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Commission approves demolition of derelict house for parking expansion at Laguna Presbyterian Church, 359 Third Street
Summary
The Planning Commission approved demolition of a vacant house at 359 Third Street and conversion of the lot to 7 additional parking spaces (10 total on parcel) after staff concluded the parcel is not covered by the city's historic preservation agreement; the vote was unanimous.
The Laguna Beach Planning Commission on May 21 approved a design review and coastal development permit allowing Laguna Presbyterian Church to demolish a vacant single‑family structure at 359 Third Street and replace it with seven new parking spaces, increasing the parcel’s on‑site parking to 10 spaces.
Daniel Bessonise, an associate planner, said the current plan widens the planter between the parking area and the sidewalk from 2 feet to 6 feet, adds two trees and installs two light posts matching existing fixtures on adjacent church‑owned parcels. Staff recommended approval after reviewing the site’s zoning (CBD‑office in the Downtown Specific Plan) and finding the proposal consistent with applicable standards; staff also recommended a finding that the action is exempt from CEQA.
At the public hearing, several residents raised a history question: they said the parcel had been discussed in earlier proceedings related to a church master plan and some materials in the public file showed the lot highlighted on a map. Staff and representatives for the church said the legally recorded historic preservation agreement and its legal description identify the protected parcels as lots 23–39 and do not include the 359 Third Street parcel (lot 22). Staff said the recorded agreement names the sanctuary and administration building as the resources covered by the protection instrument. Based on that record, staff concluded the parcel under review is not subject to the historic preservation agreement.
Members of the public urged the commission to preserve the bungalow as part of Laguna Beach’s older building stock. Church representatives said the structure, sometimes called the “blue house,” has been vacant for years and the church has attempted outreach from parties interested in moving the building; no party followed through. The church and its representatives said parking is the more practical use of the small parcel and noted the church’s broader historic work to restore the sanctuary.
After considering the record and public comment, the commission moved to adopt the staff resolution approving design review and the coastal development permit; the motion passed unanimously on roll call. Staff said the decision carries a 14‑day right of appeal to the City Council.
