San Clemente planning panel affirms interior Miramar renovations but blocks proposed exterior wall

The City of San Clemente Planning Commission on Nov. 13 affirmed the city planner's administrative approval to modify the Miramar Theatre's interior for adaptive reuse while rejecting proposed exterior courtyard wall changes that, commissioners said, would obscure the building's historic façade and public views.

City Planner Jonathan Lightfoot told commissioners the project stems from a 2013 historic structures report and a June 2017 approval for rehabilitation. He said current proposed interior modifications include a bridal staircase, demising (fabric) curtains near the stage and decorative arches; exterior proposals reviewed by design review included a courtyard feature (shown as a fountain in earlier plans) and a 6-foot perimeter wall. Jonathan also flagged traffic sight-line concerns and recommended adding a condition requiring an Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) architectural review to confirm egress before issuance of building permits. "Staff is recommending an updated condition related to requiring a refreshed OCFA architectural review, to confirm the egress, prior to issuance of…