Laguna Beach planning commission approves facade remodel at 1110 Glenary Street with conditions after weeks of debate

The Laguna Beach Planning Commission on Oct. 15 voted 3–1 to approve design review application 23‑1480, a proposed facade remodel and site improvements at 1110 Glenary Street, after a lengthy public hearing in which neighbors, heritage advocates and the applicant debated how much of the site’s distinctive “crazy quilt” brickwork must be retained.

The project before the commission would change doors and windows, add new exterior materials, reduce eave overhangs, revise roofing and upgrade landscaping and lighting on the two‑story commercial building. Staff recommended conditional approval and concluded the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Why it matters: The property contains extensive irregular “crazy quilt” brickwork that several commissioners, Council members and dozens of residents described as a defining neighborhood feature. The council previously remanded the project to the commission with direction “to maximize the retention of the existing brick features.” The commission’s conditions for approval are intended to balance that direction with the applicant’s goal of remaking the building for continued commercial use.

Planning staff presented the project history and explained the council remand. Assistant planner Anthony (presenting on behalf of Assistant Planner Jessica Mendoza) summarized earlier findings from the city’s historic consultant and the council’s direction, and said staff’s view is that the latest plans “maximize the extent of this feature on all frontages of the building including retaining the chimney.” He also told the commission there…