HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-30; City Council; Resolution 2024-015RESOLUTION NO. 2024-015
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE
AND COMMUNITY DESIGN ELEMENT, LAND USE MAP (MAP 1, WITH SITES 8
AND 15 REMOVED), PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT, AND THE LOCAL COASTAL
PROGRAM TO IMPLEMENT OBJECTIVES B, C, AND D OF HOUSING ELEMENT
PROGRAM 1.1 (PROVIDE ADEQUATE SITES TO ACCOMMODATE THE RHNA),
AND OBJECTIVE B OF HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAM 1.3 (ALTERNATIVE
HOUSING)
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted an update to the General Plan Housing Element on April 6,
2021;and
WHEREAS, on July 13, 2021, the State Department of Housing and Community Development
certified the city's adopted Housing Element as being in substantial compliance consistent with state
housing law; and
WHEREAS, the certified Housing Element contains programs, further broken down into
objectives, that identify specific actions the city must implement on an ongoing basis or by specific
due dates; and
WHEREAS, to implement objectives b, c and d of Housing Element Program 1.1 (Provide
Adequate Sites to Accommodate the RHNA), implement objective b of Housing Element Program 1.3
(Alternative Housing), and comply with state law, the City Planner has prepared amendments to the
General Plan Land Use and Community Design Element, Land Use Map and Public Safety Element
(GPA 2022-0001), and to the Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan and Land Use Map (LCPA 2022-
0015), pursuant to Chapter 21.52 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, Section 30514 of the Public
Resources Code, and Section 13551 of California Code of Regulations Title 14, Division 5.5; and
WHEREAS, to meet said Housing Element objectives, the city evaluated 18 sites, including for
rezoning, to accommodate residential or increased residential units/density: and
WHEREAS, on February 15, 2022, staff presented the results of a community engagement
effort to the City Council, and the City Council selected two rezone map options (Map 1 and Map 2)
and directed staff to proceed with a complete environmental review of rezoning of the sites; and
WHEREAS, amendments to the Land Use and Community Design Element (GPA 2022-0001)
are shown on Attachment A attached hereto; amendments to the General Plan Land Use Map and
Local Coastal Program Land Use Map (GPA 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015) are shown on Attachment B
attached hereto; and amendments to the Public Safety Element (GPA 2022-0001) are shown on
Attachment C attached hereto; and amendments to the Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan are
shown on Attachment D attached hereto; and
WHEREAS, on October 18, 2023, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing
as prescribed by law to consider GPA 2022-0001 and LCPA 2022-0015; and
WHEREAS the Planning Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolutions No. 7498 and
7499 recommending that the City Council approve GPA 2022-0001 and LCPA 2022-0015; and
WHEREAS, as required by state law, the state Board of Forestry and Fire Protection on
December 13, 2023, found the draft Public Safety Element contained the information required to
meet the fire safety planning requirements outlined in Government Code Section 65302; and
WHEREAS, as required by state law, a six-week notice of availability was issued for LCPA 2022-
0015 from October 13, 2023, to November 24, 2023, and no comments were received; and
WHEREAS, on December 7, 2023, the Airport Land Use Commission reviewed and found that
the proposed amendments are conditionally consistent with the adopted McClellan-Palomar Airport
Land Use Compatibility Plan; and
WHEREAS, on January 30, 2024, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad held a duly noticed
public hearing as prescribed by law to consider GPA 2022-0001 and LCPA 2022-0015; and
WHEREAS at said public hearing, upon hearing and considering all testimony and arguments,
if any, of all persons desiring to be heard, the City Council considered all factors, including written
public comments, if any, related to GPA 2022-0001 and LCPA 2022-0015.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.
2.
3.
That the above recitations are true and correct.
The findings of the Planning Commission contained in Planning Commission Resolutions
No. 7498 and 7499, on file with the City Clerk and incorporated herein by reference, are
the findings of the City Council.
The Map 1 option, with sites 8 and 15 removed, is the preferred option to meet the
objectives of the Housing Element.
4.The amendments to the General Plan Land Use and Community Design Element
(Attachment A, attached hereto), General Plan Land Use Map and Local Coastal Program
Land Use Map for Map 1 (Attachment B, attached hereto), General Plan Public Safety
Element (Attachment C, attached hereto), and Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan
(Attachment D, attached hereto), are approved.
5.Staff is authorized to submit the following to the California Coastal Commission for
certification: the Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan and Land Use Map amendments
approved by this resolution.
6.The approved Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan and Land Use Map shall not become
effective until approved and certified by the California Coastal Commission.
7.This action is final on the date this resolution is adopted by the City Council. The
Provisions of Chapter 1.16 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, "Time Limits for Judicial.
Review" shall apply:
"NOTICE"
The time within which judicial review of this decision must be sought is governed by Code of Civil
Procedure, Section 1094.6, which has been made applicable in the City of Carlsbad by Carlsbad
Municipal Code Chapter 1.16. Any petition or other paper seeking review must be filed in the
appropriate court not later than the ninetieth day followil)g the date on which this decision becomes
final; however, if within ten days after the decision becomes final a request for the record is filed with
a deposit in an amount sufficient to cover the estimated cost or preparation of such record, the time
within which such petition may be filed in court is extended to not later than the thirtieth day following
the date on which the record is either personally delivered or mailed to the party, or his attorney of
record, if he has one. A written request for the preparation of the record of the proceedings shall be
filed with the City Clerk, City of Carlsbad, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA, 92008.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of
Carlsbad on the 30th day of January, 2024, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Luna.
None.
None.
None.
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
�
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Attachment A
Land Use and Community Design Element
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
The Land Use and Community Design
(LUCD) Element seeks to enhance the defining
attributes of Carlsbad's identity -a small town
with neighborhoods nestled betiveen rolling
hills; a beach community with miles of easily
accessible beaches, lagoons and trails; and a
resident population whose stewardship of the
city's natural assets and active engagement
in community activities serve as reminders of
the city's connectedness. This element seeks to
activate the ocean waterfront; revitalize the
Village and the Barrio; enhance the community's
everyday livability; and reinforce Carlsbad's
position as a premier center of innovation,
employment, and comme1·ce.
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City of Carlsbad
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This element provides a short context far
Carlsbad s existing J.and use pattern and
community design character, and highlights
strategies and polices for optima[ daielopment
patterns. Topics addressed include:
• Ot-•eraU city image, form, and structure
(small to«in "fee[")
• Land use vision
• Community connectedness; walkabHity
and accessibility
• Beach access and actfoicy
• Land use designations; density/intensicy
standards
• Like[y buildout and jobs/housing
baiance
• Growth management and capacicy
• Land use and community design policies
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General Plan
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2.1 Introduction
Background and Purpose
The LUCD Element directs the location, form, and character of future devel-
opment, shaping where people will live, work, play, and shop in Carlsbad. It
presents the desirable pattern for the ultimate development of the city for
the General Plan horizon (year 2035), and seeks to ensure that land use
planning reflects the community’s evolution and changing demographics,
conserves the natural environment, and promotes synergies between land
uses to promote walking, biking, and sustainable lifestyles. The LUCD
Element also includes policies for growth management, ensuring that
growth is distributed across the community consistent with infrastructure
capacity, and that infrastructure and public facilities keep pace with
population growth.
The LUCD Element consists of narrative, goals and policies, as well as a Land
Use Map and other figures and maps. It also includes land use designations
that describe the uses shown on the Land Use Map. Text and maps should
be considered collectively as project approvals or future amendments are
made.
Relationship to State Law
State law (Government Code Section 65302(a)) requires general plans to
include a Land Use Element. In accordance with state law, the LUCD
Element designates the general distribution, location and extent of land for
housing, business, industry, open space (including agriculture, natural
resources, recreation, and enjoyment of scenic beauty), education, public
facilities, and other categories of public and private uses of land. It also
includes standards of population density and building intensity for the
various areas covered by the General Plan.
Community Design is not a required element under state law. Community
design policies in this element address topics such as the form, character,
and quality of development, to advance the community’s desire to enhance
Carlsbad’s setting and quality of life.
Relationship to Community Vision
While the LUCD Element responds to almost all of the core values of the
Carlsbad Community Vision, most closely it furthers:
Core Value 1: Small Town Feel, Beach Community Character and
Connectedness. Enhance Carlsbad’s defining attributes—its small-town feel
and beach community character. Build on the city’s culture of civic
engagement, volunteerism and philanthropy.
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Relationship to Other General Plan Elements
The LUCD Element has the broadest scope of all the elements and plays the
central role of correlating all land use issues into a set of coherent
development policies. Other elements of the General Plan contain goals and
policies related to land use, and therefore, must be referred to for a
complete understanding of the purposes, intentions and development
requirements embodied in the Land Use Element. The street system and
design, and transportation improvements in the Mobility Element are
closely tied to fulfill transportation needs resultant from the land use
pattern, while the Noise Element reflects noise generated from resultant
traffic. The Open Space, Conservation and Recreation Element outlines
policies to achieve the overall open space system depicted on the Land Use
Map and establishes policies and standards for recreation facilities to serve
the population resulting from residential, employment and visitor serving
land uses. Sites identified in the Housing Element reflect residential
designations on the Land Use Map.
Relationship to Development Code
Carlsbad’s codes governing development include the Zoning Ordinance,
Environment Ordinance, Subdivisions Ordinance, Grading and Drainage
Ordinances, California Building Code, and Fire Prevention Code. These
codes regulate development as described below. In addition to these codes,
there are other regulations that govern development in the city, including
the Local Coastal Program, Habitat Management Plan and McClellan-
Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, which are discussed in
Section 2.5.
1.Zoning Ordinance (Carlsbad Municipal Code, Title 21). This
ordinance implements the General Plan by regulating the distribution
and intensity of land uses in such categories as residential, commercial,
and industrial. Regulations establish standards for minimum lot size;
building height and setback limits; fence heights; parking; and other
development parameters within each land use. In the event of an
inconsistency between the Zoning Ordinance and the General Plan, the
General Plan shall prevail.
2.Environment Ordinance (Carlsbad Municipal Code, Title 19). This
ordinance provides for enhancement and protection of the environ-
ment within the city by establishing principles, criteria, and procedures
for evaluating the environmental impacts of development, consistent
with the General Plan, and ensures compliance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
3.Subdivisions Ordinance (Carlsbad Municipal Code, Title 20). This
ordinance implements Title 7, Division 2 of the California Government
Code (Subdivision Map Act), and sets procedures to regulate the
division of land. Both the General Plan and the Carlsbad Subdivision
Ordinance govern the design of the subdivision, the size of its lots, and
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the types of improvements that will be required as conditions of
approval.
4.Grading and Drainage Ordinances (Carlsbad Municipal Code, Title
15). The purposes of the grading ordinance are to: establish minimum
requirements for grading, including clearing and grubbing of vegeta-
tion, in a manner intended to protect life and property and promote the
general welfare; enhance and improve the physical environment of the
community; and preserve, subject to economic feasibility, the natural
scenic character of the city. The purposes of the drainage ordinance are
to: ensure the timely completion of planned local storm drainage, flood
control and water pollution control improvements; and protect and
enhance the water quality of the city’s receiving waters and wetlands in
a manner pursuant to and consistent with the Clean Water Act and
municipal permit.
5.California Building Code (Carlsbad Municipal Code, Title 18). The
purpose of this code is to provide standards to safeguard health,
property and public welfare by regulating the design, construction,
occupancy, and location of buildings within the city. This code is
developed by the California Building Standards Commission based on
the latest edition of the model codes promulgated by the International
Code Council. The State of California also publishes a California
Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical and Energy Code. These California
codes for construction are adopted by local jurisdictions throughout
California. All residential, industrial and commercial development in
the City of Carlsbad must conform to the provisions of these codes.
6.Fire Prevention Code (Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 17). The
purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements
consistent with nationally recognized good practices to safeguard the
public health, safety and general welfare from the hazards of fire,
explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings,
structures and premises, and to provide safety and assistance to fire
fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations. This
code incorporates by reference the California Fire Code, which is
developed and updated every three years by the California Building
Standards Commission. The city’s Fire Prevention Code also
incorporates a number of local amendments necessary to respond to
local climatic, geographical, or topographic conditions.
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2.2 Context: Existing Land Use
Pattern
The geographically dominant land use in Carlsbad is single-family
residential, with neighborhoods distributed throughout the city. Table 2–1
describes the extent of land uses that exist (on the ground), based on the
geographic information systems (GIS) database compiled for the General
Plan. Residential uses account for 29 percent of the city’s land area, with the
largest share attributable to single-family detached homes (21 percent of
the city’s land area). As of Jan. 1, 2023, there are 47,613 residential units in
the city (Table 2–2).
Non-residential uses, including commercial, industrial and hotels, account
for 9 percent of the city’s land area. Commercial and industrial uses are
primarily concentrated along Palomar Airport Road. Public and quasi-
public uses, including city buildings and utilities, account for 5 percent of the
city’s total acreage. As shown in Table 2–2, there are 18.1 million square feet
of industrial and research and development/flex space, and 5.6 million
square feet of office space. Hotels are scattered throughout the city, taking
advantage of freeway access, the airport and proximity to major activity and
employment centers, including LEGOLAND, beaches, lagoons, golf courses,
the Village, and business parks.
Natural vegetation remains in and around the three lagoons and on the
higher, steeper-sloped, inland portions of the city. In fact, open space uses
constitute the largest proportion of land use in the city. Five percent of the
city’s land area is used for parks and recreation, 2 percent for agriculture
and 32 percent as other open space or natural areas. Three percent of land
is undeveloped or vacant (this excludes the undeveloped areas designated
as open space). Although some of the vacant land is available for
development, some sections may not be developable due to site constraints,
such as steep slopes or natural habitat that is protected pursuant to the
city’s Habitat Management Plan (HMP).
For detailed discussion regarding existing land use patterns and issues, see
Envision Carlsbad Working Paper 6: Small Town Feel, Beach Community
Character and Connectedness; Neighborhood Revitalization, Community
Design and Livability.
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TABLE 2–1: EXISTING (2022) LAND USES
LAND USE ACRES PERCENT OF TOTAL
Residential 7,220 29%
Spaced Rural Residential 67 <1%
Single Family Detached 5,204 21%
Single Family Multiple Units 886 4%
Mobile Homes 180 <1%
Multi-Family 879 4%
Residential Under Construction 5 <1%
Commercial/Industrial 2,276 9%
Shopping Centers 298 1%
Hotel, Motel, Resort 203 <1%
Commercial 204 <1%
Office 353 1%
Industrial 1,217 5%
Public/Quasi-Public 1,195 5%
Education/Institutional 579 2%
Transportation, Communication, Utilities 616 3%
Agriculture/Open Space/Recreation 9,813 39%
Agriculture 544 2%
Open Space 8,080 32%
Recreation 1,189 5%
Others 4,548 18%
Undeveloped/Vacant 826 3%
Mixed Use 10.55 <1%
ROW 3,711 15%
GRAND TOTAL 25,053 100%
Numbers and percentages may not add up due to rounding.
Planned land uses, such as open space, may differ from existing land uses shown in this table. In addition, some “undeveloped/vacant” land may have been
developed since the date of SANDAG’s data, while some “under construction” may have been completed.
Source: SANDAG, 2023
TABLE 2–2: EXISTING INVENTORY OF RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL USES
UNITS/SQUARE FEET
Residential (Units) 47,613
Single-family (attached and detached), multifamily, mobile homes, and mixed-use residential units 47,003
Accessory dwelling units 6101
Non-Residential (square feet/hotel rooms) 28,282,930/5,067
Industrial and R&D/flex inventory 18,059,521
Office-inventory 5,653,775
Retail 4,569,634
Hotel rooms 5,067
1. Accessory dwelling units are not counted for Growth Management purposes as described in Section 2.6.
Source: City of Carlsbad, 2023
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Rolling hills, beaches, lagoons,
and built infrastructure frame
Carlsbad’s physical form.
2.3 Vision and Strategies
Overall City Image, Form, and Structure
Rolling hills and other natural features and built infrastructure frame
Carlsbad’s physical form, affecting development opportunities and the
circulation network. Natural areas and open spaces include lagoons and the
ocean, hillsides, habitats, and parks. The coastline and beaches are
prominent visual amenities that offer beautiful views and recreation
opportunities. The railroad and Interstate-5 traverse the city lengthwise
and are located one-quarter- and one-half-mile, respectively, from the
ocean. The only major north-south roads are Carlsbad Boulevard (along the
coast) and El Camino Real (approximately two and one-half miles east of
the coast), while six major roads traverse east-west.
Interspersed between the natural features and this infrastructure are
clusters of urban uses – the airport and the adjacent employment core at the
geographic center of the community, surrounded by residential
neighborhoods, shopping centers, hotels, and other uses. The northwest
area of Carlsbad, generally north of Palomar Airport Road and west of El
Camino Real, represents the original area of the city’s incorporation in
1952; at the time, the city included a commercial center (the Village) and
the city’s original neighborhoods, which were built on a grid street system
and primarily located west of Interstate-5 and north of Tamarack Avenue.
Following incorporation in 1952, the city grew slowly until the 1980s when
development rapidly expanded outward to the east and south in a dispersed
urban form, resulting in the Village being located more than five miles from
neighborhoods in the southern part of the city. (See Figure 1-2: City
Evolution)
Looking ahead, the Carlsbad Community Vision core value of Small Town
Feel, Beach Community Character, and Connectedness expresses a desire to
reinforce the defining attributes of the city’s identity. When juxtaposed onto
the physical landscape, this means maintaining Carlsbad’s image of a small
town where neighborhoods are nestled between rolling hills; a beach
community with miles of easily accessible beaches, lagoons and trails; and
a resident population whose stewardship of the city’s natural assets,
heritage, public art, and active engagement in community activities serve as
reminders of the city’s connectedness. The General Plan seeks to ensure
that Carlsbad’s small-town “feel” will be maintained through the scale of
development, and promotes planning practices that foster greater
connections between neighborhoods and uses. Appropriately scaled
development will ensure that mature trees and expansive open spaces
dominate much of the city’s landscape, with clustered opportunities for
urban-scaled development.
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Land Use Vision
The General Plan guides Carlsbad’s evolution toward an increasingly
balanced community, with a full range and variety of land uses, housing for
all income groups and lifestyles, and places for businesses large and small.
Much of Carlsbad—outside of the Village and the Barrio—was developed in
an auto-centric era, with separation between uses. Looking ahead, the
community envisions a future in which there is a greater mix of uses,
density is linked to public transportation, and services are available closer
to existing neighborhoods. The General Plan also seeks revitalization of
older neighborhoods.
While much of the city will not change in the coming years, a mix of activities
in strategic locations in closer proximity to one another, rather than isolated
single uses, will reduce distances to destinations. The General Plan also
encourages development of housing and activities near public
transportation and services, as well as appropriate opportunities for
vertical mixed-use development (such as housing or offices above retail) in
the Village and mixed-use centers. Recreation facilities will be developed
closer to or within existing neighborhoods, and new neighborhood-scale
services will be provided in convenient and sensible locations compatible
with the surrounding residential uses. These approaches will accommodate
growth while protecting open space, community character, and quality of
life, and recognizing that change may be limited in established
neighborhoods.
The General Plan combines an active waterfront strategy with development
of pedestrian-oriented shopping centers in strategic locations throughout
the city, while maintaining the employment core in the McClellan-Palomar
Airport area:
▪The active waterfront strategy will enable new development
along or close to the ocean coastline, along with a new public
promenade and open spaces, enabling residences, restaurants,
hotels, and other uses to be close to the ocean.
▪The neighborhood-centers strategy will result in pedestrian-
oriented shopping centers that are located to maximize
accessibility from residential neighborhoods. Where
appropriate, these centers would also include high and medium
density housing surrounding the retail uses or integrated in
mixed-use buildings.
▪The employment strategy for the McClellan-Palomar Airport
area will result in continued growth as the employment center
of the city with residential uses in appropriate locations,
enabling workers to live close to jobs.
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Coastal access and trail along
the railroad corridor.
Beach Access and Activity
The ocean and the beaches are some of Carlsbad’s principal physical assets,
giving the city its identity, and providing opportunities for recreation and
scenic vistas from streets and buildings. Connections between the built
form and the city’s beaches and long coastline suggest a slower pace of life,
projecting a “village by the sea” character that community members relish.
However, the beach is difficult to access—in the Village, access to the beach
is limited and often found along narrow stairways between residences that
front the beach; connection from the Barrio to the beach is cutoff by the
railroad tracks. From other neighborhoods east of I-5, accessing the beach
can require circuitous travel along the limited number of east-west
connections. The waterfront also lacks activities and uses, such as
restaurants, cafés, stores, entertainment, and visitor uses that would serve
as a draw and enhance the community’s enjoyment of the city’s waterfront
location.
Through the Envision Carlsbad process, the community expressed an over-
whelming preference for an active waterfront development strategy, which
provides opportunities for activities and uses to be more integrated with
the ocean. Implementation of the General Plan will ensure that residents
and visitors will enjoy more opportunities for dining, shopping, and
recreating along the coastline. Access to the beach will be enhanced through
new pedestrian and bicycle connections, additional visitor commercial uses,
open space, parking, and amenities such as showers and bathrooms.
Community Connectedness
Despite its geographic size, Carlsbad has a small town feel and is family-ori-
ented, progressive, multi-generational, and stable. Residents share a
community spirit and culture of volunteerism and philanthropy, making
relationships one of the most valuable aspects about the Carlsbad
community. Community members value the cultural acceptance and
diversity in the city, and the way old and new lifestyles come together.
The majority of Carlsbad’s employment, shopping and visitor facilities are
only accessible by car, which precludes walking or bicycling to nearby
services and amenities—a common small-town quality. In general, the city’s
past land use policies have favored these larger, car-oriented shopping
centers over smaller, neighborhood-serving commercial uses. This General
Plan seeks to establish a physically more knitted community, which in turn
would foster social connections.
Walkability and Accessibility
Community input during the Envision Carlsbad process emphasized the
desire for enhanced walkability in the city by providing services and
amenities closer to where people live, by providing more walking routes
and by making existing routes safer and more appealing.
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Pedestrian-attracting land uses include the Village commercial areas and the coastline.
Particularly in older neighborhoods such as the Village and Barrio,
community members walk to services, to and from school, utilizing the grid
network of streets and sidewalks. While some new neighborhoods, such as
Bressi Ranch, have been designed from the ground up with pedestrian-
oriented neighborhood centers and a gridded street network, walkability
remains a challenge in much of the rest of the city because of the dispersed,
low-density development pattern that emphasizes separation of uses, and
widely spaced streets. In the residential neighborhoods nestled in hillsides,
walkability is more challenging, with hilly topography, fewer routes and
longer distances to cover.
This General Plan promotes a multilayered strategy to promote walkability
and accessibility:
▪A greater mix and integration of uses in different parts of the
community.
▪Designation of commercial centers —with residential uses
allowed on or near these sites—to provide essential commercial
services closer to residents.
▪New and enhanced pedestrian orientation between
neighborhoods and between new shopping centers and
adjacent neighborhoods, with development designed to foster
greater pedestrian convenience and comfort.
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2.4 Land Use Designations and
Density/Intensity Standards
Land Use Designations
The following descriptions apply to land use designations shown with color,
shade, or symbol on Figure 2-1 Land Use. The designations in this section
represent adopted city policy. They are meant to be broad enough to give
the city flexibility in implementing the General Plan, but clear enough to
provide sufficient direction regarding the expected type, location and
relation of land uses planned in the city. The City’s Zoning Ordinance
contains more detailed provisions and standards. More than one zoning
district may be consistent with a single General Plan land use designation.
As specified in the Zoning Ordinance, all land use designations may include
public facilities, such as community centers, city libraries, and parks and
open spaces.
Residential
Residential land use designations are established to provide for
development of a full range of housing types. Densities are stated as number
of dwelling units per net acre of developable land—that is, parcel area
exclusive of area subject to development constraints, as described later in
this section. Residential development is required to be within the density
range (both maximum and minimum) specified in the applicable
designation, unless otherwise stated in this element. Growth management
policies, as specified in this element, and development standards
established in the Zoning Ordinance may limit attainment of maximum
densities. Residential density shall not include accessory dwelling units
permitted by the Zoning Ordinance.
Residential density is applied to overall parcel area, excluding land that is
undevelopable (as described later in this section) and, in mixed-use
developments, excluding area devoted to non-residential uses; clustering is
permitted in all residential designations to encourage open space
conservation and preservation of natural topography; this may result in
portions of a site developed at a density higher than the applicable density
range, which is acceptable as long as the density for the overall net
development site is not exceeded. Allowable residential densities are shown
in Table 2–3.
For some residential designations, housing types are specified in addition
to density; in such cases development should be of the specified type.
Regardless, if clustering is used to enhance open space conservation or
reduce the need for grading, the city may permit housing types other than
those specified, subject to specific review requirements.
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New single-family and multi-
family housing development in
Carlsbad.
R-1.5 Residential
Areas intended to be developed with detached single-family dwellings on
parcels one-half acre or larger, at a density between 0 to 1.5 dwelling units
per acre. The typical housing type will be detached single-family (one
dwelling per lot); however, on sites containing sensitive biological
resources, as identified in the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan,
development may be clustered on smaller lots and may consist of more than
one detached single-family dwelling on a lot, two-family dwellings (two
attached dwellings, including one unit above the other) or multi-family
dwellings (three or more attached dwellings), subject to specific review and
community design requirements.
R-4 Residential
Areas intended to be developed with detached single-family dwellings at a
density between 0 to 4 dwelling units per acre. The typical housing type will
be detached single-family (one dwelling per lot); however, on sites
containing sensitive biological resources, as identified in the Carlsbad
Habitat Management Plan, development may be clustered on smaller lots
and may consist of more than one detached single-family dwelling on a lot,
two-family dwellings (two attached dwellings, including one unit above the
other) or multi-family dwellings (three or more attached dwellings),
subject to specific review and community design requirements.
R-8 Residential
Areas intended to be developed with housing at a density between 4 to 8
dwelling units per acre. Housing types may include detached single-family
dwellings (one or more dwellings per lot), two-family dwellings (two
attached dwellings, including one unit above the other) and multi-family
dwellings (three or more attached dwellings).
R-15 Residential
Areas intended to be developed with housing at a density between 11.5 to
15 dwelling units per acre. Housing types may include two-family dwellings
(two attached dwellings, including one unit above the oth er) and multi-
family dwellings (three or more attached dwellings); detached single-
family dwellings may be permitted on small lots or when developed as two
or more units on one lot, subject to specific review and community design
requirements.
R-23 Residential
Areas intended to be developed with housing at a density between 19 to 23
dwelling units per acre. Housing types may include two-family dwellings
(two attached dwellings, including one unit above the other) and multi-
family dwellings (three or more attached dwellings); detached single-
family dwellings may be permitted when developed as two or more units
on one lot, subject to specific review and community design requirements.
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Village mixed uses, and
commercial center with
outdoor dining.
R-30 Residential
Areas intended to be developed with housing at a density between 26.5 to
30 dwelling units per acre. Housing types may include two-family dwellings
(two attached dwellings, including one unit above the other) and multi-
family dwellings (three or more attached dwellings); detached single-
family dwellings may be permitted when developed as two or more units
on one lot, subject to specific review and community design requirements.
R-35 Residential
Areas intended to be developed with housing at a density between 32.5 to
35 dwelling units per acre. Housing types may include multi-family
dwellings (three or more attached dwellings), which are typical of high
density housing. Detached single-family dwellings are not permitted.
R-40 Residential
Areas intended to be developed with housing at a density between 37.5 to
40 dwelling units per acre. Housing types may include multi-family
dwellings (three or more attached dwellings), which are typical of high
density housing. Detached single-family dwellings are not permitted.
Non-Residential and Mixed Use
Village-Barrio (V-B)
This designation applies to the heart of “old” Carlsbad, in the area
sometimes also referred to as the “downtown,” as well as the adjacent
Barrio neighborhood. Retail stores, offices, financial institutions, are
permitted. The Village and Barrio area is regulated by the Village and Barrio
Master Plan.
Local Shopping Center (L)
This designation includes shopping centers with tenants that serve the daily
needs of the surrounding local neighborhoods , as described in Table 2–4.
Uses that are more community serving in nature, as well as mixed use
(neighborhood serving commercial uses and residential dwellings), may
also be allowed.
General Commercial (GC)
This designation includes sites that provide general commercial uses that
may be neighborhood serving and/or serve a broader area of the
community than local shopping centers. Sites with this designation may be
developed with a stand-alone general commercial use, two or more general
commercial uses, or mixed use (general commercial uses and residential
dwellings), as described in Table 2–4.
Pac,f,c
0 cc a r Note: This land use map was adopted as part of the General Plan Update in 2015. For the current map, please consult the Planning Division. For land use map changes proposed by the project, please see Exhibit 2 of the January 30, 2024 City Council staff report. ' \
··-···-··� --� ........
Gtyo( San Marcos
Figure 2-1: Land Use Map
R-1.5, Residential 0-1.5 du/ac
R-4, Residential 0-4 du/ac
-R.a,Residential 4a du/ac
-R-15,Residential 8-15 du/ac
-R-1 Sil, Residential 8-15 du/ac/Local Shopping Center
-R-ISNC,Residential 8-15 du/acNisitor Commercial
R-15/O, Residential 8-15 du/ac / Office
-R-23,Residential 15-23 du/ac
-R-30,Residential 23-30 du/ac
-V,Vollage
-L,L.ocal Shopping Center
-GC,General Commercial
-VC,Vositor Commercial
VC/OS,Vositor Commercial/Open Space
-R,Re� Commercial
Pl, Planned Industrial
Pl/0, Planned lndustriaVOffice
O,Office
-P,Public
CF. Community Facilities
-OS, Open Space -TC.Transportation Conidor
"--• Coastal Zone
= Highways = Major Street
= = = = = Planned Street
�� Railroad (;;\�'rh;J Lagoons
Right ofWay .... -.. """\ l_ ____ _i City Limits
Airport Influence Area
� Review Area I
.... .... Review Area 2
SOOACRES
100 ACRES
0.5
Hiles
Source: City of Carlsbad, 2013;SANDAG, 2013: Dyett & Bhatia, 2013.
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Regional Commercial (R)
This designation includes shopping centers with anchor and secondary
tenants that are region-serving, as well as mixed use (regional commercial
uses and residential dwellings), as described in Table 2–4.
Visitor Commercial (VC)
This designation is intended to provide sites for commercial uses that serve
the travel, retail, shopping, entertainment, and recreation needs of visitors,
tourists, and residents, as described in Table 2–4.
Office (O)
This designation provides for a wide range of general office, medical, and
other professional uses. Ancillary commercial uses are also permitted.
Planned Industrial (PI)
This designation is intended to provide and protect industrial lands
primarily for corporate office, research and development (R&D) and
manufacturing uses. Ancillary commercial uses are also permitted.
Public (P)
This designation is intended to provide for schools, government facilities
(civic buildings, libraries, maintenance yards, police and fire stations),
public/quasi-public utilities, airport sites, and other facilities that have a
public/quasi-public character.
Open Space (OS)
This designation includes natural resource areas (e.g. habitat, nature
preserves, wetlands, floodplains, beaches1, bluffs, natural steep slopes, and
hillsides); areas for production of resources (e.g., agriculture, aquaculture,
1 In the Terramar Beach area, the OS designation boundary for beach frontage properties shall be the area
of any existing or future open space easements; otherwise it shall be the area west of the Mean Higher
High Water line (MHHW), which is 5.33 feet in elevation for the La Jolla Tide Station according to a 2008
study titled “Tide and Sea Level Study for Southern California Buena Vista Lagoon Restoration”.
A visitor commercial use.
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and water reservoirs); and recreation and aesthetic areas (e.g., parks,
beaches, greenways, trails, campgrounds, golf courses, and buffers between
land uses).
Community Facilities
This designation is intended to provide community-serving facilities, such
as child-care centers, places of worship, and youth and senior citizen
centers.
Transportation Corridor
This designation is applied to major transportation corridors such as the
Interstate-5 Freeway and the North County Transit District railroad and its
right-of-way.
Density and Intensity Standards
The General Plan establishes density and intensity standards for various
locations in Carlsbad by land use type. Table 2–3 presents a summary of
these standards.
Density—the number of people or dwelling units in a given area—and
intensity—measured as the amount of floor space in a given area—have
implications in terms of community character as well as traffic generated
and public facility impacts. It is a fundamental topic for land use planning,
especially in a community that has limited available land and wants to
preserve remaining open spaces.
Allowable Density and Development Constraints
Constraints due to environmental and physical factors reduce the potential
for development on some sites. Potential constraints include locations
within existing or proposed Habitat Management Plan (HMP) hardline
conservation areas; existing or proposed HMP standards areas; 100-year
flood zones; airport safety zones and noise impact areas; and areas that
have steep slopes (defined as over 25 percent). Table 2–5 indicates
constrained lands that are to be excluded from density calculations and/or
are considered undevelopable.
Open space and community facility.
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TABLE 2–3: DENSITY AND INTENSITY STANDARDS
LAND USE
DESIGNATION LABEL
RESIDENTIAL
DENSITY RANGE
(MINIMUM2 TO
MAXIMUM
DWELLING
UNITS/ACRE)
GROWTH
MANAGEMENT
CONTROL POINT
DENSITY1 (DWELLING
UNITS/ACRE)
RESIDENTIAL
DENSITY USED IN
THE HOUSING
ELEMENT2
(DWELLING
UNITS/ACRE)
MAXIMUM
PERMITTED
FAR
Residential
R-1.5 Residential R-1.5 0 to 1.5 1 1 –
R-4 Residential R-4 0 to 4 3.2 3.2 –
R-8 Residential R-8 4 to 8 6 4 –
R-15 Residential R-15 11.5 to 15 11.5 11.5 –
R-23 Residential R-23 19 to 23 19 19 –
R-30 Residential R-30 26.5 to 30 26.5 26.5 –
R-35 Residential R-35 32.5-35 32.5 32.5 –
R-40 Residential R-40 37.5-40 37.5 37.5 –
Village-Barrio V-B BP District: 23-30 25 23 –
BC District: 8-15 11.5 8
Non-Residential and Mixed Use
Local Shopping
Center
L 15-305 – 15 0.54
General
Commercial
GC 15-305 – 15 0.54
Regional
Commercial
R 15-305 – 15 0.54
Visitor Commercial VC 15-306 – – 0.54
Village-Barrio V-B VC, FC Districts: 28-
35
– VC, FC Districts: 28 1.23
VG, HOSP, PT Districts: 18-23 – VG, HOSP, PT Districts: 18
Office O – – – 0.6
Planned Industrial PI – – – 0.5
1 See Section 2.6 of this element for more information on Growth Management.
2 . Residential development shall not be approved below this density, except as provided for by Policy 2-P.7 of this element, and shall be no less than the minimum
established for a particular property as provided for by Policy 2-P.87.
3 Combined residential and non-residential FAR.
4 Non-residential only. No separate combined residential and non-residential FAR.
5 Residential dwellings are allowed as a secondary use at a minimum density of 15 dwelling units per acre (based on 25 percent of developable acreage).
6 Residential dwellings may be allowed as a secondary use at a minimum density of 15 dwelling units per acre (based on 25 percent of developable acreage),
subject to approval of a specific plan, master plan or site development plan that demonstrates the primary use of the property is visitor-serving.
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TABLE 2–4: CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMERCIAL LAND USES1
TYPE OF
COMMERCIAL LAND
USE
LOCAL SHOPPING CENTER
GENERAL
COMMERCIAL
REGIONAL
SHOPPING CENTER
VISITOR
COMMERCIAL
REQUIRED OF ALL
LOCAL SHOPPING
CENTERS
POSSIBLE
ADDITIONAL
OPTION
Primary Trade Area
Focus
Local
neighborhood
Community-
serving
Local
neighborhood
and/or community-
serving
Regional Visitor-serving2
Anchor Tenants
(examples)
Provides daily
goods - supermarket,
grocery store,
specialty market,
drug store
Department
stores, apparel stores,
specialty-
goods store, home
improvement store,
entertainment
uses
Anchor and
secondary tenants, if any
(secondary
tenants are not required), may
include wholesale products,
department
stores, home improvement
stores, offices, motels/hotels,
entertainment
uses, retail goods and commercial
services. May be
a standalone use.
Full-line
department stores (2 or more),
factory outlet
center, “power center” of several
high-volume retail uses, including
general
merchandise, automobile sales,
apparel, furniture, home furnishings,
etc.
Anchor and
secondary tenants, if any
(secondary
tenants are not required), shall
be a stand-alone use or a group of
uses that attract
and/ or serve the travel needs of
visitors. Such uses may include,
but are not
limited to hotel/ motel,
restaurant,
recreation facilities,
museums, travel support uses (e.g.
gas station, car
rental, grocery, convenience
store, etc.),
visitor-attracting/ serving retail,
amusement parks, cinemas
and other
entertainment uses.
Secondary Tenants
(examples)
Restaurants,
small neighborhood
serving retail and
offices, personal grooming
services, gas
station, cleaners
Retail,
commercial services, public
facilities (i.e.
library, post office)
Full range of
specialty retail, restaurants,
entertainment,
convenience stores, service
facilities, business
and professional
offices
Mixed Use –
Commercial and
Residential (optional)
N/A See note 3 See note 3 See note 3 See note 3
Site Size (acres) 8 – 20 To 30 Varies 30 – 100 Varies
Gross Lease Area 60,000 – 150,000 (sq. ft.) Up to 400,000 (sq. ft.) Varies 300,000 to 1.5 million (sq. ft.) Varies
Primary Trade Area Drive Time 5 – 10 minutes 10 – 20 minutes 5 – 20 minutes 20 – 30 minutes Varies
Primary Trade Area
Radius
1.5 miles 3 – 5 miles 3 to 5 miles 8 – 12 miles Varies
Primary Trade Area
Population
10,000 – 40,000
people
40,000 –
150,000 people
Up to 150,000 150,000+ people Varies
1 This table provides the typical characteristics of commercial land uses and is intended to be utilized as a general guideline when implementing the General Plan.
2 Primary use of the property must be visitor-serving.
3 Residential dwellings are allowed as a secondary use at a minimum density of 15 dwelling units per acre (based on 25 percent of developable acreage).
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TABLE 2–5: LANDS EXCLUDED FROM DENSITY CALCULATIONS AND/OR CONSIDERED UNDEVELOPED
LAND TYPE
EXCLUDED FROM
DENSITY CALCULATIONS UNDEVELOPABLE1
Beaches X X
Permanent bodies of water X X
Floodways X X
Fifty percent of natural slopes with an inclination between 25 percent
and 40 percent
X
Natural slopes with an inclination greater than 40 percent X X
Significant wetlands X X
Significant riparian or woodland habitats X X
Land subject to major power transmission easements X X
Railroad track beds X X
Land upon which other significant environmental features are
located, as determined by the environmental review process for a
project
X2
Habitat preserve areas as identified in the city’s Habitat Management
Plan
X2
1. No residential development shall occur on these lands; however, the City Council may permit limited development of such property, if when considering the
property as a whole, the prohibition against development would constitute an unconstitutional deprivation of property.
2. Consistent with Policy 2-P.11, in instances where a property owner is preserving open space for purposes of environmental enhancement, complying with the city’s Habitat Management Plan ’s
Habitat Management Plan, or otherwise leaving developable property in its natural condition, the density/development potential of the property being left in open space or and used on the remainder
space shall be reserved for an used on the remainder of the project site or, through an agreement with the city, may be transferred to another property.
Slope and habitat are two of several constraints that reduce development potential on many sites.
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2.5 uildout and Jobs/Housing
Balance
Potential Buildout
With the city approaching “built out” and the preservation of open space a
priority, undeveloped land available for development is limited. Vacant sites
exist throughout the city, but many of these sites are small, irregular in
shape, or otherwise constrained due to natural or physical features (such as
steep slope) that render development difficult. Therefore, much of the city’s
future development will come from expanded development on sites with
existing structures or redevelopment of sites and structures that come to
the end of their useful life over the next 25 years.
Likely development under the General Plan is referred to as buildout. The
General Plan has a 2035 horizon; however, the plan does not specify or
anticipate when buildout will occur, as long-range demographic and
economic trends are difficult to predict. The designation of a site for a
certain use also does not necessarily mean that the site will be developed
or redeveloped with that use during the planning period, as most
development will depend on property owner initiative.
Table 2–6 shows potential development resulting from application of land
uses shown on the Land Use Map on vacant and underutilized sites,
according to analysis undertaken for this General Plan. This includes
pipeline development—that is, development already permitted but not yet
built. Table 2–7 shows existing and total development by broad categories.
As shown in the tables, the Land Use Map provides for 56,336 dwelling units
at buildout of the General Plan (see Section 1.4 of the General Plan
Introduction), which is an increase of 19.85 percent (9,333 dwelling units)
compared to the existing inventory of 47,003 dwelling units (as of 2023).
Commercial, industrial, and hotel development is projected to increase in
higher or lower proportions (29 percent, 6 percent, and 37 percent
respectively), while office development is expected to increase more
modestly (13 percent); at buildout, Carlsbad is projected to have
approximately 6.0 million square feet of commercial space, 6.4 million
square feet of office space, 19.2 million square feet of industrial space, and
6,962 hotel rooms.
Buildout Population
Between 2010 and 2020, Carlsbad’s population increased by 9,418, at an
average annual growth rate of 0.89 percent, while the county as a whole
grew at a rate of 0.9 percent. At buildout, Carlsbad’s population is projected
to increase from 2020 by approximately 26,924 to 141,219, for an average
annual growth rate of 1.5 percent. Table 2–8 shows Carlsbad’s 2010 and
2020 populations according to the US Census and estimated buildout
population. With the county growing at a somewhat slower pace, Carlsbad’s
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share of county population is expected to increase slightly, from 3.5 percent
in 2020 to 3.9 percent at buildout.
TABLE 2–6: ESTIMATED NEW DEVELOPMENT BY QUADRANT (TO BUILDOUT1)
RESIDENTIAL
(DWELLING UNITS)2
COMMERCIAL
(SQ FT) OFFICE (SQ FT)
INDUSTRIAL
(SQ FT) HOTEL ROOMS
Northwest
4,297 786,633 84,880 300,021
1,020
Northeast
2,140 161,600 410,700 517,586
–
Southwest
2,113 413,215 240,045 288,800
795
Southeast
783 44,882 11,800 108,017
80
TOTAL
9,333 1,406,330 747,425 1,214,424
1,895
1. The dwelling unit and building area numbers in this table are estimates; site/project specific analysis will determine the actual development potential of
individual project sites.
2. Excludes accessory dwelling units and commercial living units, which are not counted for purposes of the city’s Growth Management described in Section 2.6.
Source: City of Carlsbad, 2023
TABLE 2–7: ESTIMATED TOTAL DEVELOPMENT
RESIDENTIAL
(DWELLING UNITS)1
COMMERCIAL
(SQ FT)
OFFICE
(SQ FT)
INDUSTRIAL
(SQ FT)
HOTEL
ROOMS
Existing Development
47,003 4,569,634 5,653,775 18,059,521 5,067
New Development
9,333 1,406,330 747,425 1,214,424
1,895
TOTAL FUTURE BUILDOUT
ESTIMATE 56,336 5,975,964
6,401,200
19,273,945 6,962
1 Excludes accessory dwelling units and commercial living units, which are not counted for purposes of the city’s Growth Management described in Section 2.6.
Sources: City of Carlsbad, 2023.
Jobs-Housing Balance
Jobs-housing balance refers to the condition in which a single community
offers an equal supply of jobs and housing, which theoretically would
reduce the need for people to commute in or out of town for work. In reality,
the match of education, skills and interests is not always accommodated
within the boundaries of one community. Still, a jobs-housing balance and
matching workforce needs to availability of housing types and prices can
discourage commute travel. To measure a community’s jobs-housing
balance, it is typical to look at employed residents rather than housing units.
A jobs to employed residents ratio of 1.0 would indicate parity between jobs
and housing, although because of regional inter-dependencies, inter-city
commuting will still result.
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Table 2–9 shows existing and projected jobs to employed residents ratio for
Carlsbad. Precise information on the current ratio is difficult to firmly
establish, as SANDAG estimates and projects a “jobs to housing” ratio rather
than jobs to employed residents ratio. However, using SANDAG’s 2020
estimate of jobs in Carlsbad and US Census 2020 data, Carlsbad’s jobs to
employed residents ratio in 2019-2020 was about 1.25. Based on
development projected under the General Plan, this ratio is expected to be
relatively constant increasing very slightly to 1.40, without accounting for
aging population. Regional projections indicate that San Diego’s population
between ages 15 and 69 is expected to decline from 73 percent presently to
67 percent in 2035. If the same proportionate change in employed residents
were to result then the jobs to employed residents ratio would increase to
1.51.
TABLE 2–8: ESTIMATED BUILDOUT POPULATION1
2010 2020
2020
SHARE OF
COUNTY
ANNUAL
GROWTH
RATE
2035
BUILDOUT
POPULATION
SHARE OF
COUNTY
ANNUAL
GROWTH
RATE
Carlsbad
105,328 114,746 3.5%
.89%
141,219
3.9%
1.5%
San Diego
County
3,095,313 3,287,306 100% 0.9% 3,640,255 100% 0.7%
1 See Section 1.4 of the General Plan Introduction for information regarding buildout assumptions.
Sources: US Census, 2010; and 2020; SANDAG 2050 Regional Growth Forecast; City of Carlsbad, 2023
TABLE 2–9: JOBS/EMPLOYED RESIDENTS’ BALANCE
ESTIMATED 2020 BUILDOUT
BUILDOUT WITH LABOR FORCE
PARTICIPATION DECLINE WITH AGING
POPULATION
Jobs
70,228 103,979 103,979
Employed Residents
55,983 78,180 72,713
Jobs/Employed Residents
1.25
1.40
1.51
Sources SANDAG 2050 Regional Growth Forecast. 2035 jobs and employed residents projected by SANDAG, 2023.
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2.6 Growth Management
In the mid-1980s, the city was experiencing an era of rapid growth, which
raised community concerns about how growth would affect quality of life—
the community’s “small town” identity, open space, natural habitat, and the
adequacy of public facilities to serve new growth. In July 1986, to address
these concerns, the city adopted the Growth Management Plan, which was
ratified by voter approval of Proposition E in November 1986.
The Growth Management Plan requires adequate public facilities be
provided concurrent with new growth. To ensure this, the Growth
Management Plan identifies performance standards for 11 public facilities
–city administration, library, wastewater treatment, parks, drainage,
circulation, fire, open space, schools, sewer collection, and water
distribution. The facility performance standards were based on the city’s
residential dwelling unit capacity (existing and future units), which in 1986
was estimated to be 54,599 dwelling units.
Through Proposition E, voters limited the number of dwelling units in the
city to the 54,599 dwelling unit estimate. As shown in Table 2-10,
Proposition E established a maximum number of dwelling units that could
be built after November 4, 1986 in each of the city’s four quadrants, which
are located along El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road. Pursuant to
state law and city regulations, accessory dwelling units and commercial
living units are not counted as dwellings for the purposes of Growth
Management. California Government Code Section 65852.2 states that
accessory dwelling units shall not be considered in the application of any
local ordinance, policy or program that limits residential growth. In regard
to commercial living units (e.g., professional care facilities, hotels and time-
shares), Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 21.04.093 states that such units
are not considered dwelling units due to the assistance/services provided
in conjunction with the living unit and/or the use of the living unit for
temporary lodging. In addition, pursuant to the city’s Citywide Facilities and
Improvements Plan, hotels and time-share units that are not defined as a
dwelling unit in the building code are not counted as dwelling units for
purposes of Growth Management.
Compliance with the Growth Management Plan occurs through the
Citywide Facilities and Improvements Plan, which identifies the
performance standards for each of the 11 public facilities, divides the city
into 25 local facility management zones (LFMZ) and identifies the city’s
ultimate public facility needs. A local facilities management plan identifies
the public facility needs for each LFMZ. Individual development projects
must comply with the Citywide Facilities and Improvement Plan and the
applicable local facilities management plan, which ensures that adequate
public facilities are provided concurrent with development.
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TABLE 2-10: PROPOSITION E - GROWTH MANAGEMENT
QUADRANT
ESTIMATED EXISTING
UNITS IN NOV. 1986
PROP. E MAX.
UNITS ALLOWED
AFTER NOV. 4, 1986
GROWTH
MANAGEMENT
DWELLING UNIT CAP
ESTIMATE1
Northwest 9,526 5,844 15,370
Northeast 2,876 6,166 9,042
Southwest 2,192 10,677 12,859
Southeast 6,527 10,801 17,328
CITYWIDE 21,121 33,478 54,599
1 Excludes accessory dwelling units and commercial living units, which are not counted for purposes of the city’s Growth Management dwelling unit limitations,
as described above.
Density Control Points
To manage compliance with Growth Management dwelling unit limitations,
the City Council established Growth Management Control Point (GMCP)
densities for all residential land use designations in the city (for example,
for the R-4 land use designation, the GMCP density is 3.2 dwelling units per
acre). While the city cannot enforce Growth Management dwelling unit
limitations due to changes in state law as explained below, GMCP densities
help the city reasonably estimate potential dwelling unit yields for purposes
of determining the future public facility needs created by new
developments..
Changes in Laws that Affect Growth Management
The state of California has declared a housing crisis in the state and passed
several new laws designed to make it easier to build housing, largely by
reducing local cities’ control over the approval process.
In 2017 the California Legislature passed SB 166, known as the No Net Loss
Law, which requires local jurisdictions to ensure that their Housing Element
inventories can accommodate, at all times throughout the housing element
planning period, their remaining unmet share of the regional housing need.
In 2019, the legislature passed SB 330, the Housing Crisis Act of 2019, which
prohibits local jurisdictions from imposing moratoriums and caps or limits
on housing development. This extends to using the Growth Management
residential housing caps or other limits to regulate the number of housing
units built within a jurisdiction.
As a result of the housing laws noted above, in 2020 and 2021, the Carlsbad
City Council adopted resolutions 2020-104 and 2021-074 finding that the
Growth Management housing caps and any moratoriums new housing are
unenforceable due to the new state laws.
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2.7 Special Planning Considerations
In several areas of the city, special planning considerations and/or
objectives apply. Section 2.9 contains goals and policies that address the
areas described below:
Coastal Zone Planning
The California Coastal Act regulates all development within the state-
designated Coastal Zone. The zone extends through the length of the city,
and covers approximately one-third of the city’s land area, as shown in
Figure 2-2. The Coastal Act requires that individual jurisdictions adopt local
coastal programs (LCP) to implement the Coastal Act. Carlsbad’s LCP
consists of a separate land use plan document containing separate land use
policies and an implementation plan, which primarily consists of the city’s
Zoning Ordinance, as well as portions of the Grading and Drainage
Ordinance and Building Codes and Regulations that are applicable to storm
water management and grading; master and specific plans applicable to
areas in the Coastal Zone are also part of the LCP Implementation plan.
Development in the Coastal Zone must comply with the LCP in addition to
the General Plan.
The city’s LCP Land Use Plan will be updated consistent
with this General Plan. However, to take effect, the LCP
must be certified by the Coastal Commission as well as
adopted by the city. Until such time that this occurs, the
existing (as of 201 3) LCP must be adhered to.
Although the LCP covers all of Carlsbad’s Coastal Zone, the
Coastal Commission retains coastal development permit
authority within its original permit jurisdiction and
deferred certification areas. Carlsbad continues to pursue
LCP certification in the deferred certification areas in
order to transfer permit authority to the city and
streamline development approval.
Within the Coastal Zone, no discretionary permit shall be
issued by the city unless found to be consistent with the General Plan and
the LCP. In the event of conflict between the provisions of the General Plan
and LCP Land Use Plan, the terms of the LCP Land Use Plan shall prevail.
Habitat Management Plan (HMP)
For more information on the HMP, see the Open Space, Conservation
and Recreation Element.
The City of Carlsbad and six other cities in northern San Diego County
participated in the preparation of the Multiple Habitat Conservation
Program (MHCP), which was adopted and certified by the San Diego
Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors in March 2003.
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The City of Carlsbad prepared a subarea plan as a part of the MHCP, called
the Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities in the City of
Carlsbad (HMP) that was adopted by the City Council in November 2004.
OCEANSIDE
SAN MARCOS
ENCINITAS
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78City of
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MCCLELLAN-PALOMARAIRPORT
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Open Space,
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Ponto/Southern
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Murphy
Figure 2-2: Special Planning Considerations
Highways
Major Street
Planned Street
Railroad
City Limits
0 1 20.5
Miles
Source: City of Carlsbad, 2013; SANDAG, 2013; Dyett & Bhatia, 2013.
Carlsbad Coastal Zone
Areas Subject to the HMP
500 ACRES
100
ACRES
Airport Influence Area
Review Area 1
Review Area 2
Airport Safety Zones (1-5)
North County PlazaNorth County Plaza
The Shoppes
at Carlsbad
The Shoppes
at Carlsbad
Carlsbad Village Carlsbad Village Coaster StationCoaster Station
Poinsettia Poinsettia Coaster StationCoaster Station
.... ...... ... ~:-·:·~:·:~·:··
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Sunny Creek
Residential
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The HMP outlines specific conservation, management, facility siting, land
use, and other measures that the city will take to preserve the diversity of
habitat and protect sensitive biological resources in the city while also
allowing for additional development and growth as anticipated under the
city’s General Plan. As part of the HMP, a total of 6,478 acres of land within
the city’s jurisdictional boundaries is to be conserved for habitats and an
additional 308 acres of habitat is to be conserved for the coastal California
gnatcatcher outside of the city’s jurisdiction.
McClellan-Palomar Airport
For more on transportation issues related to the airport, see the
Mobility Element; for noise policies related to the airport, see the Noise
Element; for safety policies related to the airport, see the Public Safety
Element.
McClellan-Palomar Airport was built in 1959 atop the mesa just south of the
Agua Hedionda valley and lagoon. Oriented to take advantage of the on-
shore winds, the runway lies on an east-west axis. The associated glide path,
crash hazard, and noise impact areas around the airport significantly
influence the type and intensity of development across the entire central
area of the city. This area of influence extends generally in a broad band east
and west of the runway, and, to a lesser degree, north and south of the
airport. For reasons of health and safety, residential development and most
institutional land uses (hospitals, schools, etc.) must be limited in this area
of airport influence.
The McClellan-Palomar Airport is owned by the County of San Diego,
covering an area of about 470 acres, located in the geographic center of
Carlsbad. In 2008, the airport had 192,960 aircraft operations, or an
average of 529 per day. A new $24 million airline terminal was opened in
2009.
Airport Land Use Compatibility
California law requires preparation of airport land use compatibility plans
for all public-use airports, to promote compatibility between airports and
the surrounding land uses. For McClellan-Palomar Airport, the San Diego
County Regional Airport Authority Airport Land Use Commission has
prepared and adopted the McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan (ALUCP). State law requires Carlsbad’s General Plan to
be consistent with the adopted ALUCP. If the City Council chooses to
overrule a finding of the Airport Land Use Commission as stated in the
ALUCP, it may do so by a two-thirds vote if it makes specific findings that
the General Plan is consistent with the intent of state airport land use
planning statutes.
The General Plan is consistent with the ALUCP. To limit noise impacts on
noise sensitive land uses, the General Plan retains areas surrounding the
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airport principally for industrial and supporting commercial development,
while sites have been identified as appropriate for residential and general
commercial use. Airport compatibility and safety is addressed in greater
detail in Section 6-5 of the Public Safety Element.
The Cannon Road Open Space, Farming and Public Use
Corridor
In 2006, Carlsbad voters approved “Proposition D - Preserve the Flower and
Strawberry Fields and Save Carlsbad Taxpayers’ Money.” The area affected
by Proposition D is referred to as the Cannon Road Open Space, Farming
and Public Use Corridor and is located along Cannon Road east of Interstate
5, as shown on Figure 2-2. Lands within the corridor currently consist
primarily of open space and existing farming operations including the
Flower Fields located to the south of Cannon Road and the existing
strawberry fields located to the north of Cannon Road; approximately 49
acres of the existing strawberry fields located adjacent to the east side of
Interstate 5 are not within the corridor and are not subject to Proposition D.
The open space areas within the corridor on the north side of Cannon Road
provide spectacular views of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and contain
environmentally-sensitive natural habitat areas that need to be
permanently protected. The existing flower fields and the strawberry fields
as open space uses provide for productive use of portions of the corridor
area that enhance the cultural heritage and history of the city. Although the
flower fields are already protected and restricted to agricultural use,
Proposition D requires the city to utilize all existing programs and land use
protections and explore other possible new mechanisms to keep the flower
fields in production. Proposition D also requires the city to ensure that other
farming uses within the corridor, such as a portion of the existing
strawberry fields, are allowed to continue as long as it is economically viable
for the landowner to do so.
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The area within the corridor is recognized for its significant open space
opportunities; however, the area currently lacks adequate public access and
public use areas so that the community can enjoy the open space
opportunities provided in this area to their fullest potential. Proposition D
identified that an interconnecting public trail through the area preferably
linking the south shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon with the existing flower
fields could greatly enhance public access in the area. Proposition D also
identified that park and recreation uses that allow public gathering spaces
and are compatible with other open space uses could offer opportunities for
more community use and enjoyment of the area.
Pursuant to Proposition D, residential use is not appropriate for the area
within the corridor. Commercial and industrial-type uses other than those
normally associated with farming operations are also not appropriate.
The Cannon Road Open Space, Farming and Public Use Corridor presents a
unique opportunity for the city to create a sustainable, community-oriented
open space area that balances social, economic and environmental values
important to the community.
Following voter approval of Proposition D, the City Council adopted the
Cannon Road Agricultural and Open Space Zone to implement the proposi-
tion. The zone was approved by the California Coastal Commission but only
for the affected parcels south of Cannon Road.
Village
Carlsbad Village—the community’s downtown—is the oldest and the most
walkable neighborhood in the city. The Village is home to the majority of
Carlsbad’s historic and cultural resources, including the Carlsbad Theatre,
Old Santa Fe Train Depot, Army and Navy Academy and multiple historic
structures.
The Village has evolved into an eclectic neighborhood rich with character
and diversity – both in its physical landscape and in its varied activities and
land uses. It has great bones – a walkable street grid, location adjacent to the
ocean, a bus and rail transit center, and mix of old and new buildings. The
Village should be Carlsbad’s ideal choice for residents looking for a more
urban, walkable, transit-connected lifestyle, and for visitors seeking a
contrasting experience to hiking along the lagoons, surfing, or golfing.
Many sites in the Village are developed at a low intensity and designed to
meet the needs of a car-oriented lifestyle, not in keeping with the vibrant,
active, pedestrian-oriented core that many would like to see as defining the
Village experience. As the Village continues to evolve, it will be important to
redevelop and strategically focus improvements in the neighborhood to
best express the city’s small-town beach-community lifestyle, take
advantage of key opportunities to connect to transit, the ocean, and the
Barrio neighborhood to the south, and add new residents and life into
downtown Carlsbad.
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The Village and Barrio Master Plan, adopted in 2018, provides a vision and
guidance for design, land use, and redevelopment, and includes
development standards and design guidelines. There are additional
opportunities to expand on key elements like public art and identity
through a signage and way-finding scheme as well as an expanded public
arts program.
Barrio
The roughly 150-acre Barrio neighborhood is situated on the northwestern
portion of the city, just south of the Village. Established in the 1920s, the
Barrio neighborhood first served as a residential enclave for new
immigrants supporting the agriculture economy of the city. Today, the
Barrio reflects elements of its past in its many cultural markers and historic
buildings, as well as in its long-time residents and cohesive community.
Land use in the Barrio neighborhood is primarily residential, with a wide
range of housing types, from single-family and two-family dwellings on
small lots within the center of the neighborhood along Roosevelt and
Madison streets to higher density multi-family residential development
located around the neighborhood’s perimeter west of Interstate 5 and east
of the railroad tracks. Other uses in the Barrio include public, institutional,
recreation and limited commercial uses. One of the key community assets
in the Barrio is the new Pine Avenue Park and Chase Field, as well as the
adjacent City of Carlsbad Senior Center.
In 2013, the allowed residential densities in the Barrio were increased. The
primary objective of the density increase was to encourage redevelopment
(primarily around the perimeter of the neighborhood) while protecting the
single-family/duplex character of the center of the neighborhood.
In 2018, the Village and Barrio Master Plan was adopted to provide a vision,
standards and guidelines for both the Village and Barrio. The master plan
recognizes the neighborhood’s walkable, residential character, its history
and cultural resources, and its objectives for calming traffic and increasing
connections with the Village and beach. It will be important that future
improvements are sensitive to these characteristics and objectives.
Carlsbad Boulevard/Agua Hedionda Center
This area formerly contained the Encina Power Station (EPS), whose 400-
foot exhaust stack and 965 megawatt power plant had been a landmark
near the edge of Agua Hedionda Lagoon and the ocean since the mid-1950s.
Pursuant to a settlement agreement dated January 14, 2014, between and
among the City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District
(CMWD), Cabrillo Power I LLC and Carlsbad Energy Center LLC, and San
Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E), the EPS was decommissioned in
2018 and demolished in 2022. The General Plan envisions redevelopment
of the EPS, as well as the adjacent SDG&E North Coast Service Center, with
visitor-serving commercial and open space uses to provide residents and
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visitors enhanced opportunities for coastal access and services, reflecting
the California Coastal Act’s goal of “maximizing public access to the coast.”
East of the former EPS, between the railroad tracks and I-5 freeway, a new,
approximately 500 megawatt facility, the Carlsbad Energy Center,
completed construction in 2018, utilizing peaker-plant technology (rather
than as a base load or combined-cycle facility). Compared to the former
plant, the new power plant features a lower profile and has less impact on
the environment by being constructed away from the coastline and partially
below grade, and by utilizing current peaker-plant technology that
significantly reduces its visual profile, hours of operation, noise, air
pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminates the use of ocean
water for cooling.
A portion of the area west of the railroad tracks contains the Claude “Bud”
Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant. The desalination project was completed
in 2015 and provides a portion of the city’s potable water needs. Also,
SDG&E operates the Encina substation on approximately 10 acres of the
EPS site west of the railroad tracks. The substation is expected to continue
in operation for the foreseeable future.
Former Encina Power Station along Carlsbad Blvd.
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The Shoppes at Carlsbad Commercial Area
The principal opportunity in this area is The Shoppes at Carlsbad mall, a 90-
acre enclosed regional shopping mall, surrounded by surface parking lots
owned by the city. The mall was redeveloped in 2014-2015.
As part of the 2021-2029 Housing Element update, the mall parking lots
were identified as a city-controlled opportunity site that could be
redeveloped to accommodate a portion of the city’s share of the Regional
Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The site has been identified to provide a
minimum 993 housing units across the five parking lot parcels. Programs in
the Housing Element call for the city to work closely with the owner of the
Shoppes on redevelopment of the site to a mixed-use format center that
includes a “high level of affordable housing (at least 20% of residential
units).”
On March 14, 2023, the City Council designated a city staff team as
responsible for exploring options for potential use of the city-owned
parking lot properties, including complying with the state Surplus Land Act
and working with representatives of the mall property owner or other
parties identified through the Surplus Land Act toward the lease or sale of
the properties.
To facilitate future mixed-used, mixed-income development, a combination
of Regional Commercial and residential land use designations (R-23 and R-
40)are applied to the parking lot parcels. The Regional Commercial
designation requires regionally oriented retail uses, but also permits
housing in a mixed-use setting. The R-23 and R-40 designations allow for
higher density residential uses. Site details, including number of units, will
be determined following submittal of development plans to the city and
subject to minimum density requirements.
North County Plaza
East and west of the mall are locally-serving shopping centers and a cluster
of offices; these may receive potential upgrading and reinvestment by
property owners; for example, the shopping center to the west, North
County Plaza, has been identified for potential mixed-use through the
proposed addition of housing. Based on a project submitted, it is anticipated
the site could redevelop with a minimum 240 units while maintaining
commercial uses.
Sunny Creek ResidentialTwo parcels at and near the northwest corner of El Camino Real and the future extension of College Boulevard. The larger of the two parcels, vacant and approximately 17.8 acres, borders both El Camino Real and College Boulevard and was identified during the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update as providing up to 327 housing units, with most of those units (212) resulting from a minimum eight acres of the site designated R-30 (26.5 - 30 dwelling units per acre). The remainder of the site is designated R-15 with a minimum density of 12 dwelling units per acre. The actual number of units that may be approved on the parcel under the R-30 and R-15 designations Sunny Creek Residential
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will be determined following submittal of development plans to the city, subject to meeting the R-15 and R-30 minimum density requirements. The other, smaller parcel, located adjacent and to the northeast, is just under 10 acres and was the site of a former equestrian center. The portion of the property along Agua Hedionda Creek is designated Open Space. The remaining approximately six acres is designated R-30. Development of this smaller parcel is first dependent on the need to address flood constraints that are applicable to it.
Palomar Corridor
This area is the employment core of Carlsbad and one of north San
Diego County’s key employment centers, with a variety of industrial,
research and development, and office uses, along with hotels and
commercial uses. It also contains the McClellan-Palomar Airport and
LEGOLAND amusement park. The General Plan maintains the
industrial/research and development primacy of the area. While
office, medical office, and residential uses would be desirable in the
area to provide use diversity, their location in the corridor is
challenged by airport noise and safety considerations, and the
presence of several establishments authorized to use hazardous
chemicals as part of regular business operations; the General Plan
provides land use designations where these uses could be
accommodated in selected locations.
Ponto/Southern Waterfront
This area has a scenic setting, with a 3.5-mile frontage north of
Batiquitos Lagoon along the Pacific Ocean. In the northern portion of
the area, a hotel and residential uses—mostly small single-family
homes—line the east side of Carlsbad Boulevard. The largest
development opportunity is in between Batiquitos Lagoon and Ponto
Road, where the General Plan contemplates a mix of hotels, other
commercial uses and residential uses, consistent with the Ponto
Beachfront Village Vision Plan. The General Plan also
contemplates smaller eating and drinking establishments along
Carlsbad Boulevard as opportunities arise, to provide oceanfront
dining.
The southbound portion of Carlsbad Boulevard is proposed to be
realigned with a shift to the east, providing opportunity for a linear
park/promenade along Carlsbad Boulevard, which is already popular
with walkers, joggers, and bicyclists. The street realignment project
may also provide additional park and gathering opportunities along
the ocean.
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Murphy This area consists of three parcels totaling approximately 36 acres located north of Batiquitos Lagoon and east of Batiquitos Drive; the northern parcel is designated for low to medium density (0-4 dwelling units per acre) residential uses and open space, and the southern parcel is designated for medium density (4-6 dwelling units per acre) residential uses and open space; the General Plan envisions that the overall potential residential density of the site will be clustered to provide an open space buffer between development and the lagoon.
Poinsettia and Village Coaster Stations
These transit centers are key mobility hubs providing access to
Coaster train and Breeze bus services. The centers play a local and
regional role, serving city residents by providing access to
jobs and shopping destinations, and providing tourists and regional
visitors access to Carlsbad attractions. Both the Poinsettia and Village
Coaster Stations are owned by the North County Transit District
(NCTD). Both stations are opportunity sites to help accommodate a
portion of the city’s share of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation
(RHNA).
NCTD is considering redevelopment of both Coaster stations with
non-transit uses, including residential, which will enhance their transit
functions as well. On Jan. 19, 2023, the NCTD Board of Directors
voted in favor of entering into Exclusive Negotiation Agreements with
private developers for both Coaster stations. A Housing Element
policy and program call for the city to support and work
collaboratively with NCTD on its Village Coaster Station
redevelopment efforts to include a mix of market rate and a “high
level” of affordable units adjacent to transit services. Following
submittal of any development plans to the city, project details
regarding site layout, design, number of residential units and any
other non-transit-oriented uses will be determined.
Poinsettia Station consists of two parcels totaling 5.83 acres located
south and west of Avenida Encinas, west of Embarcadero Lane. While
the transit center is the main use, both parcels are also designated
for high density residential uses. As part of the 2021-2029 Housing
Element update, a portion of the Poinsettia Station site was identified
as a location that could provide up to 27 housing units.
The Carlsbad Village Station consists of two parcels totaling 7.75
acres located north of Grand Avenue, between State Street and
Washington Street. While the transit center is the main use, both
parcels are zoned Village-Barrio (V-B) and are part of the
Village Center District (VC)governed by the Village-Barrio Master
Plan. The Village Center District encompasses the core of the Village
and includes a mix of commercial, attached residential that is high
density (28-35 dwelling units per acre) in nature, and mixed-use
building types. As part of the 2021-2029 Housing Element update, the
Carlsbad Village Station site was identified as a location that could
provide up to 93 housing units.
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2.8 Goals and Policies
Goals
Land Use
2-G.1 Maintain a land use program with amount, design and arrangement
of varied uses that serve to protect and enhance the character and
image of the city as expressed in the Carlsbad Community Vision,
and balance development with preservation and enhancement of
open space.
2-G.2 Promote a diversity of compatible land uses throughout the city, to
enable people to live close to job locations, adequate and con-
venient commercial services, and public support systems such as
transit, parks, schools, and utilities.
2-G.3 Promote infill development that makes efficient use of limited land
supply, while ensuring compatibility and integration with existing
uses. Ensure that infill properties develop with uses and develop-
ment intensities supporting a cohesive development pattern.
2-G.4 Provide balanced neighborhoods with a variety of housing
2-G.6 Allow a range of mixed-use centers in strategic locations that
2-G.7 Ensure that neighborhood serving shopping and mixed-use
2-G.9 Accommodate a diversity of business
types and density ranges to meet the diverse demographic, economic and social needs of residents, while ensuring a cohesive urban form with careful regard for compatibility. 2-G.5 Protect the neighborhood atmosphere and identity of existing residential areas.
maximize access to commercial services from transit and residential areas.centers include shopping as a pedestrian-oriented focus for the surrounding neighborhood, are physically integrated with the surroundings, and contain neighborhood-serving stores and small offices. Where appropriate, include in the centers high and medium density housing surrounding the retail core or integrated in mixed-use buildings. 2-G.8 Provide opportunities for continued economic growth and vitality that enhance Carlsbad’s position as a premier regional employment center.
establishments in appropriately-scaled settings, including large-scaled industrial and research and development establishments proximate to the McClellan-Palomar Airport,
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regionally-scaled shopping centers, and neighborhood-serving
commercial centers with smaller-sized stores, restaurants and
offices to meet shopping, recreation, and service needs of residents
and visitors.
2-G.10 Promote continued growth of visitor-oriented land uses, and
provide enhanced opportunities for new hotels and visitor-services
in desirable locations.
2-G.11 Provide industrial lands that can accommodate a wide range of air
and water pollution-free industrial establishments, including those
of relatively high intensity; research and development and related
uses set in campus or park-like settings; as well as moderate to low
intensity establishments capable of being located adjacent to resi-
dential areas with minimal buffering and attenuation measures.
2-G.12 Ensure adequate provision of community-serving facilities such as
child daycare facilities, places of worship, educational institutions
and schools.
2-G.13 Maintain land use compatibility between McClellan-Palomar
Airport and surrounding land uses, and encourage the airport’s
continued operations while ensuring it does not unduly impact
existing neighborhoods and communities.
2-G.14 Participate with other cities in the county, through the San Diego
Association of Governments, in working towards solution of
regional issues.
2-G.15 Support agricultural uses throughout the city while planning for the
transition of agriculture to other uses.
Community Character, Design, and Connectedness
2-G.16 Enhance Carlsbad’s character and image as a desirable residential, beach and open-space oriented community.
2-G.17 Ensure that the scale and character of new
development is appropriate to the setting and intended use.
Promote development that is scaled and sited to respect the
natural terrain, where hills, public realm, parks, open space,
trees, and distant vistas, rather than buildings, dominate the
overall landscape, while developing the Village, Barrio, and
commercial and industrial areas as concentrated urban-
scaled nodes.
2-G.18 Ensure that new development fosters a sense of
community and is designed with the focus on residents,
including children, the disabled and the elderly, by
providing: safe, pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets;
walkways to common
destinations such as schools, bikeways, trails, parks and stores;
r~.
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homes that exhibit visual diversity, pedestrian-scale and
prominence to the street; central gathering places; and recreation
amenities for a variety of age groups.
2-G.19 Ensure that new neighborhood commercial centers are designed
for pedestrian comfort, and integrated with the surrounding
neighborhoods with new streets and paths.
2-G.20 Develop an active ocean waterfront, with new growth accommo-
dated west of Interstate 5, to enable residents and visitors to enjoy
more opportunities for dining, shopping, and recreating along the
coastline. Develop public gathering places and recreational
opportunities along the coastal corridor.
Growth Management
2-G.21 Ensure that adequate public facilities and services are provided in
a timely manner to preserve the quality of life of residents.
2-G.22 Develop programs that correlate the projected population with the
service capabilities of the city.
Cannon Road Open Space, Farming and Public Use Corridor
Goals 2-G.23 through 2-G.28 are in accordance with “Proposition D -
Preserve the Flower and Strawberry Fields and Save Carlsbad
Taxpayers’ Money” and are applicable only to the area within the
Cannon Road Open Space, Farming and Public Use Corridor (see Figure
2-2):
2-G.23 Create a unique, community-oriented open space area along the
Cannon Road corridor located immediately to the east of the Inter-
state 5 freeway including the existing flower fields and strawberry
fields.
2-G.24 Ensure that this area is permanently protected and preserved for
open space uses.
2-G.25 Enhance the protection of the existing flower fields.
2-G.26 Allow farming operations in the area such as the existing strawberry fields and flower growing areas to continue.
2-G.27 Provide for the protection and preservation of
environmental resources in the area.
2-G.28 Increase public access and use to the area primarily through the incorporation of public trails and active and passive recreation.
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The Village
2-G.29 Maintain and enhance the Village as a center for residents and
visitors with commercial, residential, dining, civic, cultural, and
entertainment activities.
2-G.30 Develop a distinct identity for the Village by encouraging a variety
of uses and activities, such as a mix of residential, commercial,
office, restaurants and specialty retail shops, which traditionally
locate in a pedestrian-oriented downtown area and attract visitors
and residents from across the community by creating a lively,
interesting social environment.
The Barrio
2-G.31 Promote rejuvenation of the Barrio while maintaining its walkable,
residential character, and ensuring that new development
enhances neighborhood quality and character.
2-G.32 Celebrate the Barrio’s history and resources, and foster
development of cohesive streetscapes with strategic
improvements, including plazas where feasible.
Policies
Land Use
General
2-P.1 Maintain consistency between the General Plan and Title 21 of the
Carlsbad Municipal Code (Zoning Ordinance and map).
2-P.2 Update the city’s Local Coastal Program (LCP) to be consistent with
the General Plan. Work with the California Coastal Commission to
gain permitting authority for all areas of the city in the Coastal Zone.
2-P.3 Permit increased non-residential and mixed-use development
allowances up to limits specified in the Transportation Demand
Management (TDM) Ordinance when developed, where project
proponents agree to compliance with the stipulations in the TDM
Ordinance.
2-P.4 When uncertainty exists regarding the precise boundary of the
various land use designations identified on the Land Use Map, such
boundaries shall be interpreted as follows:
a.Where boundaries appear to follow the centerline of a street or
highway, ownership boundary lines, or topographic features
such as valleys, ridgelines, or top/bottom of bluffs/slopes then
the boundaries shall be interpreted to follow the lines/features
they appear to follow.
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b.Where boundaries appear to reflect environmental and
resource management considerations, boundaries shall be
interpreted in a manner which is consistent with the
considerations that the boundary reflects.
2-P.5 Work with SANDAG through participation in its various standing
committees on regional plans and initiatives. Adopt local imple-
menting policies and programs when found to be consistent with
the General Plan and in the best interests of Carlsbad’s residents
and businesses.
Residential
2-P.6 Encourage the provision of lower and moderate-income housing to
meet the objectives of the Housing Element.
2-P.7 Do not permit residential development below the minimum of the
density range, except in the following circumstances and subject to
the findings required by California Government Code Section
65863:
a.When one single-family dwelling is constructed on a legal lot
that existed as of October 28, 2004.
b.When one single-family dwelling is constructed on a lot that
was created by consolidating two legal nonconforming lots into
one lot (this only applies to lots that are nonconforming in lot
area).
c.When a legal lot is developed with one or more residential units
that existed as of October 28, 2004; provided, the existing units
are to remain and it is not feasible to construct the number of
additional units needed to meet the minimum density without
requiring the removal of the existing units.
In addition, specific sites rezoned by the City Council to meet RHNA
requirements as detailed in the programs of the Housing Element
are not subject to these exceptions and instead must be developed
at or above the minimum of the density range.
2-P.8 Do not permit residential development to exceed the applicable
Growth Management Control Point (GMCP) density unless the
following findings are made:
a. The project qualifies for and will receive an allocation of
“excess” dwelling units, pursuant to City Council Policy No. 43.
b.There have been sufficient residential projects approved at
densities below the GMCP so the citywide and quadrant
dwelling unit limits will not be exceeded as a result of the
proposed project.
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c.All necessary public facilities required by the Citywide Facilities
and Improvements Plan will be constructed, or are guaranteed
to be constructed, concurrently with the need for them created
by this development and in compliance with adopted city
standards.3
2-P.9 Incentivize development of lower-income affordable housing by
allowing residential development above maximum densities
permitted by the General Plan, subject to an evaluation of the
following: (a) the proposal’s compatibility with adjacent land uses,
and (b) the project site’s proximity to a minimum of one of the
following: freeway or major street; commercial center;
employment opportunities; city park or open space; or commuter
rail or transit center.
2-P.10 Development on slopes, when permitted, shall be designed to
minimize grading and comply with the hillside development pro-
visions of the Zoning Ordinance and the Carlsbad Local Coastal
Program.
2-P.11 Consider density and development right transfers in instances
where a property owner is preserving open space for purposes of
environmental enhancement, complying with the city’s Habitat
Management Plan, or otherwise leaving developable property in its
natural condition. The density/development potential of the
property being left in open space shall be reserved for and used on
the remainder of the project site or, through an agreement with the
city, may be transferred to another property.
2-P.12 Encourage residential uses mixed in conjunction with commercial
development on commercially designated sites and within the
Village.
2-P.13 Encourage medium to higher density residential uses located in
close proximity to commercial services, employment opportunities
and major transportation corridors.
2-P.14 Require new and, as appropriate, existing master planned and res-
idential specific plan developments to provide usable acres to be
designated for community facilities such as daycare, worship, youth
and senior citizen activities, educational institutions and schools.
2-P.15 Allow the development of a two-family dwelling on all lots which
legally existed and were zoned R-2 as of December 1, 1986, regard-
less of the density allowed by the residential land use designation,
provided the development of the dwellings complies with all
3 Note: State legislation (SB 166, and SB 330, the Housing Crisis Act of 2019) preempt
the city from implementing residential growth management plan caps, residential
quadrant limits and residential control points. As a result, the City Council passed
Resolution 2021-074 finding that it cannot and will not enforce these residential caps,
quadrant limits, and control points.
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applicable development standards in effect at the time of the
development.
2-P.16 Allow residential development above the allowed maximum
density on properties with an R-1.5 or R-4 land use designation
when the implementing zone would permit a slightly higher
dwelling unit yield than the allowed maximum density, subject to
the following findings:
a.The project is consistent with the intended uses of the applica-
ble land use designation (R-1.5 or R-4) and other applicable
goals and policies of this General Plan.
b.There is sufficient infrastructure to support the project.
c.The proposed density does not exceed the allowed maximum
density by more than 25 percent.
d..
Commercial Services
2-P.17 Locate commercial land uses as shown on the Land Use Map. Where
applications for the re-designation of land to commercial land uses
are submitted, these shall be accompanied by a conceptual devel-
opment plan of the site and a market study that demonstrates the
economic viability of using the land in the way being requested, as
well as the impact on the viability of commercial uses designated on
the Land Use Map that may compete within shared trade areas.
2-P.18 Except within the Village, commercial development shall occur in
the form of discrete shopping centers, as opposed to generalized
retail districts or linear “strip commercial” patterns (i.e. long
corridors of commercial uses with numerous curb cuts, unsafe
intersection spacing, disharmonious architectural styles, and a pro-
liferation of signs) or as mixed use developments with an
integrated mix of commercial and residential uses.
2-P.19 Ensure that all residential areas have convenient access to daily
goods and services by locating local shopping centers centrally
within their primary trade areas, as defined in Table 2–4. Such trade
areas should minimize gaps between or overlaps with the trade
areas of other local shopping centers.
2-P.20 New master plans and residential specific plans and other large
development proposals shall evaluate whether there is a need to
include a local shopping center within the development.
2-P.21 Sites designated for “regional commercial” use should generally be
located where they are easily visible and accessible from highways
and freeways. Local shopping centers and uses may be adjacent to
or, as a secondary use, integrated into regional centers to also serve
the daily convenience needs of customers utilizing the regional
shopping center.
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2-P.22 Sites designated for “general commercial” use should be limited to
locations where such uses are appropriate and desirable, provided
the development is designed to be architecturally unified and does
not result in “strip commercial” development.
2-P.23 Sites designated for “visitor commercial” uses should generally be
located near major transportation corridors and proximate to key
tourist/visitor draws, such as hotels, the ocean, lagoons, the Village,
LEGOLAND and other recreation venues, McClellan-Palomar
Airport, and businesses in the Palomar Airport Road corridor.
Regional, general and local shopping center uses may be adjacent
to or, as a secondary use, integrated into a visitor commercial center
to also serve the daily convenience needs of tourists, visitors and
residents.
2-P.24 Build and operate commercial uses in such a way as to complement
but not conflict with adjoining residential areas. This shall be
accomplished by:
a.Controlling lights, signage, and hours of operation to avoid
adversely impacting surrounding uses.
b.Requiring adequate landscaped buffers between commercial
and residential uses; exceptions may be permissible when both
uses are comprehensively developed as a mixed use project.
c.Providing bicycle and pedestrian links between commercial
centers and surrounding residential uses, and providing
bicycle-parking racks.
d.Ensuring building mass does not adversely impact surrounding
residences.
e.Where appropriate, commercial and residential uses can be
mixed in a vertical or horizontal configuration.
2-P.25 Ensure that commercial development is designed to include:
a.Integrated landscaping, parking, signs, and site and building
design
b.Common ingress and egress, safe and convenient access and
internal circulation, adequate off-street parking and loading
facilities. Each commercial site should be easily accessible by
pedestrians, bicyclists, and automobiles to nearby residential
development.
c.Architecture that emphasizes establishing community identity
while presenting tasteful, dignified and visually appealing
designs compatible with their surroundings.
d.A variety of courtyards and pedestrian ways, bicycle facilities,
landscaped parking lots, and the use of harmonious
architecture in the construction of buildings.
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2-P.26 When “community” tenants (see Table 2–4, earlier) are included in
a local shopping center, they must be fully integrated into the
overall function and design of the center, including the architecture,
internal circulation and landscaping. The inclusion of such tenants
should complement, not supplant the principal function of the
center, which is to provide local goods and services.
a.No community “anchor” tenant may be built as a stand-alone
building. It must share (or appear to share) walls and its
building facade with other tenants in the center.
b.No community “anchor” tenant or secondary tenant may
feature corporate architecture or logos (excluding signage)
that is not integrated into the overall design of the center.
Industrial and Office
2-P.27 Limit general industrial development within the community to
those areas and uses with adequate transportation access. These
areas should be compatible with surrounding land uses including
residential neighborhoods.
2-P.28 The physical development of industrial areas shall ensure compati-
bility among a diverse range of industrial establishments.
2-P.29 Include provisions in the Zoning Ordinance to allow service and
support uses in areas designated Planned Industrial; such uses may
include but are not limited to commercial/retail uses that support
planned industrial uses, office uses, places of worship, recreation
facilities, education facilities, conference facilities, daycare centers,
short-term lodging, and other service uses.
2-P.30 Require new industrial development to be located in modern,
attractive, well-designed and landscaped industrial parks in which
each site adequately provides for internal traffic, parking, loading,
storage, and other operational needs.
2-P.31 Regulate industrial land uses on the basis of performance
standards, including, but not limited to noise, air quality, odor, and
glare.
2-P.32 Require private industrial developers to provide adequate outdoor
dining/eating areas for employees.
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2-P.33 Do not permit general or medical office uses on sites designated for
industrial use, unless the site is re-designated through a General
Plan amendment to the office or a commercial land use designation;
approval of such re-designations shall be based on consideration of
the following criteria:
a.Contiguity with other established general or medical office
uses, or an office or commercial zone;
b.Separation from industrial uses, where establishment of a
medical office use would not preclude establishment or contin-
uation of an industrial use within the zone where industrial
uses are intended to be located; and
c.Location. It is preferable that general or medical office uses be
located on sites that can be accessed without negatively
impacting traffic on industrial streets.
Agriculture
2-P.34 Support agricultural uses throughout the city, including small-scale
farms and community gardens.
2-P.35 Ensure the existing Flower Fields remain in flower production by
utilizing all available methods and programs, including grants and
other outside financial assistance.
2-P.36 Require utilization of soil and water conservation techniques in
agricultural activities.
McClellan-Palomar Airport
2-P.37 Require new development located in the Airport Influence Area
(AIA) to comply with applicable land use compatibility provisions
of the McClellan–Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan
(ALUCP) through review and approval of a site development plan
or other development permit. Unless otherwise approved by City
Council, development proposals must be consistent or condition-
ally consistent with applicable land use compatibility policies with
respect to noise, safety, airspace protection, and overflight notifi-
cation, as contained in the McClellan-Palomar ALUCP. Additionally,
development proposals must meet Federal Aviation Administra-
tion (FAA) requirements with respect to building height as well as
the provision of obstruction lighting when appurtenances are
permitted to penetrate the transitional surface (a 7:1 slope from the
runway primary surface). Consider San Diego County Regional
Airport Authority Airport Land Use Commission recommendations
in the review of development proposals.
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2-P.38 Coordinate with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority,
Airport Land Use Commission, and the FAA to protect public health,
safety and welfare by ensuring the orderly operation of the airport
and the adoption of land use measures that minimize the public’s
exposure to excessive noise and safety hazards within areas around
the airport.
2-P.39 Prohibit approval of any zone change, general plan amendment or
other legislative action that authorizes expansion of McClellan-
Palomar Airport, unless authorized to do so by a majority vote of
the Carlsbad electorate. (Section 21.53.015, Carlsbad Municipal
Code.)
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Community Character and Design
See also policies in the Mobility Element related to walkability.
2-P.40 Establish development standards that will preserve natural
features and characteristics, especially those within coastal, hillside
and natural habitat areas.
2-P.41 Ensure that the review of future projects places a high priority on
the compatibility of adjacent land uses along the interface of
different residential density and non-residential intensity catego-
ries. Special attention should be given to buffering and transitional
methods, especially, when reviewing properties where different
residential densities or land uses are involved.
2-P.42 Ensure that development on hillsides, where permitted pursuant to
the hillside development regulations of the Zoning Ordinance, is
designed to preserve and/or enhance the visual quality of the pre-
existing topography.
2-P.43 Where feasible, locate development away from visible ridges;
larger buildings, such as large retail stores and office and industrial
development, should be arranged to minimize the buildings’ visual
appearance from major transportation corridors and vistas.
2-P.44 Encourage clustering of development to preserve natural terrain
and maximize open space areas around developments.
2-P.45 Evaluate each discretionary application for development of
property with regard to the following specific criteria:
a.Site design and layout of the proposed buildings in terms of size,
height and location, to foster harmony with landscape and
adjacent development.
b.Site design and landscaping to provide buffers and screening
where appropriate, conserve water, and reduce erosion and
runoff.
c.Building design that enhances neighborhood quality, and incor-
porates considerations of visual quality from key vantage
points, such as major transportation corridors and
intersections, and scenic vistas.
d.Site and/or building design features that will reduce
greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the project, as
outlined in the Climate Action Plan.
e.Provision of public and/or private usable open space and/or
pathways designated in the Open Space, Conservation, and Rec-
reation Element.
f.Contributions to and extensions of existing systems of streets,
foot or bicycle paths, trails, and the greenbelts provided for in
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the Mobility, and Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation
elements of the General Plan.
g.Compliance with the performance standards of the Growth
Management Plan.
h.Development proposals which are designed to provide safe,
easy pedestrian and bicycle linkages to nearby transportation
corridors.
i.Provision of housing affordable to lower and/or moderate-
income households.
j.Policies and programs outlined in Local Coastal Program where
applicable.
k.Consistency with applicable provisions of the Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan for McClellan-Palomar Airport.
2-P.46 Require new residential development to provide pedestrian and
bicycle linkages, when feasible, which connect with nearby
shopping centers, community centers, parks, schools, points of
interest, major transportation corridors and the Carlsbad Trail
System.
2-P.47 At the time existing shopping centers are renovated or
redeveloped, where feasible, require connections to existing
residential neighborhoods through new pedestrian pathways and
entrances, mid-block crossings, new or wider sidewalks, and
pedestrian-scaled street lighting.
2-P.48 Enhance walkability on a citywide scale by installing benches and
transit shelters and adding landscaping, wayfinding signage, public
art, and pedestrian-scaled lighting. Consider ways to improve rail
and freeway overpass/ underpass areas, with lighting, sidewalk
improvements and public art.
2-P.49 In design requirements for sites adjacent to pedestrian-oriented
streets, consider how buildings address the street, through ample
windows for display, outdoor eating areas, entryway design
options and attractive signage.
Beach Access and Waterfront Activity
2-P.50 Improve beach access through a variety of mechanisms, including:
a.In the Village and adjacent areas, identify the primary pedes-
trian connections and entrances to the beach through signage,
a consistent landscaping scheme, change in paving materials,
wider sidewalks and preservation of view corridors. Identify
opportunities for additional access points as improved connec-
tivity and facilities are provided, particularly if new beachfront
activity areas are established.
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b.In the Barrio neighborhood, provide a pedestrian crossing
under or over the rail corridor at Chestnut Avenue.
c.Identify and implement more frequent pedestrian crossings
along Carlsbad Boulevard. Identify and prioritize crossings
from residential neighborhoods and existing bicycle and
pedestrian trails.
For more detailed policies on pedestrian and bicycle movement, see
Chapter 3: Mobility.
2-P.51 Promote development of new activity centers along the ocean
waterfront—places where people can eat, shop, recreate and
connect with the ocean while taking in the views of the sand, water
and sunset. Potential locations for this include the Carlsbad
Boulevard/Agua Hedionda Center (see Figure 2-2); near the inter-
section of Palomar Airport Road and Carlsbad Boulevard; the Ponto
area; and other appropriate sites that may provide opportunities
for the development of activity centers.
2-P.52 Work with the California Parks Department to enhance recreation,
public access, visitor-commercial services, and activity in the
Carlsbad Boulevard coastal corridor. Land could be made available
by realigning the southbound lanes of Carlsbad Boulevard and by
reconfiguring the Palomar Airport Road / Carlsbad Boulevard
intersection. The principal objectives are to improve coastal access
for all; conserve coastal resources; enhance public safety, including
addressing threats to the campground from bluff erosion and sea
level rise; and create additional recreational opportunities,
waterfront amenities and services, including modernization and
expansion of the campgrounds to serve as lower-cost visitor and
recreational facilities.
2-P.53 Plan and design Carlsbad Boulevard and adjacent public land
(Carlsbad Boulevard coastal corridor) according to the following
guiding principles:
a.Carlsbad Boulevard shall become more than a road. This trans-
portation corridor shall provide for recreational, aesthetic and
community gathering opportunities that equal the remarkable
character of the land.
b.Community safety shall be a high priority. Create destination
that provides a safe public environment to recreate.
c.Strategic public access and parking is a key to success. Develop-
ment shall capitalize on opportunities to add/enhance multiple
public access points and public parking for the beach and
related recreational amenities.
d.Open views are desirable and important to maintaining the
character of the area. Preservation and enhancement of views
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of ocean, lagoons, and other water bodies and beaches shall be
a high priority in road, landscaping, and amenity design and
development.
e.Enhance the area’s vitality through diversity of recreational
land uses. Carlsbad Boulevard development shall provide for
amenities, services and goods that attract a diversity of
residents and visitors.
f.Create vibrant and sustainable public spaces. Development
shall provide for unique and vibrant coastal gathering spaces
where people of all age groups and interests can gather to enjoy
recreational and environmental amenities and supporting
commercial uses.
g.Connect community, place and spirit. Design shall complement
and enhance connectivity between existing community and
regional land uses.
h.Environmentally sensitive design is a key objective. Environ-
mentally sensitive development that respects existing coastal
resources is of utmost importance.
i.A signature scenic corridor shall be created through design that
honors the coastline’s natural beauty. The resulting improve-
ments will capture the ‘essence’ of Carlsbad; making it a special
place for people from throughout the region with its natural
beauty and vibrant public spaces. Properly carried out, the
realigned boulevard will maximize public views and encourage
everyone to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
j.Reimagining of Carlsbad Boulevard shall be visionary. The rei-
magined Carlsbad Boulevard corridor will incorporate core
community values articulated in the Carlsbad Community
Vision by providing: a) physical connectivity through multi-
modal mobility improvements including bikeways, pedestrian
trails, and a traffic-calmed street; b) social connectivity through
creation of memorable public spaces; and c) economic vitality
through a combination of visitor and local-serving commercial,
civic, and recreational uses and services.
2-P.54 Work with the California Parks Department to provide beachfront
amenities such as water fountains, bathrooms, and showers;
ensure these are designed to be unobtrusive and harmonious with
the natural character of the area.
Community Connectedness
2-P.55 Integrate disparate master planned communities and neighbor-
hoods into a cohesive whole, by establishing streetscape schemes
along key connector streets and arterials.
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2-P.56 Encourage use of public space and rights-of-way for periodic
community events such as farmers markets, street fairs, and
athletic events.
Growth Management and Public Facilities4
2-P.57 Ensure the dwelling unit limitations of the Growth Management
Plan are adhered to when approving any residential General Plan
amendment, zone change, tentative subdivision map or other dis-
cretionary permit.
2-P.58 Require compliance with Growth Management Plan public facility
performance standards, as specified in the Citywide Facilities and
Improvements Plan, to ensure that adequate public facilities are
provided prior to or concurrent with development.
2-P.59 Coordinate future development with the Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) to ensure adequate funding for needed facilities and
services; and prioritize the funding of CIP projects to provide facil-
ities and services to infill areas, in transit priority or planned smart
growth areas, and areas where existing deficiencies exist.
2-P.60 Maintain the Growth Management monitoring and annual
reporting program, which: a) monitors the number of existing and
future dwelling units compared to the growth management
dwelling unit limitations, and b) measures the city’s public service
requirements against the rate of physical growth. Use this informa-
tion to establish priorities for capital improvement funding, and
when considering development requests.
2-P.61 The City Council or the Planning Commission shall not find that all
necessary public facilities will be available concurrent with need as
required by the Growth Management Plan unless the provision of
such facilities is guaranteed. In guaranteeing that the facilities will
be provided, funding shall be available for the necessary facilities
prior to approval of development permits, and emphasis shall be
given to ensuring a balanced circulation system, schools, parks,
libraries, open space and recreational amenities. Public facilities
may be added, however, the City Council shall not materially reduce
public facilities without making corresponding reductions in
development potential.
The Cannon Road Open Space, Farming and Public Use Corridor
Policies 2-P.62 through 2-P.68 are in accordance with “Proposition D -
Preserve the Flower and Strawberry Fields and Save Carlsbad Taxpayers’
4 Note: State legislation (SB 166 and SB 330, the Housing Crisis Act of 2019) preempt
the city from implementing residential growth management plan caps, residential
quadrant limits and residential control points. As a result, the City Council passed
Resolution 2021-074 finding that it cannot and will not enforce these residential caps,
quadrant limits, and control points.
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Money” and are applicable only to the area within the Cannon Road Open
Space, Farming and Public Use Corridor (see Figure 2-2).
2-P.62 In coordination with land owners, protect and preserve this area as
an open space corridor. Permit only open space, farming and com-
patible public uses in the area. Permitted uses shall be as follows:
a.Open space
b.Farming and other related agricultural support uses, including
flower and strawberry production.
c.Public trails
d.Active and passive parks, recreation and similar public and
private use facilities (except on the existing Flower Fields)
e.Electrical transmission facilities
2-P.63 Prohibit residential development in the area; and prohibit commer-
cial and industrial-type uses in the area other than those normally
associated with or in support of farming operations and open space
uses.
2-P.64 Enhance public access and public use in the area by allowing com-
patible public trails, community gathering spaces and public and
private, active and passive park and recreation uses.
2-P.65 Allow farming to continue in the area for as long as economically
viable for the landowner.
2-P.66 Utilize all existing programs and land use protections and explore
possible new mechanisms, as well as new grant programs and
other outside financial assistance, to keep the existing Flower Fields
in permanent farming and flower production.
2-P.67 If determined to be necessary, the city shall amend the Zoning
Ordinance and adopt a Cannon Road Open Space, Farming and
Public Use Corridor Overlay Zone to apply to the area that would
provide more detail on permitted uses and land use regulations
applicable to the area.
This policy was implemented with the adoption of City Council Ordinance
No. CS-317 on March 28, 2017.Further, consistent with California Coastal
Commission direction, the ordinance applies only to affected parcels south
of Cannon Road.
2-P.68 The city shall initiate a public planning process with broad public
participation to fully accomplish implementation of the goals,
objectives and action programs listed above.
This policy was implemented with the public planning process that
occurred from November 2007 through June 2008, which resulted in the
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report titled “Creating a Community Vision for the Cannon Road Agriculture
and Open Space (Prop D) Lands Final Report September 23, 2008.”
Village
(see Figure 2-2)
2-P.69 The Village and Barrio Master Plan is the guide for land use
planning and design in the Village.
2-P.70 Seek an increased presence of both residents and activity in the
Village with new development, particularly residential, including
residential as part of mixed-use development, as well as commer-
cial, entertainment and cultural uses that serve both residents and
visitors.
2-P.71 Seek ways of strengthening existing establishments through façade
and streetscape improvements, upgraded public and private land-
scaping and aesthetically upgraded signage and way-finding.
Encourage outdoor dining, sidewalk cafes and limited outdoor
displays of merchandise to enliven street-level activity.
2-P.72 Enhance the walkability and pedestrian orientation of the Village,
including along Carlsbad Village Drive, to enhance the small, beach
town atmosphere and improve access to and utilization of transit.
2-P.73 Enhance connections with the Barrio through streetscape improve-
ments—including street trees, improved sidewalks, lighting and
signage—and potentially mixed-use development along Roosevelt
Street.
2-P.74 Encourage public art and community gatherings though a wide
range of visual and physical forms—from banners on light posts,
paving and artwork on sidewalks, light displays at night, music, and
sculptures ranging from iconic to pedestrian scale, to the design and
shaping of public spaces plazas—all of which set the stage for
people to gather, play, and observe. Build on existing activities and
events and incorporate cultural facilities, the beach, and a water-
front area where public art could be showcased.
2-P.75 Address parking demand by finding additional areas to provide
parking for the Village and beach areas, and by developing creative
parking management strategies, such as shared and leased parking,
on-street parking reconfiguration, “smart” metering,
transportation demand management strategies, etc. Evaluate and
manage parking in the Village through regular monitoring of
parking data.
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2-P.76 Support Village revitalization by developing and implementing
programs, policies and financing mechanisms to spur local invest-
ment and foot traffic, and increase private and public revenues in
the Village through partnerships with property owners, businesses
and other stakeholders (e.g. business organizations, local non-
profit organizations, and residents).
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Barrio
(see Figure 2-2)
2-P.77 Promote new investment by allowing opportunities for medium
and high-density infill residential development, strategically
located in the neighborhood consistent with the Village and Barrio
Master Plan. Ensure that development is designed to enhance
neighborhood quality, character, and vitality, and is sensitive to
historic and cultural resources.
2-P.78 Focus revitalization efforts on renovations and façade improve-
ments as well as enhancing the physical infrastructure of the
community.
2-P.79 Create a cohesive, pedestrian-scale streetscape that includes
improved sidewalks, streetscape, signage and way-finding, and
which celebrates the Barrio’s heritage and provides better con-
nections between the Barrio and Village and across the railroad at
Chestnut Avenue.
2-P.80 Foster development of community gathering spaces and a great
public realm, such as by reclaiming portions of wide streets for
sidewalks, curb bulb-outs, and small plazas in order to create a
more pedestrian- friendly experience and encourage interaction
among neighbors.
2-P.81 Prepare design, development, and parking standards that protect,
enhance and provide flexibility to enhance neighborhood quality
and character.
2-P.82 Develop cooperative neighborhood enhancement programs with
the Barrio community that will result in improved resident
connections, neighborhood dynamics and enhanced sense of
community through better private-public liaison efforts and focus on
completion of neighborhood desired improvements. These
programs should be coordinated with Village revitalization efforts.
Infill opportunity (left) and the Barrio historic core (below).
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Carlsbad Boulevard/Agua Hedionda Center
(see Figure 2-2)
2-P.83 West of the railroad tracks:
▪Decommission, demolish, remove and remediate the Encina
Power Station site, including the associated structures, the black
start unit and exhaust stack according to the provisions of a
settlement agreement dated January 14, 2014, between and
among the City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Municipal Water
District (CMWD), Cabrillo Power I LLC and Carlsbad Energy
Center LLC, and San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E).
▪The desalination plant shall remain on approximately 11 acres
(six acres for the desalination plant and approximately five
acres of non-exclusive easements) west of the railroad tracks.
▪Redevelop the Encina Power Station site, along with the SDG&E
North Coast Service Center site, with a mix of visitor-serving
commercial uses, such as retail and hotel uses, and with new
community-accessible open spaces along Agua Hedionda
Lagoon and the waterfront (Carlsbad Boulevard). Encourage
community gathering spaces, outdoor dining, and other features
to maximize potential views of the ocean and the lagoon.
Encourage shared parking arrangements so that a greater
proportion of development can be active space rather than
parking.
▪Determine specific uses, development standards,
infrastructure, public improvements, site planning and
amenities through a comprehensive planning process (e.g.,
specific plan, master plan, etc.) resulting in a redevelopment
plan approved by the City Council. The redevelopment plan
boundaries should include the Encina Power Station and the
SDG&E North Coast Service Center sites.
▪Work with SDG&E to identify a mutually acceptable alternative
location for Its North Coast Service Center. Work with SDG&E,
as part of a long-term plan, to identify and ultimately permit an
alternate site for its Encina substation.
2-P.84 Between I-5 and the railroad tracks:
▪Operate the Carlsbad Energy Center as described in a settle-
ment agreement dated January 14, 2014, between and among
the City of Carlsbad and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District
(CMWD), Cabrillo Power I LLC and Carlsbad Energy Center LLC,
and San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E). The power
plant includes the following characteristics:
▪Power output will be limited to approximately 500 megawatts
and will be constructed and operated utilizing peaker-plant
Carlsbad Boulevard/Agua
Hedionda Center and
former Encina Power
Station
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technology (rather than as a base load or combined-cycle
facility).
▪The power plant will not operate between the hours of midnight
and 6 a.m., except to the extent reasonably required for
reliability-related purposes or as otherwise required by the ISO
tariff.
▪Generator units will be placed below grade to minimize the
power plant’s visual profile.
▪The power plant will utilize current peaker-plant technology
that significantly reduces noise, air pollutant and greenhouse
gas emissions, and eliminates the use of ocean water for cooling.
▪Other features as described in said settlement agreement.
▪Provide an open space buffer along the lagoon’s south shore
between the railroad tracks and I-5.
The Shoppes at Carlsbad Commercial Area
(see Figure 2-2)
2-P.85 Promote redevelopment or reuse of the mall as a vital, community-
wide commercial destination, and encourage a pedestrian
orientation. Leverage the city’s parking-lot ownership and work
collaboratively with The Shoppes’ owner to develop a minimum
993 dwelling units to be part of the land use mix.
Sunny Creek Residential
(see Figure 2-2)
2-P.86 Foster development of this site as a mix of multi-family residential
dwellings at medium and high densities. a.The location of R-15 and R-30 uses/land use
designations shall be determined through review and
approval of a site development plan.b.The area of land utilized for a R-30 residential shall be a
minimum of 8 acres in size.c. The R-15 portion of the site shall develop at a minimumdensity of 12 dwelling units per acre.
Palomar Corridor
(see Figure 2-2)
2-P.87 Reinforce the existing base of planned industrial uses with a strong
cluster of bio- and high-technology sectors, and attract emerging
technologies such as green industries.
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2-P.88 Allow clusters of sites designated for office use in appropriate
locations. Ensure that the Zoning Ordinance incorporates criteria
regulating the use of hazardous materials around the sites shown
for office uses and other sensitive uses.
Ponto/Southern Waterfront
(see Figure 2-2)
2-P.89 Allow development of the Ponto area with land uses that are con-
sistent with those envisioned in the Ponto Beachfront Village Vision
Plan.
2-P.90 Promote development of recreation uses and improved public
access to the beach, as well as activity centers with restaurants,
cafes and shopping along Carlsbad Boulevard, as opportunities
arise in appropriate locations.
Murphy
(see Figure 2-2)
2-P.91 Allow the property’s overall residential development capacity, as
indicated by the land use designations on the Land Use Map, to be
clustered toward the northern portion of the site to create an open
space buffer and recreational trail on the southerly third of the site.
Poinsettia and Village Coaster Stations
(see Figure 2-2)
2-P.93 Work collaboratively with NCTD to achieve a minimum 27 dwelling
units at the Poinsettia Coaster Station and a minimum 93 dwelling
units at the Village Coaster Station.
North County Plaza
(see Figure 2-2)
2-P.94 The site shall develop with a minimum 240 dwelling units.
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
OS
OS
October 18, 2023
Site 1-NORTH COUNTY PLAZA
OCEANSIDE
Site 1
RIOS
EXISTING
OCEANSIDE
R/R-40/OS
Site 1
PROPOSED
RIOS
OS
OS
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A.156-301-16-00 R/OS R/R-40/OS
Attachment B
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001"
October 18, 2023
Site 2 -THE SHOPPES AT CARLSBAD PARKING LOT
PLAZA CAMINO REAL DY OCEANSIDE ---------------------------
RIOS
Site 2
RIOS
RIOS
OS OS
PLAZA CAMINO REAL DY
OCEANSIDE
EXISTING
R/R-40/R-23
Site 2
Site 2
PROPOSED
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A.156-301-11-00 R/OS R/R-40/R-23/OS
B.156-302-14-00 R R/R-40/R-23
C.156-302-35-00 R R/R-40/R-23
D.156-301-06-00 R R/R-40
E.156-301-01-00 R R/R-40
F.156-302-23-00 R R/R-40
G.156-302-17-00 R R/R-40
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001"
October 18, 2023
Site 3-CHESTNUT AT EL CAMINO REAL PARCEL
EXISTING
PROPOSED
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A.167-080-34-00 R-4 R-15
B.167-080-49-00 R-4 R-15
C.167-080-50-00 R-4 R-15
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001"
October 18, 2023
Site 4 -ZONE 15 CLUSTER
EXISTING
PROPOSED
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A.209-060-72-00 R-4/OS R-30/OS
B.209-090-11-00 R-15/L R-15/R-30
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
October 18, 2023
Site 5-AVENIDA ENCINAS CAR STORAGE LOT
VJCIOS
EXISTING
PROPOSED
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A.210-090-24-00 Pl R-30
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
October 18, 2023
Site 6 -CROSSINGS GOLF COURSE LOT 5
EXISTING
PROPOSED
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A.212-270-05-00 Pl/O R-30
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001"
October 18, 2023
Site 7-SALK AVENUE PARCEL
EXISTING
Pl/OS
Pl/OS
PROPOSED
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A.212-021-04-00 0 R-30
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001"
October 18, 2023
Site 10-BRESSI RANCH COLT PLACE INDUSTRIAL PARCEL
EXISTING
PALOMAR AIRPO= "1RO
Site 10
R-23
PROPOSED
R-23
R-23
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From:
A.213-262-17-00 Pl
To:
R-23
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001"
October 18, 2023
Site 11-BRESSI RANCH GATEWAY ROAD INDUSTRIAL PARCELS
OS
EXISTING
PROPOSED
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A.213-263-19-00 Pl R-40
B.213-263-20-00 Pl R-40
Exhibit "GPA 2022-000111
October 18, 2023
Site 12 -INDUSTRIAL SITES EAST OF MELROSE DRIVE
EXISTING
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A.221-015-08-00 Pl R-35
B.221-014-03-00 Pl R-35
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
October 18, 2023
Site 16-CALTRANS MAINTENACE STATION AND PACIFIC SALES
RIOS
RIOS
EXISTING
RIOS
PROPOSED
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A.211-050-08-00 p R-30
B.221-050-09-00 GC R-30
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
October 18, 2023
Site 17-NCTD POINTSETTIA COASTER STATION
EXISTING
PROPOSED
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A.214-150-08-00 p R-23/P
8.214-150-20-00 p R-23/P
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
October 18, 2023
Site 18 -NORTH PONTO PARCELS
EXISTING
PROPOSED
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A.216-010-01-00 GC R-23
B.216-010-02-00 GC R-23
C.216-010-03-00 GC R-23
D.216-010-04-00 GC R-23
E.216-010-05-00 GC R-23
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
October 18, 2023
Site 19 -LA COSTA GLEN/FORUM
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
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EXISTING
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PROPOSED
ENCINITAS
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From:
A.255-012-05-00 R/O5
OS
To:
R-23/O5
Attachment C
Public Safety Element
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
Environmental, seismic and topographic
conditions and the patterns of urban
development in Carlsbad can potentially pose
risks to human health and property. The Public
Safety Element identifies natural and manmade
hazards that exist within Carlsbad and seeks to
mitigate their potential impacts through
preventative and response measures. Topics
addressed in this element include seismic and
geologic hazards; climate change; wildfire;
flooding and drainage; hazardous materials and
police, fire and emergency response.
Attachment C
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6.1 Introduction
Background and Purpose The purpose of this element is to acknowledge the risk posed by hazards, and to reduce the risk of injury, loss of life, property damage, and economic and social dislocation resulting from natural and manmade hazards. The development pattern in the Land Use and Community Design Element incorporates consideration of flooding risk, seismic safety and other hazards. The Public Safety Element contains the city’s goals and policies to reduce the risks associated with identified hazards and integrate mitigating measures into the city’s development review process.
Relationship to State Law Government Code Section 65302(g) requires each California city and county to include within its general plan a safety element that addresses the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismic and other geologically induced hazards, flooding, and fires. The safety element is required to include mapping of known seismic and other geological hazards. Where applicable, it must also address evacuation routes, peak load water supply requirements, minimum road widths and clearances around structures. Government Code Section 65302(g) (as amended by SB 379 (2015)) requires cities and counties to include climate adaptation and resiliency strategies — as applicable to that city or county — in the safety elements of their general plans. The City of Carlsbad prepared a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (CCVA) which is available on the city website at the following link: https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/community-development/planning/general-plan/related-documents/-folder-769. The CCVA assesses how the community and natural and built assets in Carlsbad are vulnerable to climate change. The Public Safety Element of the General Plan includes adaptation implementation measures consistent with this legislation. Government Code Section 65302(g) (as amended by SB 99 (2019)) requires a local government to identify residential developments in hazard areas that do not have at least two emergency evacuation routes. A residential emergency evacuation route analysis was conducted as part of this Public Safety Element update and is presented as Figure 6-13. Government Code Section 65302(g) (as amended by SB 1035 (2018)) requires a jurisdiction’s safety element to be revised to identify new information on fire hazards, flood hazards, and climate adaptation and resiliency strategies applicable to the city and county that was not
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available during the previous revision of the safety element. The fire hazard and flood maps have been updated as Figure 6-1 and Figure 6-12. State law also allows cities to address any other locally relevant issues in its safety element. In addition to those mentioned above, Carlsbad’s Public Safety Element also addresses disaster preparedness and protection from other local health and safety hazards, such as fire, hazardous materials and airport hazards.
Relationship to Community Vision The Public Safety Element is most closely tied to the following objective in the Community Vision:
Core Value 8: Support quality, comprehensive education and life-long learning opportunities, provide housing and community services for a changing population, and maintain a high standard for citywide public safety.
Relationship to Other General Plan Elements The Public Safety Element is strongly correlated to the Land Use and Community Design Element and the Open Space, Conservation and Recreation Element. The Land Use and Community Design Element includes consideration of fire, seismic, flooding and other hazards in land use designations and their intensities. Through restrictions on the development of hazardous areas, identified by careful investigation as proposed in the Public Safety Element, the Land Use and Community Design Element supplements the policies of this element. Related to the Open Space, Conservation and Recreation Element, areas subject to severe hazards, especially those related to seismic or flood-prone conditions, are designated for a reduced level of development or open space, or development is required to be set back from areas impacted by these factors. Additionally, the Public Safety Element is related to the Mobility Element in that good street design and accessibility of the transportation system is vitally important in providing emergency services. Furthermore, the Public Safety Element is related to the Housing Element and the Arts, History, Culture, and Education Element in that it identifies areas that may present hazardous conditions for residential structures and proposes precautionary measures related to older existing structures that may have historic or cultural significance. Finally, the Public Safety Element is related to the Sustainability Element in that it establishes broad strategies to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change hazards that the Public Safety Element seeks to minimize. The Sustainability
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Element promotes water conservation, reduction of the urban heat island effect, and energy efficiency which increase the city’s resilience to climate change.
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6.2 Regulatory Setting Public safety is a topic that is subject to extensive federal, state, and local regulations that span a variety of safety topics. Some of the key regulations and regulatory agencies are summarized below. The city is not responsible for administering all of the regulations; rather, the following discussion provides examples of how public safety in Carlsbad is a shared responsibility among various government agencies. For a fuller discussion of the regulatory setting pertaining to safety, the Environmental Impact Report for the General Plan should be consulted.
Federal Programs and Regulations
Environmental Protection Agency The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) enforces the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act (1976) and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), which regulates the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA was amended in 1984 by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Act (HSWA), which affirmed and extended the “cradle to grave” system of regulating hazardous wastes (controlling hazardous waste from the time it is generated until its ultimate disposal). The use of certain techniques for the disposal of some hazardous wastes was specifically prohibited by the HSWA. The 1980 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, commonly known as Superfund, provides broad federal authority to respond directly to releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances that may endanger public health or the environment.
United States Department of Transportation Transportation of chemicals and hazardous materials are governed by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), which stipulates the types of containers, labeling, and other restrictions to be used in the movement of such material on interstate highways.
Federal Emergency Management Agency The primary mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to reduce the loss of life and property and to protect the nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other manmade disasters, by leading and supporting a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation.
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Disaster Mitigation Act The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires a state mitigation plan as a condition of disaster assistance, adding incentives for increased coordination and integration of mitigation activities at the state level.
State Regulations
California Environmental Protection Agency The management of hazardous materials and waste within California is under the jurisdiction of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal EPA). Cal EPA is responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing the state’s environmental protection laws that ensure clean air, clean water, clean soil, safe pesticides and waste recycling and reduction. Within Cal EPA are various departments, three of which are described as follows:
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment oversees implementation of the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (commonly known as Proposition 65), which aims to protect California citizens and the state’s drinking water sources from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm and to inform citizens about exposures to such chemicals.
California Department of Toxic Substances Control The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) implements the California Code of Regulations Title 22, Division 4.5, which provides standards for the management of hazardous waste. The DTSC has the authority to delegate enforcement of the state’s hazardous waste regulations to local jurisdictions.
State Water Resources Control Board The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), as well as nine regional water quality control boards, implements various laws related to the protection of both potable and recycled water quality. The state and regional boards regulate wastewater discharges to surface and ground water; storm water discharges from construction, industrial, and municipal activities; discharges from irrigated agriculture; dredge and fill activities; alteration of federal water bodies; and other activities that could degrade water quality.
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California Department of Transportation The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) manages more than 50,000 miles of California’s highway and freeway lanes, provides inter-city rail services, permits more than 400 public-use airports and special-use hospital heliports and works with local agencies. Caltrans is also the first responder for hazardous material spills and releases that occur on those highway and freeway lanes and inter-city rail services.
California Division of Safety of Dams The California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams supervises the construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, maintenance, operation, and removal of dams and reservoirs for the protection of life and property. Included in this authority is the approval of dam inundation maps to identify potential flood prone areas that may be critically impacted during a dam failure or emergency incident. Approved inundation maps are used to support emergency action plans that dam owners are required to prepare pursuant to Water Code Section 6161.
California Office of Emergency Services The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is responsible for assuring the state’s readiness to respond to and recover from all hazards, emergencies, and disasters. Cal OES assists local governments in developing their own emergency preparedness and response plans, in accordance with the Standardized Emergency Management System and the State Emergency Plan, for earthquakes, floods, fires, hazardous material incidents, nuclear power plant emergencies, dam breaks, and acts of terrorism. Cal OES also administers the State of California Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP), which presents goals, strategies, and actions for reducing future disaster losses throughout the state. The SHMP is a federal requirement under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 in order for the state to receive federal funds for disaster assistance.
Safe School Plan (California Education Code Sections 32280 et
seq.) This statute requires public schools to prepare a school safety plan that identifies strategies and programs that will ensure a high level of school safety related to child abuse reporting; disaster procedures; on-campus violence; discrimination and harassment; safe ingress and egress to and from school; safe and orderly environment conducive to learning; and school discipline.
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Local Regulations
County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and
Quality The County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) protects public health and environmental quality and implements and enforces local, state, and federal environmental laws. DEHQ regulates the following: retail food safety; public housing; public swimming pools; small drinking water systems; mobile-home parks; onsite wastewater systems; recreational water; recycled water; aboveground and underground storage tanks and cleanup oversight; and medical and hazardous materials and waste. In addition, DEHQ serves as the Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agency and prevents disease carried by rats and mosquitoes.
California Environmental Protection Agency’s Unified Program Cal EPA oversees a unified hazardous waste and hazardous materials management and regulatory program, commonly referred to as the Unified Program. The purpose of this program is to consolidate and coordinate six different hazardous materials and hazardous waste programs, and to ensure that they are consistently implemented throughout the state. State law requires local agencies to implement the Unified Program. The County of San Diego DEHQ, Hazardous Materials Division is the local agency in charge of implementing the program in the county certified by the EPA as Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs).
San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan The San Diego Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) was developed in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and followed FEMA’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan guidance. Carlsbad is included in the MJHMP as an annex to the plan and can be found at this link: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/oes/emergency_management/oes_jl_mitplan.html. The MJHMP incorporates a process where hazards are identified and profiled, the people and facilities at risk are analyzed, and mitigation actions are developed to reduce or eliminate hazard risk. The implementation of these mitigation actions, which include both short and long-term strategies, involve planning, policy changes, programs, projects, and other activities The County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services is responsible for coordinating with local jurisdictions and participating agencies to monitor, evaluate, and update the MJHMP. Through the MJHMP Carlsbad is compliant with Government Code Sections 65302.6 and 8685.9 (also known as Assembly Bill 2140 or AB 2140) which limits the State of California's share of disaster relief funds
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paid out to local governments to 75 percent of the funds not paid for by federal disaster relief efforts unless the jurisdiction has adopted a valid hazard mitigation plan consistent with Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and has incorporated the hazard mitigation plan into the jurisdiction's General Plan. In these cases, the State may cover more than 75 percent of the remaining disaster relief costs.
McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan The McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) is prepared by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to protect the safety of the public from airport related hazards. The ALUCP promotes compatibility between McClellan Palomar Airport and the land uses that surround it by addressing noise, overflight, safety, and airspace protection concerns. The ALUCP prevents exposure to excessive noise and safety hazards within the airports influence area (AIA), provides for the orderly growth of the airport and the area surrounding the airport, and safeguards the general welfare of the inhabitants within the vicinity of the airport and the public in general.
Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 6.03 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code incorporates by reference Chapters 9 and 11 of Division 8 of Title 6 of the San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances, which designates the County of San Diego DEHQ as the local agency responsible for implementing the state’s Unified Program and specifies reporting, disclosure and monitoring requirements for hazardous materials and hazardous waste establishments.
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6.3 Flooding and Coastal Hazards
Surface Hydrology The San Diego Region is divided into 11 hydrologic units that flow from elevated regions in the east toward coastal lagoons, estuaries, or bays in the west. Carlsbad is located within the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit (HU), also referred to as the Carlsbad Watershed Management Area, which is approximately 210 square miles in area, extending from the headwaters above Lake Wohlford in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and from Vista and Oceanside in the north to Solana Beach, Encinitas, and the community of Rancho Santa Fe to the south. The cities of Carlsbad, San Marcos, and Encinitas are entirely within this HU. There are numerous important surface hydrologic features within the Carlsbad HU including four unique coastal lagoons, three major creeks, and two large water storage reservoirs. Approximately 48% of the Carlsbad HU is urbanized. The dominant land uses are residential (29%), commercial/industrial (6%), freeways and roads (12%), agriculture (12%), and vacant/undeveloped (32%).1
Buena Vista Lagoon Buena Vista Lagoon is a 350-acre freshwater lagoon owned by the State of California and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as a nature reserve. Located on the border between Carlsbad and Oceanside, it became California’s first ecological reserve in 1969. CDFW is the major property owner of the lagoon; however, a number of adjacent residential property owners have control of small portions of their properties adjacent to the lagoon’s wetland boundary. Although the lagoon itself is maintained as a nature reserve, much of the Buena Vista hydrologic area is already developed.
Agua Hedionda Lagoon Agua Hedionda Lagoon is situated between Tamarack Avenue and Cannon Road and is comprised of three inter-connected lagoons, divided by the Interstate-5 freeway and a railroad bridge. Cabrillo Power LLC owns the three lagoon sections; the 66-acre outer lagoon adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, which primarily provides cooling water for the electric producing generators at the Carlsbad Desalination Plant; the 27-acre middle lagoon is home to the North Coast YMCA Aquatic Park; and the 295-acre inner lagoon extends approximately 1,800 yards in a southeasterly direction from the Interstate-5 freeway bridge. The City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Department allows recreational activities on the inner lagoon including boating – permitted crafts include jet skis and powerboats (western portion) and passive vessels
1 Project Clean Water Website 2012, www.projectcleanwater.org/html/ws_carlsbad.html, accessed September 21, 2012
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like sailboats and kayaks (eastern portion). At the eastern end of the lagoon is the Agua Hedionda Ecological Reserve, which was acquired in 2000 by the CDFW and consists of 186 acres of wetlands.
Batiquitos Lagoon The Batiquitos Lagoon consists of approximately 561 acres owned by both the CDFW and the California State Lands Commission and is protected as a game sanctuary and bird estuary. The lagoon was originally open to the ocean, but over time the construction of transportation corridors and other development resulted in sediment closing off the lagoon. Then, in the mid-1990s, a significant lagoon restoration and enhancement project, conducted by the City of Carlsbad, Port of Los Angeles and other cooperating agencies, allowed for the lagoon to open to the ocean again, as it exists today.
Stormwater Drainage Much of the land area in Carlsbad is developed, resulting in impervious surfaces from the placement of roads, parking lots, buildings, and other infrastructure. These facilities reduce the amount of water infiltration into the ground, increase direct runoff into the city’s creeks and lagoons, and cause soil erosion and sedimentation, which can result in water quality degradation and flooding concerns. Stormwater systems may be overwhelmed more frequently as more extreme rain events occur due to climate change, causing localized flooding which could impact properties and close streets, and impact water quality. The City of Carlsbad currently employs a number of measures, including best management practices (BMPs), to prevent pollutants and hazardous materials from entering municipal stormwater conveyance systems. As storm drains are not connected to sanitary sewer infrastructure, water conveyed to these drains is not treated prior to discharging into creeks, lagoons and the ocean. Therefore, pollutants must be reduced and/or removed before entering urban conveyance systems. The city’s Storm Water Protection Program covers all phases of development through planning, construction and existing development and educates and monitors developers, businesses, municipal facilities, residents, school children, and the general public to help prevent pollutants and other hazardous materials from entering storm drains. The city also implements its Jurisdictional Runoff Management Plan which includes strategies to reduce non-stormwater flows and illegal discharges to the storm drain system and was developed to implement the requirements of the City’s Municipal Storm Water Permit.
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Flood Zones Floodplains are areas of land located adjacent to rivers or streams that are subject to recurring inundation, or flooding. Preserving or restoring natural floodplains helps with flood loss reduction benefits and improves water quality and habitat. Floods are typically described in terms of their statistical frequency. For example, a 100-year floodplain describes an area within which there is a one percent probability of a flood occurring in any given year. FEMA prepares Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that identify 100-year and 500-year flood zones. As shown in Figure 6-1, the potential flood hazard areas identified on the FIRM maps in Carlsbad include the entire coastline and the following major drainage basins:
Buena Vista Creek and Buena Vista Lagoon
Agua Hedionda Creek, its northern tributary, and the Agua Hedionda Lagoon
San Marcos Creek and its northern tributary
Batiquitos Lagoon
Encinitas Creek Most jurisdictions within San Diego County, including the City of Carlsbad, participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Pursuant to the City of Carlsbad’s Local Coastal Plan and Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 21 (Zoning), development is restricted within 100-year floodplain areas. FEMA relies on historical data to calculate flood frequencies and flood extent. Climate change is expected to increase rates of precipitation and the frequency of extreme precipitation events. These changing conditions could result in more frequent and severe riverine flooding which could impact properties within flood zones as well as emergency services, power, wastewater, and storm drainage infrastructure, exacerbating public health concerns.
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Figure 6-1 Potential Flood Hazards
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Dam Inundation Dam inundation can be caused by the release of impounded water from structural failure or overtopping of a dam. There are five dams and a reservoir located within or adjacent to the City of Carlsbad, as shown in Figure 6-2: the Calavera, Maerkle, Melrose Avenue, San Marcos, and Bressi dams, and the Stanley A. Mahr reservoir. The San Diego County MJHMP identifies dam-failure risk levels based on dam inundation map data. The Calavera, Melrose Avenue and Stanley A. Mahr reservoir dams have been assigned high hazard ratings, Maerkle dam has an extremely high hazard rating, San Marcos dam has a significant hazard rating, and the Bressi dam has a low hazard rating. The California Division of Safety of Dams also classifies jurisdictional dams by downstream hazard potential. Calavera, Melrose Avenue, San Marcos and Stanley A. Mahr dams classify as high and Maerkle dam classifies as extremely high. Bressi dam is not a state jurisdictional dam. The California Division of Safety of Dams jurisdictional dams and the reservoir have emergency action plans in place. Calavera dam is owned by Carlsbad and operated by Carlsbad Municipal Water District. Maerkle is both owned and operated by Carlsbad Municipal Water District. Dam owners are responsible for preparing emergency action plans. The other dams located within or adjacent to Carlsbad must coordinate with the city on the preparation of their emergency action plans. The San Marcos dam is owned and operated by Citizens Development Corporation, the Stanley A. Mahr Reservoir is owned by the public utility Vallecitos Water District, and the Melrose Avenue Dam is owned by the Rancho Carrillo Homeowners Association. Dam owners are responsible for preparing Emergency Action Plans. These facilities are periodically inspected by the California Division of Safety of Dams.
Sea Level Rise In California, sea levels have risen by as much as seven inches along the coast over the last century, resulting in eroded shorelines, deterioration of infrastructure, and depletion of natural resources. The San Diego County MJHMP identifies sea level rise as one of Carlsbad’s primary climate change vulnerabilities. Carlsbad has prepared a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment (2017) which draws on several guiding documents to target adaptation planning efforts.
California Coastal Commission adopted the California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance2 which summarizes
2 2015 Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance, California Coastal Commission. https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/slr/guidance/August2015/0a_ExecSumm_Adopted_Sea_
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the best available science in predicting potential sea level rise impacts and recommends response strategies.
Preparing for Climate Change: A Guidebook for Local, Regional, and State Governments, published by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (Snover, A.K. et al. 2007) describes strategies to address the impacts of sea level rise in communities.
The California Adaptation Planning Guide, Planning for Adaptive Communities prepared by CalEMA, now known as CalOES, and the California Natural Resources Agency (CalEMA 2012)3. According to Cal-Adapt, an online tool (developed by the California Natural Resources Agency along with others), the historical average maximum (1961-1990) temperature in the Carlsbad area of 73.4 degrees F could increase by 4.0 to 7.0 degrees by the end of century period (2070-2099), depending on various emissions scenarios. According to the 2017 Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment, sea level in Carlsbad could rise by as much as 1.6 feet by 2050 and 6.6 feet by 2100. Areas within Carlsbad that are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise are those areas immediately adjacent to the coast and the lagoons, which are similarly vulnerable to coastal storms. Potential strategies to reduce the impacts of sea-level rise on the city may include hard engineering (seawalls, breakwaters, levees) soft engineering (beach nourishment and/or replenishment, wetlands restoration) and restricting or reducing development near the coastal areas. In 2011, FEMA initiated the California Coastal Analysis and Mapping Project/Open Pacific Coast Study, which involves over 1,200 miles of new coastal flood hazard mapping and base-flood elevation determinations. Under this initiative, many coastal communities, including Carlsbad, will have coastal flood data and mapping updated for the first time in over 20 years. This study will improve the quality of the coastal data used for both floodplain management and planning purposes. Climate change is expected to increase the rate of sea level rise. The Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment prepared in 2017 evaluated 1.6 feet of sea level rise by 2050 and 6.6 feet of sea level rise by 2100 as outlined in Figure 6-3. There are 5 hazard zones outlined within the Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment:
Level_Rise_Policy_Guidance.pdf. As of preparation of this General Plan, a 2018 update of the Sea
Level Rise Policy Guidance has been adopted but was not used for the 2017 Sea Level Rise
Vulnerability Assessment.
3 2012 California Adaptation Planning Guide, Planning for Adaptive Communities. As of preparation of this General Plan, a 2020 update of the Adaptation Planning Guide has been adopted but was not used for the 2017 Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment
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Figure 6-2 Dam Inundation Areas
Figure 6-3 Sea Level Rise Projections
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Coastal Inundation Hazard Zone
Lagoon Inundation Hazard Zone
Bluff Hazard Zone
Coastal Flood Hazard Zone
Lagoon Flood Hazard Zone Each of these hazard zones are based on modeling conducted to analyze impacts of sea level rise. The zones were used to better understand which assets would be affected. According to the Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment the following assets are considered to have moderate to high vulnerability to sea level rise:
Beaches: Approximately seven acres of beach area is projected to be impacted by inundation/erosion in 2050. Vulnerability is rated high for the 2100 horizon due to the significant erosion expected as the beaches are squeezed between rising sea levels and bluffs or coastal structures
Public access ways: A total of 12 vertical beach access ways exist within the Planning Zone of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. A total of seven of these beach access ways were determined to be potentially impacted by coastal flooding by the year 2050. All 12 were found to be vulnerable to flooding and inundation by the year 2100. About 2.5 miles of horizontal access ways (trails) are vulnerable to flooding in the 2050-time horizon, and 7 miles of trails were found to be vulnerable by year 2100. Public access ways exist along the beach and lagoons in the city.
State parks: The Tamarack State Beach parking lot becomes partially exposed to flooding during extreme storm events by 2050. Exposure to flooding increases in year 2100 and complete flooding of the Tamarack State Beach parking lot can be expected during extreme storms events.
Parcels: A number of residential parcels in the vicinity of Terramar Point were determined to be exposed to bluff erosion hazards in the 2050 sea level rise scenario. Residential parcels along Terramar Point and the northern shoreline of Agua Hedionda Lagoon were found to be highly exposed to coastal hazards in 2100. The Hubbs Sea World Research Institute, the Carlsbad AquaFarm and the YMCA facility are also impacted as flood and tidal waters encroach onto these parcels.
Critical infrastructure: There were no impacts to parcels identified as critical infrastructure for the 2050 planning horizon. The Encina Power Station and the Carlsbad Desalination Plant parcels were identified as being partially exposed to fluvial flooding from Agua Hedionda Lagoon as a result of sea level rise in 2100.
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Transportation: Approximately 4,229 linear feet of Carlsbad Boulevard within the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Planning Zone are exposed to bluff erosion hazards during the 2050 planning horizon (high exposure). Carlsbad Boulevard provides a vital north-south linkage within the city; thus, its sensitivity to sea level rise is high. Vulnerability remains high for the 2100 planning horizon as 15,326 linear feet of Carlsbad Boulevard are exposed to bluff erosion and flooding during an extreme storm event.
Environmentally sensitive lands: Environmentally sensitive lands (e.g., lagoon, surrounding open lands, etc.) in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon area are exposed to increased tidal inundation and flooding with any rise in sea levels (high exposure). These assets are moderately sensitive to this exposure as wetland hydrology may be altered by the rising freshwater-saltwater interface and intertidal and subtidal ecosystems may be affected by changes in water depth and sunlight penetration.
Additional, qualitative assessments were provided on impacts of sea level rise on visual resources, cultural resources, saltwater intrusion, and lifeguard services. Impacts were characterized as none to moderate. The vulnerability of assets within Carlsbad to sea level rise are described below in Table 6–1.
TABLE 6–1: CITY WIDE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT FINDING
ASSET CATEGORY HORIZON IMPACTED ASSETS OVERALL
VULNERABILITY RATING
Beaches 2050 27 acres Moderate
2100 146 acres High
2 Public Access Ways
2050 26 beach access ways
2.6 miles of lateral access ways Moderate
2100 37 beach access ways
7.3 miles of lateral access ways Moderate
State Parks 2050 6 Parcels Moderate-High
2100 6 Parcels Moderate-High
Parcels 2050 564 Parcels Moderate
2100 657 Parcels High
Critical Infrastructure 2050 0 Parcels Low
2100 8 Parcels Moderate
Transportation 2050 1.6 miles High
2100 5.8 miles High
Environmentally Sensitive Lands 2050 1,088 acres Moderate
2100 1,164 acres High
Source: City of Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment. 2017.
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Tsunamis and Seiches Tsunamis are long wavelength ocean waves generated by sudden movements of the ocean bottom during events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The County of San Diego maps zones of high risk for tsunami run-up. As shown in Figure 6-4, the only areas identified within the City of Carlsbad as having risk for tsunami run-up are the immediate vicinity of the Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, and Batiquitos lagoons. The California Geological Survey Tsunami Hazard Areas also encompass all three lagoons but with upland areas immediately surrounding the waterbodies mapped as at-risk. These Tsunami Hazard Areas identify exposure to tsunami hazards to help inform coastal evacuation planning. Development of essential/critical or larger structures within the Tsunami Design Zone layer, also depicted in Figure 6-4, must meet design standards per the California Building Code. Seiches are defined as wave-like oscillatory movements in enclosed or semi-enclosed bodies of water such as lakes or reservoirs. Potential effects from seiches include flooding damage and related hazards from spilling or sloshing water, as well as increased pressure on containment structures. The County of San Diego maps zones of high risk for dam inundation throughout the county. The high-risk areas are located in other communities upstream in the Carlsbad Watershed Management Area.
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Figure 6-4 Maximum Tsunami Projected Run-up
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6.4 Geologic and Seismic Hazards
Geology and Soils The City of Carlsbad is within the coastal portion of the Peninsular Ranges Geomorphic Province, a region characterized by northwest-trending structural blocks and intervening fault zones. Topographically, the Peninsular Ranges Province is composed of generally parallel ranges of steep-sloping hills and mountains separated by alluvial valleys. More recent uplift and erosion has produced the characteristic canyon and mesa topography present today in western San Diego County, as well as the deposition of surficial materials including Quaternary-age (less than approximately two million years old) alluvium, colluvium, and topsoil.4 Figure 6-5 shows the local geology of Carlsbad.
Seismicity There are no active faults that run directly through Carlsbad. Additionally, the California Geologic Survey does not include the City of Carlsbad on its list of cities affected by Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones. The nearest fault to the city is the Newport-Inglewood-Rose Canyon Fault, which runs offshore of the western edge of the city and is considered active. Other faults in the region include the Coronado Bank, La Nacion, Elsinore, Agua Caliente, and San Jacinto. Fault activity has the potential to result in ground shaking, which can be of varying intensity depending on the intensity of earthquake activity, proximity to that activity, and local soils and geology conditions. Although there are no active faults within Carlsbad, the city is located within a seismically active region and earthquakes have the potential to cause ground shaking of significant magnitude. Figure 6-6 shows the location and extent of the profiled earthquake faults within San Diego County based on a United States Geological Survey earthquake model that shows probabilistic peak ground acceleration. Although located near fault lines, Carlsbad lies within a medium-low probabilistic peak ground acceleration zone.
4 Ibid.
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Figure 6-5 Geology
Figure 6-6 Earthquake Faults
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Historical documents record that an earthquake centered either on the Rose Canyon or Coronado Bank faults struck San Diego on May 27, 1862, damaging buildings in Old Town and causing ground rupture near the San Diego River mouth. This earthquake is believed to have had a magnitude of about 6.0 based on descriptions of the damage it caused. The strongest recorded earthquake in the San Diego area was a magnitude of 5.3 on the Richter scale that struck on July 13, 1986 on the Coronado Bank fault, 25 miles offshore of Solana Beach. There have been several moderate earthquakes recorded within the Rose Canyon Fault Zone as well. On June 17, 1985, three earthquakes hit San Diego measuring 3.9, 4.0, and 3.9, respectively, and on October 28, 1986, a stronger earthquake with a magnitude of 4.7 occurred.5
Seismic Risk to Development Earthquake damage to structures can be caused by ground rupture, liquefaction, ground shaking, and possibly inundation from tsunami (as discussed above). The level of damage at a location resulting from an earthquake will depend upon the magnitude of the event, the epicenter distance, the response of geologic materials, and the design and construction quality of structures. During an earthquake, shaking of granular loose soil saturated with water can lead to liquefaction, a condition in which sediments below the water table temporarily lose strength during an earthquake and behave as a viscous liquid rather than a solid. As a result, this can cause structures to lose foundation-bearing capacity. Historically, seismic shaking levels in the San Diego region, including in Carlsbad, have not been sufficient enough to trigger liquefaction, and as such, the city generally has a low liquefaction risk. However, there are areas of the city that have a higher risk of liquefaction due to the presence of hydric soils or soils that are often saturated or characteristic of wetlands. These areas are limited to the immediate vicinity of the Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, and Batiquitos Lagoons, as shown in Figure 6-7. Additionally, in general, south facing slopes in Carlsbad are gentle grade and not prone to landslides, while north facing slopes are generally steeper and more susceptible to landslides. Areas where landslides could be induced by earthquakes are mapped as Figure 6-8. Development in a liquefaction hazard zone requires adherence to the guidelines for evaluating and mitigating seismic hazards as required by California Public Resources Code Section 2695(a). Before a development permit can be granted for a site within a seismic hazard zone, a geotechnical investigation of the site must be conducted, and appropriate mitigation measures incorporated into the project design. Mitigation of liquefaction hazards can include edge containment
5 Deméré, Thomas A., Ph.D., San Diego Natural History Museum, Geology of San Diego County, California, http://www.sdnhm.org/archive/research/paleontology/sdfaults.html, accessed on September 25, 2012b
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structures (e.g., berms, dikes, retaining walls, etc.), driving piles, removal or treatment of liquefiable soils, or modification of site geometry. The city’s Building Division implements and enforces the Carlsbad Municipal Code and the California Building Code regulations relative to seismic risk to development. Chapter 18.07 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code specifies the need and establishes guidelines for the seismic upgrade of unreinforced masonry buildings.
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Figure 6-7 Liquefaction Hazards
Figure 6-8 Landslide Susceptibility
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6.5 Airport Hazards For land use policies related to the airport, see Chapter 2: Land Use and Community Design. For noise policies related to the airport, see Chapter 5: Noise Element. The McClellan-Palomar Airport, located in Carlsbad, serves the northern part of San Diego County. The airport, owned and operated by the County of San Diego, is defined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a commercial service airport that, in addition to private aircraft, has regularly scheduled commercial flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Long-term extension projects for the McClellan-Palomar Airport, including 800 feet of runway extension of Runway 6/24 and Taxiway A, are set forth in the McClellan-Palomar Airport Master Plan that was approved by the County of San Diego in October 2021.6 The McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) is prepared according to FAA requirements and adopted by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority acting as the Airport Land Use Commission for the County of San Diego. The ALUCP provides measures to minimize the public’s exposure to excessive noise and safety hazards within areas around the airport and identifies areas likely to be impacted by noise and flight activity created by aircraft operations at the airport. These impacted areas include the Airport Influence Area (AIA), the Clear Zone, and the Flight Activity Zone. The AIA, shown in Figure 6-9, includes a large portion of the City of Carlsbad, as well as portions of the cities of Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido. Within the AIA, the ALUCP establishes six safety zones for the purpose of evaluating safety compatibility of new/future land use actions. The safety zone boundaries depict relative risk of aircraft accidents occurring near the airport and are derived from general aviation aircraft accident location data and data regarding the airport’s runway configuration and airport operational procedures. The ALUCP limits development intensities in these zones by imposing floor area and lot coverage maximums, by incorporating risk reduction measures in the design and construction of buildings, and/or by restricting certain uses altogether. Generally, allowable uses and development intensities range from most restrictive in Safety Zone 1 to least restrictive in Safety Zone 6 (these are shown in Figure 6-9). For example, all residential and virtually all non-residential uses are considered incompatible land uses in Zone 1, while all land uses in Zone 6 are considered to be either compatible or conditionally compatible with the airport. The FAA establishes airspace protection zones in the airspace above and surrounding airports in order to protect aircraft from obstructions such as buildings, towers, etc. in navigable airspace. Airspace protection 6 McClellan-Palomar Airport Master Plan Update. October 2021. https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/dpw/AIRPORTS/palomar/documents/Master-Plan-Update/2021/H-Master_Plan_Update_2021.pdf
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zones are defined in Part 77 of the Code of Federal Aviation Regulations; the protected airspace around McClellan-Palomar Airport is depicted in Figure 6-9. The ALUCP also requires that certain development projects record overflight notification documents in order to provide constructive notice to current and prospective property owners of aircraft activity within the vicinity of the airport. Under certain circumstances, developers of specific properties may be required to grant avigation easements to the airport owner (County of San Diego). Among other things, an avigation easement grants the right of flight in the airspace above the property, allows the generation of noise and other impacts associated with overflight, restricts the height of structures, trees and other objects on the property, prohibits potential on ground flight hazards (sources of light/glare, etc.) and permits access to the property to remove or mark objects exceeding the established height limit. Figure 6-9 depicts the avigation easement and overflight notification areas surrounding the airport. The city requires review of all proposed development projects within the AIA. New development proposals must process a site development plan, or other development permit, and be found to be consistent or conditionally consistent with applicable land use compatibility policies with respect to noise, safety, airspace protection, and overflight, as contained in the ALUCP. Additionally, development proposals are required to comply with FAA regulations concerning the construction or alteration of structures that may affect navigable airspace.
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Figure 6-9 McClellan-Palomar Airport Influence Area/Safety Zones
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6.6 Railroad Hazards For Mobility policies related to the railroad, see Chapter 3: Mobility. For noise policies related to the railroad, see Chapter 5: Noise Element. Safety hazards related to transportation of hazardous materials are discussed in Section 6.7, below. The North County Transit District (NCTD) owns the north/south railroad that parallels Carlsbad’s entire seven-mile coastline, as well as Interstate-5 and Carlsbad Boulevard. NCTD operates the Coaster commuter rail service on this rail line and owns two passenger rail stations located within the city: Carlsbad Village and Carlsbad Poinsettia stations. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe freight line and the Amtrak passenger service also use the rail line through the city. The railroad, while providing a vital service for passenger transit and goods movement through the city, presents potential safety concerns in the city. The railroad acts as a barrier and restricts east/west access for emergency services; it also results in the potential for train collisions with automobiles, bicyclists and pedestrians. From 2018 through 2023, a total of 12 train incidents have occurred between the Carlsbad Village and Poinsettia Coaster stations, all involving pedestrians and all unfortunately fatal. As part of the North Coast Corridor (NCC) Program, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) plans, during the next 20 years, to construct nearly $820 million in improvements to the San Diego County rail corridor, including a primary effort to double track the corridor from Orange County to downtown San Diego. Double tracking the rail corridor through San Diego County will add the capacity for approximately 100 more railcars per day through the corridor. To date, the majority of the rail corridor has been double tracked with approximately two miles remaining as single-tracked through the City of Carlsbad: 1.1 miles through the Village from the Oceanside border on the north to Pine Avenue on the south and 0.75 miles near the southern border with Encinitas, including the Batiquitos Lagoon bridge.7 Other infrastructure improvements planned by SANDAG include bridge and track replacements, new platforms, pedestrian under-crossings, and other safety and operational enhancements. Along the rail corridor through Carlsbad, SANDAG is considering two options for double tracking the railroad: at-grade tracks and grade-separated tracks (railroad tracks located in a trench below street grade). The city is working closely with SANDAG and other agencies to encourage and support the grade separated option, which would increase east-west crossings and improve east-west access for emergency services and would reduce the potential for train collisions with automobiles, bicyclists and pedestrians. 7 LOSSAN Coastal Rail Corridor. SANDAG. https://lossanmap.sandag.org/
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6.7 Hazardous Materials Hazardous materials include a wide variety of substances commonly used in households and businesses. Motor oil, paint, solvents, lawn care and gardening products, household cleaners, gasoline, and refrigerants are among the diverse range of substances classified as hazardous materials. Nearly all businesses and residences generate some amount of hazardous waste. Certain businesses and industries, including gas stations, automotive service and repair shops, printers, dry cleaners, and photo processors, generate larger amounts of such substances. Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories generate medical waste, much of which is also potentially hazardous. Some hazardous materials present a radiation risk. Radioactive materials, if handled improperly, or if radiation is accidentally released into the environment, can be dangerous because of the harmful effects of certain types of radiation on the human body.
Hazardous Materials Transport Major transportation routes within Carlsbad include Interstate 5 and State Route 78, surface streets, and the San Diego Northern railroad. There are high pressure fuel lines along El Camino Real and other areas, as shown in Figure 6-10. These transportation routes and pipelines are used to transport hazardous materials from suppliers to users. Transportation accidents involving hazardous materials could occur on any of the routes, potentially resulting in explosions, physical contact by emergency response personnel, environmental degradation, and exposure to the public.
Hazardous Materials Facilities The County of San Diego, through its Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA), has recorded (as of 2012) approximately 338 facilities within Carlsbad that store and maintain chemical inventories that exceed mandatory disclosure amounts of any single chemical in excess of 55 gallons, 500 pounds or 200 cubic feet. In addition, there are 180 facilities within the city that are registered with the U.S. EPA as generators of hazardous waste.
Potential Environmental Hazards Sites within the City of Carlsbad where the presence of hazardous materials present potential environmental hazards were identified using information from state databases and a review of online regulatory files for select sites. The databases used were EnviroStor, which identifies hazardous waste facility and cleanup sites, and SWRCB GeoTracker, which identifies permitted underground storage tanks
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Figure 6-10 Electric and Gas Transmission Lines
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(UST) and cleanup sites. The databases included the following types of sites: release sites (cleanup sites), UST sites, permitted hazardous waste facilities, wastewater treatment tiered permit facilities, and proposed school sites evaluated by the California DTSC for the presence of hazardous materials. The hazardous materials sites identified in the EnviroStor and GeoTracker databases were evaluated as part of the General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in order to rank the sites in terms of potential environmental concern. Using the databases, a total of 214 hazardous materials sites with 126 unique listings were identified within Carlsbad (see the General Plan EIR for details of the listings). A total of 110 of those unique site listings have had known releases, while the remaining 16 have not had known releases. The San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board’s Geographic Environmental Information Management System is a data warehouse that tracks regulatory data about underground fuel tanks, fuel pipelines and public drinking water supplies using GeoTracker; as information in the database is periodically updated, the database should be consulted for current information.
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6.8 Police, Fire, and Emergency
Management
Police Services The Carlsbad Police Department conducts its safety services out of the Carlsbad Police and Fire Headquarters located on Orion Way. The Police and Fire Headquarters location is depicted on Figure 6-11. The patrol division is the core of the Police Department’s law enforcement services, responding to more than 100,000 calls for service annually. Although responding to 911 calls and street patrols are the majority of the patrol division’s activity, other special services in the department include, the homeless outreach team, crime suppression team, investigations unit, traffic unit, school resource officers, canine units, bicycle patrol, crisis negotiations, bilingual services, SWAT and Psychiatric Emergency Response Teams (PERT). In May 2012, the Carlsbad Safety Training Center was completed to provide necessary training for local police, fire and other safety workers. The training center is located next to the Police and Fire Headquarters, and includes classrooms, a shooting range and structures that can be used to simulate fires in residential and commercial buildings as well as help police conduct tactical training.
Anticipated Space Needs for the Police Department To accommodate population growth, the Police Department expects to grow to a point where it will need to occupy the space inside the Police and Fire Headquarters that is currently occupied by the Fire Administration. Alternative solutions the Police Department is considering include relocating the Fire Administration to another facility or expanding the Police and Fire Headquarters to accommodate Police Department growth and the continued presence of Fire Administration. Also needed by the Police Department is a secure storage facility for evidence storage to include large pieces of evidence, such as vehicles.
Fire and Emergency Medical Services The City of Carlsbad has seven fire stations, indicated in Figure 6-11. The oldest of the stations was constructed in 1966, while the newest was completed in 2023. The Fire Department is divided into two Bureaus, the Bureau of Fire Operations and Bureau of Community Risk Reduction and Resilience. Fire Operations is the largest Bureau within the Carlsbad Fire Department and is responsible for fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical service delivery, marine safety, and disaster mitigation. The
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Figure 6-11 Public Safety Services
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The Fire Department delivers advanced life support level care on all fire engines, fire ladder trucks and ambulances and provides advanced life support via lifeguard services along the city’s northern most beach, commonly referred to as “North Beach”. Currently, more than 75 percent of the city’s fire suppression personnel are licensed paramedics; frequently multiple paramedics are available on-scene at emergency incidents. City of Carlsbad SWAT medics are firefighter/paramedics on special assignment working alongside the Carlsbad Police Department SWAT team. SWAT medics are also deployed with Carlsbad police officers in support of other law enforcement units such as the San Diego Sheriff’s SWAT team and the regional law enforcement task force.
TABLE 6–2: FIRE STATIONS SUMMARY
STATIONS BUILT ADDRESS STAFFING DESCRIPTION
1 1966 1275 Carlsbad Village Dr. Crew of five: captain, engineer, two paramedic / firefighters and one emergency medical technician
2 2022 1906 Arenal Rd. Crew of five: captain, engineer, two paramedic/firefighters and one
emergency medical technician
3 2016 3465 Trailblazer Way Crew of five: captain, engineer, two paramedic/firefighters and one
emergency medical technician
4 1986 6885 Batiquitos Dr. Crew of three: captain, engineer and paramedic/firefighter
5 1988 2540 Orion Way Crew of four: duty battalion chief, captain, engineer, and
paramedic/firefighter
6 2009 7201 Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Crew of five: captain, engineer, two paramedic/firefighters and one
emergency medical technician
7 2023 4600 Carlsbad Blvd. Crew of six: captain, engineer, three paramedic/firefighters and
one emergency medical technician
Anticipated Space Needs for the Fire Department Based on needs identified by the Carlsbad Police Department for additional space, considerations will need to be made for the relocation of Fire Administration in close proximity to Fire Station No. 5 and the Carlsbad Safety Training Center. Consideration of the relocation of Fire Prevention staff to the same location as Fire Administration should also be made. The Fire Department completed its first Fire Station Master Plan in 2023 to help identify current and future fire station needs with city growth in mind. Increased service demands, changes in staffing, and the increasing size of fire apparatus require considerations for increasing the number and capabilities of these city facilities. The Fire Station Master plan also incorporates the potential of adding additional fire stations based on recommendations of the Fire Department Standards of Coverage. The Standards of Coverage is a document used by fire departments to assess local risks and demographics and determine the level of protection needed to
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minimize those risks. The current standards of coverage account for increases in growth and subsequent increases in demands for service by anticipating the need for two additional Fire Stations (station eight and nine) as growth occurs.
Wildland Fire Hazards The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has mapped Fire Hazard Severity Zones throughout California. The Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps are developed using a science-based and field-tested model that assigns a hazard score based on the factors that influence fire likelihood and fire behavior.8 Many factors are considered such as fire history, existing and potential fuel (natural vegetation), predicted flame length, blowing embers, terrain, and typical fire weather for the area. There are three levels of hazard in the State Responsibility Areas: moderate, high, and very high. Currently only Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) are identified in local government jurisdictions. The large amounts of open space and wildland make Carlsbad susceptible to brush fires year-round. The proximity of native vegetation and the climate of the region contribute to sections of the city having VHFHSZs, as illustrated in Figure 6-12. Specifically, the central and eastern portions of Carlsbad are mapped within VHFHSZs.9 The frequency, area, and severity of wildfires have increased significantly within San Diego County over the past two decades. Recent fires of the Boulevard, Park, and Poinsettia fires have occurred in city limits in January 2022, January 2021, and May 2014 respectively. For Carlsbad this trend of increased wildfires is projected to continue through mid and end-century projections. Wildfire events are a product of temperature increases compounded with precipitation declines creating wildfire prone conditions. San Diego County’s wildfires are influenced by Santa Ana Winds and fuel availability. Critical facilities are facilities in either the public or private sector that provide essential products and services to the public, are otherwise necessary to preserve the welfare and quality of life in the city, or fulfills important public safety, emergency response, and/or disaster recovery functions. The city’s critical facilities have been identified based on city staff designations. They include schools, fire stations, police stations, transportation systems, libraries, parks, city hall, hospitals, utility systems, and planned critical facilities.
8 County of San Diego, 2010, San Diego County Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan, page 4-89. 9 County of San Diego, 2010, San Diego County Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan, page 4-93 and 4-94.
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Figure 6-12 Fire Hazard Severity Zones
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There are several critical facilities within the city’s VHFHSZ including four parks, three schools, two fire stations, the police department, and the wastewater treatment facility. Several roads and residential areas are also located within the city’s VHFHSZ. Several fires have afflicted the boundaries of Carlsbad including the Boulevard, Park, and Poinsettia fires. Wildfires can create risk of injury, death, or financial hardship if personal property is damaged as well as physical damage to all other assets. Wildfires can also result in cascading risks for vulnerable populations, such as when power or communication infrastructure is damaged.
Urban Fire Hazards Urban fire risk in Carlsbad is greatest in older structures and neighborhoods built before modern building codes for fire safety and building systems were in place. Other factors affecting urban fire risk and relative likelihood of loss of life or property include building age, height and use; storage of flammable material; building construction materials; availability of sprinkler systems; and proximity to a fire station and hydrants.
Peakload Water Supply Requirement The Carlsbad Fire Department requires a minimum flow of water for fire protection in accordance with the adopted amended California Fire Code and the Insurance Services Office standards. Certain standards are based on type of construction, type of use and any built-in fire protection (sprinklers, etc.). There are sites within the city that are in need of fire flow capacity upgrades. As noted in the 2019 Water Master Plan, capital improvement projects regarding pipe upsizing have been identified at several sites in Carlsbad including at Robertson Ranch and within Quarry Creek. There are currently no known water flow pressure or supply deficiencies in Carlsbad. The Carlsbad Fire Marshal reviews proposed projects to ensure adequate fire hydrant locations, water flow pressure, and access for emergency vehicles is provided.
Minimum Road Widths and Clearances Around Structures Clear emergency vehicle access to buildings is important. Such access is regulated by the adopted and amended California Fire Code and applicable Carlsbad engineering standards.
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6.9 Emergency Management and
Resilience
Coordination and Management Chapter 6.04 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code defines the organization, power and duties of the City of Carlsbad emergency organization. The City of Carlsbad Fire Department’s Office of Emergency Management and Resilience directs, conducts, and implements city-level emergency plans, programs, training, and exercises and coordinates multi-department citywide emergency operations. The strategic focus of the Emergency Management and Resilience program is contained in the mission statement: “To provide leadership to the City of Carlsbad and throughout the whole community to ensure each organization is prepared to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from all threats and hazards.” By resolution, the city has adopted the State of California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) as its emergency management systems. The City of Carlsbad Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) establishes processes and procedures for coordinating multi-department and multi-jurisdictional emergency response, defines the city’s organizational emergency response structure, and identifies roles and responsibilities. The city’s EOP identifies the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as the location from which centralized emergency management would be performed during a large-scale emergency or business disruption. The purpose of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is to coordinate and support city-level emergency operations. Primary functions of the EOC include information sharing and resource coordination, public information and public emergency notification, coordination with external agencies and EOCs, and implementation of executive decisions and priorities. All City of Carlsbad employees are disaster service workers, and employees across multiple city departments are trained EOC responders and emergency shelter workers. Emergency preparedness and disaster response information is shared with the public through the City of Carlsbad’s website, emergency mass notification systems, social media including the countywide “emergency” mobile application, and traditional media.
Evacuation Routes Carlsbad is a participant in the Unified Disaster Council (UDC) San Diego Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan (September 2022) which contains evacuation routes resulting from a variety of emergencies. Evacuation routes in this document are incorporated by reference in
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this General Plan; the document can be accessed at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/oes/emergency_management/plans/op-area-plan/2022/EOP2022_Complete%20Plan.pdf. Single access points of entry and exit were identified in compliance with SB 99 (see Figure 6-13 and consistent with OPR’s 2022 technical advisory document on Fire Hazard Planning. OPR’s guidance clarifies that cities and counties must identify residential developments with less than two evacuation routes located in any hazard zone considered by the Safety Element. This analysis took a conservative approach and assessed all Carlsbad residential developments for single access entry and exit points, as most of the city is in at least one hazard risk zone. The process to identify the residential developments that have less than two routes that can be used for emergency evacuation in Carlsbad included: 1. Identifying residential neighborhoods based on residential land use designations consistent with the Carlsbad General Plan Land Use Designations Map. 2. Identification of roads that connect to major and minor streets as identified by SANDAG by a single route were identified and marked. 3. The number of assessor parcel number boundaries adjacent to a marked road were counted. In low density residential land use areas with single family homes, the number of parcels with driveway access to the street were counted and included as a single entry/exit neighborhood if there were 30 or more units serviced by the local road. The 30 or more units threshold is consistent with the California Public Resources Code Section 4290.5 which defines subdivision as an existing residential development of more than 30 dwelling units10. 4. Medium and high-density land use areas were evaluated using the same methodology of or more dwelling units. Figure 6-13 identifies multiple residential developments in Carlsbad with a single access point of entry/exit. There are single access neighborhoods located throughout Carlsbad, including one adjacent to coastal hazard zones and six located within or adjacent to city designated Wildland Preplan areas. Wildland Preplan areas are areas within VHFHSZ with existing evacuation plans as determined by the city. Single access points, particularly in wildfire hazard zones, can make emergency evacuations problematic during an emergency, such as a wildfire. 10 Assembly Bill 2911 added Section 4290.5 to the Public Resources Code requiring the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to identify existing subdivisions with more than 30 dwelling units located in the State Responsibility Area or Local Responsibility Area Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone without a secondary means of egress route that are at significant fire risk.
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Figure 6-13 also illustrates the major evacuation routes within Carlsbad, including the routes outlined by the Police Department Evacuation Plans developed in 2011 identified in Table 6–3. The map of evacuation routes is further organized by Wildland Preplans in Carlsbad including Hosp Grove, Calavera Hills, Sunny Creek Road, Box Canyon, Dank Tank, and Green Valley. Additional evacuation routes identified in these preplan areas include connections to Interstate 5 from Sunny Creek Road, Rancho Santa Fe Road, La Costa Avenue, Levante St-El Camino Real, Calle Barcelona-Leucadia Boulevard, and Palomar Airport Road/West San Marcos Boulevard.
TABLE 6–3: POLICE DEPARTMENT EVACUATION PLANS (2011)
EVACUATION PLAN FOR WILDLAND PREPLAN AREAS EVACUATION ROUTE(S)
Old Carlsbad (Beats 1,2 & 3 • Carlsbad Village Drive to I-5
• Las Flores to I-5
• Tamarack Avenue to I-5
• Cannon to I-5
• Jefferson Street to Highway 78
Calavera Area (Beat 4) • Carlsbad Village Drive to El Camino Real
• College Boulevard to Highway 78
• Carlsbad Village Drive to I-5
• Tamarack Avenue to I-5
• El Camino Real to Cannon Road to I-5
Industrial Core Area (Beat 5) • W/B Cannon to I-5 or E/B Cannon to El Camino Real.
• W/B Faraday to Cannon to I-5 or E/B Faraday to El Camino Real to Melrose.
• W/B Palomar Airport Rd to I-5 or E/B Palomar Airport Rd. to El Camino Real to
Melrose and beyond.
La Costa – Olivenhain Area • La Costa Ave. to I-5
• Rancho Santa Fe Road to Olivenhain Road to Leucadia Blvd. to I-5
• Levante St. to El Camino Real to La Costa Ave. to I-5
• Calle Barcelona to Leucadia Blvd. to I-5
Poinsettia West Area (Beat 6 & 7) • Aviara Parkway to I-5
• El Camino Real to Palomar Airport Rd.
• El Camino Real to La Costa Ave
• El Camino Real to Poinsettia Ln.
Poinsettia East Area (Beat 6/7 East) • Melrose Drive to Palomar Airport Road/Rancho Santa Fe.
• El Fuerte to Palomar Airport Rd./Alga Rd.
• Alicante to Poinsettia Ln./Alga Rd
• El Camino Real to Palomar Airport Rd./La Costa Ave.
• Palomar Airport Rd. to I-5/Business Park
• Poinsettia Ln. to Alga Rd. or El Camino Real
• Alga to Aviara Parkway/El Camino Real/Melrose Dr.
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Figure 6-13 Single Access Roads
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Evacuation capacity, safety, and viability were analyzed in compliance with AB 747. The evacuation routes identified in Table 6–3 include a citywide network of arterial roadways with a maximum capacity of 1,800 vehicles per hour per lane that can be utilized in unique combinations to provide effective transportation during a range of emergency scenarios. Dependent on the type and location of the emergency, evacuation locations include the Pine, Stagecoach, and Calavera Hills community centers. The performance standard for the city’s circulation system is guided by the General Plan Mobility Element as follows:
Implementing Policy 3-P.4: Implement the city’s Multi-modal Level of Service methodology and maintain Level of Service D or better for each mode of travel for which the Multi-modal Level of Service standard is applicable…. The greatest threat to the capacity of identified evacuation routes is either an existing low volume design and/or over capacity utilization, typically associated with peak hour commute trips. Critical points would include intersections of major arterials, at-grade railroad crossings, and freeway interchanges. Identified evacuation routes constrained due to low volume design (two lane roadways) include:
Las Flores Drive
Levante Street
Jefferson Street Morning/evening peak hour congestion, represented as failing level of service and documented in the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Growth Management Plan Monitoring Report Circulation Section in 2022, affects the following evacuation route segments:
Palomar Airport Road between Avenida Encinas and Paseo del Norte (interchange at I-5)
Cannon Road between Avenida Encinas and Paseo del Norte (interchange at I-5)
El Camino Real between Marron Road and the border with Oceanside (interchange at SR 78)
Palomar Airport Road between El Fuerte Street and Melrose Drive
El Camino Real between Cannon Road and College Boulevard
El Camino Real between Aviara Parkway and La Costa Avenue
La Costa Parkway between I-5 and El Camino Real The identified evacuation network is generally free from constraint due to physical hazards during emergencies. Over the past 20 years, only minor impacts to evacuation routes have been experienced in the form of flooding,
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fire hazard, landslide, hillside collapse, downed trees/overhead utilities, etc. Even though multiple routes include either overpasses or underpasses, the threat of constraint from these features is low given the relatively young age of the infrastructure and lack of structural issues to date. None of the identified evacuation routes experiences regular or chronic constraints that would present a vulnerability to that route or the network as a whole. The City of Carlsbad has emergency operations plans and mutual aid agreements with other responsive agencies that can, to a large extent, utilize the roadway network effectively through operational changes to maximize existing capacity in the most effective manner.
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6.10 Climate Change Climate change is already having, and will continue to have, myriad adverse impacts on the Earth’s natural and built systems, resources, and the human populations that rely on them. While climate change is a global phenomenon, the effects will vary locally based on the natural and built environment and systems in place. Generally, climate change is anticipated to amplify existing hazards including but not limited to extreme heat, drought, wildfires, landslides, flooding, sea level rise, and air quality. The City of Carlsbad prepared a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (CCVA) which is available on the city website at this link: https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/community-development/planning/general-plan/related-documents/-folder-769. The CCVA assesses how the community and natural and built assets in Carlsbad are vulnerable to climate change. In Carlsbad, climate conditions and associated natural hazards are expected to change in the following ways:
Extreme heat: Extreme heat days occur when the maximum temperature is above 92.5°F. The annual number of extreme heat days is projected to increase by as much as 22 days per year by 2100.
Drought: Climate change will increase the likelihood that low-precipitation years will coincide with above-average temperature years. Warming temperatures increase seasonal dryness and the likelihood of drought due to decreased supply of moisture and increased atmospheric demand for moisture as evaporation from bare soils and evapotranspiration from plants increases.
Wildfire: Carlsbad is expected to experience an increase in the number of days with extreme wildfire risk, from 14 days annually to 63 days by mid-century and 113 days by end-century.
Landslides: Triggered by extreme bouts of precipitation on wildfire burn scars, the susceptibility of the larger San Diego region to landslides is projected to increase as precipitation variability increases and wildfires increase in frequency, area, and severity.
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding: Climate change may cause low-lying areas throughout Carlsbad to experience more frequent flooding and could increase the extent of 100-year floods.
Air Quality: Due to extended droughts, more frequent wildfires, increased ambient temperatures, and sporadic natural filtrations of fog and wind air quality in Carlsbad may decline significantly.
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Sea Level Rise: The Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment anticipates 1.6 feet of sea level rise by 2050 and 6.6 feet of sea level rise by 2100. Impacts to coastal assets are described in detail under Section 6.3. Though climate change affects everyone in a community, not all people are impacted equally. For example, historically disadvantaged communities, people of color, outdoor workers, elderly and very young community members, lower-income populations, and those with chronic health conditions tend to experience increased exposure and/or physiological sensitivity to climate hazards and a reduced capacity to adapt.11 As recommended by the California Adaptation Planning Guide several data sources and tools were used in evaluating both population and climate hazard vulnerabilities including the U.S. Census 2015-2019 American Community Survey, Cal-Adapt, California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, The California Healthy Places Index, and CalEnviroScreen 4.0. The following vulnerable populations have been identified in Carlsbad consistent with the California Adaptation Planning Guide and the Southern California Adaptation Planning Guide:
Individuals with High Outdoor Exposure, including outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness, face disproportionate direct exposure to climate hazards, causing them to be extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Under-resourced individuals often do not have access or the ability to afford resources needed to prepare for, cope with, and recover from climate change impacts. Individuals who are unemployed or are low-income often face financial barriers when preparing for and recovering from climate change hazards. Individuals in these groups often live in homes that are less protected against climate hazards.
Individuals Facing Societal Barriers also face additional impacts of climate change. Non-white individuals are more likely to live in high hazard risk areas and less likely to be homeowners, which leaves them vulnerable to climate hazards.
Individuals with chronic health conditions or health related sensitivities are socially and physiologically vulnerable to climate change impacts and hazards. Older adults and individuals with disabilities may have limited or reduced mobility, mental function, or communication abilities, making it difficult to evacuate during or prepare for a climate hazard 11 The California Adaptation Planning Guide describes factors that contribute to disproportionate impacts from climate change: “There are many reasons why some groups of people are more susceptible to climate related hazards—limited access to financial resources, health challenges or disabilities (physical, cognitive, behavioral, and all other forms), living or working conditions that result in greater exposure to hazard events, physical or social isolation, historical and current marginalization or deprivation of resources, and reduced agency or ability to make decisions. These are all factors that can lead to a greater potential for harm, and many people fall into more than one category.” (Page 62)
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event. They may also have medical needs for electricity which may be impacted during a public safety power shutoff or climate hazard event. Natural and recreational resources, buildings and facilities, and infrastructure and critical services are also vulnerable to the effects of climate change and were evaluated in detail in the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment:
Natural resources are highly vulnerable to extreme heat, drought, wildfire, flooding, and sea level rise. Vulnerability for natural resources includes the risk of habitat conversions and damage, mortality, and scarcity of resources for plants and wildlife.
Buildings and facilities in the city are highly vulnerable to sea level rise (detailed discussion provided in Section 6.3). Buildings and facilities located in inundation zones are at risk of structural damage from sea level rise. Several facilities are in the wildfire hazard severity zones of Carlsbad. These buildings and facilities are at risk of structural damage from wildfire.
Infrastructure and dependent populations experience additional cascading impacts around power outages from downed utility lines, power safety shut offs and grid overload. All forms of power outages can affect how critical services are able to perform their needed functions during a hazard. Infrastructure and critical services are also highly vulnerable to extreme heat, flooding, and air quality Table 6–4 below summarizes each asset grouping’s highest vulnerabilities by hazard along with corresponding policies that address the primary vulnerabilities in the Goals and Policies section.
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TABLE 6–4: CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT HIGH VULNERABILITY FINDINGS
CLIMATE HAZARD IMPACT SCORE ADAPTIVE CAPACITY SCORE VULNERABILITY SCORE CORRESPONDING POLICY
Vulnerable Populations
Extreme Heat High Medium 4-High 6-P.85
Wildfire High Medium 4-High 6-P.55, 6-P.66 6-P.79
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding Medium Low 4-High 6-P.1, 6-P.6
Air Quality High Low 5-High 6-P.82, 6-P.84, 6-P.85,
6-P.88
Sea Level Rise High Medium 4-High 6-P.79
Natural and Recreational Resources
Extreme Heat High Low 5-High 6-P.80
Drought High Low 5-High 6-P.80, 6-P.81
Wildfire High Medium 4-High 6-P.80
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding High Medium 4-High 6-P.12
Air Quality Medium Low 4-High 6-P.81
Sea Level Rise High Medium 4-High 6.P.13
Buildings and Facilities
Extreme Heat/Warm Nights Medium Low 4-High 6-P.84, 6-P.89
Sea Level Rise Medium Low 4-High 6-P.13
Infrastructure and Critical Facilities
Extreme Heat High Low 5-High 6-P.89, 6-P.90
Drought High Medium 4-High 6-P.51
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding High Low 5-High 6-P.5, 6-P.89
Air Quality High Low 5-High 6-P.85, 6-P.89
Sea Level Rise Medium Low 4-High 6-P.13 Local actions can help to mitigate the additional risks associated with climate change and increase community resilience. Cities that plan now will have the best options for adapting to climate change. Carlsbad is currently preparing a comprehensive update to its Climate Action Plan (CAP), which is a roadmap identifying specific actions the city and its partners intend to take to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions. Implementation of the policies in the Public Safety Element and the measures and actions in the CAP are complementary and mutually beneficial, working to both reduce the city’s carbon contributions and increase its resilience in the face of worsening climate change impacts. The city has a long history of taking action to reduce the effects of climate change by cutting local greenhouse gas emissions, beginning with the adoption of the city’s first Climate Action Plan in 2015. Since that time, the city has been active in implementing sustainability programs envisioned by the CAP, including steps being taken by the Sustainable Materials Management division to divert and reduce waste,
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the Watershed Protection division to protect water resources, and the Habitat Management division to increase protection of natural habitats. As Carlsbad expands existing efforts in planning and implementation for responding to climate change, an opportunity exists to create stronger, more equitable communities for everyone. Many of the actions needed to reduce the impacts of climate change will provide additional co-benefits to the community, including but not limited to increased public safety and public health, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greater economic stability.
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6.11 Goals and Policies
Goals 6-G.1 Minimize injury, loss of life, and damage to property resulting from fire, flood, sea-level rise, hazardous material release, or seismic disasters. 6-G.2 Minimize safety hazards related to aircraft operations in areas around the McClellan-Palomar Airport. 6-G.3 Maintain safety services that are responsive to citizens’ needs to ensure a safe and secure environment for people and property in the community. 6-G.4 Minimize safety hazards related to emergency service, automobile, bicycle and pedestrian access across the railroad. 6-G.5 Adequately prepare for climate change-related hazards, including but not limited to sea-level rise, extended drought, extreme heat, and more frequent and severe flooding, extreme weather, and wildfires.
Policies
Flooding Hazards 6-P.1 Enforce the Cobey-Alquist Floodplain Management Act and the city’s Floodplain Management Regulations to prohibit construction of structures in a designated floodway where such development would endanger life or significantly restrict the carrying capacity of the designated floodway; and to regulate development within other areas of special flood hazard, flood related erosion hazard and mudslide hazard to ensure such development does not adversely affect public health and safety due to water and erosion hazards, or result in damaging increases in erosion, flood height or velocities. 6-P.2 Continue to implement and pursue flood control programs that reduce flood hazards, such as the city’s Grading Ordinance and the Floodplain Management Regulations. 6-P.3 Cooperate and coordinate with federal, state and local jurisdictions, and agencies involved in the mitigation of flood hazards from dam inundation, tsunamis, sea level rise, and major flood events. 6-P.4 Require all proposed public drainage facilities to comply with the city’s Standard Design Criteria to ensure they are properly sized to handle 100-year flood conditions. Incorporate updated hydrology and hydraulic data as it becomes available.
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6-P.5 Require installation of protective structures or other design measures to protect proposed building and development sites, existing infrastructure, and critical services from the effects of flooding. Utilize, where possible, nature-based solutions and pervious pavement to assist in protection. 6-P.6 Encourage the use of permeable materials and surfaces in new development and road repaving to decrease surface water runoff during storms. 6-P.7 Promote the use of green infrastructure such as swales to manage stormwater runoff. 6-P.8 Enforce the requirements of Carlsbad Municipal Code Titles 15, 18, 20, and 21 pertaining to drainage and flood control when reviewing applications for building permits and subdivisions. 6-P.9 Comply with all requirements of the California Department of Water Resources’ Division of Safety of Dams and California Office of Emergency Services to ensure dam safety and adequate flood incident preparedness and response. 6-P.10 Comply with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements to identify flood hazard areas and control development within these areas in order for residents to qualify for federal flood insurance. Cooperate with FEMA on shoreline flooding hazards and other mapping efforts. 6-P.11 Provide language-accessible materials to vulnerable populations on flood hazard exposure and available resources. Identify and improve access to flood mitigation and adaptation related services for vulnerable populations including evacuation-based transportation, home improvements, and resources to combat cascading impacts of negative economic and health impacts. 6-P.12 Monitor and research the potential impacts of climate change and flooding on local habitat and wildlife.
Sea Level Rise Hazards 6-P.13 Regulate new development, redevelopment and lot creation, which requires a coastal development permit, to avoid exposure to sea level rise hazards such as erosion, flooding, inundation, groundwater changes and shoreline migration throughout the lifespan of the proposed development. 6-P.14 Encourage development projects to deposit dredge spoils on the beach if the material is suitable for sand replenishment and is consistent with environmental protection policies. 6-P.15 Give priority to non-structural shoreline protection options and limit or prohibit hard shoreline protective devices.
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6-P.16 Require removal or relocation of structures away from sea level rise hazards if public health and safety risks exist, if essential services can no longer be maintained, if the structures are no longer on private property due to migration of the public trust boundary, or if the development requires new or augmented shoreline protective devices that would not otherwise be permitted. 6-P.17 Develop sea level rise adaptation plans for assets vulnerable to sea level rise. 6-P.18 Collaborate with other local, regional, state, and federal entities to monitor sea level rise impacts and promote restoration or enhancement of natural ecosystems. 6-P.19 Continue to build community awareness about sea level rise hazards and future vulnerabilities.
Geology and Seismicity 6-P.20 Allow for consideration of seismic and geologic hazards at the earliest possible point in the development process, preferably before comprehensive engineering work has commenced. 6-P.21 Maintain geotechnical report guidelines identifying specific requirements for various levels of geotechnical evaluation, including reconnaissance studies, preliminary geotechnical investigation reports, and as-graded geotechnical reports. 6-P.22 Use information in Figure 6-5 as a generalized guideline for planning purposes and in determining the type and extent of geotechnical report to be required for a proposed development project. When a geotechnical report is required, submission of the report and demonstration that a project conforms to all mitigation measures recommended in the report prior to city approval of the proposed development (as required by state law). 6-P.23 Require a geotechnical investigation and report of all sites proposed for development in areas where geologic conditions or soil types are susceptible to liquefaction. Also require demonstration that a project conforms to all mitigation measures recommended in the geotechnical report prior to city approval of the proposed development (as required by state law). 6-P.24 Prohibit location of critical structures directly across known earthquake faults unless a geotechnical and/or seismic investigation is performed to show that the earthquake fault is neither active nor potentially active. 6-P.25 Require applicants to conduct detailed geologic and seismic investigations at sites where the construction of critical structures (high-occupancy structures and those that must
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remain in operation during emergencies) and structures over four stories are under consideration. 6-P.26 In accordance with California state law, deny subdivision maps if a project site is not physically suitable for either the type or density of a proposed development because of specific, adverse impacts on public health and safety conditions, such as geologic, seismic, or other hazards and there is no feasible method to satisfactorily mitigate or avoid such adverse impacts. 6-P.27 Require qualified geotechnical engineering professionals to review grading plans and inspect areas of excavation during and after grading, to evaluate slope stability and other geotechnical conditions that may affect site development and public safety. In areas of known or suspected landslides and/or adverse geologic conditions, the following determinations should be made: extent of landslide, depth-to-slide plane, soil types and strengths, presence of clay seams and ground water conditions. 6-P.28 Continue to regulate development, including remodeling or structural rehabilitation, to ensure adequate mitigation of safety hazards on sites having a history or threat of seismic dangers, erosion, subsidence, or flooding. 6-P.29 Regularly inspect locations with high landslide susceptibility directly following major storm and atmospheric events. 6-P.30 Develop mitigation strategies for new areas deemed at risk to slope instability by considering the risks associated with climate change impacts which are anticipated to cause more frequent landslides from more extreme and frequent rain events and wildfires. 6-P.31 Minimize risks from landslides by requiring new development to be sited outside of hazard areas, when possible, and to incorporate design that minimizes the potential for damage.
Airport Hazards 6-P.32 Ensure that development in the McClellan-Palomar Airport Influence Area is consistent with the land use compatibility policies contained in the McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. See also policies in the Land Use and Community Design Element related to McClellan-Palomar Airport.
Railroad Hazards 6-P.33 Gather historic incident data from police reports regarding pedestrian/bicycle and train incidents to develop a better understanding of the conditions resulting in collisions. Evaluate if there are any common factors, such as time, location, population group, point of entry and exit, and determine if there
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are underlying causes contributing to the incidents. Evaluate a program to address underlying issues and the potential effectiveness of the program. 6-P.34 Coordinate with other agencies and private entities to investigate methods of improving service safety along and across the rail corridor, such as through development of a grade separated rail corridor that includes grade separated street crossings at Grand Avenue, Carlsbad Village Drive, Tamarack Avenue and Cannon Road, as well as new pedestrian and bicycle crossings at Chestnut Avenue, the Carlsbad Village and Poinsettia COASTER stations, and other appropriate locations. See also policies in the Mobility and Noise Elements related to the railroad.
Soils and Hazardous Materials 6-P.35 Limit hazards associated with the manufacture, use, transfer, storage and disposal of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes through enforcement of applicable local, county, state and federal regulations. 6-P.36 Coordinate with the County of San Diego and use the San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) as a guide for implementing actions to reduce hazardous waste impacts. 6-P.37 Regulate locations for the manufacture, storage, and use of hazardous materials within the city through implementation of Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 21 (Zoning Ordinance). 6-P.38 Regulate development on sites with known contamination of soil and groundwater to ensure that construction workers, future occupants, and the environment as a whole, are adequately protected from hazards associated with contamination, and encourage cleanup of such sites. Provide documentation that development sites are not impacted by former/current site uses, including but not limited to, agricultural chemicals, aerially deposited lead, common railroad contaminants, and hazardous material storage and/or use. 6-P.39 Provide hazardous materials emergency incident responses. Coordinate such responses with applicable federal, state and county agencies. 6-P.40 Maintain regulations that require proper storage and disposal of hazardous materials to reduce the likelihood of leakage, explosions, or fire, and to properly contain potential spills from leaving the site.
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6-P.41 Enhance and expand the use of desilting/pollutant basins to function as hazardous material spill control facilities to prevent the spread of contaminants to downstream areas. 6-P.42 Support public awareness and participation in household hazardous waste management, solid waste, and recycling programs.
Police, Fire and Emergency Management 6-P.43 Maintain adequate Police and Fire Department staff to provide adequate and timely response to all emergencies according to department standards, as well as continuous community outreach providing education for emergency situations. 6-P.44 Encourage physical planning and community design practices that deter crime and promote safety. 6-P.45 Maintain close coordination between planned improvements to the circulation system within the city and the location of fire stations to assure adequate levels of service and response times to all areas of the community. 6-P.46 Consider site constraints in terms of hazards and current levels of emergency service delivery capabilities when making land use decisions. In areas where population or building densities may be inappropriate to the hazards present, take measures to mitigate the risk of life and property loss. 6-P.47 Coordinate the delivery of fire protection services through auto aid and mutual aid agreements with other agencies when appropriate. 6-P.48 Enforce the most current California Building and Fire codes, adopted by the city, to provide fire protection standards for all existing and proposed structures. 6-P.49 When future development is proposed to be placed in fire hazard severity zones and/or adjacent to fire hazard severity zones, require applicants to comply with the city’s adopted Landscape Manual, which includes requirements related to fire protection, and calls for preparation of a fire protection plan when a proposed project contains or is bounded by hazardous vegetation or is within an area bounded by a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, or as determined by the Fire Code official or their representative.
Wildfires 6-P.50 Coordinate with Carlsbad Municipal Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, and Vallecitos Water District to ensure that water pressure for existing developed areas is adequate for firefighting purposes during the season and time
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of day when domestic water demand on a water system is at its peak. 6-P.51 Permit development only within areas that have adequate water resources available, to include water pressure, onsite water storage, or fire flows. 6-P.52 Maintain and implement Wildland/Urban Interface Guidelines for new and existing development within neighborhoods that are proximal to existing fire hazard severity zones. Decrease the extent and amount of edge or wildland urban interface where development is adjacent to fire hazard severity zones. 6-P.53 Use strategies, such as community organization volunteer partnerships and environmentally friendly fuel reduction and weed abatement approaches, as prevention measures to minimize the risk of fires. Engage in fire hazard reduction projects, including community fuel breaks and private road and public road clearance. 6-P.54 To increase resistance of structures to heat, flames, and embers, review current building code standards and other applicable statutes, regulations, requirements, and guidelines regarding construction, and specifically the use and maintenance of non-flammable materials (both residential and commercial). Promote the use of building materials and installation techniques beyond current building code requirements, to minimize wildfire impacts as well as fire protection plans for all development. 6-P.55 In planned developments that may occupy the wildland urban interface, High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, increase resilience during a potential wildfire evacuation through:
• Enforcing visible address numbers painted on sidewalks.
• Applying special construction features found in California Building Code Chapter 7A for developments in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones & High Fire Hazard Severity Zones areas.
• Developing and/or adapting multiple language accessible materials for how to prepare your family and home for an evacuation and go kit.
• Identifying and preparing at risk and vulnerable populations that may need assistance to evacuate.
• Maintaining existing critical evacuation routes, community fuel breaks, emergency vehicle access.
• Requiring adequate access (ingress, egress) to new development, including safe access for emergency response vehicles
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• Identification of anticipated water supply for structural fire suppression.
• Developing fuel modification plans for all new developments. 6-P.56 Evaluate soils and waterways for risks from flooding, water quality, and erosion to ensure that they are suitable to support redevelopment following a large fire. 6-P.57 In the event of a large fire, evaluate re-development within the impacted fire zone to conform to best practice wildfire mitigation. 6-P.58 Coordinate with telecommunication service entities and the San Diego County Communication Department to fire-harden communications. 6-P.59 Limit new development along steep slopes and amidst rugged terrain to limit rapid fire spread and increase accessibility for firefighting. 6-P.60 Develop and implement density management strategies that cluster residential developments and minimize low-density exurban development patterns to reduce amounts of flammable vegetation and collective exposure to wildfire risk. When feasible, require new residential development to be located outside of the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). Should new residential development be located in VHFHSZ’s, then require that it be built to the current California Building Code and Fire Code. 6-P.61 When feasible, site new critical facilities outside of the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). Protect and harden critical facilities from natural hazards and minimize interruption of essential infrastructure, utilities, and services. 6-P.62 Site structures to maximize low-flammability landscape features to buffer against wildfire spread. 6-P.63 Require that new development and redevelopment have adequate fire protection, including proximity to adequate emergency services, adequate provisions for fire flow and emergency vehicle access and fire hardened communication, including high speed internet service. 6-P.64 Ensure that the Carlsbad Fire Department has complete access to all locations in the city, including gated residential communities and critical infrastructure. 6-P.65 Coordinate with San Diego Gas & Electric to implement an electrical undergrounding plan with a focus on critical evacuation roadways and areas with highest wildfire risk.
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6-P.66 Provide fire hazard education and fire prevention programs to Carlsbad residents and businesses with targeted outreach to vulnerable populations and occupants of Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones neighborhoods and/or single access neighborhoods. 6-P.67 Prioritize engagement with single access neighborhoods to encourage home retrofits to meet current standards on structure hardening and road standards, proactively enforce defensible space standards, and conduct emergency preparedness trainings. 6-P.68 Continue to maintain and update the city’s Water Master Plan to identify and secure resources to meet future fire suppression needs and require future development to provide the water system improvements necessary to meet their demands. 6-P.69 Continue to maintain/contribute to updates to the Urban Area Security Strategy and the MJHMP to identify and prepare for future emergency service needs. For fire preparedness, continue to prepare a Standards of Coverage study to evaluate risks and prepare recommendations to mitigate those risks.
Emergency & Evacuation Preparedness 6-P.70 Implement and maintain the City of Carlsbad Emergency Operations Plan, the Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), and other relevant emergency plans, policies, and procedures. 6-P.71 Promote public awareness of potential natural and man-made hazards, measures that can be taken to protect lives and property. 6-P.72 Inform the public and contractors of the danger involved and the necessary precautions that must be taken when working on or near pipelines or utility transmission lines. 6-P.73 Ensure all new development complies with all applicable regulations regarding the provision of public utilities and facilities. 6-P.74 Maintain roadways that are likely to function as key evacuation routes. 6-P.75 Provide resources to City of Carlsbad staff regarding appropriate emergency preparedness and response activities as well as designed roles and responsibilities as Disaster Service Workers. Conduct routine trainings for all-hazards emergency preparedness and response. 6-P.76 Facilitate restriction of parking, construction permits, or right-of-way encroachment permits on high fire days in
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neighborhoods in and near fire hazard zones and along critical evacuation routes. 6-P.77 Facilitate restriction of parking, construction permits or right-of-way encroachment on days with potential storm surges, atmospheric rivers, and king tide days in neighborhoods in and near flood hazard zones and along critical evacuation routes. 6-P.78 Develop and maintain emergency evacuation capabilities in conjunction with regional partners and regional plans such as the San Diego County Emergency Operations Plan. 6-P.79 Continue to communicate to the public on essential resources and procedures through a variety of communication tools and in multiple languages on topics including:
• Education on the California Standard Statewide Evacuation Terminology.
• Emergency evacuation checklists for residents.
• Creation and education of the public on evacuation maps.
• Available transportation services.
• Evacuation shelter and support service options.
Extreme Heat, Air Quality, and Drought 6-P.80 Protect vulnerable natural and recreational habitats and parks impacted by extreme heat through expansion of large continuous greenspaces wherever possible for greater cooling magnitude and extent. Include:
• A mix of drought tolerant and native habitat types for greatest cooling benefits.
• Mitigation of risk of dried out vegetation and wildfire risk through drought tolerant and wildfire resilient landscaping on private property.
• Facilitate mitigation projects through Carlsbad Habitat Management Division 6-P.81 Identify opportunities and expand the City’s Landscape Manual to increase urban tree canopy and maintenance projects in coordination with existing efforts including the adopted Community Forest Management Plan. 6-P.82 Coordinate with San Diego County Public Health Services and local community organizations to establish extreme heat, drought, and air quality monitoring systems and develop accessible community education resources to prepare community members for increase extreme heat events and ambient air pollution.
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6-P.83 Seek grant funding to pilot a project to install a cool roof on a city facility or cool pavement as part of a roadway project to showcase benefits to community members and local builders. 6-P.84 Encourage weatherization retrofits of private properties and retrofit all critical facilities with adequate cooling and air filtration in conjunction with the Carlsbad Climate Action Plan. Partner with the Home Energy Score Assessment program to facilitate retrofits. See also policies in the Sustainability Element and Open Space, Conservation, and Recreation Element for policies related to Mitigating Drought, Urban Heat, and Green Infrastructure
Climate Change Governance Capacity 6-P.85 Broaden functions of cool zones to address a greater variety of needs as resilience hubs facilitating health, food, medical, and emergency services during climate hazards such as extreme heat events, flooding, wildfires, and poor air quality events. 6-P.86 Seek funding to plan and implement microgrids, cool roofs, resilience hubs, and other similar technology in areas with vulnerable populations. 6-P.87 Explore a climate equity analysis to prioritize programs that ensure the benefits of Environmental Sustainability programs are equitably distributed and prioritized to those most in need. 6-P.88 Distribute information on climate change impacts to the entire community with adapted communications for vulnerable populations, including but not limited to actions they can take to reduce exposure to unhealthy conditions associated with flood damaged properties, extreme heat, and bad air quality days. Increase the capacity/resilience of these populations by ensuring they have a role in decision-making surrounding climate change in their communities 6-P.89 Expand the resilience of new and existing critical buildings and infrastructure to function properly while subject to increased climate hazard frequency such as flooding, extreme heat, regional wildfires, and landslides. 6-P.90 Partner with utility companies and/or community choice energy entities to improve grid resilience and backup power for the community including but not limited to utility and/or community choice energy entity activities that seek to:
• Harden vulnerable overhead lines against winds and wildfires;
• Protect energy infrastructure and increase redundancy of energy storage and distribution systems in surrounding hazard zones for wildfire;
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• Invest in sustainable power sources to provide redundancy and continued services for critical facilities during periods of high demand during extreme heat events; and
• Continue exploring the feasibility of installing microgrids, battery storage, or other local energy storage options. 6-P.91 Develop a checklist for adaptation-based design features and assessment of needed retrofits for critical facilities. See also policies in the Sustainability Element related to Climate Change
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Attachment D
LCPA 2022-0015
HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE
LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT
Section B. 1. (3) (b) of the East Batiquitos Lagoon/Hunt Properties Segment of the Local Coastal
Program land use plan is amended to read as follows:
(b)Upland (approximately 240 acres) is designated for a combination of Residential
(R-15 – 11.5-15 du/ac and R-23 – 19-23 du/ac), Regional Commercial (R), and
Open Space uses. The maximum height of new development shall be limited to
35 feet consistent with the Carlsbad Municipal Code. Additionally, the intensity
of development shall be compatible with the currently planned road capacities of
La Costa Avenue and El Camino Real. Approval of these land uses shall not be
considered precedent for increasing the road capacity of these two corridors.
Development of the entire 280 acres of Green Valley shall be pursuant to a
Master Plan which is consistent with the uses allowed by the Carlsbad General
Plan.