CITY OF SAN CLEMENTE
MINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE
DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE
MAY 13, 2026
Subcommittee Members Present: Vice Chair Cameron Cosgrove and Member Brett Freeman
Subcommittee Members Absent: Chair M. Steven Camp and Member Scott McKhann
Staff Present: Christopher Wright, Senior Planner
Jessica Gatny, Associate Planner
Vice Chair Cosgrove called to order the Design Review Sub-Committee (DRSC) meeting for the City of San Clemente on May 13, 2026.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Receive and File Minutes from the March 25, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes from the March 25, 2026 Regular Meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee will be presented for approval at the next regular meeting.
B. Receive and File Minutes from the April 1, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes from the April 1, 2026 Regular Meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee will be presented for approval at the next regular meeting.
2. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
A. Public Hearing Project (PHP) 26-079, Zebra House Patio, 1001 S. El Camino A request to remove an existing landscape planter at the front of the building to construct a 263 sq. ft. patio with pergola in its place.
Associate Planner Gatny summarized the staff report and provided a presentation titled, "Zebra House Coffee New Patio, Development Permit 26-093/PHP26-079, May 13, 2026." A copy is available by contacting the Planning Division.
The DRSC discussed the project, and made the following comments either individually or as a group:
• Emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency in design, materials, and finishes throughout the site.
• Recommended that the proposed wood pergola be finished in black to match the roof and existing patio cover. The pergola should also replicate the existing patio cover's double-joist design, spacing, and overall architectural character.
Design Review Subcommittee Adjourned Meeting Minutes May 13, 2026 Page 2 • Requested clarification regarding the material proposed for the new countertop. If wood is used, the finish and color should match the pergola. • Recommended for the new guardrail and existing patio guardrail and entry gate to match for a cohesive appearance.
• Suggested replacing the proposed front facade doors with a less industrial design, such as French doors with divided lights.
• Recommended the use of more visually appealing climbing vines, such as jasmine or bougainvillea.
• Additional landscaping should be incorporated in front of the restaurant by removing approximately 18 inches of concrete adjacent to the retaining wall at the rear of the sidewalk to create a planter for installing hardy succulents and climbing vines. Street trees and potted plants were also discussed but a cut at-grade planter was the encouraged alterative for visual benefit, reasonable cost for the project scope, ease of implementation, and maintaining visibility of the building from the street. • Recommended the installation of gooseneck light fixtures that comply with the City's Dark Skies policy.
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 a Regular Design Review Subcommittee meeting on May 27, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., San Clemente City Hall, First Floor Community Room, 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA.
Respectfully submitted,
Canuum Cogeore
Cameron Cosgrove, Vice Chair
Attest:
want lapt
Christopher Wright, Senior Planner