AGENDA
TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025
REGULAR MEETING - 5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 505 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, CA
Agenda (printable PDF)
LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURE: Pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), any party to a permit, license, contract, or other entitlement before the City Council is required to disclose on the record any campaign contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $250 through December 31, 2024, and $500 commencing on January 1, 2025, made by the party or the party’s agents within the preceding 12 months to any City official. Participants and agents are requested to make this disclosure as well. The disclosure should be made when the agenda item is called and must include the name of the party, participant, or agent, and any other person making the contribution, the name of the recipient, the amount of the contribution, and the date the contribution was made. Council Members are also required to make such disclosures and recuse themselves.
Public Participation: Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.3, members of the public may directly address the City Council on any item of interest to the public that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. You may submit comments in person on any agenda item or any item not on the agenda. You may also submit written comments on any agenda item or on any item not on the agenda via mail to the City Clerk at 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA. 92651 or by email to [email protected]. In order to allow sufficient time for members of the City Council and staff to review and consider your written comments, written comments will be accepted for consideration up until the close of business on the business day before the date on which this public meeting is scheduled. Written comments WILL NOT be read aloud during the City Council Meeting. Please note that written comments are posted on the City’s website, so do not include any personal information you do not want posted online. Any comments received after the deadline for submittal may not become part of the public record for that meeting. For comments submitted on a topic not on the agenda, please indicate that you would like your comments included in the official record for this meeting.
ALEX ROUNAGHI, Mayor
MARK ORGILL, Mayor Pro Tem
HALLIE JONES, Councilmember
SUE KEMPF, Councilmember
BOB WHALEN, Councilmember
DAVE KIFF, City Manager
MEGAN GARIBALDI, City Attorney
LAURA PARISI, City Treasurer
ANN MARIE McKAY, City Clerk
*** STUDY SESSION ***
A.
ROLL CALL - 3:30 p.m.
B.
STUDY SESSION:
DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC TREES, TREE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES
Recommendations:
(1) Receive a presentation from staff regarding public tree maintenance practices: and (2) Discuss public trees, public tree maintenance practices and provide further direction.
Agenda Report
Public Comment
C.
ADJOURN FROM THE STUDY SESSION TO THE CLOSED SESSION
*** CLOSED SESSION ***
A.
ROLL CALL – 4:15 p.m.
B.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS:
Public Comment can be provided at 4:15 p.m. on any item on the Closed Session agenda, in Council Chambers at 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, then the City Council will convene in Conference Room A for the Closed Session
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Number of Cases: Two (2)
a.
CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD SAN DIEGO REGION In the matter of City of Laguna Beach, November 2019 Sanitary Sewer Overflow, Aliso Creek, Pacific Ocean, CA; Order No. R9-2021-0008, Place ID 63192 b.
Worker’s Compensation Claim No. 19-144903
Claimant: Thomas Ernest Christopher
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
Number of Cases: One (1)
C.
RECESS FROM CLOSED SESSION, RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
*** REGULAR MEETING ***
A.
ROLL CALL – 5:00 P.M.
B.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Councilmember Jones
C.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT(S).
A Closed Session report shall be provided, as required pursuant to California Government Code Section 54950 et seq.
D.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE COUNCIL AGENDA.
As may be deemed necessary by the City Manager, agenda items may from time to time be deleted from the agenda; in such event, the City Manager shall endeavor to provide as much advance notice to the community as reasonably possible about the removal of such items. Agenda items may only be added in accordance with Government Code Section 54950 et seq.
E.
PRESENTATIONS.
The City Council shall from time to time recognize individuals and organizations and present awards or Certificates of Appreciation, or receive special presentations, as previously scheduled and described below.
1. PROCLAMATION FOR PARKS MAKE LIFE BETTER MONTH
Recommendation: Approve the Proclamation recognizing the month of July as Parks Make Life Better!® Month.
Proclamation
Public Comment
1.5 HONORING LAGUNA’S OWN NYJAH HUSTON – 2024 OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST IN SKATEBOARDING (MEN’S STREET EVENT) F.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS.
The City Council shall consider Public Comments, of up to three minutes each as determined by the Mayor and for a total of 45 minutes, from the audience concerning items not appearing on the agenda that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. Public comments beyond 45 minutes shall be reconvened at the conclusion of public hearings. In accordance with the provisions of the Brown Act (Government Code Section 54950 et seq.), no action or discussion may take place by the Council on any item not on the posted agenda. Speaker cards may be used by the City Clerk's Office for the orderly conduct of the meeting; those not completing speaker cards may speak after those who completed speaker cards. Pursuant to California Government Code section 54953(b)(3), any member of the public wishing to address the legislative body directly pursuant to California Government Code section 54954.3 may do so at each teleconference location at the time the item is considered.
Public Comments
G.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER.
This is a time for brief updates to the public from the City Council and the City Manager on various City matters.
H.
CONSENT CALENDAR.
All matters listed under Consent Calendar are considered by the City Manager to be routine and will be enacted by one roll call vote. There will be no discussion of these items unless a Councilmember, the City staff, or a member of the public requests removal of an item (please identify the item by its number) from the Consent Calendar for separate discussion, and that person shall be identified and noted in the minutes for the item. Once any additions or removals are made, the City Council will vote to approve all items remaining on the Consent Calendar. Any item that was removed will be considered following the action on the Consent Calendar; each speaker shall have up to three minutes, and may be shortened or extended, or a cumulative limit on the time for all public speakers may be imposed, at the discretion of the presiding officer (the Mayor).
2. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recommendation: It is recommended by the City Clerk that the City Council approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of the City Council of June 11, 2025, and the Regular Meeting of the City Council of June 24, 2025.
Minutes
3. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Warrant #1: $3,589,675.14 07/04/2025
CalPERS 23: $ 387,260.17 06/24/2025
$3,976,935.31
Payroll #26: $2,364,372.01 06/27/2025
Total $6,341,307.32
Recommendation: Approve the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
Agenda Report
4. PLANNING DIVISION UPDATE AND WORKLOAD SUMMARY THROUGH JULY 7, 2025 Recommendation: Receive and file the Planning Division Update and Workload Summary, which covers the period from September 2024 through July 7, 2025.
Agenda Report
5. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CITY’S 2025 SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution approving the City’s 2025 Sewer System Management Plan, titled "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, TO APPROVE THE 2025 SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN AND FIND THIS ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378 OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE THAT THIS ACTION IS EXEMPT PURSUANT TO CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15061.” Agenda Report
6. AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF HARDWARE UPGRADES FOR EXISTING VENTEK PARKING PAYSTATIONS AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 Recommendations:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to purchase hardware upgrades for 27 VenTek International, Inc. parking paystations from Pacific Parking Systems, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $260,885; and (2) Find the recommended action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
Agenda Report
7. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR TRASH & RECYCLING RECEPTACLE SERVICES Recommendations:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Quality Commercial Cleaning dba Spectrum Facility Maintenance, Inc. for a two-year term commencing August 1, 2025, to provide trash receptacle, recycling receptacle, and litter control services for various public locations throughout the CITY for a total annual not-to-exceed amount of $550,070 annually; and (2) Authorize the City Manager to execute up to two (2) additional one-year extensions, subject to satisfactory performance, with an annual cost increase not to exceed the percentage change in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region.
Agenda Report
8. RED FLAG FIRE SAFE PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN BLUEBIRD CANYON AND CANYON ACRES DRIVE NEIGHBORHOODS Recommendation: Adopt the Resolution titled ‘A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A RED FLAG FIRE SAFE PARKING RESTRICTION PROGRAM IN THE BLUEBIRD CANYON AND CANYON ACRES DRIVE NEIGHBORHOODS AND FINDING THE ACTION IS STATUTORILY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”? establishing a Red Flag Fire Safe parking restriction program in the Bluebird Canyon neighborhood and on Canyon Acres Drive.
Agenda Report
Public Comment
9. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR MANHOLE LINING REHABILITATION Recommendations:
(1) Approve and authorize the City to execute a sole source contract with Hydro-Klean, LLC DBA HK Solutions Group, LLC, in the amount of $116,750, for manhole lining rehabilitation; (2) Authorize the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and contract change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $11,675; and (3) Find that the award of the contract is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to section 15302 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Agenda Report
10. LAGUNA BEACH AMNESTY ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT PROGRAM TO LEGALIZE UNPERMITTED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS MEETING CERTAIN CONDITIONS AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL ACT; AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378 Recommendations:
(1) Create a formal program, named “Laguna Beach Amnesty ADU Program,” and authorize City staff to create and publicize a brochure detailing the program as proposed in the staff report; and (2) Find the action is not a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
Agenda Report
Public Comment
11. OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION ELEMENT UPDATE, REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR WATERCOURSE MAPPING, AND FORMATION OF AN OSCE UPDATE AD HOC; AND FINDING ACTIONS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15306 Recommendations:
(1) Authorize the Community Development Department to issue a Request for Qualifications for consulting services to prepare updated watercourse mapping for the Open Space and Conservation Element (OSCE) Update project; (2) Form an Ad Hoc committee consisting of Councilmember Hallie Jones and Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill to assist and coordinate with City staff and community stakeholders to develop a comprehensive OSCE Update recommendation for City Council consideration; (3) Find recommended actions exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15306 (Information Collection).
Agenda Report
12. PARKING, TRAFFIC, AND CIRCULATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations:
(1) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee’s recommendation to install parking restrictions on Hillcrest Drive by adopting the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON HILLCREST DRIVE AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304”; (2) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee’s recommendation to convert 3-minute passenger loading zones to 3-Hour metered parking on Laguna Avenue by adopting the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, CONVERTING 3-MINUTE PASSENGER LOADING ZONES TO 3-HOUR METERED PARKING ON LAGUNA AVENUE AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304”; (3) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee’s recommendation to install parking restrictions on Catalina Avenue by adopting the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON CATALINA AVENUE AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304”; and (4) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee’s recommendation to install parking restrictions on Virginia Way by adopting the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON VIRGINIA WAY AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304.” Agenda Report
13. CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION FOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 25-0697 TO MODIFY THE APPROVED EXTERIOR PAINT COLORS BY AMENDING THE PRIOR CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL ASSOCIATED WITH DESIGN REVIEW 24-0890 FOR THE FOREST AVENUE MALL AT 332-334 FOREST AVENUE IN THE CBD-1 (RESIDENT SERVING) AND CBD-2 (DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL) DISTRICTS OF THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1) Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, OVERTURNING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 25-0697 TO MODIFY THE APPROVED EXTERIOR PAINT COLORS BY AMENDING THE PRIOR CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL ASSOCIATED WITH DESIGN REVIEW 24-0890 FOR THE FOREST AVENUE MALL AT 332-334 FOREST AVENUE IN THE CBD-1 AND CBD-2 DISTRICTS OF THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN, APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 25-0697 AS PROPOSED BY THE APPLICANT BY ALLOWING THE EXISTING BRICK TO BE PAINTED TO MATCH THE REMAINING BUILDING SURFACES AND STRIKING A REQUIREMENT TO ADD A TRIM COLOR, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1)”.
Agenda Report
14. APPROVAL OF LIBRARY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Recommendations:
(1) Approve the proposed Library Capital Improvement Plan developed jointly with the County of Orange; (2) Authorize staff to submit the approved Plan to the County by August 1, 2025, in accordance with the Lease Agreement; (3) Appropriate $750,000 in the Capital Improvement Fund with a matching increase in estimated revenue for the immediate improvements to the Laguna Beach Library; and (4) Find that the Library Capital Improvement Plan is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to section 15378 or 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Agenda Report
Attachment 1 - Library CIP
Public Comment
15. RATIFICATION OF FIREFIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION SIDE LETTER RELATED TO EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE PAY, UPDATES TO MANAGEMENT RESOLUTION, AND REVISED CITY SALARY SCHEDULE Recommendations:
(1) Adopt the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING THE SIDE LETTER OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE LAGUNA BEACH FIREFIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION”; (2) Adopt the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, RELATING TO CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, POLICIES, AND BENEFITS FOR UNREPRESENTED EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES”; and (3) Approve an updated salary schedule by adopting the Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, SETTING PAY RANGES FOR CITY EMPLOYEES.” Agenda Report
Supplemental Report and Revised Resolution
16. RATIFICATION OF SIDE LETTERS OF AGREEMENT WITH THE LAGUNA BEACH FIREFIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION, LAGUNA BEACH POLICE EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION AND LAGUNA BEACH POLICE AND FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION – POLICE UNIT, RESPECTIVELY, REGARDING A MODIFICATION TO THE PROCESS FOR APPEALS OF CERTAIN DISCIPLINARY MATTERS Recommendations:
(1) Adopt the Resolution, entitled “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, RATIFYING THE SIDE LETTERS OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND, RESPECTIVELY, THE LAGUNA BEACH FIREFIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION, LAGUNA BEACH POLICE EMPLOYEES’ ASSOCIATION, AND LAGUNA BEACH POLICE AND FIRE MANAGEMENT – POLICE UNIT ASSOCIATION TO AMEND THE PROCESS FOR APPEALS OF CERTAIN DISCIPLINARY MATTERS”; and (2) Authorize the City Manager to sign each employee association’s Side Letter of Agreement.
Agenda Report
17. SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Recommendations:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute a service agreement with Infinity Technologies for Geographic Information System (GIS) Professional Services in an amount not to exceed $120,000; (2) Authorize the City Manager to execute any necessary documents to implement the agreement; and (3) Find that the award of the contract is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Agenda Report
I.
REGULAR BUSINESS.
This section is for a wide variety of matters generally worthy of separate discussion such as the consideration of ordinances for introduction, resolutions, extraordinary policy and business matters, staff reports and recommendations. The presiding officer will take public comment on each Regular Business item. Each speaker shall have up to three minutes for each agendized Regular Business item, as may be shortened or extended, or a cumulative limit on the time for all public speakers may be imposed, at the discretion of the Presiding Officer. Pursuant to California Government Code section 54953(b)(3), any member of the public wishing to address the legislative body directly pursuant to California Government Code section 54954.3 may do so at each teleconference location at the time the item is considered.
18. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED PUMP TRACK
Recommendations:
(1) Direct staff further as to a site selection for the pump track, including Moulton Meadows Park and any other areas as suggested by the public or Council or Recreation Committee. Direction may include initiating a feasibility study and site evaluation; (2) Where applicable, direct staff to coordinate with the County of Orange to explore potential land?transfer agreements for a preferred site(s); and (3) Coordinate with Orange County Mountain Bike Association to explore grant and fundraising opportunities; Agenda Report
Public Comments
19. PUBLIC MEETING FOR PROPOSED UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 (WEST STREET) Recommendations:
(1) Hear public comments on proposed Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 (West Street); (2) Receive a report of updated project costs and purchase methods of municipal bonds; and (3) Provide direction to staff on the purchase method of municipal bonds, assuming an estimated bond proceeds amount of $4-5 million.
Agenda Report
Public Comment
20. AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP FOR REVISED SCOPE OF WORK FOR COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE UPDATE, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT OF OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS; AND FINDING ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378 Recommendations:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment, all in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, with De Novo Planning Group for the modified and additional tasks associated with the preparation of a Comprehensive Zoning Code Update, for a $388,300 increase, at a total cost not to exceed $709,749; and (2) Find that this action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
Agenda Report
J.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NON-APPEALS.
This section is for matters (other than appeals) that are structured as Public Hearings. Public Hearings are different from regular business items in that there is a specific time period where a formal hearing is opened by the presiding officer, public comment is accepted from any member of the public, and the hearing is closed by the presiding officer.
21. PLACEMENT OF THE SEWER SERVICE FEE AS A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ON THE COUNTY TAX ROLL Recommendation: Confirm the assessments for the sewer service fees and authorize transmittal of these assessments to the County of Orange for placement on the 2025-26 County Tax Roll and find the same exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3).
Agenda Report
K.
PUBLIC HEARINGS – APPEALS. This section is specifically for appeals of determinations of the Planning Commission, the Design Review Board, or other Boards or Commissions. Public Hearings (Appeals) are different from other public hearings in two ways: (1) In some cases, the City Council can only consider whether a lower body abused its discretion in granting or denying a project application. In other cases, the Council can conduct the hearing “de novo,” meaning that it can consider old and new information and make a determination unbound by the lower body’s decision. The item’s staff report will clearly state which review standard applies to each appeal item; and (2) public comment generally occurs this way: Staff presents a report about the appeal, Council members ask questions about the report. Then the presiding officer opens the public hearing, inviting the person who filed the appeal (the appellant) to speak first, followed by persons supporting the appellant’s position. Then the presiding officer invites persons disagreeing with appeal to speak. When all speakers have spoken, the presiding officer invites the appellant up a second time to address any comment and to conclude their argument. Following that, the presiding officer closes the public hearing, and the Council deliberates further and ultimately votes on a motion. The City Council conducts all Public Hearings in accordance with the provisions of applicable Laguna Beach procedure and State law. The Mayor shall have discretion to establish the time allocated for persons who wish to speak, often allowing more time for the appellant and/or the applicant.
A.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 25-0779 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 23-0151 TO DEMOLISH AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE AND TO EXPAND AN EXISTING PARKING LOT TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL SEVEN PARKING SPACES AT 359 THIRD STREET IN THE CBD-O (OFFICE) DISTRICT OF THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN, AND FINDING THE
PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT
TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15304 (CLASS 4)
Recommendations:
1. Conduct the public hearing, including receiving a staff report and taking public testimony and all evidence relating to the consideration of Design Review 25-0779 and Coastal Development Permit 23- 0151, and the California Environmental Quality Act exemption under section 15304 of the state CEQA Guidelines; and
2. Adopt a Resolution titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO APPROVE DESIGN REVIEW 25-0779 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 23-0151 TO
DEMOLISH AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE AND TO EXPAND AN EXISTING PARKING LOT TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL SEVEN PARKING SPACES AT 359 THIRD
STREET, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM CEQA PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15304", upholding the Planning Commission’s approval of Design Review 25-0779 and Coastal Development Permit 23-0151 and finding the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Agenda Report
Supplemental Staff Report
Applicant Comment
Public Comments
L.
COUNCILMEMBER ITEM(S).
The City Council shall consider matters submitted by members of the City Council in accordance with Resolution No. 24.011, as it may be amended.
M.
ADJOURNMENT. The Laguna Beach City Council will adjourn to:
THE CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AT 3:00 P.M.,
THEN THE CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 P.M.
AND REGULAR MEETING AT 5:00 P.M.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2025
LAGUNA BEACH CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
505 FOREST AVENUE, LAGUNA BEACH, CA
ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with a disability who require a disability-related modification or accommodation in order to participate in a meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, may request such modification or accommodation from the City Clerk at (949) 497-0705 (telephone) or (949) 497-0771 (facsimile). Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to the meeting.
COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.5
Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packets are available for public inspection in the City Clerk's Office at 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, during normal business hours.
Testimony given before the City Council is recorded.
The timer light at the podium will turn yellow and beep once when the speaker has 30 seconds remaining.
The timer light will turn red and buzz when the speaker's time has expired.
A.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW OF PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 25-0779 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 23-0151 TO DEMOLISH AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE AND TO EXPAND AN EXISTING PARKING LOT TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL SEVEN PARKING SPACES AT 359 THIRD STREET IN THE CBD-O (OFFICE) DISTRICT OF THE DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN, AND FINDING THE
PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT
TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15304 (CLASS 4)
Recommendations:
20. AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP FOR REVISED SCOPE OF WORK FOR COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE UPDATE, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT OF OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS; AND FINDING ACTION IS NOT A PROJECT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15378 Recommendations: