Laguna Beach Eyes Permanent Overhaul of Outdoor Dining Rules as Pandemic-Era Program Nears Expiration

Laguna Beach is preparing to reshape how restaurants serve diners outdoors, signaling the end of its pandemic era parklet system and the start of a more structured, long term approach to al fresco dining.

With the city’s temporary outdoor dining and parklet permits expiring at the end of the year, council members recently began outlining what the next phase should look like, especially for eateries operating outside the downtown Promenade on Forest.

State Law Brings New Flexibility, but City Leaders Still Push for Limits

Recent legislation out of Sacramento is changing the equation. Assembly Bill 592, enacted this fall, allows restaurants to sidestep certain local parking requirements in order to continue offering outdoor dining. It also enables the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to authorize expanded outdoor alcohol service for another three years.

A second law, Assembly Bill 413, which took effect in January, bans parking within 20 feet of the approach side of any crosswalk. Those newly restricted zones could be transformed into landscaping, pedestrian improvements, or even widened sidewalk dining pads.

Despite those allowances, Laguna Beach officials signaled they aren’t willing to maintain parklets in public parking stalls indefinitely.

Council Hesitant About Losing Parking to Parklets

At the Nov. 18 City Council meeting, staff asked for direction on developing a permanent outdoor dining program that aligns with new state rules. Council members were receptive to long-term dining solutions, but not if it means keeping parklets in public parking spaces.

Councilwoman Sue Kempf said businesses were always aware the program was temporary.

“I don’t personally favor keeping the parklets,” Kempf said. “Some of them don’t look very good, and they’ve already been extended once.”

Kempf said she supports outdoor dining in principle, particularly the popular Promenade on Forest, but noted that shifting from street dining to expanded sidewalks or bump-outs will take time.

Mayor Pro Tem Mark Orgill echoed concerns about parklet conditions and the appearance of some installations.

“We talk a lot about revitalizing downtown retail,” Orgill said. “But then you walk by these parklets that have clearly been let go. It’s frustrating.”

Who’s Using Outdoor Dining Spaces Now?

Laguna Beach’s temporary program has allowed up to 68 parking spaces citywide to be converted into outdoor dining areas. According to staff, 49 are in use today.

Among them:

• Adonis, Oto Sushi, Salerno, and Tango: each using two public parking spaces for parklets

• Las Brisas: converted 14 private spaces overlooking Heisler Park

• Laguna Beach Beer Company: using six private parking spaces along Laguna Canyon Road

  
  

Council Moves Toward Sidewalk-Based Dining

The council unanimously signaled a long-term preference for sidewalk dining zones rather than street based parklets, and pushed for individualized assessments of restaurants using private parking lots.

Councilwoman Hallie Jones said businesses should be evaluated based on their remaining parking capacity and the impacts on nearby streets.

“We need to understand how we start recapturing some of those private parking spaces,” Jones said, “because pushing all those customers into public spaces isn’t fair.”

What Happens Next?

The council gave the following guidance to staff:

1. Parklets in Public Parking Spaces

• Temporary use permits will be extended only six months.

• Businesses must move dining to sidewalks before the extension expires, or lose outdoor dining privileges.

• New rules will require:

  • No storage in parklets

  • Parklets open during business hours

  • Higher maintenance standards

2. Sidewalk or Private Lot Outdoor Dining

• Restaurants using private parking areas may receive a one-year extension.

• Staff will review each site and return with recommendations, which may include:

  • Conditional use permit modifications

  • Participation in the city’s parking management program

  • Use of existing parking reduction allowances

3. Businesses Not Using Parking Spaces

• Restaurants already operating outdoor dining without occupying parking spaces may also receive a full one-year extension while the permanent program is crafted.

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A Permanent Program Still in Development

City staff now have the task of designing a permanent, citywide outdoor dining framework that incorporates new state laws, balances parking demands, and maintains the character of downtown Laguna Beach.

The process is expected to continue into 2026, with the most immediate deadline falling on restaurants currently using public parking stalls, those operations must begin preparing for life without parklets.