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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-09-02; Planning Commission; Minutes.‘, Q . /A /7 MINUTES I Meeting of: PLANNING COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 6:00 p.m. CORRECTED Date of Meeting: September 2, 1987 Place of Meeting: City Council Chambers COMMISSIONERS v 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, McFadden, Schlehuber, and Schramm Absent - Commissioner McBane Staff Members Present: Michael Holzmiller, Planning Director Charles Grimm, Assistant Planning Director Mike Howes, Senior Planner Nancy Rollman Associate Planner Lance Schulte, Associate 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 PLANNING COMMISSION PROCEDURES: Chairman Marcus reviewed the Planning Commission procedures shown on the overhead for the benefit of the audience. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE ON ITEMS NOT LISTED IN THE AGENDA: There were no comments from the audience. A Minute Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to acknowledge appreciation to Hoehn Motors and other sponsors of the concert held on Sunday evening, August 30, 1987. Commissioner Hall arrived at 6:04 p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS: Chairman Marcus announced that item #2 of the agenda would be heard first. 2) LOCAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PLAN ZONE 6 A detailed plan for the provision of public facilities to meet adopted performance standards for Local Facilities Management Plan Zone 6, based on the City of Carlsbad's General Plan on property generally located in the developed portions of the La Costa area. Mike Howes, Senior Planner, stated that Zone 6 is the most complex Local Facilities Management Plan to be prepared so far. Due to the complexity of the plan, staff has requested that Commissioners listen to the presentation and continue the public hearing and vote to September 16. This will allow the Commission and the public adequate time to review and comment on this plan. Mike Howes gave a brief introduction of the plan and stated that Zone 6 covers the developed portion of La Costa. It was necessary to deal with three sewer districts, three water districts, and four school districts. Due to the number of Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm P /I MINUTES September 2, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 2 agencies involved, it is essential that all future projects and their impacts be closely monitored. The following existing facilities meet the adopted performance standards: City administration, library, waste water, open space, water distribution, and schools. Existing drainage, with some minor improvements, will be able to meet the adopted standards. Lance Schulte, Associate Planner, reviewed the facilities with major inadequacies: fire, circulation, and parks. Parks - Lance Schulte stated that Zone 6 is in two quadrants, the southwest and the southeast. The bulk of development is in the southeast quadrant. The plan identifies some deficiencies in both quadrants and proposes several alternatives to mitigate the shortages. Fire - The plan indicates that fire facilities may not meet the performance standards in Zone 6 since there is only one fire station in the zone (Fire Station i/2 on El Camino Real). Another fire station (116) is programmed to be located along the Ranch0 Santa Fe corridor, which would resolve the fire facilities deficiency. Circulation - The plan indicates that circulation does not meet the performance standards in Zone 6 at this time. The primary facilities which are deficient are the La Costa Avenue and El Camino Real intersection, and the La Costa Avenue and Interstate 5 intersection, which are explained in detail in the analysis. It also indicates other improvements which will be needed in l-3 years, 4-6 years, and 7-10 years, and prior to buildout. Phil Carter, Senior Management Analyst, reviewed a new section in the Zone 6 plan (Overall Financing) which has heretofore not been presented in any plan. The Overall Financing section presents one option which would mitigate all deficient facilities that do not meet adopted performance standards at this time. In summary, the option states that a majority of property owners in Zone 6 would have to agree to come forward and pay a one-time fee to mitigate the shortfalls which have been identified. The plan reviews how the money would be collected and how reimbursement agreements would be structured. The up-front fee has been estimated at $7,000 per unit, assuming 95% participation. Chairman Marcus declared the public hearing open and issued the invitation to speak. Bob Ladwig, Rick Engineering, addressed the Commission and stated that Rick Engineering has been working with a number of property owners in Zone 6 which were unable to be here this evening. The owners in reference have requested copies of the plan and he will see that they receive copies. The owners have indicated that they will attend the September 16 meeting and make their comments at that time. Mary Melideo, 159 Hemlock, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and inquired if staff has considered sewage disposal and how it will be approached in the future. Phil Carter replied that a five year action plan for waste water and sewage disposal is outlined in the waste water treatment section of the Plan. P MINUTES September 2, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 3 COMMISSIONERS y Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to continue the Public Hearing for Local Facilities Management Plan Zone 6 to September 16, 1987. 1) NORTHBEACHAREA STUDY - The North Beach Area Planning and Traffic Study makes policy recommendations on land use, design, circulation, and parking on property generally located in the area bounded by Agua Hedionda Lagoon to the south, Buena Vista Lagoon to the north, Interstate-5 to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The study area is located within Local Facilities Management Zone 1. Nancy Rollman, Associate Planner, reviewed the background of the North Beach Planning and Traffic Study and stated that the report being presented is a draft report. The purpose of the study was to analyze key circulation, land use, and parking issues in the North Beach Area and provide policy direction to the City. The North Beach Area included the coastal area west of I-5 between Buena Vista and Agua Hedionda Lagoon. That area was looked at in terms of the overall circulation system. A smaller, special treatment area was also included west of the railroad tracks, but excluded the redevelopment area. The special treatment area was analyzed in more detail regarding circulation, parking, land use, and design issues. Nancy Rollman stated that the study was an outgrowth of a recommendation by a 25-member citizen's committee to take a special look at the beach area. Their concerns related to increased traffic, inadequate parking, congestion, and compatibility problems associated with the transitioning of many of the properties from single family to condominiums, many of which were three story and high density. As a result of the recommendation by the committee, the City Council adopted a Beach Overlay Zone to lower densities and height limits, increase parking requirements, and require site plan review for all multi-family projects. In addition, the City Council authorized the preparation of the North Beach study by a consultant working closely with staff, and appointed a 5-member citizen's technical advisory committee to review and comment on each phase of the consultant's work. Goals and objectives for the beach area were established by the technical advisory committee and staff after holding a community meeting in which citizens were requested to share their concerns. The goals and objectives are outlined and discussed on pages 9-11 of the draft report. The study made recommendations on the following issues which were reviewed in detail by Nancy Rollman: (a) Land use, (b) Design, (c) Traffic circulation, (d) Pedestrian circulation, (e) Bicycle circulation, (f) Emergency access, (g) Residential parking, and (h) Beach parking. The recommendations are outlined and discussed on pages 80-129 of the draft report. She introduced the consultants who conducted the study and prepared the report: Paul Zucker of Zucker Systems and Elaine Longobardi of Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc. Chairman Marcus declared the public hearing open and issued the invitation to speak. Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm MINUTES September 2, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 4 Ann Mauch, who resides on Garfield Street, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that she lives in the special treatment area. She feels the study is seriously flawed. She was a member of the study group and did not have an opportunity to express her views before the draft report was compiled. She feels that the traffic counts lack credibility because the study of Carlsbad Boulevard was taken during the bridge closure; she would like the figures verified. She is not in favor of variable setbacks because they block the view and sun on Garfield Street. Mario Monroy, 3610 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he concurs with the staff recommendations, however, the studies to remove crosswalks referred to by Nancy Rollman were made in San Diego in 1960 and have not been updated. He noted that there are newly painted crosswalks now in Balboa Park. He went on to say that although some people purchase property for investment in the special treatment area, he is against building large structures. He is in favor of R2 zoning and would like to keep the area residential. If R3 is permitted, he would like to see the merging of lots prohibited. Bailey Noble, 5470 Los Robles (Terramar), Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he has been trying for ten years to improve pedestrian crossings along Carlsbad Boulevard. He stated that the draft report shows Carlsbad Boulevard terminating at Tamarack and feels that the Terramar area is ignored. He is pleased that the City has finally authorized a traffic light at Cannon but he would like to see stop signs at Cerezo and Manzano which also abut on Carlsbad Boulevard. He would also like to see officers give tickets for excessive speeds. He feels that Carlsbad Boulevard should be a scenic drive. Encinitas, De1 Mar, and Oceanside have all installed stop signs and no one has been killed. He is unhappy that residents of the special treatment area have extreme difficulty crossing Carlsbad Boulevard even to catch a bus. Dwayne Cloud, 5201 Shore Drive, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he owns four town houses on Chinquapin and also has property on Date Street which has been down zoned. He stated that the Rl zoning has not reduced traffic; there is still a lot of traffic as well as street parking. He feels that Date Street needs curbing. He has lived here for 15 years and wants to see improvements. He doesn't like the Rl zoning. Commissioner Holmes inquired what the present zoning is on Date Street and Mr. Cloud replied that it is RDM but he has been told that it will be reduced to Rl. Melanie Davis, 267 Juniper Avenue, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that she cannot see how down zoning would affect traffic. She owns six lots west of the railroad tracks which were purchased three years ago as R3. The lots can only accommodate two homes. She is unhappy that certain lots are being down zoned while others are not and she feels this is discriminatory. She wrote a protest letter dated August 15, 1987 to the Commission. Joe Perry, 4110 Garfield, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that he would like the Commission to address the density problem. He purchased property eight years ago for investment which was then zoned for 9-11 units. His property has been down zoned three times and he is now only able to build 4 units. He was never informed that the down zoning was taking place. I . . P -I MINUTES September 2, 1 ,987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 5 Mary Melideo, 159 Hemlock, Carlsbad, address the Commission and stated that she was a member of the technical advisory committee. She concurs with most of the report, however, would like to note that the traffic situation has been misrepresented and the traffic counts are erroneous. She cannot understand why the report indicates that Carlsbad Boulevard traffic is less with the bridge than without the bridge. She feels that Chestnut needs to be opened across the tracks to alleviate traffic problems and also feels that Washington Street needs to be opened. Garfield residents have no way out. She requested that special attention be given to the traffic situation. Helen Jordan, a resident of Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and stated that she feels Washington Street and Chestnut Avenueneed to be opened to alleviate the traffic situation along Carlsbad Boulevard. Joyce James, 3931 Garfield, Carlsbad, addressed the Commission and expressed her appreciation for all the work being done by staff to correct inequities in the special treatment area. She likes the down zoning but she did see some errors in the draft report. She is concerned about the removal of crosswalks. She would like to see Chestnut and Washington opened for thru traffic but she would also like the density in the special treatment area kept low. She would like to see compatible designs to enhance the village atmosphere and she would like to see the neighborhood upgraded; she requested that asphalt driveways be prohibited. Chairman Marcus reminded those in attendance that this public hearing was not a hearing for down zoning but rather for a planning and traffic study. RECESS The Planning Commission recessed at 7:32 p.m. and reconvened at 7:47 p.m. There being no others to address the Commission on this topic, Chairman Marcus declared the public hearing closed and opened the item for comments from the consultants. Elaine Longobardi, a consultant representing Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc., addressed the Commission and stated that the figures shown in the traffic studies were estimates over a five year period and growth had been factored in. Projections were for a "typical" summer day rather than a holiday such as July 4th. It was felt that the traffic counts were on the high side. Paul Zucker of Zucker Systems addressed the Commission and expressed his observation on density and land use. Because of the substantial down zoning and height restrictions which have already been imposed, he feels that the recommendations contained in the draft report are very much consistent with the goals. He believes the area needs to be monitored in the future for deterioration and feels that design is the key rather than density. Commissioner Schlehuber inquired about the criticism on variable setbacks and Mr. Zucker replied that he was not surprised at the controversial nature of variable setbacks. He is not suggesting removal of front yard setbacks but rather creative usage of the land. ,?- -7 MINUTES Commissioner Schlehuber inquired about the renting of parking spaces and about the ordinance which had been passed recently to prohibit this action. He feels enforcement is a problem. Michael Holzmiller, Planning Director, replied that the ordinance which was passed a year ago affected renting onsite parking spaces to nonresidents. The draft report recommends 1) that residents not be charged extra for parking, and 2) that extra spaces over and above required resident parking might be rentable. Commissioner Schlehuber inquired about the recommendation for Washington Street to be designed for emergency access only and whether this would impinge on the railroad right-of-way. Nancy Rollman replied that the emergency access plan would have to incorporate the railroad right-of-way area. Commissioner McFadden inquired why the Rl zoning is only recommended for Areas #l and #5. Nancy Rollman replied that Areas iI1 and #5 have a stronger need for down zoning. Area 81 has circulation problems and is isolated by the lagoon and railroad tracks. Area #5 has irregular lot patterns and is a well maintained single family area. Both areas fit the criteria for Rl. Commissioner McFadden inquired about Redwood Street which is solid single family. Michael Holzmiller replied that the General Plan indicates a higher density. Areas #l and 115 both have circulation and access problems and a stronger justification for Rl zoning. Commissioner McFadden inquired if Mr. Holzmiller agreed with the goals and objectives included in the draft report and he replied that staff was in agreement with the consultant's recommendations. Commissioner McFadden inquired if a street width inventory had been done and Elaine Longobardi replied that the first technical memo contained an assessment of sidewalks and curbs. Commissioner Hall inquired what would be required for Chestnut to be cut through and if an overpass would be necessary. Nancy Rollman replied that the PUC was no longer granting at-grade crossings so an overpass would be required similar to Poinsettia, but on a smaller scale. She has been advised that engineering an overpass would be easier than engineering a tunnel since tunnels also create drainage and safety problems. Paul Zucker stated that he has very strong feelings about opening up Chestnut and Washington Streets because it would defeat the residential goals of the area. He does not feel the streets are needed for traffic. Commissioner Schramm stated that there are many Carlsbad residents to the east of the railroad tracks who would like to reach the beach area. She inquired if stop signs had been considered along Carlsbad Boulevard. Elaine Longobardi replied that stop signs were treated in the first technical memo. It is felt that stop signs would create traffic problems. Instead, they recommend enforcement of 35 MPH and possibly the addition of another light at Chestnut. Commissioner Schlehuber feels the recommendations meet the goals and objectives for the area. He likes the diverse mix of housing and feels down zoning Areas 111 and #5 would take September 2, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 6 /\ MINUTES September 2, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 7 care of the density problem while permitting R2 in other areas. Chairman Marcus agrees with Commissioner Schlehuber. There are only a few points she disagrees with in the draft report and she generally accepts the staff recommendations. Commissioner Schlehuber stated that he can go along with the staff recommendations and he accepts the consultant's explanations. He likes the De1 Mar situation with stop signs and feels it provides a traffic deterrent. Commissioner Holmes completely agrees with the offsite parking, especially from a design standpoint, but does not feel it should exceed 50%. He sees no point in changing R2 zones because it provides variation. He feels that lots zoned higher than R2 should be RDM. He would like to see more crosswalks, not less. Commissioner Hall would like to see more consensus by the Commission; he feels that personal feelings will not carry the needed weight. Chairman Marcus agrees. After discussion, it was agreed to go through each recommendation for a consensus vote and incorporate the changes into the motion for approval of the report. Land Use 3. Time Shares - The vote was 4-2 in favor of retaining item a. as it appears. 6. Single Family (Rl) Areas - The vote was 4-2 in favor of staff's recommendation to retain Rl only in Areas #l and f5 . 7. Duplexes (R2 Zone) - The vote was bfZ 6-O to retain the R2 zoning. 8. R3 and RDM Zoning - The vote was 5-l to accept staff's recommendation to rezone anything above R2 to RDM. Design Issues 9, Design Review - The vote was 5-l in favor of site plan review by the Planning Commission for all projects in the Beach Overly Zone. Traffic Circulation 16. Washington Street and Railroad Right-of-Way - The vote was 6-O in favor of Washington Street being extended to handle normal street traffic instead of just emergency access. 18. Chestnut Avenue Extension - The vote was 5-l in favor of Chestnut Avenue being extended across the railroad tracks. 26. Carlsbad Boulevard/Lincoln Street Intersection - The vote was 6-O for one-way north traffic on Lincoln Street north of Oak Avenue. Pedestrian Circulation 27. Pedestrian Crossing of Carlsbad Boulevard - The vote was 6-O to retain four crosswalks that lead to something on the opposite site of the street. ,? MINUTES September 2, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION Page 8 Emergency Access 36. Parking Charges for On-Site Residential Parking - The vote was 5-l to delete the second paragraph of item 36. Beach Parking 38. Garfield Street Right-of-Way - Commissioner Holmes abstains from voting on this item. 39. Railroad Right-of-Way - The vote was 6-O to strongly support the proposal for linear parking in the railroad right-of-way. Motion was duly made, seconded, and carried to accept the North Beach Planning/Traffic Study recommendations as amended above. MINUTES: The Planning Commission approved the minutes of August 19, 1987 as presented. After discussion, it was decided that in the future when Commissioners are not present for the roll call and arrive late to a meeting, their names should, nevertheless, appear in the "Present" column. ADDED ITEMS AND REPORTS There were no added items or reports. ADJOURNMENT: By proper motion, the meeting of September 2, 1987 was adjourned at 8:42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, c aa, MICHAEL HOLZMILLER Planning Director BETTY BUCKNER Minutes Clerk MINUTES ARE ALSO TAPED AND KEPT ON FILE UNTIL THE MINUTES ARE APPROVED. Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm Hall Holmes Marcus McFadden Schlehuber Schramm X X X X X X X X X X X