HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-10; Strawberry Fields (District 2); Barberio, GaryTo the members of the:
Cl1Y COUNCIL
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March 10, 2022
Council Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council
From: Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
Jeff Murphy, Community Development Director
Via: Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager e
Re: Strawberry Fields (District 2)
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Carlsbad
Memo ID# 2022029
This memorandum informs the City Council of recent discussions with the Carlsbad Strawberry
Company, the operator of the "U-Pick" Strawberry Fields on Cannon Road and their interest in
allowing increased special events and activities on the property.
Background
The "U-Pick" Strawberry Fields, located on property owned by SDG&E near the corner of
Interstate 5 and Cannon Road, have historically been operated by the Carlsbad Strawberry
Company as a seasonal agricultural operation where patrons are able to pick strawberries and/or
purchase them at a small produce stand on the property. Over the years, particularly during the
past two years, operations at the Strawberry Fields have expanded to include other activities
including jumpies, expanded produce stand, air cannons that shoot apples, food trucks, canopies,
carnival games and other related uses. The city has received complaints over noise and lighting
associated with these activities.
Discussion
Staff is working with the Carlsbad Strawberry Company to identify what uses are consistent with
the zone and allowed by-right, what activities require an additional permit (i.e., Conditional Use
Permit) in order to continue, and what uses are not allowed under current city code.
Next Steps
Staff will be meeting with the property owner and their consultants in the coming weeks to
develop a path forward. The goal is to allow the Carlsbad Strawberry Company to successfully
operate within the bounds of zoning regulations applicable to the property.
cc: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Ron Kemp, Assistant City Attorney
Don Neu, City Planner