Council extends three public‑parking parklets to Dec. 31 and asks staff for permanent outdoor‑dining plan

Laguna Beach’s City Council on June 23 voted to extend three remaining parklets that occupy public parking spaces — Oto Sushi, Tango and Adonis Cafe — through Dec. 31, 2026, while staff develops a permanent outdoor‑dining program and a timeline for permitting and design changes.

The item grew from a council directive in November to transition parklets away from parking spaces and either relocate structures to the sidewalk where feasible or create a permitting pathway for longer‑term uses. Staff told council that most parklets have already been removed or transitioned, but three businesses asked to remain in place through the summer and into the busy season. The promenade construction schedule also prevents immediate changes at the Adonis site, staff said.

Council asked staff to return this summer with a clear workplan, including regulatory changes and a schedule to bring forward a permanent permitting option (for example, a conditional‑use or other long‑term entitlement) before the Dec. 31 sunset so the city is not faced with a sequence of stopgap extensions. Council also asked the economic ad‑hoc committee to examine whether targeted studies or DSP amendments are necessary to achieve a healthier downtown tenant mix rather than commissioning another broad retail market assessment without a clear goal.

The motion to extend the three parklets to Dec. 31, 2026 and direct staff to return with a permanent program timeline passed unanimously. Staff will follow up with affected property owners and post the timeline on the city website when available.