Laguna Beach council agrees to consider city tree‑management policy, pump track and e‑signature rule as future agenda items

At the May 20 meeting the Laguna Beach City Council agreed to place several community requests on future agendas, including a city tree management and trimming policy, a possible pump track feasibility report, a city e‑signature policy and next steps for implementing AB 2355’s permitting process for qualifying unpermitted accessory units.

Key items the council asked staff to agendize: - City tree trimming/maintenance policy: Council members asked staff to return with options to codify trimming practices and clarify when the city will top or remove city‑owned trees, following multiple public comments about eucalyptus and other trees affecting views and safety. Staff said current practice relies on the city arborist’s professional judgment and that a formal policy would require council consideration. - Pump track feasibility: Council Member Hallie proposed a future discussion of a pump track similar to the new San Clemente facility; three council members expressed support for a staff report reviewing recreation‑committee recommendations, potential sites and costs. - E‑signature policy: The city manager and city attorney were asked to return with an e‑signature policy to streamline administrative operations. - AB 2355 unpermitted‑unit pathway: The Housing and Human Services Committee requested council direction about implementing AB 2355 (state law permitting a process to legalize certain unpermitted dwelling units built before Jan. 1, 2020). Council members asked the city attorney and staff to draft options for the permitting process, including program parameters and outreach.

Why it matters: the items reflect recurring resident concerns about public safety and quality of life (trees and views), recreation amenities for youth (pump track), operational efficiency (e‑signatures) and housing supply/regularization (AB 2355). Council members requested that several of these items be packaged for the next available agendas so the public and committees can weigh in.

Next steps: staff will prepare reports and return on the indicated future dates. Council members asked that tree policy and AB 2355 implementation be developed with community engagement and that any pump‑track analysis include recreation‑committee input and possible site options.

Ending: Council directed staff to place the listed items on future agendas and to consult with relevant advisory committees and departments on community outreach and cost estimates.