Laguna Beach Municipal Code Ch. 25.13 Objective Development and Design Standards for New Primary Dwelling Units

These Objective Development and Design Standards (ODDS) are established to:

(A) Provide clear, objective, and measurable standards for qualifying new primary dwelling unit development throughout the City;

(B) Streamline the review of qualifying new primary dwelling unit projects to address housing needs of all income levels; and

(C) Maintain Laguna Beach's architectural quality and diversity.

(Ord. 1732, 7/21/2026)

(A) Alternative Permitting Pathway. This Chapter is intended as an optional alternative approval pathway for new primary dwelling units within a single-family residential zone in lieu of the discretionary permitting process described in Laguna Beach Municipal Code Section 25.05.040 which might apply to such projects. This Chapter applies to the development of new primary units within a single-family residential zone. It also may be used to approve additions or modifications to a new primary unit within a single-family residential zone previously approved under the provisions of this Chapter, provided that the additions and modifications comply with the development standards and design standards set forth by this Chapter.

(B) Non-Compliance with Objective Standards. Projects that do not comply with all provisions of this Chapter may seek discretionary review and approval pursuant to the City's development review process set forth in Section 25.05.040.

(Ord. 1732, 7/21/2026)

(A) These objective development and design standards are additive to the requirements of the single-family residential zoning district in which the new primary dwelling unit project is proposed as set forth in the Laguna Beach Municipal Code Title 25 (Zoning) or any other provisions of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code.

(B) Conflicts. Where the provisions of this Chapter conflict with the single-family residential zoning district requirements of the zoning district in which the new primary dwelling unit project is proposed as set forth in the Laguna Beach Municipal Code Title 25 (Zoning), the regulations of this Chapter prevail.

(C) Major Remodels. A project that would constitute a major remodel does not constitute a new primary dwelling unit for purposes of this Chapter and is not eligible to proceed under this Chapter.

(Ord. 1732, 7/21/2026)

(A) Application Processing.

(1) At the time of filing a permit application, the applicant shall state whether the process is to be processed in accordance with this Chapter.

(2) A new primary dwelling unit project that meets the requirements in this Chapter is not subject to discretionary design review in accordance with Section 25.05.040 but may still require a discretionary coastal development permit in accordance with Chapter 25.07.

(3) Structures and site improvements proposed at the same time as the new primary dwelling unit, other than the new garage and landscaping authorized by this Chapter, may require discretionary design review in accordance with Section 25.05.040.

(B) Application Requirements.

(1) The Director of Community Development shall prescribe the form and scope of the application form in accordance with Section 25.05.015.

(2) A complete permit application shall include all the materials listed on such application form, including the materials and information listed below:

(a) A landscape plan with mature growth height limits and maintenance schedules (type and frequency of pruning) for all vegetation.

(b) An exterior lighting plan.

(Ord. 1732, 7/21/2026)

(A) Building Height.

(1) The height of the new primary dwelling unit and new garage authorized by this Chapter shall not exceed a height of 15 feet, measured in accordance with the definition of "Height, building" in Chapter 25.08.

(2) The new primary dwelling unit and new garage authorized by this Chapter shall not exceed a single story, measured in accordance with the definition of "Height, building" in Chapter 25.08.

(B) Yard Setbacks.

(1) Side Yards.

(a) The side yard setbacks are at least 20% greater than the requirement imposed by the underlying zone.

(b) No redistribution of the required side yards shall be permitted.

(2) Front and Rear Yards.

(a) The front and rear yard setbacks are at least 20% greater than the requirements imposed by the underlying zone.

(b) Reduced building setbacks in accordance with Section 25.50.004(E) shall not be permitted.

(3) Permitted Projections.

(a) Permitted projections into required yards in accordance with Section 25.50.008 shall be measured from the setbacks required by this Chapter.

(4) Special Subdivision Map Setback.

(a) In any case where a special subdivision map building setback applies, the building setback shall be at least 20% greater than that requirement.

(C) Maximum Floor Area for New Primary Dwelling Unit and New Garage.

(1) New Primary Dwelling Unit.

(a) A new primary dwelling unit shall not exceed a gross primary unit floor area of 1,500 square feet.

(b) A new, second primary dwelling unit shall not exceed a gross primary unit floor area of 800 square feet.

(c) For purposes of this paragraph, "gross primary unit floor area" shall include all habitable floor area and all other enclosed building areas that are attached to the unit, including non-habitable mechanical and storage areas, but not including the garage.

(2) New Garage.

(a) Each new primary dwelling unit shall have a new garage that accommodates two parking spaces that shall not exceed a gross garage floor area of 400 square feet.

(b) For purposes of this paragraph, "gross garage floor area" shall include all enclosed building areas for the garage, including non-habitable mechanical and storage areas.

(3) For purposes of this paragraph, the "floor area" is calculated from the outside structural wall, including retaining walls when below grade.

(D) Maximum Floor Area for the Lot.

(1) The maximum permitted gross floor area on a lot shall not exceed the floor area ratio set forth in Table A, based on the gross lot area.

(2) For purposes of this paragraph, "gross floor area" means the areas that are attached or detached to the unit, including non-habitable mechanical and storage areas, but not including the garage.

(3) For purposes of this paragraph, the floor area is calculated from the outside structural wall, including retaining walls when below grade.

(4) Notwithstanding (D)(1), above, a lot shall be permitted sufficient gross floor area to comply with mandatory state law, including to allow the following:

(a) First primary dwelling unit: the unit shall not exceed 1,500 square feet, provided that the unit complies with this Chapter.

(b) Second primary dwelling unit: the unit shall not exceed 800 square feet, provided that the unit complies with this Chapter.

(c) Accessory Dwelling Unit: the unit shall not exceed 850 square feet for studio or one bedroom and 1,000 square feet for two bedrooms, provided that the unit complies with Chapter 25.17.

(d) Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit: the unit shall not exceed 500 square feet, provided that the unit complies with Chapter 25.17.

(E) Landscaping.

(1) Buildable Area. Landscaping of any vegetation, plants, bushes or trees within the buildable area shall not exceed 15 feet at maintained height when measured from the adjacent, legal ground elevation.

(2) Rear and Side Yards. Landscaping of any vegetation, plants, bushes or trees within the rear and side yards shall not exceed a maintained height of 6 feet.

(3) Front Yard. Landscaping of any vegetation, plants, bushes or trees within the front yard shall not exceed a maintained height of 4 feet on a non-corner lot and 3 feet on a corner lot.

(F) Lighting. Exterior lighting must be fully shielded and aimed downward.

(G) Roof Decks.

(1) No new primary dwelling unit shall include a roof deck.

(2) For purposes of this paragraph, a "roof deck" means a deck above the uppermost story of a building, with no access from interior living space at the same floor level.

Table A Maximum Floor Area Ratio

(Ord. 1732, 7/21/2026)

A new primary dwelling unit project authorized by this Chapter shall comply with objective design standards established by resolution of the City Council.

(Ord. 1732, 7/21/2026)