Adoption of the DR Efficiency Ordinance, Efficiency Ordinance, and Resolution Amending the DR Guidelines, and Adoption of an Urgency Ordinance Version of the DR

The City of Laguna Beach is implementing a series of regulatory updates to streamline design review and permitting processes through the adoption of the DR Efficiency Ordinance and the Efficiency Ordinance. This initiative involves comprehensive amendments to the Municipal Code, specifically targeting Title 25 regarding Zoning, Title 21 for Plats and Subdivisions, and Title 22 for Excavating, Grading, and Filling. Additionally, the project updates regulations concerning noise, heritage tree preservation, view preservation and restoration, and private sewer laterals, while also amending the Design Guidelines for residential development. An urgency ordinance version of the DR Efficiency Ordinance has been included to facilitate immediate implementation. Administrative oversight is led by Anthony Viera, the Deputy Director of Community Development. The project is designated as exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301 and 15265, as the amendments are considered minor alterations with no significant environmental impact. This determination was finalized following a public hearing on July 21, 2026, with the official Notice of Exemption filed and posted on July 23, 2026, through the Orange County Clerk-Recorder. The place of performance is citywide within Laguna Beach, California.