Laguna Beach Planning Commission - April 1, 2026

April 1, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit 2025-2443 for Spa del Rio, a family-operated massage and spa business, to relocate from 384 Forest Avenue to 265 Laguna Avenue in the Downtown Specific Plan area. - Commissioners unanimously supported the application (5-0 vote), finding it consistent with the surrounding commercial context and noting it would not increase parking demand or intensify use of the site. - The Commission conducted a concept review of the Mermaid Parking Lot Beautification Project at 348 Glenary Street, providing extensive feedback on design elements including crazy quilt brick walls, landscaping, and the brick entrance paving pattern. - Commissioners emphasized the importance of bringing public works projects to the Planning Commission for concept review to ensure aesthetic considerations beyond functional engineering solutions. - The Commission discussed ongoing maintenance issues on Laguna Canyon Road medians and received updates on the Pacific Edge project's progress with the Coastal Commission and the Hotel Laguna receivership situation. - Commissioner Sadler raised concerns about dead shrubs and bushes in the Laguna Canyon Road median from F

Key Decisions

- Approved Conditional Use Permit 2025-2443 for Spa del Rio massage establishment at 265 Laguna Avenue by unanimous vote (5-0). - Approved the consent calendar by unanimous vote (5-0). - Provided conceptual approval and design direction for the Mermaid Parking Lot Beautification Project with recommendations for modifications to brick paving patterns, plant palette selection, and coordination with the nearby promenade project.