RESOLUTION 24-2113
A RESOLUTION OF THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW 24-2113 LOCATED AT 1813 TEMPLE HILLS DRIVE AND APPROVING
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION TO CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.
WHEREAS, on September 14, 2023, an application was filed by the owner of property located at 1013 Temple Hills Drive ("Applicant"), requesting Design Review 24-2113 for modifications to a previously approved landscape plan (the "Project"); and WHEREAS, the Design Review Board conducted a duly-noticed public hearing on February 13, 2025, pursuant to Title 25, Zoning, of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code. The Design Review Board has considered all public testimony on the proposed Project and all relevant public comments, and all documents and evidence submitted, including but not limited to the staff report, attachments, and materials submitted by the Applicant; and
WHEREAS, all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Design Review Board of the City of Laguna Beach does hereby find, determine, and resolve as follows:
SECTION 1. The recitals set forth above are true and correct and are incorporated into this Resolution by this reference.
SECTION 2. The Design Review Board hereby finds that the Project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15304 - Minor Alterations to Land, in that the project consists of minor alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees. There is no evidence of any unusual or special conditions that would result in a significant effect on the environment. Here, the project is limited to landscaping that does not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees. Further, none of the exceptions outlined in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply. The project site does not contain any environmentally sensitive areas in that the project site is fully improved with structures, hardscape, and ornamental landscaping and the City's environmentally sensitive areas maps do not identify any such areas on-site or within the immediate Project vicinity. There will be no cumulative impact resulting from successive projects of the same type in the same place, over time.
There are no unusual circumstances resulting in a significant impact on the environment. There will be no damage to scenic resources, including trees, historic buildings, rock outcroppings or similar resources, within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway. The project is not located on a hazardous waste site or any other site included on a list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5. The project will not result in significant adverse impacts to historical resources as defined by CEQA.
Consequently, additional environmental analysis is not necessary to meet the requirements of the CEQA.
Staff will cause to be filed a Notice of Exemption (NOE) with the County Recorder's Office within 5 days of adoption of this Resolution.
Design Review Board Resolution 24-2113
SECTION 3. The Design Review Board hereby makes the following findings with respect to Design Review 24-2113:
Finding No. 1: Physical improvements and site developments related to the Project are designed and located in a manner in overall consistency with the design review criteria specified in Section 25.05.040(H), as set forth below:
1. Access. Conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians and other modes of transportation should be minimized by specifically providing for each applicable mode of transportation. Handicapped access shall be provided as required by applicable statutes.
N/A. The proposed Project is limited to landscaping and no changes are proposed to the existing pedestrian and vehicular access. The property will maintain the existing access off of Temple Hills
2. Design Articulation: Within the allowable building envelope, the appearance of building and retaining wall mass should be minimized. Articulation techniques including, but not limited to, separation, offsets, terracing and reducing the size of any one element in the structure may be used to reduce the appearance of mass.
N/A. The proposed Project is limited to landscaping. These improvements would have no impact on the single-family structure's well-articulated appearance.
3. Design Integrity: Consistency with the applicant's chosen style of architecture should be achieved by the use of appropriate materials and details. Remodels should be harmonious with the remaining existing architecture.
N/A. The proposed Project is limited to landscaping, and no changes are proposed to the existing single-family residence.
4. Environmental Context: Development should preserve and, where possible, enhance the city's scenic natural setting. Natural features, such as existing heritage trees, rock out-cropping. ridgelines and significant watercourses should be protected. Existing terrain should be utilized in the design and grading should be minimized.
Yes. The subject property is located within a developed single-family neighborhood and does not maintain any significant natural features, such as heritage trees, rock outcroppings, significant watercourses, or ridgelines. No grading is being proposed as part of this project. The landscape plan modifications would continue to provide for a well-vegetated rear yard with a diversity of plant species.
5. General Plan Compliance: The development shall comply with all applicable policies of the General Plan, including all of its elements, applicable specific plans, and the certified local coastal program.
Design Review Board Resolution 24-2113
Yes. The proposed project complies with the goals and policies of the General Plan as evidenced in the findings below.
General Plan Policies
Land Use (LU) Policy 2.8 Require building design and siting to be compatible and integrated with natural topographic teatures, minimize significant alteration of natural topography and/or other significant onsite resources, and protect public views as specified in the Design Guidelines and the Landscape and Scenic Highways Resource Document.
Yes. The project, limited to landscaping and align with this policy by integrating with the existing natural topographic features. No grading or obstruction of public views would occur.
LU Policy 2.10 Maximize the preservation of coastal and canyon views (consistent with the principle of view equity) from existing properties and minimize blockage of existing public and private views. Best efforts should be made to site new development in locations that minimize adverse impacts on views from public locations (e.g., roads, bluff top trails, visitor-serving facilities, etc.).
Yes. The project enhances the site's visual quality through appropriate landscaping without introducing architectural changes. Public views remain unaffected as the existing Brazilian Pepper hedge obscures visibility of the proposed vegetation from Temple Hills Drive. Maximum maintained heights for all new trees are proposed to range from 15 to 20 feet high to maintain private views for neighboring properties.
LU Policy 3.10 Require building design and siting to be compatible and integrated with natural topographic features, minimize significant alteration of natural topography or other significant on- site resources, and protect public views as specified in the Design Guidelines and Landscape and Scenic Highways Resource Document by maintaining the low-profile character of structures.
Require use of appropriate landscaping, special architectural treatments, and siting considerations for projects visible from major highways and arterial streets. Best efforts should be made to site new development in locations that minimize adverse impacts on views from public locations (e.g., roads, bluff-top trails, visitor-serving facilities, etc.).
Yes. The proposed landscaping respects the site's natural features. The landscaping plan employs visually compatible elements to align with local design guidelines. The existing Brazilian Pepper hedge obscures visibility of the proposed vegetation from Temple Hills Drive, therefore no change is proposed to the existing public views.
LU Policy 10.2 Design and site new development to protect natural and environmentally sensitive resources such as areas of unique scenic quality, public views, and visual compatibility with surrounding uses and to minimize landform alterations. (Same as Policy 7.3) GOAL: Ensure that proposals for new development, subdivisions, and major remodels are sufficiently evaluated to protect public health and safety and natural resources.
Design Review Board Resolution 24-2113
Yes. By maintaining the existing terrain and focusing solely on landscaping, the project minimizes landform alterations. There are no environmentally sensitive resources in the project area, and no grading or building modifications are proposed.
6. Historic Preservation: Destruction or alteration to historic resources should be avoided whenever possible. See Chapter 25.45 for more information.
N/A. The existing residence was constructed in 1975 and is approximately 49 years old. The structure is not listed on the City's Historic Register and is not associated with events or persons important to local, regional, or national history. The structure also does not represent the work of a master, nor does it exhibit high artistic values. Finally, the building does not embody the distinctive characteristics of a particular type, period, region, or method of construction. The structure has been modified over the years, including kitchen additions in 1964, a garage extension in 1993, and upper- level floor area additions and deck additions in 2012.
7. Landscaping: Landscaping shall be incorporated as an integrated part of the structure's design and relate harmoniously to neighborhood and community landscaping themes. View equity shall be an important consideration in the landscape design. The relevant landscaping guidelines contained in the City's "Landscape and Scenic Highways Resource Document" should be incorporated, as appropriate, in the design and planned maintenance of proposed landscaping.
Yes. The subject property is located within the Rimrock (#6b) neighborhood as specified in the City's Landscape and Scenic Highways Resource Document. The neighborhood is characterized by varied streetscape planting, ranging from a rustic palette of Eucalyptus, California Sycamore, and California Pepper, to a 1960's tropical palette of Coral Trees, Giant Bird of Paradise, and palm trees.
The submitted landscape plan has been reviewed by the City's landscaping consultant and the proposed landscaping is consistent with the City's requirements. Maximum maintained heights for all new trees are proposed to range from 15 to 20 feet high to maintain private views for neighboring properties.
The proposed changes to the approved planting plan (already planted) incorporate a range of groundcover, shrubs, and trees including:
• Removal of:
• 9 Carolina Laurel Cherry shrubs
• 2 Strawberry Trees
• 17 existing trees (species not specified)
• Planting of:
• 6 Cast Iron Plants (groundcover),
• 3 Agave maintained at 4' in height,
• 2 Phormium Hybrid Flux maintained at 4' in height.
4 Eureka Lemon trees maintained at 15' in height
4 Weeping Fig trees maintained at 20' in height
• 1 Evergreen Ash tree maintained at 20' in height
• 2 Pittosporum Silversheen shrubs maintained at 18' in height As noted on the landscape plan, all volunteer plants are to be removed Design Review Board Resolution 24-2113
8. Lighting and Glare: Adequate lighting for individual and public safety shall be provided in a manner which does not significantly impact neighboring properties. Reflective materials and appurtenances that cause glare or a negative visual impact (e.g., skylights, white rock roofs, high- gloss ceramic tile roofs, reflective glass, etc.) should be avoided or mitigated to a level of insignificance in those locations where those surfaces are visible from neighboring properties.
N/A. The Applicant does not propose any new lighting as part of this application. Any future lighting will be subject to the Good Neighbor Lighting Ordinance.
9. Neighborhood Compatibility: Development shall be compatible with the existing development in the neighborhood and respect neighborhood character. Neighborhood character is the sum of the qualities that distinguish areas within the City, including historical patterns of development (e.g., structural heights, mass, scale or size), village atmosphere, landscaping themes and architectural styles.
Yes. The proposed landscaping modifications are consistent with the character and scale of the neighborhood. No new structures, grading, or alterations to the residence are proposed. The design complements the surrounding properties by maintaining an informal and visually appealing landscape.
10. Pedestrian Orientation: Commercial development design shall enhance and encourage pedestrian uses. Incorporation of articulated building masses, compact open spaces and courtyards, mixed use developments, use of landscaping as part of design, and orientation to pedestrian access should be maximized.
N/A. Design Review Criteria for Pedestrian Orientation is related to commercial development and is not applicable to the proposed project.
11. Privacy: The placement of activity areas (e.g., decks, picture windows and ceremonial or entertainment rooms) in locations that would result in a substantial invasion of privacy of neighboring properties should be minimized.
Yes. The landscape plan incorporates plantings to enhance privacy without introducing structures or hardscape elements. The existing and proposed trees will serve to create a visual barrier between the subject property and the adjacent neighbors.
12. Public Art: Public art is encouraged and shall be displayed where feasible or required by the Art in Public Places ordinance.
N/A. Design Review Criteria for Public Art is related to commercial development and is not applicable to the proposed project.
13. Sign Quality: Signs shall be incorporated into the architecture of the structure and shall be made of high quality materials, be simple in design and be visually compatible with the surrounding Design Review Board Resolution 24-2113
physical environment in terms of color, scale and size. Use of natural materials in the construction of signs is encouraged.
N/A. Design Review Criteria for Signage is related to commercial development and is not applicable to the proposed project.
14. Sustainability: New development should consider architecture and building practices which minimize environmental impacts and enhance energy efficiency by: (a) reducing energy needs of buildings by proper site and structural design; (b) increasing the building's ability to capture or generate energy; (c) using low-impact, sustainable and recycled building materials; (d) using the latest Best Management Practices regarding waste and water management; and (e) reducing site emissions.
N/A. The proposed Project is limited to a new planting plan.
15. Swimming Pools, Spas, and Water Features: Swimming pools, spas and water features shall be located, designed and constructed where: (a) geology conditions allow; (b) noise produced by circulatory mechanical pumps and equipment is mitigated; and (c) any associated fencing or other site improvements are compatible with neighboring properties.
N/A. The proposed Project is limited to landscaping, and no pool, spa, or water feature is included in the application.
16. View Equity: The development, including its landscaping, shall be designed to protect existing views from neighboring properties without denying the subject property the reasonable opportunity to develop as described and illustrated in the City's "Design Guidelines." The "Design Guidelines" are intended to balance preservation of views with the right to develop property.
Yes. The applicant proposes Weeping Fig trees at 20' maintained height along with Evergreen Ash trees at 20' height, existing New Zealand Christmas tree to remain at 20' height, existing Strawberry Trees to remain at 15' height and Pittosporum Silversheen shrubs to be raised from 12' height to 18' height.
The subject property is located within the Rimrock (#6b) neighborhood as specified in the City's Landscape and Scenic Highways Resource Document. The neighborhood is characterized by varied streetscape planting, ranging from a rustic palette of Eucalyptus, California Sycamore, and California Pepper, to a 1960's tropical palette of Coral Trees, Giant Bird of Paradise, and palm trees.
The proposed landscaping is designed to complement the neighborhood. Maximum maintained heights for all new trees are proposed to range from 15 to 20 feet high to maintain private views for neighboring properties.
Finding No. 2. The physical improvements and site developments related to the Project are designed and located in a manner in overall consistency with all other applicable design guidelines.
Design Review Board Resolution 24-2113
Yes. The project is consistent with the Residential Design Review Guidelines, as explained above.
There are no other design guidelines that apply.
Finding No. 3. The physical improvements and site developments related to the Project are characterized by appropriately scaled development, diverse and unique architectural designs, pedestrian orientation, and sensitivity to the natural conditions of the site.
The project is limited to landscaping modifications, which are appropriately scaled to the property and surrounding neighborhood. The proposed improvements do not include any new structures or expansions, ensuring the development remains proportional to the site.
Finding No. 4. The project is consistent with any specific plan or any other specific zoning design review criteria.
N/A. The project site is not located in a specific plan area and the R-1 zoning does not contain any other specific design review criteria. The project conforms to the Architectural Guidelines, including landscaping, privacy, view equity, and neighborhood compatibility as described above.
SECTION 4. The Design Review Board hereby approves Design Review 24-2113, subject to conditions of approval in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 5. The documents and materials that constitute the record of proceedings on which this Resolution has been based are located at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue Laguna Beach, CA 92651. The custodian of the record of proceedings is the Director of Community Development.
SECTION 6. If any provision of this Resolution is held invalid, the remainder of this Resolution shall not be affected by such invalidity, and the provisions of the Resolution are severable.
Adopted on February 13, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: COVENY, GIBBS, WEIL, THALMAN, GANNON
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
Jessica Gannon, Chair
Jwcampbell
Jim Campbell, Interim Planning Manager
Design Review Board Resolution 24-2113
EXHIBIT 'A'
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Standard Conditions:
1. Design Review 24-2113 is granted for modifications to a previously approved landscape plan.
Approval is granted based on the development plans and landscape plans submitted by Steve Kawaratani on September 16, 2024 and received by City on September 27, 2024. Said plans are approved as submitted and conditioned herein and shall not be altered unless reviewed and approved in accordance with Title 25 of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code.
2. That the conditions of approval contained herein, shall be made part of the construction drawings for the proposed development. Construction drawings shall not be accepted for Plan Check without the conditions of approval incorporated into the construction drawings.
3. In the event that exhibits and written conditions are inconsistent, the written conditions shall prevail.
If there are any disparities between these conditions and the plans or final revised plans that are approved for any subsequent phase, the conditions and/or plans as stipulated in the later approval shall prevail.
4. All plans, specifications, studies, reports, calculations, maps, notes, legal documents, and designs shall be prepared, signed, and stamped (when required) only by those individuals legally authorized to do so.
5. Approval of this application does not relieve the applicant from complying with other applicable Federal, State, County or City regulations or requirements.
6. The Applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Laguna Beach and its officers, employees, and agents from and against any claim, action, or proceeding against the City of Laguna Beach, its officers, employees, or agents to attack, set aside, void, or annul any approval or condition of approval of the City of Laguna Beach concerning this Project, including but not limited to any approval or condition of approval of the City Council, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, Community Development Director, or City Planner. The City shall promptly notify the Applicant of any claim, action, or proceeding concerning the Project and the City shall cooperate fully in the defense of the matter. The City reserves the right, at its own option, to choose its own attorney to represent the City, its officers, employees, and agents in the defense of the matter.
7. The Applicant shall be responsible for informing all subcontractors, consultants, engineers, or other business entities providing services related to the project of their responsibilities to comply with these conditions of approval and all pertinent requirements in the Laguna Beach Municipal Code, including the requirement that a business license be obtained by all entities doing business in the City.
8. The Applicant shall pay all fees at the time fees are determined payable and comply with all requirements of the applicable federal, state, and local agencies. The duty of inquiry as to such requirements shall be upon the applicant.
Design Review Board Resolution 24-2113
9. Failure to comply with any of these conditions of approval is grounds for revocation of the entitlements) and is subject to any other available remedies to the City.
10. The Certificate of Occupancy shall not be issued until City staff has verified compliance with all conditions of approval.
11. The effective date of the entitlements granted herein do not commence until all appeals, including those to the California Coastal Commission, have been exhausted, statutes of limitation have expired, and any lawsuits, filed within the statutes of limitation, have concluded.
12. In the event any of the conditions of approval are infeasible, the decision-making body hereby authorizes the Community Development Director to modify those conditions in the most conservative manner possible, in accordance with the limitations of the City's Municipal Code, to allow for the completion of the project.
Standard Conditions of Approval for Design Review - Community Development Department
13. The approval granted by this Resolution shall lapse and automatically become void two years following the effective date if the privileges authorized by design review are not executed or utilized or, if construction work is involved, such work is not commenced within such two-year period and diligently pursued to completion, unless an extension of time is granted pursuant to the provisions of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code. Extensions of time shall be requested in writing by the applicant or authorized agent prior to the expiration of the entitlements.
Project Specific Conditions for Design Review - Community Development Department
14. Landscaping Conditions. The landscaping shall be installed in accordance with the approved landscape plans. Thereafter, the landscaping shall be continuously maintained (including replanting, as necessary) in compliance with the approved landscaping plans, unless such plans are subsequently revised pursuant to a subsequent Design Review approval. Minor landscaping changes which does not have the potential to impact views at mature growth height may be exempt from Design Review.
15. The Ficus Benjamina (Weeping Fig) trees shall be maintained at a minimum height of 20' and a maximum height of 25' and are to be trimmed twice yearly in April and October.