The San Clemente Planning Commission meeting on August 20, 2025, focused on the proposed development of the Hansen Hotel, which is seeking both a development permit and a conditional use permit. The project is situated on a vacant 32,000 square foot lot within the Mixed Use 1 zoning district and is subject to several overlays, including the central business district and coastal zone regulations.

The Hansen Hotel site has a complex history, with previous development proposals dating back to 1988, when a 27-room hotel was approved but never built. In 1998, a more ambitious mixed-use project was approved, featuring 39,000 square feet of space, including 27 timeshares and commercial areas, but those entitlements eventually expired without further development.

The current proposal has evolved since its initial review by the city’s design review subcommittee in 2022. The latest iteration includes plans for 49 hotel rooms, a 3,200 square foot restaurant, and an 888 square foot café, which represents about 75% of the commercial space from the earlier 1998 approval.

City staff have proactively engaged with the Coastal Commission to gather feedback on the project, as a coastal development permit will be necessary. These discussions have included site visits and meetings with Coastal Commission staff to address concerns and ensure compliance with coastal regulations.

The Planning Commission will continue to evaluate the Hansen Hotel project, considering its potential impact on the community and adherence to local planning guidelines. Further discussions and decisions are expected in upcoming meetings as the project moves forward.