Laguna Beach, CA

Home Menu

I Want to...

How Do I...

Proposed Aliso Estuary Restoration

Subscribe to receive updates regarding the proposed Aliso Estuary Restoration Project

Click to subscribe

Notice of Preparation and Initial Study

Click here to read the Notice of Preparation and Initial Study

A Notice of Preparation and an Initial Study are early steps in the environmental review process required by California law. The Initial Study is a written analysis prepared by the lead agency to evaluate a proposed project and determine whether it may cause significant effects on the environment. Based on that analysis, the agency decides whether a full Environmental Impact Report is required or whether impacts can be avoided or reduced. If an Environmental Impact Report is needed, the agency issues a Notice of Preparation to inform the public and other agencies that the report will be prepared and to invite input on what environmental issues should be studied. These steps ensure transparency, early public involvement, and a focused review of potential environmental impacts before decisions are made.

Upcoming Public Meeting

Public Scoping Meetings

Initial Study and Notice of Preparation

The City will hold public scoping meetings for the proposed Aliso Estuary Restoration Project as part of the environmental review process required by the California Environmental Quality Act.

Meeting Date, Time, and Location

Date: January 21, 2026
Location: Laguna Beach Susi Q and Senior Center
380 Third Street
Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Meeting 1: 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Meeting 2: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

What Is a Public Scoping Meeting

A public scoping meeting is an early opportunity for the public to provide input on what issues and topics should be studied in the Environmental Impact Report. The City has prepared an Initial Study and issued a Notice of Preparation to begin this process.

The meetings are informational. No decisions will be made, and no approvals will occur at these meetings.

Purpose of the Meetings

The purpose of the scoping meetings is to gather comments from the public, agencies, and interested parties on the range of environmental issues that should be analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report. Input received will help shape the scope and focus of the environmental analysis.

What to Expect

An overview of the proposed project
An explanation of the CEQA process and next steps
An opportunity to ask questions
An opportunity to provide comments on environmental topics to be studied

How to Participate

Members of the public may attend the meeting, listen to the presentation, and provide oral or written comments. Written comments may also be submitted during the public comment period identified in the Notice of Preparation.

Staff Contact Information

Project Lead

Project Planner

Jeremy Frimond, Assistant City Manager

jfrimond@lagunabeachcity.net

(949)464-6673

Shaveta Sharma, Senior Planner

ssharma@lagunabeachcity.net

(949)715-0958

Project Description

Aliso Estuary Concept

A restoration project has been proposed for the Aliso Estuary by the Laguna Ocean Foundation. The proposal focuses on the estuary located at the mouth of Aliso Creek near Aliso Beach. The estuary is a coastal lagoon system that connects freshwater flows from Aliso Creek with the nearshore marine environment.

The proposed project has not been approved. It is currently under review and will be evaluated through a formal environmental process.

Project Schedule

Date	Milestone
December 9	Hiring of selected consultant finalized
January 14	City and WSP publish Final IS and NOP. 30 day comment period from January 15 to February 14
January 21	Public scoping meetings led by City staff and WSP
February 6	Public scoping period ends
April 22	Public Draft EIR released. 45 day public review period begins
May	Planning Commission hearing to accept public comments on the Draft EIR
June 8	45 day public review period ends
Early August	Planning Commission design review and Final EIR hearing

*Dates subject to change

Overview of the Proposed Project

Based on materials submitted by the project proponent, the proposed restoration project generally includes the following elements:

Modifications to estuary channels and hydrology to change water flow patterns
Sediment management activities within the estuary
Removal of invasive plant species and installation of native vegetation
Habitat enhancements intended to support aquatic and avian species
Long term monitoring and management components

Specific project design details may change as environmental review and technical studies progress.

Environmental Review Process

As of January 6, 2026, the proposed project will undergo environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. The City will prepare a full Environmental Impact Report to evaluate the potential environmental effects of the proposed project, identify feasible mitigation measures, and analyze reasonable alternatives.

The Environmental Impact Report will address topics such as biological resources, hydrology, water quality, coastal resources, recreation, and public access, among others. No final decision on the project will be made until completion of the CEQA process and consideration of the Environmental Impact Report.

Public Participation CEQA

Public participation is a required component of the CEQA process. Opportunities for public input will include:

Public scoping meetings (January 21, 2026)
Circulation of the draft Environmental Impact Report, and a formal public comment period (April - June 2026)
Final EIR Hearing (July 2026)

Information on meeting dates, document availability, and instructions for submitting comments will be posted on this webpage as it becomes available.

Construction Cost and Final Design

The estimated construction cost of $20,000,000 reflects current assumptions regarding grading, habitat restoration, public access improvements, utility protection, and environmental mitigation. The estimate includes contingencies and may change as design advances. The potential project will not proceed to construction unless outside funds cover the full cost. LOF has met with California Coastal Conservancy and USFWS, both of which remain supportive and indicate that the proposed Aliso Estuary restoration project would be competitive for future funding.