[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6455879,"mediaKeyId","5713857-1963f511f34c5b6620b48e7224aa9fb8","parentId",5713857,"title","Planning commission approves retaining wall, lighting and landscaping changes at The Ranch Resort","audioSeconds",398,"startMs",2386000,"endMs",2784000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5713857-1963f511f34c5b6620b48e7224aa9fb8&start=2386&end=2784","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5713857-1963f511f34c5b6620b48e7224aa9fb8/thumbnail_2386000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6455879/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Planning-commission-approves-retaining-wall-lighting-and-landscaping-changes-at-The-Ranch-Resort","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455879-fb71b06e61cc1f5cf2a588a91d5c6098/orig.mp4?Expires=1770963704&Signature=iqXII-VHjKVnOPfTEUbz7FCZFuG6dCigWwhyX9azbmZVBr7drTbpY~GdI41JitAx8Uxj6fdDdok5n39FJPi~QB8DbD-B7qXj2YlqtQUtFFOihBuvJsmwgWqs~N32BXpowOlktquttoB4anCYFUOOgaDQRqKPgkKtF9TFCQdWqoq9lSh5mSFSXpFpnqPrA3XpXqQSKosPq9QoiqosOx9GxQY4VHGDInmL3gHhL4aVOR-TqjMZ7ZdbEd~XT0vwgs9-F9R~-pZqGgDrqWm7NB-F0aMns2IMLI2yDatPl-6BTF~RVbDnJgfKnKOgcQA~ZHGrAOy8TsQVT-oZsRsjfvAfYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","CityofLagunaBeachCA","date","2025-09-04T01:01:01Z","article","The Laguna Beach Planning Commission on Aug. 29 approved design review 25-0387 and coastal development permit 25-0388 for site improvements at The Ranch Resort, including a new 134-foot retaining wall, geofoam backfill, landscaped buffers and low-level lighting intended to improve separation and safety between the golf course and the wedding lawn.

Staff described the project as replacing an existing low wood retaining wall with a new exposed stone-clad wall with heights ranging from 5 to 10 feet. The project design calls for approximately 126 cubic yards of geofoam backfill and would expand the wetting lawn width by about 6 to 33 feet. \"The new proposed retaining wall has heights ranging from 5 to 10 feet of exposed height...it will support a 126 cubic yards of geofoam backfill material,\" staff said.

The plans show 15 light fixtures illuminating the retaining wall; commissioners asked whether the number of fixtures or hours of illumination could be reduced. The applicant responded that the fixtures are low-lumen and consistent with lighting elsewhere on the resort, and that most site lighting operates on a dusk-to-dawn control or time schedule. \"It's artificial stone, but it's really good artificial stone,\" the applicant said when asked whether the facing was manufactured or natural stone.

Staff advised that the proposed retaining wall triggers design review because portions exceed 5 feet exposed height. A separate new wall replacing an existing rear freestanding fence is below the design-review threshold but will require a building permit from the building division.

Commissioners also asked about an existing condition limiting total assembly area to roughly 7,300 square feet imposed by the 2014 conditional-use approval when the resort was redeveloped. The applicant said the expanded area created by the new wall would not exceed that maximum and that staff would verify interpretation of the prior CUP if questions arise.

Commissioners expressed support for the design and the project's public-gathering benefits while noting concerns about fixture counts and safety at the edge of the golf course. The commission found the project consistent with applicable design and coastal criteria and adopted the staff recommendation that the action is exempt from CEQA. The motion passed on a roll call vote (4-0).

Votes at a glance
- Design Review 25-0387 / Coastal Development Permit 25-0388 (The Ranch Resort retaining wall and site improvements): approved (4-0).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved design review and a coastal development permit for a new retaining wall, landscaping and low-level lighting at The Ranch Resort; staff said the wall will use manufactured stone and will require a building permit for a separate rear wall replacement.","taxTitle","Laguna Beach, Orange County, California","taxId",56774,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455884,"Planning commission OKs artist live-work conditional use permit for Laguna Canyon Road unit",927,1380000,2307000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5713857-1963f511f34c5b6620b48e7224aa9fb8&start=1380&end=2307","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5713857-1963f511f34c5b6620b48e7224aa9fb8/thumbnail_1380000.jpg","/articles/6455884/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Planning-commission-OKs-artist-live-work-conditional-use-permit-for-Laguna-Canyon-Road-unit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455884-5995f27320c0c7d96cdc3186958c91ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770963704&Signature=dGtQPlrwwBTZZj8GVtejrO2uO~eX97Men~6-Ti1Ff6w7K0ry46RnCjDfm6zYnubv7TPGpeRGlM-5P-ePzUVuX1yAVYJVXrdjc0uRQwT2ZSvz2wChxX25wNcEw9QxOzxilAi49SI14tDEH8nLSgPW8Mha90~xml-B3ppwp5g4QAvkKxyfgSQgLghHNL5c2Cw0LlRHS7g6JZlp6FEusVDlyBpEQ90XzU7x-WpQxpJJGZPTDQA67GjuxjZ6xXVGeACUx9d6VCElj51K2bIkvRRXc2CH60xz7guMbPKl7TV11HyeN88UVog57xRxGxg8FSFQkW2ZumcmjLWOwPdA65VIMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach Planning Commission voted unanimously Aug. 29 to approve a conditional use permit for an artist's work-live unit at 3337 Laguna Canyon Road, Unit C, allowing the property owner to establish artist live-work occupancy subject to standard conditions.

Associate planner Sammy Montalto presented the staff recommendation and a history of the property: the building was condominiumized in 1994 and had an artist-work-live permit approved in 1996 that lapsed because no unit was established within two years. \"The planning commission approved a conditional use permit in 1996 to establish and operate artist work live units. However, this permit lapsed 2 years later,\" Montalto said. Units B and D later received permits to reestablish work-live use in 2017 and 2018.

Applicant Kathleen (Katie) Clark told the commission she has owned Unit C since February 2001, operates Kathleen Clark Photography and holds a city business license. Clark said she intends to occupy the unit herself. \"I plan on occupying the unit myself,\" Clark said. She also described earlier difficulties obtaining financing because of the mixed commercial-residential classification when she purchased the property.

Staff noted that approval of the conditional use permit authorizes the land-use designation. Any future occupants will require an artist occupancy permit administered by the Arts Commission and the cultural arts manager; that permit evaluates whether the types of artwork and production activities are compatible with the applicable zone and performance standards for noise, odor, smoke, dust and dirt. As staff explained, \"The Arts Commission will ensure that the types of artwork produced in the space will be consistent and compatible within the underlying zone.\"

Commission discussion focused on the scope of allowed art-production activities in the M-1B light-industrial zone and on the policy rationale for separate review by the Arts Commission for occupancy permits. Commissioners described M-1A and M-1B as the city's more intensive zones where a broader range of art production activities would typically be acceptable, and several commissioners said they favored expanding live-work opportunities in appropriate locations.

The commission moved to approve the conditional use permit and found the action exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The motion passed on a roll call vote: Sadler, Whiting, Dubin and Chair Kellenberg all voted yes.

The Arts Commission retains authority to review and approve the artist occupancy permit for future tenants and to ensure compliance with the work-live performance standards.

Votes at a glance
- Conditional Use Permit 25-0565 (3337 Laguna Canyon Road, Unit C): approved (4-0).","The commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit for an artist's work-live unit at 3337 Laguna Canyon Road, Unit C; the Arts Commission will review any future tenant for an artist occupancy permit.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455889,"Planning commission approves revised resolution on Laguna Nursery sign variance after owner questions notice",637,674000,1311000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5713857-1963f511f34c5b6620b48e7224aa9fb8&start=674&end=1311","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5713857-1963f511f34c5b6620b48e7224aa9fb8/thumbnail_674000.jpg","/articles/6455889/Laguna-Beach/Orange-County/California/Planning-commission-approves-revised-resolution-on-Laguna-Nursery-sign-variance-after-owner-questions-notice","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455889-bba5b2068a7d7a362bcdef5400b60f27/orig.mp4?Expires=1770963704&Signature=Kl5fbO-83oJxZP~fOw5vXcY~9yYRIgkwbonTZ0~YqSK7DJwTvkO4lBJzsF3ntWG0sAfTar~iBt0Xl1alvbRYl4xzLeKYATK~4F~ZEjXVqdzqIlPFTiNUSLTZA-gIrxuXSfb4KruuPxEgry0csj-ZIdWgDK--ykIvejxEFcx1f3ZuoNj0n~OILcNzYYJ7uRa2bJYPPPomBSRgJP0uFJ5I3guJfao9lTTMQadVUAGVxi6-k7jZW9zpu~zyPIVpinuYcJPaF0RJ-MX4Lx~y69DX3VRGInNu4GQATUhsNTaC-YVC21lbuaRArMu2ma1KDbNqVPJitlJUVAs4RbnP2Ul1gA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Laguna Beach Planning Commission on Aug. 29 approved a staff-revised resolution that records the commission's earlier decision to grant one sign-area variance for the Laguna Nursery site, a decision the business owner said he only learned about by phone.

Anthony Viera, a city planner, told the commission staff posted a revised resolution the afternoon of the meeting to reflect the commission's motion at the Aug. 20 hearing. \"The applicant only needs 1 of the 3 requested variances,\" Viera said, explaining that earlier conditions required the removal of one wall sign and reductions to other signs so that two of the originally requested variances were no longer necessary.

Ruben Flores, owner of Laguna Nursery, spoke during the meeting and said he had not been given advance notice of the late revisions. \"I had no idea that this was on the agenda,\" Flores said. He asked the commission for clarification and said he felt there was a gap between what he and others heard at the earlier hearing and what staff had posted. \"Is this kinda like Trump stuff that's going on? I don't I don't understand why there's stuff that's being taken out of the file,\" Flores said.

City staff and commissioners described the sequence of events: staff's original draft resolution accompanying the Aug. 20 staff report did not include findings to grant variances because staff had recommended denial. At the Aug. 20 hearing the commission voted to grant one of the three requested variances and imposed conditions (including removing one sign identified in the plans), and staff revised the resolution to reflect that decision. As Viera summarized for the commission, \"With the removal of that sign, the applicant was no longer exceeding the maximum number of total allowable wall signs for the site...the total calculated wall sign area does exceed the total allowable sign area for this site. And the planning commission found that that variance could be granted.\"

Commissioner Whiting told the commission she had not voted to make the variance findings at the prior hearing and said she would again vote no on the resolution for that reason. Commissioner Dubin said he supported the variance because of the building's unusual configuration and recalled the commission had discussed returning the matter as a consent item at the subsequent meeting.

The motion to adopt Resolution No. 22-1901, as revised and with the evening's redlined changes, passed on a roll call vote: Commissioner Sadler voted no; Commissioner Whiting voted yes; Commissioner Dubin voted yes. Chair Kellenberg was recused from the item.

The revised resolution was returned to the planning commission at the applicant's request and to ensure the written record matched the commission's August 20 action. Commission discussion and the record show the remaining, operative request is for a single variance allowing a calculated total wall sign area that exceeds the city's sign-area limit, with conditions requiring removal or reduction of specified signs so the site otherwise conforms to code.

The commission did not take additional land-use evidence at the Aug. 29 meeting; commissioners and staff treated the hearing as a ministerial review to confirm the written resolution reflected the prior deliberations and conditions.

Votes at a glance
- Resolution No. 22-1901 (Laguna Nursery sign variance): motion to adopt revised resolution passed (Yes: Whiting, Dubin; No: Sadler; Chair recused).","The Laguna Beach Planning Commission on Aug. 29 adopted a revised resolution confirming the commission's earlier decision to grant a single variance for total wall sign area at Laguna Nursery, after the applicant questioned late posting of changes to the draft resolution.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning commission approves retaining wall, lighting and landscaping changes at The Ranch Resort

Planning commission OKs artist live-work conditional use permit for Laguna Canyon Road unit

Planning commission approves revised resolution on Laguna Nursery sign variance after owner questions notice