HUNTINGTON BEACH : Restrooms Approved for Parking Structure

In response to requests from downtown merchants, the city will install public restrooms in the Main Promenade parking structure.

The construction of one restroom each for men and women will cost an estimated $82,500, paid for from a city account for the downtown parking structure.

As the downtown retail area gradually grows under the city’s redevelopment program, demand for public restrooms has increased in the area, said Ron Hagan, the city’s community services director. Portable restrooms are available in the area, but some downtown visitors have said they would prefer permanent facilities, Hagan said.

Additionally, the city plans festivals and other public events in the area, which furthers the need for permanent facilities since the structure will provide most of the parking for those activities, he said.

City Council members, concerned that transients may seek shelter in the restrooms, will limit hours they will be opened from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. They also agreed to spend $6,000 per year for city workers to supervise and maintain the facilities.

Construction of the restrooms is expected to begin in July, and they are scheduled to open in October.