Corona del Mar Vision Plan

Background

In August of 1999, the Corona del Mar Business Improvement District (BID), in conjunction with the Orange County American Institute of Architects and Urban Designers met with business people and residents to explore what design changes could be brought about to improve the Corona del Mar business district.

Using the results of the design charette, the BID in conjunction with the Corona del Mar Residents Association and the Corona del Mar Chamber of Commerce, prepared a specific area plan for the Corona del Mar business district entitled "CDM Vision Plan ". The following is included in the plan:

A design plan for the public improvements on Coast Highway

Advisory design guidelines for the improvement of building facades

• New sign guidelines
  
  
• A parking plan
  
  
• Improved development standards for commercial properties
  
  
• Improvement of the alleys adjacent to the business district

One of the conclusions of the Charette was that in order to make any significant changes through the business district, the city needed to assume jurisdiction over Coast Highway from the state (CalTrans). Thus, the first order of business was to begin the negotiation process with the state. This culminated with an agreement and relinquishment of the highway by the State of California to the City of Newport Beach, allowing the development of the Improvement Plan. The first phase of the Vision Plan was accomplished in 2005 with the construction of newly landscaped highway medians through the village business district. Continued plans are well-underway and the Vision Plan is evolving with each phase of implementation.