Laguna Beach City Council Regular Meeting - January 13, 2026 (5:00 PM)

January 13, 2026

Executive Summary

- The City Council continued the public hearing for Appeal A regarding a historic resource determination at 31526 Valido Road to February 24, 2026, directing staff to have the original consultant HRG respond to peer review critiques and have both consulting firms present at the hearing. - The City Council continued consideration of the Playhouse lease amendment and funding assistance to January 27, 2026, to allow time to refine details about community rental terms and costs. - The City Council continued consideration of an easement amendment for parking at 31131 Monterey Street to allow staff to explore alternatives that maintain emergency evacuation access while potentially accommodating limited parking. - The City Council approved the award of a construction contract to Superb Engineering for $5,549,964.85 for the Forest Avenue Promenade permanent conversion project, along with a construction management contract with NextGen Design Builders for $340,950. - The City Council unanimously approved the formation of Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-3 (Fairview/La Brea) after balloting results showed 82% weighted support (59 yes votes, 15 no votes). - City Manager Dave Kiff

Key Decisions

- Continued Appeal A (Design Review 24-0658 and Coastal Development Permit 24-0657 for 31526 Valido Road) to February 24, 2026, with direction for HRG to respond to GPA's peer review critique and both firms to attend the hearing (approved unanimously). - Continued the Laguna Playhouse lease amendment and funding assistance (Item 10) to January 27, 2026, to refine community benefit rental terms and cost structures (approved unanimously). - Continued consideration of the easement amendment at 31131 Monterey Street (Item 7) with direction to staff to explore alternatives that preserve emergency e