Laguna Beach Design Review Board Meeting - July 23, 2026

July 23, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Design Review Board met on July 23, 2026, reviewing seven design review applications at addresses throughout Laguna Beach, with several items continued to future meetings and others approved with modifications. - Item 5.1 (2885 Rounsevel Terrace) was continued to September 10, 2026 at the request of the applicant and an interested neighbor due to scheduling conflicts. - Item 5.2 (553 Lombardy) was approved after the applicant agreed to remove the proposed spiral staircase due to access and fire safety concerns related to an adjacent neighbor's shed encroaching on the property. - Item 5.3 (1590 Via Corsica) was unanimously approved with a landscape plan modification to replace a sunset cone planting with a red gem shrub (maximum 4 feet in height) to address neighbor view concerns. - Item 5.4 (1588 Skyline Drive) was unanimously approved with a variance for a special subdivision setback, with the Board finding the modest infill addition appropriate for the site. - Item 5.5 (30722 Driftwood Drive) was continued to August 13, 2026, with the Board directing staff to prepare an approval resolution after finding that the variance to maintain an existing 4-foot sideyard setback encro

Key Decisions

- Approved continuance of Item 5.1 (2885 Rounsevel Terrace) to September 10, 2026 (5-0 vote). - Approved Design Review 2026-0788 for 553 Lombardy with removal of the spiral staircase (4-0 vote, Board Member Weil recused). - Approved Design Review 2026-1261, Revocable Encroachment Permit 2026-1262, and Variance 2026-1263 for 1590 Via Corsica with landscape plan modification (4-0 vote, Board Member Weil participating remotely). - Approved Design Review 2026-1183 and Variance 2026-1184 for 1588 Skyline Drive (5-0 vote). - Continued Item 5.5 (30722 Driftwood Drive) to August 13, 2026 with directio