Laguna Beach Design Review Board - February 26, 2026

February 26, 2026

Executive Summary

The Laguna Beach Design Review Board met on February 26, 2026, to review nine design applications, denying one project at 238 Chiquita Street due to Mills Act violations and historic preservation concerns, while approving seven other projects including ADUs, elevators, and residential additions. The Board directed staff to revise the resolution of denial for 238 Chiquita Street to incorporate extensive deliberation points about coastal scenic resources, historic resource impacts, and Mills Act contract compliance, with the revised resolution to return on the March 12, 2026 consent calendar. Board Member Louis Weil participated remotely from a location with other household members present, and all Board members disclosed extensive ex parte communications including site visits and meetings with applicants for all agenda items. A resident from the Port streets raised concerns during public comment about losing views due to a neighbor's proposed 3,600 square foot house, prompting Chair Matthew Kilroy to explain that the Design Review Board applies view equity standards rather than view preservation when evaluating projects. The Board approved multiple aging-in-place modifications incl

Key Decisions

- Directed staff to revise the resolution of denial for 238 Chiquita Street ADU project (Design Review 2026-0148, Coastal Development Permit 2026-0148) to incorporate additional findings regarding coastal scenic resources, Mills Act contract compliance, historic preservation standards, and building site coverage, with the revised resolution to return on the March 12, 2026 consent calendar (approved 4-0) - Approved Design Review 2026-0152 for a 799 square foot detached ADU at 545 Nice Place with a condition requiring dark gray non-reflective glass film for the elevator shaft, subject to staff a