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Design review approved for outdoor kitchen at 2695 Riviera Drive
Summary
Laguna Beach Design Review Board approved a design review and CEQA exemption for a proposed below‑grade outdoor kitchen, associated grading and retaining walls at 2695 Riviera Drive by a 4‑0 vote.
The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on a 4‑0 vote approved design review and a CEQA exemption for a proposed below‑grade outdoor barbecue and outdoor kitchen at 2695 Riviera Drive.
Staff told the board the project proposes a new outdoor barbecue area with associated grading and retaining walls in an environmentally sensitive oceanfront/quality water area and found the project "consistent with the design review criteria," recommending adoption of Resolution No. 25‑0293 approving the design review and finding the action exempt from CEQA, staff said. (Staff presentation and recommendation occurred during the public hearing.)
Applicant representative Morris Guderian told the board the kitchen was designed to be "well back from the bluff edge," would not disturb landscaping "within 10 feet of the bluff edge," and would "remove a wide stairway and reduce the stairway up the slope from the lower patio to the upper patio." He said the kitchen unit is located below grade and "you won't see it from Coast Highway" and that the Abalone Point Homeowners Association supports the application.
Board members who visited the site or reviewed the materials said the proposal is compatible with the house and neighborhood. Board member Louis said he found the project "design review compatible" and could support it; other board members concurred and described the proposal as "neighborhood compatible" and not visible from Coast Highway.
Motion and vote: Board member (mover) moved to adopt Resolution 25‑0293 approving design review 25‑0293 for the new outdoor barbecue area with associated grading and retaining walls at 2695 Riviera Drive and finding the project exempt from CEQA; the motion was seconded and carried 4‑0.
The board chair closed the item after the vote and thanked the applicant.
Provenance: Transcript discussion begins with the staff presentation introducing item 5.3 (staff remarks indicating recommendation and CEQA exemption) and finishes with the recorded vote and announcement that the motion passed 4‑0.
