Laguna Beach Design Review Board approves series of residential design changes, allows 1-foot rooftop variance in Smith Cliffs

The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on May 28 approved a slate of residential design reviews and variances, including reapproval of a project after California Coastal Commission conditions, minor additions and accessibility upgrades, and a rooftop-deck variance in the Smith Cliffs neighborhood that the board allowed to be raised up to one foot from the deck and guardrail elevations shown on the submitted plans.

The board opened the meeting with standard procedure and rules for public comment and appeals, moved agenda item 5.5 (26 Lagonita Drive) forward, and continued one item (195 High Drive) to June 25, 2026. Staff opened the hearings for each project, presented findings and recommendations, and applicants made brief presentations or declined a substantive presentation when staff had updated records.

Why it matters: the board’s decisions affect neighborhood bulk, coastal findings, and property owners’ permitted uses in zones where coastal and historic rules apply. Several items required coastal development permits or variances because of location within Environmentally Sensitive Areas, existing nonconforming conditions, or proximity to the coastal bluff.

What the board decided and key points:
• 26 Lagonita Drive (item 5.5): Staff said the project previously approved on Jan. 22, 2026 required updated coastal-development findings and special conditions after the California Coastal Commission review; staff recommended rescinding resolution 2025-1763 and adopting resolution 2025-1764. The board, after confirming there were no scope changes and hearing site-visit reports from members, approved rescission and re-adoption by roll call (motion carried 4–0, one member absent). (Action: rescind 2025-1763; adopt 2025-1764.)

• 1020 San Jose Street (item 5.2): Staff presented modifications to an existing approval — a new elevator and elevated deck with door and window adjustments. The applicant’s architect described the elevator placement and deck access. Board members who visited the site called the changes modest, supported improved access, and voted to approve design review 2026-0814 (4–0, one member absent).

• 186 Sunset Terrace (item 5.3): The project was scaled back and now proposes a modest lower-level addition that increases lot coverage by roughly 1–2%. The applicant described removing nonconforming stairs and adding a small entry area. Board members supported the project as consistent with prior approval, but several questioned a long entry overhang; some suggested a reduced overhang or pergola as a design alternative. The board approved the request (resolution 2025-1330) and found it categorically exempt under CEQA section 15301, vote 5–0.

• 7 Smith Cliffs Road (item 5.4): The owner requested a rooftop-deck variance and asked for a one-foot increase (from 28 to 29 ft) to accommodate a 42-in glass guardrail and preserve an ocean sightline. Staff and board members identified inconsistent plan callouts (various elevations shown on sheet A-3) and discussed whether staking or clarified dimensions were needed. Multiple members noted that Smith Cliffs includes many existing height variances and that a one-foot increase would remain below the existing roof ridge as shown on the submitted elevations. The board approved design review 2026-0784 and variance 2026-0785, adopting a motion that allows the deck floor and guardrail to be raised up to one foot as shown on plan A-3 and directing staff to resolve the plan-dimension clarifications consistent with the application and the one-foot modification; motion carried 5–0.

• 536 Bluebird Canyon Drive (item 5.6): Staff recommended approval of a modest enclosure of a 204 sq ft upper-level deck and reconstruction of the loft-level deck. A coastal development permit and variances were required because the site lies in an ESA and intrudes into rear and water-course setbacks; staff found no increase in overall height and no ground disturbance. The board approved the package (design review 2026-0789; CDP 2026-0890; variance 2026-0790), vote 5–0.

• 139 Moss Street (item 5.7): The board reviewed exterior and limited interior changes to an iconic, oceanfront historic residence, including a kitchen expansion, garage expansion to provide two covered spaces, new pergolas, and refinements to front steps. Applicants emphasized coordination with the city’s heritage reviewer and said character-defining features were preserved; several public speakers praised the restoration but asked the owner and contractors to reduce curbside contractor parking and staging impacts. Staff found the project consistent with design guidelines and LCP; the board approved the design review, coastal permit and variances (resolution 2026-0854), vote 5–0.

• 2611 Glener/Glenn (item 5.8): The board reviewed a modest rear-yard proposal to install an inground pool, spa, a small deck extension and materials updates. A neighbor asked about excavation (approximately 51 cubic yards); the applicant committed to geotechnical review and appropriate shoring. The board found the project compatible and approved design review 2026-0292 under CEQA section 15303, vote 5–0.

Public comments and enforcement notes: Several residents who spoke commended the historic-restoration work at Moss Street but raised concerns about contractor parking and staging that have limited public curb parking on nearby streets. At least one commenter requested a voluntary contractor-parking restriction within 500 ft of a project to reduce neighborhood impacts. Board members noted those operational concerns are typically handled by building permits and construction-site management and suggested an advisory note to building officials and the applicant teams.

Next steps: Each approval is subject to the standard appeal period specified at the meeting (14 days for residents within 300 ft) and to requisite ministerial plan checks and building permits. Several approvals required staff to reconcile plan dimension callouts (notably the Smith Cliffs item) before final ministerial review.

Votes at a glance: 5.1 continued to June 25, 2026 (continuance approved 4–0); 5.5 (26 Lagonita Drive) rescind/adopt resolution 2025-1764 approved 4–0; 5.2 (1020 San Jose St.) approved 4–0; 5.3 (186 Sunset Terrace) approved 5–0; 5.4 (7 Smith Cliffs Rd.) design review and variance approved 5–0 with one-foot deck/rail allowance and plan clarification by staff; 5.6 (536 Bluebird Canyon Dr.) approved 5–0; 5.7 (139 Moss St.) approved 5–0; 5.8 (2611 Glenn/Glener St.) approved 5–0.

The board adjourned at the meeting’s close and scheduled the next regular meeting for June 11, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.