CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 25, 2026
Subcommittee Members Present: Chair M. Steven Camp, Vice Chair Cameron Cosgrove, and Member Brett Freeman
Subcommittee Members Absent: Member Scott McKhann
Staff Present: Senior Planner, Christopher Wright
Assistant Planner, Araceli Mejia
Chair Camp called to order the Design Review Sub-Committee (DRSC) Regular Meeting for City of San Clemente on February 25, 2026.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Receive and File Minutes from the January 28, 2026 Regular Meeting There being no changes to the January 28, 2026 Meeting of DRSC, the minutes were received and filed.
2. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
A. Public Hearing Project (PHP) 25-455, Development Permit (DP) 25-456, Frost Residence, 143 N. La Esperanza (Lot 2) (141 N. La Esperanza 057-095-01 A request to review an application for the development of a single-family home on a newly subdivided lot.
Assistant Planner Mejia presented the project.
Designer, Christine Lampert explained that based on the topography of the site, the design of the building is appropriate, specifically the rear yard setback. She also explained that parking was taken into consideration. She added that although the plans presented at the meeting did not show enough detail, the design is comfortable. The applicant Sean Frost added that the project was designed with the intent to be attractive and to sell.
The DRSC discussed the project, and made the following comments either individually or as a group:
• The landscaping plans will be important for the review of the project. There needs to be dialogue between the building and the landscaping. • Advised to check their fire zone and ensure proposed landscaping is compliant with recent standards.
DRAFT
Design Review Subcommittee Regular Meeting Minutes February 25, 2026 Page 2 • The site is not in a view corridor so that is not a factor in a decision, however providing landscaping on the west freeway side is suggested to provide screening.
• Provide a complete landscape plan, including landscape in the rear yard. • Provide a color scheme, design explanations and how this compliments the area.
• On the left elevation, mix up materials somehow to break up the building.
Allow the materials to work with the massing.
Senior Planner Wright explained that the type of landscaping would be reviewed by the Orange County Fire Authority at the time building permits are turned in.
The Subcommittee forwarded the project to the Planning Commission.
B. Public Hearing Project (PHP) 25-257, Development Permit (DP) 25-259, 918 S El Camino Real
A request to remodel the exterior of an existing Taco Bell restaurant with a new outdoor dining area of less than 16 seats.
The Zoning Administrator on February 19th, 2026 requested the project to be reviewed by the DRSC. The Zoning Administrator raised concerns about the purple accent around the window and door on the north and east elevation, and concerns about the roof line of the building.
Assistant Planner Mejia presented the project.
Senior Planner Wright expressed that the applicant collaborated with staff prior to the Zoning Administrator hearing in several rounds of review and revisions to work toward meeting design guidelines. The applicant has been patient and accommodating.
The DRSC discussed the project, and made the following comments either individually or as a group:
• Clarified that the Architectural Overlay for this site only requires Spanish style, and not Spanish Colonial Revival.
• The flood lights will be replaced with downward facing lights to address a public comment concerning the exterior lights on the south elevation. • Use of tile is preferred over paint for the purple accent within the tower building elements.
• On the north elevation (parking lot side), the Subcommittee suggested to reduce the width of the purple accent around the arched window and bringing the window to the ground, so that it matches the tower on the east elevation (El Camino Real). The Subcommittee also suggested to slope the wall surround of the window/door within the arched opening, so the decorative accent is more subtle.
DRAFT
Design Review Subcommittee Regular Meeting Minutes February 25, 2026 Page 3 • Suggested to remove the south facing wall sign because the site has a pole sign that advertises to traffic in the same direction as the wall sign. • Supported for the color of cornices to be lighter than the existing cornice color.
• Consider adding landscape trellis or artwork on the blank wall if that does not clutter the facade.
The applicant stated they were open to making revisions but was apprehensive in removing signage.
The Subcommittee forwarded the project to the Zoning Administrator.
3. NEW BUSINESS
None
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 March 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., San Clemente City Hall, First Floor Community Room, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
M. Steven Camp, Chair
Attest:
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Christopher Wright, Senior Planner
DRAFT