Design Review Subcommittee Meeting November 4, 2025

The City of San Clemente Design Review Subcommittee met on November 4, 2025. Members unanimously approved the October 14 meeting minutes. The subcommittee then provided nonbinding design feedback on two development permit projects: a remodel and added story at 514 Avenue de Victoria, including discussion of Spanish Colonial Revival features, landscaping, and a possible right-of-way encroachment; and a 419-square-foot addition near a historic residence on Esplanade. For the latter, members and staff discussed reducing impacts on views of the historic property, including keeping the addition back from the existing garage wall and considering a lower, flatter roof. Both projects will proceed through their applicable Planning Commission review processes.

The subcommittee also reviewed a pre-application concept for 42 townhomes, including four affordable units, at 2727 Via Cascadita, the former DMV site. The concept would require land-use designation changes and further entitlement and environmental review, potentially including CEQA review and Coastal Commission approval. Members considered the proposed density reasonable as a starting point and encouraged a more distinctive, varied design, integrated landscaping, and community outreach before a formal application. No contracts, vendor selections, procurement approvals, or spending actions were identified; the discussion concerned land use and project design.