Board approves large addition, pool and sitework at 2220 Park Avenue

The Laguna Beach Design Review Board approved design review and coastal development permits for substantial alterations at 2220 Park Avenue, including enclosed decks, a new lower‑level addition (about 1,089 square feet), an elevated deck and exterior stair, a new pool and spa, and a detached entry portico.

City planner Shreyo Khan presented the proposal and said the project complies with zoning standards, design review criteria, subdivision conditions and general plan policies. He noted the project site contains an environmentally sensitive area and water quality constraints and that a late addition to the plan set (Exhibit B) modified the on‑site turnaround to demonstrate compliance with subdivision conditions.

Applicant representative Scott Schafer said the design reduces existing mass in some places, converts decks to interior space and makes roofline adjustments to move the house toward a contemporary aesthetic that staff and the board found compatible with neighboring properties. Schafer described measures to maintain visual interest and to minimize perceived mass through articulation, roofline variation and material choices.

Board members asked about the on‑site turnaround and glazing/lighting for windows facing open space. The applicant said the proposed glazing will meet energy performance requirements and include low‑e glazing and roof overhangs for shading; the applicant also offered to provide tempered glass where needed. On the turnaround, the applicant said a turf block area was proposed and that the applicant later provided a modified Exhibit B to demonstrate the on‑site turnaround, noting there is no existing turnaround today.

The board asked staff to include the modified Exhibit B in the approval and discussed a minor revision to the right‑of‑way (REP) parking edge to create a straighter public parking line; the applicant indicated willingness to adjust the carport/driveway geometry to line up with neighboring curb conditions to avoid drainage issues.

Motion and vote: Board member moved to adopt Resolution 25‑1531 approving Design Review 25‑1531 and Coastal Development Permit 25‑1530 for the project at 2220 Park Avenue, including Exhibit B (on‑site turnaround) and finding the action exempt from CEQA; motion passed 4‑0.

Conditions discussed included incorporation of Exhibit B and a final plan review to square off the right‑of‑way parking configuration at staff discretion, and a condition to maintain certain rear privacy hedges at approximately 12–15 feet where identified.

Provenance: Transcript discussion begins with staff presentation of item 5.6 and ends with the motion, second and recorded vote approving the permits with Exhibit B and conditions.