Council sets public hearing and approves preliminary engineer's report, adds city contribution for Fairview–La Brea undergrounding district

The Laguna Beach City Council on Oct. 28 gave preliminary approval to the engineer's report for the proposed Fairview–La Brea Underground Utility Assessment District and set Jan. 13, 2026 as the public hearing to tally ballots. The council also approved an additional city contribution equal to 10% of the project cost in addition to the standard 10% general benefit, following precedent set on prior districts.

Capital Program Manager Pierre Sawaya summarized the project: utility designs completed in 2024; a district boundary that covers 90 assessable parcels; a preliminary assessed project cost of roughly $4.8 million (including bond financing and a 10% general benefit). The report provided an assessment range with a minimum per parcel assessment of about $22,000, median near $56,000 and a maximum around $75,000; one large parcel (Hotel Joaquin) is an outlier at approximately $106,000.

Proponents asked the city to consider an additional city contribution due to proximity to open space and public‑safety benefits; several residents who support the district spoke at the meeting. Council discussed precedent from Woods Cove and West Street (previous districts where council provided additional contributions) and approved a total city contribution of 20% (10% general benefit plus an additional 10% contribution) to reduce individual assessments. Staff will amend the engineer's report and mail revised ballots reflecting the reduced assessments prior to the Jan. 13 hearing. Council approved the actions on a unanimous vote.