Carlsbad planning commission approves 12-unit Jefferson Street condominium project with density bonus, waivers

The Carlsbad Planning Commission on May 21 approved the Jefferson Street Homes project, a proposal to demolish two single-family houses and build four three-story structures containing 12 for-sale condominium units at the corner of Jefferson Street and Buena Vista Way.

Staff said the project site is in R-3 zoning and R-15 general-plan land use. Kyle Van Lewin, Senior Planner for the City of Carlsbad, told the commission that the development proposes four triplex buildings with two floor plans (about 2,300 square feet each), two-car garages, roof decks and balconies; the site plan includes street trees and a six-foot right-of-way dedication along Jefferson Street. Van Lewin said the project is located in the coastal zone and that staff recommends adoption of a resolution finding the project categorically exempt from CEQA under the state’s infill exemption and approving a tentative tract map, plan development permit and coastal development permit, subject to the conditions in the staff report.

The applicant sought a state density bonus that increases the allowable units by 35 percent in exchange for dedicating one unit to very-low-income households. Van Lewin described the density calculation for the 0.542-acre site: at 15 units per acre the base is nine units; the required very-low-income set-aside (one unit, roughly 11 percent of base units) triggers the 35 percent bonus and would allow up to 13 units; the proposal is for 12 units.

The commission also approved one concession and…