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Design Review Board approves several smaller projects, including Dumont Drive variance and multiple deck/retaining-wall items
Summary
Laguna Beach's Design Review Board cleared several routine and small-scale proposals on June 12, approving a Dumont Drive variance, a Chelan Way backyard project with an in-ground spa, La Mirada retaining-wall and deck work, an Oriole Drive deck replacement, and a retaining wall at 1265 La Mirada.
The Laguna Beach Design Review Board approved several routine and consent items at its June 12 meeting, including variances, small additions, decks and retaining-wall work.
Consent and quick approvals: the board adopted the consent calendar, continuing two items to July dates and approving three sets of minutes. The board then approved the following items during the regular agenda:
- 175–177 Dumont Drive (Design Review 24-1742; Coastal Development Permit 24-1743; Variance 24-1744): After an expedited presentation by staff and brief comments from the applicant, the board voted to adopt the staff-prepared resolution approving the project and variance. Roll call recorded unanimous support.
- 2878 Chelan Way (Design Review 25-0746): The board approved construction of retaining walls, patio, fireplace, an in-ground spa (3,350-gallon) and up to 50 cubic yards of grading outside the home's footprint. Staff recommended a categorical CEQA exemption and the motion passed on a unanimous roll call.
- 1234 La Mirada Street (Design Review 25-0908): Staff recommended approval of a retaining-wall replacement, grading and a 77-square-foot upper-level deck extension. The board approved the project; members said the work was compatible with neighborhood pattern and articulated consistent elevations.
- 992 Oriole Drive (Design Review 25-0851): The board approved a deck replacement, noting a prior approval had been revised to meet current zoning; the board asked staff to encourage a cantilevered design where feasible and, if posts are needed, to use the smallest practical post dimensions aligned with the neighboring property.
- 1265 La Mirada Street (Design Review 25-0989 and Variance 25-0990): The board approved a retaining-wall replacement and related grading and found the variance findings could be made because of steep topography and the public-access/driveway safety need. The measure passed on roll call with unanimous support.
Votes at a glance: most of these items passed by unanimous or strongly supportive votes; when a single board member opposed an item earlier in the evening it pertained to larger or more contentious projects (documented in separate articles).
Ending: The board concluded several backlog items efficiently, allowing staff and applicants to proceed to plan check and permit stages.
