The Design Review Board meeting held on July 24, 2025, in Laguna Beach focused on a proposed residential project that has undergone significant revisions to address community concerns. The applicant presented plans for a two-story addition to an existing single-family home, which has not previously been reviewed by the board.

The proposed project includes a 42 square foot lower level addition, a 463 square foot upper level addition above the garage, and an 82 square foot elevated deck. The revisions made since the last submission aim to enhance privacy, access to light and air, and the overall scale of the addition. Notably, the upper level deck has been adjusted to project only 6 feet over the driveway, with the deck pushed back 3 feet and 2 inches from its original position.

The board received several site visit requests and correspondence from neighbors, indicating community interest and concern regarding the project. The property is located in a low-density residential zone, surrounded primarily by two-story homes. The applicant emphasized that the design changes, including reduced window sizes and modifications to roof heights, were made to mitigate potential impacts on neighboring properties.

Staff members recommended that the board conduct a public hearing and adopt a resolution approving the project, finding it consistent with design review criteria and exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The applicant also expressed willingness to consult with an arborist regarding the potential pruning of a magnolia tree on the property to further address neighbor concerns.

The meeting concluded with no immediate objections from board members, indicating a positive reception of the revised plans. The next steps will involve a public hearing to finalize the approval process for the project.