[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6607188,"mediaKeyId","2955509-9df4d62fdb8701a9ff84139ff4c0c4a0","parentId",2955509,"title","Design Review Board approves new single-family home at 796 Gainsborough Drive","audioSeconds",666,"startMs",6310000,"endMs",6976000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955509-9df4d62fdb8701a9ff84139ff4c0c4a0&start=6310&end=6976","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955509-9df4d62fdb8701a9ff84139ff4c0c4a0/thumbnail_6310000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6607188/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Design-Review-Board-approves-new-single-family-home-at-796-Gainsborough-Drive","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607188-73b79c1efefa9135869ebf11c77e1a7b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773620749&Signature=HxNORyTeWmeZXycjWZqtAWI8Hv1oJXD6wJq08Yuw9EjzyvrzUC0BZKTzbEB0x4j~1QDuyxVvW7qnvGheyHCVnn11nrzuKbZkdpFIfrx9KW4EcEEfPvsMN-GzLJspnVXKHp25m6RF6K4NwuaLgHd652Q~5kFf-RcrC2rX7vgZ8t9m9XHnJ6BycOzZEBoCJ72Jsg0CAzKlSVuCfuSs-eyM0NGAKUKhy3YfKUaLn~LThOi3pEylckQMzMXWm5rA~yzx1HBsNRPxzNcW3dkNX4qGVJKz7X795prToXZW-X8zdYCH-z~9rE9TvuyRZNDp2100-~N~y-IKjbsGkpFFFPmTxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-11T02:07:00.15Z","article","The Laguna Beach Design Review Board unanimously approved a new single-family residence with an attached three-car garage and a detached accessory dwelling unit at 796 Gainsborough Drive at its April 10 meeting.

Staff presented the project as a revised design following a prior concept review and said the proposal meets Diamond Crestview guidelines after modifications to address privacy and front-elevation articulation. The board and staff noted the project includes a variance from on-street parking requirements; staff’s recommendation incorporated the standard parking in-lieu fee as a condition of approval.

Architect Lee (surname not specified in the staff packet) described the design as consistent with hillside guidelines. Board members praised the project’s materials, detailing and landscape integration, calling the design “exemplary” and consistent with neighborhood character. The board adopted the resolution approving Design Review 24-2384, Coastal Development Permit 24-2385 and Variance 25-0059 and found the project exempt from CEQA.

Vote: The motion to approve carried by unanimous roll call.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Design Review Board Meeting - April 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved design review, coastal permit and a parking-variance request for a new single-family residence and detached ADU at 796 Gainsborough Drive, citing consistency with the Diamond Crestview plan and design guidelines.","taxTitle","Laguna Beach, Orange County, California","taxId",56774,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6607192,"Board continues contentious Crestview Drive project after neighbors raise view, privacy and parking concerns",4260,1985000,6245000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955509-9df4d62fdb8701a9ff84139ff4c0c4a0&start=1985&end=6245","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955509-9df4d62fdb8701a9ff84139ff4c0c4a0/thumbnail_1985000.jpg","/articles/6607192/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Board-continues-contentious-Crestview-Drive-project-after-neighbors-raise-view-privacy-and-parking-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607192-d9056873fb66918cb7725306972d2403/orig.mp4?Expires=1773620749&Signature=jwcKywon7QgQ9TkF7s-0GrDk2Xzv1D19otY8JWcyraLf7q22JKkPtZTUYLfmTzC3iAup61BVTd3bvD6E4RqHrPNiIMSbkXhrw~tBnraKXih1ONLFqqRL~ObpwE~gidv1XdGmXb3XzDYCjHScdmS1R5GpEvC9KnWzJ0y23XL7-nC9s5rjkrYwLpc8umKhsL3PSyM9EGQoV5qsCdXWpzJdJ0SFhrvmjUN3UjIaql7zI8Uz0OOiufVZZIV2SecU2AGRoq1HnA3vtmAyZ6jAM2gVP1y5~7J9h6Ewq3gFUGeKhcSQvn~NQRmSmAJb0JjTR4wNlfpv4zhxXshh90PFxWtaCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on April 10 continued consideration of a proposed new single-family residence at 2058 Crestview Drive to the board’s July 10 meeting after extended public comment and detailed staff and applicant presentations.

Staff described the project (Design Review 25-0431; Variance 25-0432; Coastal Development Permit 25-0433) as a four-level dwelling with an attached two-car garage and an attached ADU, three elevated decks and associated grading. The applicant revised exterior colors and materials after a prior concept review and provided additional landscaping; staff reported the project remains within the Diamond Crestview Specific Plan except for requested modifications to height and a variance to avoid providing an on-street public parking space. Staff said the proposal would increase net export by 327 cubic yards compared with prior calculations and that approximately 54% of the project volume is above grade and 46% below grade. The north elevation would reach 31.2 feet, 2.2 feet above the permitted height in the specific plan, and staff explained the specific plan allows height modifications when topography makes a modification unavoidable and view sheds, light, privacy and neighborhood character are maintained.

Neighbors and nearby property representatives testified at length, raising three key concerns: protection of coastal views (including view of Catalina Island), privacy from north-facing windows and balconies, and loss of driveway parking for a neighbor where an existing retaining wall encroaches into the public right of way. Yevgeny Krasco, owner of 785 Gainsborough Drive, said the project would obstruct a primary view from his master bedroom and urged modest relocation or design changes; Edward Sotto, representing the family at 2100 Crestview Drive, said removal or reconfiguration of the retaining wall and resulting changes to access could eliminate two of the family’s driveway parking spaces. Several commenters said the design appeared to be a copy of a Los Angeles house and questioned whether the materials and massing meet the Diamond Crestview guidelines.

The applicant’s architect, David Freeland, described the constrained site (40 feet at the street, significant cross slope) and said the design was intended to reduce apparent mass by stepping volumes into the hillside; he pointed out added landscaping (including multiple 15-foot strawberry trees) intended to screen views and address privacy concerns. Staff and public works clarified that the existing retaining wall that encroaches into the public right of way appears to have been built decades earlier and that no revocable encroachment permit (REP) for that wall was found in city records. Public works staff said the department would accept an approach that preserves the existing wall and provides paving around it, but that any new wall or reconstruction to stabilize stairs or access would require a revocable encroachment permit and mutual agreement between the property owners. Staff proposed a condition that the applicant pursue an REP or a mutually agreeable solution before final permits are issued.

Across the board members’ deliberations, three themes emerged: the need for a clearer parking solution that does not remove the neighbor’s parking; reducing the project’s apparent encroachment into the hillside near the north elevation (board members asked the applicant to consider pulling back or otherwise reducing the projecting upper volume that affects neighbors’ views); and design refinements so the house better matches the “rustic” character sought in the Diamond Crestview guidelines. Multiple board members said the applicant had taken some steps in response to earlier direction but that additional revisions were necessary.

Action: The board voted to continue the item to July 10, 2025, and included a board finding that the applicant is moving in the right direction and responding to prior comments; staff set a plan-submittal deadline for revisions to allow neighbor outreach prior to the next hearing.

Vote: Motion to continue to July 10 passed by roll call.","Design review, variance and coastal-permit requests for a new single-family home at 2058 Crestview Drive were continued to July 10 after extended public comment and board concerns about height, views, parking and a retaining-wall encroachment into the public right of way.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6607195,"Design Review Board continues Viejo Street item to a date uncertain after applicant’s absence",426,1446000,1872000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955509-9df4d62fdb8701a9ff84139ff4c0c4a0&start=1446&end=1872","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955509-9df4d62fdb8701a9ff84139ff4c0c4a0/thumbnail_1446000.jpg","/articles/6607195/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Design-Review-Board-continues-Viejo-Street-item-to-a-date-uncertain-after-applicants-absence","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607195-72f4adcf1e1ef92f12917ac9b9382764/orig.mp4?Expires=1773620749&Signature=T5cXlVk-OL5aX6Vh9bhO7Q~ku19Gahjoinqclec~LOWEM-11D8ZZjqQCnHV8iLg-bsEwMvqP~~xHET~CR79tO-3UyEPVwy0HJ8RTFmkp4oEskATCArv8JVRXAjxTLoxRRR7Iah6oGCtuCaoS4wUIfuOyIkdi~zLrwjI04-N5DOq4HdBAex-o6Sn4nIO3F-g-85YRF0RBKu~N82n2SJCSE2NarqKf5uutkjQHtuRHSA6c9g5lxJH5PSZ2382mIO23tVFEEumt~1E457OsTO64z1I7FYmn2WgWdl~DB1yEOJ4-fcwVYs~~6FGNgwGhu6fMq-DW4-7PI6EaMOU-P3rZPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on April 10 continued the item for the project at 2239 and 239B Viejo Street to a date uncertain after staff reported the applicant was not present and had requested a continuance.

Staff said the applicant asked to postpone consideration until July 10 but recommended the board avoid substantive discussion at the hearing to prevent the continuance from counting against the applicant’s permitted hearings. During public comment, several speakers asked whether they could present substantive material; staff and the chair clarified that comments at the continuance hearing were limited to whether the board should grant the continuance.

Board members debated whether a specific date (July 10) or a date uncertain would better serve neighbors. Some members said July 10 could be inconvenient for public participation because of mid-summer holidays; others said a target date could help the applicant and the public. After discussion the board voted to continue the item to a date uncertain and directed staff to require the applicant to re-notify neighbors if a date is later set.

Vote: The motion to continue to a date uncertain passed by roll call.","The board continued the 2239/239B Viejo Street project to a date uncertain after the applicant did not appear and requested a continuance; the board discussed renoticing to ensure neighbor participation.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6607200,"Design Review Board approves new driveway and grading at 719 Saint Anne’s Drive with hedge-removal condition",536,889000,1425000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955509-9df4d62fdb8701a9ff84139ff4c0c4a0&start=889&end=1425","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955509-9df4d62fdb8701a9ff84139ff4c0c4a0/thumbnail_889000.jpg","/articles/6607200/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Design-Review-Board-approves-new-driveway-and-grading-at-719-Saint-Annes-Drive-with-hedge-removal-condition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607200-dcd49dd583c295870cf733d77e87aadb/orig.mp4?Expires=1773620749&Signature=Iylr3IW9zHIUPOQmyjbjsBCEv2zD0g7joAGmLzA93gaqnzHrfA7zEQQQ2BwLXsFhHPulvx-SACUiuOFzoS2~kyzQER0Cja5xCqE-B0vpJfCwArzKQNrieWH21yDjujpCkI7xU2XQo4IN~-57QqUjFuf~DpITFt118chrwqwzFeNOk2vTYjhOPbwP5sbEWg4oQ1qBzWIABF6LZU9ARH314piVT45efmshZMf2aZPksuYPlNxk2MukmXHZRwnoW-KlOAXGoHhKvttV8XQc9OaniGQtsLaFiavsxiOKwycDpv4LE1b3Cqnw~z7vTm9Py0zQydLZTC5t6U6EmHNVufMt7g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on April 10 approved a design review application and coastal development permit for a new vehicular access and associated grading at 719 Saint Anne’s Drive, including a separate driveway to serve a proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Staff presented the item on an expedited basis and recommended adoption of Resolution 25-0486 (design review) and CDP 25-0504, with CEQA exemptions cited for the detached ADU.

Jessica Mendoza, the city planner who presented the staff report, said the site is zoned R-2 and the ADU itself is exempt from design review. The proposal calls for a new separate access off Browncroft Road, minor retaining walls under five feet, and grading for the driveway approach. Staff reported one written public correspondence and recommended approval with conditions.

Architect Todd Skindarian told the board the project team will work with an adjacent neighbor to remove a portion of a hedge that currently narrows the street; he said the applicant will remove the portion of the hedge on the applicant’s frontage that encroaches into the public right of way and will attempt to coordinate additional trimming with the neighbor at 740 Browncroft.

Board members said outreach to neighbors and the applicant’s willingness to trim the hedge improves safety by widening the effective travel lane. The board approved the project with a condition requiring removal of the hedge to the extent it encroaches into the public right of way adjacent to the applicant’s property. The board adopted Resolution 25-0486 and CDP 25-0504 and found the action exempt from CEQA (statutory exemptions cited in staff materials).

Vote: The motion to approve carried by roll call; all members present voted yes.","The board approved design review 25-0486 and Coastal Development Permit 25-0504 for new vehicle access and grading at 719 Saint Anne’s Drive; a condition requires removal of hedge encroaching into the public right of way adjacent to the applicant’s property.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6607201,"Laguna Beach Design Review Board elects Tom Gibbs chair; Jessica Gannon named chair pro tem; Amir Balta sworn in",161,267000,428000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2955509-9df4d62fdb8701a9ff84139ff4c0c4a0&start=267&end=428","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2955509-9df4d62fdb8701a9ff84139ff4c0c4a0/thumbnail_267000.jpg","/articles/6607201/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Laguna-Beach-Design-Review-Board-elects-Tom-Gibbs-chair-Jessica-Gannon-named-chair-pro-tem-Amir-Balta-sworn-in","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6607201-caf2fc1b5ccc2a885dec7e1923a0c1e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773620749&Signature=E8hr1KgsC9DvAJQCF2uRJCvLJdXumJyX7j6ppXKBlFA90MCsBEo1RIyaVq7V2Ivy5Hc79bZtWLBR4vLdmwhQKC~2YRxH0p4NWLxQoJvVsRX1-bUNW~7-Bf2oCQbXb9J-LRVT1Lp9PozE2wnDypc1qGq70I2~3zaIWOgnLkJ0a1~CMMUwPGVU2RdEPiqz47nXvUO8fTJgOtANBl0SXw8FaPL-XiSMi6PhonS5Xx5T-W1CuNUi2Vv5xt8bdif5fSydbH9vg2pyxt4QlHOqdLrj5C-xVWWmujpF227Z0hasff7Jkkf2FfvFenHvfQ0o5QtlEmGROSs9WfoO4Eej4vto8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tom Gibbs was elected chair of the Laguna Beach Design Review Board at the board’s April 10 meeting, and Jessica Gannon was selected as chair pro tem in the board’s annual officer elections.

The election is the board’s customary annual turnover each April. After nominations were made from the dais, the board conducted a roll-call vote following nominees’ acceptance. The roll call recorded affirmative votes from the members present, and board members changed nameplates to reflect the new leadership.

The board also welcomed a recently sworn member, Amir Balta, who was introduced during the meeting. City staff said Balta had been sworn in by the mayor and will participate on the board going forward.

The officer election and the new-member welcome were conducted at the start of the regular hearing; no separate action beyond the vote and introductions was required. The board proceeded to the evening’s agenda after the change in officers.","At its April 10 meeting the Laguna Beach Design Review Board elected Tom Gibbs chair, selected Jessica Gannon as chair pro tem and welcomed newly sworn member Amir Balta.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Design Review Board approves new single-family home at 796 Gainsborough Drive

Board continues contentious Crestview Drive project after neighbors raise view, privacy and parking concerns

Design Review Board continues Viejo Street item to a date uncertain after applicant’s absence

Design Review Board approves new driveway and grading at 719 Saint Anne’s Drive with hedge-removal condition

Laguna Beach Design Review Board elects Tom Gibbs chair; Jessica Gannon named chair pro tem; Amir Balta sworn in