75A - PH KARA GRANT APPEAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Amendments to the Zoning Code and Specific Plans (AZ 18-0003) May 23, 2018 Page 2 the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Therefore, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (b)(3), the proposed Zoning Code and Specific Plan Amendment does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment and is not subject to CEQA review. BACKGROUND: Business owners and operators in the carwash service industry have experienced steady growth over the past six (6) years, as the economy began to recover and car ownership increased, While at the same time, lower gas prices have also translated to a greater amount of personal car use, which has had a positive impact on car service -based business. Although car -use demand within the industry is expected to continue, it is expected to be a slower pace than the previous six (6) year period. Concern was expressed at a recent City Council meeting that a proliferation of new carwash facilities could lead to over -saturation of this particular use that tends to utilize prime commercial land and provides little economic benefit to the City. It is estimated there are approximately 29 carwash facilities in the City now with four (4) more in planning stages or under construction. In response, the City Council exercised its judgement to halt permitting for additional carwashes or expansions of existing facilities. Given uncertainty about the adequacy of existing carwash related regulations, a carwash moratorium was adopted on May 2, 2018. The intent of the moratorium was to temporarily halt permitting for additional carwashes or expansions of existing facilities so that the City could study the potential effects of the proposed use and establish new, permanent regulations. Through the May 2, 2018, adoption of the interim ordinance, the City Council effectively added consideration of a carwash ordinance to the ordinance priority list. The current moratorium is in effect until June 16, 2108. The moratorium could be renewed for a total duration of two (2) years after public notice and public hearings, if needed. Carwash facilities are listed as a permitted use in the CG (General Commercial) Zone and also have been approved administratively as "automotive services" in the M-1 (Light Industrial) and M-2 (General Industrial) Zones. Escondido has the most ,permissive policy towards carwashas compared to other agencies in North County. All other North County cities (San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Del Mar) a]I require planning commission or city council approval for carwash facilities through issuance of a conditional use permit. City staff has conducted an extensive review of the legal, policy, and neighborhood compatibility - related issues involved in regulating carwash facilities. This review has included evaluation of regulations adopted by other California cities and counties, as well as the recommendations of the American Planning Association (APA). It is important that the City take the time provided by the interim ordinance to carefully and thoughtfully assess the impacts generally created by these types of uses in commercial or industrial areas, and develop regulations that are tailored to the impacts and protect the community. Since the moratorium was adopted on May 2, 2018, significant progress has been made and code amendments have been drafted to follow-up and meet the objectives of the interim ordinance. Overall, the approach to the issues outlined in the interim urgency ordinance are 75A-138