Laguna Beach couple sues California Coastal Commission over property rights violation

Laguna Beach, California; January 14, 2025: Laguna Beach homeowners are taking the California Coastal Commission (CCC) and the City of Laguna Beach to court over their illegal attempts to prevent the homeowners from building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on their property.  

Despite state laws recognizing ADUs as beneficial in dealing with the current housing shortage and making reforms to encourage their development, Steve and Karen Reinecke’s plan to build an additional living space was thwarted when the Commission urged the City of Laguna Beach to impose coastal permitting requirements after the City had already found the Reinckes were entitled to an exemption.  

“Steve and Karen have the right to build housing on their land,” said David Deerson, an attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation. “The Commission and the City are misapplying their own rules and making it harder to address the state’s housing crisis. We are excited for the opportunity to represent the Reinecke family and defend their property rights.” 

Represented at no charge by Pacific Legal Foundation, the Reineckes are fighting back in state court to force the City and the CCC to follow the rules, mandatory procedures, and state law.  

 This case is the latest in PLF’s work protecting the right to build, so that property owners can create much-needed housing across the country.  

The case is Reinecke v. California Coastal Commission and the City of Laguna Beach.