Comment Sought On Improvement Project On Ocean Avenue In Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A public hearing for a big downtown-area project in Laguna Beach is set to take place Wednesday, Sept. 2.

The proposed changes would impact Ocean Avenue and a portion of Beach Street, with construction anticipated to start winter 2026 or early 2027.

According to the city, the proposed project includes the replacement of sidewalks with a grey 2-foot by 2-foot concrete grid pattern; installation of curb extensions or 'bump-outs;' installation of new curb ramps; installation of brick pavers for pedestrian crossings; widening and replacing the sidewalk on the north side of Beach Street for ADA compliance; and preservation of existing trees by widening existing wells.

The city noted that while prior factors in the improvement plan included the potential removal of mature trees, the present plan has been modified to minimize impact on the downtown canopy.

"In response to concerns, the city will employ a more deliberate, adaptive approach to sidewalk replacement adjacent to trees," city staff said. "Sidewalk replacement in proximity to existing street trees will occur through a tree-by-tree adaptive process."

According to the city, the trees in the project area will be evaluated by an arborist to determine whether root cutting can be performed safely or whether additional protective measures are necessary.

"When feasible, existing trees will be preserved consistent with the city's Tree Preservation Guidelines, with tree wells widened to a minimum of four-feet by six-feet to support continued growth," the city said.

No tree removals are proposed as part of the project, the city said.

The public hearing takes place at the upcoming Planning Commission meeting, scheduled for 6 p.m. at City Council Chambers, 505 Forest Avenue.