Planning Commission Meeting - October 21, 2026

The City of Laguna Beach Planning Commission met on October 21, 2026. The Commission unanimously approved a sign permit and variances for replacement of the Coast Highway freestanding sign and re-facing of a second Ranch sign; the Coast Highway sign is on South Coast Water District property. The discussion covered sign dimensions, illumination and visibility, but no contract award or public spending was involved. Commissioners also unanimously approved design review for the city’s Mermaid Parking Lot Beautification Project, a City Capital Improvement Program project, with changes including a herringbone brick entrance threshold, concrete in the narrow areas beside the planter walls, a wall separating the planter from the adjacent building, and retention or relocation of the bike-route sign. Commissioners requested a sample of the distinctive brick wall finish be included in the bid materials. Staff noted that public contracting requirements still apply, including award to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. No project budget, contract amount, or vendor was identified.

For concept review of the Fisherman’s Cove and Diver’s Cove beach-access improvement projects, commissioners gave direction but took no approval vote. They supported stair, drainage, and access improvements, raised concerns about standing water and beach access, and generally opposed HydroTurf because of potential plastic impacts; materials and final designs remain under consideration. Staff said construction timing would be determined as scope is finalized, with work potentially starting next fiscal year. The Commission also discussed the City Council’s reconsideration of boardwalk materials and the withdrawal of Pacific Edge’s temporary construction-staging application; no related procurement decision was made at this meeting.