Design changes mulled

City Council members on Tuesday will consider changes to the city’s design review process that would affect anyone with renovation or building plans.

The most dramatic changes in the proposed ordinance include limiting reviews to two hearings, unless the Design Review Board requires a third hearing. Also, it would eliminate early concept review and revisions to the appeal process, which could cut the workload for the Design Review Board and the council.

“People may not understand how important this ordinance is,” Planning Commissioner Norm Grossman said. “The public only gets upset when they are affected. This will affect them. It is the adoption of a law and it changes the process.”

Other changes include requiring the board to make specific findings ? legal justifications ? for their decisions. Staff reports are expected to clarify issues and resolve the kinds of conflicts that have marred the process.

In addition, Design Review Board meetings will be televised.

The city also will produce a professionally designed manual for builders that will offer details on neighborhood compatibility and other items city officials want.

Fee increases will pay for additional staff hired to work out the kinks in projects before the public hearings.

“It will be a more costly process,” Grossman said. “Proponents said the increased fees would be offset by having fewer meetings and using less architect’s time, but some architects are already complaining.”

The council agenda will be available at 4 p.m., Thursday in the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall, 515 Forest Ave. The proposed ordinance will be posted by 5 p.m. Friday on www.lagunabeachcity.org.