Laguna Beach Design Review Board - March 12, 2026

March 12, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach Design Review Board convened on March 12, 2026, to review one consent calendar item and five regular business items, approving or continuing all applications presented. - The Board addressed a contested resolution at 238 Chiquita Street denying a coastal development permit for an ADU, with the applicant's attorney challenging the denial's legal basis and neighboring property owners supporting the Board's decision. - Board Member Balta celebrated his 38th birthday during the meeting, and Board Member Louis participated remotely from a location with dogs and cows present. - Five projects received continuances to future meetings: 195 High Drive (to April 23, 2026), 399 Pearl Street (tabled with no new hearing date), and 310 Lookout Drive (to April 9, 2026). - Two projects were approved on an expedited basis: a 260 square-foot deck addition at 755 Nyes Place and a 726 square-foot detached ADU with pool and spa at 868 Bluebird Canyon Drive, both passing unanimously. - The Board demonstrated efficiency by completing all business in approximately 45 minutes, potentially approaching the record of 27 minutes referenced by Board Member Louis. - Chair Gibbs emphasized the i

Key Decisions

- Resolution 2026-0148 denying Coastal Development Permit 2026-0148 for 238 Chiquita Street was approved 3-1, with Chair Pro Tem Gannon abstaining due to absence from the prior hearing. - Design Review 25-0875 (195 High Drive) was continued to April 23, 2026. - Design Review 25-1819 and Coastal Development Permit 25-1820 (399 Pearl Street) were tabled with no new hearing date set. - Design Review 2026-0004 and Coastal Development Permit 2026-0003 (310 Lookout Drive) were continued to April 9, 2026. - Design Review 26-0027 (755 Nyes Place) for a 264 square-foot deck addition was approved 4-0. -