Laguna Beach Administrative Community Development Director Meeting - August 12, 2026

August 12, 2026

Executive Summary

- Planning Manager Bill Rodriguez conducted the Administrative Community Development Director meeting on August 12, 2026, reviewing three design review applications for utility infrastructure and residential modifications. - The application for public right-of-way near 894 Santa Ana Street (Design Review 2026-0567) was continued to September 30, 2026 at the applicant's request for additional time to coordinate with the property owner. - The application for public right-of-way near 234 Cliff Drive (Design Review 2025-2402) for a 500-foot anode deep well and 5-foot utility cabinet in Jahraus Park was approved with conditions requiring camouflaging and landscaping restoration, despite neighbor concerns about view impacts. - The application for 1080 Noria Street (Design Review 2026-1255) to enclose an as-built upper-level covered deck was approved with a condition requiring automatic nightshades on four skylights to comply with dark sky ordinance policies. - Southern California Gas Company representative Benny Allen explained that cathodic protection systems have been used since the 1960s to prevent pipeline corrosion and are mandated by state regulations. - Residents Wes Walkner and J

Key Decisions

- Design Review 2026-0567 for public right-of-way near 894 Santa Ana Street was continued to September 30, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. - Design Review 2025-2402 and Categorical Exemption Section 15303 for public right-of-way near 234 Cliff Drive were approved with three conditions: (1) the utility cabinet must be colored or camouflaged to blend with adjacent landscaping, (2) all removed landscaping must be replanted in kind consistent with Public Works requirements, and (3) an entry permit from the Public Works Department is required for work on publicly owned property. - Design Review 2026-1255 and Cat