Laguna Beach Planning Commission - July 15, 2026

July 15, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach Planning Commission held its July 15, 2026 meeting with a reduced quorum of three commissioners (Chair Kellenberg, Commissioner Dubin, and Commissioner Sadler), electing to defer the election of officers to the August 5, 2026 meeting. - The Commission unanimously approved Sign Permit 2026-1342 for the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACK) at 239 Broadway Street, allowing a master sign program amendment for new signage including canopy signs, wall signs, and blade signs made of acrylic with metallic copper enamel finishes. - The Commission conducted a concept review of a proposed city-wide permanent enclosed lifeguard tower program spanning 39 beach locations, with initial focus on five towers at Aliso Beach, Picnic Beach, Shaw's Cove, Table Rock South, and Victoria Beach. - Marine Safety Chief Kai Bon presented operational challenges with existing temporary towers, including safety hazards from tilting structures, limited weather protection, and towers being washed out to sea, while emphasizing the need for permanent caisson-mounted towers to protect lifeguards and the public. - Multiple community members raised concerns about the permanent tower program, i

Key Decisions

- Deferred the election of officers (Chairperson and Chair Pro Tem) to the August 5, 2026 meeting due to absence of two commissioners (passed without formal vote by consensus). - Approved the consent calendar including June 17, 2026 draft minutes (vote 3-0: Dubin yes, Sadler yes, Kellenberg yes). - Adopted Resolution No. 2026-1342 approving Sign Permit 2026-1342 for the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center at 239 Broadway Street, finding the action exempt from CEQA (vote 3-0: Dubin yes, Sadler yes, Kellenberg yes). - Provided conceptual support for the proposed city-wide permanent enclosed life