[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6615739,"mediaKeyId","2859032-c332484ce91f40662cec298d6e1a630b","parentId",2859032,"title","Planning Commission approves Forest Promenade design, signs off on CEQA exemption","audioSeconds",8257,"startMs",2578000,"endMs",10835000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2859032-c332484ce91f40662cec298d6e1a630b&start=2578&end=10835","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2859032-c332484ce91f40662cec298d6e1a630b/thumbnail_2578000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6615739/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Planning-Commission-approves-Forest-Promenade-design-signs-off-on-CEQA-exemption","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6615739-06f85d47097a0387a45a4af60a97dee1/orig.mp4?Expires=1776039456&Signature=J0HcJb5aYheZ5olcak4Ka74WFKed9aACCPGvoGxLEwCtrmaplYw32m0K2SL8-fmS4GymzoCxnwfWsnuLLH2QN7cTuqrFske7c6Ipl1LegvYe-ZFXNJ4A4TmG-ZijbPPrLlJjh7uAnlRY7QyGY0jPaZQU1UNnADsEYjqHk9IbhP4fXVkX5eaEvcd9ucbrgr~I2ExkjfBPtrPql2ThGjCaI8rSWlFjkgYxELnTSg7-ZodQ-WF7-KAs3ZIFfGApbGHf7xjzYsJ7LlIicFOuwasI9tQ1xyXkPkna8-vS1sdkgwKktfPHWIyjrmXWsg-LpUqSlOxh-UsB0125UK-CD2ggPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","CityofLagunaBeachCA","date","2025-04-03T06:01:53.323Z","article","The Laguna Beach Planning Commission on April 2 approved design review (DR 25-0319) and a coastal development permit (CDP 25-0318) for the Forest Promenade project, a proposed permanent pedestrian plaza on Lower Forest Avenue in downtown Laguna Beach.

The item drew lengthy public comment and a detailed consultant presentation. City staff and design consultant SWA explained the project scope, outreach and design intent: transform Lower Forest Avenue into a pedestrian-priority promenade featuring a continuous paving field, expanded tree plantings and seating, planting areas, flexible dining zones, lighting, and removable bollards for emergency access. Louie Lacasello (Community Development) summarized city outreach and entitlement history; Sean O’Malley and Evan Lee from SWA presented the design, focus-group process, materials mock-ups and arborist recommendations.

The project team and staff emphasized the outreach process — multiple city workshops, focused stakeholder groups, and an ad-hoc Council committee — and reviewed deferred decision points the commission requested at an earlier review: (1) the two ficus trees at each end of the promenade (limb or remove and replace), (2) whether to place a specimen oak at a central corner, (3) tree-grate dimensions, (4) walkway width (15 feet vs. 17 feet), (5) porous fill and paving type for the center field (decomposed granite vs. pebble/gravel), and (6) brick selection for the main paving field.

Key staff and consultant responses and commission direction:
- Arborist findings and tree management: The project’s arborist identified two trees recommended for removal due to poor health and several others at risk from construction. The commission directed that the two ficus trees on the Glen Eyrie end be removed while the ficus trees at the Pacific Coast Highway end be pruned and limbed to improve visibility into storefronts. Commissioners also required tree-protection measures, hand excavation at trunks during construction, and a plan to replace any trees that fail with in-kind specimens as a condition of approval.
- Feature tree and tree-grate dimensions: The commission supported insertion of a large specimen (Southern Live Oak / Quercus virginiana or similar tolerant species) at the central corner, requested as large a specimen as practicable, and agreed to adopt 5-foot-square tree grates paired with a 15-foot-wide walkway between building faces and the trench drain (the project’s preferred, pedestrian-side clear width). Staff and SWA will refine grate and bridge-plate detailing to maximize rooting volume and aeration.
- Paving materials and mock-ups: Commissioners rejected loose gravel options and favored a compacted, lighter-color decomposed-granite surface for porous paving and selected a brick blend closely matching existing town paving (consultant option 3) with a smeared mortar joint aesthetic to echo Laguna’s existing brickwork. Commissioners asked for a larger on-site mock-up for final selection and directed staff to refine grout color and joint width before final specification.
- Public amenities and art pedestal: The commission supported a fountain/feature pedestal with a runnel (running water) element and recommended the detailed design be developed as a collaboration between SWA, the city and the arts community; commissioners left open whether the artwork would be a permanent installation or a rotating artwork program and suggested council weigh that choice.
- CEQA and statutory exemption: City counsel and staff explained the city relied on a statutory CEQA exemption recently enacted for certain sustainable-transportation projects (Public Resources Code §21080.25(b)(1)). City counsel said statutory exemptions differ from categorical exemptions and the usual exceptions to categorical exemptions do not apply; an approved hydrology/floodplain plan will be required as a condition of permit and prior to construction.

The project prompted substantial public comment for and against the permanent promenade. Speakers expressed broad support for downtown revitalization and local business activation, while others raised concerns about parking loss, flood risk, public process and impacts on downtown businesses during construction.

After deliberations commissioners confirmed conditions addressing tree protection, hydrology/floodplain compliance, public safety (bollards and emergency access), event permitting and phased construction to limit business impacts. The commission voted unanimously to adopt the resolution approving design review 25-0319 and coastal development permit 25-0318 and finding the action statutorily exempt from CEQA (Pub. Res. Code §21080.25(b)(1)).

Votes at a glance: Design Review 25-0319 and Coastal Development Permit 25-0318 were approved unanimously (Goldman, Whiting, Dubin, Kellenberg, Sadler). The commission recorded explicit direction on tree retention/removal, 5-foot tree grates, a 15-foot walkway clear width, decomposed-granite porous infill, and brick option 3 with refined mortar joints and a final on-site mock-up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting - April 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning Commission unanimously approved design review and a coastal development permit April 2 for the Forest Promenade, a permanent pedestrian plaza on Lower Forest Avenue, after extensive public comment and technical review.","taxTitle","Laguna Beach, Orange County, California","taxId",56774,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6615743,"Planning Commission approves conditional use permit for Shocker Shack personal-service shop at 207 Ocean Avenue",631,1897000,2528000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2859032-c332484ce91f40662cec298d6e1a630b&start=1897&end=2528","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2859032-c332484ce91f40662cec298d6e1a630b/thumbnail_1897000.jpg","/articles/6615743/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Planning-Commission-approves-conditional-use-permit-for-Shocker-Shack-personal-service-shop-at-207-Ocean-Avenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6615743-f98e8f080b2185fad38452db08d0832c/orig.mp4?Expires=1776039456&Signature=BoffvsUNKlXedbEGy03glghD3uZ~2bW7OYsGD4klQaMgfbB3VIcY5AXzruxFeuUVRVddJ22F00ITnBYlOTF9rZKopEwNchUJacayMFRZn-WoykhhKpOUhQNubnzsgRKOpSDePzzmCpyOsrJOtMR220zxP1WYMR39A8nqBiTOw04Vv9e9ElmP3WTrM5KwNTlgZHzrQdR9SUIwUq~ZPXx43aQt6tZI0DXZuflO2xGkyXLLbr0O6lVD7O0uY7hTZo3PIiZHHnS3TWhfCBlKzeidyFsGvaAGdD-wVZGI~wNfkV2OF1lkXc7T3ZgWUS3eOJnT8Gwstvt-~TpPxVk3CPbIHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit April 2 for Shocker Shack to operate at 207 Ocean Avenue in a vacant 1,428-square-foot suite within the downtown specific plan visitor-commercial district.

Planning technician Sarah Olsen summarized the application: the business combines retail with personal services such as aura photography, intuitive readings, Reiki, mediumship, astrology and small group workshops. Staff concluded the blended parking requirement in the downtown specific plan (3 spaces per 1,000 square feet) is satisfied by the prior retail use and proposed tenant improvements are limited to interior partitions. Olsen recommended approval and a CEQA exemption.

Commissioners raised operational questions during deliberations. Commissioner Kellenberg asked how larger group activities would be handled; staff added a condition limiting groups to 10 participants and suggested groups exceeding 10 could be addressed through a director-level temporary use permit. Olsen also confirmed signage would be handled through the standard sign-permit process and that any new exterior signage within the downtown specific plan rules could be approved administratively if it met size limits.

Applicant Jill Templin, who has operated similar services in Laguna Beach for nearly 23 years, addressed the commission and described current operations at her temporary location, noting she currently runs a small 9 a.m. meditation class with six participants and occasional small tarot classes. She told commissioners only one of the new rooms would hold up to ten people; the other would be reserved for one-on-one services.

Commissioners said they welcomed the reuse of the vacant suite and viewed the project as a way to help revitalize Lower Ocean Avenue. Commissioner Whiting noted personal services are relatively limited downtown and supported the application; Commissioner Sadler said she could make the CUP findings and supported the CEQA exemption.

Commissioner Dubin moved to adopt the resolution approving Conditional Use Permit 25-0482 and finding said action exempt from CEQA; the motion passed unanimously on roll call.

The permit includes conditions limiting group size (10 people) and requires a CUP amendment and revocable encroachment permit for any restaurants or businesses seeking to serve alcohol or expand outdoor dining into the promenade area in the future; signage will follow downtown specific plan standards.

Votes at a glance: Conditional Use Permit 25-0482 approved unanimously (Goldman, Whiting, Dubin, Kellenberg, Sadler).","The commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit allowing Shocker Shack to operate a 1,428-square-foot suite at 207 Ocean Avenue offering retail plus personal services (Reiki, astrology, small group workshops), with limits on group size to manage parking demand.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6615747,"Planning Commission finds easement for 1536 Morningside consistent with general plan",813,1053000,1866000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2859032-c332484ce91f40662cec298d6e1a630b&start=1053&end=1866","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2859032-c332484ce91f40662cec298d6e1a630b/thumbnail_1053000.jpg","/articles/6615747/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Planning-Commission-finds-easement-for-1536-Morningside-consistent-with-general-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6615747-540b43790dea1684faef8b70fcd569b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1776039456&Signature=gxZwW0m6hJkBly8OFMzMPZ997h7p0-hjtWveWcf5pvX1-2S15h4OhNdgnHGPM3x79XdGgQYMjC-rQuZxrPhWGuC72nc7F86ieNNmv62ay~ZOrwiPz0VtlD9kMPT3PWvimXjv3g7VCC~fB9xztkxpST2WrsT83OBwhAPtAyhqNJQD0IBob7r4s1RfNyD6sfGe6yfHq4w0m1vNZyfbNzVMKu3s1lVYf5zCdCdMG8EhQx6Y8UvX9pFAhaRUmaVSmve6N7EG3ltFyOte~MAjhPvsaXQ1ywE-IrCkAb1dHz7Q~FozT5xHaTChKZnFmDyxmDfXhk3Q0pMrP7DoN0B-zpL-ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission on April 2 adopted a resolution finding that the proposed access easement to benefit 1536 Morningside Drive is consistent with Laguna Beach’s General Plan and that the finding is exempt from CEQA.

Anthony (staff presenter) told the commission that the design review board approved a new single-family dwelling at 1536 Morningside in May 2024, with conditions contingent on an indirect access variance and a city council decision to grant an easement across city-owned land. He said the design review approval has been appealed to city council and that state law requires the planning commission, as the city planning body, to determine whether the grant of an easement is consistent with the General Plan before the council may act.

Staff’s analysis cited policies in the open space and conservation element and the scenic highways element and concluded there are no changed circumstances requiring new CEQA review; the project remains categorically exempt under Class 3 (new construction) as previously analyzed. Lacasello noted the planning commission previously granted the related access variance in November of the prior year and that the condition of design-review approval would be nullified if the variance or easement were not granted.

Applicant representative Joe Cover spoke briefly and described the appeal as focused on privacy and potential view impacts from neighbors, not on the access easement itself. He said the applicant will be seeking the city council hearing soon and that the easement consistency finding is one step in that sequence.

Commissioner Whiting recused herself from the item because of a property ownership issue within 500 feet of the project; she did not participate in the vote. The motion to adopt the resolution passed 4-0 with Whiting recused (Goldman, Dubin, Kellenberg and Sadler voting yes).

The commission’s action was procedural: the finding of General Plan consistency does not itself grant the easement but is required before council action. Staff noted the design review approval for the house remains contingent on the variance and easement being granted and that the appeal to council will allow all interested parties to comment on the whole application package.

No further CEQA analysis was required because staff concluded the project falls under the existing Class 3 exemption and there was no new information or changed circumstances.

Votes at a glance: The commission found the proposed grant of easement consistent with the General Plan and exempt from CEQA; motion passed 4-0 with Commissioner Whiting recused.","The commission found that granting an access easement across city-owned property for 1536 Morningside Drive is consistent with the city General Plan and exempt from CEQA, a necessary step before City Council can consider granting the easement.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6615752,"Laguna Beach Planning Commission OKs expanded HIP District banner program",602,449000,1051000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2859032-c332484ce91f40662cec298d6e1a630b&start=449&end=1051","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2859032-c332484ce91f40662cec298d6e1a630b/thumbnail_449000.jpg","/articles/6615752/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Laguna-Beach-Planning-Commission-OKs-expanded-HIP-District-banner-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6615752-1f295dc254e86ae8d8826ca7541d316d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776039456&Signature=fISsMWy1qmHvWOZEU40j0uTANFFd2KfcrHKTxanXD04GWTbO1-xWsgGixGoulc0tyQt~Vf~x~fE2GaQucpRn75XNV5oWrpcvmdGrEMyMLWpRF186CfqSXM7zciwqqkdI3DZIEBokLBY1b85DqCs0ahr2kF7Z~cHK884Q0CkqsLjf63CnQ1~J~X4My1swdVnEApUTLUos6yPWOfTLQ1qS~meIQGXGY2l1J8lPMrdLu1af-rI0St1QrHm2NtQkmXBrF~1wApwhK449nUJ64FlasW6EVv0qEEiZKsvOtjMqcyaI0buuo-nh00pKTWHuXXEDhThkmTXuctHEXXLVxSOo1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach Planning Commission voted unanimously April 2 to approve a temporary use permit (TUP 25-0352) and coastal development permit (CDP 25-0353) to install 35 promotional banners on light poles along South Coast Highway between Daddy Street and Diamond Street.

City senior administrative analyst Louie Lacasello presented the application on behalf of Community Development, saying the city seeks to install banners to promote the Historic Interesting Place (HIP) District and that staff found the project consistent with the General Plan and categorically exempt under CEQA (citing CEQA Guidelines sections 15304 and 15301). \"The city is requesting approval to install 35 banners…\" Lacasello said during the presentation.

The banners, designed by Bill Atkins, measure 2 feet wide by 10 feet tall and are intended to be mounted to existing street light poles. Lacasello told commissioners staff believes the project meets the findings for approval and recommended the commission adopt a resolution approving both entitlements and finding the project exempt from CEQA.

Joe Hanauer, representing HIP District businesses, told the commission the current banners were initially 2-by-6 feet, then replaced by 2-by-10-foot banners because the original size was too small. \"The original ones were the 2 by 6. They ended up being too small. They ended up being replaced by what's there now, which is 2 by 10,\" Hanauer said, and explained the increase in banner count reflected a formal extension of the district to Diamond Street.

Commissioners asked for clarifications on the TUP duration and banner sizes. Lacasello confirmed the permit duration is three years and said staff’s report referenced the original 2-by-6 size for the first approval but that the current installed banners are 2-by-10. Commissioners also asked whether any merchants opposed the program; staff said no written opposition was received.

Commissioner Trisha Goldman moved to adopt the resolution approving TUP 25-0352 and CDP 25-0353 and finding the action exempt from CEQA; the motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

The commission’s approval authorizes the city to install the banners on the specified corridor for three years and records the city’s CEQA finding and coastal permit approval. Implementation details, including exact mounting and maintenance, were described in staff conditions and will be handled by Community Development and public works.

Votes at a glance: The motion to approve the temporary use permit and coastal development permit passed unanimously; all five commissioners voting (Goldman, Whiting, Dubin, Kellenberg, Sadler) answered yes on the roll call.","The Planning Commission approved a three-year temporary use permit and coastal development permit allowing 35 promotional banners along South Coast Highway in the Historic Interesting Place (HIP) District, replacing and increasing the prior banner program that began during the COVID-era outdoor dining program.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning Commission approves Forest Promenade design, signs off on CEQA exemption

Planning Commission approves conditional use permit for Shocker Shack personal-service shop at 207 Ocean Avenue

Planning Commission finds easement for 1536 Morningside consistent with general plan

Laguna Beach Planning Commission OKs expanded HIP District banner program