Design Review Board continues Viejo Street project to date uncertain after applicant absence

The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on April 10 voted to continue the project for 239 and 239B Viejo Street to a date uncertain after staff reported the applicant was not present and had requested a continuance.

Staff told the board the applicant had requested a continuance to the first meeting in July but recommended handling the request without substantive discussion to avoid counting hearings against the applicant’s allowable substantive review opportunities. During public comment, nearby resident Lou Adler asked what a continuance meant; staff clarified that the board was only taking comment on whether to grant the continuance and that substantive comments would be heard at the future noticed hearing.

Several board members discussed whether the July 10 date would work for the public and whether a date-uncertain continuance with renoticing would better serve neighbors. Board member Wiles and others favored a date-uncertain continuance to allow the applicant to renotice and to avoid the holiday period; Chair Tom Gibbs and other members supported July 10 as a practical date. Ultimately the board voted to continue the matter to a date uncertain, and the roll call showed unanimous support.

Why it matters: The item drew substantial public interest and multiple letters; a date-uncertain continuance gives the applicant time to work with neighbors and ensures the public will receive notice if the hearing is rescheduled.

Board action: The board continued item 5.2 (239 and 239B Viejo Street) to a date uncertain; staff will require renoticing if the applicant selects a rescheduled hearing date. The motion passed by unanimous roll call.

No substantive merits of the project were discussed at this hearing because the applicant was absent and the board accepted the continuance request.