Implement task force suggestions

A dizzying array of ideas has surfaced from the design review task

force, which was charged with trying to figure out how to make the

design review process less contentious.

“Contentiousness” is a polite term for the emotional flare-ups and

downright nastiness that can occur when builders, property owners and

neighbors try to work out their differences over development in a

town that is built out but that is very desirable to live in.

Everybody wants their piece of the Laguna pie -- including a slice of

ocean view, thank you very much.

Indeed, the view issue has become so hot that activists are now

meeting specifically to deal with that issue. (We anticipate that the

contentiousness from view issues will more than make up for the

hoped-for reduction in contentiousness from the task force’s work,

but that’s another story.)

The task force has opted for a makeover of the system, and most of

their ideas are not only sensible but could be implemented quickly

and at little or no cost. These include neighbor-friendly notions to

give residents more time to peruse projects before they go to the

design review board, and neighborhood standards to tell prospective

builders what is acceptable in a particular area.

The most costly recommendation calls for a dramatic increase in

the planning department staff -- to the tune of about $800,000 the

first year -- but it is believed that even this major expense could

be borne by the builders, who would, it is argued, be more than happy

to pay double the development fees in exchange for better service and

less contention.

The task force also wants to use technology to make sure everyone

is literally “on the same page” when it comes to looking at plans.

That will bring the planning process firmly into the 21st century.

The result, it is hoped, will be more predictability and less

uncertainty in the planning process, and a smoother ride for all.

The task force’s recommendations are positive steps and should be

acted on as quickly as possible. Whether they actually result in less

contention is another matter.