Commission approves Maple Avenue duplex with subterranean parking and vehicle turntable

The Carlsbad Planning Commission voted 6–0 on May 1 to approve a site development plan and coastal development permit for a three‑story duplex at 147–149 Maple Avenue that includes subterranean parking and a vehicle turntable to accommodate constrained garage geometry.

Associate planner Yazighiri told commissioners the project would demolish an existing one‑story duplex and construct an 11,047‑square‑foot duplex with subterranean parking providing two parking spaces per unit plus one visitor space. Because the subterranean layout could not provide the standard 24‑foot backing distance within the ramp configuration, the applicant proposed a mechanical turntable (16 feet, 4 inches circumference of operable surface) to rotate vehicles for safe entry and exit; staff said other solutions such as car lifts were possible but the turntable best fit the proposed design.

Architect Tyler Van Scribe of JLC Architecture described the equipment as a practical, commonly used solution in denser coastal neighborhoods and estimated a unit cost around $40,000 (equipment only). Commissioners expressed interest but no opposition; Commissioner Lafferty focused questions on archaeological and tribal‑cultural protections after a historic report noted two previously unrecorded prehistoric features on the site.

Staff said a pre‑excavation agreement and on‑site archaeological monitoring would be required before grading, and mitigation could range from recording and documentation to treatment in coordination with tribal representatives or other procedures if human remains or significant tribal cultural resources were discovered. With no public speakers, Commissioner Sibellico moved and Commissioner Mears seconded the staff recommendation; the motion carried 6–0 (Commissioner Stein absent).

The resolution includes standard coastal conditions, required archaeological monitoring and building‑permit review to finalize materials, parking diagrams and mechanical equipment details prior to construction.