Laguna Beach Planning Commission - February 21, 2024

February 21, 2024

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach Planning Commission met on March 6, 2024, to review two public hearing items: exterior modifications to the historic Hotel Laguna and proposed citywide amendments to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations. - The Commission reviewed Design Review 22-2304 for Hotel Laguna at 425 South Coast Highway, which proposed window replacements, fire escape upgrades, repainting, and façade restoration including new awnings and restored archway details. - Staff recommended conditional approval of the Hotel Laguna project, finding it categorically exempt under CEQA Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15331 (Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation) and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. - The Commission considered Zoning Ordinance Amendment 23-2136 and Local Coastal Program Amendment 23-2137 regarding ADUs, which would require public hearings before the Director of Community Development for attached ADUs potentially impacting public views to and along the ocean. - The proposed ADU amendments would mandate staking of attached ADUs for public hearing purposes and require lower heights to minimize impacts to coastal views consistent with Chapt

Key Decisions

- Staff recommended the Planning Commission adopt a resolution approving Design Review 22-2304 for Hotel Laguna and finding the action exempt from CEQA. - Staff recommended the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council adoption of Zoning Ordinance Amendment 23-2136 and Local Coastal Program Amendment 23-2137 regarding ADU regulations. - A notice of exemption (CDP 23-2336) was filed on December 22, 2023 for the Hotel Laguna project.