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Design Review Board continues contested Miramar Street addition to July 10 after neighbors raise view and privacy concerns
Summary
Neighbors objected to a proposed second‑story addition at 934 Miramar Street, citing loss of light, privacy and partial ocean views; the board continued the item to July 10 and asked the applicant for revisions and more outreach.
The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on April 24 continued the application for an upper‑level addition at 934 Miramar Street to its July 10 meeting after extended public comment and board discussion.
Project summary: staff reported the proposal would add a 42-square-foot lower-level entry, a 535-square-foot upper-level addition above the garage, a 43-square-foot elevated deck and window and door changes; staff recommended approval and found the project CEQA‑exempt (staff presentation and resolution 25-0256). Project planner Matthew Kilroy presented the staff report.
Neighbors pressed the board to deny or substantially redesign the addition. Bill Gable told the board: "When I opened the blinds in the kitchen, I wouldn't see brightness and light. I'd see a wall." Ryan McRae said the addition diminished "the value and the quality of life for surrounding neighbors" and urged the board to require the applicants to lower the roof height and pull back the upper floor.
Architect/applicant presentation and response: the applicant's representative said the proposed work "meets the criteria for Archbeach Heights" and that the plan sought only a modest upper‑level bedroom and small office; the speaker said the project is "within the side setbacks" and reported a delay in city review that compressed neighborhood outreach. The applicant noted limited opportunities to reduce the height without moving other elements that could affect different view lines.
Board deliberations and direction: board members were divided but agreed on two central points: a second story in this location can be neighborhood‑compatible but the current design needs revisions. Multiple members asked the applicant to reduce massing and roof height where feasible, minimize overhangs/eaves and pursue additional offsets from neighboring property lines. A board summary urged the applicant to "address the McCrae master‑bedroom view and reduce massing on the Gable side" and to return with revised plans; the board set a submission date of May 21 to make the July 10 hearing.
Why the board continued the item: public comment documented specific adverse effects neighbors said the proposal would cause — loss of daylight and privacy to a primary kitchen window, reduced enjoyment of a modest ocean view, perceived inadequate early neighborhood outreach — and several board members said revisions were necessary before the board could render a final decision.
Next steps: the applicant must submit revised plans and evidence of neighbor outreach to planning staff by May 21 for placement on the July 10 agenda. The public record includes submitted photos and written correspondence, and individuals who live within 300 feet will retain appeal rights if a final decision is made.
