Laguna Beach Planning Commission - July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Executive Summary

- The Planning Commission held its meeting on July 2, 2025, conducting elections for leadership positions and addressing two agenda items. - The Commission elected a new Chairperson and Chair Pro Tem through formal votes (specific results not stated in the agenda). - Conditional Use Permit 25-0959 for 31844 Coast Highway was continued to a date uncertain at the applicant's request, requiring new public notice for the future hearing date. - Design Review 25-1044 and Coastal Development Permit 25-1045 for 1040 South Coast Highway proposed a major remodel of a single-story commercial building with upper-level additions to create four new apartment units in the C-1 (Local Business District) zone. - The 1040 South Coast Highway project includes parking lot modifications and landscaping improvements. - The project is categorically exempt from CEQA under Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) and is located in a non-appealable area of the Coastal Zone. - The project had been previously reviewed by the Planning Commission on February 2, 2022. - The Commission heard public comments and staff reports before making determinations on agenda items.

Key Decisions

- The Planning Commission elected a new Chairperson (name not specified in agenda materials). - The Planning Commission elected a new Chair Pro Tem (name not specified in agenda materials). - Staff recommended continuing Conditional Use Permit 25-0959 for 31844 Coast Highway to a date uncertain. - Staff recommended approving Design Review 25-1044 and Coastal Development Permit 25-1045 for 1040 South Coast Highway by resolution, finding the project categorically exempt from CEQA.