Design Review Board approves ADU, deck and revocable encroachment permit at 1099 Dyer Place

The Laguna Beach Design Review Board voted unanimously to approve a proposed detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU), associated elevated deck, trash enclosure and related improvements at 1099 Dyer Place.

Staff presented the application and recommended approval of Design Review 24-2471, Coastal Development Permit 24-2472 and Revocable Encroachment Permit 24-2295, finding the project exempt from CEQA under the categorical exemption cited in the staff report. Heather (staff) noted the ADU itself was subject to a conditional use permit and that staff believes required findings can be made.

Architect Katarina Brienova said the deck was designed to avoid impacting neighboring views and to enhance privacy by removing an existing tree that blocked neighbors' sightlines. She explained the deck would be tucked into the hillside, that the trash enclosure is sited for pick-up from Flamingo, and that pervious pavers and low landscape walls will provide an accessible path to the ADU.

Board members praised neighborhood outreach by the applicant, reviewed the geotechnical report for site safety, and agreed the project meets design-review criteria, the revocable encroachment permit standard and public-safety considerations.

A motion to adopt staff's recommendation and find the action exempt from CEQA under Guidelines section 15303 passed on a unanimous roll call: Board member Koppen (yes), Board member Gibbs (yes), Board member Weil (yes) and Trevor Dunthalman (yes). The board's approval allows the applicant to proceed to final permitting subject to the conditions in the staff report.