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Dana Point planners approve coastal permit for new home at 33781 Cabrillo Isle
Summary
The Dana Point Planning Commission unanimously approved Coastal Development Permit CDP 25-0019 and Minor Site Development Permit SDP 25-0026 for a new two-story, 6,030-square-foot single-family home in the Niguel Shores community after staff said the site poses no ancient landslide risk and the HOA has approved the project.
The Dana Point Planning Commission unanimously approved Coastal Development Permit CDP 25-0019 and Minor Site Development Permit SDP 25-0026 on a motion at its meeting, clearing the way for demolition of an existing house and construction of a new two-story, 6,030-square-foot single-family dwelling at 33781 Cabrillo Isle in the Niguel Shores community.
Gary Wonk, the associate planner who presented the staff report, described the proposal as a new two-story home with a 701-square-foot attached garage, a spa, exterior mechanical units and retaining walls that require a minor site development permit because they exceed 30 inches in side and rear setbacks. "That concludes my staff presentation, and I'm available for any question," Wonk said.
Wonk told commissioners the site is zoned PRD3 with an underlying RSF4 designation and is within the coastal overlay and the appeals jurisdiction of the California Coastal Commission. He said the applicant has the Niguel Shores homeowners association's approval and submitted a site-specific coastal hazards study that concluded the property is not underlain by ancient landsliding, does not rely on the Niguel Shores revetment for stability, and would not be impacted by a potential failure of the revetment.
A commissioner asked whether the proposed front setback — 4 feet for the primary structure and 2 feet for the garage — reflected existing conditions. Wonk replied it did and cited zoning code section 9.05.060, which allows maintaining existing reduced setbacks where neighboring properties comply.
No members of the public spoke during the hearing. During deliberations, one commissioner said the project appears consistent with the General Plan and the local coastal plan and that the added condition language clarifying future removal or relocation (condition No. 53) addressed safety-based removal only. "I can make the findings here," the commissioner said.
Another commissioner flagged a clerical issue in the supporting materials that listed a different residence on the first page of a document and asked staff to confirm the correct property identification. Staff did not change the recommendation.
A motion to approve CDP 25-0019 and SDP 25-0026M carried on a unanimous voice vote. The commission recorded no named roll-call votes in the transcript; Vice Chair Christakis and Commissioner Dinger were noted as absent earlier in the meeting.
The commission had no old or new business and received no staff reports. The meeting was adjourned; the next regular meeting is scheduled for July 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210, Dana Point.
Key details: project address 33781 Cabrillo Isle; zoning PRD3/RSF4; permits approved CDP 25-0019 and SDP 25-0026; retaining walls exceed 30 inches in setbacks; applicant provided coastal hazards study; Niguel Shores HOA approval noted.
