Design Review Board continues three items, approves two small projects (deck, ADU/pool)

At its March 12 meeting the Laguna Beach Design Review Board approved two development requests and continued three others.

Continuances: The board continued three regular-calendar items: 5.1 (1195 High Drive; design review 25-0875) to the April 23, 2026 meeting; 5.2 (399 Pearl Street; design review 25-18/19 and CDP 25-1820) was tabled with no new hearing date; and 5.3 (310 Lookout Drive) was continued to April 9, 2026. The board approved those continuances by unanimous vote.

755 Nice Place (Item 5.4): Staff planner Alyssa Suarez described a proposed approximately 8-by-32-foot (about 260 sq ft) deck extension on a hillside R-1 lot. Staff found the project consistent with design guidelines, outside the mapped water-course setback, and recommended approval, finding it categorically exempt under the SQA guidelines as stated in the staff report. No members of the public spoke against the project. Board members who visited the site said they observed no privacy or view impacts and moved to adopt Resolution 2026-000027 approving the design review (vote 4–0).

868 Bluebird Canyon Drive (Item 5.5): Staff presented a request for a detached 726-sq-ft ADU and a new pool and spa, plus a variance to allow structures within a mapped water-course setback that currently functions as an underground storm drain. Public works staff confirmed a 5-ft setback from the centerline of the storm drain would be sufficient. The project team and architect spoke in support. Board members who visited the site said the project fits the hillside contours, is not visible from the road, and satisfies design-review findings. The board adopted the resolutions and permits (design review, coastal development permit, and variance) by unanimous vote.

The board adjourned to its March 26 meeting; one member noted it would be their last meeting.