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Laguna Beach design board approves most permit requests, continues several larger projects
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Summary
The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on Nov. 13 approved a string of design‑review and coastal permits for single‑family projects across the city, and continued others for further revisions. A high‑profile Bluebird Canyon CDP drew sustained opposition and a proposed denial but was left unresolved at the hearing.
The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on Nov. 13 moved forward on most of its packed agenda, approving multiple design‑review applications and coastal development permits while continuing several larger or more contentious projects for revision.
The meeting opened with public communications and a request from Pat Minnis of South Laguna that story poles and construction fencing be removed within 30 days after project completion and that early‑morning construction noise be limited.
The board voted unanimously on several routine and contested items. It approved design review and coastal permits for 1009 Cliff Drive (elevator shaft addition) and 22362 Eagle Rock Way (new single‑family residence) and adopted conditions for glare control and landscaping. A cluster of other items were continued so applicants could address privacy, plate heights, drive‑way geometry and other board concerns: 399 Pearl Street (continued to Jan. 22, 2026), 490 Hill Edge Drive (continued to Feb. 12, 2026) and 2500 Glenaire (continued to Feb. 12, 2026).
Votes at a glance: 1445 Hillcrest (item 5.2) — continued to Dec. 11, 2025 (motion passed 5‑0). 1009 Cliff Drive (5.1) — approved (Resolution 25‑1803; 5‑0). 22362 Eagle Rock Way (5.3) — approved with conditions including required olive trees and limits on bollards and glare (Resolution 25‑1798; 5‑0). 399 Pearl Street (5.4) — continued for revisions to upper‑story setbacks and plate heights (continued 5‑0). 490 Hill Edge Drive (5.5) — continued; applicant removed ADU from consideration and agreed to further changes (continued 5‑0). 225 Viejo Street (5.6) — approved (DR 25‑1490 / CDP 25‑1516; 5‑0). 30801 Driftwood (5.7) — approved with condition that the north eave not encroach into the side‑yard setback (5‑0). 32005 Coast Highway (5.8) — approved with window and overhang adjustments and a requirement to remove certain trees (5‑0). 167 Chiquita Street (5.9) — approved with conditions including a capped front magnolia and rear planters (vote passed, 4‑1). 2500 Glenaire (5.12) — continued after heavy public comment to allow applicant and neighbors to work on privacy and sight‑line solutions (continued 4‑0, one recusal).
The board routinely cited CEQA categorical exemptions for the approved actions and attached conditions to address privacy, glare and landscaping concerns. Several approvals required staff verification of materials and glass type.
What’s next: Applicants returning with revised plans should meet the deadlines set by staff (plans generally required weeks before the continued hearing dates). Projects that were approved are subject to the normal appeal period or to any Coastal Commission jurisdiction where applicable.
Speakers quoted in this roundup include Chair Gibbs, who moved continuances or actions, and several applicants and neighbors. Chair Gibbs summarized the board’s role at the start: “Any decision by the board is made by way of a motion, a second, and then must carry a majority vote.” The board’s votes and conditions are reflected in the minutes and in staff resolutions for each item.
The board took a short recess and planned to return in December and January for continued items as scheduled.
