Private Bluff Fence in Laguna Beach

Month	April
Year	2023
Summary	The Commission denied a City of Laguna Beach permit on appeal for a perimeter fence on a residential coastal bluff lot off of Coast Highway. The chainlink fence was constructed around the property and down along the bluff face, ten feet from the public beach. The City’s CDP inappropriately identified the bluff edge and required setback for permitting the fence which would set a negative precedent for future bluff development. The applicant asserts that the fence is necessary for safety reasons, however, development on a bluff face is prohibited by the local coastal program because of adverse impacts to public recreation, views and natural resources. The Coastal Commission denied the application in a 9-2 vote with 1 abstention..
Outcome
Outcome Description	Commissioners agreed that the fence was inconsistent with the Coastal Act and that the City’s permit did not adequately consider alternatives such as native landscaping.
Why You Should Care	Coastal bluffs are protected from development under the Coastal Act. Safety and crime should be dealt with by law enforcement, not by undermining the Act.
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Decision Type	Appeal
Staff Recommendation	Denial
Staff Report	https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/reports/2023/4/W12b/W12b-4-2023-report.pdf
Lobbyist/Agent	Paul Beard II, FisherBroyles LLP Larry Nokes, Nokes & Quinn, Lawyers Todd Skenderian, Architect
Opposition to Project	Mark and Sharon Fudge, Surfrider Foundation
Coastal Act Policies	Chapter 3

Voting Detail for Private Bluff Fence in Laguna Beach

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