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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-06-17; Planning Commission; Minutes.** - / ---9 Meeting of: 2 MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 6:00 p.m. Date of Meeting: June 17, 1987 Place of Meeting: City Council Chambers COMMISSIONERS Y CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Marcus called the Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Chairman Marcus. ROLL CALL: Present - Chairman Marcus, Commissioners Hall, Holmes, McBane, McFadden, Schlehuber, and Schramm Staff Members Present: Michael Holzmiller, Planning Director Charles Grimm, Assistant Planning Director Mike Howes, Senior Planner Gary Wayne, Senior Planner Bobbie Hoder, Senior Management Analyst Phil Carter, Senior Management Analyst Ron Ball, Assistant City Attorney Lloyd Hubbs, City Engineer David Hauser, Assistant City Engineer Stuart Gary, Fire Department Battalion Chief PLANNING COMMISSION PROCEDURES: Chairman Marcus reviewed the Planning Commission procedures, shown on the transparency, for the benefit of the audience. Chairman Marcus noted that Item 5) on the Agenda was incorrectly listed as a public hearing. She announced to the gallery that persons wishing to speak on Item 5) would be required to complete a Request to Speak form in advance. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE ON ITEMS NOT LISTED IN THE AGENDA: There were no comments from the audience. AGENDA ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ITEMS TO BE CONTINUED: Commissioner Schramm requested a clarification item on the Kates CUP prior to approval of the minutes. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1) CUP-297 - CARLSBAD UNION CHURCH - Request for approval of a conditional use permit to develop a 30,004 square foot church/multi-purpose building at the northeast corner of the intersection of Jefferson Street and Pine Avenue in the R-3 zone. The project is within Local Facilities Management Plan Zone 1. Gary Wayne, Senior Planner , reviewed the background of the request and stated that the proposed project is for a 30,004 square foot church/multi-purpose building to be built at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Pine Avenue. The proposed structure would be two stories over a subterranean parking area containing 100 parking spaces. The first floor (19,454 sq. ft.) would consist of a church sanctuary with a seating capacity of 1,200 movable seats, mens' and womens' locker rooms and restrooms, a choir/music room, a kitchen, meeting/counseling rooms, and a daycare facility. The second floor balcony (10,550 sq. ft.) will have a seating capacity of 400 and open space which will be partitioned into classrooms as required. The existing classrooms on the site (16,283 sq. ft.) would remain for classroom use. The L - MINUTES ” June 17, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 2 proposed project includes two existing parking lots and would add two more parking lots for a total parking capacity of 244 spaces. The proposed project , which would replace the existing church and 11 homes, would function as a multi-purpose center where religious, athletic, social, educational, and cultural activities can be conducted. Two of the houses scheduled for demolition have been determined to be of historical value, the original Church structure dedicated in 1926 at the corner of Jefferson and Pine, and the Gaus House at the corner of Jefferson and Oak. Staff has added a condition to the CUP to mitigate the removal of these two buildings. Staff feels the seating capacity should be limited to 1,450 due to insufficient parking. A credit of 45 spaces was given for on-street parking and a credit of 95 spaces was given for walkers who attend services at the church. In addition, staff recommends a limited seating of 1,220 for ancillary uses because it is felt that the walker credit would not apply in this instance. With the conditions imposed, staff can make the findings and recommends approval. Commissioner McFadden inquired where the elevator would be located and Gary Wayne replied that there was no elevator since it was not required by code. He noted that handicapped parking and ramps would be provided at grade. Commissioner McFadden inquired if Victory Christian School would remain at their present location. Mr. Wayne replied that Victory Christian School had been notified that they will be cut back to 50% by December 1987 and no guarantee of any usage by summer 1988. If this project is approved, he stated that the school would be phased out since the design of the new structure is not compatible with the school usage. Commissioner Schramm inquired of the City Attorney if, as a member of the Union Church congregation, she would be permitted to continue on this item. Mr. Ball replied that since Commissioner Schramm does not have any economic interest and is not an officer or employee of the church, she would not have a conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act or Government Code Section 1090. If Commissioner Schramm can make an impartial judgement, she would be permitted to continue. Commissioner Holmes inquired of staff how handicapped persons can get upstairs to classrooms without an elevator in the building. Mr. Wayne replied that there would be no way for handicapped persons to reach the second floor. Chairman Marcus declared the public hearing open and issued the invitation to speak. Barry Jones, 3760 Catalina Drive, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he is the Senior Pastor of the Carlsbad Union Church, the applicant. He stated that the church has been part of the community for 64 years and that the church has outgrown their present facilities and needs additional room for mid-week activities. They currently hold three church services on Sunday. He requested consideration of the Commission to 1) maintain proposed seating capacity at 1,600 since average church attendance is 80% of capacity and they feel that they can provide additional parking if )b * ’ . ’ . P n MINUTES June 17, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 3 , COMMISSIONERS \ necessary; 2) do not limit seating to 1,220 for ancillary use since it may cause a problem on Christmas and other special holidays; 3) lift the 10 p.m. curfew since there may be occasional functions such as Christmas, extended prayer services, or after-football events which may extend past 10 p.m.; 4) lift the 30 year limitation on the CUP and retain the annual review; and 5) maintain a degree of flexibility regarding the alley. The church also has some concerns about the preservation of the Gaus House but Rev. Jones stated that those technicalities would be addressed by their consulting engineer, Mr. Marvin Farrell. Rev. Jones stated that the church does not lease or rent their facilities to outside groups but that it is occasionally made available to civic groups (who make a donation for cleaning the facilities after use), and that there is no dancing, drinking, or smoking on the premises. Marvin Farrell, 3221 Brandywine, San Diego, addressed the Commission and stated that he is the Consulting Engineer and has been involved with the proposed church project since 1984. He passed out some proposed wording changes to the CUP as well as a parking recalculation, reviewed the requested changes mentioned by Rev. Jones, and requested consideration by staff and Commissioners. He confirmed that there are no plans for the facility to be used by Victory Christian School nor any non-public entity. Regarding the Gaus House, Mr. Farrell requested consideration in setting a cost cap of $5,000 on the relocation and stated that the church would be willing to map and videotape the house for the historical society. Commissioner Holmes inquired if there is any guarantee that the overflow parking available at Southwest Bank and Security Pacific Bank would run with the CUP, and what would happen if the banks were not there in ten years. Mr. Farrell replied that the church would provide alternative parking, even if it became necessary to purchase property and create another parking lot. Commissioner Schlehuber inquired if the church had anything binding, in writing, with the two banks. Rev. Jones replied that parking permission has been granted by letters. There is also the possibility that reciprocal parking arrangements could be made with other facilities such as the Senior Citizen Center which will be built across the street, or the Harding Community Center. Commissioner Hall inquired if the church would consider participating in a parking district, should one be formed. Mr. Farrell replied that the church would be willing to do anything necessary to provide adequate parking. Commissioner McFadden inquired why the church wanted the alley vacated and Mr. Farrell replied that the adjacent property owner of the apartments has requested the alley be vacated to eliminate public thoroughfare and traffic problems. She also inquired how much dirt would be exported for the subterranean parking and Mr. Farrell replied that it was approximately 3,000 yards. Jim Gaiser, 3340 Ridgecrest, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he has been a resident of Carlsbad since Pearl Harbor, is a member of the Union Church, and feels that the proposed design will compliment and improve the quality of life in the community. ‘. . ’ , . P MINUTES June 17, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 4 , COMMISSIONERS \ Bill Ayres, 3156 Harding, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he feels that the seating capacity proposed by staff is adequate and that parking should be reviewed after one year. In the proposed project, there are parking spaces outside of both bedrooms on the north side of his home and to reduce the noise of cars starting and doors slamming, he would like to eliminate the five parking spaces outside his bedroom windows, beginning the parking where his back yard starts. He would like to see landscaping and a decorative block wall in the five space slot outside his bedrooms. Jim Boone, 3955 Skyline Road, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he is a member of the Union Church and has lived in Carlsbad since 1971. He feels the community needs facilities for children that promote a positive influence and the multi-purpose use of the proposed project will benefit children and families in the community. Claude "Red" Helton, 2760 Arland Road, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he moved to Carlsbad in 1937 and became a member of the Union Church in 1947. He has watched this church serve the community for 40 years and feels it is essential for the church to expand their facilities in order to continue this service. He requested the Commission to approve the CUP. Brian Robertson, 4660 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he is a member of the Historic Preservation Commission and that he recently became aware that the two Gaus sisters, who grew up in the Gaus House, are still living in Encinitas and Vista. Mrs. Irma Henning, one of the sisters, called him and expressed concern about the demolition of the house and he advised her that Condition #23 of the CUP is an attempt to preserve the house. He would like to add to Condition #23 that a videotape interview be made with both sisters highlighting their early recollections and memories. Mr. Robertson concluded by saying that he felt the design of the proposed project was too massive, out of scale for the area, and insensitive to the surrounding neighborhood. He would like to see the house saved and that the Church should look for a place to relocate the house. Harold Henning, 1061 Saxony Road, Encinitas, addressed the Commission and stated that he is the husband of Irma Henning. Irma Henning and Fern Bond, the daughters of Louis Gaus, lived in the house most of their lifetimes and would like to see the house preserved. He stated that Louis Gaus came from Rhode Island, was an early settler in Carlsbad, and Fern was the 2,OOOth person to be born in Carlsbad. Rev. Jones responded to the comments by saying that the church will do everything possible to see that the Gaus House is preserved, and that Louis Gaus also helped construct the original Union Church which is now Lee Ruse Hall. He assured Mr. Ayres that an attractive brick wall is planned adjacent to his home. Jim Thayer, 23276 South Point, Laguna Hills, CA 92673, addressed the Commission and stated that every attempt has been made to keep the profile of the proposed project low and still have a balcony. The actual height of the proposed building is 45 feet at the ridge which is the height of the existing building. The same roof design, textures, and colors will be used together with landscaping to meet the building scale. MINUTES June 17, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 5 . COMMISSIONERS \ Rev. Jones returned to the podium and stated that it will be l-2 years before the building will be completed and he feels the church will have no problem in meeting the parking requirements. There being no other person to address the Commission on this topic, Chairman Marcus declared the public hearing closed and opened the item for discussion among the Commission members. Commissioner McFadden inquired if the City Attorney knew the reason for granting a definite time period for CUP's. Mr. Ball replied that the time period depends on the use and the length of time is at the discretion of the Commission. Commissioner Schlehuber feels the 30 year condition could be eliminated, that he would be in favor of changing the 10 p.m. curfew, that the alley situation is up to the City Council, and that the overall project looks good. He feels the concerns on the Gaus House have been addressed and would like a staff response. Mr. Wayne replied that line 23 of Condition 1123 should be corrected to refer to Condition H21 above, and that staff's position was to limit the cost to the relocation which should range between $5,000 and $10,000. He does not feel that $5,000 as an upper limit would be unreasonable, however the wording was taken from the California Environmental Quality Act which requires the limit for mitigation expense on historical items to be half the cost. Commissioner Schlehuber concurs with Mr. Ayres' parking request to remove five parking spaces outside his bedroom window. He recommends that credit be given for five additional on-street spaces. Commissioner Schlehuber concurs with the seating limitation proposed by staff. Commissioner Holmes feels that new construction should stand on its own merits and if parking is insufficient, then the structure is overbuilt. Commissioner McBane stated that he 1) can accept the 30 year time limitation of the CUP, 2) is concerned about the parking and feels that current parking standards take the 80% church attendance into account, 3) feels that reciprocal value should be granted to vacating the alley, 4) would like to add a condition that the high school be eliminated and that the facilities will not be rented commercially or that dancing and liquor will be served, 5) supports the proposal by the Historical Commission on the videotape interview of the sisters, and 6) does feel that the design could be improved to reduce height and bulk of the proposed structure. Commissioner Schlehuber is not in favor of a condition limiting the high school since this would constitute a new condition and the applicant must have an opportunity to respond. Commissioner Hall feels the proposed project is good but questions the parking and would like to see agreement to entering into a parking district, if necessary. Commissioner McFadden concurs with Commissioner Hall regarding the parking; she doesn't mind the size of the structure and is more concerned with limiting private school and rented usages. She would like to 1) leave the 30 year limitation in as a safeguard for the city, 2) feels a condition should be added requiring the church to join a June 17, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 6 . COMMISSIONERS \ parking district should one be formed in that area, 3) would like to see parking redesign to accommodate Mr. Ayres' concerns and the inclusion of a 6 ft. decorative block wall, 4) agrees with the proposal for a videotape interview of the two Gaus sisters, and 5) has a problem with vacating the alley as she is concerned with garbage trucks backing down the alley and the 12 parking spaces for the apartments. Commissioner Marcus agrees with Commissioner Holmes that a structure is over-designed if a parking problem exists and she is not pleased with the parking situation. She concurs with Commissioner McBane's remarks and added that she does not feel credit should be given for on-street parking. Commissioner Hall inquired if the redevelopment area forms a parking district if this project could participate in that district. Michael Holzmiller responded by saying that a parking district can have any boundaries. Rev. Jones could not agree on the participation in a parking district without knowing what the boundaries would be and would like the church attorney to respond on this matter. Ronald Rouse, 2111 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 220, Carlsbad, attorney for the applicant, addressed the Commission and stated that the church cannot agree in advance to participation in a parking district without knowing if it would benefit the church. He feels that if a parking district is formed and the credit for on-street parking is removed, that the church should be able to have the alternative of providing additional parking should they not wish to participate in the parking district. Commissioner Schramm stated that she would like to hear from the applicant about possible elimination of the high school. Mr. Farrell responded that the school is indeed moving but he is not sure the church should give up the legal right to have a school on the premises in the future. Chairman Marcus stated that the Commission's concern is the intensification of use. Commissioner Hall feels that the annual review will eliminate misuses of the facility. Commissioner McFadden inquired if a CUP is required for additional school activities and Mr. Ball replied that additional school use would require an amendment to the CUP since it is not included in the scope of the project. Commissioner McBane inquired if commercial uses of the facility were prohibited in the CUP and Mr. Ball replied that prohibition of commercial uses would have to be conditioned. Commissioner Schlehuber stated that the church does not now rent the premises for commercial use and does not feel they will do so in the future. Motion was duly made, seconded and carried to approve the Negative Declaration issued by the Planning Director and adopt Resolution No. 2662 approving CUP-297, based on the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein and adding the following: 1) inclusion in Condition f23 of a videotape interview with the Gaus sisters, 2) correcting the reference number in Condition #23 to Condition #21 above and maintaining staff's position as regards the remainder of Condition i/23, 3) lifting the 10 p.m. curfew, 4) addressing the parking problem adjacent to the Ayres residence to eliminate up to five parking spaces and providing compensatory additional credit for on-street parking, 5) that the church will not protest Hall Holmes Marcus McBane McFadden Schlehuber Schramm MINUTES June 17, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 7 COMMISSIONERS if a parking district is formed and require the church to either show binding long-term commitments to compensate for the 45 (or 50) on-street parking spaces or participate in the parking district. This condition would also allow the release from the agreement if the parking is brought up to standard through purchase or long-term lease. RECESS The Planning Commission recessed at 7:50 p.m. and reconvened at 8:00 p.m. A minute motion to the City Council was duly made, seconded and carried that when they consider abandonment of the alley, that consideration be given to getting some parking rights in the parking lots when they are not being used by the church. Commissioner Schlehuber inquired about the legality of the minute motion in a public hearing when the applicant has left the chambers and Mr. Ball replied that it would not present a legal problem. 2) CUP-17(A) - FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST - Request for approval of an amendment to CUP-17, to allow for the construction of a 1,350 square foot educational building at 3254 Eureka Place. The project is within Local Facilities Management Plan Zone 1. Charles Grimm, Assistant Planning Director, reviewed the background of the request and stated that the First Church of Christ Scientist is requesting an amendment to their CUP to construct a 1,350 sq. ft. expansion located 20 feet east of the existing church facilities on Eureka Place just east of Holiday Park. This expansion would be used as an educational building and would include a classroom area, nursery, office, and restroom facilities. The proposed expansion would have a shingle roof and stucco walls similar to the existing church on this site. The three areas of concern are traffic, parking, and noise. The Engineering Department has analyzed the street area and feels there is enough capacity available to handle additional traffic; the church already exceeds existing parking standards by 14 spaces; and the nearest resident is 80 feet away from the proposed building so noise is not expected to cause a problem. However, if noise does become a problem, there is a condition which states that the Planning Director can require a fence to be added. Staff can make the findings and recommends approval. Chairman Marcus declared the public hearing open and issued the invitation to speak. Richard Young, 812 Kalpati, Carlsbad, an architect representing the applicant, addressed the Commission and requested approval of the CUP. He stated that he and members of the church were present to answer questions. Commissioner McFadden inquired if the applicant would object to adding a few trees along the wall on the south property line to obscure the view from the two story apartment building. Mr. Young replied that there were no plans to change the existing parking area. The asphalt area will not be expanded and will remain as it currently exists, with some re-striping. Hall Holmes Marcus McBane McFadden Schramm Schlehuber * I t ‘. June 17, 1987 0 MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Page 8 . COMMISSIONERS \ Wendy Wiley, 1716 So. Pacific, Oceanside, addressed the Commission and stated that her family is a member of this church and that they are very much in need of the additional classroom space for the children. They are currently using the Carlsbad Girls Club for classrooms but have outgrown the space available. There being no other person to address the Commission on this topic, Chairman Marcus declared the public hearing closed and opened the item for discussion among the Commission members. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to adopt Resolution No. 2666 approving CUP-17(A), based on the findings and subject to the conditions therein. 3) CUP 87-2 - APOSTOLIC ASSEMBLY - Request for a conditional use permit for a church to locate at 1198 Pine Avenue, across the street to the north of Holiday Park. The project is within Local Facilities Management Plan Zone 1. Gary Wayne, Senior Planner, reviewed the background of the request and stated that the Apostolic Assembly of Carlsbad is requesting a CUP to build a new church at 1198 Pine Avenue across the street from Holiday Park. The Apostolic Assembly presently serves its congregation from a small building located downtown at Washington Street and Elm Avenue. The proposed church is a Spanish design, one-story, with a tile roof, Spanish arches, and an open porch-like area. Inside, the sanctuary will seat up to 135 people on fixed seating. An office, nursery, and three classrooms are also included in the 4,300 sq. ft. building. Twenty-seven parking spaces have been provided at a ratio of one space per five seats in compliance with the zoning ordinance. Services typically are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday during the day. Other activities may also occur in the evenings. The proposed project meets all standards of of the RDM-Q zone and would not add to the traffic in the area. Staff can making the findings and recommends approval. Commissioner McBane inquired if there is a standard which will require the church to place bumper stops along the 3 ft. sidewalk at the side of the building so that cars will not overhang the walkway. Mr. Wayne replied that there is not standard to require bumper stops but it could be added as a condition. Chairman Marcus declared the public hearing open and issued the invitation to speak. Juan Hernandez, 178 Edgewood Drive, Oceanside, Pastor of the Apostolic Assembly, addressed the Commission and complimented staff for their consideration and assistance on this project. He stated that the church has been in Carlsbad since the early 1960's and that they are presently meeting near the railroad tracks on Elm Avenue. The church has a strong desire to serve the community and is willing to comply with all conditions. Bill Morrow, 1210 Pine Avenue, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that his home is located directly east of the proposed project. He feels the church will reduce his Hall Holmes Marcus McBane McFadden Schramm Schlehuber 5 ‘. r‘ MINUTES June 17, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 9 property value and will practically be in his backyard. He stated that there are already parking problems with Holiday Park and the church will further complicate the problem. He is adamantly opposed to the project. Commissioner McFadden inquired how far his house is located from the property line and Mr. Morrow replied seven to eight feet. She then inquired on the location of the garage and he replied his garage is on the east side. Frank Delacruz, 3222 Mira Mesa, Oceanside, addressed the Commission and stated that the proposed structure will be beautiful and well landscaped. The children are now attending Sunday School classes out-of-doors in summer and winter because their present location is so small. The church has high moral standards and there will be no drinking or smoking. He feels the church would be more favorable to the area than an apartment complex. Evelia Nava, 1742 Laredo Street, Oceanside, addressed the Commission and stated that she is the oldest member of the congregation and that this new location is a dream come true. She feels the church will be an asset to the area and a benefit to the children of the congregation. "Obie" O'Bryant, 1155 Oak Street, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he agrees with Mr. Morrow's opposition to the proposed project. Even though he lives through the block from Holiday Park, he still has to contend with parking problems from the park because people park in his driveway, walk through his yard, and climb an 8 ft. fence to get to the park. Myrna Nava (a child), 1742 Laredo Street, Oceanside, addressed the Commission and stated that she hopes the new church will be approved because their present church is close to the railroad tracks and they need a new church. Richard Nevill, 292 Picnic View, Oceanside, addressed the Commission and stated that he is the owner of the property. He was so impressed with the church members who want to buy the property that he was willing to sell it for a lesser amount than he might have received. He stated that his neighbor's property to the east looks like a junkyard. Rev. Hernandez returned to the podium and responded by saying that the masonry wall to be constructed should be a noise buffer and the building will be weatherized to keep it looking nice. The church plans to have ushers to handle traffic and parking. Commissioner Hall inquired how long it will take to build the church and Rev. Hemandez replied that they hope to have it completed within one year. He then inquired about the type of wall which is planned and the Rev. replied that it will be Spanish architecture to blend with the architecture of the building. Commissioner Schramm inquired if the parking exceeds the membership needs and Rev. Hernandez replied that parking will be sufficient. Commissioner McFadden inquired if the church has considered expanding to the west and Rev. Hernandez replied that long range, perhaps, but their short range goals are to build the church. Commissioner McFadden responded that perhaps the , COMMISSIONERS \ I ‘9 . . . . P T MINUTES June 17, 1987 \ 4 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 10 (1 COMMISSIONERS church could begin with a wooden fence and graduate to a block wall after a period of time passes. James Scanlon, 7306 Borla Place, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he would like to object to Commissioner McFadden's proposal for a wooden fence. He owns the property west of the proposed church and feels a block wall is needed to muffle noise. He does not live on the property, but rents it out, and feels less noise would be helpful to his renters. There being no other person to address the Commission on this topic, Chairman Marcus declared the public hearing closed and opened the item for discussion among the Commission members. Commissioner Hall inquired if there have ever been any complaints of noise or traffic in its present location and Mr. Wayne replied that there have been no complaints. Commissioner Schlehuber would like to see the church but he values neighbor's rights and cannot support the project. Chairman Marcus can support the project because it is adjacent to a park and another church is already in the vicinity. Commissioner Holmes feels the church is a good transitional use with the park, Girl's Club, and commercial uses on Pio Pica. He feels the church will generate less traffic and noise than apartments and has no objections. Commissioner McFadden concurs with Commissioner Holmes. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to approve Hall the Negative Declaration issued by the Planning Director Holmes and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 2667, Marcus approving CUP 87-2 based on the findings and subject to McBane the conditions contained therein, with the inclusion of McFadden a decorative block wall and bumper stops adjacent to Schramm the sidewalks. Schlehuber 4) CT 85-16/PUD-85 - LANCASTER TOWNHOMES - Request for approval of a tentative subdivision map and planned unit development to develop 14 units on the south side of Alga Road between Alicante Road and Luciernaga Street in the R-2 zone. The project is within Local Facilities Management Plan Zone 6. Charles Grimm, Assistant Planning Director, reviewed the background of the request and stated that this request has been reviewed twice before by the Planning Commission, first on January 8, 1986 and again on April 23, 1986. The previous items of concern were the storm drain location, noise from the SDG&E substation, and fire hazards. Staff recommends approval of this project because the applicant's project redesign satisfies all development standards and design criteria of the previous Planned Development Ordinance which was in effect when this project was previously discussed by the Planning Commission. Chairman Marcus declared the public hearing open and issued the invitation to speak. Bill Hofman, 6994 El Camino Real, Suite G, Carlsbad, a planning consultant representing the applicant, addressed the Commission and stated that he had been hired since the last presentation to the Planning Commission. He has had many i 5 I 7 . . . . ,- MINUTES \ + PLANNING COMMISSION Page 11 COMMISSIONERS June 17, 1987 meetings with staff and feels the redesign is a vast improvement over the original project and the density of 4.8 dwelling units is less than the control point of 6 units per acre. There being no other person to address the Commission on this topic, Chairman Marcus declared the public hearing closed and opened the item for discussion among the Commission members. Chairman Marcus stated that the property is a difficult piece to develop and thinks the latest design is good. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to adopt Resolution No. 2528 approving CT 85-ld/PDD-85 based on the findings and subject to the conditions therein. RECESS The Planning Commission recessed at 8:56 p.m. and reconvened at 9:Ol p.m. 5) ENGINEERING STANDARDS - Revisions to the City's Engineering Design Criteria and Standards. David Hauser, Assistant City Engineer, gave a presentation on the proposed engineering standards and stated that the standards are divided into three categories: design criteria, specifications, and standard drawings. The design criteria give guidelines for the preparation of plans showing the size, location, and improvements to be constructed. The specifications give a construction method and type of materials to be used. The standard drawings provide specific details for standard improvements so that repeat drawings are unnecessary. There are specific references to Caltrans specifications on traffic signals, the Costa Real Water District, and the Hillside Ordinance. He showed slides of various design criteria within Carlsbad, including prime arterials, rural roads, housing developments, curbside mailboxes, meandering sidewalks, signage, circulation patterns within private parking lots, and recessed and angled truck loading bays. Chairman Marcus reiterated that this was not a public hearing and since no persons had requested an opportunity to address the Commission, she opened the item for discussion among the Commission members. Commissioner McFadden inquired about the requirement for high sodium lights since Palomar Observatory had made a formal request to all local agencies for low sodium. Mr. Hauser was not aware of the request by Palomar and replied that the City Council had approved high pressure sodium in 1979. Commissioner McFadden would like to see flexibility for high or low lights. Commissioner McFadden inquired if a standard could be developed to require landscaping to maintain a specified height and Mr. Hauser replied that this standard was not established because of the public liability factor. Commissioner McFadden stated that she does not understand the grading permit process and would like to see a written Hall Holmes Marcus McBane McFadden Schramm Schlehuber I h . . . June 17, 1987 f-l -$ MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Page 12 clarification so that she can understand it better. Mr. Hauser replied that this process is not always rigid since flexibility is needed in the grading permit process. Commissioner McFadden inquired about performance bonding and why the method of bonding (CD's or cash equivalent) was not specified. Mr. Hauser replied that bonding is a requirement of code but that the method of bonding is City policy. Commissioner Holmes felt that the $100,000 seemed too low and Mr. Hauser will check into the amount and report back. Commissioner Holmes feels that GS-18, the mailbox standard, needs to have a minimum pipe size specified. Commissioner McFadden is concerned about liability with children on bicycles. Mr. Hauser stated that the Post Office had been contacted and they supplied the specifications for the mail box. Chairman Marcus stated that she would like to see the mailbox turned sideways for safety because it obstructs the middle of the sidewalk. Commissioner Holmes would like to see mailboxes in clusters. Commissioner Schlehuber feels clustered mailboxes should be considered but would like to see pros and cons. Commissioner McBane feels there is a way to detail the mailbox base to eliminate a hazard. Commissioner McBane would like to encourage meandering sidewalks on major arterials and would like to see underground utilities in older sections of town. He referred to item 12A on page 10 where it states that the developer must pay for traffic signals and stated that he feels this items should be deleted or standardized for consistency. He would also like to see consideration of hydroseeding or landscaping of large open areas if grading is done before building permits are issued. Commissioner Schlehuber has a problem with hydroseeding and underground utilities in older portions of the City. He feels the standards should be approved as presented and minor revisions made later, if necessary. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to adopt the Engineering Design Criteria and Standards as presented. 6) LOCAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PLAN - ZONE 5 On property generally bounded by Interstate 5 on the west, and the City's eastern boundary on the east. The Zone is bisected east to west by Palomar Airport Road and north to south by El Camino Real. Due to the lateness of the hour, motion was duly made seconded, and carried to continue this item to the next meeting. There were no persons desiring to make public testimony on this item. COMMISSIONERS Hall Holmes Marcus McBane McFadden Schramm Schlehuber Hall Holmes Marcus McBane McFadden Schramm Schlehuber , 1 . . l a June 17, 1987 P ,1 MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION Page 13 2ommissioner Schramm inquired if recommendations presented to 2ouncil on the Local Facilities Management Plans already ,resented had received action. Michael Holzmiller, Planning Xrector, replied that the Council is addressing the recommendations which were made by the Planning Commission. Michael Holzmiller, Planning Director, requested the 2ommissioners to direct questions to staff prior to the next neeting so that approval of Zone 5 would not have to be lelayed past the next meeting. IINUTES: Commissioner Schramm requested a correction to the minutes of June 3, 1987 to include the statement made by the Kates about parking employee vehicles on Porta Place, outside the cul-de-sac. The Planning Commission approved the minutes of June 3, 1987 as amended. ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion, the meeting of June 17, 1987 was adjourned at 9:59 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Planning Director BETTY BUCKNER Minutes Clerk MINUTES ARE ALSO TAPED AND KEPT ON FILE UNTIL THE MINUTES ARE APPROVED. Hall Holmes Marcus McBane McFadden Schramm Schlehuber Hall Holmes Marcus McBane McFadden Schlehuber Schramm E i