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Design Review Board approves additions and variances to keep family home on Eagle Rock Way
Summary
The Laguna Beach Design Review Board on June 25 approved design review 2026-0922 and variance 2026-923 for 31552 Eagle Rockway, permitting roughly 424 sq ft of additions, a 2-foot south-side setback encroachment, and one on-site parking space where two are typical; the decision followed public opposition from the South Laguna Civic Association and support from a neighbor.
The Laguna Beach Design Review Board voted to approve design review application 2026-0922 and variance 2026-923 for a remodel and additions to the home at 31552 Eagle Rockway on June 25. Staff recommended approval after finding the project compatible with the neighborhood and able to meet required variance findings; the board adopted resolution 2026-0922 and found the project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines sections 15301 and 15305.
Planner Kate Kazama told the board the project proposes approximately 424 square feet of additions (about 252 sq ft on the lower level and 172 sq ft on the upper level), new window and door openings, modified landscaping, and one on-site parking space where the zoning typically requires two spaces. Staff noted the proposal slightly exceeds allowable site coverage (about 25 sq ft over) and floor area (approximately 40 sq ft over) and requires a variance to encroach two feet into the southside setback. The staff report recommended adoption of the resolution and found the project compatible with nearby development patterns; staff also noted receipt of one letter of opposition earlier the same day.
At public comment a representative of the South Laguna Civic Association opposed the front-yard setback variance and the added square footage, calling the variances "self-induced" and describing the proposed street-facing façade as too tall and plain for the block. A neighbor who has lived on Wildwood for 20 years spoke in support, saying remodeling with variances is common in the village and the change would allow a growing family to remain in the house. Project architect Hora Knappenberger and owner Adam McNichol said they held a neighborhood meeting, that many adjacent properties already have similar approvals, and that the project preserves a large street tree while adding a much-needed on-site parking space.
Board members weighed neighborhood-compatibility concerns against the modest scale of the additions and the benefit of adding an on-site parking space on a narrow village lot. Several members said staff had assembled evidence that could support the required variance findings and that the project fits the pattern of development on Wildwood and Eagle Rock Way. A motion to adopt resolution 2026-0922, including the revised attachment, was made, seconded, and approved by roll call.
The approval permits the applicant to proceed with building permits subject to any standard conditions the Planning Department attaches to implementation.
