Design review board denies Short Street second‑story addition after third hearing

Laguna Beach Design Review Board members voted to deny a proposed major remodel and two‑story addition at 607 Short Street after the project returned for a third hearing on Oct. 9. The board’s decision followed more than two hours of public testimony, repeated requests from neighbors and extended discussion among members about view equity, neighborhood compatibility, and fire‑and‑construction safety.

The applicant, represented at the meeting by project team members and an architect, proposed a roughly 840‑square‑foot second‑floor addition, a lower‑level expansion and a small attached garage ADU. Staff described the latest plans as a “major remodel” and said the applicant had reduced building depth and altered rooflines after earlier comments. Shavita Sharma, senior planner, summarized the submittal for the board and said staff recommended approval.

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