Design Review Board - Regular Meeting

CALL TO ORDER

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

At this time, members of the public may address the Design Review Board regarding any items not on the agenda but within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Design Review Board. No action may be taken on off-agenda items unless authorized by law. Comments shall be limited to two (2) minutes each and fifteen (15) minutes for all comments, unless extended for good cause by the Design Review Board.

MODIFICATION OF AGENDA ORDER

Revised Draft Design Review Board Calendar 2027

Item: Design Review 2025-0875 195 High Drive | APN: 496-172-01

Request: The proposed project is for an upper-level addition and remodel of an existing single-family dwelling, elevated decks, landscaping, windows and doors in the R-1 (Residential Low Density) zone. Staff Recommendation: Continue the public hearing to a date uncertain.

Item: 852 Diamond Street | APN: 644-302-16

Request: Allow the existing single-family residence to encroach into the additional building setback beyond the previous approval for the property located in the R-1 zone of the Diamond Crestview Specific Plan (DCSP) area. Staff Recommendation: Continue to a date uncertain.

Item: Design Review 2026-1187 3192 Alta Laguna Boulevard | APN: APN: 641-041-10

Request: A 646 square-foot second-story addition over the existing garage and adjoining living area that exceeds a height of 15 feet, and a new 181 square foot deck elevated approximately 9.5 feet above grade, to an existing single-family residence. CEQA: The project qualifies for a categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 - Existing Facilities. The 646 square foot living area addition represents a 35 percent increase to the existing 1,850 square foot residence, which is less than the 50 percent and 2,500-square-foot thresholds per Section 15301(e)(1). CDP: The project site is located within a non-appealable area of the Coastal Zone. As an addition to the single-family residence, the project is exempt development pursuant to Laguna Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Section 25.07.008(A)(1). The review procedure identified in LBMC Section 25.07.012(B)(3) applies. Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-1187 approving Design Review 2026-1187 for the property located at 3192 Alta Laguna Boulevard and find said action categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section pursuant to Section 15301.

Item: Design Review 2026-1721 1435 Skyline Drive | APN: 641-321-15

Request: To construct a 688 square foot addition to a single-family residence located within an environmentally sensitive area (slope greater than 30%) in the R-1 (Residential Low Density) zone. CEQA: The project qualifies for a categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 - Existing Facilities, in that the project consists of the minor alteration of an existing structure, involving negligible expansion of existing use. CDP: The project is exempt from the requirement to obtain a Coastal Development Permit pursuant to Laguna Beach Municipal Code Section 25.07.008 because it involves minor improvements to a single-family dwelling. Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-1721 approving Design Review 2026-1721 for the property located at 1435 Skyline Drive and find said action categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.

Item: Design Review 2026-1975 Variance 2026-1976 1364 Katella Street | APN: 644-391-04

Request: To construct additions and other exterior improvements in association with an existing single-family residence in the Arch Beach Heights Specific Plan area. Design review is required for the new additions, vehicular access, elevator height, retaining walls, grading, and landscaping. A variance is required to allow the existing non-conforming garage to be enlarged within the front-yard setback, to allow the elevated deck above the garage to extend into the front yard setback, to maintain the existing non-conforming number of parking spaces and to exceed the building site coverage maximum by more than five percent. CEQA: The project qualifies for a categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 - Existing Facilities, in that the project consists of the repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing structures or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use and Section 15305 - Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations, in that the project involves setback variances. CDP: The project site is located within the excludable area of the Coastal Zone. The project is proposed as excluded development under Laguna Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Chapter 25.07 and Exclusionary Order No. E-93-1 and does not require a Coastal Development Permit. The review procedure identified in LBMC Code Section 25.07.012(B)(3) applies. Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-1975 approving Variance 2026-1976 and Design Review 2026-1975 for the property located at 1364 Katella Street and find said action categorically exempt from CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 and 15305.

Item: Design Review 2025-2404 Coastal Development Permit 2025-2405 1268 Anacapa | APN: 641-303-25

Request: Construct a new single-family residence in the R-1 (Residential Low Density) zone. Design review is required for the new structure, elevated decks, grading, retaining walls, pool and spa, vehicular access, construction within an environmentally sensitive area (lot slope exceeding 30 percent) and landscaping. CEQA: CEQA applies to final actions. Because the recommended action is to continue the project to a future date, CEQA does not apply at this time. CDP: The project site is located within a non-appealable area of the Coastal Zone. When rendered, the Design Review Board's final decision can be appealed to the City Council upon filing of an appeal application and payment of the $2,500 fee in accordance with Laguna Beach Municipal Code Section 25.05.070. The final decision by the City Council is not appealable to the California Coastal Commission. Staff Recommendation: Continue the project to a date certain with direction to the applicant to redesign the project to address View Equity, Privacy, Neighborhood Compatibility, and Design Articulation.

Item: Design Review 2026-1616 Variance 2026-1615 31972 Virginia Way | APN: 056-142-08

Request: Replace an existing, non-conforming elevated deck and expand it by adding approximately 63 square feet , resulting in a total elevated deck area of 136 square feet in the VC (Village Community) zone. CEQA: The project qualifies for a categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15303 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures, and 15305 – Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations because the project consists of a 136 square foot deck that is elevated approximately 10.75 feet above grade and encroaches into the required front yard setback. CDP: The project site is located within the excludable area and the project is proposed as excluded development under Laguna Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Chapter 25.07 and Exclusionary Order No. E-93-1. The review procedure identified in LBMC Code Section 25.07.012(B)(3) applies to any such determination. Staff Recommendation: Adopt Resolution 2026-1616 approving Design Review 2026-1616 and Variance 2026-1615 for the property located at 31972 Virginia Way and find said action categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15303 and 15305.

OTHER BUSINESS