Dana Point planning commission approves series of coastal permits, ADU and water‑line upgrades

Dana Point Planning Commission on Oct. 13 approved a set of coastal development and site permits including a bluff setback deviation in Monarch Bay, an attached accessory dwelling unit in Capistrano Beach, demolition and reconstruction at Perth Bay, a new elevated home on Beach Road that requires an administrative setback modification, and two coastal permits for South Coast Water District water‑line and fireflow upgrades across the city.

The approvals were unanimous. There were no public comments on any of the items; staff presented project findings and recommended approval in each case.

The commission approved Coastal Development Permit CDP25‑0002 for work at 39 Monarch Bay Drive, which includes converting an existing detached 748‑square‑foot garage into a home gym, constructing a new 836‑square‑foot three‑car garage at the front of the property, removing unpermitted bluff‑face elements (wood deck, fire pit, fountain) and a requested coastal bluff edge setback deviation from 40 feet to 25 feet. Project planner Garrett (project planner) told commissioners staff reviewed the applicant’s geotechnical report and concurred with the requested deviation. Architect Morris Skindarian told the commission, "Garrett did a fine job working with us ... and we agree with the conditions that they've proposed and the removal of the three items that were constructed prior to my owner's occupation of the site." Commissioner Dhingra and Commissioner Bowen both said their initial concerns about reducing bluff setbacks were addressed by the supporting documents; the commission adopted the draft resolution and carried the permit.

The co…