HomeMy WebLinkAbout(2015, 05/26) - H-6 - Adopted H-6
WATER-PROPELLED VESSELS IN NEWPORT HARBOR
PURPOSE
The City Council supports recreational and commercial activity within Newport Harbor
that preserves and contributes to the charm and character of the harbor. Quality
regulations protect the interests of all users of Newport Harbor including recreational
and commercial boaters, visitors, and residents.
The City Council finds that specific recreational and commercial activities may create
noise and safety concerns that detract from the unique environment for other harbor
users and waterfront properties.
Recreational and commercial vessels powered or maneuvered by means of mechanical
water propulsion above the surface of the water have the potential to
disproportionately impact the use and enjoyment of other harbor users, and if left
unregulated create potential health, safety and welfare issues. To ensure safe and
enjoyable access to all users of Newport Harbor, the City Council has determined that
water-propelled vessels operated above the surface of the water should be regulated
and restricted.
Newport Beach Municipal Code Section 17.20.060, or any successor statute, prohibits
recreational and commercial vessels powered or maneuvered by means of mechanical
water propulsion above the surface of the water, unless authorized under a permit
issued by the Harbor Resources Manager, or his or her designee. The intent of this
policy is to provide additional guidance to the Harbor Resources Manager, or his or her
designee, for the issuance of a permit to a commercial operator for the use of these
unique vessels in Newport Harbor.
POLICY
A. The Harbor Resources Manager, or his or her designee, may issue up to one (1)
permit for a commercial operator to operate a vessel(s) powered or maneuvered
by means of mechanical water propulsion above the surface of the water in
Newport Harbor. This policy does not require the Harbor Resources Manager,
or his or her designee, to issue a permit.
B. No permit shall be issued to a non-commercial operator to operate a vessel
powered or maneuvered by means of mechanical water propulsion above the
surface of the water in Newport Harbor.
H-6
C. The Harbor Resources Manager, or his or her designee, shall issue a Request for
Proposals (“RFP”) for the selection of a commercial operator under this policy.
When reviewing RFP responses, the Harbor Resources Manager, or his or her
designee, shall consider the operating history, safety record, compliance with
applicable laws, and financial stability of the commercial operator, in addition to
any other factors the Harbor Resources Manager, or his or her designee, deems
relevant. A new RFP shall be issued no less than once every five (5) years, or as
otherwise directed by the Harbor Resources Manager, or his or her designee.
Adopted – May 26, 2015