Laguna Beach Planning Commission - December 1, 2021

December 1, 2021

Executive Summary

- The Planning Commission meeting on December 1, 2021, addressed six public hearings covering a diverse range of development projects including the Rivian Theatre rooftop equipment, the Carmelita's outdoor dining expansion at 217 Broadway, and the citywide 6th Cycle Housing Element Update. - A key item was Design Review 21-10723 for the historic restoration plan for the Hotel Laguna at 425 South Coast Highway, which was presented as a concept review with no action taken, allowing commissioners and the public to provide preliminary feedback to the applicant. - The Commission considered fuel modification projects in South Laguna (Zones 20 and 21) to create a 100-foot fire buffer near homes between Alta Loma and Sunset Avenue, requiring adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration. - The 6th Cycle Housing Element Update (General Plan Amendment 2021-8426) was reviewed, which assesses housing needs for all economic segments and ensures adequate housing sites to meet Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) requirements for the 2021-2029 planning period. - Several projects required Coastal Development Permits because they are located in appealable areas of the Coastal Zone, subject to Ca

Key Decisions

- No final decisions were recorded in this agenda document; the meeting content provided only describes the items scheduled for hearing and staff recommendations. - Staff recommended approval of Design Review 21-10331, Coastal Development Permit 21-10333, and Variance 21-10332 for rooftop equipment at 160 South Coast Highway (Rivian Theatre). - Staff recommended approval of Conditional Use Permit Amendment 20-7627, Design Review 21-9618, Coastal Development Permit 21-9619, and Master Sign Program Amendment 21-9620 for site improvements at 217 Broadway. - Staff recommended that the Planning Com