Laguna Beach Joint Study Session City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Board - May 26, 2026

May 26, 2026

Executive Summary

- The City of Laguna Beach held a joint study session on May 26, 2026, with the City Council, Planning Commission, and Design Review Board to review the first public draft of Phase 2 objective design standards for single- and two-family residential projects. - The standards are divided into three chapters: an introduction, general design standards applying to all projects, and form group standards organized into four architectural categories (Arts and Crafts/Bungalow, Spanish/Mediterranean, Tudor/English Cottage, and Minimal Traditional/Contemporary). - The standards provide two approval pathways: a streamlined ministerial process using objective criteria, or optional discretionary design review allowing flexibility and customization. - Key concerns raised included the 15-foot height limit, absence of view and privacy protections, lack of landscaping and lighting standards, need for materials clarification (particularly regarding contemporary metals like corten steel), and whether the standards should apply to accessory dwelling units (ADUs). - The Planning Commission and Design Review Board questioned whether Form Group D (minimal traditional/contemporary) adequately captures Lagu

Key Decisions

- The joint body received the presentation on Phase 2 objective design standards for single- and two-family residential projects and provided extensive feedback for revisions. - No formal votes were taken, as this was a study session for discussion and direction only. - The format for the study session was approved, allocating time for staff presentation, questions from each body, public comments, and deliberations. - Staff was directed to revise the draft document based on feedback from all three bodies, with particular attention to materials specifications, landscaping, lighting, view and pr