Laguna Beach, CA
Home MenuDowntown Improvement Project
Ocean Avenue (Forest Avenue to South Coast Highway)
Beach Street (Broadway Street to Ocean Avenue)
Project Overview
The Downtown Action Plan was initiated by the City Council in 2019 to evaluate existing conditions and develop a plan to improve the downtown infrastructure. Although the plan was not adopted, it provided recommendations for hardscape and landscape designs, street lighting, public art, sidewalk improvements, and inspection of existing trees. Taking into account improvements identified in the draft Downtown Action Plan, SWA Group prepared conceptual exhibits for the Ocean Avenue streetscape in March 2025 which serves as the basis for further design development of the Ocean Avenue and Beach Street corridors. These improvements include:
- Curb bump-outs for traffic calming and enhanced pedestrian safety
- A widened sidewalk along Beach Street
- Sidewalk replacement
- Minor drainage improvements
Project Goals
Improve public infrastructure in downtown at Ocean Avenue between Forest Avenue and South Coast Highway, and Beach Street between Broadway and Ocean Avenue stemming from initiatives identified in the Downtown Action Plan.
Project Schedule (Updated August 2026)
- October 2025 - Begin Final Engineering design
- November 4, 2025 - Town Hall public meeting
- November 18, 2025 - City Council Concept Consideration
- March 18, 2026 - Planning Commission Concept Review
- September 2, 2026 - Planning Commission Project Hearing
- October 2026 - Construction Bidding
- November 2026 - Award of Construction Contract
- Q4 2026 - Begin Construction
Design Engineering
On September 23, 2025, KOA was awarded a contract to begin final engineering design for street, drainage, sidewalk, landscaping, and irrigation improvements. The scope of work includes topographic survey, utility coordination, preparation of environmental documents, permitting, and final design documents.
Community Engagement
Town Hall - November 4, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM @ City Council Chambers
The City hosted a town hall in Council Chambers on November 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM to receive public input regarding SWA Group's conceptual exhibit for the Ocean Avenue and Beach Street corridors.
Concept Design Updates
On November 18, 2025, the City Council unanimously agreed to keep Lower Ocean Avenue as a two-way street.
The concept design was updated per Council direction as listed the meeting minutes.
Planning Commission Concept Hearing
On March 18, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM at City Council Chambers, the City will be presenting the project (CR2026-0341) to the Planning Commission for a noticed public hearing concept review.
Planning Commission Project Hearing
On September 2, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM at City Council Chambers, the City will be presenting the project (DR 2026-1651 and CDP 2026-1654) to the Planning Commission for a noticed public hearing.
- Notice
- Updated Intersection Plans