Council grants appeal, remands 1560 Sunset Ridge project after finding variance could not be supported

Laguna Beach City Council granted an appeal of a design‑review approval for a proposed multi‑level renovation at 1560 Sunset Ridge and remanded the project back to the Design Review Board after determining it could not make the findings required for the requested height variance.

The project sought multiple additions across four levels of an existing residence, an elevator shaft and an upper‑level deck. Design Review Board approval included a variance to exceed the municipal height limit to allow an elevator/stair corridor and a portion of the upper deck. Neighbors appealed, arguing the proposed height and massing constituted an improper special privilege, impaired views and privacy, and that the variance findings could…