Laguna Beach City Council Minutes August 12, 2025
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
August 12, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order on Tuesday, press 12, 2025, in the Cily Hall, 505 Forest Avenuc, Laguna Beach, Califomi, Mayor Rounashi
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Councilmember Sue Kempf led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION
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Conduct a Joint Meeting with the Laguna Beach County Water District's Board of Directors, pursuant to a simultaneously agendized special meeting of that Board, for the purposes of the following closed session item:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Number of Cases: One (1)
a. Temple Hills Land Company v. City of Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach County Water District, et al. United States District Court, Case No. 8:24-cv-00605-JLS-ADS Resume the Regular City Council Closed Session Agenda for the following closed session items:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Number of Cases: Three (3)
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 631920
b. Cindy Flores, et al v. City of Laguna Beach, et al, United States District Court, Case No. 8:24-cv-01898-JVS-JDE
c. Thomas Ernest Christopher (Claimant) v. City of Laguna Beach, Worker's Compensation City Claim No. 19-144903, AdminSure Claim No. 19-144903
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Number of Cases: Two (2)
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CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
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City Attorney Megan Garibaldi reported that all Councilmembers were present and there was no public comment prior to the City Council convening into the Closed Session. Garibaldi reported that there was no reportable action on the joint City Council/Laguna Beach County Water District agenda item. She also reported that the City Council did not discuss item 2a, and there was no reportable action on items 2b and 2c. Garibaldi also reported that for item 3, the City Council authorized the initiation of litigation against the responsible party for the Rancho Fire.
PRESENTATIONS
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LAGUNA HISTORY PRESENTATION-LAGUNA BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Carol Lloyd, Laguna Beach Historical Society, introduced the Laguna Beach homestead map her mother had created
PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 2025 AS HUNGER ACTION MONTH
IN LAGUNA BEACH
Adopted the Proclamation declaring September 2025 as Hunger Action Month in the City of Laguna Beach.
3. RECOGNITION OF PARKS GARDENER, SERGIO LOPEZ'S RETIREMENT Parks Gardener Sergio Lopez was recognized for his 21 years of service upon his retirement.
ADDITIONS and DELETIONS None.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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Mike Beanan presented images of the winning photos for the Laguna Bluebelt photo contest, and invited the public to reserve a seat for the special premiere of The Deep Blue Sea followed by a screening of David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet at the Rivian South Coast Theater on August
28. City Treasurer Laura Parisi advised that she will be a speaker for the California Debt Investment Advisory Commission's Fundamentals of Public Investing conference. She also advised that she will be doing a training session on elected Treasurers for the California Municipal Treasurers Association. City Treasurer Parisi also referenced an article from the Wall Street Journal, regarding bond ratings and the maturity length of bonds.
Jerome Pudwill invited Laguna Beach voters to sign the City Council term limits voter-initiated petition.
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Pat and Bryan Menne requested that the City Council halt the current plans for the permanent conversion of lower Forest Avenue to a pedestrian plaza.
Anne Caenn and Jacob Cherub expressed dismay that the blue house on the Presbyterian Church property has been demolished.
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER ***************************************************************************** City Manager Dave Kiff presented recent Police Department enforcement statistics, new temporary signage with beach/park rules, reminded the public about the upcoming town hall meeting on a community survey, announced an upcoming town hall meeting on insurance and wildfires, and encouraged the public to submit comments to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for Southern California Edison (SCE)'s initial request for 685 miles for Targeted Undergrounding (TUG), versus CPUC's proposed decision for authorized funding for 212 miles.
Councilmember Hallie Jones reported on her various meetings with various local groups and members of the public.
Councilmember Sue Kempf encouraged the public to attend this year's Pageant of the Masters, and reiterated the City Manager's mention regarding the upcoming insurance and wildfires town hall.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill reported on Community Land Trust meetings with Councilmember Bob Whalen, and various meetings with various members of the public.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi reported on his ride-along with Wave Watch, echoed Councilmember Kempf's recommendation to attend this year's Pageant of the Masters, reported on attending the State of the County, reiterated the City Manager's comments regarding the General Rate Case for undergrounding, reported on meeting with Representative Dave Min regarding earmarked funds for Laguna Beach, and commented on his victory, and Chief Calvert's, in the demolition derby, which raised funds for the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to approve items 1 - 9 and 11 - 19.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Special Meeting of the City Council of June 24, 2025, the Study Session of July 22, 2025, and the Regular Meetings of the City Council of July 8 and 22, 2025.
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APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS
Warrant #2: $ 1,982,898.64 07/18/2025
Warrant #2-1: $2,644,936.77 07/24/2025
CaPERS 23: $ 389,522.12 06/10/2025
CalPERS 25: $ 396,071.48 07/08/2025
$ 5,413,429.01
Payroll #1: $2,486,235.79 07/11/2025
Payroll #2: $ 2,198,375.97 07/25/2025
$4,684,611.76
Total: $10.098.040.77
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
6. MONTHLY INVESTMENT REPORT (JUNE 2025)
Received and filed the June 2025 monthly investment report, with submissions from the City Treasurer, Laura Parisi, and the City's surplus funds investment manager, Meeder Investments.
7. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
(1) Rejected Claim #25-27 filed by Marlo Maldonado;
(2) Rejected Claim #25-28 filed by Jeannie Richardson; and (3) Found that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15378(b)(2) and (b) (5) of the CEQA Guidelines.
UPDATE ON COMMUNITY SURVEY TO ASSESS RESIDENT SATISFACTION WITH
CITY SERVICES AND SUPPORT FOR POTENTIAL REVENUE ENHANCEMENT
STRATEGIES
(1) Directed staff to proceed with administering a community survey; and (2) Found that the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15306 of the CEQA Guidelines.
ART IN PUBLIC PLACES APPLICATION FOR INSTALLATION OF SCULPTURE AT 288 CRESS STREET
(1) Approved the application to install a sculpture entitled, "Ascension" by Louis Longi to satisfy the Art in Public Places requirement in Chapter 1.09 of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code for the development at 288 Cress Street; and (2) Found that the recommended action is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15303 of the State CEQA Guidelines. -4-
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10. DONATION OF UNUSED IN-LIEU FEE PAID BY THE RANCH AT LAGUNA BEACH PURSUANT TO COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. A-5-LGB-14-0034 TO
LAGUNA CANYON FOUNDATION
This item was pulled from the Consent Calendar by Councilmember Bob Whalen to garner clarification.
Public Testimony: Ann Christoph and Jim Foley weighed in on the item.
Discussion: Staff responded to the public's comments, and Councilmembers' questions.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (agreement #25-65) with the Laguna Canyon Foundation to donate the unused portion of the in-lieu fee paid by the Ranch at Laguna Beach consistent with the Coastal Development Permit No. A-5- LGB-14-0034, with paragraphs IIf and IIl revised as stated during the meeting; (2) Authorize the City Manager to work with the Laguna Canyon Foundation to ensure the donation of the unused portion of the in-lieu fee is not subject to challenge and once confirmed, make the donation; and
(3) Determine that the action consists of government funding mechanisms or other government fiscal activities, which do not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment and therefore does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act.
11. REJECT BIDS FOR OLD TOP OF THE WORLD SEWER LIFT STATION REHABILITATION - PHASE 1
(1) Rejected all bids for the Old Top of the World Sewer Lift Station Rehabilitation - Phase 1 project;
(2) Directed staff to rebid the project; and
(3) Found the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of the CEQA Guidelines.
12. EMERGENCY DISASTER PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
WORK PLAN
(1) Approved the Emergency Disaster Preparedness Committee Fiscal Year 2025/26 Work Plan; and
(2) Found that the action is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3). -5-
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13. PARKING, TRAFFIC, AND CIRCULATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (1) Approved the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to establish 10 feet of parking restrictions on Nyes Place by adopting Resolution #25.071 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA
BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON NYES
PLACE AND FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15061(b)(3) AND 15304"; and
(2) Approve the Parking, Traffic, and Circulation Committee's recommendation to modify the existing commercial loading zone, install golf cart parking and install bicycle parking on Ocean Avenue by adopting Resolution #25.072 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, MODIFYING
THE EXISTING COMMERCIAL LOADING ZONE, INSTALLING GOLF CART
PARKING, AND INSTALLING BICYCLE PARKING ON OCEAN AVENUE AND
FINDING THE PROJECT EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS
15061(b)(3) AND 15304."
14. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR ZONE 6 STREET SLURRY AND
REHABILITATION
(1) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute contract #25-66 with Pavement Coating Co., in the amount of $1,291,801.50 for the Zone 6 Street Slurry Seal and Rehabilitation project;
(2) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to issue a task order to Onward Engineering, in the amount of $84,510 to provide construction management and inspection services; (3) Authorized the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and construction change-orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $130,000; and (4) Found that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(c) - Existing Facilities.
15. AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR SEWER MANHOLE
ADJUSTMENTS ON SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY
(1) Awarded and authorized the City Manager to execute contract #25-67 with EBS Utilities Adjusting Inc., in the amount of $92,790 for the Sewer Manhole Adjustments on South Coast Highway project;
(2) Authorized the City Manager to approve project-related expenses and construction change orders for unforeseen circumstances in an amount not to exceed $10,000; and (3) Found the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the CEQA Guidelines. -6-
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16. SERVICE PROVIDER AGREEMENT ARMED SECURITY SERVICES
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute three-year agreement #25-68, with a one-year extension option, with Lyons Security Services, Inc., to provide armed security services at various City beaches and parks, in an amount not to exceed $400,000 annually, and a total not-to-exceed amount of $1,200,000 for the initial term; and (2) Determined that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
17. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
ASSOCIATED WITH DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN PHASE II
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute a memorandum of understanding (agreement #25-69), in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Southern California Association of Governments for environmental review associated with the Downtown Specific Plan Phase II update, with an expenditure not to exceed $177,388; and (2) Found that the action does not constitute a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
18. MICROSOFT ENTERPRISE LICENSING AGREEMENT
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute three-year service agreement #25-70, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with CDW for Microsoft Enterprise Licensing in an amount not to exceed $482,400 per year, and a total not to exceed $1,447,200 for the contract term; and
(2) Determined that the action does not constitute a "project" within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act.
19. FINANCING ANALYSIS WORKING GROUP - PROPOSED UNDERGROUND UTILITY ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 2021-1 (WEST STREET)
Designated Councilmembers Kempf and Whalen, along with Finance Director Bannigan, Treasurer Parisi, and former Citizens' Audit Review and Investment Advisory Committee Member Brown as designees to a working group to advise the full City Council as to the best way to finance the proposed Underground Utility Assessment District 2021-1 (West Street).
REGULAR BUSINESS
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20. FUEL MODIFICATION SERVICES CONTRACT AND PROTOCOL ADDENDUM Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to questions. The proposed addendum retains mechanical treatment as the default method, but allows herbicide use under very limited, and clearly defined circumstances within fuel modification zones.
Specifically, herbicide would be reserved for high-risk, ecologically aggressive plant species -7-
Laguna Beach City Council Minutes August 12, 2025
listed on the Orange County California Native Plant Society's Emergent Invasive Plant Species (EIPS) list only after mechanical treatment methods have failed to eradicate the species. These species require early detection and rapid response (EDRR) to prevent establishment and long-term ecological degradation. While herbicide remains authorized under the certified protocol, its use has been suspended during the trial period (January 2024 - December 2026). The proposed addendum preserves this limitation, subject to strict application standards, defined exclusion zones, public notification requirements, and case- by-case City Council authorization for any exceptions.
Public Testimony: A member of the public, Tiffany, Jordan, Robert Reed, Lilah O'Connell, Amber Sparks, Genna Totten, Charlotte Masarik, Pamela Horwitz, Joy Berry, Alicia Bradbury, Ted Reckas, Cindy Love, Eden Marie Bion, Amy Jackson, Cedar Reckas, Ginger Wallace, Megan, and Scott Thomas spoke about the importance of the environment, the negative effect of chemicals, and that they supported option 1 of the staff recommendations.
Matt Lawson commented about the dangerous chemical levels produced from fires.
Penelope Milne voiced concerns about invasive species of plants.
Councilmember Comments: Councilmember Hallie Jones spoke about the importance of this issue and coming together as a community to find a compromise and solution. She spoke about the balance between fire safety, environmental concerns and what the community has voiced. She said she was pleased the city had achieved its fire safety goals without the use of synthetic herbicides, and though she strongly opposes glyphosate in agriculture and food, she emphasized that wildfire would be the most devastating environmental disaster, so fire safety must remain top priority. Councilmember Sue Kempf stressed that wildfire damage is far worse than limited herbicide use, and stated that she was initially skeptical but now progress and making adjustments if needed. He highlighted the high cost of about $3.2 million per year and warned that the City may need new revenue sources, such as a tax increase. Mayor Alex Rounaghi reiterated that health and safety are top priorities and supported moving forward with mechanical-only treatment while still meeting fire safety goals.
Moved by Councilmember Hallie Jones, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Authorize the City Manager to execute contract #25-71 with Natures Image, Inc. for Fuel Modification Services through December 31, 2028, in the amount of $6,924,533, for the mechanical treatment option subject to budget approval each fiscal year; and (2) Approve the addendum to the City's certified Fuel Modification Treatment Protocol. -8-
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21. REVIEW OF CALTRANS' LAGUNA CANYON ROAD CONDITIONAL
RELINQUISHMENT OFFER
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Jacob Cherub, Scott Sebastian, Merrill Anderson, Joy Berry, Pam Adams, Bryan Menne, Mary Locatelli, Johanna Felder, Pat Menne, Gayle Waite, and Ann Christoph stated that they did not support taking control of Laguna Canyon Road.
Penelope Milne commented on the importance of undergrounding the utility poles on Laguna Canyon Road.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to direct staff to report back to the City Council at the first meeting in November, addressing liability concerns, the potential for a condition of acceptance that the City is able to perform the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), analysis early, investigate the possibility of introducing legislation that would enable the City to be the lead agency on the project before relinquishment, and for staff to host a town hall to ensure the community is informed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NON-APPEALS
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22. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 25-1201 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 25- 1202 FOR A REDUCTION OF ONE REQUIRED OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE
BASED ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
DEMAND MANAGEMENT PLAN PURSUANT TO LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.52.006(G)(3) FOR AN INFILL HOUSING PROJECT AT 1040
SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3) Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Anders Lasater, architect for the project, commented on the project.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution #25.073 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 25-1201 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 25- 1202 FOR A REDUCTION OF ONE REQUIRED OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE
BASED ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION
DEMAND MANAGEMENT PLAN PURSUANT TO LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 25.52.006(G)(3) AT 1040 SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY AND FINDING
THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA -9-
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GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3)," with the added condition of approval that the occupants of the commercial tenant space comply with the transportation demand management strategies in the RK Engineering Group report dated March 28, 2025.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - APPEALS
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Appeal A was heard before Consent Item #10.
A. PUBLIC HEARING FOR APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 24-2550 FOR LANDSCAPING AT 276 CAJON STREET IN THE R-2 (RESIDENTIAL MEDIUM-DENSITY) ZONE, AND FINDING THE PROJECT
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1)
Public Testimony: Steve Kawaritani, representing the appellant, stated that the appellant wanted to withdraw their appeal of the DRB decision. He requested that the appellant be granted a partial appeal fee refund because the appeal had not come before the City Council.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution #25.074 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING THE
WITHDRAWAL OF THE APPEAL OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD'S DECISION TO CONDITIONALLY APPROVE DESIGN REVIEW 24-2550 FOR LANDSCAPING AT 276 CAJON STREET, AND FINDING THE ACTION CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT
FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15301," authorizing the withdrawal of the appeal of the Design Review Board's conditional approval of Design Review 24-2550 and finding the Project categorically exempt from CEQA, and directing staff to refund $500 of the $2,000 appeal fee.
B. PUBLIC HEARING FOR APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD (DRB) DENIAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 24-2509, COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT (CDP) 24-2510, AND REVOCABLE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT (REP) 24-2511 FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING WITH AN ATTACHED TWO-
CAR GARAGE, ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT, AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS IN THE R-1 (RESIDENTIAL LOW DENSITY) ZONE LOCATED AT 1560 BLUEBIRD
CANYON DRIVE (LOT B)
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to questions.
Public Testimony in Support of the Appeal: David Parker, architect for the project, and David Dyrnaes, applicant and appellant, stated that many design concessions were made and the project could not be built without approval of the REP, and they described. Chris Burt, attorney representing the appellant, commented on the the REP and he responded to Councilmembers' questions.
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Marsha Stallworth, representing neighboring property owners, said they supported the project.
Public Testimony in Opposition of the Appeal: Harpal Sadhal, Joe Covert, Susan Whitin, Mary Fegrus, Peter Grohmann, and William Horner, urged the City Council to deny the appeal, and they listed their reasons.
Rebuttal: David Dyrnaes, applicant and appellant, explained why it would be unfair to not allow the REP, and he responded to Councilmembers' questions. Burt, attorney representing the applicant, responded to Mayor Rounaghi's questions about the extension of the right-of way.
Questions of Staff: Mayor Alex Rounaghi asked the City Attorney to clarify the REP issue.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to adopt Resolution #25.075 titled, "A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, REMANDING
THE APPEALED DECISION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD TO DENY DESIGN REVIEW 24-2509, COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 24-2510, AND REVOCABLE ENCROACHMENT PERMIT 24-2511 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SINGLE-
FAMILY DWELLING WITH AN ATTACHED TWO-CAR GARAGE, AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT, AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS AT 1560 BLUEBIRD CANYON
DRIVE (LOT B), AND FINDING THE ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15270 OR 15061," as presented at the hearing, remanding the project back to the DRB to allow the applicant to revise the design to eliminate the REP or that results in an REP in compliance with LBMC 11.50.030, and for the DRB to not apply design review criteria if the project meets SB 450 objective standards.
Appeal C was heard after Appeal A, before Consent Item #10.
C. APPEAL OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR'S DESIGNEE'S APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 25-0891 FOR AN ELEVATED DECK ADDITION AT 31421 HOLLY DRIVE IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE, AND
FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1) Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Hallie Jones, and carried unanimously 5/0 to continue the appeal of the Community Development Director's designee's approval of Design Review 25-0891 located at 31421 Holly Drive, and finding the Project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (the "Project"), to the September 23, 2025, City Council meeting.
COUNCIL MEMBER ITEM(S) - None.
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ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Rounaghi at 11:52 p.m., Tuesday August 12, 2025, adjourned to the City Council Study Session at 3:00 p.m., Closed Session at 4:30 p.m. and Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California.
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Approved: September 23, 2025
Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk
Note: All components of minutes shall be for the primary purpose of memorializing decisions made by the legislative body. Any minute component that does not serve this primary purpose will be minimized or eliminated; this includes comments made by individual body members and members of the public. Discussions that occurred during the meeting can be viewed in archived video recordings on the city's website. Public submittals on items received prior to adjournment of the meeting are retained in the administrative record and can be viewed in the city clerk's repository. -12-
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING
(GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54995)
EXCERPT OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
August 12, 2025
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The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was held at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in the City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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PRESENT COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Rounaghi at 11:52 p.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2025, adjourned to the Study Session at 3:00 p.m., Closed Session at 4:30 p.m. and the Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California.
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE SS.
CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
I, Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of the Minute entry on record in my office. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and affix the official seal of the City of Laguna Beach, California, on this 13t day of August 2025.
LNCORPORATES of the City of Laguna Beach California
TUNE 29.192
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
NOTICE OF ADJOURNMENT
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I, Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California, DO CERTIFY that at the Regular Meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on August 13, 2025, at the hour of 12:15 p.m., a copy of the Notice was posted at a conspicuous place on or near the door of the place at which said meeting of the City Council was held.
cult
City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California