Laguna Beach design board delays approval of oversized copper chimney shrouds after neighbor objections

Chair Trey Gibbs presided over a public hearing Wednesday on a design review application that would add Jerusalem stone cladding and two copper chimney shrouds at 2755 Park Avenue. Staff recommended approval of the stone cladding but reported the chimney shrouds had been installed without permits, prompting a code-enforcement case and neighbor objections.

The issue matters because the unpermitted shrouds sit roughly at eye level for nearby homes and, neighbors said, increased the apparent size of existing chimneys and affected ocean and white-water views. Board members repeatedly described the case as a close call between property-improvement and view equity.

Staff member Sarah told the board the shrouds measure “approximately 2 and a half feet tall by 2 and a half feet wide” and that the shrouds enclose existing spark arrestors. Monica Furst, the project’s designer, said the exterior stone had previously been approved in February 2022 but the approval expired and the owners are seeking retroactive entitlement for the stone and for the shrouds. Homeowner Cyrus Gedennian said the copper caps cost roughly $6,000 and were installed to cover unattractive, previously permitted spark arrestors.

Neighbors Shelly and Steve Sasaki said the shrouds substantially increase the visible chimney mass at eye level, and expressed concern about glare from new copper before it patinas. Shelly Sasaki said the shrouds “essentially doubled the size of the chimney,” and asked the board to require a smaller, less intrusive design. The applicant countered that the fireplaces are gas-fired “fake logs” rather than wood-burning and that spark arrestors and caps must match the manufacturer’s specifications.

During deliberations board members agreed the stone cladding is compatible with the neighborhood and would improve the house’s appearance, but several members described the installed shrouds as oversized and suggested a lower-profile alternative. Board member Louis said he would prefer the stacks “as short as possible,” and board member MJ urged a smaller, less cumbersome guard that would not draw the eye from downhill neighbors.

Given the noncompliant, already-installed work and the neighbors’ unresolved view concerns, the board voted to continue the matter to a special meeting so staff can work with the applicant on a reduced shroud and on ensuring the spark arrestors meet minimum code and manufacturer requirements. The board set the continued hearing for November 6, 2025 and directed staff to coordinate with the applicant; the motion passed on a roll call vote with Board member Belton, Board member Kavnie, Board member Weil, Chair Pro Tem Gannon and Chair Gibbs voting yes.

The board’s action approves neither the shrouds nor the stone tonight; it allows the owner to submit a revised shroud design and for staff to confirm the chimney/stack heights meet building code and manufacturer specifications so the commission can rule on the full package at the continued hearing.