Planning commission adopts annual work program, removes CDBG advisory participation

On May 1 the Carlsbad Planning Commission adopted its annual work program for the coming fiscal year, approving the staff recommendation with a modification to remove Planning Commission participation on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Committee. The motion passed 5–1, with one abstention noted.

City planner Eric Lardy reviewed the program, which covers the current fiscal year and outlines expected projects for the next year beginning July 1. Lardy told commissioners the work program lists completed projects, anticipated items and a proposed review of state law as it relates to professional care facilities. He also said staff has started a consultant effort to update city guidelines on tribal, cultural and paleontological resources (CEQA guidance) and that those updates will come to the commission when ready.

Commissioner Lafferty asked staff to consider adding historic-preservation follow-ups and to ensure commissioners have access to draft EIR materials, such as a recent historic report tied to a project on Garfield. Commissioners also discussed travel/training budget items for attendance at the planning commission academy; staff said the budget is set by the city council and can be addressed separately.

The commission approved the work program with the requested deletion, and staff said it will share draft EIR materials and the historic-preservation report prior to future meetings where those items are being considered.