Planning commission approves sign permit for Shocker Shack at 207 Ocean Avenue

The Laguna Beach Planning Commission on May 21 unanimously approved a sign permit for a business at 207 Ocean Avenue known in the application as the Shocker Shack. The permit allows one wall-mounted sign, a suspended blade sign and two window graphics for the business.

The permit was presented by Sarah Olsen, planning technician, who told commissioners the property is in the Visitor Commercial District of the Downtown Specific Plan and that the proposed wall letters would be flat-cut aluminum with a largest letter of about 15 inches and a total sign area of about 14.71 square feet. Olsen said staff found the proposal “consistent with the municipal code, the downtown specific plan, and all required findings” and recommended adoption of a resolution approving the sign permit and a finding that the action is exempt from CEQA.

Applicant Jill Templin told the commission the signs are “in alignment with what the city says is okay,” and described the design as tasteful. Commissioners commented they thought the suspended “blade” sign would provide the most visibility along the sidewalk. Commissioner Kellenberg said, as a policy observation, that “unless a sign needs a variance, I feel like all sign applications should be done administratively.”

No members of the public spoke on the item. Commissioner Kellenberg made the motion to approve the sign permit (case listed in staff materials as Sign Permit 25-0489); the motion passed on a unanimous roll call vote. The chair noted a 14-day right of appeal.

The Planning Commission approved the permit without conditions beyond those in the staff resolution; future signage or lighting beyond what was approved would require separate authorization under the city’s sign ordinance.