CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
DECEMBER 17, 2025
Subcommittee Members Present: Chair M. Steven Camp, Vice Chair Cameron Cosgrove, and Member Scott McKhann
Subcommittee Members Absent: None
Staff Present: City Planner, Jonathan Lightfoot
Planning Technician, Brendan Hanley
Chair Camp called to order the Design Review Sub-Committee Special Meeting for City of San Clemente on December 17, 2025.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None.
2. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
A.Public Hearing Project (PHP) 25-488, Rasta Taco V.2, 424 N. El Camino Real A request for the Design Review Subcommittee (DRSC) to provide feedback to site improvements being requested to a single-story Mid-Century Modern commercial building at 424 N El Camino Real in the Architectural Overlay district.
Planning Technician Hanley summarized the staff report that highlighted:
The applicant proposed a covered patio and a restroom, which will be on either side of the existing structure, located at 424 N El Camino Real. The two new structures are proposed to facilitate a change of use from an office to a restaurant.
On July 24, 2024, the Planning Commission approved a Cultural Heritage Permit (CHP) 22-272 and a Site Plan Permit (SSP) 22-274 for the construction of a new two-story residential building, and an improved restaurant. The new proposal will operate a restaurant with full-service alcohol under Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 22-246.
The covered patio and restroom are architecturally consistent with the existing structure, which was designed by Chris Abel. Abel was a prolific architect in Southern California known for his Mid-Century Modern Style, Chris Abel’s work represents a distinct architectural era in the city that has historic value. The addition of an accessory structure and bathroom consistent with the original structure is the most feasible option given the proposed improvements, and preserves the MidCentury Modern Style without disrupting the purpose and intent of the Architectural Overlay.
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Design Review Subcommittee Special Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025 Page 2 Staff requested feedback on the proposed project and whether maintaining the current architectural style is an acceptable approach for the site improvements, as well as to forward a recommendation to the Planning Commission.
Mario Melendez, the applicant and Chris Foerstel, the architectural designer, were present to answer questions and participate in the discussion. They confirmed that the original structure remains unaltered in their plans. Vice Chair Cosgrove noted that there is a slight modification to the design to turn the bathroom building into a storage room and a single unisex bathroom.
The DRSC offered recommendations to the applicant. Staff posed a question to the DRSC on whether a consistent roofline between the structures would provide visual balance. They had a discussion regarding the different roof elements and general design traits in Mid Century Modern architecture.
The DRSC discussed the project, and made the following comments either individually or as a group:
• Suggestion to shorten the building on the right to create a consistent fascia board from left to right
• Consensus of important traits like floating horizontal planes engaging with the structure and connection between separate structures • Methods of improving visual balance, including altering the roof elements, fascia boards, or using spider legs
• Incorporate a flow through the architecture that can be achieved with embellishment
• Landscaping was desirable and a boulder arrangement in the front would complement the site
• Provide a color palette for the Planning Commission
• Add the proposed signage to the elevation
• Consider the placement of any roof mounted equipment and building appliances due to visual impacts
• Consensus to adjusting the bathroom height as the best approach for visual balance
• Parking and access are adequate
• Remove window covers
The DRSC supports the project moving froward to the Planning Commission and suggests the applicant collaborate with staff to address recommended design changes.
3. NEW BUSINESS
None
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Design Review Subcommittee Special Meeting Minutes December 17, 2025 Page 3
4. OLD BUSINESS
None
5. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
None
6. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved to adjourn the meeting to the next Design Review Subcommittee meeting on January 14, at 5:00 p.m., San Clemente City Hall, First Floor Community Room, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
M. Steven Camp, Chair
Attest:
_______________________________
Jonathan Lightfoot, City Planner
DRAFT