Laguna Beach City Council Minutes November 18, 2025
MINUTES
LAGUNA BEACH CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
November 18, 2025
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Laguna Beach was called to order at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in the City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, California, Mayor Rounaghi presiding.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: Jones, Kempf, Whalen, Orgill, Rounaghi PARTICIPATING REMOTELY: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
Mayor Alex Rounaghi led the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLOSED SESSION
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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)
Number of Cases: 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.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes November 18, 2025
Conference with Legal Counsel-Existing Litigation
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1)
Number of Cases: One (1)
City of Laguna Beach v. Solano Homeowners Association, Superior Court of California County of Orange, Case No. 30-2025-01477485-CU-PO-NJC Conference with Legal Counsel-Anticipated Litigation
Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4) Number of Cases: One (1)
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS)
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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, and there was no reportable action, other than on item 3, the City Council authorized the City Attorney to file a cross- ADDITIONS and DELETIONS - None.
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PRESENTATIONS
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PRESENTATION LAGUNA BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Carol Lloyd, Laguna Beach Historical Society, continued her presentation on the early development of Laguna Beach.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE 2025 COAST FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL Adopted the Proclamation recognizing the 2025 Coast Film & Music Festival.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING LAGUNA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM
Adopted the Proclamation recognizing the Laguna Beach High School Football Team. [Presentation Item #4 was removed from the Agenda.]
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes November 18, 2025
PUBLIC COMMENTS - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
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Mike Beanan, Laguna Bluebelt Coalition, provided an update on the petition to extend the City's Marine Protected Area.
Julie Barreda. CR&R Senior Regional Vice President, presented Ball aluminum cups with the City's emblem, to be provided for City events.
Rickie Redman, Director of Laguna Beach Seniors Aging in Place Services, commended City staff and thanked the City for its collaboration with Laguna Beach Seniors.
Brittany Ganson, Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce President/CEO, reminded everyone about Small Business Saturday and Hospitality Night.
Nick Aronoff commented on the importance of investing in youth development investment, thanked Public Works for taking appropriate actions during the recent rain storm, and thanked the Laguna Beach Historical Society for their presentation, but noted his concerns about the demolition of old homes, such as the recent Design Review Board approval for the demolition of the Egan Cottage (the decision has been appealed).
MATTERS FROM THE MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CITY MANAGER ****************************************************************************** City Manager Dave Kiff recommended that the City Council pull Consent Item #13, to allow staff to provide information regarding Zone O.
Councilmember Hallie Jones reported on various meetings with members of the public and various events she attended.
Councilmember Sue Kempf reported on various events she attended.
Councilmember Bob Whalen reported on the formation of the Community Land Trust, its first meeting, and the appointment of the board. He also reported on various events he attended, and he noted South Orange County Wastewater Authority (SOCWA)'s release of the Request for Proposals for the rehabilitation of the Coastal Treatment Plant.
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill reported on various events he attended and various meetings with members of the public.
Mayor Alex Rounaghi reported on various events he attended and explained the significance of the recent signing ceremony of a new regional Water Well Agreement with Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Fountain Valley.
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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 - 12 and 14 - 17.
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
Approved the minutes of the Study Session and the Regular Meeting for the City Council of October 28, 2025.
APPROVAL OF GENERAL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL DISTRIBUTIONS
Date Description Reference Nos. Amount
Payroll-Related Payments
10/13/25 CaPERS Wire FY 2026#6 389,545.26
10/13/25 Payroll Checks to Employees 1228-1228 $ 485.15 10/17/25 Payroll Wires FY 2026#8 $ 1,972,847.83
10/17/25 Payroll Checks to Employees 1229-1242 8,048.16 Total Payroll-Related Payments $ 2,370,926.40
Payments to Vendors:
10/11/25-10/24/25 Check Payments to Vendors 23009089-23009367 $ 3.225,682.96 TOTAL PAYMENTS $ 5,596,609.36
Approved the general warrants and payroll disbursements.
MONTHLY TREASURER'S AND INVESTMENT REPORT (SEPTEMBER 2025) Received and filed the September 2025 Monthly Treasurer's and Investment Report (which are the two attachments to the agenda report).
CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY
(a) Rejected Claim #25-13 filed by State Farm c/o Kendra Ozorio (b) Rejected Claim #25-39 filed by Alex Salaverria; and (c) Rejected Claim #25-47 filed by Nicole Rice.
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AGREEMENT WITH ENVISIO SOLUTIONS INC. FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A
SOFTWARE SYSTEM THAT TRACKS CITY PROJECTS AND GOALS WHILE
ENHANCING PUBLIC TRANSPARENCY
(a) Approved agreement #25-134 with Envisio Solutions Inc. for a three-year subscription to a performance management software platform for a three-year cost of $126,436, inclusive of implementation and licensing;
(b) Authorized the City Manager to execute the agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and
(c) Found 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
Received and filed 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
(1) Authorized the City Manager to execute service agreement #25-135 with Third Wave Corporation for a one-time cost not-to-exceed $127,750 to prepare an Information Technology Master Plan; and
(2) Found 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 2025-2026 CARRYOVER APPROPRIATIONS; REQUEST FOR NEW FUNDS CREATION; TRANSFER OF BUDGETARY APPROPRIATIONS
(1) Approved carryover appropriations of $13,878,200 to Fiscal Year 2025-26 to provide continuing funding for projects in progress at the end of the last fiscal year, as revised by staff;
(2) Approved carryover revenue estimates of $2,503,966 expected to be received in Fiscal Year 2025-26;
(3) Approved creating a new Animal Shelter Donations Special Revenue and authorized 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) Approved creating a new Air Quality Management District (AQMD) Special Revenue Fund and authorized the transfer of $84,038 of unspent funds from the City's General Fund (110) to the new fund as of June 30, 2025;
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(5) Approved creating a new State Asset Forfeiture Special Revenue Fund and authorized 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) Approved creating a new Library Impact Fees General Fund and authorized 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) Approved creating a new Cultural & Environmental Stewardship Special Revenue Fund; and
(8) Approved the transfer of FY 2024-25 available budgetary funding from General Fund Non-Departmental to the City Clerk and Police Departments, as described in the staff report.
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. PXXX AMENDING TITLE 15, CHAPTER 15.01 (CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE) OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING, 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
City Manager Dave Kiff pulled from the Consent Calendar to garner more clarification of zone zero.
Discussion: Staff briefly outlined the staff report and responded to the Councilmembers questions.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to 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 (WILDLAND-URBAN 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
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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) Adopt Resolution #25.086, 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
(a) Authorized the City Manager to award a task order on contract #23-66 to BKF Engineers in the amount of $129,950, for preliminary design of the Diver's Cove Beach Access Improvements Project, and approve project-related expenses and change orders for additional design-related services that may be required in an amount not-to-exceed $10,000;
(b) Authorized the City Manager to award a task order on contract # 23-66 to BKF Engineers in the amount of $129,860, for preliminary design of the Fisherman's Cove Beach Access Improvements Project, and approve project-related expenses and change orders for additional design-related services that may be required in an amount not-to- exceed $10,000; and
(c) Found 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
Adopted by title only Ordinance #1724 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".
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EXTENSION OF ENFORCEMENT DATE FOR SHORT-TERM LODGING
ORDINANCE
(a) Approved 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;
(b) Directed staff to return with an update to Ordinance No. 1719 to implement SB 346, which creates further mechanisms for tracking and enforcement of short-term lodging; and
(c) Found 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
Formed an ad hoc committee, consisting of Council Member Jones and Mayor pro Tem Orgill, to guide and advise planning and implementation of any City-directed activities associated with Calendar Year 2027, which would be 100 years since the City was incorporated.
REGULAR BUSINESS
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18. ADOPTION OF AN OFFICIAL CITY FLAG
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Chad Cooper described the history of his design of the city flag.
Toni Iseman, Ed Steinfeld, and Nick Arnoff weighed in on the item.
Councilmember Comments: Councilmembers stated that they appreciated Chad Cooper's design; however, they supported engaging more artists in the design process.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to form an ad hoc committee consisting of Mayor Alex Rounaghi and Councilmember Sue Kempf to work with the Arts Commission to develop a process to solicit design options for an official City flag, including Chad Cooper's design.
19. OCEAN AVENUE AND BEACH STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' comments.
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Public Testimony: Ed Steinfeld (Voice of Laguna), Kristin Winter, Aaron Peluso, Ann Christoph, Nick Arnoff, Robin Hall, and Whitney Arnoff gave input regarding improvements on Ocean Avenue.
Councilmember Direction: Councilmembers responded to the public's comments, and discussed key elements of the proposed improvements.
(a) The City Council reached unanimous consensus not to convert Lower Ocean Avenue to a one-way street, and maintain the existing two-way circulation; (b) The City Council concurred with staff to incorporate AB 413-compliant bump-outs where state law requires daylighting and ADA-driven sidewalk widening into the design; (c) The City Council directed staff to prioritize tree species consistent with the Landscape & Scenic Highways Resource Document (LSHRD), reevaluate tree types recommended by SWA, consider larger specimen trees (e.g., larger-box magnolias) to achieve canopy faster and avoid long-term conflicts with buildings, avoid species with high litter or pruning issues, and return with thoughtful, justified exceptions to a refined tree palette consistent with the LSHRD only when necessary;
(d) The City Council determined that adding a mid-block crossing on upper Ocean Avenue was not needed and would remove parking unnecessarily. The Council supported removing the shade structure at the transit center to gain approximately two parking spaces, and supported including the small minor bump-outs to add trees without reducing parking;
(e) The City Council supported improving bump-outs and crosswalk consistency for pedestrian safety and ensuring ADA-compliant crossing treatments; and (f) The City Council directed staff to evaluate modifications to improve vehicle turning movements at the Ocean Avenue/Coast Highway intersection (including potentially adjusting curb lines), and retain the existing bike parking and loading zone unless a superior solution emerges during design.
20. POLICY CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE CITY's OUTDOOR DINING AND PARKLET
PROGRAM (EXCLUDING THE PROMENADE ON FOREST)
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Kristin Winter, Aaron Peluso, Ann Christoph, an unnamed member of the public, Nick Arnoff, Anne Krizman, and Mary Locatelli weighed in on the item and offered their suggestions.
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Councilmember Direction:
(a) The City Council directed staff to extend existing Temporary Use Permits (TUPs) for up to one year while staff develops a permanent outdoor dining program for uses that do not rely on parking-space conversions;
(b) Regarding outdoor dining in private-property parking areas, the City Council directed staff to extend existing TUPs for up to one year while staff analyzes each affected property individually and returns with recommendations using existing parking- reduction provisions and/or options for in-lieu fees, parking management participation, or Conditional Use Permit (CUP) amendments;
(c) For parklets located in public parking spaces, the City Council directed staff to extend existing TUPs for up to six months only, and:
(1) Require each business to submit, within that six-month period, a transition plan showing how outdoor dining could relocate to the sidewalk or other compliant configuration;
(2) After the six-month period, parklets may not continue in public parking spaces unless relocated through an approved plan;
(3) Direct staff to incorporate updated maintenance and operational standards, including:
• No storage of materials or furniture in parklets;
• Outdoor seating must be open when the restaurant is open (unless conditions specify otherwise); and
• Required upkeep of the dining area and furnishings.
(d) The City Council directed staff to return at a future meeting with a work plan outlining no saps, resourner, and i Mine necesade and Local Coasta program amor dinin and environmental review.
Item #21 was heard after Item #22.
21. CONSIDERATION OF DESIGN REVIEW EFFICIENCY ORDINANCE AND
EFFICIENCY ORDINANCE
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions.
Public Testimony: Ann Christoph, Aaron Peluso, Anne Krizman, and Amy Jackson voiced concerns about the ordinance.
Moved by Councilmember Bob Whalen, seconded by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) 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;
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(b) Direct City staff to process an urgency version of the Design Review Efficiency Ordinance for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council; (c) Direct staff to process an urgency and non-urgency version of the Efficiency Ordinance for consideration by the City Council;
(d) Adopt Resolution #25.087 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
(e) Find the actions exempt under State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NON-APPEALS
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Item #22 was heard before Item #21.
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
Presentation and Discussion: Staff gave a presentation and responded to Councilmembers' questions regarding the consideration of Mills Act contracts.
Public Testimony: Brent Liljestrom, property owner at 2646 Victoria Dr. and Elan Seider, property owner at 503 Brooks Street, urged the City Council to approve their Mills Act contracts.
Councilmember Comments: Councilmember Bob Whalen suggested directing staff to develop a process for the proposed maintenance plans and researching best practices when assessing property values for the tax exemption status. The Councilmembers stated it was important to monitor prior Mills Acts to ensure compliance and to explore best practices for the new application process.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(a) Adopt Resolutions approving the Mills Act Preservation Agreements for 501 Lombardy Lane (#25.088), 503 Brooks Street (#25.089), and 2646 Victoria Drive (#25.090); (b) Authorize the City Manager to sign the contract agreements (#25-136, #25-137, and #25- 138) with the owners of the subject properties; and
(c) Direct the Heritage Committee to research best practices on Mills Act programs, particularly the assessed value for the tax exemptions (specifically related to freestanding accessory dwelling units (ADUs)) and monitoring beyond the initial 10 years. -11-
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Public Testimony: Sindi Schwartz, property owner at 426 Holly Street, urged the City Council to approve her Mills Act contract.
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill, and carried unanimously 4/0 (Councilmember Whalen recused himself due to the proximity of his residence) to:
(a) Adopt Resolution #25.091 approving the Mills Act Preservation Agreement for 426 Holly Street; and
(b) Authorize the City Manager to sign contract agreement #25-139 with the owner of the subject property.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - APPEALS
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Continuances of Appeal Items A, B, C, and D were heard before Item #13.
A. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 24-2113
FOR MODIFICATIONS TO A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED LANDSCAPE PLAN FOR AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING AT 1813 TEMPLE HILLS DRIVE LOCATED IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY ZONE, AND CATEGORICAL
EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15304 (CLASS 4)
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Continue the public hearing on the appeal to the December 9, 2025, City Council meeting; and
(2) Find the Project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
B. 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 Bob Whalen, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Continue the public hearing on the appeal to the December 9, 2025, City Council meeting; and
(2) Find the Project categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). -12-
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C. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 24-0658 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 24-0657 FOR A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY
DWELLING, ATTACHED TWO-CAR GARAGE, ELEVATED DECKS, GRADING,
AND LANDSCAPING, AND DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING AT 31526 VALIDO ROAD IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY
ZONE, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3)
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Continue the public hearing on the appeal to the January 13, 2026, City Council meeting; and
(2) Find the action is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code Section 21065.
D. APPEAL OF DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF DESIGN REVIEW 24-0658 AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 24-0657 FOR A NEW SINGLE-FAMILY
DWELLING, ATTACHED TWO-CAR GARAGE, ELEVATED DECKS, GRADING,
AND LANDSCAPING, AND DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING AT 31526 VALIDO ROAD IN THE R-1, RESIDENTIAL LOW-DENSITY
ZONE, AND FINDING THE PROJECT CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT GUIDELINES SECTION 15303 (CLASS 3)
Moved by Mayor Alex Rounaghi, seconded by Councilmember Sue Kempf, and carried unanimously 5/0 to:
(1) Continue the public hearing on the appeal to the January 27, 2026, City Council meeting; and
(2) Find the action is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code Section 21065.
COUNCILMEMBER ITEMS)
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In accordance with Resolution #24.011, the City Council supported Mayor Alex Rounaghi's request to schedule a high-level update from OCPA (Orange County Power Authority).
ADJOURNMENT
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There being no further business, Mayor Rounaghi at 10:04 p.m., Tuesday November 18, 2025, adjourned to the City Council Study Session at 3:00 p.m., Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and Regular City Council Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach California.
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Laguna Beach City Council Minutes November 18, 2025
Approved: December 9, 2025
Deer
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. - 14-
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
November 18, 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, November 18, 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 10:04 p.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2025, adjourned to the Study Session at 3:00 p.m., Closed Session at 4:00 p.m. and the Regular Meeting at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 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 19th day of November 2025.
C.
LNGORPORATED
Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach Casifornia™
JUNE 29 1921
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, November 18, 2025, said meeting was ordered adjourned to the time and place specified in the notice of adjournment, ATTACHED HERETO; and that on November 19, 2025, at the hour of 12:00 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.
Muk
City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, California