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Board grants variance, approves addition at 32002 Sunset Avenue despite close findings on parking
Summary
Design review 24-1159 and variance 24-2622 were approved for an upper-level addition and associated ADU at 32002 Sunset Avenue; the board found the requested parking variance allowable under the circumstances but noted the case was close and cautioned about setting a precedent.
The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on March 13 approved design review 24-1159 and variance 24-2622 for modifications at 32002 Sunset Avenue, including an upper-level addition, an elevated deck, an attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and a variance to provide one uncovered parking space in the front yard rather than two required covered spaces.
Attorney and project representative Steve Kuartani explained that staff and the applicant located multiple precedent variances in the neighborhood for reduced or absent parking. "We've now found, 5 or more, projects that have been granted variances for either not providing any parking or providing only 1," he said, noting most were under 1,500 square feet but that this project was slightly larger.
Board members discussed special circumstances and neighborhood parking patterns. Several members said the case was close because the house exceeded the 1,500-square-foot threshold, but they concluded the variance findings could be made given the local context and precedent. Board member comments stressed caution about future precedent-setting: "I don't think it should set a precedent for single parking places in that area," one member said, while supporting the findings for this application.
A motion to adopt resolution approving design review 24-1159 and variance 24-2622 (and to find the action exempt from CEQA under section 15303) passed by roll call. Conditions and the approved variance finding language were recorded in the resolution for permit review.
