require additional SANDAG effort and ABM2+ would not be usable for custom modeling efforts until that functionality was added. ABM2+ became the current model in December 2021 ; however, the full functionality of ABM2+ was not available until July 15, 2022. • The SANDAG Service Bureau typically performs custom modeling for member agencies and private clients. Their department is short-staffed; therefore, they were not able to perform the modeling in a timely manner that they had queued for the fully functional ABM2+. • On September 23, 2022 the SANDAG Board directed SANDAG staff to remove the “road user charge” from the 2021 Regional Plan and prepare a focused amendment to the 2021 Regional Plan. This direction requires significant revisions to the SANDAG model and resulted in SANDAG alerting all projects that were in the modeling queue that all SANDAG Servic e Bureau modeling would be delayed at least six more months.
• The SANDAG Service Bureau had over 12 projects in the queue for custom modeling using ABM2+, they were unable to complete any of these projects and all custom modeling work is on hold.
• An overarching challenge is that the SANDAG model is a large tool that requires specialized expertise and significant computer processing power. The model can’t be run on a standard computer, and it takes several days to completely run. Therefore, it can be cumbersome and time consuming to use.
Fall 2022 Modeling Options Considered
The SANDAG model background helps clarify why the modeling for the Carlsbad HEU has had delays and is now taking a new direction. The HEU entered into an agreement with SANDAG in April 2022 to perform the modeling and was number ten in the SANDAG Service Bureau queue. The SANDAG Service Bureau updated the schedule for performing the custom model runs several times, culminating in them canceling the contract for the Carlsbad HEU work after the SANDAG Board direction in September 2022 to remove the road user charge assumptions from the Regional Plan.
Due to this, the HEU Team again deliberated on an approach for performing the VMT analysis for the HEU. The following factors were considered:
• Schedule, especially considering the delays that have already been experienced. • Reasonable land use assumptions.
• Use a model dataset that does not include road user charge.
In Fall 2022 the HEU Team decided to employ Fehr & Peers to perform custom model runs using ABM2+ that includes adjustments to the land use growth to reflect realistic growth assumptions in the City for a future year.
Fehr & Peers performed a detailed review of the SANDAG model assumptions including residential and employment land uses as well as policy to provide data for deciding the preferred option for performing the modeling for the HEU. Table 1 summarizes the options considered.
City of Carlsbad HEU Transportation Modeling Considerations and Results June 8, 2023
Table 1: SANDAG Modeling Options Considered
Option Land Use Summary Model Policy/Other Inputs
Dataset 41 - DS41
(No Build)
• Post 2021 Regional Plan
Project use
• No build scenario does not include
the road user charge.
• More consistent with the city’s
general plan than DS 42
• Inconsistent with the adopted 2021
Regional Plan
Dataset 42 - DS42
(Build, Vision)
• Post 2021 Regional Plan
Project use
• Consistent with
Sustainable Community
Strategy (CSC) use
• Build scenario includes road user
charge.
• Consistent with the adopted 2021
Regional Plan
Notes:
Source: Fehr & Peers, 2023
After evaluating the options and their respective land use and policy assumptions, the HEU team opted to use the No build DS41. This option aligns most closely with the City's general plan, and it does not include the road user charge policy. By selecting this option, the team was able to use more realistic land use assumptions while also factoring in regional transportation network investments and policies. Overall, this approach provided the most reasonable conclusion regarding VMT/GHG.
Scope of Work
The project is comprised of four distinct scenarios, each serving a unique purpose. These scenarios include the Base Year 2016 No Project Condition, Future Year Alternative 1 (No Project Alternative), Future Year Proposed Project, and Future Year with Project Alternative 2.
The first scenario, Base Year 2016 No Project Condition, is identical to the SANDAG 2016 model and has not been modified in any way. The second scenario, Year 2035 Alternative 1 (No Project Alternative), incorporates the land use and network assumptions from the SANDAG 2035 model but has been adjusted to align with the City’s Adopted General Plan.
The third and fourth scenarios, Year 2035 Proposed Project and Year 2035 with Project Alternative 2, respectively, both feature the project land use assumptions based on each alternative.
To develop these scenarios, Fehr & Peers collaborated with SANDAG staff to acquire off -the-shelf model files containing the necessary model inputs and outputs for the years 2016 and 2035 related to the DS41 .
Once Fehr & Peers obtained all the necessary files from the SANDAG model, this data was utilized to City of Carlsbad HEU Transportation Modeling Considerations and Results June 8, 2023
develop the project scenarios. Subsequently, we ran three separate models including Future Year No Project Condition, Future Year Proposed Project, and Future Year with Project Alternative 2.
Finally, the outputs generated from these model runs were used to calculate two VMT metrics: total VMT and VMT per capita. The total VMT was calculated using the CAP method, which includes all internal VMT, half of internal to external VMT, and external to internal VMT based on the model data. VMT per capita estimates the total VMT generated by the project's residents, in this case, the entire city, and is calculated by dividing the residents VMT by the number of residents.
Total VMT and VMT per Capita were calculated for each project scenario using the origin-destination matrices (number of trips between two TAZs) and skim matrices (length of trips between two TAZs). Total VMT was calculated by multiplying the length of each segment by the ADT of each segment and summing over the area network.
VMT results are shown in Table 2 and Table 3.
Table 2: Total VMT Summary
Scenario VMT Change from Baseline
Base Year 2016 No Project Condition 3,262,216 -
Year 2035 Alternative 1 (No Project
Alternative) 3,661,216 399,000
Year 2035 Proposed Project 3,733,018 71,8021
Year 2035 with Project Alternative 2 3,733,074 71,8581
Source: SANDAG, Fehr & Peers 2023
1 change from 2035 with Adopted General Plan.
City of Carlsbad HEU Transportation Modeling Considerations and Results June 8, 2023
Table 3: VMT per Capita Summary
Scenario VMT/Capita
Base Year 2016 No Project Condition 24.0
Year 2035 Alternative 1 (No Project
Alternative) 24.0
Year 2035 Proposed Project 23.6
Year 2035 with Project Alternative 2 23.7
Source: SANDAG, Fehr & Peers 2023
Both Year 2035 Proposed Project and Year 2035 with Project Alternative 2 lead to a higher total volume of VMT compared to the No Project Condition in 2035. Furthermore, the VMT per Capita numbers for these alternatives are higher than 85% of the city-wide VMT per Capita numbers in the base years of 2016 and 2035. The gap between the 2035 proposed project and Alternative 2 scenarios is relatively small, as the only notable difference lies in a few residential land use assumptions.
Attachment C
Finding
of Fact and Statement of Overriding
Considerations
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
Jan. 30, 2024
Item #2 Page 21 of 157
Findings
of Fact and
Statement of Overriding Considerations
for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation
and Public Safety Element Update Project
SCH # 2022090339
Prepar
ed by:
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Attachment C
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project ii
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 2 Project Description .......................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Project Location ................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Project Characteristics ......................................................................................................... 3
2.3 Project Objectives................................................................................................................ 4 3 Environmental Procedures ............................................................................................... 5
3.1 Lead Agency ......................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Environmental Impact Report ............................................................................................. 5
3.3 Public Participation .............................................................................................................. 5
3.4 Record of Proceedings ......................................................................................................... 6 4 Overview and General Findings ........................................................................................ 7 5 Findings and Recommendations Regarding Significant Impacts Mitigated to a Less Than Significant Level ..................................................................................................................... 9
5.1 Air Quality .......................................................................................................................... 10
5.2 Biological Resources .......................................................................................................... 12
5.3 Noise .................................................................................................................................. 21
5.4 Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources .............................................................................. 22 6 Findings and Recommendations Regarding Significant Impacts ....................................... 25
6.1 Air Quality .......................................................................................................................... 26
6.2 Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources .............................................................................. 27
6.3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions ............................................................................................... 28
6.4 Noise .................................................................................................................................. 29
6.5 Transportation ................................................................................................................... 32 7 Findings and Recommendations Regarding Cumulatively Considerable Impacts .............. 35 8 P roject Alternatives ....................................................................................................... 37
8.1 Alternative Analysis ........................................................................................................... 37 9 Statement of Overriding Consideration .......................................................................... 39 10 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................... 41
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project iv
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1 Introduction
The City of Carlsbad’s certified 2015 General Plan and Climate Action Plan Environmental Impact Report (“2015 General Plan EIR”) analyzed impacts from the 2015 General Plan Update and the city’s Climate Action Plan. As part of its approval of the Comprehensive General Plan Update on Sept. 22, 2015, the City Council adopted City Council Resolution No. 2015 -242, certifying Environmental Impact Report (EIR 13-02) and adopting Findings of Fact, a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. Addendum #1 to the certified EIR was prepared for the 2020 Climate Action Plan Update, and was adopted by City Council Resolution No. 2020-146 on July 14, 2020. Addendum #2 to the certified EIR was prepared for the updated Housing Element by City Council Resolution No. 2021 -073 on Aug. 6, 2021.
Addendum #3 to the certified EIR was prepared for the Jefferson Mixed Use: Townhome and Professional Office Project by City Council Resolution No. 2022-256 on Nov. 8, 2022.
The 2015 General Plan EIR anticipated the addition of 6,798 new residential dwelling units by the horizon year of 2035. The 2015 General Plan EIR found less than significant impacts for aesthetics, agricultural resources, biological resources, cultural resources, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use, noise, population and housing, public services and recreation, tribal cultural resources, utilities and service systems, and wildfire; and significant and unavoidable impacts for air quality and transportation.
The proposed project consists of: amendments to the 2015 General Plan, including the Land Use and Community Design Element and Public Safety Element; revisions to Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) Title 21, the Zoning Ordinance; and updates to the Local Coastal Plan and several master and specific plans . The updates are necessary to implement the programs of the city’s Housing Element Update 2021-2029 (“Housing Element”), which was adopted by the Carlsbad City Council on April 6, 2021, and to comply with changes in state law. Implementation of the rezone program under the proposed project would facilitate the development of 18 rezone sites. The development of these sites is estimated to result in a net increase of 3,295 new housing units to the city’s housing stock compared to what is allowed today. A Supplemental EIR (SEIR) was prepared to analyze impacts associated with the proposed project.
The California Environmental Quality Act ( CEQA) requires the City of Carlsbad (city) as the CEQA lead agency to: (1) make written findings when it approves a project for which an environmental impact report (EIR) was certified, and (2) identify overriding considerations for significant and unavoidable impacts identified in the SEIR. These findings explain how the city approaches the significant and potentially significant impacts identified in the SEIR prepared for the City of Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Safety Element Update Project (“proposed project”). These plans and amendments will be collectively referred to herein as the “proposed project.” The statement of overriding considerations identifies economic, social, technological, and other benefits of the proposed project that override any significant environmental impacts that would result from the proposed project.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
2 As required under CEQA, the Final SEIR includes the Draft SEIR, comments and responses to comments on the Draft SEIR, and revisions to the Draft SEIR and proposed project. In addition to analyzing potential environmental effects and identifying necessary mitigation measures, the Final SEIR examined two alternatives to the proposed project—namely Alternative 1 (No Project Alternative) and Alternative 2 (Reduced Sites).
The Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations set forth below (“Findings”) are presented for adoption by the City Council (Council) as the city’s findings under CEQA (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.) and the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15000 et seq.) relating to the proposed project. The Findings provide the written analysis and conclusions of this Council regarding the proposed project’s environmental impacts, mitigating policies, alternatives to the proposed project, and the overriding considerations, which in this Council’s view, justify approval of the proposed project, despite its environmental effects.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 3 2 Project Description
2.1 Project Location
The proposed project boundaries coincide with Carlsbad’s city limits. Carlsbad is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in northwest San Diego County. In addition to the Pacific Ocean coastline along its western boundary, Carlsbad is surrounded by the cities of Oceanside to the north, Encinitas to the south, and Vista and San Marcos and unincorporated areas of San Diego County to the east. Along Carlsbad’s northern edge, urban development abuts Highway 78, with the highway and Buena Vista Lagoon acting as a boundary between Carlsbad and Oceanside.
Similarly, Batiquitos Lagoon along the city’s southern edge acts as a boundary between Carlsbad and Encinitas. To the east, city boundaries are less distinctive, as a mix of hillsides and urban development are located adjacent to the cities of Vista and San Marcos and unincorporated county lands.
2.2 Project Characteristics
The proposed project consists of a mendments to the Carlsbad General Plan adopted in 2015 (“2015 General Plan”), including the Land Use and Community Design Element and Public Safety Element, and revisions to Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) Title 21, the Zoning Ordinance. The updates are nece ssary to implement the programs of the city’s Housing Element Update 2021 - 2029 (“Housing Element”), which was adopted by the Carlsbad City Council on April 6, 2021, and comply with changes in state law.
A major component of the project is the change of la nd use and zoning designations on 18 sites (herein referred to as the “rezone sites”) throughout Carlsbad to facilitate residential development. These rezone sites, identified in the Housing Element and as further directed by the City Council, consist of single or multiple properties currently designated for low -density residential, commercial, industrial or public land uses. As proposed, the rezone sites would be partially or entirely redesignated to medium or high- density residential land use designations .
This would require changes to the General Plan and Local Coastal Program land use maps, Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map, and to various master and specific plans. The project proposes no development but involves land use changes that would facilitate development on the 18 rezone sites.
Overall, the project would
:
Amend the City of Carlsbad’s General Plan by updating the Land Use and Community Design Element to implement programs of the Housing Element, including facilitating residential development on 18 rezone sites identified in the Housing Element and as further directed by the City Council on Feb. 15, 2022.
Consistent with the project’s General Plan changes, revise the Zoning Ordinance.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
4 Amend the Local Coastal Program as necessary to maintain consistency with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
Revise various master plans and specific plans as necessary to reflect amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Local Coastal Program. Update the Public Safety Element to comply with State housing and safety legislation.
Implementation of the rezone program under the proposed project would facilitate the development of 18 rezone sites would result in an estimated net increase of 3,295 new housing units to the city’s housing stock compared to what is allowed today. These new housing units would generate 8,260 new residents at buildout (see Section 4.11, Population and Housing, of the Draft SEIR for calculations). Combined with the available housing unit capacity under the existing General Plan (6,218 units), the 3,295 new units would result in a new housing capacity of 9,513 units or a total 56,516 units.
2.3 Project Objectives
The objectives of the proposed project are:
Implement the Land Use and Community Design Element, Public Safety Element, and Zoning Ordinance, as amended by this project, to achieve adequate sites for all income groups;
Provide adequate sites, zoned at appropriate densities and development standards, to facilitate residential development and affordability goals set forth in the 2021-2029 RHNA and as identified in the Housing Element.
Pursue an infill strategy to foster compact development patterns, create walkable communities and preserve the natural environment and critical environmental areas; Expand housing choices to provide a diverse housing inventory to meet the changing needs of the Planning Area, which includes more affordable housing options; Update the Public Safety Element to comply with existing State laws. Ensure high level of public safety to protect the personal safety and welfare of people who live, work, and visit Carlsbad from crime, pollution, disasters, and other threats and emergencies.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 5 3 Environmental Procedures
3.1 Lead Agency
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15367, the city is the “lead agency” for the purpose of preparing the environmental review required by CEQA. The environmental review prepared by the city will be used by the Council and the Planning Commission in their respective decisions regarding the certification of the SEIR and the approval of the proposed project.
3.2 Environmental Impact Report
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15163 et seq., the city prepared an SEIR to analyze the potential impacts of the proposed project on the environment. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15163, the City of Carlsbad prepared this as a “Supplemental” EIR because only minor additions and changes would be necessary to make the previously certified 2015 General Plan EIR (SCH #2011011004) adequately apply to t he project. An SEIR is the appropriate level of CEQA documentation for multiple reasons. First, the document incorporates updates to the CEQA Guidelines since 2015 and includes analysis of environmental issue areas added to the CEQA Guidelines and not included in the 2015 General Plan EIR. New environmental issue areas analyzed in this SEIR include energy, wildfire, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and tribal cultural resources.
Therefore, the City of Carlsbad has determined that the preparation of a SEIR is the appropriate approach to CEQA compliance. Consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15050, the 2015 General Plan EIR is incorporated into this document by reference.
The Final SEIR contains all of the information required by CEQA Guidelines Section 15132, including the Draft SEIR and the appendices to the Draft SEIR, all comment letters received, written responses to all comments, and revisions to the SEIR, and proposed project.
3.3 Public Participation
A Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an SEIR was published on September 14, 2022. The NOP and public comment period were advertised, and two public scoping meetings were held on September 26, 2022 (in-person) and September 28, 2022 (virtual). On October 13, 2022, the city issued an amended NOP extending the public comment period to October 26, 2022, and adding a third scoping meeting on October 19, 2022 (in-person). The scoping meetings were aimed at providing information about the proposed project to members of public agencies, interested stakeholders, residents, and community members. Awareness of the project and the first two scoping meetings was provided via mailers to all property owners and residents within a 600- foot radius of each housing site. Written comments were also received during the public comment period.
In accordance with CEQA, the Draft SEIR was distributed for a 45-day public review and comment period beginning on Friday, July 14, 2023, and ending on Monday, August 28, 2023. Copies of the Draft SEIR or notice of availability of the Draft SEIR were sent to various state, regional, and local Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
6 agencies, as well as interested organizations and individuals. In total, 39 comment letters were received from public agencies, organizations, and individuals.
The Final SEIR was completed and the city’s comments were made available for review by October 12, 2023. Public hearing s concerning certification of the Final SEIR w ere held by the City of Carlsbad Planning Commission and the City Council, at which interested agencies, organizations, and persons were given an opportunity to comment on the Final SEIR and the proposed project.
3.4 Record of Proceedings
For purposes of CEQA and the findings set forth below, the administrative record of the city’s decision concerning certification of the Final SEIR for the proposed project include the following:
• The Draft SEIR (July 2023)
• The Final SEIR (October 2023)
• The appendices to the Draft SEIR and Final SEIR;
• All documents and other materials listed as references and/or incorporated by reference in the Draft SEIR and Final SEIR.
• All reports, maps, letters, and other documents prepared by the city’s staff and consultants for the proposed project which are before the City Council as determined by the Clerk;
• All documents or other materials submitted by interested persons and public agencies in connection with the Draft SEIR and the Final SEIR; and
• The minutes, tape recordings, and verbatim transcripts, if any, of the public hearings held by the city concerning certification of the Final SEIR and approval of the proposed project.
All records and materials constituting the record of the proceedings upon which these Findings are based are available at the offices of the City of Carlsbad, located at 1635 Faraday Avenue, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (Public Resources Code Section 21081.6(a)(2)).
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 7 4 Overview and General Findings
The proposed project includes policies and programs that are designed to avoid or to minimize the potential environmental effects of future development. If significant impacts would occur despite conformance with the policies and programs of the proposed project, CEQA requires the city to identify feasible mitigation measures that would avoid or substantially lessen a project’s potential significant impacts.
Table ES -1 of the Draft SEIR lists a summary of potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures that reduce the impacts. The Draft SEIR identifies significant and unavoidable effects on the environment that may occur as a result of implementation of the proposed project in the areas of air quality, cultural and tribal cultural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and transportation, which are described in detail below. Additionally, the Draft SEIR identifies significant impacts that can be mitigated to a less than significant impact that may occur as a result of the proposed project in the areas of air quality, biological resources, and noise are also describe in detail below.
Public Resources Code Section 21002 provides that “public agencies should not approve projects as proposed if there are feasible alternative s or feasible mitigation measures available which would substantially lessen the significant environmental effects of such projects” (Emphasis added). The same statute states that the procedures required by CEQA “are intended to assist public agencies in systematically identifying both the significant effects of proposed projects and the feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures which will avoid or substantially lessen such significant effects” (Emphasis added). Section 21002 goes on to state that “in the event [that] specific economic, social, or other conditions make infeasible such project alternatives or such mitigation measures, individu al projects may be approved in spite of one or more significant effects thereof.”
The mandate and principles set forth in Public Resources Code Section 21002 are implemented, in part, through the requirement that agencies must adopt findings concerning significant impacts before approving projects for which EIRs are required. (See Pub. Resources Code Section 21081, subd. (a); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)). Specifically, CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a) establishes the following requirements for findings:
(a) No public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an EIR has been certified which id
entifies one or more significant environmental effects of the project unless the public agency makes one or more written findings for each of those significant effects, accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale for each finding. The possible findings are:
1. C hanges or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the final SEIR. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1)).
This finding shall be referred to as “Finding (1).”
2. Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
8 agency or can and should be adopted by such other a gency. ( CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(2)).
This finding shall be referred to as “Finding (2).”
3. Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the final EIR. ( CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(3)).
This finding shall be referred to as “Finding (3).”
Thus, for each significant environmental effect identified in an EIR for a proposed project, the approving agency must issue a written finding making one or more of the three permissible findings described above. These findings constitute the city’s best efforts to set forth the evidentiary and other basis for its decision to approve the proposed project in a manner consistent with the requirements of CEQA. The Facts in Support of Findings, as set forth in the following sections, state the city’s reasons for making each finding and the evidence in support of the findings.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 9 5 Findings and Recommendations Regarding
Significant Impacts Mitigated to a Less Than
Significant Level
The Final SEIR examined the environmental impacts of the proposed project in the areas of aesthetics; air quality; biological resources; cultural and tribal cultural resources, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, noise, population and housing, publ ic services and recreation, transportation, utilities and service systems, and wildfire. The Draft SEIR found potentially significant impacts which would be mitigated to a less than significant level in the areas of air quality, biological resources, noise, and tribal cultural resources.
In determining the significance of the environmental effects, it is important to emphasize that in issue areas when uncertainty surrounds impacts at a program level, the SEIR analysis uses a conservative approach to both assessment and conclusions.
The following subsections list each significant or potentially significant environmental impact by issue area in the order it appears in the Draft SEIR and includes proposed mitigation measures which reduce the impact to a less than significant level. A full documentation of the environmental analysis and conclusions is in the Final SEIR, which is incorporated by reference.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
10 5.1 Air Quality
Impact AQ-1 Similar to the development analyzed in the 2015 General Plan EIR, the proposed project would not conflict with or obstruct the San Diego Regional Air Quality Strategy or State Implementation Plan. This impact would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
Facts in Support of Finding:
The project’s potential impact associated with a conflict with the San Diego Regional Air Quality Strategy or State Implementation Plan would be mitigated to a level less than significant with the implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ -1 which would require a revised housing forecast to be reported to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) to ensure that any revisions to the population and employment projections used by the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District ( SDAPCD) in updating the Regional Air Quality Strategy ( RAQS) and the State Implementation Plan (SIP) will accurately reflect anticipated growth due to the proposed project.
Mitigation Measures:
MM AQ-1: Housing Forecast Revisions
Prior to the next update of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment and within six months of the certification of the Final SEIR, the City Planner shall provide a revised housing forecast to SANDAG to ensure that any revisions to the population and employment projections used by SDAPCD in updating the RAQS and the SIP will accurately reflect anticipated growth due to the proposed project.
Findings:
Based upon the Final SEIR and the entire record before the City Council, the council finds that implementation of mitigation measure AQ-1, which would require a revised housing forecast to be reported to SANDAG, would reduce impacts associated with obstruction of the San Diego RAQS or SIP. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project which would avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified in the Final SEIR as Impact AQ-1. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. (Finding (1); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1)).
Impact AQ-3 Development facilitated by the proposed project would not expose offsite sensitive receptors to substantial pollution concentrations. However, the project would site sensitive receptors within close proximity to sources of TAC emissions. This impact would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
Facts in Support of Finding:
Implementation of Mitigation Measures AQ-3 and AQ-4 would reduce impacts related to potential health risks associated with exposure of sensitive receptors to substantial p ollutant concentrations of diesel particulate matter (DPM) and toxic air contaminants ( TACs). Mitigation Measure AQ-3 would ensure that construction activities would not result in exposure of offsite Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 11 sensitive receptors to substantial TAC concentrations. M itigation Measure AQ -4 would ensure that new development facilitated by the project would not expose onsite sensitive receptors to substantial air pollutant concentrations. Implementation of these mitigation measures would reduce impacts from DPM and TACs to a less than significant level.
Mitigation Measures:
MM AQ-3: Construction Health Risk Assessment
For individual projects (excluding accessory dwelling units ( ADUs), single-family residences, and duplexes) where construction activities would occur within 1,000 feet of sensitive receptors, would last longer than two months, and would not utilize a fleet comprised of strictly U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated Tier 4 engines and/or alternative fuel construction equipment, it is required that a construction health risk assessment (HRA) be performed. 1 The construction health risk shall be performed by a qualified air quality consultant coordinated through t he City. The HRA shall be conducted following the Office of Environmental Health Hazards Association’s (OEHHA) 2015 Health Risk Guidelines (OEHHA 2015) and SDAPCD guidelines to determine potential risk and compare the risk to the following SDAPCD thresholds:
Increased cancer risk of > 10.0 in a million;
Increased non-cancer risk of > 1.0 Hazard Index (Chronic or Acute); or If risk exceeds the thresholds, measures such as requiring the use of Tier 4 and/or alternative fuel construction equipment are recomm ended to reduce the risk to appropriate levels. The incorporation of Tier 4 and/or alternative fuel construction equipment reduces the emissions of DPM from construction activities and therefore reduces the potential risk to nearby sensitive receptors.
MM AQ-4: Operational Health Risk Assessment
Consistent with the provisions contained in the California Air Resources Board Air Quality and Land Use Handbook, future development projects occurring on Site 2, Site 5, or Site 16 under the proposed project should implement the following:
Project applicants shall retain a qualified air quality consultant to prepare a health risk assessment (HRA) in accordance with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the OEHHA requirements to determine the exposure of nearby sensitive receptors to emission sources resulting from the project. The HRA shall be submitted to the City of Carlsbad for review and approval. Project applicants shall implement the approved HRA recommendations to any nearby sensitive receptor, if any. Such measures may include, but are not limited to:
1 Sensitive receptors are that segment of the public most susceptible to respiratory distress as a result of poor air quality, such as children under 14, persons over 65, persons engaged in strenuous work or exercise, and people with pre-existing cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases. Locations of sensitive receptors include schools, parks and playgrounds, hospitals, day cares, assisted living facilities, and residential communities (CARB 2005) Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
12 Install, operate, and maintain in good working order a central heating and ventilation system or other air take system in the building of a sensitive receptor that would be impacted by the project, or in each individual residential unit, that meets the efficiency standard of the minimum efficiency reporting value of 13. The heating and ventilation system should include the following features: installation of a high-efficiency filter and/or carbon filter to minimize particulate and other airborne chemical matter from entering the building. Either high- efficiency particulate absorption filters or American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air- Conditioning Engineers 85 percent supply filters should be used. Ensure that positive pressure occurs in the building. Achieve a performance standard of at least one air exchange per hour of fresh outside filtered air.
Achieve a performance standard of at least four air exchanges per hour of recirculation. Achieve a performance standard of 0.25 air exchanges per hour of unfiltered infiltration if the building is not positively pressurized.
Findings:
Based upon the Final SEIR and the entire record before the City Council, the council finds tha t implementation of mitigation measure AQ -3 and AQ -4, which would require construction and operational health risk assessments to be performed for future development projects , would reduce impacts associated with sensitive receptors’ exposure to pollutants . Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project which would avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified in the Final SEIR as Impact AQ-3. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. (Finding (1); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1)).
5.2 Biological Resources
Impact BIO-1 The proposed project could potentially adversely impact special -status species or their habitat. Local special-status species and nesting birds could occur within the sites during potential construction periods and may potentially be affected by construction activity. This impact would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
Facts in Support of Finding:
Implementation of mitigation measures BIO -1 and BIO -2 would reduce potential impacts to special-status and/or locally important species to a less than significant level, and assure compliance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act ( MBTA) and California Fish and Game Code (CFGC)Section 3503, by requiring a biological study to document the presence or absence of special-status species on a project specific basis and determining measures to address impacts such as avoidance, minimization , restoration, or compensation to special- status should they be present, and by ensuring that active nests are identified and as necessary avoided.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 13 Mitigation Measures:
MM BIO-1: Biological Resources Technical Report
For development projects at Sites 1 - 4, 6 -9, 17 -19 that require vegetation removal, ground disturbance of unpaved areas, parking or staging of equipment or material on unpaved areas, access routes on unpaved areas, or any rehabilitation or construction staging within 100 feet of the property line (except for landscaped developed areas) that contain or have the potential to support special -status species, sensitive habitat, or suitable habitat to support special- status species, prior to the issuance of a grading permit, the applicant shall retain a qualified biologist to conduct a biological resources reconnaissance of the site, consistent with the requirements of General Plan Policy 4-P.9 and the HMP Guidelines for Biological Studies. All future projects shall be consistent with the HMP and the technical report shall include a consistency analysis, including compliance with the narrow endemic standards (MHCP Volume 1, Section 3.7 No. 5, and HMP Section D-6 for TLB, VP species) and special species standards (HMP Section D-6 for LBV and Harb Dun Skipper). The Biological Resources Technical Report shall address the presence/absence of suitable habitat for special-status plant and wildlife species, and any additional protocol surveys that may be needed to determine the potential presence/absence of special status species, sensitive plant communities and wetlands, and other special status biological resources protected under the HMP. The report will further propose avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures, consistent with HMP requirements, necessary to reduce potential impacts to special - status biological resources to less than significant.
MM BIO-2: Pre-Construction Bird Surveys, Avoidance, and Notification If construction activities are initiated during the bird nesting season (February 1 – August 31) involving removal of vegetation or other nesting bird habitat, including abandoned structures and other man-made features, a pre -construction nesting bird survey shall be conducted no more than three days prio r to initiation of ground disturbance and vegetation removal activities. The nesting bird pre-construction survey shall be conducted on foot and shall include a 300-foot buffer around the construction site. The survey shall be conducted by a biologist fami liar with the identification of avian species known to occur in southern California coastal communities (i.e., qualified biologist). If nests are found, an avoidance buffer shall be determined by a qualified biologist in coordination with the city. The avoidance buffer width will depend upon the species, the proposed work activity, and existing disturbances associated with land uses outside of the site, which shall be demarcated by the biologist with bright orange construction fencing, flagging, construction lathe, or other means to demarcate the boundary. All construction personnel shall be notified as to the existence of the buffer zone and to avoid entering the buffer zone during the nesting season. No ground disturbing activities shall occur within the buffer until the biologist has confirmed that breeding/nesting is completed, and the young have fledged the nest.
Encroachment into the buffer shall occur only at the discretion of the qualified biologist on the basis that the encroachment will not be detrimental to an active nest. A report summarizing the pre-construction survey(s) shall be prepared by a qualified biologist and shall be submitted to the city prior to the commencement of construction activities.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
14 Findings:
Based upon the Final SEIR and the e ntire record before the City Council, the council finds that implementation of mitigation measure s BIO-1 and BIO -2, which would require a biological resources technical report and pre -construction bird surveys and avoidance for future development, would reduce impacts to special status species and their habitats. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project which would avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified in the Final SEIR as Impact BIO-1. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. (Finding (1); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1)).
Impact BIO-2 Development resulting from the project could potentially adversely impact areas that support sensitive natural communities and riparian habitats. This impact would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
Facts in Support of Finding:
Implementation of Measures BIO -1 (listed under Impact BIO -1), BIO-3, and BIO-4 would reduce potential impacts to riparian and sensitive habitats to a less than significant level by ensuring that potential impacts are avoided, minimized, restored, or compen sated for prior to obtaining a grading permit.
Mitigation Measures:
MM BIO-1 as described above under Impact BIO-1 would be applicable.
MM BIO-3: Habitat Buffers
For projects where native habitat may be present (specifically Sites 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18, and 19) and if development cannot avoid native habitat, prior to the issuance of a grading permit, a qualified biologist shall be retained by the project applicant to conduct a vegetation community survey of the site. The qualified biologist shall map the extent of vegetation communities on the project site plus 100 feet and report on the findings. This survey and report can be combined with BIO-1, Biological Resources Technical Report. The report shall confirm potential impacts to riparian and wetland habitat have been sufficiently avoided or minimized to reduce impacts to less than significant. Housing development at any of the sites containing riparian or wetland habitat shall adhere to the HMP Guidelines for Riparian and Wetland Buffers. Housing developments at any of the sites within the coastal zone shall adhere to the upland and wetland buffer requirements pursuant to the HMP coastal zone standards. The Biological Resources technical report shall include a figure showing all required upland, riparian and wetland buffers.
MM BIO-4: Habitat Impact Mitigation
For projects that will require mitigation through restoration of sensitive upland natural communities (e.g. coastal sage scrub) or wetland habitat, including streams, riparian, and other water bodies, specifically Sites 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 17, 18, and 19, mitigation through restoration, creation, or enhancement of in- kind habitats shall be implemented in accordance with ratios identified in the HMP (Table 11 and coastal zone standards Section D -7) and an approved mitigation plan. Prior to the issuance of grading permits, the applicant shall prepare and submit a Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 15 Conceptual Restoration/Mitigation Plan (CRMP) consistent with the HMP Components of a Conceptual Restoration/Mitigation Plan and Guidelines for Habitat Creation and Restoration. The CRMP will provide the framework for compensating for impacts to sensitive riparian and coastal sage scrub habitat at a ratio consistent with HMP Table 11 and coastal zone standards.
Findings:
Based upon the Fina l SEIR and the entire record before the City Council, the council finds that implementation of mitigation measures BIO -3 and BIO-4, which would establish habitat buffers and require a CRMP to be created for projects that will require mitigation through restoration of sensitive upland natural communities , would reduce impacts to areas that support sensitive natural communities and riparian habitats. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project which would avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified in the Final SEIR as Impact BIO-2. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. (Finding (1); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1)).
Impact BIO-3 Development resulting from the project could potentially adversely impact federally protected wetlands. This impact would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
Facts in Support of Finding:
Implementation of Measures BIO -1, BIO-3, BIO-4, and BIO-5 would reduce potential impacts to wetlands and protected waters to a less than significant level by ensuring that potential impacts are avoided, minimized, restored, or compensated for prior to obtaining a grading permit.
Mitigation Measures:
MM BIO-1, MM BIO-3, and MM BIO-4, as described above under Impact BIO-1 and Impact BIO-2 would be applicable.
MM BIO-5: Agency Coordination
For projects on sites within potential jurisdictional features, including Sites 1, 2, 4, 9, and 17, permits, agreements, and/or water quality certifications from applicable state and federal agencies regarding compliance with state and federal laws governing work within jurisdictional features are required for submission to the city of Carlsbad with the grading permit application for the project. The project applicant shall satisfy all mitigation requirements of the above agencies. The applicant shall provide such permits and/or agreements prior to issuance of a grading permit.
Findings
Based upon the Final SEIR and th e entire record before the City Council, the council finds that implementation of mitigation measures BIO-1, BIO-3, BIO-4 (discussed under Impact BIO -1 and BIO-2 above), and BIO-5, which requires agency coordination for projects on sites within potential jurisdictional features, would reduce impacts to federally protected wetlands. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project which would avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
16 effect identified in the Final SEIR as Impact BIO -3. Therefore, impacts would be l ess than significant with mitigation. (Finding (1); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1)).
Impact BIO-4 Development under the proposed project would be primarily concentrated on sites in urban areas of Carlsbad that have been previously developed and disturbed, rather than adjacent to native habitats and potential wildlife corridors. Development under the project could result in significant impacts to potential local wildlife movement along watercourses such as Buena Vista Creek and Agua Hedionda Creek. This impact would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
Facts in Support of Finding:
Implementation of mitigation measures BIO-1, BIO-3, and BIO-4 would reduce potential impacts to wildlife movement and nursery sites, to less than significant by requiring a project -specific biological evaluation to determine measures to address impacts such as avoidance, minimization, restoration, or compensation.
Mitigation Measures:
Mitigation Measures BIO-1, BIO-3, and BIO-4 which are discussed above under Impact BIO-1 and BIO-2, would be required.
Findings:
Based upon the Final SEIR and the entire record before the City Council, the council finds that implementation of mitigation measures BIO-1, BIO-3, and BIO-4, which would require a biological resources technical repor t, establish habitat buffers , a nd require a CRMP to be created for projects that will require mitigation through restoration of sensitive upland natural communities, would reduce impacts to local wildlife movement along watercourse s. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or inco rporated into, the proposed project which would avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified in the Final SEIR as Impact BIO -4. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. (Finding (1); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1)).
Impact BIO-5 Development under the proposed project could potentially adversely impact areas that support protected trees or tree canopies. This impact would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
Facts in Support of Finding:
Implementation of Mitigation Measure BIO -6 would assure consistency with local policy protecting trees and shrubs by requiring a project-specific tree survey to determine measures to address impacts such as avoidance, minimization, rest oration, or compensation. Impacts would be mitigated to a less than significant level.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 17 Mitigation Measures:
MM BIO-6: Protected Tree and Tree Canopy Survey
Prior to the issuance of a grading permit, a tree survey shall be conducted by a certified arborist prior to project construction to tag and assess all trees subject to the city’s Trees and Shrubs Ordinance (Municipal Code Title 11.12) and/or CFMP. A city arborist will inspect the property and recommend approving or denying the application in a written report submitted to the city manager. The city shall post a letter of notification and a non-removable marking upon the subject tree a minimum of 30 days prior to its removal. The letter will be posted in a prominent location, visible from a public street and will include, the location of the tree, the reason for the trees removal, the date of the scheduled removal, the species of tree to be replanted, the size of the tree to be replanted, the date by which an appeal must be made to the parks and recreation commission, and a description of the appeal process.
The following measures shall be implemented in addition to those required under the city’s permits required for tree removal and maintenance ordinance Guidelines (Municipal Code Title
11.12.090) to avo id and/or compensate for potential indirect impacts to preserved sensitive natural communities and protected trees within Carlsbad before, during, and following construction activities.
Pre-Construction
Fencing. Protective fencing at least three feet high with signs and flagging shall be erected around all preserved sensitive natural communities where adjacent to proposed vegetation clearing and grubbing, grading, or other construction activities. The protective fence shall be installed at a minimum of five feet beyond the tree canopy dripline. The intent of protection fencing is to prevent inadvertent limb/vegetation damage, root damage and/or compaction by construction equipment. The protective fencing shall be depicted on all construction plans and maps provided to contractors and labeled clearly to prohibit entry, and the placement of the fence in the field shall be approved by a qualified biologist prior to initiation of construction activities. The contractor shall maintain the fence to keep it upright, taut and aligned at all times. Fencing shall be removed only after all construction activities are completed.
Pre-Construction Meeting. A pre -construction meeting shall be held between all site contractors and a registered consulting arborist and/or a qualified biologist. All site contractors and their employees shall provide written acknowledgement of their receiving sensitive natural community protection training. This training shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following information: (1) the location and marking of protected sensitive natural communities; (2) the necessity of preventing damage to these sensitive natural communities; and (3) a discussion of work practices that shall accomplish such.
During Construction
Fence Monitoring. The protective fence shall be monitored regularly (at least weekly) during construction activities to ensure that the fencing remains intact and functional, and that no encroachment has occurred into the protected natural community; any repairs to the fence or encroachment correction shall be conducted immediately.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
18 Equipment Operation and Storage. Contractors shall avoid using heavy equipment around the sensitive natural communities. Operating heavy machinery around the root zones of trees would increase soil compaction, which decreases soil aeration and, subsequently, reduces water penetration into the soil. All heavy equipment and vehicles shall, at minimum, stay out of the fenced protected zones, unless where specifically approved in writing and under the supervision of a registered consulting arborist and/or a qualified biologist. Materials Storage and Disposal. Contractors shall not store or discard any construction materials within the fenced protected zones and shall remove all foreign debris within these areas. The contractors shall leave the duff, mulch, chips, and leaves around the retained trees for water retention and nutrient supply. Contractors shall avoid draining or leakage of equipment fluids near retained trees. Fluids such as gasoline, diesel, oils, hydraulics, brake and transmission fluids, paint, paint thinners, and glycol (anti- freeze) shall be disposed of properly. The contractors shall ensure that equipment be parked at least 50 feet, and tha t equipment/vehicle refueling occur at least 100 feet, from fenced protected zones to avoid the possibility of leakage of equipment fluids into the soil. Grade Changes. Contractors shall ensure that grade changes, including adding fill, shall not be permi tted within the fenced protected zone without special written authorization and under supervision by a registered consulting arborist and/or a qualified biologist. Lowering the grade within the fenced protected zones could necessitate cutting main support and feeder roots, thus jeopardizing the health and structural integrity of the tree(s). Adding soil, even temporarily, on top of the existing grade could compact the soil further, and decrease both water and air availability to the tree roots. Contractors shall ensure that grade changes made outside of the fenced protected zone shall not create conditions that allow water to pond.
Trenching. Except where specifically approved in writing beforehand, all trenching shall be outside of the fenced protected zone. Roots primarily extend in a horizontal direction forming a support base to the tree similar to the base of a wineglass. Where trenching is necessary in areas that contain roots from retained trees, contractors shall use trenching techniques that include the use of either a root pruner (Dosko root pruner or equivalent) or an Air- Spade to limit root impacts. An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist or American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) registered consulting arborist shall ensure
that all pruning cuts shall be clean and sharp, to minimize ripping, tearing, and fracturing of the root system. Root damage caused by backhoes, earthmovers, dozers, or graders is severe and may ultimately result in tree mortality. Use of both root pruning and Air-Spade equipment shall be accompanied only by hand tools to remove soil from trench locations. The trench shall be made no deeper than necessary.
Erosion Control. Appropriate erosion control best management practices (BMPs) shall be implemented to protect preserved sensitive natural communities during and following project construction. Erosion control materials shall be certified as weed free. Inspection. An ISA certified arborist or ASCA registered consulting arborist shall inspect the preserved trees adjacent to grading and construction activity on a monthly basis for the duration of the grading and construction activities. A report summarizing site conditions, observations, tree health, and recommendations for minimizing tree damage sh all be submitted by the registered consulting arborist following each inspection.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 19 Post-construction
Mulch. The contractors shall ensure that the natural duff layer under all trees adjacent to construction activities shall be maintained. This would stabilize soil temperatures in root zones, conserve soil moisture, and reduce erosion. The contractors shall ensure that the mulch be kept clear of the trunk base to avoid creating conditions favorable to the establishment and growth of decay causing fungal pathogens. Should it be necessary to add organic mulch beneath retained oak trees, packaged or commercial oak leaf mulch shall not be used as it may contain root fungus. Also, the use of redwood chips shall be avoided as certain inhibitive chemicals may be pres ent in the wood. Other wood chips and crushed walnut shells can be used, but the best mulch that provides a source of nutrients for the tree is its own leaf litter. Any added organic mulch added by the contractors shall be applied to a maximum depth of 4 inches where possible.
Watering Adjacent Plant Material. All installed landscaping plants near the preserved sensitive natural communities shall require moderate to low levels of water. The surrounding plants shall be watered infrequently with deep soaks and allowed to dry out in- between, rather than frequent light irrigation. The soil shall not be allowed to become saturated or stay continually wet, nor should drainage allow ponding of water. Irrigation spray shall not hit the trunk of any tree. The contractors shall maintain a 30-inch dry-zone around all tree trunks. An above ground micro-spray irrigation system shall be used in lieu of typical underground pop- up sprays.
Monitoring. An ISA certified arborist or ASCA registered consulting arborist shall insp ect the trees preserved on the site adjacent to construction activities for a period of two years following the completion of construction. Monitoring visits shall be completed quarterly, totaling eight visits. Following each monitoring visit, a report summarizing site conditions, observations, tree health, and recommendations for promoting tree health shall be submitted to the city. Additionally, any tree mortality shall be noted and any tree dying during the two- year monitoring period shall be replaced at a minimum 3:1 ratio on-site in coordination with the city.
Findings:
Based upon the Final SEIR and the entire record before the City Council, the council finds that implementation of mitigation measure BIO-6, which requires a tree survey to be conducted, and measures to be implemented prior to, during, and following construction, would reduce impacts to protected trees. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project which would avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified in the Final SEIR as Impact BIO-5. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. (Finding (1); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1)).
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
20 Impact BIO-6 The proposed project (specifically Sites 4, 6, 9, and 17) may conflict with an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plans. This impact would be less than significant with mitigation incorporated.
Facts in Support of Finding:
Implementation of mitigation measures BIO -1, BIO-2, BIO-3, BIO-4 (listed under Impact BIO -1, Impact BIO-2) as well as mitigation measures BIO-7 and BIO -8 would reduce any conflicts with Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plans to a less than significant level.
Mitigation Measures:
MM BIO-7: HMP Minor Amendments
Prior to project approval at Site 4, 6 , 7, 9 and 17, each project shall be analyzed for consistency with the HMP in coordination with responsible agencies including CDFW and USFWS .
Development may not occur within an Existing or Proposed Hardline. Any revisions to the HMP hardline boundary to allow for development on these sites shall require a HMP minor amendment, to be processed as an Equivalency Finding. Such boundary revisions must not involve any revisions the HMP operations or implementation, produce any adverse effects on the environment that are new or significantly different from those previously analyzed, result in additional take not previously analyzed, or reduce the acreage or quality of the habitat within the HMP. Any loss of HMP hardline shall be replaced with equal or greater acres of hardline, adjacent to existing hardline elsewhere in the city, and preserved and managed in accordance with the HMP. Any development wit hin the Standards Area portion of Site 4 shall require a HMP Minor Amendment, to be processed as a Consistency Finding, which requires consistency with the HMP Planning Standards for Local Facilities Management Zone 15.
MM BIO-8: HMP Adjacency Standards
Projects within sites 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18, 19 shall evaluate potential indirect impacts, such as wildfire, erosion, invasive species, unauthorized access, or predators, to habitat and species adjacent to the proposed development. Projects shall be c onsistent with the HMP Adjacency Standards (Section F-3).
Findings:
Based upon the Final SEIR and the entire record before the City Council, the council finds that implementation of mitigation measures BIO-1, BIO-2, BIO-3, BIO-4 (discussed above under Impact BIO-1, BIO -2), BIO-7 and BIO -8, which requires development on Sites 4, 6, 7, 9, and 17 to be analyzed for consistency with the HMP and for development on Sites 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18, 19 to be evaluated for consistency with HMP Adjacency Standards, would reduce impacts related to an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plans . Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project which would avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified in the Final SEIR as Impact BIO -1. Therefore, impacts would be less than sig nificant with mitigation. (Finding (1); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1)).
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 21 5.3 Noise
Impact NOI-3 Project development would not involve operational activities that would result in substantial vibration levels. However, use of pile driving or a vibratory roller could potentially generate vibration exceeding thresholds for buildings or structures susceptible to damage (e.g., historic structures).
This impact would be less than significant with mitigation.
Facts in Support of Finding:
Based upon the Final SEIR and the entire record before the City Council, the council finds that implementation of mitigation measure NOI-2, which requires the creation of a vibration control plan, would reduce impacts related to construction vibration to a less than significant level.
Mitigation Measures:
MM NOI-2: Vibration Control Plan
For construction activities involving vibratory rollers within 50 feet of a structure or pile drivers (impact or sonic) within 140 feet of a structure, the applicant shall prepare a Vibration Control Plan prior to the commencement of construction activities. The Vibration Control Plan shall be prepared by a licensed structural engineer and shall include methods required to minimize vibration, including, but not limited to:
Alternative installation methods for pile driving (e.g., pile cushioning, drilled piles, cast - in-place systems) within 140 feet of a building to reduce impacts associated with seating the pile
Vibration monitoring prior to and during pile driving operations occurring within 140 feet of a building
Use of rubber-tired equipment rather than metal-tracked equipment Avoiding the use of vibrating equipment when allowed by best engineering practices The Vibration Control Plan shall include a pre -construction survey letter establishing baseline conditions at potentially affected extremely fragile buildings/historical resources and/or residential structures. The survey letter shall determine conditions that exist prior to the commencement of construction activities for use in evaluating potential damages caused by construction. Fixtures and finishes susceptible to damage shall be documented photographically and in writing prior to construction. The survey letter shall provide a shoring design to protect such buildings and structures from potential damage. At the conclusion of vibration causing activities, the qualified structural engineer shall issue a follow-up letter describing damage, if any, to impacted buildings and structures. The letter shall include recommendations for any repair, as may be necessary, in conformance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards. Repairs shall be undertaken and completed by the contractor and monitored by a qualified structural engineer in conformance with all applicable codes including the California Historical Building Code (Part 8 of Title 24).
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
22 A Statement of Compliance signed by the applicant and owner shall be submitted to the city’ Building and Safety Division at plan check and prior to the issuance of any permit. The Vibration Control Plan, prepared as outlined above shall be documented by a qualified structural engineer, and shall be provided to the city upon request.
Findings:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project which would avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified in the Final SEIR as Impact NOI-3. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. (Finding (1); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1)).
5.4 Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Impact CUL-4 Development facilitated by the proposed project could adversely impact tribal cultural resources. Consultation with Native American Tribal representatives is ongoing. This impact would be less than significant with adherence to the Carlsbad Cultural Resource Guidelines and with implementation of mitigation.
Facts in Support of Finding:
The project’s potential impacts to tribal cultural resources would be mitigated to a level less than significant with the implementation of Mitigation Measure CUL-1 which sets forth procedures for consultation with Native American Tribal representatives and treatment if identified resources.
Mitigation Measures:
MM CUL-1: Tribal Cultural Resources
Projects subject to discretionary actions shall comply with the city's Tribal, Cultural, and Paleontological Resources Guidelines. For ministerial projects, the city shall provide Traditionally and Culturally Affiliated Luiseño tribes (“ TCA Tribe”) with early notification and the opportunity to consult on development applications and identify and assess impacts to tribal and cultural resources. Further, before commencement of any ground -disturbing activities, the project developer shall comply with the following requirements to ensure the appropriate response to the presence of any tribal and cultural resources:
a. Retain the services of a qualified archaeologist who shall be on-site for ground-disturbing activities. In the event cultural material is encountered, the archaeologist is empowered to temporarily divert or halt grading to allow for coordination with the Luiseño Native American monitor and to determine the significance of the discovery. The archaeologist shall follow all standard procedures for cultural materials that are not Tribal Cultural Resources.
b. Enter into a Pre-Excavation Agreement, otherwise known as a Tribal Cultural Resources Treatment and Tribal Monitoring Agreement, with a TCA tribe. This agreement will address provision of a Luiseño Native American monitor and contain provisions to address the Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 23 proper treatment of any tribal cultural resources and/or Luiseño Native American human remains inadvertently discovered during the course of the project. The Agreement will outline the roles and powers of the Luiseño Native American monitors and the archaeologist and may include the following provisions.
i. A Luiseño Native American monitor shall be present during all ground-disturbing activities. Ground disturbing activities may include, but are not limited to, archaeological studies, geotechnical investigations, exploratory geotechnical investigations/borings for contractor bidding purposes, clearing, grubbing, trenching, excavation, preparation for utilities and other infrastructure, and grading activities. ii. Any and all uncovered artifacts of Luiseño Native American cultural importance shall be returned to the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians or other Luiseño Tribe, and/or the Most Likely Descendant, if applicable, and not be curated, unless ordered to do so by a federal agency or a court of competent jurisdiction.
iii. The Luiseño Native American monitor shall be present at the project’s pre-construction meeting to consult with grading and excavation contractors concerning excavation schedules and safety issues, as well as to consult with the archaeologist PI (principal investigator) concerning the proposed archaeologist techniques and/or strategies for the project.
iv. Luiseño Native American monitors and archaeological monitors shall have joint authority to temporarily divert and/or halt construction activities. If tribal cultural resources are discovered during construction, all earthmoving activity within and around the immediate discovery area must be diverted until the Luiseño Native American monitor and the archaeologist can assess the nature and significance of the find.
v. If a significant tribal cultural resource(s) and/or unique archaeological resource(s) are discovered during ground-disturbing activities for this project, the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians or other Luiseño tribe shall be notified and consulted regarding the respectful and dignified treatment of those resources. Pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21083.2(b) avoidance is the preferred method of preservation for archaeological and tribal cultural resources. If, however, the Applicant is able to demonstrate that avoidance of a significant and/or unique cultural resource is infeasible and a data recovery plan is authorized by the City of Carlsbad as the lead agency, the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians or other Luiseño tribe shall be consulted regarding the drafting and finalization of any such recovery plan. vi. When tribal cultural resources are discovered during the project, if the archaeologist collects such resources, a Luiseño Native American monitor must be present during any testing or cataloging of those resources. If the archaeologist does not collect the tribal cultural resources that are unearthed during the ground disturbing activities, the Luiseño Native American monitor may, at their discretion, collect said resources and provide them to the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians or other Luiseño tribe for dignified and respectful treatment in accordance with their cultural and spiritual traditions.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
24 vii. If suspected Native American human remains are encountered, California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5(b) states that no further disturbance shall occur until the San Diego County Medical Examiner has made the necessary findings as to origin.
Further, pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 5097.98(b) remains shall be left in place and free from disturbance until a final decision as to the treatment and disposition has been made. Suspected Native American remains shall be examined in the field and kept in a secure location at the site. A Luiseño Native American monitor shall be present during the examination of the remains. If the San Diego County Medical Examiner determines the remains to be Native American, NAHC must be contacted by the Medical Examiner within 24 hours. The NAHC must then immediately notify the “Most Likely Descendant” about the discovery. The Most Likely Descendant shall then make recommendations within 48 hours and engage in consultation concerning treatment of remains as provided in Public Resources Code 5097.98. viii. In the event that fill material is imported into the project area, the fill shall be clean of tribal cultural resources and documented as such. Commercial sources of fill material are already permitted as appropriate and will be culturally sterile. If fill material is to be utilized and/or exported from areas within the project site, then that fill material shall be analyzed and confirmed by an archaeologist and Luiseño Native American monitor that such fill material does not contain tribal cultural resources. ix. No testing, invasive or non-invasive, shall be permitted on any recovered tribal cultural resources without the written permission of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians or other Luiseño tribe.
x. Prior to the completion of project construction, a monitoring report and/or evaluation report, if appropriate, which describes the results, analysis, and conclusions of the monitoring program shall be submitted by the Project Archaeologist, along with the Luiseño Native American monitor’s notes and comments, to the City of Carlsbad for approval, and shall be submitted to the South Coastal Information Center. Said report shall be subject to confidentiality as an exception to the Public Records Act and will not be available for public distribution.
c. Furthermore, the Agreement may include additional measures mutually agreed upon by the project developer, city, and TCA Tribe such as evaluation of the project site’s pre- construction conditions for the presence or potential presence of TCRs as well as other measures tailored to and deemed necessary for the specific project.
Findings
Based upon the Final SEIR and the entire record before the City Council, the council finds that implementation of mitigation measure CUL-1, which would require coordination with Native American Tribal representatives, would reduce impacts to tribal cultural resources . Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1), changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed project which would avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect identified in the Final SEIR as Impact CUL-4. Therefore, impacts would be less than significant with mitigation. (Finding (1); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1)).
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 25 6 Findings and Recommendations Regarding
Significant Impacts
The Final SEIR examined the environmental impacts of the proposed project in the areas of aesthetics; air quality; biological resources; cultural and tribal cultural resources, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use and planning, noise, population and housing, public services and recreation, transportation, utilities and service systems, and wildfire. The Draft SEIR found potentially significant impacts in the areas of air quality, cultural and tribal cultural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and transportation. Despite identifying policies and mitigation measures that would reduce the potentially significant impact s, e ach of these significant impacts was considered significant and unavoidable.
In determining the significance of the environmental effects, it is important to emphasize that in issue areas when uncertainty surrounds impacts at a program level, the SEIR analysis uses a conservative approach to both assessment and conclusions.
Due to the program level of analysis in the SEIR and lack of project-specific development plans, it is not possible at this time to define the exact extent of potential impacts, so it is not possible to ascertain with certainty whether the identified mitigation measures will reduce impacts to levels considered “less than significant.” Future development proposals will be subject to site- specific, project-level environmental analysis pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15168.
The following subsections list each significant or potentially significant environmental impact by issue area in the order it appears in the Draft SEIR and includes proposed mitigation measures. A full documentation of the environmental analysis and conclusions is in the Final EIR, which is incorporated by reference.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
26 6.1 Air Quality
Impact AQ-2 Implementation of the proposed project would violate air quality standards or contribute to an existing air quality violation because project -related emissions would exceed SDAPCD thresholds. Similarly, the proposed project would result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of criteria pollutants for which the project region is nonattainment under applicable federal or state ambient air quality standards. This impact would be significant and unavoidable.
Facts in Support of Finding:
Implementation of mitigation measure AQ-2 and compliance with applicable general plan policies would reduce impacts to the extent feasible, however it would be speculative to quantify such emissions at this time as the details of the individual projects are not known. Therefore, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable.
Mitigation Measures
MM AQ-2: Operational Emissions Reductions
During the project design and project -level review phases of development projects at the 18 rezone sites, the city shall require each project to determine operational air quality emissions from the project. For projects that exceed regulatory SDCAPCD thresholds, mitigation shall be implemented to reduce impacts to below the regulatory thresholds or to the maximum extent feasible implementing all feasible mitigation. The following represents some measures aimed at reducing air pollutant emissions from operational sources. This is not an exhaustive list of measures, and individual projects shall inc orporate measures that best fit each project design .
Use architectural coating materials, as defined in SDAPCD Rule 67.0.1, that are zero -emission or have a low-volatile organic compound (VOC) content (below 10 grams per liter). Where such VOC coatings are not available or feasible, the coating with the lowest VOC rating available shall be used. These measures shall be noted on all construction plans, and the city shall perform periodic site inspections during construction to verify compliance. Prohibit the installation of woodstoves, hearths, and fireplaces in new construction facilitated by the proposed project.
Expand and facilitate completion of planned networks of active transportation infrastructure. Implement EV charging infrastructure beyond requirem ents set forth in the 2022 CalGreen mandatory measures. Such requirements would be equivalent to the Tier 2 voluntary measures set forth in the 2022 CalGreen standards.
Implement traffic demand measures, such as unbundling parking fees from rent/lease options, encouraging/developing a ride -share program for the community, and provide car/bike sharing services, that will reduce daily individual car usage and reduce project VMT Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 27 Findings
Based upon the Final SEIR and the entire record before the City Council, the council finds that although implementation of mitigation measure AQ-2, which requires each project to determine operational air quality emissions from the project and incorporate measures to reduce emissions if the project would exceed regulatory SDCAPCD thresholds, would reduce operational emissions from future development under the proposed project, it would be speculative to quantify such emissions at this time as the details of the individual projects are not known. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(3), specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the final EIR, therefore, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable. (Finding ( 3); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(3)).
Overriding Considerations
The environmental, economic, social, and other benefits of the proposed project as stated more fully in the Statement of Overriding Considerations in Section 9, override any remaining significant adverse impact of the proposed project associated with impacts to operational air quality.
6.2 Cultural and Tribal Cultural Resources
Impact CUL-1 Development facilitated by the project could impact known and previously unidentified historical resources. Impacts to historical resources would be significant and unavoidable.
Facts in Support of Finding:
No feasible mitigation measures are required beyond adherence to applicable General Plan policies, the Historic Preservation Ordinance, and the relevant provisions of the Carlsbad Cultural Resource Guidelines. As explained in the SEIR, measures to reduce impacts outlined above would not in all cases avoid impacts to historical resources. Therefore, impacts to historical resources would be significant and unavoidable.
Mitigation Measures
No mitigation measures are required because adherence to the relevant General Plan policies, the Historic Preservation Ordinance, and the relevant provisions of the Carlsbad Cultural Resource Guidelines would reduce impacts to the maximum extent feasible. No other feasible mitigation measures are available.
Findings
Based upon the Final SEIR and the entire record before t he City Council, the council finds that there are no feasible mitigation measures beyond adherence to the relevant General Plan policies, the Historic Preservation Ordinance, and the relevant provisions of the Carlsbad Tribal, Cultural and Paleontological Resources Guidelines. Adherence to these measures would not in all cases avoid impacts to historical resources. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(3), specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
28 measures or project alternatives identified in the final EIR, therefore, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable. (Finding (3); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(3)).
Overriding Considerations
The environmental, economic, social, and other benefits of the proposed project as stated more fully in the Statement of Overriding Considerations in Section 9, override any remaining significant adverse impact of the proposed project associated with impacts to historic resources.
6.3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Impact GHG-1 New residential development facilitated by the proposed project would generate temporary and long-term increases in GHG emissions. Because the proposed project includes additional housing not included in forecasting or reduction goals in those plans, the proposed project would conflict with the GHG emissions goals of the City of Carlsbad Climate Action Plan and 2015 General Plan. This impact would be significant and unavoidable.
Facts in Support of Finding:
Implementation of Mitigation Measure GHG- 1 would ensur e that the updated City of Carlsbad Climate Action Plan (CAP) includes the additional housing units included in the proposed project within its forecasts and emissions reduction goals and would ensure that development facilitated by the project after the CAP is updated would be consistent with State emissions goals. However, individual projects that may occur prior to the adoption of the updated CAP would not be guaranteed to be consistent with State emissions goals. Until the updated CAP and any emission thresholds or updated checklists are adopted, implementation of the proposed project would not be consistent with State GHG reduction plans. If and when the city’s CAP is in accordance with statewide emissions targets and accounting for growth under the proposed project, this impact may be reduced to less than significant. Therefore, until the city updates the CAP in accordance with Mitigation Measure GHG-1, the project’s impacts related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions would be significant and unavoidable.
Mitigation Measures
MM GHG-1: Update City of Carlsbad Climate Action Plan
The City shall draft and City Council shall adopt an updated CAP within 12-18 months of adoption of this SEIR. An updated CAP shall include targets that reflect those set by SB 32 to reduce GHG emissions by 40 percent below the 1990 levels by 2030 and AB 1279 reduce GHG emissions by 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2045. Implementation measures in an updated CAP to achieve the 2030 and 2045 targets shall include measures such as, but are not limited to, the following:
Develop and adopt an updated building energy efficiency ordi nance, or “reach code” for existing and proposed structures;
Expand charging infrastructure and parking for electric vehicles; Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 29 Implement carbon sequestration by expanding the urban forest; and, Implement policies and measures included in the 2022 California Climate Change Scoping Plan, such as mobile source strategies for increasing clean transit options and zero emissions vehicles by providing electric vehicle charging stations.
As part of the updated CAP, the City shall establish CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds of Significance and an updated CAP Consistency Checklist that are consistent with the updated CAP for use in future CEQA GHG emissions analyses through 2030 and consistent with SB 32. In addition, upon completion of future CAP updates and as necessary, the City shall update the CEQA GHG emissions thresholds of significance and CAP Consistency Checklist to be consistent with each CAP update.
Findings
Based upon the Final SEIR and the entire record before the City Council, the council finds that although implementation of mitigation measure GHG-1, which requires an update to the Carlsbad CAP, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable.
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(3), specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the final EIR, therefore, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable. (Finding (3); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(3)).
Overriding Considerations
The environmental, economic, social, and other benefits of the proposed project, as stated more fully in the Statement of Overriding Considerations in Section 9, override any remaining significant adverse impact of the proposed project related to greenhouse gas emissions.
6.4 Noise
Impact NOI-1 Construction would be required to comply with the allowed daytime construction hours regulated by the Carlsbad Municipal Code and, therefore, would not occur during nighttime hours when people are more sensitive to noise. Implementation of Mitigation Measure NOI -1 would reduce construction noise levels for larger developments; however, construction noise may still exceed thresholds and this impact would be significant and unavoidable.
Facts in Support of Finding:
Mitigation Measure NOI- 1 would reduce construction noise impacts whenever a development project is located within 500 feet of a noise-sensitive land use (e.g., residences, schools, libraries, hospitals) and includes one or more of the following components:
• Two subterranean levels or more (generally more than 20,000 cubic yards of excavated soil material);
• Construction durations of 18 months or more (excluding interior finishing); • Use of large, heavy-duty equipment rated 300 horsepower or greater; or Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
30 • The potential for pile driving.
For example, measures such as a temporary noise barrier can reduce noise levels from 5 dBA to 15 dBA, which would reduce construction noise levels from typical development to below 80 dBA Leq during an 8-hour period. However, given that exact details of future construction projects are unknown at this time, it is conservatively assumed that construction noise may exceed applicable thresholds, even with implementation of Mitigation Measure NOI -1, and this impact would be significant and unavoidable.
Mitigation Measures
MM NOI-1: Construction Noise Reduction Measures
The following construction noise reduction measures shall be implemented during project construction:
Shielding and Silencing. Power construction equipment (including combustion engines), fixed or mobile, shall be equipped with noise shielding and silencing devices consistent with manufacturer’s standards or the Best Available Control Technology. Equipment shall be properly maintained, and the project applica nt or owner shall require construction contractors to keep documentation on -site during earthwork or construction activities demonstrating that the equipment has been maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
Enclosures and Screening. Outdoor fixed mechanical equipment shall be enclosed or screened from off- site noise -sensitive uses to the extent feasible. The equipment enclosure or screen shall be impermeable (i.e., solid material with minimum weight of 2 pounds per square feet) and brea k the line- of-sight from the equipment and off -site noise-sensitive uses.
Construction Staging Areas. Construction staging areas shall be located as far from noise- sensitive uses as reasonably feasible in consideration of site boundaries, topography, intervening roads and uses, and operational constraints. Smart Back-Up Alarms. Mobile construction equipment shall have smart back-up alarms that automatically adjust the sound level of the alarm in response to ambient noise levels.
Alternatively, back -up alarm s shall be disabled and replaced with human spotters to ensure safety when mobile construction equipment is moving in the reverse direction. Equipment Idling. Construction vehicles and equipment shall not be left idling for longer than five minutes when not in use.
Workers’ Radios . All noise from workers’ radios, including any on -site music, shall be controlled to a point that they are not audible at off-site noise-sensitive uses. Use of Driven Pile Systems . Driven (impact), sonic, or vibratory pile drivers shall not be used, except in locations where the underlying geology renders alternative methods Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 31 infeasible, as determined by a soils or geotechnical engineer and documented in a soils report.
Temporary Sound Barriers. Temporary sound barriers, such as walls or sound blankets, shall be positioned between construction activities and noise -sensitive uses when construction equipment is located within a line -of-sight to and within 500 feet of the ground-floor exterior use areas of off-site noise-sensitive uses. Sound barriers shall break the line-of-sight between the construction noise source and the ground-floor exterior use area receiver where modeled levels exceed applicable standards. Placement, orientation, size, and density of acoustical barriers shall be specified by a qualified acoustical consultant.
Noise Complaint Response . Project applicants shall designate an on -site construction project manager who shall be responsible for responding to any complaints about construction noise. This person shall be responsible for responding to concerns of neighboring properties about construction noise disturbance and shall be available for responding to any construction noise complaints during the hours that construction is to take place. They shall also be responsible for determining the cause of the noise complaint (e.g., bad silencer) and shall require that reasonable measures be implemented to correct the problem. A toll-free telephone number and email address shall be posted in a highly visible manner on the c onstruction site at all times and provided in all notices (mailed, online website, and construction site postings) for receiving questions or complaints during construction and shall also include procedures requiring that the on -site construction manager to respond to callers and email messages. The on-site construction project manager shall be required to track
complaints pertaining to construction noise,
ongoing throughout demolition, grading, and/or construction and shall notify the city’s Community Development Director of each complaint occurrence. Project-Specific Construction Noise Study. A Construction Noise Study shall be prepared by a qualified noise expert. The Construction Noise Study shall characterize sources of construction noise, quantify noise levels at noise-sensitive uses (e.g., residences, schools, churches, and hospitals) and identify measures to reduce noise exposure. The Construction Noise Study shall identify reasonably available noise reduction devices or techniques to reduce noise levels to acceptable levels and/or durations including through reliance on any relevant federal, state or local standards or guidelines or accepted industry practices. Noise reduction devices or techniques may include but not be limited to silencers, enclosures, sound barriers, and/or placement of restrictions on equipment or construction techniques (e.g., alternative installation methods to pile driving such as cast-in-place systems or pile cushioning). Each measure in the Construction Noise Study shall identify anticipated noise reductions at noise-sensitive land uses.
Project applicants shall be required to comply with all requirements listed above in addition to any additional requirements identified and recommended by the Construction Noise Study and shall maintain proof that notice of, as well as compliance with, the identified measures have been included in contractor agreements.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
32 Findings
Based upon the Final SEIR and the entire record before the City Council, the council finds that although implementation of mitigation measure NOI-1, which requires the implementation of construction noise reduction measures , impacts would remain significant and unavoidable.
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(3), specific economic, legal, social, technologi cal, or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the final EIR, therefore, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable (Finding (3); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(3)).
Overriding Considerations
The environmental, economic, social, and other benefits of the proposed project, as stated more fully in the Statement of Overriding Considerations in Section 9, override any remaining significant adverse impact of the proposed project related to noise.
6.5 Transportation
Impact T-2 Development facilitated by the proposed project has the potential to interfere with achievement of the VMT reductions set forth in City of Carlsbad VMT Analysis Guidelines. This impact would be significant and unavoidable.
Facts in Support of Finding:
Because the uncertainty relating to the feasibility of on-site transportation demand management (TDM) measures and the implementation process for individual development projects in diverse project settings, the timing that it will take to implement those measures, and the lack of an off- site mitigation option, the effectiveness of reducing an individual project’s VMT impact to a less than significant level cannot be determined as part of this SEIR. As a result, this impact is identified conservatively as significant and unavoidable with mitigation given the possibility that some projects may not be able to identify and implement measures to reduce the VMT impact to a less- than-significant level.
Mitigation Measures
MM T-1: Achieve VMT Reductions for Development Projects During the project design and project -level review phases of development projects at the 18 rezone sites, the city shall review each project compared to the City of Carlsbad VMT Analysis Guidelines screening criteria to determine if the submitted project is eligible to be screened out of conducting project-level VMT analysis. If a project meets one or more of the screening criteria, the project is determined to have a less than significant impact to VMT in accordance with the city’s VMT Analysis Guidelines. A project that has not been excluded from the VMT analysis screening process outlined above must undergo a quantitative VMT analysis to determine whether it will have a significant impact on VMT. If it is determined that the project would have a significant impact on VMT (i.e., it does not result in at least a 15 percent reduction in VMT compared to existing conditions), the city shall require the project to implement project -level Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 33 VMT reduction measures, as noted below, prior to project approval and issuance of construction permits.
TDM measures and physical measures to reduce VMT are outlined in the City’s VMT Analysis Guidelines and have been identified as potentially VMT reducing in the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (CAPCOA) Handbook for Analyzing Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions, Assessing Climate Vulnerabilities, and Advancing Health and Equity (December 2021).
The CAPCOA Handbook provides detailed requirements , calculation steps, and limitations for assessing the VMT reduction effectiveness of each measure, including reductions from combinations of measures.
Trip reduction strategies may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Provision of bus stop improvements or on-site mobility hubs Pedestrian improvements, on -site or off-site, to connect to nearby transit stops, services, schools, shops, etc.
Bicycle programs including bike purchase incentives, storage, maintenance programs, and on-site education program
Enhancements to the citywide bicycle network
Parking reductions and/or fees set at levels sufficient to incentivize transit, active transportation, or shared modes
Cash allowances, passes, or other public transit subsidies and purchase incentives Providing enhanced, frequent bus service
Implementation of shuttle service
Other measures not listed in CAPCOA but are proven to be effective means of reducing the amount of VMT generated by residents include increasing the mix of uses by adding retail or services within a site or within convenient walking distance. 2 Although it is unlikely that TDM measures will fully mitigate the impact of the program to a less -than-significant level, CEQA mandates the implementation of feasible mitigation measures to re duce a project or program's level of impact. In this context, Fehr & Peers identified a list of recommended TDM measures from Appendix E of the city's VMT Analysis Guidelines to mitigate the project VMT impact to the extent feasible [as presented in Table 4.13-3 of Section 4.13, Transportation, of this SEIR]. The summary provides an estimate of the effectiveness of these measures and specifies which ones are applicable to areas that have adjacent or near transit.
2 American Planning Association PAS Memo, 2013. “Getting Trip Generation Right: Eliminating the Bias Against Mixed Use Development” by Jer ry Walters, Brian Bochner, and Reid Ewing, May.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
34 Findings
Based upon the Final SEIR and the entire record before the City Council, the council finds that although implementation of mitigation measure T-1, which requires project-specific VMT analysis and reduction, would reduce impacts to the extent feasible, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(3), specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations make infeasible mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the final EIR, therefore, impacts would remain significant and unavoidable (Finding (3); CEQA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(3)).
Overriding Considerations
The environmental, economic, social, and other benefits of the proposed project, as stated more fully in the Statement of Overriding Considerations in Section 9, override any remaining significant adverse impact of the proposed project related to noise.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 35 7 Findings and Recommendations Regarding
Cumulatively Considerable Impacts
An EIR is required to discuss the cumulative impacts of a project when the project’s incremental effect is cumulatively considerable. CEQA Guidelines Section 15130(a). “Cumulatively considerable” means that the incremental effects of the project are significant when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, other current projects, and probable future projects.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15065(a)(3); Pub. Resources Code Section 21083(b)(2). Section 4, Environmental Impact Analysis, of the Draft SEIR includes analyses of the cumulative impacts of the project in combination with reasonably foreseeable probable future projects which is described in Section 3, Environmental Setting, of the Draft SEIR. The findings in this section are based on the Draft SEIR, the discussion and analysis in which is hereby incorporated in full by this reference.
The City of Carlsbad finds that the proposed project will result in cumulatively considerable impacts to air quality, cultural and tribal cultural resources, noise, and transportation.
As discussed in Sectio 4.2, Air Quality, of the Draft SEIR, project related air pollution may combine with other cumulative projects (past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future) to violate criteria pollutant standards if the existing background sources cause nonattainment conditions.
Air districts manage attainment of the criteria pollutant standards by adopting rules, regulations, and attainment plans, which comprise a multifaceted programmatic approach to such attainment.
The geographic scope for analyzing cumulative air quality impacts is the San Diego Air Basin (SDAB). The SDAB is designated a nonattainment area for the ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), the particulate matter (PM
10) CAAQS, and the PM2.5 CAAQS. The SDAB is in attainment of all other NAAQS and CAAQS.
Therefore, cumulative air quality impacts related to PM 10, PM 2.5, and ozone are potentially significant. Additionally, SDAPCD’s approach for assessing cumulative impacts is based on consistency with the latest adopted RAQS. With implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-1, the proposed project would be consistent with the RAQS. Additionally, SDAPCD best management practices are required for all grading activities in the SDAPCD’s jurisdiction, which would reduce Citywide emissions of ozone precursors, PM
10, and PM 2.5 from construction facilitated by the
proposed project. However, operational emissions resulting from the propo sed project would result in exceedances of SDAPCD thresholds, even with implementation of Mitigation Measure AQ-2, and thus would be significant and unavoidable. Therefore, the proposed project’s contribution to cumulative air quality impacts would result in a cumulatively significant impact.
Development facilitated by the proposed project would have the potential to impact historical resources. The geographic scope for cumulative cultural resource impacts includes areas in the vicinity Carlsbad, including adjacent unincorporated County land and adjacent incorporated cities.
This geographic scope is appropriate for cultural resources because such resources are regionally specific. The geographic scope for cumulative tribal cultural resource impacts includes Luiseño and Kumeyaay/Diegueño traditional territory. This geographic scope is appropriate for tribal cultural resources because tribal cultural resources are regionally specific and determined by the local tribes. Cumulative buildout in this region would have the potential to adversely impact Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
36 cultural and tribal cultural resources. It is possible that future cumulative projects would result in impacts to known or unknown historical resources. While impacts to such resources would be addressed on a case-by-case basis and would likely be subject to mitigation measures similar to those imposed for development facilitated by the project, cumulative development may result in direct or indirect impacts to historical resources. As such, cumulative historical impacts would be significant. Development facilitated by the project would adhere to the provisions of the Carlsbad Cultural Resource Guidelines related to historical resources. However, even after implementation of these guidelines, the proposed project would result in a considerable contribution to this cumulative impact.
As discussed in Section 4.10, Noise, of the Draft SEIR, construction of future development projects in the city would produce temporary noise impacts that would be localized to a project site and sensitive receivers within the immediate vicinity. Therefore, only sensitive receivers located in close proximity to each construction site would be potentially affected by each activity.
Nonetheless, construction activities associated with individual housing development projects accommodated under the project may overlap for some time with construction activities for other development projects. Typically, if a development site is 500 feet or more away from another site then noise levels would have attenuated to a point that they would not combine to produce a cumulative noise impact. Therefore, construction noise levels would typically become cumulative only if two development sites were to have construction occurring within 500 feet of each other.
However, under a worst-case scenario, noise from construction activities for two projects within 1,000 feet of each other could contribute to a cumulative noise impact for sensitive receivers located equidistant between the two construction sites with concurrent on -site activities.
Construction activities associated with future development would comply with Chapter 8.48 of the CMC and would occur Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; no work shall be conducted on Sundays and any federal holiday. It is anticipated that, with implementation of Mitigation Measure NOI-1, construction noise levels associated with housing development could be reduced below the applicable FTA noise limits for construction noise on a case-by-case bas is. Nonetheless, larger development projects could combine together, or combine with smaller development projects, to substantially increase noise levels at specific neighboring noise-sensitive receivers. Mitigation Measure NOI-1 would reduce construction noise impacts from developments to the extent feasible. However, as exact construction details are unknown at this time, even with mitigation the project’s contribution to a cumulative noise impact could be considerable.
As discussed in Section 4.13, Transportation, of the Draft SEIR, the analysis for the project is based on VMT per resident. As discussed under Impact T -2, project -specific VMT impacts would be significant which means implies that the project would also have a cumulatively considerable contribution to a significant cumulative impact. Since project -level significance thresholds were designed to support long -term environmental goals, they inherently also address potential cumulative VMT impacts. As such, VMT would be cumulatively considerable. Therefore, the cumulative impact related to VMT would be significant and unavoidable.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 37 8 Project Alternatives
An EIR is required to identify a “range of potential alternatives to the project [which] shall include those that could feasibly accomplish most of the basic purposes of the project and could avoid or substantially lessen one of more of the significant effects” (CEQA Guidelines Section 15126.6(c)).
However, pursuant to CEQA Section 15163(b), “the supplement to the EIR need contain only the information necessary to make the previous EIR adequate for the project as revised.” There is no mandate to include project alternatives in a SEIR. The 2015 General Plan EIR included the evaluation of a range of alternatives selected for their potential to avoid or lessen environmental impacts of the 2015 General Plan. Although not required for a SEIR, in light of the public interest in the project and the anticipated impacts identified for comparison to the existing 2015 General Plan, the city has elected to prepare an alternatives analysis for informational purposes.
8.1 Alternative Analysis
The following is a brief summary of the alternatives to the proposed project considered in Section 6, Alternatives, of the Draft SEIR. Section 6 of the Draft SEIR contains a complete discussion of the alternatives and a comparative impact analysis of alternatives.
The evaluation of these scenarios will provide clear alternatives based on geography and allow the decision-making body to ultimately de cide on one or the other or a hybrid of the two. The goal of the land use scenarios is to provide a comparative analysis, from which the city can "sculpt" the development patterns best suited to the city for inclusion in the Housing Element in conformance with State law. Ultimately, the intention of the Alternatives Analysis was to study alternatives that fully accommodate d the RHNA allocation and some percentage of a buffer so the city was confident that the Housing Element can remain compliant with the No Net Loss provisions of State law throughout the remaining portion of the eight-year cycle.
ALTERNATIVE 1: NO PROJECT
The purpose of evaluating the No Project Alternative is to allow decision-makers to compare the potential impacts of approving the project with the potential impacts of not approving the project.
The No Project analysis discusses both the existing conditions at the time the NOP is published as well as what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the project were not approved.
The No Project Alternative, Alternative 1, is defined as a land use pattern comprised of land use trends according to the 2015 General Plan. It assumes that regional growth trends and land use according to the 2015 General Plan would continue, without the Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update as proposed under the project. Under Alternative 1, population in the Plan Area for 2035 would be 133,410, consistent with the findings of the 2015 General Plan and acknowledging approved residential development since the General Plan’s adoption. The 18 rezone sites would not be developed at the same capacity under this scenario as it would under the proposed project. Under existing zoning, Alternative 1 would result in the development of approximately 506 units on the 18 rezone sites, which would be 2,789 units fewer than the 3,295 units contemplated for the proposed project. Land use projects would be comprised of those that are currently in construction or are implemented through the 2015 Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
38 General Plan updated to reflect current conditions. As land use under the current General Plan still has residential capacity (as well as capacity for new non-residential construction, such as new commercial and industrial buildings), the city would continue to grow in terms of housing units, population, non-residential square footage, and jobs.
Findings
The No Project Alternative is rejected as infeasible because it would not achieve the proposed project’s objectives. While not an environmental impact under CEQA, this alternative would not be consistent with the required programs of the 2021-2029 Housing Element and the city would be at risk of having the Housing Element decertified by the State if this program is not implemented.
Though it may appear to be environmentally superior to the proposed project, as it would result in slightly less greenhouse gas emissions, it would still result in significant impacts related to air quality, cultural and tribal cultural resources, noise, and transportation.
ALTERNATIVE 2: REDUCED SITES
Alternative 2, Reduced Sites, would include development on most of the rezone sites as identified in the project. However, Alternative 2 would exclude development on rezone sites 3, 8, and 15, which, as identified in Table 2 -4 of Section 2, Project Description , would accommodate a net increase (not including units already permitted under current designations) of 137 dwelling units total under the project. Additionally, the number of units on sites 14 and 17 would be increased to accommodate more housing (180 units more than analyzed under the project) near COASTER transit stations, w hich are operated by North County Transit District. Therefore, development under Alternative 2 would accommodate 43 more dwelling units than the proposed project.
Alternative 2 would still achieve project objectives such as facilitating residential development to meet the 2021-2029 RHNA and pursuing an infill strategy to create walkable communities.
Findings
Alternative 2 is rejected as infeasible because it would not as effectively achieve all the objectives of the proposed project. It is not the environmentally superior alternative and would not avoid or substantially lessen the significant air quality, greenhouse gas, cultural and tribal cultural resources, noise, or transportation impacts of the proposed project.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 39 9 Statement of Overriding Consideration
The City of Carlsbad has: (1) independently reviewed the information in the SEIR and the record of proceedings; (2) made a reasonable and good faith effort to avoid or substantially lessen the significant impacts resulting from the proposed project to the extent feasible by including mitigation measures in the SEIR that effectively mitigate potential environmental impacts to the greatest extent feasible; (3) considered the alternatives evaluated in the SEIR and determined that each of them is infeasible for the reasons stated in Section 8 above; and (4) balanced the proposed project’s benefits against the proposed project’s significant unavoidable impacts.
The city finds that the proposed project most fully implements the objectives (as stated in Section 2, Project Description, of the SEIR)
Implement the Land Use and Community Design Element, Public Safety Element, and Zoning Ordinance, as amended by this project, to achieve adequate sites for all income groups;
Provide adequate sites, zoned at appropriate densities and development standards, to facilitate residential development and affordability goals set forth in the 2021-2029 RHNA and as identified in the Housing Element.
Pursue an infill strate gy to foster compact development patterns, create walkable communities and preserve the natural environment and critical environmental areas; Expand housing choices to provide a diverse housing inventory to meet the changing needs of the Planning Area, which includes more affordable housing options; Update the Public Safety Element to comply with existing State laws; and, Ensure high level of public safety to protect the personal safety and welfare of people who live, work, and visit Carlsbad from crime, pollution, disasters, and other threats and emergencies.
The City Council declares that it has adopted all feasible mitigation measures to reduce the proposed project’s environmental impacts to an insignificant level; considered the entire administrative record, including the Final SEIR; and weighed the proposed project’s benefits against its environmental impacts. After doing so, the City Council has determined that th e proposed project’s benefits outweigh its significant environmental impacts on air quality, cultural and tribal cultural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and transportation, and deem s them acceptable.
The City Council identified the following public benefits in making this determination. Each of these public benefits serves as an independent basis for overriding all unavoidable significant adverse environmental impacts identified in these Findings and the F inal SEIR. The City Council considers these impacts to be acceptable, consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15093.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project
40 The City Council finds adoption and implementation of the proposed project would provide the following economic, social, legal, and other considerable benefits:
• The proposed project will ensure that the City of Carlsbad meets its State- mandated RHNA requirements, including the recommended buffer to comply with the State Housing Element Law.
• The proposed project will encourage housing affordability, which is desired by the community and will contribute toward alleviating a shortage of housing in Carlsbad and the region.
• The proposed project will encourage development of a variety of housing types at a range of income levels and balances the location of future development proposals with tangible, local benefits to residents in the area (e.g., creating opportunities for zoning for a variety of housing types particularly those that may be lacking from the community or neighborhood including multi-family housing, low -barrier navigation centers, group homes, supportive housing, and accessible units.)
• The proposed project will expand streamlined approval processes for developments that include affordable units.
• The proposed project will encoura ge the integrated development of housing and balanced living patterns with access to transit, jobs, services, and community benefits in a manner that distributes affordable and special needs housing, including in high resource neighborhoods, and that affirmatively furthers fair housing to ensure equitable access to opportunity.
• The proposed project will help sustain existing neighborhoods by allowing development on infill and previously vacant or underutilized sites in Carlsbad. • The proposed project wi ll prioritize sustainability and connectivity by allowing and encouraging housing options that are near public transportation within Carlsbad. • The proposed project will increase Carlsbad’s emergency preparedness and hazard mitigation measure s by providing new and expanded safety -related information to residents and policy direction to developers and partner agencies. • The proposed project will ensure that the Public Safety Element complies with existing state laws.
Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Carlsbad Housing Element Implementation and Public Safety Element Update Project 41 10 Conclusion
In summary, after balancing the specific economic, legal, social, technological, and other benefits of the proposed project, the City Council finds that the unavoidable adverse environmental impacts identified may be considered “acceptable” due to the specific considerations listed above, which outweigh the unavoidable, adverse environmental impacts of the proposed project.
The City Council has considered information contained in the SEIR prepared for the proposed project as well as the public testimony and record of proceedings in which the project was considered. Recognizing that significant unavoidable air quality and transportation impacts may result from implementation of the proposed project, the Council finds that t he benefits of the proposed project and overriding considerations outweigh the adverse effects of the proposed project. Having included all feasible mitigation measures and recognized all unavoidable significant impacts, the City Council hereby finds that each of the separate benefits of the proposed project, as stated herein, is determined to be unto itself an overriding consideration, independent of other benefits, that warrants adoption of the proposed project and outweighs and overrides its unavoidable significant effects, and thereby justifies the adoption of the proposed project.
In reaching this conclusion and approving the proposed project:
1. The C
ity Council has considered the information contained in the Final SEIR and fully reviewed and considered all of the public testimony, documentation, exhibits, reports, and presentations included in the record of these proceedings. The City Council specifically finds and determine s that this Statement of Overriding Considerations is based upon and supported by substantial evidence in the record.
2. The City Council has carefully weighed the benefits of the proposed project against any adverse impacts identified in the Final SEIR that could not be feasibly mitigated to a level of insignificance. While the Council have required all feasible mitigation measures, some impacts remain potentially significant.
3. This Statement of Overriding Considerations applies specifically to those impacts found to be potentially significant and unavoidable as set forth in the Final SEIR and the record of these proceedings.
RESOLUTION 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 Exhibit 2
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 22 of 157
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 Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 23 of 157
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.
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 24 of 157
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)
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 25 of 157
Attachment A
Land Use a
nd Community Design Element
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
Jan. 30, 2024
Item #2 Page 26 of 157
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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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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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 man agement, 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 Stat e 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, Con servation 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 minimu m requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practices to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare from the hazards of fire, explosion or danger ous 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 ref erence 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 “und er 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 pop ulation 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 residen tial neighborhoods. Where
appropriate, these centers would also include high and medium density housing surrounding the retail uses or inte grated 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 resi dential 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 us es, 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 Conn ectedness
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 mo st 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 a nd between new shopping centers and
adjacent neighborhoods, with devel opment 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 plann ed 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 develop ment 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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2 Land Use & Community Design
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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City of Carlsbad
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 br oader 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
= H ighways
= 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. 2·15
-
5J
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City of Carlsbad
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 inclu des 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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2 Land Use & Community Design
and water reservoirs); and recreation and aesthet ic 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 you th 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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City of Carlsbad
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 dens ity 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 per cent 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 P lan. 2 Primary use of the property must be visitor-serving.
3 Residential dwellings are allowed as a secondary use at a minimum den sity 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 prope rty, 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 potentia l 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 ana lysis 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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City of Carlsbad
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 Man agement 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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General Plan
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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 20 20 estimate of jobs in Carlsbad and US Census 2020 data, Carlsbad’s jobs to employed residents ratio in 20 19-2020 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 o ccurs 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 facilit y 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 deferre d 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
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Figure 2-2: Special Planning Considerations
Hig hways
Major Street
Planned Street
Railroad
C ity Limits
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Source: C ity of C arlsbad, 2013; SAN DAG, 2013; Dyett & Bhatia, 2013.
Carlsbad Coastal Zone
Areas Subject to the HMP
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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 signif icantly 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 co ntain 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 Car lsbad 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 Residential
Two 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, 2-38
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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~.
I
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homes that ex hibit 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 integrat ed 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 residentia l 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 line ar “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 sign age) 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 Boulev ard 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 Facilities 4
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 throu gh 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 w aterfront (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 activ e space rather than parking.
▪ Determine specific uses, development standards,
infrastructure, public improvements, site planning and
amenities through a com prehensive 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 com bined-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 gr ade to minimize the power plant’s visual profile.
▪ The power plant will utilize current peaker -plant technology that significantly reduces noise, air pollutant and green house 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 pedes trian 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 minimum density 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
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 27 of 157
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
Jan. 30,
2024 Item #2 Page 29 of 157
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
Jan. 30,
2024 Item #2 Page 30 of 157
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
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 31 of 157
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
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 32 of 157
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
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 33 of 157
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
Jan. 30, 2024 Item
#2 Page 34 of 157
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
Jan.
30, 2024 Item #2 Page 35 of 157
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
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 36 of 157
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
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 37 of 157
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
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 38 of 157
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
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 39 of 157
Exhibit "GPA 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
October 18, 2023
Site 19 - LA COSTA GLEN/FORUM
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Property APN From:
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To:
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Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 40 of 157
Attachment C
Public Sa
fety Element
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
Jan. 30, 2024
Item #2
Environmental, seismic and topographic
conditions and the patterns of urban
dev
elopment 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 Public Safety
6-1
General Plan
6 Public Safety
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. Th e 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 geolog ically induced hazards, flooding, and fires. The s afety 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 th at 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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City of Carlsbad
6 Public Safety
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 f or 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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6 Public Safety
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 Public Safety
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 haza rdous 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 A ssessment 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 Titl e 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 pre pare 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 thr oughout 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; mo bile-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, DEH Q 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 DEH Q, 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 -Jurisdicti onal 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_j l_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, evalua te, 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 jur isdiction'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 Ca rlsbad 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 I nterstate-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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City of Carlsbad
6 Public Safety
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 t he 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. A s 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 d am 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 use d 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 fr om 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 e xposure). 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 an d 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 parall el 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 fau lt 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 lan dslides. 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 sei smic 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). L ong-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 ai rport. 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 proce dures. 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 p rojects 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 heigh t 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 un der-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 belo w 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, auto motive 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 M anagement 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 Fir e 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 D epartment 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, m ore 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 alongs ide 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 ad ding 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 sco re 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 a re 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 c ity’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 Poinsett ia 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 commu nication 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 Emerge ncy 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 responsi bilities. 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 shelt er 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 appr oach 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 r oads that connect to ma jor and minor streets as identified by SANDAG by a single route were identified and marked.
3. The number of assessor parcel number b oundaries 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 units
10. 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 a n 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 R oad, Rancho Santa Fe R oad, La Costa Ave nue, Levante St -El Camino Real, Calle Barcelona -Leucadia B oulevard, 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 v ulnerabilities 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 th e 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 challen ges 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 Cl imate 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 scarcit y 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 b een 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, ts unamis, 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 migr ation of the public trust boundary, or if the development requires new or augmented shoreline protective devices that would no t 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 applica nts 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 D evelop 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 e ntities 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 oc cupants, 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 ma nagement, 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 V ery 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) t o 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 Mode rate, 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 stand ards, 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 fu ture 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 m aintain 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.
6-72
City of Carlsbad
6 Public Safety
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 Ca rlsbad 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 ex treme 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 p rioritize 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/resilien ce 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 sur rounding hazard zones for wildfire;
6-73
General Plan
6 Public Safety
• 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 micr ogrids, 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
6-74
City of Carlsbad
6 Public Safety
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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. Ap proval 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 Ca rlsbad General Plan.
Jan. 30, 2024
Item #2 Page 42 of 157
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-016
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A GREATER MINIMUM AFFORDABILITY
REQUIREMENT TO APPLY TO DEVELOPMENT OF RESIDENTIAL UNITS ON
CITY-OWNED SITES AND ALL OTHER SITES THAT RECEIVE A RESIDENTIAL
LAND USE CHANGE, AN INCREASE IN RESIDENTIAL DENSITY, OR THAT ARE
OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED AS A HOUSING SITE, ALL AS THOSE SITES ARE IDENTIFIED IN PLANNING COMMISSION RESOLUTIONS 7498 AND 7499 CASE NAME:
CASE NO.:
HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND PUBLIC
SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE
GPA 2022-0001/ZCA 2022-0004/ZC 2022-0001/LCPA
2022-0015/AMEND 2023-0008/AMEND 2023-
0009/ AMEND 2023-0010/ AMEND 2023-0011/ AMEND
2023-0012 (PUB 2022-0010)
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that the Planning Commission did, on October 18, 2023, hold a duly noticed public meeting as prescribed by law to consider Planning Commission Resolutions 7498 and 7499, recommending the City Council approve, among other things, a minimum affordability requirement on non-city-owned sites that have received residential 9esignations or density increases as part of GPA 2022-0001/ZCA 2022-0004/ZC 2022- 0001/LCPA 2022-0015/AMEND 2023-0008/AMEND 20i3-0009/AMEND 2023-0010/AMEN °
D 2023-
0011/AMEND 2023-0012; and
WHEREAS, the City Council also has determined that pursuant to the Municipal Code the Housing Commission did, on December 14, 2023, hold a duly noticed public meeting as prescribed by law to consider Housing Commission Resolution 2023-012, recommending the City Council approve a greater minimum affordability requirement to apply to development of residential units on city owned parcels and all other parcels that receive a residential land use change or an increase in residential density or that are identified as a housing site but that do not require a land use change or density increase, all as identified to implement the programs of the Housing Element and assist the city in meeting its RHNA; and
WHEREAS, the Housing Commission, in developing its recommendation, considered only those sites and parcels identified as part GPA 2022-0001/ZCA 2022-0004/ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022- 0015/ AMEND 2023-0008/AMEND 2023-0009/AMEND 2023-0010/AMEND 2023-0011/AMEND_2023- 0012- HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE; and Exhibit 3
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 43 of 157
WHEREAS, the City Council, on January 30, 2024, held a duly noticed public hearing to consider GPA 2022-0001/ZCA 2022-0004/ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015/AMEND 2023-0008/AMEND 2023-0009/AMEND 2023-0010/AMEND 2023-0011/AMEND 2023-0012 - HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and considered the Planning Commission's and the Housing Commission's recommendations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. For city owned sites, any residential development (rental or for-sale) on the_ properties that have received residential designations or have been identified as a housing site. _ pursuant to the approval of GPA 2022-0001/ZCA 2022-0004/ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022- 0015/ AMEND 2023-0008/AMEND 2023-0009/AMEND 2023-0010/AMEND .. 2023- 0011/AMEND 2023-0012 - HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE shall be consistent with the requirements of California Gov. Code § 37364, as provided below:
a. Not less than 80 percent of the area of any parcel of property shall be used for development of housing.
b. Not less than 40 percent of the total number of those housing units developed on any parcel shall be affordable to households whose incomes are equal to, or less than, 75 percent of the maximum income of lower income households, and at least half of which shall be affordable to very low income households. c. Dwelling units produced for persons and families of low income under this section shall be restricted by regulatory agreement to remain continually affordable to those persons and families for the longest feasible time, but not less than 30 years.
The regulatory agreement shall contain a provision making the covenants and conditions of the agreement binding upon successors in interest of the housing sponsor. The regulatory agreement shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the housing development is located. The Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 44 of 157
regulatory agreement shall be recorded in the grantor-grantee index to the name of the property owner as grantor and to the name of the city as grantee. d. The definitions of "persons and families of low and moderate income," "lower income households," and "very low income households" set forth in Sections 50079, 50093, and 50105 of the Health and Safety Code shall apply.
3. For non-city owned sites, the designation of residential land uses, increases in residential density, or identification of sites for housing pursuant to the approval of GPA 2022-0001/ZCA 2022-0004/ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015/AMEND 2023- 0008/AMEND 2023-0009/AMEND 2023-0010/AMEND
2023-0011/AMEND 2023-0012 -
HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE, are substantial and constitute an "offset" as defined by Carlsbad Municipal Code Section
21.85.020. In exchange for making such offset available, it is appropriate to require, in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 21.85.100, any residential development (rental or for-sale) on the prop�rties that have received residential designations and density increases or have been identified as a housing site, pursuant to this project, to enter into an affordable housing agreement with the City of Carlsbad to provide a minimum of 20% of the total housing units on the site of the residential development as affordable to lower income households at 80% or below the San Diego County Area Median Income. On non-city owned properties that have received residential designations or density increases, this affordable housing requirement may also be satisfied by the following alternatives (at the sole discretion of the City of Carlsbad and following completion of an alternate public benefit analysis):
a. A minimum of 15% of the total projects housing units shall be affordable to lower income households at 80% or below the San Diego County Area Median Income and an additional 10% shall be affordable to moderate income households at 100% or below of the San Diego County Area Median Income; or Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 45 of 157
b. A minimum of 15% of the total project housing units shall be affordable to very low-income households at 50% or below the San Diego County Area Median Income.
4. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this resolution is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the resolution.
The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this resolution and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
5. This action is final 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 Chanter 1.16. Any petition or other paper seeking review must be filed in the appropriate court not later than the 90th day following the date on which this decision
becomes final; however, if within 10 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 of preparation of such record, the time within which such petition may be filed in court is extended to not later than the 30th day following the date on which the record is either personally delivered or mailed to the party, or the party's attorney of record, if the party has one. A written request for the preparation of the record of proceedings shall be filed with the Office of the City Clerk, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 46 of 157
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)
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 47 of 157
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP, TITLE 21 OF THE
CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL CODE, TO IMPLEMENT PORTIONS OF OBJECTIVES B, C, AND D OF HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAM 1.1 (PROVIDE ADEQUATE SITES TO
ACCOMMODATE THE REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT (RHNA)), AND OBJECTIVE B OF HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAM 1.3 (ALTERNATIVE HOUSING) FOR MAP 1 (ALL SITES EXCEPT SITES 8 AND 15, WHICH ARE REMOVED) CASE NAME: HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY
ELEMENT UPDATE
CASE NO: ZCA 2022-0004/ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015 (PUB 2022- 0010)
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 !Jeing in substantial compliance consistent with state housing law; and
WHEREAS, the certified Housing Element contains programs; farther 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 Housing Element Program 1.1 (Provide Adequate Sites to Accommodate RHNA), and specifically objectives 1.1 b., 1.1 c. and 1.1 d.; and to irriplement Housing Element Program
1.3 (Alternative Housing), and specifically objective L3 b., the City Planner has prepared amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map (Title 21 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code) and to the Local Coastal Program (ZCA 2022-0004/ZC 2022-0001/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, on October 18, 2023, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing as prescribed by law to consider ZCA 2022-0004/ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015; and WHEREAS the Planning Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolutions 7498 and 7499 recommending to the City Council that ZCA 2022-0004/ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015 be approved; and WHEREAS, on December 7, 2023, the Airport Land Use Commission reviewed and found that the proposed Zone Code Amendment is conditionally consistent with the adopted McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan; and
Exhibit 4
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 48 of 157
WHEREAS the City Council of the City of Carlsbad held a duly noticed public hearing as prescribed by law to consider ZCA 2022-0004/ZC 2022-0001/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 ZCA 2022-0004/ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, ordains as follows that:
1. The above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the findings of the Planning Commission in Planning Commission Resolution No. 7498 and No. 7499 shall also constitute the findings of the City Council.
3. That Section 21.05.030 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, being the Zoning Map, and the Local Coastal Program Zoning Map are amended as shown on the maps marked "Exhibit ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015" dated October 18, 2023, attached hereto as Attachment A and made a part hereof.
4. That Ordinance CS-432 as adopted by the City Council on September 27, 2022, is pending Coastal Commission review at?d i� incorporated into this ordin.ance.
5. That Sectioh 21.16.010 A.1. of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to rea'd as follows:
21.16.010 Intent and purpose.
A. The intent and purpose of the R-3 multiple-family residential zone is to:
1. Implement the R-15 (Residential 11.5-15 du/ac) and R-23 (Residential 19-23 du/ac) land use designations of the Carlsbad general plan; and
6. That Section 21.18.010 A.1. of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.18.010 Intent and purpose.
A. The intent and purpose of the R-P residential-professional zone is to:
1. Implement the office and related commercial (0), R-15 (Residential 11.5-15 du/ac) and R- 23 (Residential
19-23 du/ac) land use designations of the Carlsbad general plan;
7. That Section 21.22.010 A. 1. of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.22.010 Intent and Purpose.
A. The intent and purpose of the R-W residential waterway zone is to:
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 49 of 157
1. Implement the R-23 (Residential 19-23 du/ac) land use designation of the Carlsbad general plan;
8. That Section 21.24.010 A.1 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.24.010 Intent and purpose.
A. The intent and purpose of the RD-M residential density-multiple zone is to:
Use
1. Implement the R-8 (Residential 4-8 du/ac), R-15 (Residential 11.5-15 du/ac), R-23 (Residential 19-23 du/ac), R-30 (Residential 26.5-30 du/ac), R-35 (Residential 32.5-35 du/ac) and R-40 (Residential 37.5-40 du/ac) land use designations of the Carlsbad general plan; and
9. That the following use listings from Table A of Section 21.24.020 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code are amended to read as follows:
p CUP Ace
Dwelling, one-family (see notes 2, 3 and 7
below) (defined: Section 21.04.125) X
Dwelling, two-family (see note 7 below; defined: Section 21.04.130) X Dwelling, multiple-family (see note 7 below; if the multiple-family dwelling is not X subject to note 7, it shall be subject to Section 21.53.120 if more than4l units are proposed; defined: Section 21.04.135) •··
10. That the notes following Table A of Section 21.24.020 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code are amended to read as follows by the revision of note 3 and the addition of note 7.
Notes:
3. Within the R-15, R-23, and R-30 land use designations, one-family dwellings are permitted when developed as two or more detached units on one lot provided the minimum density of the designation can be attained. In the R-35 and R-40 land use designations, one family dwellings are not permitted. Also, a single one-family dwelling shall be permitted on any legal lot that existed as of October 28, 2004, and which is designated and zoned for residential use, unless the lot has been rezoned by the City Council to meet RHNA requirements as detailed in the programs of the Housing Element, in which case it shall meet the minimum density of the designation. Any proposal to subdivide land or construct more than one dwelling shall be subject to the density and intent of the underlying residential land use designation.
7. Housing developments that contain a minimum of 20 percent affordability to lower-income households as required by Government Code section 65583(c)(l) and 65583.2(h) and that are on specific sites rezoned by the City Council to meet RHNA requirements as detailed in the programs of the Housing Element shall be permitted "by right" as that term is defined in Government Code Section 65583.2(h) and shall be subject to the mitigation measures of Supplemental Environmental Impact Report EIR 2022-0007, certified by City Council Resolution 202X-XXX.
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 50 of 157
11. That Section 21.24.030 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.24.030 Building Height
No building shall exceed a height of thirty-five feet. When the RD-M zone implements the R-35 and R-40 land use designations, no building shall exceed a height of forty-five feet. In all designations RD-M implements, protrusions may exceed the maximum heights permitted as described in Section 21.46.020.
12. That Section 21.24.040 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.24.040 Front yard.
Every lot shall have a front yard of not less than ten feet in depth. However, a front yard of not less than twenty feet in depth shall be provided to carport or garage openings that face onto the front yard.
13. That Section 21.24.050 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.24.050 Side yard.
A. Every lot shall have a side yard as follows:
1. Interior lots shall have a side yard on each s·ide ofthe lot of not less than five feet in width;
2. Corner
lots and reversed corner lots shall have side yards as follows:
a. On the side lot line which adjoins another lot, the side yard shall be the same as that required on an interior lot, and
b. On any side of a lot which is adjacent to a street, the side yard shall be ten feet.
14. That Section 21.24.080 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.24.080 Yards-Structures over thirty-five feet in height.
The above specified yard requirements apply only to those structures up to a height of thirty-five feet and to those structures when the RD-M Zone implements the R-35 and R-40 land use designations. For any other structure which has had its height increased by approval of a specific plan, the yards shall be increased at a ratio of one and one-half additional foot horizontally, for each eight feet of vertical construction. (Ord. NS-718 § 14, 2004)
15. That Section 21.24.100 B. of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.24.100 Lot area.
B. The minimum lot area of a lot in the RD-M zone, when the zone implements the R-15, or R-23, R- 30, R-35 or R-40 land use designations, shall not be less than ten thousand square feet, except
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 51 of 157
that the joining of two smaller lots shall be permitted although their total area does not equal the required lot area. (Ord. NS-718 § 14, 2004)
16. That Section 21.24.110 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
21.24.110 Lot coverage.
All buildings, including accessory buildings and structures, shall cover no more of the lot than sixty percent. In the R-35 and R-40 land use designations, all buildings, including accessory buildings and structures, shall cover no more than seventy-five percent of the lot.
17. That Table A of Section 21.45.040 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to reflect the renumbering of notes in Table A and in the note list following the table due to the addition of note 5:
Zone Residential Use
One-Family Dwelling or Twin-Home on Small Condominium Project Lots (one unit per lot} R-1 (1) or (4) One-family
dwellings - (3) or (4)
Two-family dwellings - (1) or (4)
.. Multiple-family dwellings - (4)
R-2 p One-family or two-family dwellings - P
Multiple-family dwellings - (2) or (4)
R-3 p p
RD-M P(5) p
R-W X p
R-P (6) (7)
RMHP p p
P-C (8) (8)
V-B (9) (9)
Accessory (10) (10) Uses
Notes:
(1) Permitted when the project site is contiguous to a higher intensity land use designation or zone, or an existing project of comparable or higher density.
(2) Permitted when the proposed project site is contiguous to a lot or lots zone R-3, R-T, R-P, C-1, C-2, C M or M, but in no case shall the project site consist of more than one lot nor be more than 90 feet in
width, whichever is less.
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 52 of 157
(3) Permitted when developed as two or more detached units on one lot. (4) Permitted when the project site contains sensitive biological resources as identified in the Carlsbad Habitat Management Plan. In the case of a condominium project, attached or detached units may be permitted when the site contains sensitive biological resources. (5) One-family dwellings or twin-homes on small lots (one unit per lot) are not permitted in the RD-M Zone when it implements the R-35 or R-40 land use designation. (6) Permitted when the R-P zone implements the R-15 land use designation. (7) Permitted when the R-P zone implements the R-15 or R-23 land use designations. (8) Permitted uses shall be consistent with the master plan. (9) Refer to the Village and Barrio master plan for permitted uses. (10) Refer to Table F for permitted accessory uses.
REF.
NO.
C.9
C.12
18. That the text in reference number rows "C.9" and "C.12" of Table C of Section 21.45.060 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to reflect the updated General Plan designations:
SUBJECT DEVELOPMENT STANDARD
Community recreational space shall be provided for all projects of 11 or more dwelling units, as follows:
Project is NOT within R-23,
Community Minimum community R-30, R-35 or R-40 general 200 square feet per unit plan designationsRecreational recreational space
Space(1l required Project IS within R-23, R-
30, R-35 or R-40 general 150 square feet per unit
plan designation
Projects with 11 to 25 Community recreational space shall be provided as dwelling units either (or both) passive or active recreation facilities.
Required for projects with 100 or more units, or a master or specific plan with 100 or more planned development units. Exception: RV storage is not required for projects located within the R-15, R-23, R-30, R-35 or R-40 land use designations.
Recreational 20 square feet per unit, not to include area required for driveways and Vehicle (RV) approaches.
Storage(1l Developments located within master plans or residential specific plans may have Ith is requirement met by the common RV storage area provided by the master plan or residential specific plan.
RV storage areas shall be designed to accommodate recreational vehicles of ivarious sizes (i.e. motorhomes, campers, boats, personal watercraft, etc.).
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 53 of 157
REF.
NO.
E.4
E.5
[The storage of recreational vehicles shall be prohibited in the front yard setback and on any public or private streets or any other area visible to the public. A provision containing this restriction shall be included in the covenants, conditions and restrictions for the project. All RV storage areas shall be screened from adjacent residences and public rights-of-way by a view-obscuring wall and landscaping.
19. That the text in reference number rows "E.4," "E.5," "E. 7," and "E.8" of Table E of Section
21.45.080 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to reflect the updated General Plan designations:
SUBJECT DEVELOPMENT STANDARD
Same as required by the underlying zone, and not to exceed !three stories(ll, (7l
Projects within 40 feet, if roof pitch is 3:12 or greater the R-23 and R 35 feet, if roof pitch is less than 3:12 Maximum 30 general plan
Building designations(ll, Building height shall not exceed three stories Height (7) .
Projects within 45 feet, if roof pitch is 3:12 or greater !the R-35 and R 40 feet, if roof pitch is less than 3:12 40 designations(7l Building height shall not exceed four stories From a private Residential structure 10 feet
or public Direct entry garage 20 feet streetl2l, (3l
Residential structure 5 feet, fully landscaped (walkways (except as specified below) providing access to dwelling entryways Minimum may be located within required
landscaped area) Building Residential structure 0 feet when projecting over the front of a Setbacks From a drive- aislel4l directly above a garage garage.
3 feet
Garage Garages facing directly onto a drive-aisle
shall be equipped with an automatic
garage door opener.
0 feet (residential structure and garage)
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 54 of 157
Projects of 25 units or less Garages facing directly onto a drive-aisle within the R-15, R-23, R-30, shall be equipped with an automatic R-35, and R-40 general plan garage door opener.
designations
0 feet
May cantilever over a drive-aisle,
provided the balcony/deck does not
Balconies/decks impede access and complies with all other (unenclosed and applicable requirements, such as:
uncovered) • Setbacks from property lines
• Building separation
• Fire and Engineering Department
requirements
From the
perimeter
property lines The building setback from an interior side or rear perimeter property of the project line shall be the same as required by the underlying zone for an site (not interior side or rear yard setback. adjacent to a public/private
street)
If a project is located within the R-23, R-30, R-35 or R-40 general plan designations, resident parking shall be provided as specified below,
All dwelling and may also be provided as follows:
• 25% of the units in the project may include a tandem two-cartypes garage (minimum 12 feet x 40 feet). • Calculations for this provision resulting in a fractional unit may be rounded up to the next whole number.
2 spaces per unit, provided as either:
Resident One-family and • a two-car garage (minimum 20 feet x 20 feet), orE.7 Parking(6l two-family • 2 separate one-car garages (minimum 12 feet x 20 feet each) dwellings • In the R-W Zone, the 2 required parking spaces may be provided as 1 covered space and 1 uncovered space(s)
1.5 spaces per unit, 1 of which must be
covered(s)
Multiple-famil, Studio and one-bedroom When calculating the required number of dwellings units parking spaces, if the
calculation results in
a fractional parking space, the required
number of parking spaces shall always be
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 55 of 157
E.8
Private
Units with two or more
bedrooms
rounded up to the nearest whole
number.
2 spaces per unit, provided as either:
• a one-car garage {12 feet x 20 feet)
and 1 covered or uncovered space; or(sJ
• a two-car garage (minimum 20 feet x
20 feet), or
• 2 separate one-car garages (minimum
12 feet x 20 feet each)
• In the R-W Zone and the Beach Area
Overlay Zone, the 2 required parking
spaces may be provided as 1 covered
space and 1 uncovered space(sJ
Required parking may be provided within an enclosed parking garage with multiple, open parking spaces, subject to the following:
• Each parking space shall maintain a standard stall size of 8.5 feet by 20 feet, exclusive of supporting columns; and
•
A backup distance of 24 feet shall be maintained in addition to a minimum 5 feet turning bump-out located at the end of any stall series.
Required
resident parking spaces shall be located no more than 150 eet as measured in a logical walking path from the entrance of the units it could be considered to serve.
Required private recreational space shall be designed so as to be �unctional, usable, and easily accessible from the dwelling it is One-family, intended to serve. two-family, and multiple
family
dwellings
Required private recreational space shall be located adjacent to the unit the area is intended to serve.
Required private recreational space shall not be located within any required front yard setback area, and may not include any driveways, parking areas, storage areas, or common walkways. Recreational t-------i1-------------.----------,--------i Space
One-family Minimum total area per and two-family unit dwellings Projects not within
�he R-15, R-23, or R-
30 general plan
designations
Projects within the
R-15, R-23 or R-30
general plan
designations
400 square feet
200 square feet
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 56 of 157
May consist of more than one recreational space.
May be provided at ground level and/or as a deck/balcony or roof deck.
Not within
�he R-15, R-
23 or R-30 15 feet
general plan
Minimum dimension designations
Within the
R-15, R-23 or
R-30 general 10 feet
plan
designations
Shall not have a slope gradient greater
�han 5%.
Attached solid patio covers and
If provided at ground level decks/balconies may project into a required private recreational space,
subject to the following:
• The depth of the projection shall not
exceed 6 feet (measured from the wall of
�he dwelling that is contiguous to the
patio/deck/balcony}.
• The length of the projection shall not
be limited, except as required by any
setback or lot coverage standards.
Open or lattice-top patio covers may be
located within the required private
recreation space (provided the patio cover
complies with all applicable standards,
including the required setbacks}.
If provided above ground Minimum dimension 6 feet
level as a deck/balcony or Minimum area 60 square feet roof deck Minimum total area per unit 60 square feet Multiple-famil) (patio, porch, or balcony} dwellings Minimum dimension of
patio, porch or balcony 6 feet
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 57 of 157
Projects of 11 or more units that are within the R-23, R-30, R-35, and R-40 general plan designations may opt to provide an additional 75 square feet of community recreation space per unit (subject to the standards specified in Table C of this chapter), in lieu of providing the per unit private recreational space specified above.
20. That Section 21.90.045 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to reflect the addition of text describing growth management control points and that the table titled "Allowed Dwelling Units Per Acre" within Section 21.90.045 is amended with updates to the General Plan Density Ranges:
21.90.045 Growth management residential control point established.
In order to ensure that residential development does not exceed those limits established in the general plan, the following growth management control points are established for the residential density ranges of the land use element.
These growth management control points help the city reasonably estimate potential dwelling unit yields for purposes of determining the future public facility needs of new development.
Allowed Dwelling Units Per Acre
General Plan Density Ranges Growth Management Control Point R 1.5 0-1.5 1.0
R-4 0-4.0 3.2
R-8 4.0-8.0 6.0
R-15 11.5-15.0 11.5
R-23 19.0-23.0 19.0
R-30 26.5-30.0 26.5
R-35 32.5-35 32.5
R-40 37.5-40 37.5
21. That new Section 21.90.200 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, is added to read as follows:
21.90.200 State law preemption
Notwithstanding above sections to the contrary, including but not necessarily limited to sections
21.90.010, 21.90.045, 21.90.180, and 21.90.185, 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.
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 58 of 157
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE APPLICABLE TO PROPERTIES OUTSIDE THE COASTAL ZONE:
This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption; and the City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and cause the full text of the ordinance or a summary of the ordinance prepared by the City Attorney to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Carlsbad within fifteen days after its adoption.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE APPLICABLE TO PROPERTIES INSIDE THE COASTAL ZONE:
This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption or upon Coastal Commission approval of LCPA 2022-0015, whichever occurs later; and the City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and cause the full text of the ordinance or a summary of the ordinance prepared by the City Attorney to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Carlsbad within fifteen days after its adoption.
INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ at a Regular Meeting of the Carlsbad City Council on the 30th day of January, 2024, and thereafter
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the_ day of ___ � 2024, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
CINDIE K. McMAHON, City Attorney
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 59 of 157
Attachment A
Exhibit "ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
October 18, 2023
Site 1- NORTH COUNTY PLAZA
OCEANSIDE
EXISTING
OCEANSIDE
OS
OS
PROPOSED
Zoning Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A. 156-301-16-00 C-2-Q/OS C-2-Q/RD-M/OS
Jan.
30, 2024 Item #2 Page 60 of 157
Exhibit "ZC 2022-0001"
October 18, 2023
Site 2 -THE SHOPPES AT CARLSBAD PARKING LOT
Property APN
A. 156-301-11-00
B. 156-302-14-00
C. 156-302-35-00
D. 156-301-06-00
E. 156-301-01-00
F. 156-302-23-00
G. 156-302-17-00
PLAZA CAMINO REAL DY
OCEANSIDE
PLAZA CAMINO REAL DY
OCEANSIDE
EXISTING
PROPOSED
Zoning Map Designation Change
From:
C-2/OS
C-2
C-2
C-2
C-2
C-2
C-2
C-2
Site 2
To:
C-2/RD-M/OS
C-2/RD-M
C-2/RD-M
C-2/RD-M
C-2/RD-M
C-2/RD-M
C-2/RD-M
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 61 of 157
Exhibit "ZC 2022-0001"
October 18, 2023
Site 3-CHESTNUT AT EL CAMINO REAL PARCEL
Property APN
A. 167-080-34-00
B. 167-080-49-00
C. 167-080-50-00
R-1-10000
EXISTING
�----- i
RD-M
R-1-10000
PROPOSED
W, �
Zoning Map Designation Change
From:
R-1-10000
R-1-10000
R-1-10000
To:
RD-M
RD-M
RD-M
Jan.
30, 2024 Item #2 Page 62 of 157
Exhibit "ZC 2022-0001"
October 18, 2023
Site 4 - ZONE 15 CLUSTER
EXISTING
PROPOSED
Zoning Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A. 209-060-72-00 R-1/OS RD-M/OS
B. 209-090-11-00 RD-M/C-L RD-M
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 63 of 157
Exhibit "ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
October 18, 2023
Site 5 -AVENIDA ENCINAS CAR STORAGE LOT
EXISTING
PROPOSED
Zoning Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A. 210-090-24-00 P-M RD-M
Jan. 30,
2024 Item #2 Page 64 of 157
Exhibit "ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
October 18, 2023
Site 6-CROSSINGS GOLF COURSE LOT 5
GS
OS
OS
P-M/0
<OS
---�
OS
EXISTING
PROPOSED
Zoning Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A. 212-270-05-00 P-M/O RD-M
Jan. 30,
2024 Item #2 Page 65 of 157
Exhibit "ZC 2022-0001"
October 18, 2023
Site 7 -SALK AVENUE PARCEL
EXISTING
PROPOSED
Zoning Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A. 212-021-04-00 0 RD-M
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 66 of 157
Exhibit "ZC 2022-0001"
October 18, 2023
Site 12- INDUSTRIAL SITES EAST OF MELROSE DRIVE
EXISTING
RD-M
Site 12
I
PROPOSED
General Plan Map Designation Change
Property APN From:
A. 221-015-08-00 P-M
B. 221-014-03-00 P-M
To:
RD-M
RD-M
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 67 of 157
Exhibit "ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
October 18, 2023
Site 16- CALTRANS MAINTENACE STATION AND PACIFIC SALES
C-T-Q
C-T-Q
l_
C-T.Q
C-T-Q
Property APN
0 w
�
0 w
(/)
A. 211-050-08-00
B. 221-050-09-00
C-2 €- -Q1OS
EXISTING
PROPOSED
Zoning Map Designation Change
From: To:
R-A-10000 RD-M
C-2 RD-M
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 68 of 157
Exhibit "ZC 2022-0001/LCPA 2022-0015"
October 18, 2023
Site 17- NCTD POINTSETTIA COASTER STATION
EXISTING
PROPOSED
Zoning Map Designation Change
Property APN From: To:
A. 214-150-08-00 RD-M-Q RD-M-0/T-C-Q
B. 214-150-20-00 RD-M-Q RD-M-Q/T-C-Q
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 69 of 157
Jan. 30, 2024 Item #2 Page 70 of 157
Exhibit 5
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA,
APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE BRESSI R ANCH M ASTER P LAN, FE NTON
CARLSBAD C ENTER SP ECIFIC P LAN, G REEN V ALLEY M ASTER P LAN, NORTH
COUNTY PLAZA SPECIFIC PLAN, AND WESTFIELD CARLSBAD SPECIFIC PLAN
TO IMPLEMENT PORTIONS OF OBJECTIVES B, C, AN D D OF HOUSING ELEMENT PROGRAM 1.1 (PROVIDE ADEQUATE SITES TO ACCOMMODATE THE
REGIONAL HOUSING N EEDS ASSESSMENT (RHNA)), AND OBJECTIVE B OF
HOUSING
ELEMENT PROGRAM 1.3 (ALTERNATIVE HOUSING)
CASE NAME: HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY
ELEMENT UPDATE
CASE
NO: AMEND 20 23-0008/AMEND 2023 -0009/AMEND 2023 -
0010/AMEND 2023- 0011/AMEND 2023- 0012/LCPA 2022-
0015 (PUB 2022-0010)
WHERE
AS, 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 Housing Element Program 1.1 (Provide Adequate Sites to Accommodate RHNA), and specifically objectives 1.1 b., 1.1 c. and 1.1 d.; and to implement Housing Element Program
1.3 (Alternative Housing), and specifically objective 1.3 b., the City Planner has prepared amendments to the Bressi Ranch Master Plan, Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan, Green Valley Master Plan, North County Plaza Specific Plan, and Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan and to the Local Coastal Program (AMEND 2023-0008/AMEND 2023-0009/AMEND 2023-0010/AMEND 2023-0011/AMEND 2023-0012/LCPA 2022- 0015) pursuant to Chapters 21.38, 21.52 and 21.54 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, on October 18, 2023, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing as prescribed by law to consider AMEND 2023-0008/AMEND 2023-0009/AMEND 2023-0010/AMEND 2023- 0011/AMEND 2023-0012/LCPA 2022-0015; and
Jan. 30, 2024
Item #2 Page 71 of 157
WHEREAS the Planning Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution 7499 rec
ommending to the City Council that AMEND 2023- 0008/AMEND 2023 -0009/AMEND 2023 - 0010/AMEND 2023-0011/AMEND 2023-0012/LCPA 2022-0015 be approved; 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 A irport Land Use Commission reviewed and found that the proposed amendments to the Bressi Ranch Master Plan (AMEND 2023-0008) and Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan (AMEND 2023-0009), both of which are within the Airport Influence Area of the adopted McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, are conditionally consistent with said plan; and WHEREAS the City Council of the City of Carlsbad held a duly noticed public hearing as prescribed by law to consider AMEND 2023 -0008/AMEND 2023 -0009/AMEND 2023- 0010/AMEND 2023 - 0011/AMEND 2023-0012/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 AMEND 2023-0008/AMEND 2023-0009/AMEND 2023-0010/AMEND 2023- 0011/AMEND 2023-0012/LCPA 2022-0015.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, ordains as follows that:
1. The above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the findings of the Planning Commission in Planning Commission Resolution 7499 shall also constitute the findings of the City Council.
3. That the Bressi Ranch Master Plan, Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan, Green Valley Master Plan, North County Plaza Specific Plan, and Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan are amended as shown on the attached exhibit “ AMEND 2023 -0008/AMEND 2023- 0009/AMEND 2023- 0010/AMEND 2023- 0011/AMEND 2023- 0012, HOUSING ELEMENT
IMPLEMENTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE, PRPOOSED MASTER PLAN AND SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENTS” dated October 18, 2023, hereto as Attachment A and made a part hereof.
EFFECT
IVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE APPLICABLE TO PROPERTIES OUTSIDE THE COASTAL ZONE :
This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption; and the City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and cause the full text of the ordinance or a summary of the ordinance prepared by the Jan. 30, 2024
Item #2 Page 72 of 157
City Attorney to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Carlsbad within fifteen days after its adoption.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ORDINANCE APPLICABLE TO PROPERTIES INSIDE THE COASTAL ZONE:
This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption or upon Coastal Commission approval of LCPA 2022-0015, whichever occurs later; and the City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and cause the full text of the ordinance or a summary of the ordinance prepared by the City Attorney to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Carlsbad within fifteen days after its adoption.
INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ at a R eg ular Meeting of the Carlsbad City Council on the day of , 202 4, and thereafter
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on
the __ day of ________, 2024, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
__________________
_______________
CINDIE K. McMAHON, City Attorney
_______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
__________________
_____________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Jan. 30, 2024
Item #2 Page 73 of 157
Attachment A
Propos
ed Master Plan and Specific Plan Amendments
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
Jan. 30, 2024
Item #2 Page 74 of 157
AMEND 2023-0008/AMEND 2023-0009/AMEND 2023-0010/
AMEND 2023-0011/AMEND 2023-0012/LCPA 2022-0015
HOUSING ELEMENT IMPLEMENTATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT UPDATE
PROPOSED MASTER PLAN AND SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENTS
1. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Exhibit I-1 is amended to read as follows:
Attachment A
2. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Exhibit I-2 is amended to read as follows:
& RD-M
& RD-M
3. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Exhibit I-4 is amended to read as follows:
4. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Exhibit I-4a is amended to read as follows:
5. The second paragraph of Section I.D of the Bressi Ranch Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
Seven of the planning areas will be developed with a wide range of single-family detached homes on lots ranging in size from approximately 3,500 square feet to over 14,000 square feet in size. One h undred units of affordable multifamily apartments will be provided in Planning Area 15. Up to 20 market rate units may be located in Planning Area 15 if the total number of units approved for development in Planning Areas 6 through 12 is less than 523. Planning Area 16 proposes 125 townhome units. Planning Area 4 can accommodate approximately 49 multifamily units and Planning Area 5 can accommodate approximately 199 multifamily units. There will be approximately 996 dwelling units in the Bressi Ranch Master Plan at buildout. Exhibit I-5 on page I-9 shows a preliminary schematic site plan of Bressi Ranch.
6. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Exhibit I-9 is amended to read as follows:
7. The last paragraph of Section I.F.2 of the Bressi Ranch Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
Site Development Plan – Site Development Plans will be required to establish the design of the mixed-use areas, for the development of apartments/affordable apartments, commercial areas, a daycare facility, and the Village Green. In addition, pursuant to Chapter 21.34, a Site Development Plan must be processed for development in Planning Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 14 and 16.
8. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section III.A.5 is amended to read as follows:
5. Number of Units
The original base number of units within the Master Plan was determined primarily by the City of Carlsbad Growth Management Ordinance. The existing Master Plan area’s net developable acreage was multiplied by the corresponding growth control point based on the original land use designation of RLM. Using this methodology, a total of 498 base dwelling units was originally anticipated within the Bressi Ranch Master Plan area prior to preparation of the Master Plan.
The original maximum number of dwelling units for the Master Plan was determined by the application of California Government Code Section 65915 (State Density Bonus Ordinance), which permits a minimum additional 25%of the base dwelling units. In return for the density bonus, 20% of the base dwelling units (20% x 498 = 100) must be made affordable to lower income households. Through the use of the State ordinance, an additional 125 (25%x 498) dwelling units were allocated to the Master Plan for a total of 623 - 638 units when the Master Plan was first approved in 2002.
The Master Plan identifies an expected number of dwelling units for each planning area.
Planning Areas 6-12 are exclusively residential and are anticipated to have 523 - 538 dwelling units.
Planning Area 15 identifies 100 units as part of a mixed land use. Master Plan 178(I) revised the land use designation of 18 acres at the southwest corner of Palomar Airport Road and El Fuerte Street identified as PA-16 from Industrial to R-23 (Residential 19 -23 du/ ac) units per acre and Local Commercial (R-23/L) with 125 dwelling units. Master Plan Amendment (Amend 2023-0008) revised the land use designation of 2.6 acres in Planning Area 4 from Planned Industrial to R-23 (Residential 19 - 23 du/ac) and revised the land use designation of 5.3 acres in Planning Area 5 from Planned Industrial to R-40 (Residential 37.5 - 40 du/ac). The actual number of units for any planning area may increase or decrease through the detailed review process of each subsequent development proposal. The estimated total number of dwelling units in the Master Plan is 996.
9. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section III.A.13.a.ii is amended to read as follows:
ii. Planning Areas 4, 5, 15 & 16 (Residential) – If the housing/affordable housing projects to be located in Planning Areas 4, 5,15 & 16 are built as a condominium project, then the developer shall establish a sub-area residential homeowners association and corresponding CC&Rs. Said CC&Rs shall be submitted to and approved by the City Planner prior to final Map approval. Prior to the first certificate of occupancy, the State will require establishment of the sub-area homeowner’s association. The subarea homeowner’s association shall be responsible for the maintenance of common facilities only within the limits of this residential condominium project.
10. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section III.B is amended to read as follows:
B. General Plan
The General Plan designations of the Bressi Ranch Master Plan are:
PI - Planned Industrial
O - Office
L - Local Shopping Center
R-4 - Residential 0-4 du/ac
R-8 - Residential 4-8 du/ac
R-15 - Residential 11.5-15 du/ac
R-23 - Residential 19-23 du/ac
R-40 - Residential 37.5-40 du/ac
OS - Open Space
CF - Community Facilities
P - Public
11. Bressi Ranch Master Section III.C is amended to read as follows:
C. Zoning
Concurrent with the approval of the Bressi Ranch Master Plan, the zoning of this site was changed from Limited Control (L-C) to Planned Community (P-C). Since the P-C Zone requires the designation of underlying zoning, each of the planning areas and open space areas has been assigned an underlying zoning designation. Pursuant to the powers of Chapter 21.38 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code (Planned Community Zone), this Master Plan shall constitute the zoning of all lands within the Master Plan. No person shall use or develop contrary to the provisions of the Master Plan. All provisions of the Master Plan are imposed as a condition of zoning. Approval of this document does not excuse compliance with all other applicable City ordinances in effect at the time building permits are issued. Unless modified by this Master Plan, or approval of a Planned Development Permit or Non-Residential Planned Development Permit, all development shall comply with the requirements of the underlying zoning as shown by Exhibit I-9 on page I-15. These underlying zoning designations are provided below:
Planning Areas Zone
1 O (Office)
2, 3, 4, 5, 14 P-M (Planned Industrial)
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12 RD-M (Residential Density-Multiple)
9, 10, 11 R-1 (One Family Residential)
13 C-F (Community Facilities)
15 C-2/RD-M/C-L/C-F (General Commercial/Residential Density-Multiple/Local Shopping Center/Community Facilities)
16 RD-M/C-L (Residential Density Multiple/Local Shopping Center) Open Space Areas
1-6 O-S (Open Space)
12. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Exhibit III-1 is amended to read as follows:
13. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section III.E.1 is amended to read as follows:
1. Planned Industrial (PI)
Due to their geographical locations, Planning Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 14 have a designation of Planned Industrial (P-I) (portions of Planning Areas 4 and 5 are also designated residential, see below). These planning areas comprise part of the central industrial core of the City of Carlsbad, are bordered by regional arterials, and are located in close proximity to Palomar Airport and lie within the McClellan- Palomar Airport Influence Area. Planning Areas 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 will be developed with a combination of corporate office, light manufacturing, and research and development, and residential uses, and Planning Area 14 may be developed with an industrial serving commercial use such as a service station/convenience store/car wash. The uses within these planning areas will be developed in accordance with the recommendations of SANDAG's Land Use Compatibility Plan for McClellan-Palomar Airport and the County's Airport Master Plan.
Portions of Planning Areas 2, 3, 4 and 5 are within the Flight Activity Zone of McClellan-Palomar Airport. A small part of Planning Area 3, near the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real, is also within the Runway Protection Zone. Development within these areas will be limited in scope in accordance with the recommendations of SANDAG's Land Use Compatibility Plan for McClellan-Palomar Airport. Exhibit I-4 on page I-6 shows the boundaries of the Airport Influence Area, Flight Activity Zone and Runway Protection Zone.
14. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section III.E.5 is amended to read as follows:
5. Residential (R-4, R-8, R-15, R-23, R-40)
The central portion of the Bressi Ranch Master Plan has been divided into seven residential planning areas, which will be developed with a wide variety of single-family detached homes on lots ranging in size from 3,500 square feet to over 14,000 square feet in size. Exhibit I-1 on page I-2 shows the location of the various development types. Exhibit III-1 on page III-11 shows the potential units that have been assigned to each residential planning area. The exact number of units developed in each planning area will be determined at the time of tentative map approval.
The location of the residential portion of the Master Plan will allow for the development of a community based on the Ahwahnee Principals. Most residences will be within a 5-minute walk of either jobs, the Village Center, the Village Green or community facilities. Residents will be close to major arterial roadways, yet no arterial roads will go through the residential portion of the site. The low volume roadways within the residential portion of the Master Plan will be designed with traffic calming devices to slow traffic and encourage pedestrian activity.
One hundred affordable apartments will be developed in Planning Area 15 adjacent to the Village Square. The site was chosen for the affordable units for a number of reasons, such as its close proximity to jobs, public transit stops, store and social/recreational opportunities located in this portion of the Master Plan.
In the northern portion of the Master Plan, within Planning Areas 4 and 5, are two sites designated for residential development. These sites were designated for residential use as part of AMEND 2023-0008 (Master Plan 178(L)), consistent with Site 10 and Site 11 of the 2021-2029 Housing Element Program 1.1.
All discretionary permits for residential development in the Master Plan will be conditioned to enter into an Affordable Housing Agreement pursuant to Section 21.38.120 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code. This agreement shall be approved by the City prior to recordation of the first residential final map or issuance of residential building permits, whichever occurs first. All relevant terms and conditions of any Affordable Housing Agreement shall be filed and recorded as a deed restriction on those individual lots or units of a project, which are designated for the location of Affordable Units.
15. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Exhibit III-2 is amended to read as follows:
16. The first paragraph of Section VI.B of the Bressi Ranch Master Plan is amended to read as follows:
B. Office and Industrial Planning Areas (PA 1-5 & 14)
One or more of the following administrative or discretionary applications shall be filed either concurrently with or subsequent to the application for a tentative map in Planning Areas 1-5 & 14.
For residential development in PA 4 and PA 5, see Section VI. D below.
17. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section VI.D is added to read as follows (all sections that follow shall be renumbered accordingly):
D. Residential in PA 4 & 5
Planned Development Permits
Subdivision of residential units for the purpose of separate ownership shall be processed in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.45 “Planned Developments”.
Site Development Plan
A Site Development Plan shall be required for for-rent residential uses.
18. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section VI.G is amended to read as follows:
H. Amendments
Master Plan Amendments
Master Plan Amendments shall be processed pursuant to the requirements of Chapter
21.38.120 (P-C Zone) of the Carlsbad Municipal Code and all applicable City and Planning Division Policies. Minor Master Plan Amendments shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission. Major Master Plan Amendments shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission and City Council. A Minor Master Plan Amendment shall not change the densities of a planning area, the boundaries of the subject property, or involve an addition of a new use or group of uses not shown in the original Master Plan or rearrangement of uses within the Master Plan.
The Master Plan provides an estimate of the approximate number of units that will be developed within each Planning Area. The exact number of units that will be developed within each Planning Area will be determined during the subsequent review of the tentative maps that divide each Planning Area into individual residential lots. A Minor Master Plan Amendment shall be processed concurrently with each tentative map requesting 10% (or less) above or below the anticipated number of dwelling units stated for the Planning Areas. This amendment will revise Exhibit XIV-1 on page XIV-1 of the Master Plan to indicate exactly how many units have been approved in each Planning Area and how many remaining units exist in the Master Plan. If the number of units requested in an individual Planning Area varies by more than 10%, a Major Master Plan Amendment shall be processed concurrently with the proposed Tentative Map. In no case shall the number of dwelling units approved in an individual Planning Area exceed that allowed by its General Plan designation (see Exhibit III-1 on page III-11), unless a density bonus or density increase is approved per state law or city regulations.
Tentative Map/Planned Development Permit Amendments
Amendments to Tentative Maps and Planned Development Permits may be permitted in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 20 and Section 21.45.100 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
Site Development Plan Amendments
Amendments to Site Development Plans shall be processed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 21.06 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
Substantial Conformance
Minor revisions to Tentative Maps, Parcel Maps, Planned Development Permits, Site Development Plans and Conditional Use Permits may be administratively approved by the City Planner subject to the requirements of the Planning Division’s Substantial Conformance Policy in effect at the time of the proposed minor revision.
19. The “Description” subsection of Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section VII.F.4 is amended to read as follows:
Description
Planning Area 4 (see Exhibit VII-14 on page VII-31) is located at the southeast intersection of Palomar Airport Road and Innovation Way. Planning Area 16, a mixed multi-family residential and commercial area, is located east of Planning Area 4 and Planning Area 3, an industrial area, is located to the west. To the south of Planning Area 4 is a portion of residential Planning Area 6 and mixed-use Planning Area 15. Planning Area 4 has a gross area of 26.0 acres and a net developable area of 26.0 acres.
This section only addresses the portion of Planning Area 4 designated for planned industrial uses. For more information on the portion of the site that is designated for residential uses, please see Section X.E.8. on page X-46.
20. The “Implementation of Master plan Vision and Goals” subsection of Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section VII.F.4 is amended to read as follows:
Implementation of Master Plan Vision and Goals
The purpose of this planning area, including its design standards and allowed uses, is to provide for office or industrial/warehouse uses (Goal 5).
Planning Area 4 is designated as Planned Industrial due to its location at the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and Innovation Way (Goal 6) and its location within the Airport Influence Zone. Palomar Airport Road and Innovation Way provide convenient vehicular access to Planning Area 4, and transit stops located along Palomar Airport Road will be within easy walking distance to this planning area (Goal 3). Residents of the Master Plan may also access this area using the sidewalks along public streets or the internal pedestrian circulation system of the Master Plan (Goal 2). In addition, employees and residents of Planning Area 4 can conveniently utilize the Village Center for a variety of activities due to the close proximity of the two areas.
21. The “General Plan & Zoning” subsection of Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section VII.F.4 is amended to read as follows:
General Plan & Zoning (planned industrial areas only)
General Plan Land Use: Planned Industrial (PI)
Zoning: Planned Industrial (P-M)
22. The “Description” subsection of Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section VII.F.5 is amended to read as follows:
Description
Planning Area 5 (see Exhibit VII-15 on page VII-35) is located in the northeast corner of the Master Plan, south of Palomar Airport Road and bordered on the west by El Fuerte Street.
Open Space Area 4 borders the southern boundary of Planning Area 5. Planning Area 4 is located across El Fuerte Street to the west of Planning Area 5. Planning Area 5 has a gross area of 28.0 acres and a net developable area of 27.7 acres.
This section only addresses the portion of Planning Area 5 designated for planned industrial uses. For more information on the portion of the site that is designated for residential uses, please see Section X.E.8. on page X-46.
23. The “Implementation of Master plan Vision and Goals” subsection of Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section VII.F.5 is amended to read as follows:
Implementation of Master Plan Vision and Goals
The purpose of this planning area, including its design standards and allowed uses, is to provide for office or industrial uses (Goal 5).
Planning Area 5 is designated as Planned Industrial due to its location within the Airport Influence Zone and its location near the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El Fuerte Street, which provides for safe, convenient vehicular access (Goal 6). Residents of both the Bressi Ranch Master Plan and the affordable housing portion of the Rancho Carrillo Master Plan may also conveniently access this area using the sidewalks along the public streets (Goal 2).
Employees and residents in Planning Area 5 will be able to take advantage of the proposed bus stop on Palomar Airport Road (Goal 3).
24. The “General Plan & Zoning” subsection of Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section VII.F.5 is amended to read as follows:
General Plan & Zoning (planned industrial areas only)
General Plan Land Use: Planned Industrial (PI)
Zoning: Planned Industrial (PM)
25. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Exhibit X-13 is amended to read as follows:
26. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Section X.E.8 is amended to read as follows:
Description
Planning Areas 4, 5 & 16 are located in the northern portion of the Master Plan area.
The residential area in Planning Area 4 has a gross and net developable area of 2.6 acres. The residential area in Planning Area 5 has a gross and net developable area of 5.3 acres.
Planning Area 16 has a gross area of 17.7 acres and a net developable area of 17.7 acres (see Exhibit VIII-4 on page VIII-18).
This section only addresses the portions of Planning Areas 4, 5 and 16 that will be developed with residential uses. For information on the portion of the sites in PA 4 and 5 that will be developed with planned industrial uses, see Section VII pages VII -30 to VII -37.
For information on the portion of PA 16 that will be developed with commercial uses, please see Section VIII.A.3. on Page VIII-17.
Implementation of Master Plan Vision and Goals
The purpose of the R-23 and R-40 designated portions of Planning Areas 4 and 5 is to accommodate housing to meet the objectives of the Housing Element.
The purpose of Planning Area 16 is to allow for the creation of a unique mixed-use neighborhood that will provide additional residential units and expand the commercial and restaurant uses available within walking distance to many Bressi Ranch residents. The commercial component of Planning Area 16 will extend Finnila Place, and the main street feeling of the commercial center.
Many of the goals of the Bressi Ranch Master Plan will be incorporated into the design of or promoted by these planning areas. Housing, jobs, daily needs and other activities are all within easy walking (Goal 2). A variety of uses are also within easy walking distance of transit stops on El Fuerte (Goal 3). There will be a variety of job opportunities in Planning Area 16 (Goal 5) that are proximate to Planning Areas 4 and 5.
General Plan and Zoning (residential portions only)
General Plan Land Use: R-23 (PA4), R-40 (PA5), R-23 (PA16) Zoning: RD-M (PA 4, 5 & 16) Units: It is anticipated that Planning Area 4 will be developed with 49 dwelling units, Planning Area 5 will be developed with 199 dwelling units, and Planning Area 16 will be developed with 125 dwelling units.
Discretionary Permits Required for Development
All development proposals shall be processed in conformance with the requirements of the Carlsbad Municipal Code as detailed in Chapter VI of this Master Plan.
Uses Allowed
Residential - Multiple Family Attached
Design Criteria
In addition to complying with the neighborhood design criteria, residential development in Planning Areas 4, 5 and 16 shall comply with the following design criteria:
Development in Planning Area 16 should be designed to provide convenient pedestrian links to the adjacent retail center. Each planning area should also provide convenient links to other portions of the community.
Development Standards
Residential development in Planning Areas 4, 5 and 16 shall comply with all applicable regulations and development standards of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, including the PUD requirements, except as modified by Section X.B of this Master Plan.
In Planning Areas 4 and 5 any residential development (rental or for-sale) shall enter into an affordable housing agreement with the City of Carlsbad to provide a minimum of 20 % of the total housing units on the site of the residential development as affordable to lower income households at 80% or below the San Diego County Area Median Income. This affordable housing requirement may also be satisfied by the following alternatives (at the sole discretion of the City of Carlsbad and following completion of an alternate public benefit analysis):
• At least 15% of the total housing units shall be affordable to low-income households and an additional 10% shall be affordable to moderate- income households; or • At least 15% of the total housing units shall be affordable to very low-income households.
27. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Exhibit XI-1 is amended to read as follows:
28. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Exhibit XI-2 is amended to read as follows:
29. Bressi Ranch Master Plan Exhibit XIV-1 is amended to read as follows:
30. Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Section I.A is amended to read as follows:
A. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan (FCCSP) is to address the need for a full mix of office and medical facilities within Carlsbad, to serve both residents and the daily workforce, as well as provide housing close to jobs, including housing affordable to lower-income households. In doing so, the plan aims to achieve an objective of the City of Carlsbad's General Plan by reflecting the cultural values of the community. Some important values are providing affordable housing, maintaining a jobs-housing balance, providing for a healthy lifestyle, including the provision of services for adequate health care needs, and providing those who live and work in the City of Carlsbad, the right to convenient and readily accessible health care.
FCCSP only seeks to define the allowable type of land uses and does not provide development standards or design standards above and beyond those of the Office (O) Zone and Residential Density-Multiple (RD-M) Zone; the plan does include several implementation measures that future projects will need to comply with in addition to those of the base zones. The FCCSP is adopted pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Sections 65450 et. seq. and the Land Use Element of the City of Carlsbad General Plan.
31. Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Section I.C is amended to read as follows:
C. HISTORY
The Fenton Carlsbad Medical Center, formerly the Fox Miller Property, was subdivided and graded into five lots under CT 00-20 in 2002. Lots 1 through 4 were zoned PM for industrial use and Lot 5 was zoned as open space (OS). In 2006, Lot 1 of the FCMC was rezoned from Planned Industrial (PM) to Office (0) under GPA 06-01/ZC 06-017 SDP 06-03. SDP 06-03 allowed for the construction of a two- story 40,655 square foot Medical Office building on Lot 1.
In 2008, this specific plan was prepared in conjunction with a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change that changed uses in the FCCSP area from Planned Industrial to Office. The FCCSP limits medical office uses to lot 1 of the FCCSP.
In 2024, this specific plan was amended to change the land use designation of lot 4 from Office to R-30 (Residential 26.5 – 30 du/ac), consistent with the 2021-2029 Housing Element Program 1.1.
The following are past approvals related to the FCCSP area:
• GPA 00-05/ZC 00-07/CT 00-20/PIP 00-02/HDP 00-11/SUP 00-10 • GPA 06-01/ZC 06-017 SDP 06-03
• PIP 04-03/SUP 04-11
• PIP 06-06
32. Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Section I.D is amended to read as follows:
D. REGULATORY SPECIFIC PLAN
The FCCSP is a regulatory document that only manages land uses. It is not a policy document and does not introduce any new policy objectives. The plan provides for residential uses and a mix of office uses, including a proportional amount of medical office uses within the city's central employment area and also within close proximity to other residentially zoned areas.
33. Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Figure 3 is amended to read as follows:
34. Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Section I.E is amended to read as follows:
E. CONSISTENCY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN AND PLANS OF OTHER JURISDICTIONS Lots 1-3 of the plan area are designated in the City of Carlsbad's General Plan as Office (0), Lot 4 is designated R-30 (Residential 26.5-30 du/ac), and Lot 5 is designated Open Space (OS). The Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan is consistent with the elements of the Carlsbad General Plan. Consistent with the General Plan, this specific plan allows:
• Residential uses on Lot 4 at a density of 26.5 to 30 dwelling per acre. • A full mix of office uses on Lots 1, 2 and 3 with a provision for medical offices on Lot 1, consistent with the Office land use designation.
• The continued use and protection of open space on Lot 5.
The following highlights some of the major General Plan goals and policies applicable to the Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan.
1. Land Use & Community Design Element
2-G.2 Promote a diversity of compatible land uses throughout the city, to enable people to live close to job locations, adequate and convenient commercial services, and public support systems such as transit, parks, schools, and utilities.
2-P.6 Encourage the provision of lower and moderate-income housing to meet the objectives of the Housing Element.
2-P.13 Encourage medium to higher density residential uses located in close proximity to commercial services, employment opportunities and major transportation corridors.
The specific plan promotes a diversity of compatible land uses by allowing for residential uses and medical/professional office uses that enable people to live close to jobs and services. The specific plan allows for higher density residential uses, including lower income housing, in close proximity to services and employment opportunities.
2. 2021-2029 Housing Element
10-G.1 New housing developed with diversity of types, prices, tenures, densities, and locations, and in sufficient quantity to meet the demand of anticipated city and regional growth and to meet or exceed the city’s established Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA).
10-P.4 Encourage increased integration of housing with nonresidential development where appropriate and where residential development can be implemented in a way that is compatible with existing and planned uses.
The specific plan provides for higher density housing on Lot 4, including a requirement for affordable housing, which helps to meet the city’s RHNA. The housing on Lot 4 is also integrated into an area comprised of nonresidential development.
3. Mobility Element
3-P.5 Require developers to construct or pay their fair share toward improvements for all travel modes consistent with this Mobility Element, the Growth Management Plan, and specific impacts associated with their development.
4. Noise Element
5-G.2 Ensure that new development is compatible with the noise environment, by continuing to use potential noise exposure as a criterion in land use planning.
The uses within the plan area will comply with interior noise standards, through the requirement to submit a letter from an acoustician detailing how specific construction measures attenuate the interior noise environment to 50 dBA CNEL (for office uses) and 45 dBA CNEL (for residential uses) or lower.
This plan implements the General Plan in conjunction with the Residential Density-Multiple (RD-M), Office (O) and Open Space (OS) Zoning classifications of the area. The permitted uses are primarily those specifically referenced in Section II of this document. The provisions of the RD-M and Office Zones (e.g., development standards, development permit requirements, etc.) and any amendments to it apply to the topics that are not covered in this plan. Approval of this plan does not vest any rights for future approvals of any licenses, discretionary acts or other entitlements necessary for future development in the plan area. Subsequent public works projects, tentative or parcel maps, discretionary acts, and zoning ordinances that affect the plan area must be consistent with the FCCSP.
Pre-existing tentative or parcel maps, discretionary acts (e.g., Site Development Plans, Planned Industrial Permits, grading permit, etc.), ministerial acts (e.g., building permits, etc.) are deemed consistent with the FCCSP.
The FCCSP area is located within the Airport Influence Area and Flight Activity Zone of the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the McClellan-Palomar Airport (ALCUP). A mix of residential, office and medical office uses allowed under the FCCSP is consistent with compatibility requirements of the existing Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan for the McClellan-Palomar Airport, as amended December 1, 2011, because of the area's location well outside the 60 dB CNEL noise contour. The FCCSP contains a requirement that all future development permits be consistent with the airport plan in effect at the time of the application for development permit. FCCSP was considered at the May 1, 2008, San Diego Airport Authority hearing and found to be conditionally consistent with the ALUCP.
The Airport Authority conditioned the plan not to allow intensive development nor uses which involve the assembly of large groups of people (more than one hundred (100) persons per assembly area (as defined by the California Building Code Group A Occupancy). Furthermore, on December 7, 2023, the San Diego Airport Authority found the residential R-30 designation of Lot 4 to be conditionally consistent with the ALUCP.
35. The first paragraph of Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Section II is amended to read as follows:
The Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan provides for a mix of office uses on Lot 1 (Area 1) and Lots 2 and 3 (Area 2) with a provision for medical offices on Lot 1, consistent with the Office land use designation; residential uses on Lot 4 (Area 1); and open space on Lot 5 (Area 3) of the plan.
36. The first paragraph of Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Section II.A is amended to read as follows:
This section outlines the allowed residential uses in Area 1 and office uses in Areas 1 and 2 of the plan area, no development or design standards are proposed. All development in the O Zone, except child day care centers, shall require approval of a site development plan processed according to the provisions of Chapter 21.06 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
37. Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Section II.A.1 is amended to read as follows:
1. AREA 1 (LOT 4)
All uses allowed in the underlying Residential Density-Multiple (RD-M) zone are permitted in Area 1 (Lot 4), provided residential density is consistent with the General Plan R-30 land use designation (26.5 – 30 du/ac).
Residential development (rental or for-sale) shall enter into an affordable housing agreement with the City of Carlsbad to provide a minimum of 20 % of the total housing units on the site of the residential development as affordable to lower income households at 80% or below the San Diego County Area Median Income. This affordable housing requirement may also be satisfied by the following alternatives (at the sole discretion of the City of Carlsbad and following completion of an alternate public benefit analysis):
• At least 15% of the total housing units shall be affordable to low-income households and an additional 10% shall be affordable to moderate-income households; or • At least 15% of the total housing units shall be affordable to very low-income households.
2. AREA 1 (LOT 1)
All uses allowed in the underlying Office zone, which includes medical offices, are permitted in Area 1 (Lot 1). Additionally permitted appurtenant uses such as a cafeteria, flower or gift shop, and any other accessory uses determined by the Planning Director as relating to a primary use of medical offices, medical clinic and/or medical complex. Up to 150,000 square feet of medical offices/complex/clinic are permitted on Lot 4 and up to 47,000 square feet on Lot 1, provided that parking is consistent with the requirements of Chapter 21.44 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code. The maximum size of any future development of Lot 1 with offices allowed in the O Zone, other than medical offices, would be subject to the development standards of the O Zone.
38. Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Sections II.B.1 and II.B.2 are amended to read as follows:
1. The siting of buildings within the Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan should capture the available views from the property. Changes in massing and articulation of each building should highlight its public entry.
2. On lots 1 through 3 only, all sides of the building facade should receive equal design attention. A building's exterior finish materials should include a generous amount of glass; smooth texture finishes such as plaster, pre-finished metal or concrete, and stone or masonry. Masonry may be utilized as a contrasting or complementary material to other hard surface materials such as glass or metal panels that may be used on the building. Masonry materials may include brick, stone, tile, or architectural concrete block (such as burnished, split face or ribbed block). The materials selected should be consistent with the character of a corporate office building and consistent with the existing buildings in the Carlsbad Research Center.
39. Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Section III is amended to read as follows:
Ill. INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES
The infrastructure improvements planned for and approved as part of Local Facilities Management Zone 5 and the City of Carlsbad Capital Improvement Plan, remain applicable and satisfactory for the FCCSP for all categories except for traffic circulation. FCCSP allows for and encourages the development of medical offices in Area 1 (lot 1) of the plan area. If medical offices, which have higher traffic generation rates than other types of offices, develop in this plan area, traffic circulation improvements will be necessary, as detailed below.
Implementation of the specific plan shall occur through the adherence of future development proposals to the permitting requirements and development standards of the underlying zoning (RD- M and Office Zones) and all other applicable requirements of the Carlsbad Municipal Code (e.g., Titles 19, 20, 21, etc.). Additionally, all future requests for development, whether administrative or discretionary, within the plan area shall comply with the following:
• Provide a letter from an acoustician detailing how specific construction measures attenuate the interior noise environment to 50 dBA CNEL (for office uses) and 45 dBA CNEL (for residential uses) or lower.
• Comply with the requirements of whichever McClellan-Palomar Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan is in effect at the time of subsequent development permit application.
FCCSP was considered at the May 1, 2008, San Diego Airport Authority hearing and found to be conditionally consistent with the ALUCP. The Airport Authority found the Specific Plan consistent that the plan not to allow intensive development and all uses which involves the assembly of large groups of people (more than one hundred (100) persons per assembly area (as defined by the California Building Code Group A Occupancy).
Furthermore, on December 7, 2023, the San Diego Airport Authority found the residential R-30 designation of Lot 4 to be conditionally consistent with the ALUCP. • Comply with the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) (e.g., provision of Best Management Practices and Low Impact Development requirements) that are current at the time of project application.
40. Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Section V.A is amended to read as follows:
A. GENERAL NOTES
1. The developer(s) shall be responsible for implementing the mitigation measures which are based on the Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (Planning Commission Resolution 6431).
2. Where questions arise regarding the interpretation of this Specific Plan, the City Planner shall resolve them in a manner consistent with the Municipal Code, adopted City plans, and City policy. Such decisions by the City Planner may be appealed to the Planning Commission and City Council.
41. Fenton Carlsbad Center Specific Plan Section V.B is amended to read as follows:
B. MITIGATION MEASURES
1. San Diego Regional Airport Authority
As the project involves a General Plan Amendment, the project was submitted to the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority (SDCRAA) for a determination of consistency with the McClellan-Palomar Airpor t Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) on May 1, 2008. The SDCRAA adopted Resolution 2008-0018 ALUC finding the project conditionally consistent with the ALUCP. The condition added was the restriction that all assembly areas within the proposed project that are located within the FAZ be limited (as defined by the Uniform Building Code Group A Occupancy) to no more than one hundred (100) persons per assembly area in order to be consistent with FAZ guidelines in the McClellan Palomar Airport ALUCP. Furthermore, on December 7, 2023, the San Diego Airport Authority found the residential R-30 designation of of Lot 4 to be conditionally consistent with the ALUCP.
42. Green Valley Master Plan Figure I-5 is amended to read as follows:
43. Green Valley Master Plan Figure I-6 is amended to read as follows:
44. Green Valley Master Plan Table I-1 is amended to read as follows:
45. The “Planning Area 2” subsection of Green Valley Master Plan Section I.C is amended to read as follows:
Planning Area 2 - Retail Center & R-23 (Residential 19 – 23 du/ac)
The Planning Area 2 is located in the south part of the disturbed portion of Green Valley, west of Planning Area 1. There are approximately 18.3 NDA (net developable acres) designated for commercial uses on the southeast side of Calle Barcelona, and approximately 4 NDA designated for residential uses (19 -23 du/ac) on the west side of Calle Barcelona. The planning area extends from the residential area north of Calle Barcelona to the southerly property boundary. Planning Area 2 consists of a retail center and residential area. A total of up to 300,000 square feet of commercial development may be allowed in Planning Area 2 , subject to approval of a Site Development Plan. Approximately 76 dwelling units may be permitted, subject to a site development plan or planned development permit.
46. Green Valley Master Plan Section II.B is amended to read as follows:
B. GENERAL PLAN
A General Plan is a regulatory instrument by which the general type, location, and intensity of land use is established within a city or county in order to ensure the best possible environment for the citizens and workers in that area. The project site is designated in the Carlsbad General Plan land Use Element and land Use Map as Regional Commercial (R), R-15 (Residential 11.5-15 du/ac), R-23 (Residential 19-23 du/ac), and Open Space (OS) (see Figure 11-1).
The R-15 and R-23 residential designations provide for residential development at a density of 11.5-15 (R-15) and 19-23 (R-23) dwelling units per developable acre. R-15 and R-23 residential areas are typically characterized by condominium or apartment developments.
The project site is bordered on two sides by Circulation Element Roads. El Camino Real, which serves as the project's eastern boundary, is designated as a prime arterial, which at ultimate buildout is intended to have six travel lanes and a median divider within a 1 26 -foot right-of- way. la Costa Avenue to the north is designated as a major arterial in the vicinity of the project site. A major arterial has four travel lanes and a median divider within a 102-foot right- of-way. Driveway access from private property to prime arterials and major arterials is prohibited.
An extension of Leucadia Boulevard from Sidonia Street to El Camino Real is also indicated on the Carlsbad General Plan map, even though it is within the City of Encinitas. This roadway, to be located imm ediately south of Green Valley, will connect to El Camino Real at Olivenhain Road. Leucadia Boulevard is listed as a major arterial in both the Encinitas and Carlsbad General Plans with an ultimate width of four lanes.
El Camino Real is designated as a Co mmunity Theme Corridor in the Scenic Highways Element of the Carlsbad General Plan. Scenic corridors are those roadways which have been identified as having significant scenic or historical value. It is the intent of the Element ultimately protect and en hance identified scenic areas by the use of Specific Plans or overlay ordinances which may regulate site design, building massing and heights, landscaping, signage, etc.
47. Green Valley Master Plan Figure II-1 is amended to read as follows:
1. Figure II-1 is amended as follows:
48. The “Residential” land uses subsection of Green Valley Master Plan Section II.F is amended to read as follows:
Residential
Approximately 4 net developable acres in Planning Area 2 are designated for multi-family residential uses at a density of 19 – 23 dwelling units per acre, which may include condominiums or apartments. Approximately 55.8 net developable acres in Planning Area 3 are designated for residential uses at a density of 11.5 – 15 dwelling units per acre, which may include single-family detached, townhomes, garden or patio residential units. Planning Area 2 is located west of the retail center and Planning area 3 is located to the west of Street “A” and north of the retail center.
49. At the end of Green Valley Master Plan Section II.F, the following paragraph is added to read as follows:
To implement the 2021-2029 Housing Element Program 1.1, the development program was revised in 2024 to add residential use (approximately 76 units) at a density of 19-23 dwelling units per acre on a portion of Planning Area 2.
50. Green Valley Master Plan Table II-2 is amended to read as follows:
51. The “Residential Land Use” and “Affordable Housing” subsections of Green Valley Master Plan Section II.H are amended to read as follows:
Residential Land Use- Based on the General Plan residential density ranges for R-15 (11.5 – 15 du/ac) and R-23 (19 – 23 du/ac), the estimated potential number of dwelling units for the residential areas is shown on Table 11 -2, exclusive of any future density bonus under state law and/or chapter 21.86 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
Affordable Housing - The City of Carlsbad requires that all master plans and specific plans with residential units provide a minimum number of dwelling units affordable by lower -income households. The lnclusionary Housing section of the Carlsbad Municipal Code (Chapter 21.85) requires a minimum of 15% of all approved dwelling units be low-income housing. For those developments which provide 10 or more low-income units, at least 10% of those units should have three or more bedrooms. Therefore, as an example, if a total of 400 residential units is approved in Planning Area 3, 15% of those, or 60 residential units, are required to be available to low-income households. In addition, of those 60 low-income units, 10% of those, or 6 units, should have three or more bedrooms. ("Low income" is defined as those households whose gross income is more than 50% but does not exceed 80% of the median income for San Diego County.) Based on a housing agreement to be approved by the City of Carlsbad, there is a possibility of providing the affordable housing off-site if all the criteria are met.
On the residentially designated portion of Planning Area 2, residential development (rental or for-sale) shall enter into an affordable housing agreement with the City of Carlsbad to provide a minimum of 20% of the total housing units on the site of the residential development as affordable to lower income households at 80% or below the San Diego County Area Median Income. This affordable housing requirement may also be satisfied by the following alternatives (at the sole discretion of the City of Carlsbad and following completi on of an alternate public benefit analysis):
• At least 15% of the total housing units shall be affordable to low -income households and an additional 10% shall be affor dable to moderate-income households; or • At least 15% of the total housing units shall be affordable to very low -income households.
52. The “General Plan” subsection of Green Valley Master Plan Section VI-B is amended to read as follows:
General Plan: OS
53. The “Description” subsection of Green Valley Master Plan Section VI.C is amended to read as follows:
C. PLANNING AREA 2 – RETAIL CENTER AND MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL Description
This planning area consists of a commercial area (approximately 18.3 -acres) located south and east of Calle Barcelona, and a residential area (approximately 4 acres) located West of Calle Barcelona. The planning area extends from the residential area on the north to the southerly property line. The area is the site of a retail center (see Figure IV-11). Major uses in the retail center are typical of community retail. Condominiums and apartments are typical uses in the residential area.
54. The “Development Standards” subsection introduction in Green Valley Master Plan Section VI.C is amended to read as follows:
Development Standards
The development standards in this section apply only to the commercial area designated Regional Commercial (R).
Commercial development within the area designated Regional Commercial (R) shall be subject to all applicable development standards in the Carl sbad Municipal Code (CMC), including Chapter 21.28 (C -2), except as modified below. Development is subject to the approval of a Site Development Plan.
Residential development within the area designated R-23 (Residential 19-23 du/ac) shall be subject to all applicable development standards in the CMC, including Chapter 21.24 (RD -M), except for building setbacks from Calle Barcelona, as specified below. De velopment is subject to approval of a site development plan (apartments) or a planned development permit (condominiums).
55. The “Zoning” and “General Plan” subsections of Green Valley Master Plan Section VI.C is amended to read as follows:
Zoning: C-2, RD-M and OS
General Plan: R, R-23, and OS
56. Green Valley Master Plan Figure VI-11 is amended to read as follows:
2. Figure VI-11 is amended as follows:
57. The following subsection headers in Green Valley Master Plan Section VI.C are amended to read as follows:
Use Allocation (commercial area)
Permitted Uses (commercial area)
Building Height (commercial area)
Lot Coverage (commercial area)
Setbacks (commercial area)
Parking (commercial area)
Architecture (commercial area)
Vehicular Circulation (commercial area)
Pedestrian/Bicycle Circulation (commercial area)
58. The “Setbacks” subsection of Green Valley Master Plan Section VI.C is amended to add the following:
Setbacks (residential area)
1. A minimum setback of 35 feet shall be maintain ed from Calle Barcelona.
This setback is applicable to all structures and all fences or walls greater than 42 inches in height.
2. Refer to Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 21 for all other setback requirements.
59. The “Description” subsection of Green Valley Master Plan Section VI.D is amended to read as follows:
Description
This 55.8-acre (approximately) planning area is located between Planning Areas 1 and 4 and north of Planning Area 2. Planning Area 3 is intended for single-family detached and attached residential units (Figure Vl-12).
Based on the General Plan residential density range for R -15 (11.5 – 15 du/ac) the planning area may potentially be developed with up to 400 single-family residential units, exclusive of any future density bonus under state law and/or Chapter 21.86 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code of which 15% shall be "Affordable" to lower income households. If approved through an affordable Housing Agreement, an alternative to construction of the affordable residential units on site is participation in an off- site combined affordable housing project located in the Southwest Quadrant of the City of Carlsbad.
60. The “General Plan” subsection of Green Valley Master Plan Section VI.D is amended to read as follows:
General Plan: R-15
61. The “Use Allocation” subsection of Green Valley Master Plan Section VI.D is amended to read as follows:
Use Allocation
Based on the General Plan residential density range for R -15 (11.5 – 15 du/ac) the area may be developed with 400 single -family dwelling units, exclusive of any future density bonus under state law and/or Chapter 21 .86 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code. A minimum of 15 % of the approved number of units shall be "affordable" (CMC Chapter 21.85). The actual number of units achieved will be determined during project review.
62. The “General Plan” subsection of Green Valley Master Plan Section VI.E is amended to read as follows:
General Plan: OS
63. The “General Plan” subsection of Green Valley Master Plan Section VI.F is amended to read as follows:
General Plan: OS
64. North County Plaza Specific Plan Section I is amended to read as follows:
I. GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING REGULATIONS
The site is designated in the Land use Element of the Carlsbad General Plan as R/R-40/OS (Regional Commercial/Residential (37.5 – 40 du/ac)/Open Space). The property is zoned C-2/RD-M/O-S (General Commercial/Residential Density-Multiple/Open Space).
65. North County Plaza Specific Plan Section II is amended to read as follows:
II. GENERAL DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
The Specific Plan area will be a comprehensively planned regionally oriented commercial, office, and residential development. The area will feature extensive landscaping, including street side berming, sign controls, and quality development standards.
66. North County Plaza Specific Plan Section IV is amended to read as follows:
IV. PERMITTED USES
A. This Specific Plan determines land use for the site and serves to implement the combination General Plan designation of R/R-40/OS and the zoning classification of C-2/RD-M/O-S. The site may develop with a mix of commercial and residential uses or solely with residential uses (unlike other sites with combination designations in which a project can develop at any of designations, residential is mandatory to enable Housing Element programs to be met). In either case, any residential development shall feature a minimum 240 residential units at a minimum density of 37.5 dwelling units per acre to meet Housing Element objectives. If development proposes a mix of uses, the location of the commercial and residential uses/land use designations shall be determined through review and approval of a Site Development Plan.
B. Uses within the area zoned O-S shall be consistent with uses allowed in the O-S Zone (Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.33), or as otherwise restricted.
C. Residential uses.
(1) Residential uses shall be consistent with the uses allowed in the RD-M zone (Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.24).
(2) If the site is developed with a mix of commercial and residential:
a. Minimum density (37.5 du/ac) shall be calculated based on 25 percent or greater of the net developable acres as necessary to achieve a minimum 240 dwelling units. b. Maximum density (40 du/ac) shall be calculated based on the total net developable acres. (3) If the site is developed solely as residential, the minimum density (37.5 du/ac) and maximum density (40 du/ac) shall be calculated based on total net developable acres of the site.
D. Commercial uses - permitted.
The following uses, only, shall be permitted without further action by the Planning Commission:
(1) Accountants
(2) Addressing, secretarial and telephone answering services (3) Antique shops
(4) Art stores and art galleries
(5) Attorneys
(6) Bakeries or confectioneries
(7) Barbershops or beauty parlors
(8) Bicycle shops
(9) Blueprinting, photocopying, duplicating and mimeographing services (10) Book and stationery stores
(11) Business machine and computer sales display and service (12) Card shops
(13) Cheese shops
(14) Clock shops
(15) Curtain and drapery shops
(16) Cutlery shops
(17) Delicatessen stores
(18) Department stores
(19) Dinner theaters
(20) Doctors, dentists, optometrists, ophthalmologists, chiropractors, and others practicing the healing arts for human beings and related uses such as oculists, pharmacies (prescription only) (21) Donut shops
(22) Dressmaking or millinery shops
(23) Drugstores
(24) Dry cleaning and laundry agencies
(25) Dry goods or notion stores
(26) Electronic data processing, tabulating and record keeping services (27) Employment agencies
(28) Engineers, architects, and planners
(29) Financial Institutions, including banks, savings & loans, mortgage companies and finance companies
(30) Florists
(31) Furniture stores
(32) Gift shops
(33) Health clubs or exercise salons
(34) Health or specialty food stores
(35) Hobby shops
(36) Home appliance stores
(37) Ice cream and yogurt
(38) Indoor plant sales and service facilities
(39) Interior designers or decorators
(40) Jewelry stores
(41) Kitchen supplies or culinary accessories
(42) Leather goods and luggage shops
(43) Light fixtures and accessories
(44) Lock and key shops
(45) Medical appliance sales
(46) Modeling schools
(47) Music stores
(48) Nurseries - plant
(49) Offices
(50) Paint and wallpaper specialty stores
(51) Pet shops
(52) Photographic equipment
(53) Photographic studios and retail outlets
(54) Picture frames
(55) Pool and patio supplies
(56) Pottery shops
(57) Realtors
(58) Record and tape stores
(59) Restaurants, tea rooms or cafes (including dancing or entertainment and on-sale liquor) (60) Roller skating or ice-skating rinks
(61) Rug and carpet stores
(62) Shoe stores or repair shops
(63) Sporting goods
(64) Stereo stores
(65) Stock brokerage firms
(66) Studios for teaching of art, dancing, and music
(67) Tailors, clothing or wearing apparel shops
(68) Telephone sales
(69) Theaters - indoor
(70) Toy stores
(71) Travel bureaus
(72) Variety stores
(73) Wine specialty shops (including Liquor Boutiques)
(74) Other uses determined to be similar in character, accessory to or compatible by the Land Use Planning Manager
E. Commercial Uses – conditionally permitted.
Subject to the provisions of Chapter 21.42, the following uses and structures are permitted by Conditional Use Permit. In addition to the findings required by Chapter 21.42, in order to approve a Conditional Use Permit, it must be found that the use, as proposed, will not adversely affect the viability of use of the area as a commercial district or, if developed as such, as a mix of commercial and residential uses, or adversely affect nearby uses of traffic movements.
(1) Bars, cocktail lounges and other licensed (on- sale) liquor dispensing operations not meeting the definition of a bona fide eating establishment, subject to the following conditions:
(A) An opening shall be provided through which an unobstructed view of the interior of the premises can be obtained from the street upon which business fronts.
(B) Parking shall be provided at the rate of not less than one space per fifty square feet of gross floor area.
(C) Surrounding grounds, including parking areas, shall be maintained in a neat and orderly condition at all times.
(D) Any structure housing such operation shall meet all applicable code provisions prior to occupancy.
(E) Licensee or agent shall not permit open containers of alcoholic liquor to be taken from the premises.
(F) No licensed liquor dispensing operation shall be located within five hundred feet of any other licensed liquor dispensing operation not meeting the definition of a bona fide eating establishment.
(2) Drive through facilities for financial institutions only.
67. The first paragraph of North County Plaza Specific Plan Section V is amended to read as follows:
The intent of this section is to provide the maximum opportunity for creative site planning and building design, while ensuring consistency with a high-quality commercial and residential development. There will be a pleasing variety of setbacks and separations between buildings, with a visual continuity provided by common landscape treatment.
68. North County Plaza Specific Plan Section V.A. (1) a) is amended to read as follows:
a) Marron Road, east of frontage midpoint between Monroe Street entrance and Jefferson Street entrance. All one-story buildings shall maintain a 20-foot minimum setback. Multi-story buildings shall maintain a 30-foot minimum setback. Setbacks for adjacent buildings will be varied 5 foot minimum to create more interest along the street. Parking areas and drives shall maintain a minimum 15-foot setback.
69. North County Plaza Specific Plan Section V.D is amended to read as follows:
D. Building Height: The maximum building height shall be 45 feet.
70. North County Plaza Specific Plan Section V.E is amended to read as follows:
E. Parking: Off-street parking shall be provided to accommodate all parking needs of the project. (1) Commercial parking shall be provided at a ratio of 4.7 spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross building area. A maximum of twenty (20) percent of the required parking will be provided by compact car spaces.
(2) Residential parking shall be provided as required by Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 21.
71. North County Plaza Specific Plan Section V.H is amended to read as follows:
H. Signs: Prior to the issuance of any building permits for this site, a detailed comprehensive sign program for the entire site shall be submitted to and approved by the Land Use Planning Manager.
Residential signs shall be consistent with residential signage allowed by Carlsbad Municipal Code. All commercial signs will be internally illuminated and will encourage design creativity. In addition, the following commercial sign standards shall apply to this site:
(2) The following methods of center identification may be used:
(a) One freestanding sign for the specific plan area. This sign may identify up to four tenants, and: is to be located on the creekside portion of the project. It shall be located within reasonable proximity to the main entrance to the site at Jefferson Street and Marron Road and shall not exceed 20 feet in height and 100 square feet in area. (b) One monument sign located within reasonable proximity to the Monroe Street entrance to the site. This sign shall be no greater than 3 feet in height and 15 feet in length.
Commercial Wall Signs, Canopy Signs, Under-Canopy Signs: Building tenants shall be allowed wall signs, canopy signs or under-canopy signs, or a combination thereof, as will be indicated in the comprehensive sign program. For each building, the total maximum allowable area for these signs shall not exceed 1.5 square feet per lineal foot of building frontage. Building frontage shall be defined as the longest dimension of the building, regardless of street orientation. On buildings fronting on Marron Road, no more than 33% of this total area may face directly upon Marron Road.
72. North County Plaza Specific Plan Section V.N is added to read as follows (the subsections that follow shall be renumbered accordingly):
N. Affordable Housing:
Residential development (rental or for-sale) shall enter into an affordable housing agreement with the City of Carlsbad to provide a minimum of 20% of the total housing units on the site of the residential development as affordable to lower income households at 80% or below the San Diego County Area Median Income. This affordable housing requirement may also be satisfied by the following alternatives (at the sole discretion of the City of Carlsbad and following completion of an alternate public benefit analysis):
• At least 15% of the total housing units shall be affordable to low-income households and an additional 10% shall be affordable to moderate-income households; or • At least 15% of the total housing units shall be affordable to very low-income households.
73. North County Plaza Specific Plan Section VII is added to read as follows:
1. Section VII. is added as follows:
VI. Site Development Plan/Planned Development Permit
A. A site development plan, processed in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter
21.06, shall be required if the site is developed with:
1. A mix of commercial and residential uses (apartments or condominiums).
2. Solely with commercial uses
3. Solely with for rent housing (apartments).
B. A planned development permit, processed in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.45, shall be required if the site is developed with:
1. A mix of commercial and residential uses (condominiums). A site development plan shall also be required.
2. Solely with for-sale housing (condominiums). No site development plan is required.
74. Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 1.1 is amended to read as follows:
1.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of the Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan (WCSP) is to provide a comprehensive set of development standards, guidelines, and implementation procedures to facilitate the redevelopment, revitalization and operations of Westfield Carlsbad (WC) consistent with the existing General Plan Designation of Regional Commercial (R) on the retail center and Regional Commercial (R)/R-40 (Residential 37.5 -40 du/ac)/R-23 (Residential 19-23 du/ac)/Open Space (OS), R/R-40/R-23 and R/R-40 on the properties surrounding the retail center. Westfield Carlsbad is a super- regional shopping center with approximately 1,151,100 square feet of gross leasable area (1,348,500 square feet of gross floor area (including common access areas)) featuring major department stores, specialty retail shops and restaurants. The plan allows Westfield Carlsbad the flexibility to meet the progressive and changing commercial, entertainment and service needs of the residents of Carlsbad and coastal north county region and allows for housing development to meet the city's housing objectives. The plans and exhibits provided in this specific plan provide a framework for future development at Westfield Carlsbad. More detailed Site Development Plans or other entitlements may be required prior to actual development within the Specific Plan area.
The Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan:
• Identifies existing development.
• Defines the allowable types and intensity of land uses. • Provides development and design guidelines.
• Describes how the Specific Plan will be implemented and administered. • Is compliant with all state laws and guidelines regarding the content and format of a specific plan.
City Council adoption of the WCSP establishes the development standards, design guidelines, and entitlement processes for development and land use within the specific plan area.
Adoption of the WCSP will ensure that the subject property is developed and redeveloped in accordance with the City of Carlsbad General Plan and the following regulations:
• General Plan land use designations: Regional Commercial (R), and Regional Commercial (R)/R-40 (Residential 37.5-40 du/ac)/R-23 (Residential 19-23 du/ac)/OS (Open Space), R/R-40/R-23, and R/R-40.
• Carlsbad Municipal Code, Chapters 21.28 General Commercial (C-2) and 21.24 Residential Density-Multiple (RD-M)
• Zone 1 Local Facilities Management Plan per Chapter 21.90 • Carlsbad Municipal Code, Chapter 21.40 (Scenic Preservation Overlay) and El Camino Real Corridor Standards
• Carlsbad Municipal Code, Chapter 21.46 (Yards)
• Carlsbad Municipal Code, Chapter 21.41 (Signs)
• Carlsbad Municipal Code, Chapter 21.44 (Parking)
• Carlsbad Landscape Manual
In some instances, the requirements of the specific plan will be different than the zoning regulations. In cases where the specific plan and the zoning regulations are in conflict, the specific plan, and the development standards and guidelines contained herein, shall prevail.
Revitalization of Westfield Carlsbad under the Specific Plan may entail the remodel and reconfiguration of existing commercial buildings, new exterior oriented retail space, and new commercial pads.
The WCSP is adopted pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Sections 65450 et. seq., the Land Use Element of the City of Carlsbad General Plan, and the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
75. Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 1.2 is amended to read as follows:
Goals
• Describe and codify the existing development at Westfield Carlsbad under the Specific Plan framework.
• Modernize and revitalize Westfield Carlsbad creating a contemporary, vibrant regional retail center, which enhances the shopping, entertainment and public gathering experience for Carlsbad residents and the surrounding community.
• Establish Westfield Carlsbad as a prominent regional retail center attractive to high quality retailers and fueling economic growth in the City while satisfying current consumer needs on a regional scale.
• Provide flexible development standards and review processes to allow for quick and efficient continuous improvements in response to market conditions. • Allow for housing quantities and densities to meet the city's housing objectives, including densities considered affordable to lower and moderate-income households.
Objectives
• To establish development standards to address landscaping, parking, uses, signage and maintain building design criteria to ensure future redevelopments are compatible with the Specific Plan and Carlsbad General Plan.
• To enhance Westfield Carlsbad as a safe location for visitors through enhanced lighting and security standards, with contemporary retail projects that optimize public safety. • To utilize the Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan to regulate development to create a mix of retail, restaurant and entertainment opportunities, as well as residential uses. • To provide a codified set of development regulations, design standards and processing procedures for the site.
• To offer a full range of goods, services, and entertainment to the residents of Carlsbad and the surrounding community.
• To improve the overall pedestrian experience by creating enhanced pedestrian connections and upgrading landscaping within parking lots as redevelopment occurs overtime. To allow for the modernization of Westfield Carlsbad while architecturally integrating the new development with the existing buildings to provide an overall enhanced design. • To ensure that the revitalized Westfield Carlsbad provides a variety of pedestrian walkways, landscaped parking lots, and the use of harmonious architecture in the design of buildings.
• To provide a minimum 741 housing units at 37.5 dwelling units per acre (du/ac) (R-40) and a minimum 252 units at 19 du/ac (R-23).
• To incorporate a high level of affordable housing to lower income households (at least 20% of housing units).
76. Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 1.5 is amended to read as follows:
1.5 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SPECIFIC PLAN AND SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS NECESSARY TO BE
CONSISTENT WITH THE SPECIFIC PLAN
The Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan (WCSP) implements the Regional Commercial (R), R-40 (Residential
37.5-40 du/ac), and R-23 (Residential 19-23 du/ac) General Plan Land Use designations in conjunction with the General Commercial (C-2), and Residential Density Multiple (RD-M) zoning. Permitted uses are listed in Section 3.1 of this document. The provisions of the C-2 and RD-M zoning districts per Chapters
21.28 and 21.24 of the Carlsbad Zoning Ordinance (e.g., uses, development standards, development permit requirements, etc.) and any future amendments apply to the regulatory topics not covered within this specific plan.
Approval of the WCSP does not vest any rights for future approvals of any licenses, discretionary acts, or other entitlements necessary for future development in the plan area. Subsequent public work projects, tentative or parcel maps, discretionary acts, and zoning ordinance amendments that affect the plan area must be consistent with the WCSP. With City Council adoption of WCSP the standards and review processes of the specific plan replace the existing requirements/processes as the processing mechanism for all future entitlements, development and operations. All prior Precise Plan consistency determinations and amendments, including PP-24, amendments A-K, are consistent with the specific plan and are vested and remain in full force and effect, except as they may be modified by future approvals pursuant to this specific plan.
77. The “General Plan and Zoning” subsection in Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 2.1 is amended to read as follows:
General Plan and Zoning
The retail center in the center of the Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan area falls within the Regional Commercial (R) General Plan land use designation and the General Commercial (C-2) Zone; the areas surrounding the retail center fall within the Regional Commercial (R)/R-40 (Residential 37.5-40 du/ac)/R- 23 (Residential 19-23 du/ac)/OS (Open Space), R/R-40/R-23 and R/R-40 General Plan Land Use designations and the General Commercial (C-2)/Residential Density Multiple (RD-M) Zones.
78. Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 2.2 is amended to read as follows:
2.2 CONCEPTUAL LAND USE PLAN
The Westfield Carlsbad regional retail center provides a blend of retail, restaurant, service, and entertainment to residents and visitors to the city.
The Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan (WCSP) identifies a conceptual plan for redevelopment of the retail center. While the focus of the WCSP is on commercial use of the plan area, residential uses can be attached to the retail center or detached from the retail center within the current parking lot area.
The following outlines the conceptual plan for the commercial retail center:
Portions of the east end of the existing mall structure and some out-buildings are planned to be removed, renovated and/or redeveloped, and new commercial space will be added.
Table 2: Maximum Commercial Development Limits
Table 2 details the maximum development proposed under the WCSP and notes the maximum net increase in Westfield Carlsbad square footage. The table above breaks the square footage out between the mall and the outbuildings, but these numbers can shift between categories as long as the total GLA proposed, and the net change are not exceeded.
Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan provides the framework for future commercial development/ redevelopment of the site. The proposed site development plan that implements the elements laid out in the WCSP is conceptual at this stage and may change prior to final approval. Table 3 provides an idea of the proposed commercial changes that will occur but does not reflect exact square footage and does not reflect the potential for residential development. For purposes of the Specific Plan compliance for commercial development, the site development plan must adhere to the maximum square footage limits and net change reflected in Table 2.
For purposes of Specific Plan compliance for residential development, the development must adhere to the requirements of the C-2 zone (for the retail center designated (R) Regional Commercial) and the RD- M zone (for the areas surrounding the retail center and designated R/R-40/R-23/OS, R/R-40/R-23 and R/R-40) and other applicable requirements of Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 21, and the allowed General Plan densities for the R-23 and R-40 designations. The minimum and maximum number of dwellings shall be calculated based on the net developable acres of each lot or combination of lots, upon which the development is proposed. In cases where the specific plan and the zoning regulations are in conflict, the specific plan, and the development standards and guidelines contained herein, shall prevail.
Table 3: Proposed Commercial Site Development Plan
79. The title of Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Figure 4 is amended to read as follows:
COMMERCIAL LAND USE PLAN
80. The first paragraph of Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 2.3 is amended to read as follows:
The Westfield Carlsbad site has been divided into five planning areas to better define the commercial improvements and overall vision for the shopping center. Below is a brief description of each planning area and the planning areas are depicted in Figure 5. More detailed information regarding specific commercial development standards for the planning areas can be found in Section 5 of this document.
81. The first paragraph of Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 2.4 is amended to read as follows:
Land Use Element
The Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan (WCSP) is designated by the Land Use Element for a mix of commercial and residential uses. The WCSP specifies requirements to ensure future residential development is consistent with the General Plan Land Use element and identifies a plan to redevelop the retail center consistent with the Land Use Element and the intent and characteristics of the Regional Commercial (R) Land Use designation. The Land Use Element cites tenant composition and specific characteristics as key factors in identifying a retail center type. Additional factors to consider in determining center type are building area, site size and trade area size. Below are a few key characteristics of Regional Commercial as described in the Commercial classifications section of the General Plan (C.3) followed by a compliance summary of how the specific plan complies with these characteristics.
82. The “Housing Element” subsection of Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 2.4 is amended to read as follows:
Housing Element
The 2021-2029 Housing Element identified the Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan (WCSP) as a site to accommodate 993 units affordable to moderate- and lower- income households and required that the site be rezoned to allow more residential units than were previously allowed in the Regional Commercial (R) designation. The WCSP furthers the following 2021-2029 Housing Element goals, policies, and programs:
• New housing developed with diversity of types, prices, tenures, densities, and locations, and in sufficient quantity to meet the demand of anticipated city and regional growth and to meet or exceed the city's established Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). (Housing Element Goal
10.1)
• Ensure the availability of sufficient developable acreage in all residential densities to accommodate provide varied housing types and income levels as required to meet Carlsbad's 2021-2029 RHNA, as discussed in Section 10.3. (Housing Element Policy 10-P.1) • Encourage increased integration of housing with nonresidential development where appropriate and where residential development can be implemented in a way that is compatible with existing and planned uses. (Housing Element Policy 10-P.4)
• Upon amendment of the city’s Real Estate Strategic Plan (see Housing Element Program 1.1 e.) develop and implement a program to promote the residential development of city-owned sites within the planning period that is consistent with the strategic plan and that incorporates a high level of affordable housing (at least 20% of residential units). For city-owned properties at The Shoppes at Carlsbad, work collaboratively with The Shoppes’ owner to facilitate a mixed-use development consistent with this objective. (Housing Element Program 1.1.f.) Housing is permitted under the Specific Plan. Any future plans for housing at the Westfield Carlsbad site would be subject to CEQA review and a discretionary permit process through the City of Carlsbad.
83. Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 2.5 is amended to read as follows:
2.5 SPECIFIC PLAN RELATIONSHIP TO ZONING ORDINANCE
The Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan (WCSP) shall serve as the zoning for the site. Unless otherwise modified in the Specific Plan, all development shall comply with the standards of the underlying General Commercial (C-2) and Residential Density Multiple (RD-M) zoning districts of the Carlsbad Municipal Code (Chapters 21.28 and 21.24). In the event of a conflict between the Specific Plan and the Zoning Ordinance, the Specific Plan shall prevail.
84. The “Regulation” subsection of Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 2.7 is amended to read as follows:
Regulation
Except as specifically stated in the Specific Plan, the requirements of the C-2 and RD-M Zones and all other applicable provisions of the zoning, subdivision, grading and building codes (and any amendments thereto) of the City of Carlsbad shall apply.
85. The first paragraph of Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 3 is amended to read as follows:
Commercial and residential uses are allowed. Regional shopping centers such as Westfield Carlsbad must provide the full depth and variety of contemporary retail, service, entertainment, and dining uses to create a vibrant destination shopping and entertainment experience. Westfield Carlsbad continues to benefit from a diversity of commercial uses on a highly accessible regional site.
86. Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 3.1 is amended to read as follows:
3.1 PERMITTED USES
The Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan (WCSP) establishes a use classification framework to ensure continued grouping of diverse and compatible uses in Westfield Carlsbad, and to serve as an adaptable approach to land use administration within the specific plan boundaries. Each use classification contains one or more uses that have substantially similar characteristics. All possible uses are not listed in the use classifications, but it provides framework for review of individual uses. The City Planner shall determine if a specific use is substantially similar to one of the uses in the classification, and therefore considered an allowed use.
Table 4 on the following page lists the use classifications, provides examples of some similar uses within each use classification, and notes whether the use classifications are permitted by right, require a conditional use permit or require a site development plan.
The permitted residential uses identified in Table 4 are subject to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.85), and the following:
• Residential development (rental or for-sale) in the area surrounding the retail center and designated R/R-40/R-23/OS, R/R-40/R-23 and R/R-40 shall enter into an affordable housing agreement with the City of Carlsbad to provide a minimum of 20% of the total housing units on the site of the residential development as affordable to lower income households at 80% or below the San Diego County Area Median Income.
• The minimum and maximum number of dwellings shall be calculated based on the net developable acres of each lot or combination of lots, upon which the development is proposed, as follows:
If on a lot with commercial development:
o Minimum density shall be calculated based on 25% of the net developable acres. o Maximum density shall be calculated based on the total net developable acres.
If on a lot with no commercial development (solely residential):
o Minimum and maximum density shall be calculated based on the total net developable area of the lot/lots.
87. Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 3.2 is amended to read as follows:
3.2 TEMPORARY USES
Temporary Parking Lot Events
Westfield Carlsbad’s significant parking lot space (over 50 acres) and efficient regional access (e.g., from State Route 78, El Camino Real, and an on-site mass transit center) offer ample opportunity for temporary events. Properly programmed and managed events maximize both the use of the site and benefits to area residents, visitors and businesses contributing significantly to the overall vibrancy of the regional shopping center.
The following temporary events are allowed subject to the requirements as described in Section
6.3 of the specific plan:
• Automotive Demonstrations/Product Awareness with local Carlsbad dealers (excluding tent sales and used car sales)
• Bike/Skate Demonstration or Show
• Christmas Tree Lot
• City-wide Events (such as 4th of July Celebration or other holiday/seasonal events, MS Bike Ride, Carlsbad Marathon, etc.)
• Farmers’ Markets
• Pumpkin Patch
• Seasonal Garden Centers
• Other similar events subject to mutual agreement between Plaza Camino Real, LLC and the City of Carlsbad
In conjunction with the temporary events listed above, retail stores at Westfield Carlsbad shall be able to setup and operate temporary booths/stalls in support of any events. The products/services offered in the temporary booths/stalls shall be complimentary and compatible with the primary special event, and the number and size of the booths/stalls shall be limited, such that they remain incidental and subordinate to the primary temporary event use.
All temporary events are to occur within one of the designated areas shown in Figure 6, provided the area is not developed with residential uses or the parking lot is not required parking for a residential use.
Any temporary events occurring within the public right-of-way may be allowed if they meet City of Carlsbad Police definition for Special Event per Section 8.17.020, and an application for a Special Event Permit is filed with and approved by the City of Carlsbad.
88. The first two paragraphs of Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 5 are amended to read as follows:
The following section lays out the applicable development standards contained in this specific plan. The section is organized into two parts “General Development Standards” and “Planning Area Requirements”. The General Development standards apply to the entire Westfield Carlsbad site and include parking, grading, lighting and signage standards. The Planning Area requirements describe standards that apply to each individual planning area.
The development standards established within the WCSP shall serve as the implementing zoning for the site. Unless otherwise modified in the Specific Plan:
• All commercial development, and residential development that is attached to commercial development, shall comply with the standards of the underlying General Commercial (C-2) zoning district of the Carlsbad Municipal Code (Chapter 21.28), • All residential development that is detached from commercial development shall comply with the standards of the RD-M zone of the Carlsbad Municipal Code (Chapter 21.24), and • All development shall comply with applicable sections of Chapter 21.44 Parking.
89. The “Parking” subsection of Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 5.1 is amended to read as follows:
Parking
The parking provided includes all parking lots and structures within the Specific Plan area, and the parking lot parcel located just north of the Specific Plan boundary, south of the Buena Vista Creek. This area holds 613 parking stalls constructed within the City of Oceanside, owned by the City of Carlsbad, and by agreement used solely for public parking.
As a regional shopping center Westfield Carlsbad contains a variety of commercial uses including anchor and specialty retail, restaurants, and a theater. Shared parking dynamics in such a situation are well documented and support the following parking ratios which represent commercial parking standards for Westfield Carlsbad established by the Specific Plan:
• 4 spaces/1,000 square feet of gross leasable area (GLA).
Based on standard above and the maximum allowable square footage for the total site of 1,186,509 square feet per Section 2.2:
Parking Required: 4,746 spaces
Parking Provided: 5,931 spaces
Surplus/(Deficit): 1,185 spaces
The number of parking spaces provided is based on the current proposal for the site development plan.
While this is anticipated to remain the same, if changes to proposed layout/development occur, the final
number may vary slightly. For purposes of compliance with this specific plan, the number of commercial parking spaces provided must meet the required minimum based on the standard of 4/1,000 sf.
Parking for residential uses shall be provided as required by Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.44.
In addition to the parking standard, the following criteria shall apply:
• Parking spaces for all permitted commercial and ancillary uses shall be provided consistent with the parking ratios set forth in the Specific Plan.
• Minimum parking stall size for any new standard parking stalls shall be 8.5’ by 19’ (2’ overhang can be included in the 19 ft. length) Existing stalls are permitted to remain as provided. • Compact parking is permitted, and minimum parking dimensions shall be 8’ by 15’. Up to 25% of the required parking spaces may be compact spaces. No overhang permitted. • Parking for motorcycles shall be allowed and shall be counted toward the total required parking up to a maximum of 1 percent of the total parking required. Minimum parking stall size for motorcycles shall be 3.5’ by 7’.
• Parking lot landscaping shall conform to the guidelines in Section 4 of this specific plan.
90. Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 5.1 is amended by the addition of the following paragraph at the beginning of the “Signs” subsection:
Residential uses shall be subject to the sign requirements of Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.41.
The following requirements apply to the retail center.
91. Westfield Carlsbad Specific Plan Section 5.2 is amended by the addition of the following at the beginning of “Planning Area 1: Main Mall - East”, “Planning Area 2: Outbuildings along El Camino Real”, “Planning Area 3: Outbuildings on northern edge of Westfield Carlsbad”, “Planning Area 4: Outbuildings south of Marron Road”, and “Planning Area 5: Main Mall – West” subsections:
Commercial and residential uses:
Exhibit 6
RESOLUTION NO. .
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 2 – EXCLUDING SITES 3, 8 AND 15) , 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), and to implement objective b of Housing Element Program 1.3 (Alternative Housing), 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 rezoning 18 sites to accommodate 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 Jan. 30, 2024
Item #2 Page 75 of 157
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, 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 Zone Code Amendment is 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. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. 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.
3. The Map 2 option (rezone all sites, excluding sites 3, 8 and 15) 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 2 (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.
Jan. 30, 2024
Item #2 Page 76 of 157
5. Staff is authorized to revise General Plan data and figures , as necessary, to reflect the exclusion of Sites 3, 8 and 15 from the approved land use map changes.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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 following 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.
Jan. 30, 2024
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carls
bad on the __ day of ________, 2023, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
__________________
____________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
Jan. 30, 2024
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Attachment A
Land Use
and Community Design Element
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
Jan. 30, 2024
Item #2 Page 79 of 157
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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2 Land Use & Community Design
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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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 man agement, 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 Stat e 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, Con servation 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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2 Land Use & Community Design
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 minimu m requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practices to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare from the hazards of fire, explosion or danger ous 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 ref erence 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 “und er 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 pop ulation 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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General Plan
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 residen tial neighborhoods. Where
appropriate, these centers would also include high and medium density housing surrounding the retail uses or inte grated 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 resi dential 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 us es, 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 Conn ectedness
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 mo st 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 a nd between new shopping centers and
adjacent neighborhoods, with devel opment 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 plann ed 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 develop ment 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 br oader 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 6 of the Jan. 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
= H ighways
= 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. 2·15
-
5J
2-16
City of Carlsbad
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 inclu des 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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General Plan
2 Land Use & Community Design
and water reservoirs); and recreation and aesthet ic 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 you th 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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City of Carlsbad
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 dens ity 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 per cent 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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General Plan
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 P lan. 2 Primary use of the property must be visitor-serving.
3 Residential dwellings are allowed as a secondary use at a minimum den sity of 15 dwelling units per acre (based on 25 percent of developable acreage).
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City of Carlsbad
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 prope rty, 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 potentia l 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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General Plan
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 ana lysis 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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City of Carlsbad
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 Man agement 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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General Plan
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 20 20 estimate of jobs in Carlsbad and US Census 2020 data, Carlsbad’s jobs to employed residents ratio in 20 19-2020 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 Land Use & Community Design
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 o ccurs 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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General Plan
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 facilit y 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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City of Carlsbad
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 deferre d 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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General Plan
2 Land Use & Community Design
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
78 City of
Oceanside
MELRO SE DR
ALGA RD
RANCHO SAN
TA
FE
RD
LA COSTA AVE
EL
CAMINO
REAL
LA C O STA AVE
SAN
DIEGO
NORTHERN
RR
C A
RLSBAD
BLVD
POINSETT IA
LN
PALO MA R AIRPORT RD
C A M INO VIDA ROBLE
AVIARA PKW
Y
POINSETTIA LN
PALO MAR AIRPO RT RD
FARADAY
AVE
EL
CAMINO
REA L
CANNO N RD
TAMARACK AVE
EL
CAMINO
REAL
T A MARACK
AVE
COLLEGEBLVD
M ARRO N RD
CARLSBAD V ILLAGE DR
C AN N O N RD
CARLSBAD
BLVD
78 City of
Oceanside
City of
Vista
City of
San Marcos
City of
Encinitas
B a t i q u i to s L a g o o n
MC C LELLAN
-PALO MAR
AIRPO RT
Agua
Hedionda
Lagoon
Buena
Vista
Lagoon Calavera
Lake
Maerkle
Reservoir
P a c i f i c
O c e a n
4 1
2 3
5 5
2 4
2 3
34 3
B ar r io
V illage
C annon R oad
O pen S pace,
Far m ing &
P ublic U se
C or r idor
Car lsbad Boulevar d/
Agua Hedionda Center
Palom ar
C or r idor
Ponto/S outher n
Water front
Mur phy
Figure 2-2: Special Planning Considerations
Hig hways
Major Street
Planned Street
Railroad
C ity Limits
0 1 20.5
Miles
Source: C ity of C arlsbad, 2013; SAN DAG, 2013; Dyett & Bhatia, 2013.
Carlsbad Coastal Zone
Areas Subject to the HMP
500 AC RES
100
AC RES
A ir por t Influence A r ea
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
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Residential
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General Plan
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 signif icantly 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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City of Carlsbad
2 Land Use & Community Design
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 co ntain 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.