CARLSBAD — The Planning Commission agreed to expand a kiosk program at Carlsbad Premium Outlets to allow more mobile carts and stationary retail booths at the popular shopping mall.
The outlet’s updated program will feature 17 pushcarts, including one retroactively permitted 5×5-foot cart and 16 new 5×8-foot carts, and five kiosks of varying sizes, including four retroactively permitted units and one newly approved kiosk replacing an existing pushcart.
Retroactive permits were granted for some existing kiosks, including Wetzel’s Pretzels, Exxiypop Shoppe, Oasis Tacos, Maria’s Convenience Store and Buonissimo.
According to the staff report, the pushcarts and kiosks provide flexible retail options, enhance the shopping experience and fit the 300,000-square-foot retail center’s existing architecture.
The Planning Commission also approved a 1% reduction in required parking, ensuring the number of spaces aligns with the 1,519 spots currently available on site.
According to staff, this parking reduction complies with the Carlsbad Municipal Code and does not involve removing any existing parking spaces.
“This particular project doesn’t negatively or positively affect [parking],” said Commissioner Joseph Stine. “So in terms of amending the development plan, because it does not adversely affect parking, I can support this project.”
The project was approved unanimously, with two commissioners absent from the meeting.
The updates also retroactively permit kiosks and pushcarts that have been operating with business licenses but without proper planning approvals. Associate Planner Edward Valenzuela explained that the changes are intended to address administrative missteps and bring the property into compliance.
“With all the challenges of commercial real estate, anything that we can do as a city to help assist them and be more successful in their operations, I think, is good,” said Commissioner Peter Merz.
