Laguna Beach Design Review Board Meeting 2/12/2026

February 12, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach Design Review Board convened on February 12, 2026, to review multiple residential design applications, including property additions, ADU conversions, elevated decks, and facade modifications across various city zones. - The Board approved six projects, including additions and modifications at 152 McCauley Place, 968 Del Mar Avenue, 31982 Virginia Way, 1025 Cortez Avenue, 2500 Glenery Street, and 31886 Hillside Lane. - One project continuance was granted for 950 Baja Street to April 9, 2026, after significant discussion about the applicant's last-minute continuance request and concerns about project history. - The Board heard substantial public testimony on several projects, with neighbors raising concerns about view impacts, privacy, parking, and neighborhood compatibility. - A significant disruption occurred when a member of the public made aggressive comments toward the Board during deliberations, prompting a discussion about meeting decorum and potential consequences for disruptions. - The Board applied view equity principles consistently across multiple projects, finding that modest view impacts were acceptable when projects left substantial views intact and

Key Decisions

- Approved Design Review 25-2529 for 152 McCauley Place (extending roof over front entrance and changing roof material to standing seam metal) by vote of 3-0. - Approved Design Review 25-2051 for 968 Del Mar Avenue (increasing height of roof deck and floor by one foot) by vote of 3-0. - Approved Design Review 26-0061 and Coastal Development Permit 26-0062 for 31982 Virginia Way (415 square foot upper level addition, 176 square foot deck, and ADU) by vote of 3-0. - Approved Design Review 25-2268 for 1025 Cortez Avenue (in-ground swimming pool with pool fencing) by vote of 3-0, with removal of c