Laguna Beach Administrative Community Development Director Meeting - July 22, 2026

July 22, 2026

Executive Summary

- Planning Manager Bill Rodriguez conducted the Administrative Community Development Director meeting on July 22, 2026, reviewing two design review applications: a capital improvement project for retaining wall rehabilitation on Wendt Terrace and a roof height increase at 975 Tia Juana St. - The Wendt Terrace project (Design Review 2026-1279) was approved, involving replacement and rehabilitation of approximately 710 linear feet of deteriorated timber lagging retaining wall along the westerly side of Wendt Terrace between Griffith Way and Glomstad Lane. - Project Manager Alpha Santos-Guinto explained the wall was originally installed before 2000 and requires rehabilitation due to deteriorated wood lagging sections, missing timber pieces, and street distress reported by residents starting in 2023. - Planning Manager Bill Rodriguez emphasized the need for extensive community outreach and coordination with residents due to the narrow street conditions, bus route conflicts, and the variety of private improvements that extend into the public right-of-way. - The 975 Tia Juana St project (Design Review 2026-0494) was continued to August 5, 2026 to verify compliance with height standards,

Key Decisions

- Approved Design Review 2026-1279 and adopted Categorical Exemption Section 15302 for the Wendt Terrace retaining wall rehabilitation project between Griffith Way and Glomstad Lane. - Continued Design Review 2026-0494 for 975 Tia Juana St to the meeting of Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. to allow staff to verify height compliance, review the new design review ordinance, and obtain property slope data.