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Board approves substantial Samoa Way remodel and ADU, despite one neighbor concern about ocean view
Summary
Design review and coastal development permit for a multi-level addition, ADU and infinity pool at 1425 Samoa Way were approved after staff found the revised design complied with guidelines; one neighbor said the project marginally clips a white-water view but the board concluded the view corridor would remain intact.
The Design Review Board approved a multi-level remodel, new accessory dwelling unit, and an infinity pool at 1425 Samoa Way on June 12, finding the revised design meets Laguna Beach's development standards and coastal-design guidelines.
Staff analysis and changes: staff told the board the site is steep (average slope noted in the staff report) and the proposal includes an upper-level covered parking expansion, a roughly 1,500-square-foot midlevel addition (new master suite and deck), and a lower-level addition with a roughly 1,000-square-foot attached two-bedroom ADU, a wine cellar, theater, an infinity pool and outdoor kitchen. The applicant terraced the design down the slope and substantially revised the appearance and scale so that the additions match the existing upper-floor materials and articulation.
Public comment: one neighbor directly behind the site, Lauren Harris Heller, told the board she did not receive a required neighborhood meeting invitation and is concerned the proposal would block her white-water view of Main Beach. The applicant responded with drone imagery and photos taken from the neighbor's yard showing the project terraces down the slope; the applicant said the ocean view would remain predominantly intact.
Board deliberation and vote: board members who visited the site and reviewed drone imagery concluded that the proposal preserves the major ocean view corridors and that the terraced plan and glass guardrails limit visual bulk. The board adopted staff's recommendation and approved the design review and coastal permit; roll-call votes were unanimous.
Next steps: the applicant will continue with plan check and building permits, and staff noted the project must comply with the city's fuel modification and wildfire-safe conditions mandated for steep hillside coastal properties.
Ending: With approvals in hand, the applicant may now proceed to building permit submittals; staff will monitor compliance with the fuel modification and landscape mitigation plans required for the property.
