Laguna Beach Design Review Board - May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

Executive Summary

- The Design Review Board met on May 8, 2025, to review three regular business items involving landscape modifications, elevated decks constructed without permits, and a new single-family dwelling. - Design Review 23-1020 for 1712 Thurston Drive addresses modifications to a previously approved landscaping plan that includes new trees and retaining walls with associated grading totaling 41 cubic yards of cut and 25 cubic yards of backfill. - Design Review 25-0344 for 152 High Drive involves two elevated decks totaling approximately 267 square feet, guardrails, and access stairs that were constructed without permits in the sloping rear yard of a single-family home. - Design Review 24-2586 for 1560 Bluebird Canyon Drive proposes construction of a new single-family dwelling with an attached three-car garage on a vacant building site in the R-1 zone. - The Bluebird Canyon Drive project requires a Coastal Development Permit but is located in a non-appealable area of the Coastal Zone. - Public comments were submitted for all three agenda items, indicating community interest and potential concerns. - Staff recommended approval for the first two projects, while the third project was schedul

Key Decisions

- Staff recommended approval of Design Review 23-1020 for landscape plan modifications at 1712 Thurston Drive through Resolution 23-1020. - Staff recommended approval of Design Review 25-0344 for elevated decks, guardrails, and stairs at 152 High Drive through Resolution 25-0344. - Both approved projects were found exempt from CEQA under categorical exemptions (Section 15301 for 1712 Thurston Drive and Section 15303 for 152 High Drive). - Both projects were determined exempt from Coastal Development Permit requirements under LBMC Section 25.07.008 or Chapter 25.07. - Design Review 24-2586 for