Planning commission approves Las Marinas bluff-edge upgrades, drainage repairs at 24242 Santa Clara Avenue

Dana Point planning commissioners on Aug. 11 approved a coastal development permit (CDP) and site development permit (SDP) to allow subsurface drainage upgrades, drought-tolerant landscaping, pool and spa repairs and several front-yard improvements at the Las Marinas condominium complex at 24242 Santa Clara Avenue.

The project seeks to repair seepage into an underground parking area by upgrading existing sump and drainage facilities, diverting runoff toward a central sump or an outlet to Blue Lantern, and replacing seaward landscaping with a California native plant palette. Interim Planning Manager Kurt Nelson told the commission the primary impetus for the work was “site drainage” and that water was seeping into the subterranean garage and causing damage. Nelson recommended approval of CDP 25-007 and SDP 25-0022 subject to the draft resolution’s findings and conditions.

Staff and applicants emphasized the bluff-top location and coastal review requirements. The site lies within Dana Point’s local coastal program and the California Coastal Commission appeal jurisdiction; because some improvements occur within 50 feet of the bluff edge, a coastal development permit was required. Nelson said the applicant will remove irrigation seaward of the coastal bluff edge setback and install aggravel/decomposed-granite walkways that will be tied into the upgraded drainage system.

The approved scope includes: - Wholesale upgrades to subsurface drainage and sump pump outlets to reduce infiltration into the subterranean garage and divert runoff to Santa Clara Avenue or Blue Lantern. - Replacement of nonnative planting seaward of the bluff setback with a California native plant palette and removal of irrigation lines located seaward of the bluff edge. - Repairs and modest reconfiguration of the existing pool and spa: new coping tile and replastering, replacement of the deep end to create an overall shallower pool shape (the pool footprint will not change), and new tubular steel safety fencing closer to the deck. - New trash enclosures, vehicular gates at both driveways, pedestrian gates and decorative aluminum panels on existing fencing; several wall/fence heights exceed the 3.5-foot front-yard limit in the specific plan and are the subject of the SDP request.

Nelson said staff supports the request to maintain and, in limited places, increase fence and wall heights because of existing site conditions and the distance from the front property line; staff included a condition to maintain at least a 20-foot vehicle queuing area at new pedestrian gate locations to avoid projecting into the public right-of-way. Bruce Gordon, identified in the staff report as the homeowners association president, attended the meeting and was available to answer commissioner questions; no members of the public spoke during the public hearing.

Commissioners expressed support for the drainage work and for reducing bluff-top erosion risks. Commissioner Dhingra said the drainage improvements are beneficial not only to residents but to users of Dana Point Harbor below, noting prior bluff failures in the area. Vice Chair Bowen and other commissioners described the aesthetic upgrades and drainage repairs as appropriate and said the project conforms to the local coastal plan and zoning rules (with the requested exceptions). One commissioner characterized the project as a “cohesive and comprehensive architectural design” that matched existing materials on site.

A motion to approve the coastal development permit and site development permit was made and seconded; the commission voted in favor and the item carried. The staff resolution and conditions as presented will govern construction and mitigation.

The approvals authorize the applicant and the homeowners association to proceed with the drainage, landscaping, pool and front-yard work in accordance with the approved plans and the conditions in the resolution. Implementation will require inspection and verification by city staff at the plant check and construction stages.