Board approves Temple Hills additions and revocable encroachment permit, neighbors’ questions addressed

The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on March 13 adopted resolution 25-0017 approving design review and a revocable encroachment permit for additions and improvements at 1970 Temple Hills Drive, including an upper-level addition, elevated decks, new landscaping, a pool and associated driveway gate and security fencing in the right-of-way.

Planner Wake summarized the project and said staff had not received public correspondence prior to the meeting. Applicant Oz Alamanaderas said one neighbor raised a window-privacy issue; the plans were revised to show a frosted-glass awning and revised landscape tree heights. A neighboring resident later spoke during public comment asking for clarification about the revocable encroachment permit; staff and the applicant said the repaved/encroachment areas were existing and would not alter the street or the neighbor’s property lines, and that retaining walls would be engineered to prevent damage.

Board members reviewed the revocable encroachment permit (REP) as a procedural authorization that formalizes improvements between the private property line and the unimproved street; staff confirmed REP findings and typical protections for the city. Members then assessed design review standards and privacy corrections and found that the project met applicable guidelines. The board voted unanimously to approve the design review and REP and to find the action exempt from CEQA (section 15301). Staff will include the revised window treatment and landscape plan in the final permit package.