Agenda, second session — Laguna Beach City Council, November 18, 2025

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CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
NOVEMBER 18, 2025
COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 505 FOREST AVENUE, LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 REGULAR MEETING 5:00 P.M.

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
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: 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 (i.e., 5:30 p.m.) 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 on the web. 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. 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 (i.e., 5:30 p.m.) 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 on the web. 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.

Courtesy Virtual Broadcast: Please take notice that the City also plans to broadcast the meeting via the below listed mediums. These virtual broadcast mediums are also provided as a courtesy only and are not guaranteed to be technically feasible or uninterrupted. Thus, in order to guarantee livetime viewing, members of the public are encouraged to attend in person.

1. Online on the City of Laguna website: www.lagunabeachcity.net/meetings

2. Cox cable channel 852

3. Online on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQsj8cEM7IvTH6p4uf3NUzQ CLOSED SESSION 3:30 P.M.
************************************************
A. ROLL CALL 3:30 p.m.

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION AGENDA ITEMS
Public Comment can be provided on any item on the Closed Session agenda, in Council Chambers at 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, after the City Council roll call, then the City Council will convene in Conference Room A for the Closed Session.

1. Conference with Real Property Negotiators
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8
a. Property: 2307 and 2535 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach Agency Negotiator: Dave Kiff, City Manager
Negotiating Parties: George R. Burkhardt Trusts A, B, and C Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment

2. Conference with Legal Counsel Anticipated Litigation Significant Exposure to Litigation pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2) & (e) (1)
One (1) potential case. There is significant exposure to litigation against the City based on a threat of litigation made outside of a noticed meeting, which is based on the following facts:
a. On or about March 25, 2025, the ACLU of Southern California emailed City Attorney Megan Garibaldi, threatening litigation relating to potential City actions regarding the Alternative Sleeping Location (ASL), that the ACLU alleges could result in a breach of the settlement agreement between the ACLU and the City (Glover et al. v. City of Laguna Beach). A copy of the email is available upon request from the City Clerk’s Office.

3. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
NumberofCases:One(1)
a. On or about March 25, 2025, the ACLU of Southern California emailed City Attorney Megan Garibaldi, threatening litigation relating to potential City actions regarding the Alternative Sleeping Location (ASL), that the ACLU alleges could result in a breach of the settlement agreement between the ACLU and the City (Glover et al. v. City of Laguna Beach). A copy of the email is available upon request from the City Clerk’s Office.

3. Conference with Legal Counsel—Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Number of Cases: One (1)
a. City of Laguna Beach v. Solano Homeowners Association, Superior Court of California County of Orange, Case No. 30202501477485CUPONJC

4. Conference with Legal Counsel—Anticipated Litigation Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Number of Cases: One (1)
C. ADJOURN FROM CLOSED SESSION, RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 5:00 P.M.
********************************************************** A. ROLL CALL 5:00 p.m.

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Councilmember Whalen
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 AND DELETIONS. 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. PRESENTATION FROM THE LAGUNA BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY Recommendations: 1. Receive and file the informational presentation by the Laguna Beach Historical Society regarding historic stories of Laguna Beach.

2. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE 2025 COAST FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL Recommendations:

3. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING LAGUNA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM Recommendations:

4. PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING LAGUNA BEACH LAWN BOWLING
Recommendations:

F. PUBLIC COMMENTS NONAGENDIZED 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. 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.

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).

5. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recommendations: 1. Approve the minutes of the Study Session and the Regular Meeting for the City Council of October 28, 2025.

6. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Recommendations: 1. Approve the general warrants and payroll distributions. 7MONTHLYTREASURER’SANDINVESTMENTREPORT(SEPTEMBER2025)

5. MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Recommendations: 1. Approve the minutes of the Study Session and the Regular Meeting for the City Council of October 28, 2025.

6. APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS Recommendations: 1. Approve the general warrants and payroll distributions.

7. MONTHLY TREASURER’S AND INVESTMENT REPORT (SEPTEMBER 2025) Recommendations: 1. Receive and file the September 2025 Monthly Treasurer’s and Investment Report (which are the two attachments).

8. CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
Recommendations:

1. Reject Claim #2513 filed by State Farm c/o Kendra Ozorio;

2. Reject Claim #2539 filed by Alex Salaverria; and

3. Reject Claim #2547 filed by Nicole Rice.

9. AGREEMENT WITH ENVISIO SOLUTIONS INC. FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A SOFTWARE SYSTEM THAT TRACKS CITY PROJECTS AND GOALS WHILE ENHANCING PUBLIC TRANSPARENCY
Recommendations:

1. Approve the agreement with Envisio Solutions Inc. for a threeyear subscription to a performance management software platform for a threeyear cost of $126,436, inclusive of implementation and licensing;

2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and

3. Find this action is not a “project“ under to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.

10. PLANNING DIVISION UPDATE AND WORKLOAD SUMMARY THROUGH NOVEMBER 3, 2025
Recommendations: Receive and file the Planning Division Update and Workload Summary, which covers the period from August 2024 through November 3, 2025.

11. SERVICE AGREEMENT TO PREPARE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MASTER PLAN Recommendations:

1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a service agreement with Third Wave Corporation for a onetime cost nottoexceed $127,750 to prepare an Information Technology Master Plan; and

2. Find that the action is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4) and (b)(5).

12. FISCAL YEAR 20252026 CARRYOVER APPROPRIATIONS; REQUEST FOR NEW FUNDS CREATION; TRANSFER OF BUDGETARY APPROPRIATIONS
Recommendations:

1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a service agreement with Third Wave Corporation for a onetime cost nottoexceed $127,750 to prepare an Information Technology Master Plan; and

2. Find that the action is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(4) and (b)(5).

12. FISCAL YEAR 20252026 CARRYOVER APPROPRIATIONS; REQUEST FOR NEW FUNDS CREATION; TRANSFER OF BUDGETARY APPROPRIATIONS
Recommendations:

1. Carryover appropriations of $13,878,200 to Fiscal Year 202526 to provide continuing funding for projects in progress at the end of the last fiscal year;

2. Carryover revenue estimates of $2,503,966 expected to be received in Fiscal Year 2025 26;

3. Create a new Animal Shelter Donations Special Revenue and authorize the transfer of $1,497,850 of accumulated unspent donations from the City’s General Fund (110) to the new fund as of June 30, 2025;

4. Create a new Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Special Revenue Fund and authorize the transfer of $84,038 of unspent funds from the City’s General Fund (110) to the new fund as of June 30, 2025;

5. Create a new State Asset Forfeiture Special Revenue Fund and authorize the transfer of $50,439.08 of unspent funds from the City’s Federal Asset Forfeiture Fund (135) to the new fund as of June 30, 2025;

6. Create a new Library Impact Fees General Fund and authorize the transfer of $83,680 of unspent funds from the City’s General Fund (110) to the new fund as of June 30, 2025;

7. Create a new Cultural & Environmental Stewardship Special Revenue Fund; and

8. Transfer of FY 202425 available budgetary funding from General Fund NonDepartmental to the City Clerk and Police Departments (see explanation in discussion section).

13. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. BXXX AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER 14.50 (BUILDING CODE) OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE AND FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. FXXX AMENDING TITLE 15, CHAPTER 15.01 (CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE) OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDIING, FIRE CODE, AND OTHER RELATED CODES, INCLUDING LOCAL AMENDMENTS, ADOPT A RESOLUTIONS SETTING FORTH FINDINGS BASED ON LOCAL CONDITIONS FOR CERTAIN LOCAL AMENDMENTS AND FINDING THE PROPOSED ACTIONS ARE NOT PROJECTS SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”) OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE ARE EXEMPT FROM CEQA .

Recommendations:

Introduce two separate ordinances adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Codes and Fire Code with local amendments to title 14 and 15 of the LBMC:

1. Waive full reading and introduce for first reading by title only an Ordinance titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH ADOPTING THE 2025 EDITIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE AND OTHER RELATED 2025 CODES BY AMENDING TITLE 14 (BUILDIGS AND CONSTRUCTION), OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING CHAPTER 14.50 (BUILDING CODE), CHAPTER 14.52 (RESIDENTIAL CODE), CHAPTER 14.54 (MECHANICAL CODE), CHAPTER 14.64 (PLUMBING CODE), CHAPTER 14.68 (ELECTRICAL CODE), CHAPTER 14.70 (WILDLANDURBAN INTERFACE CODE), CHAPTER 14.86 (GREEN BUILDING CODE) AND ADDINGS CHAPTER 14.90 (ENERGY CODE), CHAPTER 14.91 (HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE), CHAPTER 14.92 (EXISTING BUILDING CODE), AND CHAPTER 14.95 (INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE), WITH LOCAL AMENDMENTS AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE IS NOT A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”) OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA;”

2. Waive full reading and introduce for first reading by title only an Ordinance titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH amending title 15, chapter 15.01 (California fire code) of the laguna beach municipal code to adopt the 2025 2025 FIRE CODE WITH local amendments AND FINDING THE ORDINANCE IS NOT A PROJECT SUBJECT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (“CEQA”) OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA;”

3. Staff recommends that the Council adopt Resolution 25XX, which sets forth findings related to local climatic, geological, and topographical conditions within the City of Laguna Beach as allowed per AB 306 that allows certain amendments to the 2025 California Building Standards and Fire Code as reasonably necessary.

14. AWARD OF TASK ORDERS FOR THE PRELIMINARY DESIGNS OF DIVER’S COVE BEACH ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS AND FISHERMAN’S COVE BEACH ACCESS

IMPROVEMENTS
Recommendations:

1. Authorize the City Manager to award a task order to BKF Engineers in the amount of $129,950, for preliminary design of the Diver’s Cove Beach Access Improvements Project, and approve projectrelated expenses and change orders for additional designrelated services that may be required in an amount nottoexceed $10,000;

2. Authorize the City Manager to award a task order to BKF Engineers in the amount of $129,860, for preliminary design of the Fisherman’s Cove Beach Access Improvements Project, and approve projectrelated expenses and change orders for additional designrelated services that may be required in an amount nottoexceed $10,000; and

3. Find that the actions consist of government activities, which do not result in a direct or indirect physical change in environment and therefore does not constitute a “Project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act.

15. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE UPDATING THE CITY’S CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION

REGULATIONS
Recommendations: 1. Adopt by title only an Ordinance titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION

1.14.030 (CONTRIBUTION LIMITATIONS) OF TITLE 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS) OF THE LAGUNABEACHMUNICIPALCODETOUPDATETHECITY’SCAMPAIGN
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physical change in environment and therefore does not constitute a “Project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act.

15. ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE UPDATING THE CITY’S CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION

REGULATIONS
Recommendations: 1. Adopt by title only an Ordinance titled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION

1.14.030 (CONTRIBUTION LIMITATIONS) OF TITLE 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS) OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO UPDATE THE CITY’S CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION REGULATIONS AND DETERMINE THE ORDINANCE IS NOT A PROJECT FOR PURPOSES OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT”.

16. EXTENSION OF ENFORCEMENT DATE FOR SHORTTERM LODGING ORDINANCE Recommendations:

1. Approve an extension of the enforcement date for Ordinance No. 1719 from October 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026, to allow additional time for continued outreach and compliance by operators and online hosting platforms;

2. Direct staff to return with an update to Ordinance No. 1719 to implement SB 346, which creates further mechanisms for tracking and enforcement of shortterm lodging; and

3. Find that the recommended action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.

17. AD HOC COMMITTEE ON LAGUNA BEACH’s CENTENNIAL YEAR
Recommendations:

1. It is recommended that the City Council form an ad hoc committee, consisting of Council Member Jones and Mayor pro Tem Orgill, to guide and advise planning and implementation of any Citydirected activities associated with Calendar Year 2027, which would be 100 years since the City was incorporated.

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. ADOPTION OF AN OFFICIAL CITY FLAG
Recommendations:

Select one or more alternatives, along the lines of:

1. Direct staff to return to the City Council with a formal resolution adopting the 2013 Cooper Flag as the Official City Flag; or

2. Ask one or more community input groups – such as the Arts Commission – to review the City of Yorba Linda’s process and restart it in a different manner or ratify the same process to review one or more versions of an Official City Flag; or

3. Provide other direction as determined by the City Council.

Recommendations:

Select one or more alternatives, along the lines of:

1. Direct staff to return to the City Council with a formal resolution adopting the 2013 Cooper Flag as the Official City Flag; or

3. Provide other direction as determined by the City Council.

19. OCEAN AVENUE AND BEACH STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Recommendations:

1. Receive a presentation from staff on the results of the Lower Ocean Avenue OneWay 2025 Traffic Study results and a verbal report summarizing comments received during the Downtown Action Plan Improvements (Ocean Avenue) Town Hall;

2. Discuss the results of the Lower Ocean Avenue OneWay 2025 Traffic Study and provide direction as to possible improvements to Ocean Avenue and Beach Street; and

3. Find that the action consists of government activities, which does not result in a direct or indirect physical change in environment and therefore does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act.

20. POLICY CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE CITY’s OUTDOOR DINING AND PARKLET PROGRAM (EXCLUDING THE PROMENADE ON FOREST)
Recommendations:

1. Provide policy direction to staff on the following matters to guide development of a longterm framework for outdoor dining in Laguna Beach:
a. Whether to extend, replace, or allow expiration of the existing Temporary Use Permitbased Outdoor Dining and Parklet Program, which is scheduled to expire on January 1, 2026;
b. Whether to maintain or lift the current moratorium on new parklet applications pending further policy development;
c. Whether to transition toward sidewalkbased outdoor dining consistent with AB 413 and the results of the City’s preliminary design study; and d. Whether to revise the existing fee structure to ensure equity and cost recovery for both public and private property uses.

2. Direct staff to return at a future meeting with a work plan outlining the steps, resources, and timeline necessary to develop a permanent outdoor dining program, including required Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program amendments and environmental review.

21. CONSIDERATION OF DESIGN REVIEW EFFICIENCY ORDINANCE AND EFFICIENCY

ORDINANCE
Recommendations:

1. Direct City staff to submit the Design Review Efficiency Ordinance to California Coastal Commission staff for consideration and feedback and to the City’s Planning Commission for a public hearing;

2. Direct City staff to process an urgency version of the Design Review Efficiency Ordinance for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council;

ORDINANCE
Recommendations:

2. Direct City staff to process an urgency version of the Design Review Efficiency Ordinance for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council;

3. Direct staff to process an urgency and nonurgency version of the Efficiency Ordinance for consideration by the City Council;

4. Adopt a Resolution that limits the Design Review Board and Planning Commission, as appropriate, to a maximum of two public hearings and meetings on a housing development project application; and

5. Find the actions exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.

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. Generally each public speaker has one opportunity to speak. The City Council conducts all Public Hearings in accordance with the provisions of applicable Laguna Beach procedure and State law. The presiding officer shall have discretion to establish the time allocated for public comment.

22. CONSIDERATION OF 2025 MILLS ACT CONTRACTS FOR FOUR (4) HISTORIC RESOURCE PROPERTIES AND FINDING THE ACTIONS EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15331
Recommendations:

1. Adopt the attached Resolutions approving the Mills Act Preservation Agreements for 426 Holly Street, 501 Lombardy Lane, 503 Brooks Street, and 2646 Victoria Drive;

2. Authorize the City Manager to sign the contract agreements with the owners of the subject properties; and

3. Find the recommended actions exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to state CEQA Guidelines section 15331 and direct staff to cause the notice of exemption to be filed with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse.

K. PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR 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 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. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 242113 FOR MODIFICATIONS TO A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED LANDSCAPE PLAN FOR AN EXISTING SINGLEFAMILY DWELLING AT 1813 TEMPLE HILLS DRIVE LOCATED IN THE R1, RESIDENTIAL LOWDENSITY ZONE, AND CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15304 (CLASS 4) Recommendations:

1. Continue to conduct the Public Hearing that was opened at the October 28, 2025 Council meeting, including receiving an updated staff report and taking public testimony and evidence relating to the consideration of Design Review 242113 for modifications to a previously approved landscape plan for an existing singlefamily dwelling and the California Environmental Quality Act exemption under Section 15304 of the state CEQA Guidelines;

2. Adopt a Resolution titled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, DENYING THE APPEAL AND SUSTAINING THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD’S APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 242113 FOR MODIFICATIONS TO A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED LANDSCAPE PLAN FOR AN EXISTING SINGLEFAMILY DWELLING AT 1813 TEMPLE HILLS DRIVE LOCATED IN THE R1, RESIDENTIAL LOWDENSITY ZONE, AND CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15304 (CLASS 4),” upholding the Design Review Board’s conditional approval of Design Review 242113; and

3. Find the project categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 (Class 4 – Minor Alterations to Land).

B. APPEAL OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR’S DESIGNEE’S APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 250891 FOR AN ELEVATED DECK ADDITION AT 31421 HOLLY DRIVE IN THE R1, RESIDENTIAL LOWDENSITY ZONE, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1)
Recommendations:

1. Open the public hearing, take public testimony, and continue the public hearing on the appeal to December 9, 2025; and

2. Find the Project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).

C. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 240658 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 240657 FOR A NEW SINGLEFAMILY DWELLING, ATTACHED TWOCAR GARAGE, ELEVATED DECKS, GRADING, AND LANDSCAPING, AND DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING SINGLEFAMILY DWELLING AT 31526 VALIDO ROADINTHER1RESIDENTIALLOWDENSITYZONEANDFINDINGTHEPROJECT

1. Open the public hearing, take public testimony, and continue the public hearing on the appeal to December 9, 2025; and

2. Find the Project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).

C. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 240658 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 240657 FOR A NEW SINGLEFAMILY DWELLING, ATTACHED TWOCAR GARAGE, ELEVATED DECKS, GRADING, AND LANDSCAPING, AND DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING SINGLEFAMILY DWELLING AT 31526 VALIDO ROAD IN THE R1, RESIDENTIAL LOWDENSITY ZONE, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3)
Recommendations:

1. Open the public hearing, take public testimony, and continue the public hearing on the appeal to January 13, 2026; and

2. Find the Project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).

D. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD’S APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 241151 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 241152, FOR ADDITIONS AND REMODEL OF AN EXISTING SINGLEFAMILY DWELLING, NEW TWOCAR GARAGE, ELEVATED DECK ADDITIONS, GRADING, LANDSCAPING, NEW POOL AND SPA, AND A NEW ATTACHED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT, AND VARIANCE 241153 FOR ADDITIONS INTO THE FRONT YARD, REAR YARD, AND ADDITIONAL BUILDING SETBACKS, AND A NEW POOL IN THE FRONT YARD SETBACK AT 31731 SEACOVE DRIVE IN THE R1, RESIDENTIAL LOWDENSITY ZONE, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15301 (CLASS 1)
Recommendations:

1. Open the public hearing, take public testimony, and continue the public hearing on the appeal to January 27, 2026; and

2. Find the Project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).

L. COUNCIL MEMBER 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 its next regular or other meeting, tentatively set for:

Tuesday, December 9, 2025
LAGUNA BEACH CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
505 FOREST AVENUE, LAGUNA BEACH, CA
CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 P.M. AND
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:00 PM.

ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
*************************
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with a disability who require a disabilityrelated CLOSED SESSION AT 4:00 P.M. AND
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 5:00 PM.

ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
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Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with a disability who require a disabilityrelated 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) 4970705 (telephone) or (949) 4970771 (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.

PLEASE TURN CELL PHONES OFF OR SET TO SILENT MODE.

Laguna Beach City CouncilNovember 18, 2025

Laguna Beach City Council
November 18, 2025