Dana Point planning commissioners approve Harbor rental pilot, Monarch Bay home and amendment to Via Canyon variance

Dana Point planning commissioners on May 12 approved three development items: an amendment to variance V20‑00001 for a duplex on Via Canyon, a coastal development permit (CDP 24‑0021) to demolish and replace a single‑family home at 144 Monarch Bay Drive, and a coastal development permit (CDP 25‑0005) to allow nonpermanent beach‑gear rental booths in Dana Point Harbor with a modified condition requiring removal of temporary equipment each day.

Staff told commissioners the Via Canyon amendment stems from a contractor field error discovered after construction began and would allow modest forward expansion of garage walls to restore usable garage and tandem‑stall depths without extensive demolition. “Staff recommends the planning commission adopt the attached draft resolution approving amendment 1 to variance 20‑00001 subject to the findings and conditions approved therein,” senior planner Denny Gmeddi said.

Associate planner Alyssa Gonzales said the Monarch Bay Drive project meets applicable development standards and the Monarch Bay HOA architectural review committee has approved the design; staff recommended approval of CDP 24‑0021 to demolish a 2,808 sq. ft. house and build a new 4,280 sq. ft. single‑story home with an attached two‑car garage.

For the harbor item, staff described a proposal to operate two 10×10 nonpermanent canopies (easy‑ups) and portable tables for daily surfboard, bodyboard and beach‑accessory rentals and…