Laguna Beach City Council Regular Meeting - April 28, 2026

April 28, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach City Council held a study session on April 28, 2026, focusing on fire safety policy reforms in response to the city's high wildfire risk, with a large portion of the city located in very high fire hazard severity zones - The Council directed staff to limit the use of Alternative Materials and Methods (AM&Ms) for core fire access requirements and move toward more prescriptive standards for critical safety features - The Council supported limiting revocable encroachment permits (REPs) primarily to landscaping to preserve the city's ability to incrementally improve street conditions and emergency access over time - Staff recommended using major remodels (50% demolition or addition) as a trigger for requiring compliance with fire access standards, with the Council requesting additional tiered options for projects below that threshold - The Council expressed interest in capital improvement projects to address critical pinch points on narrow streets, particularly in high-risk neighborhoods like Bluebird Canyon, Diamond Crestview, and Canyon Acres - Discussion focused on balancing site-specific compliance with broader community resilience, with emphasis on evacuation sa

Key Decisions

- Directed staff to narrow the use of Alternative Materials and Methods (AM&Ms) for core fire access requirements, treating them as a last resort when no other way to meet code exists - Supported limiting revocable encroachment permits to primarily landscaping uses, requiring removal of substantial hardscape improvements (walls, patios, etc.) upon major redevelopment - Endorsed using major remodel threshold (50% demolition or addition) as a baseline trigger for fire access compliance, with direction to develop additional tiered options for projects below 50% - Requested staff to exempt minor m