Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Board approves 490 Hill Edge remodel but requires removal of garage windows and limits on garage lights after neighbors object to parking and retroactive work
Loading...
Summary
The board approved a revised remodel at 490 Hill Edge that adds onsite covered parking while finding demolition below the 50% major‑remodel threshold; approval includes conditions removing garage glazing nearest neighbors and eliminating downhill garage light fixtures, and requires stop‑work and return to board if further demolition pushes totals over the major‑remodel threshold.
Laguna Beach’s Design Review Board on May 14 approved a revised, contested remodel for 490 Hill Edge Drive — a project that prompted multiple neighbors to raise long‑running concerns over unpermitted work, demolition calculations and loss of limited on‑street parking.
Staff presented a detailed permit history and demolition calculation showing the applicant’s revised scope results in 48.31% demolition of existing structure (below the 50% major‑remodel threshold). Staff noted demolition tied to ADU/JADU legalization is treated under the city's ADU ordinance and excluded from major‑remodel math where appropriate.
Neighbors described repeated, unpermitted changes and said the proposed widened driveway and two new single‑car garages would remove shared public curb space and degrade street safety at a hairpin on Hill Edge. “The idea that the applicant can appropriate shared street parking is unacceptable,” Karen Lewandowski told the board.
The applicant revised the design to provide two covered on‑site spaces and a third on‑site spot directly off the street (not in tandem), and offered to drop certain garage windows and some exterior lights to address neighbor concerns. The applicant’s representative said the changes were made after several meetings with staff and the board and that the design balances parking needs with privacy mitigation.
After deliberation the board approved the project with conditions: removal of glazing in both new garages, removal of the downhill‑facing garage light fixtures nearest the adjacent neighbor, preservation of an existing eyebrow/overhang where shown on plan, and a clear stop‑work/return‑to‑board requirement if additional demolition discovered during construction increases total demolition above the 50% threshold (in which case the project must return to the Design Review Board). The board also recorded that the project meets applicable development standards under the current code and that plan‑check will confirm final details.
The motion passed 5–0. Staff will finalize the resolution language reflecting the agreed conditions and verify demolition calculations during final plan review.
