Design Review 2025-1330, Phillips Residence

The Phillips Residence project in Laguna Beach, California, seeks approval for a series of structural modifications to the existing residential property, including the construction of a 36.9 square foot primary entry enclosure at street level and a 34.7 square foot lower-level addition created by converting the existing crawlspace into usable living space. The project also involves a minor roof alteration at the front elevation, installation of new on-grade exterior stairs, and replacement of existing windows with new ones. A key component of the request is the need to exceed the maximum allowable building site coverage permitted under the R-1 residential low-density zoning regulations, requiring special consideration and review by the local planning authority. The application is being processed under Design Review 2025-1330 and was posted for public notice on June 4, 2026, with the City of Laguna Beach serving as the overseeing agency. The primary point of contact for this project is Associate Planner Shehriyar Khan, who can be reached via email or phone for additional information regarding the review process. The designer, Warren Hutcherson, is also listed as a secondary contact for technical inquiries related to the proposed modifications. All work is slated for performance at the property located in the 92651 zip code area of Laguna Beach, and the application can be accessed through the California Environmental Quality Act online portal. Given the zoning exception being sought and the scope of physical alterations, the project is subject to detailed design review to ensure compliance with local land use standards, historic context, and neighborhood character.