION DENY WITHOUT PREJUDICE THE REQUEST TO DELETE OR REALIGN LOS MANOS WAY AND TO CHANGE 270 ACRES FROM RESIDENTIAL LOW MEDIUM DENSITY TO RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY AND THAT THE COMMISSION APPROVE A MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION OF INTEN- TION TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING FOR A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT FOR THIS AREA FOLLOWING A STUDY OF CIRCULATION AND LAND USE BY STAFF TO COME FORWARD ON DECEMBER 1OTH FOR REVIEW. ;;C&f;utes of 11/5/SO MOTION: COMMISSIONER FRIESTEDT SECOND: COMMISSIONER JOSE AYES: CHAIRMAN MARCUS, COMMISSIONERS JOSE, LARSON, FRIESTEDT AND ROMBOTIS. ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONER L'HEUREUX 3. 5,5,(D)' -' MOLA - Request for amendment to Land Use Element from Residential Medium Density to Community Commercial on property located at the northwest corner of El Camino Real and Alga Road. Charles Grimm detailed the staff report with the aid of a graphic. He pointed out that the site is presently vacant and currently in the County as well as under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Commission. The commercial use would be appropriate for this location and a study for La Costa indicates the area can support more commercial than currently designated in the General Plan. The Commission discussed the property in question and Commissioner Jose once again expressed his displeasure at the number of commercial developments being considered on El Camino Real. In this regard Mr. Grimm pointed out that there are few commercial designations within La Costa itself and it is unlikely any more would develop except those designated. Chairman Marcus opened the public hearing at 8:Ol P.M. The Commission recognized Mr. Jim Hicks, 2530 La Gran Via, Carlsbad, who concurred with staff's recommendations. He advised that he had received letters of intent from a major supermarket, major drugstore and interest expressed by three Savings & Loan Associations and banks. Because of the projected growth of La Costa and the location of this property it was felt this would be the best use. He also advised that the marketability of the property on the opposite corner, about which the Commission had expressed interest, was limited because of no direct access on El Camino Real. Chariman Marcus then asked if anyone wished to speak against this project. The Commission recognized Mr. David Corson, 7228 Mimosa Drive, Carlsbad, Vice President of the Greater La Costa Homeowners Assn., and representing the Seaport Homeowners Assn. He expressed the extreme concern of homeowners in Seaport and their opposition to development of a supermarket and drugstore on property adjacent to Alga Road which is the only present access to Seaport. He pointed out the present traffic problems and advised the neighborhood had expressed no interest in having any commercial establishment on that corner. The Commission was asked to recognize the opposition of the neighborhood to this development and to respect their feelings in the matter. At this point Mr. Grimm advised that if this particular property does not go commercial then the one on the southwest corner probably would. PC Minutes of 11/5/80 Page 6 and this could create even greater problems for Seaport. He mentioned that should this development be approved then it was believed there was less likelihood of the southwest corner being commercially developed. Mr. Hicks then spoke again pointing out that he agreed with Commissioner Jose regarding strip commercial development. However, this property is the only one available in the city for a major supermarket which has a primary and a major street intersecting. The public hearing was closed at 8:14 P.M. After discussing the traffic situation on Alga Road, the Commission approved the following motion: THAT THE COMMISSION APPROVE GPA 55 (D) MOTION: COMMISSIONER ROMBOTIS SECOND: COMMISSIONER FRIESTEDT AYES: CHAIRMAN MARCUS, COMMISSIONERS LARSON, FRIESTEDT AND ROMBOTIS NOES: COMMISSIONER JOSE ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONER L'HEUREUX 4. 55(E) -WHITNEY - Request for amendment to the Land .- Use Element from Planned Industrial to Travel Service on property located on the west side of Paseo de1 Norte and approximately .25 miles south of Palomar Airport Road. Charles Grimm presented the staff report and pointed out that nearby properties are in the Travel Service zone. He also added that it was not felt traffic would be aproblem. However, he read the City council's resolution which a similar request was denied because of the proximity of the Encina Treatment Plant and the odor problem for a motel development. Commissioner Jose asked whether the Council, in taking this action to preclude the change of the former designation to Travel Service, had done so becuase the applicant requested a denial. Mr. Grimm advised that initially the Council had recommended approval of the application. However, after the applicant sold part of the property to someone who wanted it for industrial use, the Council in their statement said they thought it was not suited for Travel Service. Commissioner Jose then expressed the opinion that he felt this is one intersection which could stand motels. He further stated that he felt the problem of odor would be the applicant's once the motel is built and the designation of Travel Service is appropriate for this site. PC Minutes of 11/5/80 Page 7 - Mr. Grimm added that staff had no problem with the site be&g Travel Service. The recommendation was merely becaase of the potential odor problem. Chairman Marcus opened the public hearing at 8:25 P.M. The Commission recognized Ron Whitney of California 6 Motels, 1156 South 7th Avenue, LaCienda Heights, Ca. 91745. He stated that he wished to emphasize two points. Both Dennys and Hadleys, just to the north of this property, and Pea Soup Andersen north of Palomar Airport Road had been approved for Travel Service. The applicant realized thAT THERE HAVE BEEN SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS ARE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION ON J The applicant realized that there have been substantial improvements made to the sewer plant in recent years and further improvements are scheduled for completion on January 1, 1983. Based upon their current schedule, construction would not begin until July 1981 with facilities opening in January 1982 shortly before completion of improvements to the plant. The applicant produced a letter, and supplied copies to the Commissioners, from Dennis Reid, General Manager of the Encina Water Pollution Control Facility which indicates current feelings as to the use of that property. A copy of the letter is contained in these minutes. :- The Commission then recognized Mr. Moore, 6503 El Camino Real, who advised that he had lived in this area for quite some time and felt that Pea Soup Andersen would be more heavily affected by the odor problem because of the direction of breezes in this area. He felt that development in this location should be Travel Service to be consistent with other neighboring properties and it would be in the City's interest to grant the application. The public hearing closed at 8:33 P.M. Based upon discussions the Commission approved the following motion: THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVE GPA 55(E) MOTION: COMMISSIONER JOSE SECOND: COMMISSIONER FRIESTEDT AYES: CHAIRMAN MARCUS, COMMISSIONERS JOSE, LARSON, FRIESTEDT, ROMBOTIS ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONER L'HEUREUX ADDITIONAL BUSINESS Chairman Marcus then wished entered into the record a letter from Mr. James Runzo concerning Resolution 1687 in which he was denied a variance. Commissioner Larson raised the question of instructing staff to prepare a resolution thanking Chairman Schick for his service to the Commission. The Commission requested that staff determine whether anything had been done to thank him for his services. PC Minutes of 11/5/80 Page 8 ADJOURNMENT .- , By proper motion the Commission adjourned at 8:38 P.M. Respectfully submitted, JAMES C. HaGAMAN Secretary to the Planning Commission PC Mi%utes of 11/5/80 Page 9