Laguna Beach Design Review Board - April 9, 2016

April 9, 2016

Executive Summary

- The Design Review Board held a study session on April 9, 2016, to address critical procedural and policy issues affecting its operations - Key topics included standardizing findings for approvals (Variance, CDP, CUP, DR, Specific Plan Consistency), improving consistency in decision-making processes - Board discussed concept review procedures for the Diamond Crestview Specific Plan and clarified its responsibilities when projects are remanded back from City Council - Administrative design review procedures were examined to address recurring appeal issues and improve efficiency - Swimming pool size constraints and standards of review for new houses replacing existing houses were debated - Board workload concerns were raised, with discussion of whether additional meetings are needed to handle the volume of applications - Status updates provided on ongoing issues including piecemealing concerns, variance findings memo revisions, and design review appeal procedures

Key Decisions

- No formal votes recorded; this was a study session for discussion and direction - Board provided feedback on various procedural improvements and policy clarifications - Direction given to staff on multiple procedural matters including findings requirements and appeal processes