Laguna Beach Planning Commission - August 19, 2026

August 19, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Planning Commission continued Design Review 2026-1234 for the Ruby's Diner landscape plan at 30622 Coast Highway to November 18, 2026, directing the applicant to bring the plan into compliance with city parking lot tree requirements (one tree per three parking spaces, approximately 20 trees total), address Design Review Board comments from 2020, evaluate parking lot dimensions and planting areas that were reduced after the original 1989 approval, reconsider tree species selection (Tristania conferta or Eucalyptus ficifolia instead of Pacific madrone), restore lighting fixtures, and reference original 1989 planting themes. - Commissioner Whiten disclosed that he spoke with resident Ann Christoph and met on-site with Project Planner Isidoro Serna; two other commissioners also disclosed on-site meetings with the planner. - The consent calendar (two items) was approved unanimously 5-0 by Chair Goldman, Commissioner Kellenberg, Commissioner Sadler, Commissioner Whiten, and Chair Pro Tem Dubin. - A code enforcement case opened in 2017 after four eucalyptus trees were removed from the property (one tree fell, three additional trees were removed by the property owner without city aut

Key Decisions

- The Planning Commission voted 5-0 (Chair Goldman, Commissioner Kellenberg, Commissioner Sadler, Commissioner Whiten, Chair Pro Tem Dubin) to continue Design Review 2026-1234 for 30622 Coast Highway (Ruby's Diner) to November 18, 2026. - The Commission approved the consent calendar 5-0. - The Commission directed the applicant to submit a revised landscape plan addressing: (1) compliance with Municipal Code Section 25.52.010 requiring one tree per three parking spaces (approximately 20 trees for 58-60 parking spaces); (2) final Design Review Board comments from 2020 meetings; (3) restoration o