The space, once inhabited by Bistro Express, is about 600 square feet and is more meant for warming or prepackaged food. It has been vacant since April last year.
The Newport Aquatic Center has stood at its current location since 1987 on land leased to it by the city of Newport Beach and the county of Orange, which share ownership.
Approvals Tuesday night only begin the process. "We want to make sure that we know what we're buying from an asset standpoint," Community Development Director Seimone Jurjis said.