Amy Calvert - Mrs. Calvert, claimant and owner of 527 Brooks Street, stated she purchased the property in April 2020 and has resided there since 2019. She explained that between 2019 and 2024, she and her husband went through the City’s Design Review Board (DRB) process for an addition and remodel to their home. During this time, the hedge in question, located in the neighboring side yard, was maintained at a lower height, which preserved ocean views from their backyard. However, following the approval of their project by the Design Review Board, the hedge was no longer maintained at that lower level and has since grown to block their backyard ocean view.
She noted that prior to the DRB approval, the neighbors communicated via email and maintained cordial relations, but that contact ceased after their project was approved. Mrs. Calvert emphasized that their intention is to enhance and beautify their home, and that the growth of the hedge has significantly impacted their property by obstructing a once-available ocean view. She requested that the hedge be reduced to the height of the fence, approximately six feet, to restore the previously available view.
Laurence Nokes: Laurence Nokes, representative for Amy Calvert of 527 Brooks Street, identified himself as a participant in the development of the City’s Hedge Height Claim Ordinance. He described the hedge as located in the side yard, with trunks growing up to the height of the fence and vegetation extending above to form a hedge that blocks the ocean view from the claimants’ property.
He argued that the hedge serves no apparent purpose in the setback area and functions solely as a vertical extension of the fence. He supported the Calverts’ request to have the hedge reduced to six feet in height.
Bryant Zuetel - Bryan Zuetel, representative for the Vegetation Owner, Ms. Hopkins of 511 Brooks Street, argued that the claim is based on a prospective view and is therefore not valid under the City’s regulations. He emphasized that hedge height claims must relate to currently available views, not future or speculative ones.
He stated that there is no ocean view from the backyard when standing at ground level, and that any view previously perceived may have resulted from an inadvertent over-trimming of the hedge on one occasion. He added that the recently approved ADU to the west of Ms. Hopkins property has a roofline that obstruct an ocean view and that multiple other trees within the view corridor, which are not part of the claim, contribute to the blocked view.
Bryan Zuetel further argued that: 1) The claimant purchased the property in 2020 and was aware of the site conditions. 2) The hedge trees have been maintained at a consistent height for over 25 years. 3) One photo from 2022 shows a one-time trimming that made the trees appear shorter. 4) 39 39 of 306
HHC 25-1254
527 Brooks Street
January 21, 2026
The claim fails to meet photo documentation requirements per Section 12.14.030, as submitted photos were not all dated. 5) If the Claim is found to be justified future trimming should consider the height and roofline of the ADU and conform to applicable height limits. He concluded by noting the property owner's right to retain vegetation for privacy, aesthetic value, and environmental benefits.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:22 am.
FINDINGS
Staff conducted site visits to the claimant’s property and the vegetation owner’s property on January 15, 2026. Staff reviewed the Hedge Height Claim application, submitted photographs, plot plan, and documentation of prior communication.
(a) The claimant has provided evidence of a cooperative attempt at initial communication to discuss concerns related to views and/or sunlight obstruction, and such attempts have failed.
Yes. Documentation submitted by the claimant with the hedge height claim application demonstrates written communication dated September 29, 2024; December 13, 2024; and May 31, 2025. These efforts did not result in resolution.
(b) The vegetation at issue is not exempt from the provisions of this chapter pursuant to Section 12.14.040.
Staff has determined that the subject vegetation: (1) lies within 100 feet of the claimant’s property; (2) is not the same vegetation acted upon by the same claimant or subsequent owner(s) of the claimant’s property; (3) is not City-maintained vegetation; (4) is not designated as a City Heritage Tree; and (5) is not approved under a landscaping or design review approval for which a maximum height has been established. As such, the subject vegetation is not exempt from the provisions of Laguna Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Chapter 12.14.
(c) Is the subject vegetation consistent with the City’s definition of a hedge pursuant to Section 12.14.030(b)?
Yes. Staff has determined that the subject vegetation is continuous and dense in form and meets the definition of a hedge pursuant to LBMC Section 12.14.030(b). (d) Does the subject vegetation appear to obstruct views and/or sunlight with respect to the claimant’s property?
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HHC 25-1254
527 Brooks Street
January 21, 2026
Yes. Staff has determined that the subject vegetation obstructs views of the ocean horizon from the claimant’s rear yard.
(e) Does the subject vegetation appear to represent a safety concern? No. The height of the subject vegetation does not create a view obstruction with respect to vehicular or pedestrian ingress or egress from the claimant’s property. As such, staff finds that the vegetation subject to the claim is not a safety concern. (f) Is the subject vegetation within City yard setback areas? Yes. The subject vegetation is located within the required side yard setback area. (g) Is the subject vegetation higher than the pertinent setback height restrictions? Yes. Staff measured portions of the subject hedge at thirteen (13) feet three (3) inches in height.
This exceeds the maximum allowable height of six (6) feet within the side yard setback pursuant to LBMC Section 25.50.012(B)(3).
(h) Should the hedge be limited in height to the pertinent height restriction or is a different height more appropriate?
Staff finds that a height different from the maximum allowable six (6) feet is appropriate to address the documented view obstruction while allowing reasonable continued use of the vegetation. Based on the evidence in the record, staff finds that limiting the hedge to a maximum height ranging from ten (10) to eleven (11) feet, measured from existing grade, to eliminate the obstruction of ocean view within the side yard setback area is appropriate.
BASED ON THE TESTIMONY AT THE HEDGE HEIGHT CLAIM HEARING,
DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED WITH THE CLAIM, AND SITE VISITS TO THE SUBJECT PROPERTIES, THE FINDINGS OF THIS HEARING ARE AS FOLLOWS:
A row of Eugenia vegetation subject to the claim exists along the side yard of the property located at 511 Brooks Street adjacent to the claimant’s property located at 527 Brooks Street. Staff has determined that the subject vegetation meets the definition of a hedge pursuant to LBMC Section
12.14.030(b), is located within the required side yard setback, exceeds the allowable height, and obstructs views of the ocean horizon from the claimant’s property.
The vegetation is therefore found to be non-conforming, and corrective action is required. 41 41 of 306
HHC 25-1254
527 Brooks Street
January 21, 2026
The owners of 511 Brooks Street shall trim the subject hedge to a height of ten (10) feet and thereafter shall maintain the height between ten (10) to eleven (11) feet as measured from existing grade to eliminate the obstruction of ocean view within the required side yard setback adjacent to 527 Brooks Street.
Corrective action shall be completed within thirty (30) calendar days of the effective date of this decision. Trimming shall occur at a minimum interval of every three (3) months and shall be maintained and trimmed at a frequency to eliminate ocean view obstruction from the claimant’s property at 527 Brooks Street to the ocean. Should the hedge exceed the approved height in the future, the claimant may request Code Enforcement action without the need to file a subsequent hedge height claim.
Staff encourages the parties to work cooperatively to balance the vegetation owners’ reasonable use and enjoyment of their property with the claimants’ right to protection against unreasonable loss of views.
Pursuant to LBMC Section 12.14.060(h), either party may appeal the decision of the Director of Community Development, or designee, to the City Council within fourteen (14) calendar days of the hearing in accordance with LBMC Section 25.05.070.
ATTACHMENTS
● Attachment 1 - Hearing Exhibits
● Attachment 2 - Documents Submitted Prior to and at the Hearing ● Attachment 3 - LBMC Chapter 12.14 – Hedge Height Limitations ● Attachment 4 – Public Notice and Noticing List
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§ 12.14.040. Hedge height claim limitations.
(Ord. 1547 § 1, 2011)
(a) Subject to the other provisions of this chapter, a real property owner in the city may initiate the claim resolution process as outlined in Section 12.14.060. However, a claim to remedy a safety hazard and/or obstruction of views from or sunlight to neighboring properties may only be made regarding vegetation located on real property, as defined herein, that is within one hundred feet of the complainant's real property boundary, and if a claim pertaining to the same vegetation has not been initiated and acted upon by the city against that real property by the same complainant(s) or a subsequent owner(s) of the complainant's property. (b) Requests for hedge height claim action with regard to any vegetation located on city property, including parks, and for city maintained trees may be initiated only as outlined in Section 12.04.070.
(c) Requests for hedge height claim action with regard to any heritage tree not maintained by the city may only be initiated as outlined in Section 12.08.070. (d) Hedges and vegetation that have been authorized as part of an approved landscaping plan for which a maximum height has been established, pursuant to the design review process (Section 25.05.040), shall not be subject to the provisions of this chapter.
City of Laguna Beach, CA
Downloaded from https://ecode360.com/LA4953 on 2026-01-28 84 84 of 306
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING
LAGUNA BEACH DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OR DESIGNEE will hold a Public Hearing in the Council Chambers, located in City Hall at 505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, to consider:
Hedge Height Claim 25-1254 to review alleged hedge height violations on the property at 511 Brooks Street. The subject vegetation is located in the side and rear yard and is alleged to be in violation of Municipal Code Chapter 12.14, Hedge Height Limitations, which identifies remedial actions for hedges that adversely impact views from and/or sunlight onto neighboring properties. (Once a hedge height claim is filed, the vegetation on the site that allegedly forms hedges shall not be modified or altered until the claim is resolved.) Claimant/Applicant: Amy Calvert
SAID PUBLIC HEARING to be held: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
If you have any comments or concerns about the subject claim, please communicate those thoughts in writing to John Ciampa, Contract Planner, at (949) 497-0713 or [email protected]. In order to allow sufficient time for the Community Development Director or designee 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 the Public Hearing is scheduled. Comments may also be made during the Public Hearing in person.
The application may be examined in City Hall at the Department of Community Development public counter during the following hours: Monday – Thursday: 7:30am – 1:00pm.
This proposal is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Article 19 (Categorical Exemptions), Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) Class IV. This proposal is exempt from the Coastal Development Permit process pursuant to Laguna Beach Municipal Code Chapter 25.07.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with a disability who require a disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in a meeting may request such modification or accommodation from the Planning Division at (949) 497-0713. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to the meeting.
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65009(b), if you challenge this application in court, the issues raised shall be limited to those raised in the public hearing or in written correspondence delivered to the public agency prior to, or at, the public hearing.
Matthew Schneider
Director
Community Development
Property Owners within 100 ft.
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
LAGUNA BEACH
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH will hold
a public hearing on the request below. You
may participate in-person at City Hall.
City Hall Council Chambers
at
505 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Case No.: Hedge Height Claim 25-1254
Address: 511 Brooks Street
Claimant/Applicant: Amy Calvert
TO:
Planning Division
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
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Hedge Height Claim 25-1254 to review alleged hedge
height violations on the property at 511 Brooks Street. The subject vegetation is located in the side and rear yard and is alleged to be in violation of Municipal Code Chapter
12.14, Hedge Height Limitations, which identifies
remedial actions for hedges that adversely impact views from and/or sunlight onto neighboring properties. (Once a hedge height claim is filed, the vegetation on the site that allegedly forms hedges shall not be modified or altered until the claim is resolved.)
If you have any comments or concerns about the subject
claim, please communicate those thoughts in writing to
John Ciampa, Contract Planner, at (949) 497-0713 or
[email protected]. In order to allow
sufficient time for the Community Development
Director or designee 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 the Public Hearing is scheduled. Comments may
also be made during the Public Hearing in person.
The application may be examined in City Hall at the
Department of Community Development public
counter during the following hours: Monday –
Thursday: 7:30am – 1:00pm.
This proposal is exempt from the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Article 19 (Categorical Exemptions),
Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) Class IV.
This proposal is exempt from the Coastal
Development Permit process pursuant to Laguna
Beach Municipal Code Chapter 25.07.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with a disability who require a disability-related
modification or accommodation to participate in a meeting may request such modification or accommodation from the Planning Division at (949) 497-0713. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to the meeting.
Pursuant to California Government Code Section
65009(b), if you challenge this application in court, the issues raised shall be limited to those raised in the public hearing or in written correspondence delivered to the
public agency prior to, or at, the public hearing.
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AFFIDAVIT OF MAILING NOTICES
I, Denise Kaspar , being duly sworn, deposes and says: that I am a citizen of the United States, over the age of 18 years; that acting for the County of Orange on the 6th day of January , 2026, that I deposited 20 notices as described below in the United States Post Office, a Public Hearing Notice, a copy of which is attached hereto, with postage thereon prepaid, addressed to the following persons at the addresses shown, to-wit:
(See list attached hereto and made part hereof)
that said persons are the property owners of said property who are entitled to a Public Hearing Notice:
APN: 644-192-11
Subject: 511 BROOKS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
that on said day there was regular communication by United States Mail to the addresses shown above.
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Subject APN: 644-192-11 Address: 511 BROOKS ST
100’ RADIUS LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
Advanced Listing Services Inc
Ownership Listings & Radius Maps
P.O. Box 2593 •Dana Point, CA •92624
Office: (949) 361-3921 •Cell: (949) 310-6869
www.Advancedlisting.com [email protected]
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#13159
1/6/2026
100' Ownership Listing
Prepared for:
Subject:
644-192-11
ANGELIQUE G HOSKINS
511 BROOKS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
Complainant:
644-192-12
JEFFREY C CALVERT
PO BOX 5264
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-191-39
STEPHAN S COHN
538 BROOKS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-191-40
NANA PALMER
520 BROOKS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-191-41
STACIE PARKER S P SHONFELD
SHONFELD
502 BROOKS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-191-42
ERIC AXEL JENSEN
494 BROOKS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-191-43
CHRISTEL RANABARGAR
480 BROOKS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-08
CRHSITINE Z SHIELDS
481 BROOKS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-09
GARETH GLADWYN BUTLER
499 BROOKS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-10
ELAN CAMERON SIEDER
503 BROOKS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-11
ANGELIQUE G HOSKINS
511 BROOKS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-12
JEFFREY C CALVERT
PO BOX 5264
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-13
DANIEL DAUFFENBACH
15380 BREEZY POINT ROAD SE
PRIOR LAKE MINNE 55373
644-192-14
MCGILL C ROCKNEY
539 BROOKS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-28
ELSA N BRIZZI
552 CRESS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-29
PIERRE MARINO
562 CRESS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-30
ERICH R FISCHER
542 CRESS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-31
HANA RUZICKA RIVKIN
530 CRESS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-32
MARK L MACRAE
520 CRESS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-33
ADAM A KLINE
911 ATHENS ST
ALTADENA CA 91001
644-192-34
PAUL NICHOLAS GACEK
490 CRESS ST
LAGUNA BEACH CA 92651
644-192-35
VIOLETTE SO MIRHAN
1930 ALPHA ST
SOUTH PASADENA CA 91030
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Height limit on subject vegetation HHC 25-1254
January 21, 2026 Hearing
Exhibit A
Existing hedge height:
13 feet 3 inches Trim the hedge to a height of 10 feet and threreafter shall maintain the height
between 10 to 11 feet as measured from
finished grade to eliminate the ocean view
obstruction
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Height limit on subject vegetation
January 15, 2026
HHC 25-1254
January 21, 2026 Hearing
Exhibit B
Existing hedge height:
13 feet 3 inches
Trim the hedge to a
height of 10 feet and
threreafter shall maintain
the height between 10 to
11 feet as measured
from finished grade to
eliminate the ocean view
obstruction
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HHC 25-1254
January 21, 2026 Hearing
Exhibit C
Height limit on subject vegetation
Existing hedge
height: 13 feet 3
inches
Trim the hedge to a height of
10 feet and threreafter shall
maintain the height between 10
to 11 feet as measured from
finished grade to eliminate the
ocean view obstruction
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Created 12/28/20
CITY COUNCIL ORDER OF TESTIMONY FOR APPEALS
AND REQUESTS FOR REVIEW OF PROJECTS
Purpose: The City Council is committed to assuring that members of the public have the opportunity to speak to any meeting agenda item before final action on projects.
This Order of Testimony establishes the right of persons who specifically wish to speak on projects appealed to or otherwise reviewed by the City Council.
Procedures: There are three types of hearings conducted by the City Council: 1) the appellant is person opposed to the project, 2) the appellant is the applicant, and 3) the project was called up for review by a member of the City Council or the City Manager. The procedures below provide the order in which testimony is considered and the allotted time for public comment. The procedure for each hearing shall be provided as the first attachment to the agenda bill.
I. Appellant is Person Opposed to Approved Project:
1. Staff report summary provided.
2. The appellant has 5 minutes for opening remarks.
3. Any persons in support of the appeal may speak for 3 minutes each.
4. The applicant has 5 minutes to speak in opposition to the appeal.
5. Any other persons in opposition to the appeal may speak for 3 minutes each.
6. The appellant has 2 minutes to speak in rebuttal.
II. Appellant is Applicant for Denied or Conditionally Approved Project:
1. Staff report summary provided.
2. The applicant has 5 minutes for opening remarks.
3. Any other persons in support of the appeal may speak for 3 minutes each.
4. Any persons in opposition to the appeal may speak for 3 minutes each.
5. The applicant has 2 minutes to speak in rebuttal.
Attachment 16 Attachment 6
103
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Created 12/28/20
III. City Council or City Manager Review of Decision:
1. Staff report summary provided.
2. The City Manager may comment on the reason for review. City Council members will usually comment after hearing comments from the applicant and members of the public.
3. The applicant has 5 minutes to present the project.
4. Any persons in support of or in opposition to the project may speak for 3 minutes each.
5. The applicant has 2 minutes to speak in rebuttal.
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