Design Review 25-0319 and Coastal Development Permit 25-0318 (Implementing the Promenade on Forest project)
Summary
SCH Number
2025040410
Public Agency
City of Laguna Beach
Document Title
Design Review 25-0319 and Coastal Development Permit 25-0318 (Implementing the Promenade on Forest project)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/8/2025
Document Description
The design review and a coastal development permit to convert a temporary pedestrian plaza occupying the street to a permanent installation implements the Promenade on Forest project (approved by City Council on March 25, 2025). The key elements of the Promenade on Forest project include seating for nearby restaurants (including outdoor dining) and the general public, removal of the existing curb and
gutter, landscaping including new and replacement trees, enhanced paving, drainage improvements, and lighting. The project also includes the implementation of the Slow Streets program providing for the closure.
Contact Information
Name
Louie Lacasella
Agency Name
City of Laguna Beach
Job Title
Senior Administrative Analyst
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Laguna Beach
Counties
Orange
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
Lower Forest Avenue, between the Forest Avenue/South Coast Highway intersection and the Forest
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Public Resources Code §21000 et seq.; 14 CCR § 15000 et seq.) pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.25(b)
Reasons for Exemption
On April 2, 2025, the City of Laguna Beach Planning Commission approved Design Review 25-0319 and Coastal Development Permit 25-0318, which implements the Promenade on Forest project (“Project”). Therefore, Design Review 25-0319 and Coastal Development Permit 25-0318 is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) (Public Resources Code §21000 et seq.; 14 CCR § 15000 et seq.) pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.25(b), as amended by Senate Bill 922 (SB 922), which exempts “pedestrian and
bicycle facilities that improve safety, access, or mobility, including new facilities, within the public right-of-way.” (Pub. Resources Code, §21080.25(b)(1).) The Project qualifies for the statutory exemption as a pedestrian facility within the public right-of-way because it would involve the development of a pedestrian promenade within the
existing City right-of-way, improving safety and mobility by providing a pedestrian-only facility that is separated from active roadways and improving access by providing new opportunities for residents and visitors to visit shops, restaurants, and City events on foot.
County Clerk
Orange
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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