Laguna Beach Planning Commission - April 21, 2021

April 21, 2021

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach Planning Commission met on September 15, 2021, to review and recommend approval of several zoning ordinance amendments, local coastal program amendments, and conditional use permits. - The Commission considered citywide amendments to streamline coastal development permit processes and update accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to comply with state law. - The Commission reviewed four conditional use permit applications for commercial establishments including a fine art gallery, restaurant with live music, and a restaurant with alcohol service in a historic K-rated structure. - Staff recommended approval for all items on the agenda with specific conditions attached to each resolution. - All projects included determinations under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), with most qualifying for categorical exemptions. - The meeting allowed for hybrid virtual/in-person public participation due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic protocols.

Key Decisions

- The Commission reviewed Zoning Ordinance Amendment 21-10064 and Local Coastal Program Amendment 21-10065 to allow the director to administratively authorize changes to design review, conditional use permits, and other entitlements associated with coastal development permits when approved by the Coastal Commission (subject to certain findings), and to modify time extensions of coastal development permits from six months to two years. - The Commission reviewed Zoning Ordinance Amendment 21-8238 and Local Coastal Program Amendment 21-8239 to repeal and replace Municipal Code Chapter 25.17 (Seco