Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

At this time, members of the Public may address the Planning Commission regarding any items not on the agenda but within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Planning Commission. No action may be taken on off-agenda items unless authorized by law. Comments shall be limited to three (3) minutes each, unless extended for good cause by the Planning Commission.

September 16, 2026 Draft Minutes

Item: Sign Permit 2026-1039 and Variance 2026-1040

Applicant: Marco Marmolejo, Agent for The Ranch (949) 412-7516 | marco@mar-development.com Prepared By: Community Development Department, Sarah Olsen, Assistant Planner (949) 715-1149 | solsen@lagunabeachcity.net and Claire Park, Assistant Planner (949) 464-6632 | clpark@lagunabeachcity.net Location: 31106 Coast Highway (APN 056-240-47) | APN 056-240-35 Request: Remove and replace one illuminated freestanding sign fronting Coast Highway, and re face one illuminated freestanding sign on The Ranch property within the CH M (Commercial Hotel Motel) and OSC (Open Space Conservation) zones. A variance is requested to: (1) exceed the maximum allowable sign area for the site (LBMC Section 25.54.008(D)); (2) exceed the maximum allowable sign area and height for a freestanding sign (LBMC Chapter 25.54, Table 2); and (3) allow an internally illuminated sign (LBMC Section 25.54.016(E)). CEQA: The project qualifies for a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15311 (Accessory Structures), as it involves minor alterations to an existing freestanding sign and the installation of a new freestanding sign. CDP: The project is exempt from the Coastal Development Permit requirements pursuant to LBMC Section 25.07.008 (Exemptions), and the project is located within an appealable area of the Coastal Zone. Information regarding California Coastal Commission appeal processes can be found at https://www.coastal.ca.gov/cdp/cdp-forms.html. Staff Recommendation: By motion, adopt Resolution No. 2026-1040 (Attachment 1) approving Sign Permit 2026-1039 and Variance 2026-1040 and finding said action exempt from CEQA. Item 5.1 Staff Report Attachment 1 - Resolution No. 2026-1040 Attachment 2 - Project Plans Attachment 3 - Variance Application Attachment 4 - South Coast Water District Letter dated May 26, 2026

Item: Design Review 2026-1967

Applicant: City of Laguna Beach, Public Works & Utilities Department (949) 715-8621 | CSanford@lagunabeachcity.net Prepared By: Public Works & Utilities Department, Christian Sanford, Project Manager (949) 715-8621 | CSanford@lagunabeachcity.net Location: 348 Glenneyre Street | APN: 641-266-09 Request: Design Review for the Mermaid Parking Lot Beautification Project, consisting of entrance improvements to the City owned Mermaid Public Parking Lot No. 5 within the CBD 2 (Downtown Commercial) District of the Downtown Specific Plan area. The project includes constructing brick veneer seat walls around the two existing entrance planters; installing new landscaping within the planters; adding decorative brick paving at the Glenneyre Street entrance; relocating the existing pay station and trash receptacle; installing bollards at the relocated pay station; removing one parking lot sign and one bike route sign; and slurry sealing and restriping the parking lot. CEQA: The project qualifies for a categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1, 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. CDP: The project is located within a non-appealable area of the Coastal Zone and is proposed as exempt development under Laguna Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Section 25.07.008(A)(2). The review procedure identified in LBMC Section 25.07.012(B) (3) applies to any such determination. Staff Recommendation: By motion, adopt Resolution No. 2026-1967 (Attachment 1) approving Design Review 2026-1967, finding the project exempt from the Coastal Development Permit requirement pursuant to LBMC Section 25.07.008, and finding said action categorically exempt from CEQA. Item 5.2 Staff Report Attachment 1 - Resolution No. 2026-1968 Attachment 2 - Plans

Item: Concept Review 2026-1646

Applicant: City of Laguna Beach, Public Works and Utilities Department Prepared By: Public Works and Utilities Department, Alpha Santos, Project Manager(949) 497-0729 | ASantos@lagunabeachcity.net Location: Public Right-of-Way Fisherman's Cove (Cliff Drive between Beverly Street & High Drive) Request: Concept review of the proposed Fisherman's Cove Beach Access Improvements Project, involving the removal of deteriorating asphalt and concrete walkway/stairs and replacement with a full concrete accessway, installation of hydroturf on adjacent concrete drainage surface, and installation of riprap at a drainage swale outlet and existing water diversion unit. No project approval or other discretionary action is requested at this time. CEQA: This concept review is limited to Planning Commission discussion and feedback and does not authorize or approve any activity that could cause a physical change in the environment. As such, it is not a "project" under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA. Any future discretionary action on the project will be subject to environmental review pursuant to CEQA. Any feedback or direction provided at this stage is non-binding and will not commit the City to future actions. CDP: An application for a Coastal Development Permit has not yet been submitted and will not be considered as part of this concept review. The project site is located within an appealable area of the Coastal Zone. Further information regarding California Coastal Commission appeal processes can be found at https://www.coastal.ca.gov/cdp/cdp-forms.html. Staff Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing, receive the staff presentation, review the conceptual plans and supporting materials for the proposed project, consider public testimony, and provide general feedback and direction for the applicant's final design. Item 5.3 Staff Report Attachment 1 - Concept Review Application Attachment 2 - Conceptual Plans Attachment 3 - Geotechnical Analysis and Wave Runup Study (ENGEO, January 23, 2026)

Item: Concept Review 2026-1942

Applicant: City of Laguna Beach, Public Works and Utilities Department Prepared By: Public Works and Utilities Department, Christian Sanford, Project Manager (949) 497-0711 | CSanford@lagunabeachcity.net Location: Public Right-of-Way Diver's Cove (Cliff Drive between Park Drive & High Drive) Request: Concept review of the proposed Diver's Cove Beach Access Improvements Project, involving the removal of deteriorating concrete walkway/stairs and replacement with a concrete accessway, replacement of handrailing, and installation of drainage improvements. No project approval or other discretionary action is requested at this time. CEQA: This concept review is limited to Planning Commission discussion and feedback and does not authorize or approve any activity that could cause a physical change in the environment. As such, it is not a "project" under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Any future discretionary action on the project will be subject to environmental review pursuant to CEQA. Any feedback or direction provided at this stage is non-binding and will not commit the City to future actions. CDP: An application for a Coastal Development Permit has not yet been submitted and will not be considered as part of this concept review. The project site is located within an appealable area of the Coastal Zone. Further information regarding California Coastal Commission appeal processes can be found at https://www.coastal.ca.gov/cdp/cdp-forms.html. Staff Recommendation: Conduct a public hearing, receive the staff presentation, review the conceptual plans and supporting materials for the proposed project, consider public testimony, and provide general feedback and direction for the applicant's final design. Item 5.4 Staff Report Attachment 1 - Concept Review Application Attachment 2 - Conceptual Plans Attachment 3 - Geotechnical Analysis and Wave Runup Study (ENGEO, January 23, 2026)

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