Design Review Board OKs variance for trellis to extend into rear yard at 1504 Skyline Drive

The Laguna Beach Design Review Board voted 5–0 Sept. 24 to approve a variance allowing a trellis at 1504 Skyline Drive to extend beyond the municipal projection limit.

Staff planner Sarah told the board the trellis and overhang would project about "12 and 1/2 ft," exceeding the municipal 4-foot projection allowance under Laguna Beach Municipal Code. She said the lot’s irregular “slot” shape and steep rear-yard slope toward Bounty Way limit usable area and give rise to the hardship findings that support a variance. "Staff recommends that the board adopt the attached resolution approving the variance and finding said action exempt from CEQA pursuant to section 15303 and 15305," she said.

During deliberations, board members referenced a 1993 fire rebuild and the practical limits of the lot. One board member said she was "inclined to grant you a variance for the entire ... trellis," and other members agreed the request did not create adverse impacts to neighbors. The motion to adopt Resolution 2026-1812 passed unanimously.

The board’s approval entitles the property owner to the larger trellis projection; staff recorded one piece of public correspondence from a lower neighbor about an existing retaining wall but said the neighbor was not opposed. The board noted the decision is appealable to the city within 14 days for residents within 300 feet.