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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-04; Planning Commission; MinutesPlanning Commission Minutes December 4, 2013 Page 1 Minutes of: PLANNING COMMISSION Time of Meeting: 6:00 p.m. Date of Meeting: December 4, 2013 Place of Meeting: COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Siekmann called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Anderson led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Siekmann, Commissioners Anderson, Black, L’Heureux, Schumacher, Scully and Segall Absent: None STAFF PRESENT Don Neu, City Planner Jane Mobaldi, Assistant City Attorney Bridget Desmarais, Administrative Secretary Christer Westman, Senior Planner Shannon Werneke, Associate Planner Jason Goff, Associate Planner Kevin Pointer, Associate Planner Austin Silva, Assistant Planner Greg Fisher, Assistant Planner Jason Geldert, Senior Engineer PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any corrections or revisions to the minutes of the meeting from November 6, 2013. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Black and duly seconded, that the Planning Commission approve the minutes from the Regular Meeting of November 6, 2013 as amended. VOTE: 7-0 AYES: Chairperson Siekmann, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner L’Heureux, Commissioner Schumacher, Commissioner Scully and Commissioner Segall NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Planning Commission Minutes December 4, 2013 Page 2 PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING Chairperson Siekmann asked Mr. Neu to introduce the first item and opened the public hearing on Agenda Items 3, 4 and 6. 3. SDP 13-04/PUD 13-07/CDP 13-16/MS 13-05 – BEACHWALK AT JUNIPER – Request for approval of a Site Development Plan, Planned Development Permit, Coastal Development Permit, and Tentative Parcel Map to demolish an existing single-family home and shed to allow for the development of a four-unit multiple-family residential air-space condominium project on a 0.202 acre infill site located at 369 Juniper Avenue, within the Mello II Segment of the Local Coastal Program and Local Facilities Management Zone 1. The project site is not within the appealable area of the California Coastal Commission. The City Planner has determined that this project is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15332 “In-Fill Development Projects” of the State CEQA Guidelines and will not have any adverse significant impact on the environment. 4. CUP 13-09 – ICETOWN SKATEOPLEX – Request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow an ice skating training facility in an existing vacant building with proposed minor improvements on property located at 2283 Cosmos Court, in the P-M Zone and in Local Facilities Management Zone 5. The City Planner has determined that this project is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) per Section 15301, “Existing Facilities,” of the State CEQA Guidelines and will not have any adverse significant impact on the environment. 6. ZCA 13-01/LCPA 13-02 – DENSITY BONUS REGULATIONS — A request for recommendation of approval of a Zone Code Amendment and Local Coastal Program Amendment to amend the city’s Zoning Ordinance to make the city’s regulation of density bonuses consistent with state and case law. Mr. Neu stated Agenda Items 3, 4 and 6 would normally be heard in a public hearing context; however, the projects appear to be minor and routine in nature with no outstanding issues and Staff recommends approval. He recommended that the public hearing be opened and closed, and that the Commission proceed with a vote as a consent item. Staff would be available to respond to questions if the Commission or someone from the public wished to comment on Agenda Item 3, 4 or 6. Chairperson Siekmann asked if any member of the audience wished to address Agenda Item 3, 4 or 6. Seeing none, she opened and closed public testimony. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Black and duly seconded, that the Planning Commission approve Agenda Items 3, 4 and 6. VOTE: 7-0 AYES: Chairperson Siekmann, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner L’Heureux, Commissioner Schumacher, Commissioner Scully, and Commissioner Segall NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Siekmann asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item, and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 2. Commissioner L’Heureux stated that due to a conflict of interest of living within the 600 ft. radius of the project, he would need to recuse himself from the project. Planning Commission Minutes December 4, 2013 Page 3 2. CDP 13-25 – 4419 PARK DRIVE – Request for approval of a Coastal Development Permit to allow for the construction of a new 3,780 square foot single family residence and attached three car garage within the City’s Coastal Zone located at 4419 Park Drive in the Mello II Segment of the Local Coastal Program and within Local Facilities Management Zone 1. The City Planner has determined that the project belongs to a class of projects that the State Secretary for Resources has found do not have a significant impact on the environment, and it is therefore categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents pursuant to Section 15303 (a) construction of a single family residence of the state CEQA Guidelines. Mr. Neu stated Agenda Item 2 would normally be heard in a public hearing context; however, the project appears to be minor and routine in nature with no outstanding issues and Staff recommends approval. He recommended that the public hearing be opened and closed, and that the Commission proceed with a vote as a consent item. Staff would be available to respond to questions if the Commission or someone from the public wished to comment on Agenda Item 2. Chairperson Siekmann asked if any member of the audience wished to address Agenda Item 2. Seeing none, she opened and closed public testimony. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Black and duly seconded, that the Planning Commission approve Agenda Item 2 including the errata sheet. VOTE: 6-0-1 AYES: Chairperson Siekmann, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner Schumacher, Commissioner Scully, and Commissioner Segall NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner L’Heureux ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Siekmann closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 2, asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item, and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 1. 1. SDP 98-06(A)/CDP 98-33(A) – HOEHN SPRINTER – Request for approval of a Site Development Plan Amendment and Coastal Development Permit Amendment to allow for the construction of a 3,760 square foot Sprinter repair facility at the Hoehn Mercedes Benz dealership, located on a 5.88-acre property on the west side of Car Country Drive, within the Car Country Specific Plan, the Mello II Segment of the Local Coastal Program and Local Facilities Management Zone 3. The project qualifies as a CEQA Guidelines Section 15303(e) (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) Class 3 Categorical Exemption. Mr. Neu introduced Agenda Item 1 and stated Associate Planner Shannon Werneke would make the staff presentation. Ms. Werneke gave a brief presentation and stated she would be available to answer any questions. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any questions of Staff. Seeing none, she asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. Kathryn Conniff, 2190 Carmel Valley Road, Del Mar, representing the applicant, stated she would be available to answer any questions. Rudy De La O, 24691 Del Prado, Dana Point, also representing applicant, stated he would be available to answer any questions. Planning Commission Minutes December 4, 2013 Page 4 Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any questions of the applicant. Seeing none, she asked if there any members of the audience that wished to speak on Agenda Item 1. Seeing none, Chairperson Siekmann opened and closed public testimony. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Black and duly seconded, that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7022 approving Site Development Plan Amendment SDP 98-06(A) and Coastal Development Permit Amendment CDP 98-33(A), based on the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. VOTE: 7-0 AYES: Chairperson Siekmann, Commissioner Anderson, Commissioner Black, Commissioner L’Heureux, Commissioner Schumacher, Commissioner Scully, and Commissioner Segall NOES: None ABSENT: ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Siekmann closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 1, asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item, and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 5. 5. CUP 12-10/CDP 12-19/MS 12-03 – CARLSBAD FLORAL TRADE CENTER – Request for the adoption of a Negative Declaration and the approval of a Conditional Use Permit, Coastal Development Permit, and Tentative Parcel Map to allow for the subdivision of the property into four parcels, and the development of a new 44,180 s.f. floral trade distribution center and marketplace, a 33 foot tall, 9,900 s.f. micro-brewery and winery building, 1984 s.f. culinary center, and 896 s.f. farm shed with the remaining land dedicated to farm plots, orchard, hops farm, vineyard and parking on 17.22 acres of land within a 45.60 acre site located within the Carlsbad Ranch Specific Plan south of Cannon Road and east of Car Country Drive in Local Facilities Management Plan Zone 13 and the Mello II segment of the Local Coastal Program. The site is not located within the appealable area of the California Coastal Commission. Mr. Neu introduced Agenda Item 5 and stated Senior Planner Christer Westman would make the staff presentation. Mr. Westman gave a brief presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any questions of staff. Commissioner L’Heureux asked how drivers would return to I-5 if the improvements on Cannon Road at Legoland Drive are not installed. Mr. Westman stated that once leaving the site, because it is right in/right out only, cars would need to travel east and make a U-turn at Faraday Avenue. Commissioner Segall asked if the proposed driveway on Car Country Drive will provide ingress and egress access. Mr. Westman stated yes. Commissioner Segall asked if the driveway would have adequate turning movements for any larger delivery trucks. Mr. Westman stated yes and asked for further clarification from Senior Engineer Jason Geldert. Mr. Geldert stated that staff did review the turning movements for the project and determined they would be adequate. Commissioner Segall also asked if there will be a stripe painted on the driveway to indicate the drive lanes. Mr. Geldert stated that level of detail has not been provided on the plans as of yet. Commissioner Schumacher inquired as to why the decision was not made on the driveway or the U-turn at Faraday. Mr. Geldert responded stating that it was a decision by the applicant based on economic feasibility and deferred the question to applicant for further clarification. Mr. Westman added that a traffic study was submitted with the project. Nothing was identified that would require any sort of improvements Planning Commission Minutes December 4, 2013 Page 5 to the roadway system; however staff felt if one of the improvements, either the driveway on Car Country Drive or a U-turn at Legoland Drive was installed, it would make traffic circulation easier. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there will be 2 entrances and 2 exits for the project site. Mr. Westman stated the main entrance will be off of Cannon Road. The project will be conditioned to provide either the access onto Car Country Drive, which would provide a second point of access, or a left turn pocket at Legoland Drive. Commissioner Black asked who will make the decision as to which improvement is installed. Mr. Westman stated it is a condition of approval and the decision will be left up to the applicant. It will have to be decided prior to the issuance of a grading permit or final map. Commissioner Black further inquired about delivery of products. Mr. Westman stated the pick-up and delivery of products will occur on site and not on Car Country Drive. Commissioner Scully asked if there is the potential to have the second access point installed off of Car Country Drive in a future phase if the applicant chooses to install the left turn pocket at Legoland Drive during the first phase of the project. Mr. Westman stated that would be possible. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any further questions of staff. Seeing none, she asked if the applicant wished to make a presentation. Chris Calkins, 5600 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, gave a brief presentation and stated he would be available to answer any questions. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any questions of the applicant. Commissioner Black asked if there will be a grain silo on site for the brewery. Mr. Calkins stated no. Commissioner Black inquired as to the level of production for the hops and brewery. Mr. Calkins stated they want the capacity for the tanks, which is why the building is two stories high. Commissioner Black asked if the areas will be leased out to people interested in brewing beer. Mr. Calkins stated yes. Commissioner L’Heureux asked about the traffic circulation and access to the site. Mr. Calkins stated that the traffic study did not show the need for the extra access point; however they realize that it will be needed. Their bias is to install the access driveway on Car Country Drive. The issue is a matter of flexibility. Mr. Calkins stated that they need to get the first phase started. Commissioner L’Heureux asked if the driveway on Car Country Drive will be a paved road. Mr. Calkins stated that it will be a paved road and it will meet city street standards. Commissioner Scully asked how the money from the grant will be distributed. Mr. Calkins stated that approximately $300,000 will be used for the food crops until their first maturity/harvest; approximately $600,000 will be used for the installation of the road and the traffic circulation system; $180,000 will be dedicated to improvements that the florists will need such as designing a more effective cooler system and display areas. Commissioner Scully asked if there are potential tenants and if so, how many. Mr. Calkins stated there are potential tenants however he was not sure of the exact number. He commented that they will urge tenants to be efficient in their space needs. Commissioner Anderson stated she has some concerns about the project. Because one of the aspects of the project will be the opportunity to bring children in to provide an educational experience, she has concerns with promoting beer and wine with children. She commented that she is not sure a microbrewery fits in with the agricultural uses and the intention of Prop D and the subsidies provided. Commissioner Anderson stated she loves the idea of a bakery and promoting whole grains as she feels that would be a viable business. Mr. Calkins stated his appreciation of Commissioner Anderson’s observations. Commissioner L’Heureux stated his concern about the project not installing a left turn pocket on Cannon Road at Legoland Drive. He asked if the traffic study analyzed the project having only a right-in access off of Cannon Road with traffic only exiting the site onto Car Country Drive. Mr. Calkins stated that he feels that it would be disastrous to have a right in only access point. Planning Commission Minutes December 4, 2013 Page 6 Commissioner Segall asked for a timeframe regarding the project. Mr. Calkins stated after late next spring. Chairperson Siekmann opened public testimony. Eric Larson, 1355 Forest Avenue, Carlsbad, stated his support of the project. Rudy Hernandez, 5600 Avenida Encinas Suite 37, Carlsbad, owner of Alliance Flower, stated his support of the project. Walter Schaffer, 1318 Hermes, Leucadia, stated his support of the project. Kathryn Conniff, 2190 Carmel Valley Road, Del Mar, representing Hoehn Motors, while not opposed to the project, stated their concerns with potential traffic impacts to Car Country Drive. Vince Grillo, owner of Carlsbad Ranch Market, 6118 Paseo Del Norte, stated his support of the project. Chairperson Siekmann asked if there were any other members of the audience who wished to speak on Agenda Item 5. Seeing none, she closed public testimony and asked if the applicant wished to address any of the issues raised during public testimony. Mr. Calkins deferred the questions regarding traffic impacts to staff. Mr. Geldert addressed the issue regarding the level of service for Car Country Drive and stated that the levels are above the minimums and staff has no concerns with traffic. Commissioner L’Heureux asked if the large vehicle transport trucks were taken into consideration with the traffic study. Mr. Geldert stated he did not believe that that issue was considered as those trucks parking in the medians are doing so illegally, which is a code enforcement issue. Commissioner L’Heureux stated the site distances are compromised. Mr. Geldert stated the anticipated traffic for this project is very low and any sight distance issues can be addressed during project review. Mr. Geldert further commented that there are no indications for safety issues on Car Country Drive. Mr. Neu added that the city’s Traffic Engineer has worked with the dealers in Car Country to help address some of the parking issues. Some improvements recently made include painting red curbs in certain areas to improve sight distances. Commissioner Segall asked if motorists traveling westbound on Cannon Road will be able to make a U- turn at the intersection of Cannon Road and Car Country Drive. Mr. Geldert stated that he was not sure. Mr. Neu added that the traffic engineer who prepared the traffic study is indicating there is an ability to make a U-turn at that intersection. DISCUSSION Commissioner Schumacher stated the project is consistent with the land use and he is satisfied with the traffic issue, particularly because the project will be completed in 2 phases. Commissioner Schumacher stated he can support the project, and he thinks it will be a great local benefit for the residents and a big regional draw. Commissioner Segall concurred with Commissioner Schumacher’s comments. He feels this is a brilliant project; however, he is concerned with the traffic circulation issues but feels those issues will be resolved with the future phases of the project. Commissioner Segall stated he can support the project. Commissioner L’Heureux thanked the applicant and his company for the project. He stated his concern about traffic along Cannon Road during the summer, and he urged that the connection to Car Country Drive be completed in the first phase. Commissioner L’Heureux stated he can support the project. Commissioner Scully agreed with her fellow Commissioners. She feels that the project will become a nice family event. Commissioner Scully stated she is also concerned with the potential traffic impacts; however, she stated she can support the project. Planning Commission Minutes December 4, 2013 Page 7 Commissioner Anderson stated she likes the flower center and the market; however, she is concerned with the brewery and winery. She feels it is undesirable to have beer and wine production as part of an agricultural and educational experience for children and families. Commissioner Anderson stated she is also concerned that the project lacks a left turn lane onto Cannon Road when exiting the site. Because of those reasons, she stated she cannot support the project. Commissioner Black stated he is also concerned with traffic circulation for the project but stated he can support the item. Chairperson Siekmann stated she can support the project and commented that the project will be a great connection with the current Flower Fields. MOTION ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Black and duly seconded, that the Planning Commission adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7023 adopting a Negative Declaration and adopt Planning Commission Resolution No. 7024 approving Conditional Use Permit (CUP 12-10), Coastal Development Permit (CDP 12-19), and Tentative Parcel Map (MS 12-13) based upon the findings and subject to the conditions contained therein. VOTE: 6-1 AYES: Chairperson Siekmann, Commissioner Black, Commissioner L’Heureux, Commissioner Schumacher, Commissioner Scully, and Commissioner Segall NOES: Commissioner Anderson ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Chairperson Siekmann closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 5, asked Mr. Neu to introduce the next item and opened the public hearing on Agenda Item 7. 7. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Mr. Neu introduced Agenda Item 5 and asked the Commission to consider nominations for the positions of Chair and Vice Chair for the coming year. Chairperson Siekmann asked for nominations for the position of Chairperson. Commissioner Segall nominated Commissioner Black for the position of Chairperson. By unanimous vote, Commissioner Black was elected Chairperson for 2014. Chairperson Siekmann asked for nominations for the position of Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Black nominated Commissioner Scully for the position of Vice Chairperson. By a 7-0 vote, Commissioner Scully was elected Vice Chairperson for 2014. Chairperson Siekmann closed the public hearing on Agenda Item 7 and thanked Staff for their presentations. COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner Scully thanked Chairperson Siekmann for her time as Chairperson of the Commission. CITY PLANNER COMMENTS Mr. Neu thanked Chairperson Siekmann and Vice Chairperson Black for their time as officers of the Commission this year. CORRECTED