Bigger not better for design board

Claiming it has received “a clear message from City Council” to

reduce the size of planned homes, the Laguna Beach Design Review

Board rejected two proposed residences at its Sept. 8 meeting.

Michael and Kathryn Kelly of New York bought their single-family

home on the 500 block of Anita Street in 1993.

The couple’s proposed 475-square-foot addition was rejected

unanimously because of its size and scale.

Board member Ilse Lenschow said the new structure “puts the

neighbor into darkness.”

Board member David Michel felt the proposed 1,500 square-foot

house was too large for the 1,800 square foot property, and that it

was not compatible with other homes in the neighborhood.

Michel also said that the house backs into Lombardy Lane, “a jewel

of Laguna Beach” that holds the traditional cottages he became a

board member to protect.

The couple said they had already downsized their plans by giving

up an office.

Kathryn Kelly said she works at home. After the decision, she

said, “You’re telling us we have to move.”

According to Chairwoman Suzanne Morrison, the panel’s decisions

are based upon preserving the character of the neighborhoods.

Another couple’s plans were also rejected because of the size of

the proposed structure.

The young couple bought property on Cypress Avenue with plans for

a 2,902 square-foot home.

The proposal was rejected for being incompatible with the lot

size, for creating an “inconsistency” in architecture in the

neighborhood, and for limiting views of neighbors.

The proposed Mediterranean-style home was lambasted by neighbors

as “an abomination,” “imposing” and “dominating.”

Board member Steve Kawaranti commented, “It’s wonderful how

architecture can evoke different emotions. I like it, but it’s not

compatible.”