The proposed Bird Rock plaza renovation plan for 5550 La Jolla Blvd earned unanimous approval at the La Jolla Development Permit Review committee meeting March 12.

The project now moves to the La Jolla Community Planning Association for approval.

The project was first heard last month, when applicant representative Ryan Labrum presented his request for a Coastal Development Permit and Neighborhood Use Permit from the city of San Diego to renovate the exterior of the existing 10,000 square-foot retail and office building, enlarge the outdoor dining area of the restaurant space at the south end of the lot and provide pedestrian access to the building from the public right-of-way on the north side along Forward Street.

At the Feb meeting, DPR Chair Brian Will asked Labrum to address whether infrastructure improvements – not originally listed in the proposal, prompting committee concerns – would be considered.

“I did have a lengthy conversation with  the owners of the building,” Labrum said March 12. “They … asked that I convey their appreciation … the community’s interest in supporting their project.”

As the project begins, “there will be a lot of items that are discovered or repaired during the construction,” he said, adding the roof has already been replaced entirely.

A “significant amount” of the plumbing pipes have also been replaced, Labrum said.

The owners are “constantly working to find positive solutions with their tenants,” he said, “and they want what’s best for the community.”