Laguna Beach Administrative Community Development Director Meeting - March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026

Executive Summary

- Planning Manager Bill Rodriguez conducted the Administrative Community Development Director meeting on March 18, 2026, reviewing two design review applications for HVAC equipment installations. - Design Review 2025-1472 for 819 Acapulco was denied after multiple continuances (December 10, 2025, January 14, 2026, February 18, 2026, and March 18, 2026) due to the applicant's failure to submit revised plans or work with staff to find viable alternatives for an improperly located air conditioning unit. - The 819 Acapulco air conditioning unit was installed without permits on the front elevation of the house facing the street, which Planning Manager Bill Rodriguez found conspicuous and incompatible with neighborhood standards. - Design Review 26-0321 for 1585 South Coast Highway, Unit 21 was approved, allowing Architect Todd Skenderian to install a deck-mounted heat pump for the Summa family's condominium unit. - Planning Manager Bill Rodriguez noted this type of heat pump installation has been approved at least two other times at the same condominium complex, establishing precedent for similar requests. - Both decisions are subject to a 14-day appeal period requiring a $2,500 fee thr

Key Decisions

- Denied Design Review 2025-1472 for 819 Acapulco due to applicant's failure to submit revised plans after multiple continuances and staff guidance. - Approved Design Review 26-0321 for 1585 South Coast Highway, Unit 21, allowing installation of a deck-mounted heat pump with sound attenuation. - Adopted a CEQA categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 for the approved heat pump installation at 1585 South Coast Highway, Unit 21. - Terminated proceedings for 819 Acapulco rather than offering additional continuances.