Board approves remodel at 31201 Ceanothus Drive with condition for tree removal and public parking space

The Laguna Beach Design Review Board approved a remodeled single‑family residence at 31201 Ceanothus Drive (Design Review 25‑1130), along with related entitlements — a revocable encroachment permit, a variance to allow a front‑yard parking space and a coastal development permit — on Aug. 14, adopting staff recommendations with conditions.

Staff described the project as a remodel including a stair/elevator pod addition, two elevated decks and conversion of non‑habitable area to an ADU of about 1,030 square feet. The variance allows placement of a required third parking space within the front yard drive aisle; the revocable encroachment permit covers on‑grade access stairs and guardrails at the driveway bridge. Staff and the applicant noted prior preliminary staking and public outreach. Neighbors raised privacy and view concerns initially; the applicant revised the plan to relocate or reduce deck profiles and to retain an important driveway‑corner tree in a modified landscape plan.

During the hearing applicant’s counsel agreed to red‑line changes requested by the board: the applicant will remove the front‑corner tree (as part of a public safety and view improvement plan) only in exchange for providing an improved on‑street parking space and street/driveway improvements (turf‑block driveway surface) as part of the revocable encroachment permit. The board accepted the applicant’s red‑line submission and staff’s recommended conditions and voted to approve the project on a 3–0–2 roll call (two members recorded abstentions). The applicant and staff will implement the REP improvements and tree removal per the adopted conditions.