Laguna Beach Planning Commission - March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026

Executive Summary

- The Planning Commission held a lengthy meeting on March 18, 2026, conducting a concept review of the Ocean Avenue and Beach Street Streetscape Improvements Project and extensively debating the Design Review (DR) Efficiency Ordinance. - Commissioners raised significant concerns about the proposed removal of mature trees in the Ocean Avenue project, questioning whether engineering solutions could preserve more old-growth trees rather than default to removal. - The Ocean Avenue project proposes 16 bulb-outs in the project area (not 62 citywide), with concerns expressed about traffic flow impacts on Beach Street, particularly where two lanes currently merge before turning toward Broadway. - The DR Efficiency Ordinance discussion centered on exemptions from design review for structures under 16 feet, with commissioners proposing to lower the threshold to 15 feet and add director discretion to elevate exempt projects. - Commissioners strongly advocated for concept review requirements for all non-de minimis public works projects, expressing concern that without planning commission input, public works staff designs projects using the "easiest solution" rather than considering aesthetics

Key Decisions

- Commissioners provided conceptual feedback on the Ocean Avenue and Beach Street Streetscape Improvements Project but made no formal decision, as this was a concept review only. - The Planning Commission recommended approval of Municipal Code Amendment 2026-0381 and Local Coastal Program Amendment 2026-0382 (Design Review Efficiency Ordinance) with the following modifications: - Lower the design review exemption threshold from 16 feet to 15 feet for improvements, roof alterations, and new primary dwelling units - Add provision allowing the Community Development Director to refer any desig