Design review board approves front‑deck variance at 31860 Eighth Avenue, 4–0

The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on Oct. 23 adopted Resolution 25‑0633 approving a design review and variance to permit a front‑deck addition at 31860 Eighth Avenue (Design Review 25‑0633; Variance 25‑0635), voting 4–0.

Staff presented the application as a front‑area deck addition to a 1937 corner house in the Village Community zone and noted that prior approvals in the neighborhood had allowed similar encroachments; staff recommended the board find the project categorically exempt from CEQA and approve the requested variance. Izzy, the planning presenter, described the project footprint, the 0.21‑ft (2‑inch) setback to the front property line for the proposed deck and a staff analysis of adjacent properties that have similar intrusions into front setbacks.

Neighbors opposed the variance during public comment, saying cumulative…