Council OKs contract with Kimley Horn to craft Airport Area Specific Plan; budget amendment requested

The Newport Beach City Council on Jan. 13 voted to hire Kimley Horn Associates to prepare an Airport Area Specific Plan, a two‑year planning effort intended to implement general plan and housing element goals for the area near the airport.

Liz Westmoreland, principal planner, said the Airport Area has been identified in prior planning for future mixed‑use evolution and that the city released an RFP, receiving four responses. "Kimley Horn arose as the consultant that would be able to provide the services best," Westmoreland said. The consultant scope includes public outreach, multiple drafts of a specific plan, and hearings/study sessions with the council and planning commission. Westmoreland told council the contract cost is about $612,000 and staff requested a budget amendment of approximately $102,000 to cover the difference from currently available funds.

Public commenters — including local property and business owners — urged the city to conduct robust outreach to both residents and parcel owners, and one commenter noted a pending California appellate decision that could affect housing‑element implementation and rezoning timelines.

Council members supported moving forward, noting the need for a village‑style vision and amenities to serve future residents and workers. A majority moved to approve staff's recommendation; the motion passed 5‑yes and 2‑abstain.

Staff will proceed under the consultant contract to begin outreach and drafting the specific plan, and return to council for required hearings and formal adoption steps.