Laguna Beach Planning Commission - February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach Planning Commission held a meeting on February 5, 2025, to review three design review applications focusing primarily on fuel modification zones for fire prevention and new signage for a commercial bank. - Fire Marshall Robert Montaghami of the Laguna Beach Fire Department requested approval for two separate fuel modification zone projects (FMZ 16 in Lower Hobo Canyon and FMZ 19 in Diamond/Crestview) to establish treatment protocols for fire prevention adjacent to homes and on hillsides. - Both fuel modification zone projects require adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration following a public review period from September 20, 2024 through October 21, 2024. - FMZ 16 requires a consolidated coastal development permit from the California Coastal Commission because a portion falls within an area of deferred certification, while FMZ 19 is located in a non-appealable area of the Coastal Zone. - Farmers & Merchants Bank requested approval for new signage at 401 Glenneyre Street, including one illuminated canopy sign and one illuminated logo wall sign in the CBD Office District of the Downtown Specific Plan area. - All three projects received CEQA categorical exemptio

Key Decisions

- Staff recommended by motion to adopt Resolution No. 24-2681 approving Design Review 24-2681 for Fuel Modification Zone 16 in Lower Hobo Canyon and to adopt an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration with a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). - Staff recommended by motion to adopt Resolution No. 24-2046 approving Design Review 24-2046 and Coastal Development Permit 24-2047 for Fuel Modification Zone 19 in Diamond/Crestview area and to adopt an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration with a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP). - Staff recommended by mot