Project Timeline

October-February 2017: Monthly Meetings with Doheny Village Merchants' Association 

In October 2017, City staff re-initiated a public engagement process to inform, consult, and involve DVMA with a series of monthly meetings which featured interactive presentations and group discussions structured by a citizen partnership model. Meetings focused on challenges and opportunities related to land uses and development standards in The Village, as well as identifying areas of consensus to move forward with the project. Furthermore, City staff facilitated onsite, one-on-one conversations with residents, business owners, and property owners to gain insight on various perspectives and shared interests and concerns.  

October 12, 2017 - Nuts and Bolts of Doheny Village Zoning

February 22, 2018 - The Future of the Village: Next Steps

March 2018: Doheny Village Plan Update to City Council

On March 20, 2018, the City Council received an update report on the Doheny Village Plan and adopted the "guiding principles" for the Doheny Village Plan Update.  The City Council directed staff to: 

1. Continue meeting with the Doheny Village Merchants' Association as a working group and prepare a Draft Zoning Code Update for the City Council to review; 
2. Prepare a Zone Text Amendment for inclusion in the 2018 Zoning Code Ordinance cleanup project to streamline existing, nonconforming property regulations and provide more flexibility for Village property owners to invest in updating and improving their properties; 
3. Prepare a beautification plan; and
4. Suspend work authorized by the Council for the Doheny Village Plan Update EIR contract.

March 20, 2018 - City Council Staff Report

March 20, 2018 - Presentation to City Council

July 2018: Doheny Village Working Group convenes

The Doheny Village Working Group consists of select community representatives that have been actively involved in the Draft Zoning Code Update process on a monthly basis with City staff. The group developed an action plan and timeline to achieve long-term goals for the Zoning Code Update, General Plan Amendment, and Beautification Plan.  Working Group meetings are open to the public.

July 12, 2019 - DV Working Group Overview

October 2018: Doheny Village Zone Text Amendment approved by City Council 

On October 2, 2018, the City Council adopted a zoning code update to allow greater flexibility to expand, improve, and maintain existing, nonconforming structures and uses in Doheny Village.  The majority of structures were built under County of Orange jurisdiction and are 45+ years of age.  As an incentive to encourage property owners to improve their existing properties in the short-term, the zoning code update removes the requirement for a Conditional Use Permit and allows demolition up to 75 percent of the existing structure.  These amendments to the City’s Local Coastal Plan have been submitted to the California Coastal Commission for review and approval.  Once adopted, these provisions are set to expire December 31, 2025.

Ordinance No. 18-07.pdf

August 2018-December 2018: Working Group develops land use tables and zoning map

The Village is a unique, eclectic area with many long-standing industrial, mixed-use, and commercial businesses, as well as a variety of housing types such as multi-family, mobile homes, and live-work units.  Community members have identified three core areas within The Village:

• Mixed Commercial/Residential Main Street: Properties fronting Doheny Park Road
• Mixed Light Industrial/Commercial: West of Doheny Park Road, behind the alley
• Mixed Commercial/Residential: East of Doheny Park Road, behind the alley

Based on the historical pattern of development, the draft zoning map includes new zoning districts in The Village.  Some of the key land use changes include: light industrial uses on the west side, residential development on upper floors along Doheny Park Road, and horizontal mixed-use on the east side.  These land use changes will likely spur both small and large scale redevelopment in The Village.

January-July 2019: Working Group reviews development and parking standards

At present, the Working Group is focused on reviewing development standards for each of the three core areas within The Village.  The majority of structures in The Village were developed under the Orange County Zoning Code and Capistrano Beach Specific Plan.  The Group researched how the City’s current zoning code requirements have limited redevelopment of existing properties since 1989.  The Group seeks to draft and adopt flexible standards that are appropriate for the neighborhood.

July-November 2019: Working Group develops Doheny Village Capital Improvement Plan

As directed by City Council to develop a beautification plan, the Working Group and City staff identified several key capital improvement projects based on priority level.  The projects include improved connectivity to the beach at Doheny Park Road and Pacific Coast Highway, street improvements, traffic calming, public parking, and various aesthetic improvements.  The Working Group formed the Village Beautification Committee (VBC) to work on short-term projects including a mural program, landscape projects, pocket parks, and public spaces.  The VBC continues to meet on a monthly basis through 2020.

December 2019: City Council initiates Doheny Village Plan and Environmental Review

On December 3, 2019, the City Council voted to initiate the General Plan Amendment, Zoning Code Amendment, and Local Coastal Plan Amendment for the Doheny Village Zoning Code Update.  City Council also authorized Michael Baker International to resume work on the Environmental Impact Report for the project.  It is anticipated that the draft environmental report will be available to the public for review in spring 2021.

For questions regarding the Doheny Village Plan update, please contact Belinda Deines, Principal Planner, at bdeines@danapoint.org or at (949) 248-3570.