Carlsbad planning panel certifies EIR and approves permits for Garfield triplex despite historic-resource finding

The Carlsbad Planning Commission on Aug. 21 certified the final environmental impact report (EIR) for the “3 on Garfield” proposal and approved the discretionary permits needed to demolish the Victor Condos and build a three-unit condominium structure at Garfield and Beach.

Senior Planner Lardy and Associate Planner Van Lewin told the commission the project would replace an existing three-unit complex with a new triplex and that the EIR concluded demolition would cause a significant and unavoidable CEQA impact because the Victor Condos meet the state criteria for a historic resource. Staff recommended adoption of findings of overriding consideration — a formal CEQA determination that the public benefits and feasibility considerations outweigh a significant impact — and approval of the associated entitlements, including a plan development permit, site development plan, coastal development permit, nonconforming construction permit and minor subdivision.

Why it matters: The decision allows the property owner to proceed with the proposed demolition and new construction despite a staff-contracted historic assessment finding the building eligible for…