The new plan focuses on enhancing neighborhood character, public spaces and ways to get around the Village and Barrio, based on ideas gathered from the community starting in September 2014. Hundreds of community members participated in hands-on design sessions, an online forum, technical sessions and public meetings. Here’s a summary of what’s included in the new plan:

Building heights

• No change to the maximum building height in the Village of 45 feet, but the new plan imposes limits on roof protrusions and the enclosed area of fourth stories.

Design standards

• Revises existing Village standards and design guidelines so they are easier to understand and have more “teeth,” meaning city staff, decision-makers and the community can more easily ensure proposed projects are consistent with the community’s character.

Project approvals and implementation

• Requires applicants for large projects in the Village to go to City Council for final approval.
• Provides an implementation plan and identifies timing and funding sources for public improvements, parking management and other actions.

Parking

• Incorporates findings from the city’s final Village, Barrio and Beach Area Parking Management Plan that was accepted by City Council in September 2017.
• Includes strategies to manage streets and parking lots that improve parking availability and overall mobility.
• Establishes parking requirements that are appropriate for a small downtown and compact, walkable community.
• Background information and other technical memos related to the Park Study are available for review.

Mobility and connectivity

• Focuses on alternatives to traveling by car, such as walking and biking.
• Encourages street and sidewalk improvements west of Carlsbad Boulevard, benefitting drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Promotes the idea of tunneling beneath Interstate 5 to connect Grand Avenue to the east side of the freeway.
• Embraces emerging transportation choices, such as a shuttle system and ride sharing.
• Envisions part of Grand Avenue becoming a pedestrian-friendly promenade.
• Establishes standards for public plazas at key Village intersections.
• Anticipates trenching of the railroad tracks through the Village and Barrio to enhance safety and create better connections between the beach and the neighborhoods.

Safety and beautification

• Recommends more crosswalks, trees and pedestrian-scaled lighting along streets.
• Focuses on traffic safety improvements in the Barrio.
• Advocates public art and cultural activities throughout the master plan area.