Laguna Beach Planning Commission - March 15, 2023

March 15, 2023

Executive Summary

- The Laguna Beach Planning Commission met on April 5, 2023, to review applications for a variance, coastal development permits, and a concept review for a boutique hotel. - The Commission considered Variance 22-2208 and Coastal Development Permit 22-2209 for access to a legal lot at 1940 Upper Rim Rock Road to facilitate creation of a new building site. - A Concept Review hearing was held for an 8-room boutique hotel (Adrift Hotel) proposed at 787-797 South Coast Highway, which would require demolition of an existing single-family dwelling. - Staff recommended the Upper Rim Rock Road project be found categorically exempt under CEQA Section 15332 as an in-fill development project. - The boutique hotel project is located within an appealable area of the Coastal Zone, while the Upper Rim Rock Road project is in a non-appealable area. - The meeting agenda included approval of March 15, 2023 draft minutes on the consent calendar. - Public participation was available through multiple methods including in-person attendance, phone, Zoom, and written submission. - The Commission was scheduled to provide direction to the applicant regarding access, design integrity, neighborhood compatibili

Key Decisions

- Variance 22-2208 and Coastal Development Permit 22-2209 for 1940 Upper Rim Rock Road were recommended for approval by staff, subject to findings in the attached resolution. - Concept Review 22-2415 for 787-797 South Coast Highway was scheduled for review to provide preliminary feedback on the 8-room boutique hotel design concept. - March 15, 2023 draft minutes were placed on the consent calendar for approval. - The meeting was conducted with hybrid participation options including in-person attendance in Council Chambers, phone participation, Zoom access, and live streaming on Cox cable chann