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 not be met on a de novo council review.

At the council hearing planning staff recommended upholding the board’s action but also presented a set of more restrictive conditions the parties had negotiated during mediation, including reduced deck footprints, a pulled‑back stair/elevator alignment and modest roof adjustments. Four neighboring property owners and an attorney argued the variance improperly granted a special privilege and that other nearby homes do not enjoy the same height allowances. The appellants’ counsel urged the council to overturn the board’s findings on the variance and remand the project for redesign.

Counsel for the owner and the project architect argued the proposed changes and the board’s careful review, including a revised design and staking on the site, supported the project. The architect said the team had reduced deck sizes and moved the north‑west corner of the roof several feet to address neighbor concerns. The property owner emphasized safety and accessibility benefits, saying the elevator was needed because the existing stair configuration is hazardous.

After discussion the council concluded it could not make the variance findings required under the municipal code — specifically that unique site circumstances supported the need for the top‑level variance and that granting the variance would not constitute a special privilege relative to neighboring parcels. Council members expressed support for the project’s design review record generally but said the variance portion raised a separate legal standard they could not satisfy on de novo review. The council therefore voted to grant the appeal on the variance issue and remand the item to the Design Review Board so the applicant and the board can develop a plan that does not rely on findings the council could not make.

The council’s action sends the project back to the Design Review Board with instructions tied to the council’s ruling; staff will prepare a formal resolution granting the appeal and remanding the matter. Council did not adopt the stricter negotiated conditions outright; those remain a potential basis for a future approval if the Board, applicant and neighbors reach agreement.