Laguna Beach Design Review Board debates significant excavation in residential project approval
June 12, 2025 | Laguna Beach, Orange County, California
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The primary concern raised was the extent of excavation required for the project, with one board member expressing that the proposed digging into bedrock was excessive and could jeopardize neighboring properties. They emphasized the need for a reduction in the depth of the excavation, particularly for the backyard area, which could require heavy machinery and pose risks to nearby homes.
Despite these concerns, other board members praised the design's aesthetics and its compatibility with the neighborhood's character. They noted that the mass and scale of the project aligned with existing three-level homes in the area. Some members highlighted the thoughtful landscaping revisions made by the applicant, which aimed to address privacy concerns from neighboring properties.
A significant point of contention was the size of the proposed back patio. While some board members were open to modifications, others expressed that the current dimensions could lead to privacy issues and excessive grading. The applicant was encouraged to consider reducing the patio size to alleviate these concerns.
Lighting was another topic of discussion, with board members agreeing that the initial lighting plan was excessive. The applicant proposed to cut the number of lights in half, which was generally well-received by the board.
In conclusion, while there was a consensus on the project's overall design and compatibility with the neighborhood, concerns about excavation depth and patio size remained unresolved. The board encouraged the applicant to make adjustments to address these issues before moving forward with the approval process. The next steps will involve further discussions on the proposed modifications to ensure the project meets community standards and safety requirements.
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