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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-15; Planning Commission; MinutesPlanning Commission Minutes Sept. 15, 2021 Page 2 ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Luna, seconded by Commissioner Merz, to adopt Resolution No. 7424. Motion carried, 7 /0. 2. SDP 2019-0015/CDP 2019-0033 (DEV2019-0156) -JEFFERSON STREET APARTMENTS - Request for a recommendation of approval of a Site Development Plan and Coastal Development Permit to allow for the demolition of four one-story commercial structures, and construction of a four-story mixed-use building consisting of 17 residential apartment units, 2,185 square feet of commercial and an enclosed at-grade parking garage situated on a 0.32- acre project site at 3039 Jefferson Street in the Village Center (VC) District of the Village and Barrio Master Plan and within Local Facilities Management Zone 1. The City Planner has determined that this 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 is therefore categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents pursuant to section 15332 (In-fill Development Projects) of the State CEQA guidelines. This project is not located within the appealable area of the California Coastal Commission . City Planner Neu introduced Agenda Item 2 and stated Senior Planner Goff would make the staff presentation (on file in the Planning Division). DISCLOSURES: Commissioner Lafferty disclosed she is familiar with the site and looked it up on google maps. Commissioner Luna disclosed she has attended events on the property. Commissioners Sabellico, Merz, Kamenjarin, Stine, and Meenes disclosed they visited and walked the site. QUESTIONS of STAFF: Commissioner Stine asked for details on parking requirements for the project in relation to the proximity to a transit station. Senior Planner Goff stated the project is a half of a mile from the transit station [Carlsbad Village "Coaster'' Station] and state law allows for a half of a parking space per bedroom due to its proximity. Commissioner Merz asked what ratio of commercial is required for the project. Senior Planner Goff stated the project requires 80% of the ground floor be occupied by commercial. Commissioner Lafferty asked if the number of units is the maximum that could be built on the site. Senior Planner Goff stated yes, 17 is the maximum. Commissioner Sabellico asked if the large tree in the right of way had to be removed, at what ratio would trees be replaced. Planning Commission Minutes Sept. 15, 2021 Page 3 Senior Planner Goff stated for this project, the tree would be replaced on 1 to 1 ratio. He stated the tree is not a heritage tree and the project conditions of approval state there will be some maintenance conducted on the tree. It is not going to be removed. Chair Meenes asked if there were any members of the public who wished to speak on the project. He opened public testimony at 3:50 p.m . James Vitalie, resident, submitted comments stating the project is too dense for the site, that it would not fit in with the surrounding properties, there is a lack of street parking, the alleyway in the rear of the property is very narrow and he is asking the city to conduct a traffic study of the alley even if it is not required for the proposal. He stated the property owner, Dr. Bruce Baker is a convicted tax cheat and does not want the development next door to his property. Chair Meenes asked if there were any additional members of the public who wished to speak on the project. Seeing none, he closed public testimony at 3:52 p.m. Applicant, Chris Martin stated Dr. Bruce Baker no longer owns the property and has nothrng to do with the proposed development. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner Stine stated the tree on site will be preserved, he understands the concern of the neighbor about densification and stated it is within the current housing laws to allow more units, he is impressed with the project and indicated that it is well designed. He supports the project. Chair Meenes, Commissioners Sabellico and Kamenjarin stated they like the design as well and support the project. Commissioner Merz stated that the design is dictated by both state housing policy and local policy by requiring commercial on the ground floor. He stated that mixed use works in some municipalities and is curious to see how the retail does on this project. He stated he likes the design and supports the project. Commissioner Lafferty stated she likes that the Density Bonus is being used, that affordable units will be offered, she would like to see subterranean parking and sees a missed opportunity with blank walls in some parts of the design. Commissioner Luna complimented the applicant and property owner on the design and presentation of information during the hearing and stated her support for the project. ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Sabellico, seconded by Chair Meenes, to adopt Resolution No. 7425 Motion carried, 7 /0. 3. CUP 2021-0006 (DEV2021-0040) -NEW VILLAGE ARTS THEATRE -Request for a recommendation of approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow the continued operation of a performance theater located at 2787 State Street in the Village Center District of the Village and Barrio Master Plan and within Local Facilities Management Zone 1. The City Planner has determined that this 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 is therefore Planning Commission Minutes Sept. 15, 2021 Page4 categorically exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the State CEQA guidelines. City Planner Neu introduced Agenda Item 3 and stated he would like to present the item on consent. The commission decided to go ahead and open the public hearing for this item. DISCLOSURES: Commissioners Sabellico, Merz, Meenes, Kamenjarin, Stine, Lafferty, and Luna disclosed they visited the site. QUESTIONS of STAFF and THE APPLICANT: Commissioner Merz had questions about parking and how the theater would handle it considering they aren't required to have a parking plan. Kristiann Kerner, applicant, stated that many patrons eat dinner before or after a show and are typically spread out around the Village. She stated that many people walk to the theater thus spreading the parking out around the area and haven't had any issues in the past. Chair Meenes asked if there were any members of the public who wished to speak on the project. He opened public testimony at 4:30 p.m. Bill Davidson, resident, submitted comments in support of the theater. He stated the theater enriches the cultural life of Carlsbad Village. Chair Meenes asked if there were any additional member of the public who wished to speak on the project. Seeing none, he closed public testimony at 4:32 p.m. Commissioners Merz, Stine, Kamenjarin, Meenes, and Lafferty stated support for the theater. ACTION: Motion by Commissioner Luna, seconded by Commissioner Stine, to adopt Resolution No. 7426. Motion carried, 7 /0. 4. Discuss Holding a Planning Commission Workshop The Planning Commission decided to delay holding a workshop until an opportunity to conduct one in person is available. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORTS/COMMENTS: Commissioner Lafferty wanted to bring to the commission's attention that the historical inventory list did not make it on the city council's agenda. CITY PLANNER REPORTS: City Planner Neu gave a brief update on the Objective Design Review Board Committee's creation and next steps.