City Council Meeting Wrap-Up

The following is from the Laguna Beach City Council meeting of July 6.

Environmental Committee appointments

Gustavo Grad and Sharael Kolberg were appointed to terms on the city’s Environmental Committee from July 6 through Oct. 31, 2012. Incumbent Scott Sebastian, who has served on the committee, was appointed to as term beginning Nov. 1 and ending Nov. 1, 2012.

WHAT IT MEANS

The three applicants received appointments by acclamation.

Structure height regulations 5-0

The council approved on the second reading an ordinance that clarifies how building heights are measured in the city’s Business/Professional and Commercial zones and bans subterranean garages within a bluff-top set back.

WHAT IT MEANS

Subterranean garages in a bluff top setback are not ever going to happen in Laguna so that was not an issue, Community Development Director John Montgomery said at the first reading.

Laguna Canyon Road modifications

The council granted 5-0 the county’s request for an easement on land on the east side of Laguna Canyon Road, north of the El Toro intersection. The easement was needed to widen the roadbed slightly from El Toro Road to the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road.

At Mayor Pro Tem Toni Iseman’s request, Frank will also inquire about adding a U-turn to the LCR/ETR traffic signal.

WHAT IT MEANS

The road project will provide an 8-foot shoulder on each side, and will widen the intersection at El Toro and Laguna Canyon roads, allowing a through lane outbound to help alleviate congestion. The project also includes undergrounding utilities along the affected segment of Laguna Canyon Road.

Frank said the city and county have been working on the project for years.

Housekeeping measures

Amendments to seven zoning ordinances and the Local Coastal Plan were tentatively approved.

The ordinance changes relate to split-zoned parcels; appeal requirements; provision of reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities; definitions of family, household and single household unit; short term lodging units; changes in plans appealed to the council; and time limits on restoration of a non-conforming structures.

City Development Department Director said the five years allowed for restoration is longer than many cities allow, but Laguna’s process takes longer.

WHAT IT MEANS

The ordinance changes trigger amendments to the Local Coastal Plan.

A second reading is required for final approval.

City to replace ‘narco’ vehicle

The council approved the use of $20,000 in drug forfeiture funds to replace the police department’s aging Toyota pickup truck used by narcotics officers. The 1998 vehicle has logged 105,000 miles and needs frequent repairs, Police Chief Paul Workman told the council.

WHAT IT MEANS

The old vehicle had been in use for so many years that drug dealers recognized it, Workman stated. The new vehicle will hopefully be incognito.