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Design Review Board approves modest additions and a height variance at 1504 Skyline Drive
Summary
The board approved modifications to a prior approval at 1504 Skyline Drive, including upper‑level additions and an elevated deck, and granted a variance to exceed a 14‑foot special subdivision height standard after finding no adverse neighbor impacts.
The Laguna Beach Design Review Board approved design changes and a variance for an upper‑level renovation at 1504 Skyline Drive, allowing modest exterior additions and an elevated deck while authorizing relief from the special subdivision height standard.
Staff presented the project as changes to a previously approved design that include upper‑level additions, elevated decks, material changes, a new trellis and landscaping. The applicant requested a variance to exceed the special subdivision height standard of 14 feet above mean front curb height; staff recommended adoption of Resolution 25‑0143 approving Design Review 25‑0143 and Variance 25‑0142 and finding the action exempt from CEQA (§15301).
Architect Chad Peterson, representing the applicant, said the changes are largely interior with minor exterior expansions and emphasized the project’s ocean and mountain views. Staff reported no neighbor opposition had been received.
Board members reviewed the variance findings in the staff report and described the proposed work as modest and neighborhood compatible; one board member said the staff findings made an “overwhelming case” for issuing the variance. Another member noted that the additions would not block views or raise privacy concerns.
Motion and outcome: the board adopted the recommended resolution approving the design review and variance and found the action exempt from CEQA under §15301. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote with all members present voting yes.
Next steps: the applicant may proceed to the building permit phase and must satisfy the conditions included in the resolution and staff report.
