Laguna Beach Design Review Board approves multiple home projects, denies one coastal resolution

The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on June 12 approved a slate of housing and site-improvement items — including design reviews, coastal development permits and a CEQA mitigated negative declaration — and adopted a resolution denying one previously heard application. The board approved routine minutes and consent items and took final actions on eight substantive agenda items after public hearings and staff presentations.

The meeting opened with procedural announcements and a roll call. Board members participating in votes were Chair Tom Gibbs, Chair Pro Tem Gannon, Board members Coveney, Balta, Bauta and Weil (where noted). Several contested items drew public comment and detailed deliberation before the board reached final votes.

Why it matters: The board’s decisions permit several single‑family remodels, additions and outdoor improvements that change built form, landscaping and site grading in hillside neighborhoods. One denial preserves the status of a previously contested Bluebird Canyon application and records the project opponents’ and applicants’ legal positions for potential further action.

Votes at a glance - Consent calendar (4.1–4.4): Approved unanimously; continuances and minute approvals recorded as proposed. - 4.5 (51560 Bluebird Canyon, DRB 24‑2509; CDP 24‑2510; Revocable Encroachment 24‑2511): Board adopted a resolution denying the earlier design review and related permits and found the…