Planning Commission approves design review for Forest Avenue Mall project

The Planning Commission of Laguna Beach convened on May 7, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including sign permit approvals and a design review for the Forest Avenue Mall.

The meeting commenced with a discussion on sign permit 24-16-39, which required approval due to its height exceeding the standard limit of 8 inches. A motion was made to adopt the resolution approving the sign permit while finding the action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The commission deliberated on the options for sign design, specifically between a straight arm and a gooseneck option, ultimately deciding to leave the choice to the applicant. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with a vote of 4-0, as Commissioner Kellenberg was absent.

Following this, the commission moved on to item 5.2, which involved a design review request for the Forest Avenue Mall located at 332 and 334 Forest Avenue. Planning Manager Sarah Olsen presented the staff report, detailing the project site, which includes a three-story mixed-use commercial building and a 19-stall parking garage. The commission previously approved a design review to modify the building's exterior color palette to a monochromatic charcoal gray. However, public opposition was noted regarding the dark color and the proposal to paint the brick adjacent to the parking garage.

In response to public feedback, the commission considered an alternative design that retained the brick's natural color. After evaluating the comments and the proposed designs, the commission approved the project with specific conditions: the brick must remain unpainted, the trim color should be darker than the main building color, and the applicant was encouraged to explore lighter color options than the proposed Iron River.

The meeting concluded with a clear direction on both agenda items, reflecting the commission's commitment to balancing aesthetic considerations with community input.