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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIV(b)_Attachment 2_Subcommittee Memo with EnclosuresAttachment No. 2 Subcommittee Memo with Enclosures Community Development Department CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, California 92660 949 644-3200 newportbeachca.gov/communitydevelopment Memorandum To: Co-Chairs Evans and Greer, and GPAC Members From: Benjamin M. Zdeba, AICP, Principal Planner Date: April 25, 2024 Re: GPAC Recreation/Natural Resources Subcommittee Efforts ________________________________________________________________ The GPAC Recreation/Natural Resources Subcommittee met on Wednesday, April 10 to review both the Recreation Existing Conditions and Background Analysis Report and the Natural Resources Existing Conditions and Background Analysis Report. Subcommittee Chair Klobe will provide an overview of the Subcommittee’s discussion and any actions at your upcoming meeting on April 30, 2024. Enclosed for your reference are the following materials: 1. Action Minutes from the Subcommittee Meeting on April 10, 2024; 2. PowerPoint Presentation from the Subcommittee Meeting on April 10, 2024; 3. Dudek’s Recreation Existing Conditions and Background Analysis Report; and 4. Dudek’s Natural Resources Existing Conditions and Background Analysis Report. The GPAC Recreation/Natural Resources Subcommittee will be seeking feedback on initial considerations for outreach and visioning related to Recreation and Natural Resources. The information contained in the reports and supplemented by the action minutes will be used as a tool to seek community input through the outreach and engagement efforts. Action Minutes: GPAC Recreation and Natural Resources Subcommittee Meeting Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. Location: Balboa Island Meeting Room at City Hall and online via Microsoft Teams GPAC and GPUSC Members in Attendance: Ruth Kobayashi, Dennis Baker, Jim Mosher, Paul Watkins, Nancy Scarbrough, Charles Klobe, Laird Hayes (Remote), and Nancy Gardner Members of the Public: Charles “Chuck” Fancher City Staff in Attendance: Jenny Tran, Oscar Orozco, Elizabeth Dickson (Consultant), Janet Rodriguez (Consultant) (Remote), Rose Newberry (Consultant) (Remote) Brief Discussion Recap and Action Minutes City staff initiated the meeting by introducing Charles Klobe as the Chair for the subcommittee. A roundtable was conducted for the purposes of taking attendance for the subcommittee. City staff provided the following basic objectives for the meeting: 1) review the “Natural Resources Element Existing Conditions and Background Analysis” document; 2) review the “Recreation Element Existing Conditions and Background Analysis” document; 3) suggest any changes to the documents; and 4) to move the Natural Resources and Recreation Existing Conditions and Background Report forward for GPAC consideration. Discussing the Natural Resources Element Existing Conditions and Background Analysis Elizabeth Dickson (Consultant) of Dudek provided a PowerPoint presentation. She went over why background analyses are important by stating that it is important to understand the issues and opportunities, according to the data and experts, to establish a baseline. In addition, it is important to inform interested parties and City staff of key flndings and to provide initial recommendations based on flndings. Lastly, she stated that it is important to guide discussions with community members during outreach and engagement and inform future policy development. She presented an overview of the conservation element requirements which include conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources. The areas include Water (conservation and quality), waterways, beaches, and shores. Forest soils, minerals, rock, sand, and gravel. Wildlife is also included. Some other natural resource element components include air quality, open space, archaeological and paleontological resources, visual resources, and energy. Elizabeth then presented an overview of the natural resource’s flndings related to six topics: Air Quality, Mineral Resources, Biological Resources, Archaeological and Paleontological, Rivers and Bodies, and Visual Resources. Water conservation, quality, and energy were not covered because it was covered under the resiliency meeting. Throughout and after Elizabeth Dickson’s presentation, the Subcommittee discussed the following highlights: GPAC Recreation and Natural Resources Subcommittee Action Minutes for April 10, 2024 General Input and Discussion Natural Resources in Newport Beach • The natural resources element covers the conservation element requirement. There are seven required elements of General Plan per state law as well as environmental justice. • Subcommittee member Charles Klobe added that at a tideland meeting he learned that city of Santa Ana has a larger percentage of people who are disadvantaged, and their runoff goes into Newport Bay. They have a plan to percolate runoff into the ground under facilities or parking or parkland or even skate parks and get grants for it. Because they have disadvantaged community they got grant for 100% cost. Newport Beach will not get that amount but maybe 50%, however, it might be a good opportunity as listed below: o Opportunity for Newport Beach to conserve runoff in the same fashion as Santa Ana through percolation rather than runoff into the bay. o Delhi channel – multiple projects in Santa Ana that contribute to the reduction of runoff. o Aquifer opportunities in Newport Beach – the City used to use wells. o Sand erosion – there’s a large amount of sand trapped in Santiago creek that belongs to the City, commercial entities mine the sand in Santiago creek for proflt which means it never makes it to the City beaches. o As a City should we be laying a claim to that sand because the City is losing sand through erosion ▪ However, we don’t want sediment coming into the Bay because it requires dredging to clean it. What is the solution to have sand make it to the City’s beaches without sediment making into the bay. ▪ Soil quality is also a determination of what can be thrown into the bay – should there be a policy that is tied to the tidelands committee? • Lack of monitoring of where the high-quality sand is going and the quality of sand that is making it into the City beaches – also affects the amount of recreational areas we have in the City • Air Quality o Measured regionally, pollutants that exceed state standards that originate from cars. o Existing actions – funding through air quality improvement trust fund and congestion management program. o Opportunities may exist through transportation demand management and EV infrastructure. o There was a request for a presentation from Dave Webb to speak towards renewable energy and plans for improvements to air quality related to traffic. o Dannis Baker added that the General Plan needs to convey preferences. Such as the use language like shall, can, will, encourage, etc. o Paulk Watkins mentioned that we should be cautious of extremisms in the General Plan. The goals should not be statements such as “by 2026 we should…”, instead they should state “the City should strive for….”. o General comments were made stating that City probably has more pollution from the airport rather than cars. o Vision statement at the top – where you want to be. In 20 years…. To reach that, what are our goals to reach that vision? Beautiful beaches and sustainable community then the goal is to be 100% renewable (for example) then the policies will be used to help us reach those goals. GPAC Recreation and Natural Resources Subcommittee Action Minutes for April 10, 2024 ▪ Those policies will help guide the commissioners in decision making for future projects. ▪ The General Plan should have objectives that are measurable – speciflc measurable numbers, that are under the goal (e.g., reduce pollution by 80%) – similar to implementing actions. • Mineral Resources o Oil drilling and methane collection in the city but it has declined. New extract is prohibited. No fracking. o City’s wells in Banning Ranch will need to be relocated – does the city charter prevent us from moving those wells? o Dennis Baker asked whether we consider areas like Banning Ranch that may become part of the City – crystal cove state part? o Objective/policy – regardless of who owns oil in the City, as those stop operating, the owner should be required to cap them. Includes the ones not owned by the City but located in the City. o We also have a lot of oil transitioning through City property, pipelines underneath the City – do we deal with these? – bring back to safety team? • Biological Resources o Endangered and threatened fioral and fauna in the City – ESHA – there are regulations to protect these areas if there’s any development. o Ruth Kobayashi mentioned that there is unauthorized overnight parking that dump downhill into the back bay. She asked if there’s a possible way to protect the sensitive areas by preventing overnight parking/ dumping. o Possible confusion between study areas and sensitive areas • Archaeological and Paleontological o What is the GP’s goal? – touched on in arts, cultural, historical committee. o This topic highlighted from a CEQA perspective. o Another topic that is not required in natural resources element – if policies start to make more sense in a different sub-committee, they can be moved. • Rivers and Waterbodies o Several subcommittee members mentioned that Orange Coast River Park is dissolved and now overlaps with Coastal Corridor Alliance. o Santa Ana River has a conservancy which is a state entity and has money and studies involved. o Banning Ranch conservancy is now the Coastal Corridor Alliance. o They’d like to see more coordination with these groups as there’s a lack of participation with new entities like OC parks. ▪ Orange County Flood, OC Parks, stakeholders, regulators. • Visual Resources o GPUSC Chair Gardner stated that visual resources were important in the last General Plan and if they really want to protect these views then the language is critical. o General comments: ▪ City Council tends to favor property rights. ▪ Language needs to be strengthened to protect views. ▪ Begonia Park – 30% impact to visual impact was considered insigniflcant for example. o Views from the harbor are not identifled and should be considered. GPAC Recreation and Natural Resources Subcommittee Action Minutes for April 10, 2024 o Mariner’s Mile – argument was made that housing overrides the view. There must be more protections that are more absolute, otherwise views will be eroded. o Pedestrian walkway on the waterside in Mariner’s Mile? o General input from members to Identify the viewsheds and provide stronger language to protect it. Discussing the Recreation Element Existing Conditions and Background Analysis Elizabeth Dickson’s presentation then transitioned into an overview of the open space element requirements which include preservation and conservation of lands containing or used for natural resources, production of resources (i.e. agricultural lands), outdoor recreation, open space for public health and safety (i.e. watersheds, fiood plans). She added that there are new open space element requirements which include equitable resident access to open space, coordination with the safety element and rewilding opportunities. Lastly, the recreation element addresses open space recreation including parks and beaches, marine recreation (i.e. boating, flshing, kayaking), bicycle and pedestrian trails and recreational facilities. Elizabeths presentation then touched on the different types of parks in Newport Beach. These parks include community, mini, neighborhood, view, greenbelt, open space, and public beaches. One flnding includes that 50% of households are within a 10 minute-walk from a park. There is a total acreage of 550 acres of recreational area and based on the projected 2045 population, the City exceeds it’s local standard by 115 acres. While the total number exceeds the local standard, Elizabeth added that 8 of the 12 service areas could be considered park deflcient based on the 2045 projected population when broken down into service areas. Some are constrained and equitable access may be a challenge. Improved connectivity and value over quantity may increase opportunities. Lastly Elizabeth added that households with children are decreasing while use of recreational youth programs is increasing. Population of older adults is increasing while use of senior transportation services is decreasing. Throughout and after Elizabeth Dickson’s presentation, the Subcommittee discussed the following highlights: General Input and Discussion Recreation in Newport Beach • Open space element requirement o Preservation and consideration of land used for natural resources, recreation, health and safety. o New state law regarding open space element requirement ▪ Must address equitable resident access to open space – such as increased connectivity to open space which creates better access. o County policy – cannot launch any vessels that are not hand launched – no motor vessel. o There are places that can be identifled that allows for recreational hand launching of vessels but there is a dearth of them, it would be bad to lose the few the City has. • California Wetlands Recovery Project – the City has areas that are degraded but can become a recovered wetland. Restoration opportunities: o Avon in Newport Heights behind BMV dealership is a wetland. o Senior Housing Center on Jamboree next to the dunes that has a wetland in the middle of it as an example of one that was created as a condition of the housing project for the stie. • General comment shared to the group by Dennis: GPAC Recreation and Natural Resources Subcommittee Action Minutes for April 10, 2024 o Southern California Water Research Project in Costa Mesa created a historical map of what the California coastline looked like hundreds of years ago. That can help identify wetlands and can be used as baselines for grants. • In the airport area, the City is approving housing without parks. Rather they are paying in-lieu fees. They do not require them to identify where the parks will end up being. o Can we include policies that identify where the parks will end up since the Airport Area Housing will be dense without parks? • We want to highlight, as it relates to service areas, we may not see adequate park spaces in terms of acreage to meet the local or state needs. • Key thing to focus on is the idea that we have a park acreage calculation, citywide we are probably flne. If we start thinking about service areas and access to parks, where do we see opportunity in the group. We are seeing difficulty in creating new parklands. o City should create a master plan for parks – if we just let developers build then we will not create these new parks. o There isn’t room for big parks in the City, maybe in the airport area after buildings are demolished. o However, we still do not have a master plan for parks. o Bike connectivity from the airport area is challenging, o Airport Area can attract young buyers who are open to different opportunities and policies such as rooftop parks. o Fashion Island, Airport Area, West Newport needs plans for parks? • Resident Chuck Fancher: City should have a policy that you can’t live in parks? o Drone policy for recreational use. Where could commercial drones be placed? • Circulation, housing, and noise are not in Dudek’s contract to analyze. • What’s been missing from the General Plan is “check offs” in the implementation. The General Plan tends to be broad “this is accomplished through the Zoning Code…” o Implementation is the focus – politically, we provide policies for the Council to approve and then hopefully the committee can draft objectives/implementations to provide a way to achieve the goals of the policy. o Previously only staff created the implementation plan rather than the community. We can say “we are going to seek grants for x, y, z” rather than “we are going to seek these speciflc grants” • Should be an obligation to ask the community their thoughts on private views. Does majority of the public agree that property rights outweigh private views? • We’re flnding that climate change is affecting what can be preserved, for example, maybe there are some vegetation that can no longer survive in the natural climate and we may need to consider migrating the vegetation/species from the City. • Dennis Baker asked, “Is there any way to press the point that there’s a deflciency in planning?”. • Elizabeth asked if the group support the document for the April 30th GPAC meeting? o Approving as a framework – conditionally approving as it’s a live-moving document. o Jim Mosher: endorse the recommendations in the analysis but open to more recommendations added in the future. ✓ Action: GPAC Recreation and Natural Subcommittee members supported moving forward with recommending the Natural Resources and Recreation Element Existing Conditions and Background Analysis Reports, as amended, and these action minutes for the larger GPAC to consider moving forward at the April 30, 2024, meeting. GPAC RECREATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES SUBCOMMITTEE APRIL 10, 2024 Purpose and Process for Background Analyses Understand the issues and opportunities, according to data and experts Establish a baseline Understand Inform interested parties and City staff of key findings Provide initial recommendations based on findings Inform Guide discussions with community members during outreach and engagement Inform future policy development Guide Why are Background Analyses Important? Process for GPAC Feedback •Acts as liaison to City staff •Reports to larger GPAC Subcommittee Chairperson •Shared with respective GPAC subcommittee •Optional meeting and taskforce •“Big picture” and recommendations feedback Draft Document Review •Share draft documents •Share subcommittee feedback o Actionable meeting minutes Full GPAC Natural Resources in Newport Beach Overview •Conservation Element Requirements –conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources •Water (conservation and quality), waterways, beaches, and shores •Forest, soils, minerals, rock, sand, and gravel •Wildlife •Other Natural Resource Element Components Include: •Air quality •Open Space •Archaeological and Paleontological Resources •Visual Resources •Energy Key Findings •AIR QUALITY •Measured Regionally -Pollutants that exceed standards originate from cars •Existing actions include: •Funding through Air Quality Improvement Trust Fund •Congestion Management Program •Opportunities may exist through TDM and EV infrastructure •MINERAL RESOURCES •Oil drilling and methane collection has declined significantly in the area •City’s Charter prohibits new mineral resource extraction activities Key Findings BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES •Endangered and threatened flora and fauna •Zoning protects designated environmentally sensitive habitat areas –ESHA report •County of orange (central/coastal) natural community conservation planning •Creates a subregional habitat reserve system to manage biological resources with respect to the location of development •Local coastal program and eelgrass protection and mitigation plan •Protect marine resources – requires site specific surveys and other provisions to regulate development and activities Key Findings •ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL •Geological formations of paleontological significance exist in the area •Tribal history has contributed to archaeological sites •Evaluation is required consistent with CEQA and Council Policy K-5 •RIVERS AND WATERBODIES •Upper Newport Bay –designated nature preserve •Back Bay Science Center provides education •Santa Ana River •Generally healthy quality except during and after storm events due to runoff •Banning Ranch Conservancy provides clean up of trash •Efforts to develop Orange Coast River Park •VISUAL RESOURCES •Designated view points •State Scenic Highway Program protects views along SR 1 •Local Zoning regulations also protect public views –Visual Impact Analysis required Recreation in Newport Beach Overview •Open Space Element Requirements –Preservation and conservation of lands containing or used for: •Natural Resources •Production of resources (i.e. agricultural lands) •Outdoor Recreation •Open space for public health and safety (i.e. watersheds, flood plains) •NEW Open Space Element Requirement •Equitable resident access to open space •Coordination with Safety Element •Rewilding opportunities •Recreation Element –Addresses Open Space recreation including: •Parks and Beaches •Marine Recreation (i.e. boating, fishing, kayaking) •Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails •Recreational Facilities Recreation in Newport Beach •Types of Parks: •Community, Mini, Neighborhood, View, Greenbelt, Open Space, Public Beach •12 Planning Service Areas •Assist with park planning and assessing development impact fees •50% of households are 10- minute walk from a park Key Findings •Park Acreage Standard •Local –5 acres per 1,000 residents •State –3 acres per 1,000 residents •Total Acreage –550 acres of recreational area •Based on projected (2045) population, the City exceeds it’s local standard by 115 acres •Park Acreage by Service Area •8 of 12 service areas could be park deficient based on 2045 projected population •Some are constrained and equitable access may be a challenge. Improved connectivity and value over quantity may increase opportunities. •Population Makeup •Households with children are decreasing while use of recreational youth programs is increasing •Population of older adults is increasing while use of senior transportation services is decreasing Next Steps •GPAC RECREATION/NATURAL RESOURCES SUBCOMMITTEE INPUT •Support this document for May 1st GPAC •Outreach and Policy Considerations •Key areas of concern or opportunity •Transportation Demand Management •Visual Resources •Park Planning by Service Area •Park investments compared to needs •Additional considerations Click to edit Master title style Contact NAME TITLE NAME TITLE P: Email: Website: P: Email: Website: Thank you! Benjamin Zdeba, AICP Principal Planner P: 949-644-3253 Email: bzdeba@newportbeachca.gov Jaime Murillo, AICP Planning Manager P:949-644-3209 Email:jmurillo@newportbeachca.gov Recreation Element Existing Conditions and Background Analysis City of Newport Beach General Plan Update APRIL 2024 Prepared for: CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, California 92660 Prepared by: 27271 Las Ramblas Mission Viejo, California 92691 Printed on 30% post-consumer recycled material. APRIL 2024 i Table of Contents SECTION PAGE NO. Acronyms, Abbreviations, Key Terms .............................................................................................................................. iii 1 Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 1 2 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 2 2.2 Recreation Element Purpose and Process ........................................................................................... 2 3 General Plan and Regulatory Review .................................................................................................................. 3 3.1 Recreation Element ................................................................................................................................ 3 3.2 Natural Resources Element ................................................................................................................... 3 3.3 Land Use Element .................................................................................................................................. 4 3.4 Harbor and Bay Element ........................................................................................................................ 4 3.5 Arts and Cultural Element ...................................................................................................................... 4 3.6 Regulatory Framework ........................................................................................................................... 5 3.6.1 State .......................................................................................................................................... 5 3.6.2 Regional/Local .......................................................................................................................... 6 4 Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................................................... 8 4.1 Planning Framework .............................................................................................................................. 8 4.1.1 Park Types ................................................................................................................................. 8 4.1.2 Planning Service Areas .......................................................................................................... 10 4.2 Existing Parks and Recreational Facilities ......................................................................................... 13 4.2.1 Public Parks and Recreational Facilities .............................................................................. 13 4.2.2 Park and Recreation Access ................................................................................................. 26 4.2.3 Recreation and Community Services.................................................................................... 30 4.2.4 Summary Park Conditions ..................................................................................................... 32 4.3 Private Parks and Recreational Facilities .......................................................................................... 33 4.4 Planned Park and Recreation Improvements .................................................................................... 35 4.5 Current and Future Population-Based Park and Open Space Needs .............................................. 37 4.5.1 Demographics Overview ........................................................................................................ 37 4.5.2 Current Utilization .................................................................................................................. 39 4.5.3 Needs Assessment ................................................................................................................ 41 5 Issues and Opportunities .................................................................................................................................. 43 6 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................ 44 6.1 Create a Methodology to Identify Park Needs by Service Area ........................................................ 44 6.2 Develop a Process for Strategic Planned Improvements .................................................................. 45 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 ii 6.3 Coordinate with School Districts......................................................................................................... 46 6.4 Engage the Community ....................................................................................................................... 46 TABLES 1 Parks and Recreation Areas by Type .................................................................................................................. 9 2 Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities............................................................................................ 13 3 City Park Walk Access ....................................................................................................................................... 27 4 Sport Offerings, Facilities, and Locations ........................................................................................................ 32 5 Parkland Acreage Needs .................................................................................................................................. 33 6 Private Parks by Facility Type ........................................................................................................................... 34 7 Planned Improvements by Service Area .......................................................................................................... 36 8 Newport Beach Population by Service Area .................................................................................................... 38 9 Newport Beach Population Age ........................................................................................................................ 38 10 Household Formation ....................................................................................................................................... 39 11 Age Cohort by Service Area............................................................................................................................... 41 12 Population Projections by Age .......................................................................................................................... 42 EXHIBIT A Senior Transportation Services Participation. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report from fiscal year 2005 to 2022 information on senior transportation services participation in absolute terms and on a per capita basis. ................................................................................................................................ 40 FIGURES Figure 1. Service Areas in Newport Beach .................................................................................................................... 12 Figure 2. Parks and Open Space in Newport Beach .................................................................................................... 24 Figure 3. City Pedestrian Park Access ........................................................................................................................... 28 Figure 4. Residential Pedestrian Park Access .............................................................................................................. 29 APPENDIX A Newport Beach General Plan Update Recreation Element Economic Support Year 2023 APRIL 2024 iii Acronyms, Abbreviations, Key Terms Acronym/Abbreviation/Term Spelled Out Form ADA Americans with Disabilities Act City City of Newport Beach (administrative body) Coastal Land Use Plan Coastal Land Use Plan of the City of Newport Beach Local Coastal Program County Orange County FY fiscal year Newport Beach City of Newport Beach OC Parks Orange County Parks Department report existing conditions and background analysis CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 iv INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK APRIL 2024 1 1 Executive Summary Recreational spaces create opportunities for people to take a break from work or walk out of their homes to enjoy the sunshine, breathe fresh air, run or cycle along trails, enjoy the trees and nature, play sports, spend time with family and pets, and get some exercise, while connecting to their community. These spaces are important land use components in an urban environment, providing both visual relief from the built environment and contributing to residents’ quality of life through recreation and aesthetic value. The primary purpose of the City of Newport Beach’s (City) Recreation Element is to provide sufficient park and recreational facilities that are balanced with the residential and business population. This existing conditions and background analysis (report) provides an overview of recreation in Newport Beach, including adopted recreation policies and the regulatory framework, and inventories existing and planned recreational areas. Recreational areas assessed in this report include parks and recreation facilities, marine protected areas adjacent to parks, and beaches. This report considers current and future recreational demands based on population, demographic, and development trends. These trends are explored in detail in Appendix A: Newport Beach General Plan Update Recreation Element Economic Support Year 2023, which includes information on the City’s current and projected population growth and demographic information. The appendix also includes information on the utilization of services and programming offered by the City’s Recreation and Senior Services Department. Regulatory and programmatic requirements are also considered and include state, regional, and local regulations such as the City of Newport Beach (City) Park Dedication Ordinance, which requires a parkland dedication of 5 acres for every 1,000 persons. The City divides Newport Beach into 12 service areas for the purposes of park planning and to administer parkland dedications and fees provided by residential development. Newport Beach has a surplus of parkland to meet the current and projected future population for the year 2045 based on the City’s parkland dedication requirement, but most service areas experience a deficit. In addition to acreage disparities across service areas, park types are also unequally distributed. To plan for and manage the Newport Beach’s parkland land equitably, the City should engage the community to revise the approach for identifying park needs. The methodology for identifying parkland needs should consider access, physical geography, and developmental constraints and opportunities for each service area to identify feasible parks types the environment supports, adequately identify resident’s needs, and capitalize on Newport Beach’s vast and uniquely varying natural resources and landforms. Additional opportunities for community engagement are included to understand the community’s recreation needs, as projected population trends indicate a large aging population and a declining population of children, which may have a significant impact on the City’s ability to adequately serve the needs of residents given that different age groups require different programming, services, and recreational facilities. The City should develop a process to identify community needs on an ongoing basis to strategically plan for improvements that address the rapidly changing environmental, economic, and social conditions. The City should partner with local school districts to support the use of school facilities’ recreational areas, because they play an important role in providing recreational opportunities in Newport Beach. APRIL 2024 2 2 Introduction Parks, bicycle and pedestrian trails, recreational facilities, and coastal resources such as beaches play an important role in the physical, mental, social, and environmental health of Newport Beach residents. As the community continues to grow, sufficient access to recreational facilities will be needed to maintain a high quality of life. Planning for and implementing measures that ensure that existing and projected populations have access to recreational opportunities will greatly enhance the way residents and visitors interact with the built environment. 2.1 Overview This report provides an overview of the provisions of the Recreation Element from the adopted City General Plan. This includes a description of the framework for consistency with State and Federal regulations, the existing parks and recreation facilities within Newport Beach, and a high-level overview of service needs and key issues and opportunities for providing adequate park and recreational opportunities to all residents. The City’s adopted Recreation Element fulfills the requirements of an Open Space Element, in accordance with Government Code 65302. The element specifically addresses the required recreational provisions of the Open Space Element, which includes information on open spaces for outdoor recreation. Such open spaces include spaces intended for recreational purposes such as parks and beaches and areas that serve as links between major recreation and open-space reservations. The Open Space Element must also include information that pertains to the preservation and conservation of a jurisdiction’s open-space resources, which are addressed by the City’s adopted Natural Resources Element. 2.2 Recreation Element Purpose and Process The purpose of the Recreation Element is to plan for recreational opportunities and address issues and policies concerning parks and recreational facilities, recreation programs, shared facilities, coastal recreation and support facilities, marine recreation and public access, and the provision of parklands and recreation programs within the City boundary for Newport Beach’s residents. More specifically, the primary purpose of the Recreation Element is to ensure an appropriate balance between the provisions of sufficient parks and recreation facilities and the current and future residential and business population of Newport Beach. As a city’s population grows and the demand for more recreational space increases, developable land typically becomes scarcer, often limiting the amount of open space available for recreational opportunities. For this reason, this analysis considers the adequacy of dedicated parkland and recreational opportunities through two perspectives: the first analyzes the number of amenities and acres of land per person, and the second views the issue through the lens of the quality of amenities, accessibility, and meeting the needs of existing and projected residents. Newport Beach’s landscape is made up of coastal, beach, tideland, reserve, and urban areas, creating an opportunity for a diverse range of parkland and recreation types. However, additional consideration of the other General Plan elements is also required, because recreational amenities and facilities may overlap with uses and land regulated by the Harbor and Bay Element, Natural Resources Element, Land Use Element, and the Safety Element, as well as the Local Coastal Program. APRIL 2024 3 3 General Plan and Regulatory Review Federal, State, regional, and local policies and programs influence recreation in Newport Beach and must be considered in the General Plan Update process (see Section 2.2, Recreation Element Purpose and Process). This chapter identifies where recreation is addressed in the adopted General Plan, relevant regulations, and local programs. The City’s adopted General Plan is organized into 10 chapters, or “elements.” Each element of the General Plan presents an overview of its scope, summary of conditions, and planning issues, goals, and policies. However, while the General Plan consists of individual elements, each of which addresses a specific area of concern, it also embodies a comprehensive and integrated planning approach for Newport Beach. As such, this chapter provides an overview of the adopted Recreation Element and other elements of the adopted General Plan that have goals or policies that overlap with those of the Recreation Element. 3.1 Recreation Element California state law requires that recreational uses, including recreational needs and opportunities, be inventoried and assessed in the General Plan to determine present and future demand based on population, demographic, and development trends. Starting in 1973, the General Plan had a Recreation and Open Space Element, which was amended in a 1998 update to the General Plan. However, with the most recent 2006 update of the General Plan, the adopted 2006 Recreation Element was prepared as a separate element to reflect its importance. The adopted Recreation Element, which under statute is a component of the Open Space Element, contains only policies related to recreation, while open space policies were contained within the Natural Resources Element. The nine goals contained in the adopted Recreation Element address the provision of facilities, maintenance and preservation, accessibility of facilities, provision of recreation programs, joint use facilities, and the provision of coastal recreational opportunities, adequate support facilities, marine recreation facilities, and public access. Specific recreational issues and policies contained in the Recreation Element include parks and recreation facilities, recreation programs, shared facilities, coastal recreation and support facilities, marine recreation, and public access. 3.2 Natural Resources Element In the 2006 General Plan, only policies related to recreation were included in the Recreation Element, while conservation and open space policies were contained within the adopted Natural Resources Element. However, some policies in the Natural Resources Element provide some general guidance for parks and recreation as they pertain to the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources. These policies include designing and siting recreation areas to avoid impacts to dune habitat areas (Policy NR 12.2); managing public access to the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve (Policy NR 16.4); maintaining public uses of the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve (Policy NR 16.5); promoting facilities within Upper Newport Bay for educational purposes (Policy NR 16.6); and providing public trails, recreation areas, adjacent to public view corridors (Policy NR 20.5). CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 4 3.3 Land Use Element The Land Use Element guides land use and development in the City, which includes land use policies and strategies related to the use of open space. The element focuses on balancing residential, commercial, and recreational needs, maintaining Newport Beach’s coastal character, and promoting and preserving open space. It also addresses issues related to sustainable development, transportation, and community aesthetics to guide Newport Beach’s future growth and development. Some aspects of the adopted Land Use Element address promoting and preserving open space and supplement policies in the Recreation Element. These policies include implementing a conservative growth strategy that enhances the quality of life of residents and balances the needs of all constituencies with the preservation of open space and natural resources (Policy LU 1.4); protecting and enhancing significant scenic and visual resources, including open space, mountains, canyons, ridges, ocean, and harbor, from public vantage points (Policy LU 1.6); accommodating uses that support the needs of Newport Beach’s residents including recreation and civic engagement (Policy LU 2.1); providing uses that serve visitors to Newport Beach’s ocean, harbor, open spaces, and other recreational assets, while protecting neighborhoods and residents (Policy LU 2.6); and prioritizing the acquisition of Banning Ranch as an open space amenity for the community and region (Policy LU 3.4). 3.4 Harbor and Bay Element California State law permits a General Plan to incorporate other elements that pertain to a municipality’s unique characteristics or visions outside of the seven mandated elements. Although optional by statute, once adopted they hold equal weight under the law as the mandated elements. As such, the adopted General Plan also includes a Harbor and Bay Element. The goals and policies of the adopted Harbor and Bay Element are intended to guide the content of regulations related to development and activities conducted on the water, as well as land use decisions related to waterfront property around Newport Harbor and a wide range of recreational boating activities, and a diversity of commercial and recreational uses. Some aspects of the Harbor and Bay Element that address public access and administration overlap with policies in the Recreation Element. These policies include encouraging the provision of visitor facilities in Newport Harbor (Policy HB 6.3); enhancing guest and public facilities, including those that provide beach recreation opportunities (Policy HB 6.4); and providing adequate public coastal access (Policy HB 6.1). In addition, the Harbor and Bay Element shares a common goal with the Recreation Element aimed to maintain public access to Newport Beach’s coastal resources for recreational purposes (Goal HB 6; Goal R 9). 3.5 Arts and Cultural Element Another element that pertains to a municipality’s unique characteristics or visions outside of the seven mandated elements is the Arts and Cultural Element. The goals and policies of the adopted Arts and Cultural Element are intended to be a guide for meeting the future cultural needs of the community by providing improved and expanded arts and cultural facilities and programs to the community. The Arts and Cultural Element and the Recreation Element overlap through various programming aspects, including the City’s Department of Recreation and Senior Services, which provides year-round educational programs for adults and children in music, dance, arts and crafts, and drama, as well as various festivals and events that occur throughout the year in Newport Beach, such as Concerts in the Parks hosted by the City Arts Commission and other events held at public beaches and facilities. In addition, some policies of the Arts and Cultural Element that overlap with aspects of the policies in the Recreation element include encouraging the incorporation of public art into major public projects (Policy CA 1.1); promoting CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 5 public awareness of and participation in the City’s cultural arts (Policy CA 1.3); encouraging the continuation and expansion of cultural arts events and programs, such as Concerts in the Parks (Policy CA 1.4); partnering with the community to strengthen arts education for children, youths, adults, and seniors in the City (Policy CA 1.5); and exploring opportunities to accommodate cultural arts programs within existing and new facilities and considering the potential for new facilities (Policy CA 2.1). 3.6 Regulatory Framework The regulatory setting for parks and recreation can be found in California State law, the adopted General Plan (as noted previously in Section 3.1, Recreation), and various local ordinances, as summarized below. 3.6.1 State SB 1425 (2022) SB 1425 (2022) requires all local jurisdictions to update the open space element of their General Plan by January 1, 2026. Specifically, this bill requires the open space element to include plans and action programs that address the following:  Access to open space for residents in a manner that considers social, economic, and racial equity, and aligns with environmental justice policies  Climate resilience and other cobenefits of open space, that are to be coordinated with the safety element  Rewilding opportunities aligned with the land use element that aim to preserve, enhance, and expand natural ecosystems. Public Park Preservation Act The primary instrument for protecting and preserving parkland is the State Public Park Preservation Act. Under the California Public Resources Code, cities and counties may not acquire any real property that is in use as a public park for any non-park use unless compensation or land, or both, are provided to replace the parkland acquired. This provides no net loss of parkland and facilities. State Street and Highway Code The State Street and Highway Code includes provisions for equestrian and hiking trails within the rights-of-way of county roads, streets, and highways. Quimby Act (Parkland Provisions) The Quimby Act (California Government Code Section 66477, as amended by Assembly Bill 1359) authorizes the legislative body of a city or county to require the dedication of land or impose fees for park or recreational purposes as a condition to the approval of a tentative or parcel subdivision map, if specified requirements are met. For projects that do not involve a subdivision, impact fees may be collected to pay for a range of applicable uses, including parkland, park improvements, community centers, recreation facilities, trails, or open space. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 6 Parkland dedication standards associated with the Quimby Act require the provision of 3 acres of park area per 1,000 persons residing within a subdivision, unless the amount of existing neighborhood and community park area exceeds that limit, in which case the city may adopt a higher standard not to exceed 5 acres per 1,000 residents. 3.6.2 Regional/Local City of Newport Beach Park Dedication Ordinance Chapter 19.52, Park Dedication and Fees, of the Newport Beach Municipal Code requires the dedication of land or the payment of in lieu fees, or a combination of both, for park or recreational purposes as a condition to the approval of residential subdivisions. In accordance with the Newport Beach Municipal Code, the park dedication standard is 5 acres per 1,000 persons. Where a fee is required to be paid in lieu of land dedication, the fee is calculated by multiplying the acreage of land that would otherwise have been required to be dedicated times the fair market value per acre. In lieu fees collected may only be used for park or recreational facilities that serve the residential subdivision, either through the purchase of land for the purpose of developing new parks or facilities or, if the City Council determines that there is sufficient land available, for the improvement or rehabilitation of existing neighborhood or community park or recreational facilities. The park dedication ordinance also provides for credit to be given against the required dedication of land or payment of fees, at the discretion of the City Council, for the provision of private recreation facilities within a new residential development or for the provision of park and recreation improvements to dedicated parkland. If allowed, the private facilities or public improvements are credited against the dedication of land and/or the payment of in lieu fees. City of Newport Beach Circulation and Improvement Open Space Agreement Another important agreement that contributes to the City’s development and acquisition of parkland and open space areas is the Circulation and Improvement Open Space Agreement in conjunction with the Irvine Company. In exchange for various building entitlements, the City of Newport Beach receives pre-payment of required “fair-share” road improvement fees, a commitment to construct road improvements adjacent to the proposed projects, an interest-free loan, and land for recreation and open space areas and potential senior housing sites. 2018 Orange County Parks Strategic Plan The Orange County Parks Department (OC Parks) Strategic Plan was adopted by the Orange County (County) Board of Supervisors in 2018.1 The Strategic Plan is a regional planning document that defines goals and objectives to guide the extensive regional park system in the County for the next 10 years. The Strategic Plan highlights OC Parks’ core identity and values: Community, Commitment to Excellence, Service, Stewardship; provides a clear set of objectives to guide planning and decision-making processes; and better positions OC Parks to take on the challenges and opportunities of the present and in the years to come. Similar to city parks departments, OC Parks provides significant, dynamic, and diverse parklands listed in the Strategic Plan, two of which are located in Newport Beach, including the 140-acre Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve (surrounding the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve), and Bayside Beach within Newport Harbor. These County-owned park and recreational areas in Newport Beach provide opportunities to advance policies in the Recreation Element that are focused on utilizing 1 OC Parks, 2018, OC Parks Strategic Plan 2018, accessed at https://www.ocparks.com/sites/ocparks/files/import/data/ files/82682.pdf. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 7 non-City recreational facilities and open space to supplement the park and recreational needs of the community and interagency coordination to protect, expand, and enhance opportunities for recreational activities at County and State beaches and parks. Coastal Land Use Plan of the City of Newport Beach Local Coastal Program The Coastal Land Use Plan of the City of Newport Beach Local Coastal Program (Coastal Land Use Plan) sets forth goals, objectives, and policies that govern the use of land and water in the coastal zone within Newport Beach and its sphere of influence, with the exception of Newport Coast and Banning Ranch.2 The Coastal Land Use Plan addresses the California Coastal Act of 1976 in three chapters: Land Use and Development, Public Access and Recreation, and Coastal Resource Protection. The Coastal Land Use Plan was derived from the Land Use Element of the General Plan and is intended to identify the distribution of land uses in the coastal zone. The California Coastal Act Goals for the coastal zone include the following: Protect, maintain and, where feasible, enhance and restore the overall quality of the coastal zone environment and its natural and artificial resources. Assure orderly, balanced utilization and conservation of coastal zone resources taking into account the social and economic needs of the people of the state. Maximize public access to and along the coast and maximize public recreational opportunities in the coastal zone consistent with sound resources conservation principles and constitutionally protected rights of private property owners. Assure priority for coastal-dependent and coastal-related development over other development on the coast. Encourage state and local initiatives and cooperation in preparing procedures to implement coordinated planning and development for mutually beneficial uses, including educational uses, in the coastal zone.3 Randall Preserve (formerly Banning Ranch) The Randall Preserve is an important open space resource for Newport Beach residents. Several policies for the acquisition and preservation of Banning Ranch (known today as the Randall Preserve) are included in the adopted General Plan Natural Resources and Land Use Elements. Within the adopted Natural Resources Element, one policy is included for the protection of sensitive and rare resources, and for consideration of the natural resources within Banning Ranch if development were to occur (NR 10.9 Development on Banning Ranch). Policies within the adopted Land Use Element also identify Banning Ranch as a priority site for acquisition of and preservation as an open space amenity for Newport Beach residents (LU 3.4, 6.3.2) and several policies include considerations and direction for the uses allowed, development and design priorities, and prohibited activities in the event the site would be annexed and/or if acquisition of the property for the preservation of open space was unsuccessful (LU 2.7, 6.4.5, 6.4.10, 6.4.11, and 6.5.2). The open space relief Banning Ranch provides for Newport Beach is not included as part of the total parkland acreage identified in the adopted Recreation Element or in this analysis as the focus of the Recreation Element is for parkland that falls within the City’s boundary. Banning Ranch falls outside of the City’s 2 City of Newport Beach, 2018, City of Newport Beach Local Coastal Program Coastal Land Use Plan, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/community-development/planning-division/general-plan-codes-and-regulations/local-coastal-program/coastal-land-use-plan. 3 California Coastal Act, 2023, California Public Resources Code, Division 10, Chapter 1: Findings and Declarations and General Provisions, Section 30001.5: Legislative Findings and Declaration; Goals, accessed at https://www.coastal.ca.gov/coastact.pdf. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 8 boundary and within the City’s Sphere of Influence (SOI), which is required to be considered in the Land Use Element as is reflected by the policies included in adopted Land Use Element, discussed above. As of 2022, the 13-acre oil field within Banning Ranch was acquired by the Coastal Alliance Corridor (previously Banning Ranch Conservancy) and the Trust for Public Land4 renamed as the Banning Ranch Remainder5; and the remaining 387-acre property is under the stewardship of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority and is now known as the Frank and Joan Randall Preserve.6 The site continues to remain as part of the City’s SOI and therefore is analyzed as part of the update to the adopted Land Use Element. The SOI is considered in the development of the Land Use Element because it encompasses the area most likely to be the ultimate physical boundary and service area of local government agencies, as determined by the Local Agency Formation Commission of Orange County (Orange LAFCO). While cities do not have jurisdiction within the SOI, a city may pre-zone unincorporated territory to determine the zoning that will apply to that territory upon annexation to the city (Cal. GOV. 65859). See the Land Use Element Existing Conditions and Background Analysis for a full discussion and review of the City’s SOI.Existing Conditions This chapter describes the existing conditions for the City’s parks and recreational facilities, including the park planning framework, existing public and private parks and recreational facilities, planned park and recreational improvements, and an overview of current and future park needs based on existing and projected population and demographics. 3.7 Planning Framework 3.7.1 Park Types The adopted Recreation Element defines seven park types classified by the type of amenities and facilities available, and, in some cases, the population they are intended to serve. School park facilities are also included in this discussion because they can serve the general public during weekends and after school. The park types are as follows:  Community Park. Community parks serve the entire City of Newport Beach and are easily accessible via arterial roads. Community parks typically include community buildings, parking, swimming, facilities for picnicking, active sports, and other facilities that serve a larger population.  Mini Park. Mini parks are smaller parks and have two general purposes. Most mini parks typically less than 1 acre in size, serve a 0.25-mile radius, and are located within a neighborhood, separate from major collector roads. Some mini parks serve the entire City of Newport Beach and are located as urban trail heads along major trails or streets.  Neighborhood Park. Neighborhood parks serve all ages and are generally 1 to 8 acres in size. They are located adjacent to public schools when possible. Neighborhood parks contain amenities such as turf 4 Los Angeles Times, 2024, Banning Ranch Conservancy rebranded as Coastal Corridor Alliance, January 2024. Accessed at https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/story/2024-01-31/banning-ranch-conservancy-gets-rebrand-as-coastal-corridor-alliance 5 Trust for Public Lands, Randall Preserve. Accessed at https://www.tpl.org/our-work/randall-preserve 6 Coastal Corridor Alliance, Randall Preserve. Accessed at https://coastalcorridor.org/coastal-corridor/randall-preserve/ CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 9 areas, active sport fields and courts, community buildings, play apparatus, and picnic facilities. Some neighborhood parks may also include senior centers, youth centers, and aquatic facilities.  View Park. View parks are smaller passive parks at significant vistas or viewpoints. They are often located on coastal bluffs and highlight ocean and bay views. Most view parks are between 0.5 and 3 acres in size and serve the entire City of Newport Beach. View park amenities include improved landscaping, walkways, and benches.  Greenbelt. Greenbelts are public or semi-public park types that include areas with limited recreational facilities and primarily function as passive open space.  Open Space. Open space includes passive and active open space areas that do not function as public spaces but do provide open space relief. Some open space areas are open to or accessible by the general public.  Public Beach. Public beaches serve a number of local and regional functions. In some neighborhoods, beaches function as neighborhood or community parks. Easy accessibility, lack of entrance fees, and a lack of other available parks has contributed to this function. Public beaches all include sandy beach areas adjacent to the bay or ocean and may include active sports, snack bars, showers, drinking fountains, restrooms, walkways, docks, benches, shade trees, and parking areas. Active beach area acreage is measured 100 feet from the observed water edge into the water area based on the standard for shoreline swimming and previous observations from the Newport Beach Technical Report.7  School. Public schools are a part of the recreation system in the City of Newport Beach because field and playground areas can serve the general public during weekends and after school.8 Table 1 summarizes the acreage and number of public facilities by park type. The most common park type is view park, followed by community and neighborhood parks; and while open space and public beaches are less common park types, combined they account for more than half of the total park and open space acreage in Newport Beach. No data was available to identify the greenbelt park type; therefore, this park type is excluded from Table 1. See Section 4.2 for a comprehensive list of parks and recreation facilities offering passive and recreational opportunities in Newport Beach. Table 1. Parks and Recreation Areas by Type Parks and Recreation Type Number Acres Community park 18 131.6 Mini park 14 5.84 Neighborhood park 18 71.1 View park 22 100.02 Open space 6 2,477.72 Public beach 6 250.53 School 10 66.1 Total 94 3,102.91 7 American Planning Association, 1965, Standards for Outdoor Recreational Areas, January 1965, accessed at https://www. planning.org/pas/reports/report194.htm. 8 City of Newport Beach, 2004, “Technical Background Report,” Volume 3 in City of Newport Beach General Plan Update, June 2004, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/PLN/General_Plan/Technical_Background_Report/NB_Final_TBR_(2004-06-03).pdf. GreenInfo Network, 2021, California Protected Areas Database, accessed September 7, 2021, at https://www. calands.org/cpad/. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 10 Source: City of Newport Beach 2004; Urban Footprint Parks and Open Space GIS data.9 3.7.2 Planning Service Areas The Recreation Element divides Newport Beach into 12 service areas for the purposes of park planning and to administer parkland dedications and fees provided by residential development. The 12 park planning service areas are as described below, and Figure 1, Services Area in Newport Beach, illustrates the service area boundaries. A description of park types and recreational facilities within the service areas is provided in Section 4.2, Existing Parks and Recreational Facilities.  Service Area 1, West Newport. The area covered by West Newport Service Area is generally bounded by the Santa Ana River to the west, West 19th Street to the north, State Route 55 to the east, and the Pacific Coast to the south.  Service Area 2, Balboa Peninsula. The area covered by Balboa Peninsula Service Area is generally bounded by 19th Street to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the south, the harbor entrance to the east, and Newport Channel to the north.  Service Area 3, Newport Heights/Upper Bay. The area covered by the Newport Heights/Upper Bay Service Area is generally bounded by State Route 55 to the west, Lido Channel to the south, and Back Bay to the east, and the northern boundary follows the city boundary to Monte Vista Avenue.  Service Area 4, Santa Ana Heights. The area covered by the Santa Ana Heights Service Area is generally bounded by the city boundary to the west along Irvine Avenue, Upper Back Bay to the south, Jamboree Road to the east, and Campus Drive to the north.  Service Area 5, Lower Bay. The area covered by the Lower Bay Service Area is generally bounded by the West Lido Channel on the western boundary and northern boundary, along the southern edge of Lido Isle, and Jamboree Road to the east.  Service Area 6, Balboa Island. The area covered by the Balboa Island Service Area is the entirety of Balboa Island, with boundaries extending approximately 380 feet around the island into the surrounding Newport Channel.  Service Area 7, Eastbluff/Newport North. The area covered by the Eastbluff/Newport North Service Area is generally bounded by Back Bay Drive to the west, the southern boundary of Big Country Park to the south, with Jamboree Road forming a portion of the eastern boundary south of Bison Avenue and along the city boundary; the northern boundary of the service area generally extends to the intersection of Jamboree Road and MacArthur Boulevard.  Service Area 8, Big Canyon/Belcourt. The area covered by the Big Canyon/Belcourt Service Area is generally bounded by Jamboree Road to the west, San Joaquin Hills Road to the south, MacArthur Boulevard to the east, and Sison Avenue to the north.  Service Area 9, Newport Center. The area covered by the Newport Center Service Area is bounded generally by the eastern edge of Back Bay on the west, by Pacific Coast Highway on the south, by MacArthur Boulevard on the east, and by San Joaquin Hills Road on the north. 9 City of Newport Beach, 2004, “Technical Background Report,” Volume 3 in City of Newport Beach General Plan Update, June 2004, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/PLN/General_Plan/Technical_Background_Report/NB_Final_TBR_(2004-06-03).pdf. Greeninfo Network, 2021, California Protected Areas Database, accessed September 7, 2021, at https://www. calands.org/cpad/. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 11  Service Area 10, Corona del Mar. The area covered by the Corona del Mar Service Area is generally bounded by Jamboree Road to the west, the coastline abutting the harbor entrance south of Pacific Coast Highway to the south, the eastern boundary extends generally to Cameo Shores Road, and the northern boundary is along Pacific Coast Highway west of MacArthur Boulevard and along 5th Avenue east of MacArthur Boulevard.  Service Area 11, Harbor View. The area covered by the Habor View Service Area is generally bounded by MacArthur Boulevard to the west, 5th Avenue to the south, Upper Buck Gully to the east, and the city boundary to the north.  Service Area 12, Newport Coast. The area covered by the Newport Coast Service Area is generally bounded by Buck Gully and San Joaquin Reservoir to the west, Pacific Coast Highway to the south, the city’s eastern boundary, and San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor to the north. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 12 Figure 1. Service Areas in Newport Beach CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 13 3.8 Existing Parks and Recreational Facilities This section describes the existing parkland in Newport Beach offering recreational opportunities, access to parks and recreation facilitates, services provided by the City Recreation and Senior Services Department, and an overview of existing park conditions summarizing the deficit or excess parkland in each planning service area. 3.8.1 Public Parks and Recreational Facilities The City has approximately 559 acres of existing parkland in Newport Beach, including 250 acres of beach recreation acreage; approximately 66 acres of School District land under joint use agreements offering recreational opportunities; and 2,478 acres of other recreational areas on open space and preserves. Table 2 lists public parks and recreation facilities, including beach recreation, schools with joint use facilities, and other recreational areas in Newport Beach by planning service area. The park/facility name, park types and facilities, acreage, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access, and general conditions and observations are provided in Table 2 and illustrated in Figure 2, Parks and Open Space in Newport Beach. Additional private recreational facilities that serve residents of Newport Beach, such as aquatic facilities, yacht clubs, and golf courses are discussed in Section 4.3, Private Parks and Recreational Facilities. Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Park/Recreational Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres ADA Access Conditions Service Area 1: West Newport Parks 38th Street Park Neighborhood park: active sports facilities, basketball courts, play area, picnic tables, restrooms 0.93 Yes No electricity: use is limited to daylight hours; street parking only Channel Place Park Neighborhood park: 2 barbecue areas, basketball court, 2 picnic tables, play area; restrooms, view of bay 1.28 Yes Street parking only Gateway Park Mini park: limited to passive recreation 0.28 Yes Street parking only Lake Avenue Park Mini park: limited to passive recreation 0.06 Yes Street parking only Lido Park View park: view of bay 0.16 Yes Street parking only Newport Island Park Neighborhood park: 1 barbecue, basketball court, 2 picnic tables, play area, view of bay 0.33 Yes Street parking only Newport Shores Park Mini park: small play area 0.21 Yes Street parking only Rhine Wharf Park View park: view of Newport Bay 0.01 Yes Street parking only; no landscaping CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 14 Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Park/Recreational Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres ADA Access Conditions Sunset Ridge Park Community park: 2 athletic fields, 1 ball diamond, 2 barbecue areas, 4 picnic tables, play area, restrooms, view of ocean 1.08 Yes Parking lot with 64 parking spaces. Sunset Ridge View Park View park: view of bay and ocean 0.80 Yes Street parking only West Newport Park Lower Neighborhood park with a barbecue area; basketball court; handball court; parking lot; picnic tables; play area; 4 tennis courts 3.23 Yes — West Newport Park Mid Neighborhood park: play area; parking lot; and picnic tables 1.61 Yes — West Newport Park Upper Neighborhood park: with a play area; parking lot and picnic tables. 1.55 Yes — Beach Recreation Site Beaches Public beach: swimming; beach recreation; volleyball; sunning; benches (calculated from a 2+ mile stretch and 200 feet width of observed passive and active recreation within shallow water edge), and Newport Beach Pier 58.9 — — School Recreation Site Pacifica Christian High School Community center gym: basketball court gym leased from school 0.4 — Open for public recreation use in the evenings; parking lot Service Area Subtotal 70.83 — — Service Area 2: Balboa Peninsula Parks L Street Park Mini park: limited to passive recreation 0.29 Yes Street parking only M Street Park Mini park: limited to passive recreation 0.06 Yes Street parking only Marina Park Community park: basketball court, community room, kitchen, picnic table, play area, restrooms, view of bay 8.94 Yes Parking lot capacity for 145 vehicles; minimal tree coverage Miramar Park Mini park: play area 0.12 Yes Street parking only Peninsula Park Neighborhood park: athletic field; 3 barbecue areas, 5 picnic tables, play area, restrooms, showers, view of ocean 4.53 Yes Parking lot CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 15 Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Park/Recreational Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres ADA Access Conditions Veterans Memorial Park Neighborhood park: 1 barbecue, view of bay 1.46 Yes Street parking only West Jetty View Park View park: 1 picnic table, view of bay and ocean 0.85 Yes Street parking only; maximum capacity of 20 in the grass area, and 20 in the picnic area Beach Recreation Sites Beaches Public beaches: 3 basketball courts, sports field, blacktop recreation area, play area, volleyball courts, swimming, beach play, sunning, walking and biking trail, Balboa Pier, restrooms (approximate 2.6-mile stretch encompassing sandy area and 100 feet from the water edge) 163.26 — Parking lots accesses from Palm Street and Oceanfront and from Mc Fadden Place and W. Oceanfront School Recreation Sites Newport Elementary School Active facilities include a turf area, basketball court, and play area (located on beachfront sand area leased from City since 1950) 3.3 — — Service Area Subtotal 182.81 — — Service Area 3: Newport Heights/Upper Bay Parks Bob Henry Park Neighborhood park: active facilities include an athletic field, 2 ball diamonds, play area, and a parking lot, 4 picnic tables 5.10 Yes Landscaping around the park perimeter; sparse shade due to the wide coverage of the athletic field Bolsa Park Mini park: passive facility with picnic table and play area 0.19 Yes Picnic area capacity of 20 people Castaways Park View park: passive facility with numerous trails, view of bay and ocean 16.78 Yes Shared parking lot with Newport Harbor Lutheran Church and School. Lower Castaways Park View park: passive parkland with view of bay 5.53 — Parking lot; rough terrain with access to Castaways Park CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 16 Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Park/Recreational Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres ADA Access Conditions Cliff Drive Park East View park: barbecue area, basketball court, community room, picnic table, play area, view of bay 3.02 Yes Street parking only Cliff Drive Park West View Park: View of bay 1.20 No Street parking only Galaxy View Park View park: view of bay 0.94 Yes Street parking only; maintained grass landscaping John Wayne Park & Theatre Arts Center View park: passive facility adjacent to community center, picnic table, view of bay and ocean 2.13 — Accessible from two parking lots; maintained grass landscaping Kings Road Park View park: passive facility with a view of bay, view of ocean 0.4 No Street parking only; minimal shade; maintained grass landscaping Mariners Park & JV Community Center Community park: active sports facilities including athletic field, ball diamond, basketball court, handball court, 2 tennis courts, play area, 4 barbecues, community center, kitchen, 4 picnic tables 7.15 Yes Adjacent to Mariners Branch Library and Mariners Elementary School; parking lot; adequate tree coverage Westcliff Park View park: passive facility; view of bay 2.99 No Maintained grass landscaping; fence around perimeter as a buffer for parking lot Beach Recreation Sites North Star Beach Public beach: swimming, beach recreation, sunning, kayak and surf equipment rentals at adjacent facility 11.25 No Parking lot; adjacent to Newport Aquatic Center School Recreation Sites Mariners Elementary School Basketball and play areas to accommodate overflow from Mariners Park 1.67 — — Newport Heights Elementary School Play areas and open space 4.9 — — Ensign Intermediate School (formerly Horace Ensign Jr. High School) Active facilities including volleyball nets, basketball courts, gymnasium, and athletic field 7.6 — — Newport Harbor High School Active facilities including tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pool, and play area 19.9 — — CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 17 Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Park/Recreational Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres ADA Access Conditions Service Area Subtotal 90.75 — — Service Area 4: Santa Ana Heights Bayview Park Neighborhood park: basketball court, play area, barbecue area, and view of bay 2.00 Yes Street parking only; surrounded by residential uses; maintained grass landscaping Mesa Birch Park Mini park: passive recreation area with a picnic table 0.69 Yes Street parking only; located on a heavily trafficked area; maintained grass landscaping Uptown Park Mini park: passive and active facilities including barbecues, picnic table, play area, restrooms 0.98 Yes Small parking lot Service Area Subtotal 3.67 — — Service Area 5: Lower Bay Myrtle Park Mini park: passive amenities 0.05 Yes Street parking only Service Area Subtotal 0.05 — — Service Area 6: Balboa Island Balboa Island Park & Carroll Beek Community Center Neighborhood park: 1 basketball court, play area, community center with kitchen, and passive amenities 0.28 Yes Street parking only; maintained grass landscaping Service Area Subtotal 0.28 — — Service Area 7: Eastbluff/Newport North Parks Eastbluff Park & Boys and Girls Club Community park: active sports facilities including athletic field, ball diamond, play area, and barbecue and picnic table 13.71 Yes Adjacent to Eastbluff Elementary; tree coverage and maintained grass landscaping; additional facilities in Boys and Girls Club; parking lot Bonita Creek Park & Community Center Neighborhood park: athletic field, 2 ball diamonds, 1 basketball court, play area, picnic tables, and community center with kitchen 14.25 Yes Parking lot capacity for 103 vehicles; substantial tree coverage; maintained grass landscaping CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 18 Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Park/Recreational Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres ADA Access Conditions Big Canyon Park View park: view of Newport Bay with walking trails in environmentally sensitive area 39.10 No — School Recreation Sites Corona del Mar High School & Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center Active facilities include basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball nets, athletic field, and swimming pool 22.35 — — Service Area Subtotal 89.41 — — Service Area 8: Big Canyon/Belcourt There are no public parks or recreation facilities located in the Big Canyon/Belcourt Service Area. Service Area 9: Newport Center Back Bay View Park View park: passive facility with trail and a view of Newport Bay 10.64 Yes Street parking only; open space with limited tree canopy Civic Center Park Lower & Civic Center Community Room Community park: passive facility with picnic tables, parking lot, and view of bay and ocean, walking trail, and community center 6.26 Yes Landscaped grass and features works of public art; parking for the lower park located in Civic Center Civic Center Park Upper & Dog Park Community park: passive facility with picnic tables, parking lot, and view of bay and ocean, as well as a dog park and walking trail 3.18 Yes Landscaped grass and features works of public art; parking lot capacity for 16 vehicles only for park use Service Area Subtotal 20.08 — — Service Area 10: Corona del Mar Parks Bayside Park Lower Neighborhood park: passive facility with a play area and walking path 1.51 Yes Street parking only; park divided by a street Bayside Park Upper Neighborhood park: passive facility with a play area and walking path 1.16 Yes Street parking only; park divided by a street Begonia Park Neighborhood park: passive facility with 2 barbecues, 2 picnic tables, play area, view of bay, view of ocean 2.13 Yes Street parking only; limited tree coverage; maintained grass landscaping CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 19 Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Park/Recreational Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres ADA Access Conditions CDM Pocket Park Mini park: passive facility with benches 0.02 Yes Street parking only; majority covered in concrete Inspiration Point View park: passive facility with benches and ocean view 1.39 Yes Street parking only Irvine Terrace Park Neighborhood park: athletic field, 1 basketball court, play area, 2 tennis courts, 4 barbecues, 4 picnic tables, view of bay and ocean 8.55 Yes Street parking only; adequate tree coverage outside of active recreational areas Lookout Point View park: passive facility with benches, a telescope, and views of bay and ocean 0.84 Yes Street parking only; maintained grass landscaping Old School Park Mini park: limited to passive recreation 0.62 Yes Maintained grass landscaping; adequate tree coverage Beach Recreation Sites Corona Del Mar State Beach Public beach: 3 barbecues, 5 picnic tables, showers, volleyball courts 17.12 No Municipal parking lot Service Area Subtotal 33.34 — — Service Area 11: Harbor View Parks Arroyo Park Community park: active facilities including an athletic field, ball diamond, basketball court, play area, 8 picnic tables, and 2 barbecues 7.59 Yes Parking lot capacity for 53 vehicles Bonita Canyon Sports Park East Community park: active facilities including 4 ball diamonds, play area, barbecue area, and picnic tables 13.72 Yes Parking lot, maintained grass and various plant landscaping; adequate tree coverage Bonita Canyon Sports Park Mid Community park: athletic field and trails 4.77 Yes Parking lot, maintained grass and various plant landscaping; adequate tree coverage Bonita Canyon Sports Park West Community park: active facilities including athletic fields, 1 basketball court, play area, 2 tennis courts, 8.84 Yes Parking lot, maintained grass and various plant landscaping; CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 20 Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Park/Recreational Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres ADA Access Conditions 4 pickleball courts, picnic tables, and barbecue area adequate tree coverage Buffalo Hills Park Lower Community park: active facilities including a basketball court, athletic field 6.39 Yes Parking lot available in upper portion of park; street parking also available Buffalo Hills Park Upper Community park: play area, picnic tables, and barbecue area 11.15 Yes Adjacent to Andersen Elementary School; picnic area capacity for 75 people Grant Howald Park & Community Youth Center Community park: active facilities including an athletic field, basketball court, play area, tennis court, barbecue, picnic tables, and community youth center 9.01 Yes Several parking lots Harbor View Nature Park Neighborhood park: passive recreation with trails 10.04 Yes Street parking only; several entrances around the park’s perimeter. Jasmine Creek Park View park: passive recreation with view of ocean 0.21 Yes Street parking only; maintained grass landscaping Lincoln Athletic Center Community park: active facilities including athletic field, ball diamond, 1 basketball court, gymnasium, 2 volleyball courts 11.87 Yes Parking lot capacity for 55 vehicles; minimal tree coverage; landscaped turf on fields; adjacent to Lincoln Elementary School OASIS Senior Center Community center: passive and active senior center with fitness facility, recreation classes, and public garden 5.6 — Parking lot San Joaquin Hills Park & Lawn Bowling Center Community park: active facilities including 4 tennis courts, barbecue area, picnic table, and community center with kitchen 4.06 Yes Parking lot; minimal tree coverage; maintained grass landscaping San Miguel Park Community park with active facilities including an athletic field; 1 ball diamond; 2 basketball court; 7.32 Yes Parking lot; picnic area capacity for 150 people CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 21 Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Park/Recreational Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres ADA Access Conditions handball court; play area; 4 racquetball courts; and 2 barbecues; parking lot; 5 picnic tables Spyglass Hill Park Mini park: passive recreation facility with 2 picnic tables and play area 1.31 Yes Street parking only Spyglass Hill Reservoir Park Mini park: passive recreation facility with a picnic table and play area 0.96 Yes Street parking only; adequate tree coverage; maintained grass landscaping School Recreation Sites Andersen Elementary School Active facilities including basketball courts; volleyball nets; and athletic field. 1.68 — — Harbor View Elementary School Capacity for field sports 3.0 — — Lincoln Elementary School Capacity for field sports 1.3 — — Service Area Subtotal 108.82 — — Service Area 12: Newport Coast Canyon Watch Park View park: passive recreation facility with trails and view of ocean 3.67 No Small parking; maintained grass landscaping; no electricity; part of the Buck Gully Canyon Coastal Peak Park Neighborhood park: active facilities including an athletic field, ball diamond, basketball court, play area, and barbecue 11.16 Yes Parking lot capacity for 39 vehicles; picnic area capacity for 35 people; maintained grass landscaping Harbor Watch Park View park: passive recreation facility with trails and view of harbor and ocean 1.53 No Street parking only; no electricity; part of the Buck Gully Canyon Los Trancos Canyon View Park (Lower) View park: passive recreation facility with a picnic table and view of ocean 4.06 No Parking lot capacity for 30 vehicles. Los Trancos Canyon View Park (Middle) View park: limited to passive recreation 1.15 No Limited street parking off Newport Coast Drive CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 22 Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Park/Recreational Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres ADA Access Conditions Los Trancos Canyon View Park (Upper) View park: limited to passive recreation 2.62 No Parking available on Lower Los Trancos Canyon View Park Newport Coast Community Center Community center: basketball court, community room, gymnasium, restrooms, and 2 volleyball courts 0.96 — Parking lot with 122 spaces Service Area Subtotal 25.15 — — Open Space and Preserves Upper Newport Bay Regional Park/Upper Newport Bay Preserve Nature preserve, passive recreation on a nature preserves; offers walking and biking trails, learning center 140.56 — Managed by the County; separate parking lot for trails and learning center; located within several service areas including: Santa Ana Heights, Newport Heights/Upper Bay, and Eastbluff/ Newport North Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve Wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching, tidepool viewing, biking (acreage included from the State description) 752 — Managed by the CAFW; located within several service areas including: Santa Ana Heights, Newport Heights/Upper Bay, and Eastbluff/ Newport North Newport Dunes Aquatic Park Kayaking, canoeing rentals and-up paddleboards, pedal boats, and Duffy boats 66.6 — Private managed on County-owned land; located within the Newport Center Service Area Upper Buck Gully/Buck Gully Reserve Nature reserve with walking trails 296.56 — Small parking lot associated with Canyon Watch Park; located within the Harbor View/Newport Coast Service Areas CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 23 Table 2. Existing Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Park/Recreational Facility Park Type and Facilities Acres ADA Access Conditions Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Coastal Canyon offering more than 40 miles of trails through oak and sycamore woodlands; over 7,000 acres (approx. 982 falls within the City) 982 — Managed and owned by the County; located within the Newport Coast Service Area Crystal Cove State Park & Marine Conservation Area Backcountry and beach recreation including mountain biking and hiking trails, offshore underwater activities such as scuba and skin divers and 3.2 miles of beach access (State Park encompasses 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness and 240 acres of Marine Conservation area that fall within the City boundary) 240 — State owned and managed; while a portion of the Marine Conservation Area falls within City boundary, it is not within a service area; abuts Newport Coast and Corona del Mar Service Areas Subtotal 2,477.72 — — Subtotals per Park/Facility Type Parks 308.56 — — Beach Recreation 250.53 — — Schools (Under Joint Use Agreements) 66.1 — — Other Recreation Areas 2,477.72 — — Total Parks and Recreational Facilities 3,102.91 — — Source: City of Newport Beach.10 Notes: ADA = Americans with Disabilities Act. Open space and school acreages are not included in calculation of the population-to-parkland acreage needs. Refer to Table 5, Park Acreage Needs, for a summary of park acreage calculated to meet the parkland dedication. 10 City of Newport Beach, 2023, Parks and Service Area GIS data, accessed from https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/city-manager-s-office/information-technology-city-division/gis-mapping/data-catalog. City of Newport Beach, 2023, Parks and Facilities Dashboard, Urban Footprint Parks and Open Space GIS data, accessed from https://nbgis.newportbeachca.gov/gispub/Dashboards/RecreationFacilitiesDash.htm. APRIL 2024 24 Figure 2. Parks and Open Space in Newport Beach Parks and Recreational Facilities The City has approximately 308 acres of parks and recreational facilities. Parks in Newport Beach range in size from the 0.01-acre Rhine Wharf View Park to the 39.1-acre Big Canyon View Park and contain a variety of recreational facilities offering opportunities for active and passive recreation, including walking trails, benches, picnic tables, and barbeques. Recreational facilities in parks available for active recreation and organized sports include soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and basketball courts, as well as biking trails and play areas for children. Other recreational resources in Newport Beach include seven community centers, several multipurpose recreation centers, two gymnasium facilities, and a senior center. Beach and Coastal Recreation Facilities The City has approximately 250 acres of public beach recreation area, offering numerous opportunities for passive and active beach and coastal recreation. There are more than 8 miles of sandy beaches in Newport Beach that provide public facilities and opportunities for sunbathing, volleyball, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, and other recreational activities. As discussed in Section 4.1.1, Park Types, public beaches include sandy beach areas adjacent to the bay or ocean and may include active sports, snack bars, showers, drinking fountains, restrooms, walkways, docks, benches, shade trees, and parking areas. Additionally, the City has two piers that provide coastal CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 25 recreation opportunities, the 800-foot-long Newport Pier located at the end of Newport Boulevard (McFadden Place) in McFadden Square and the 950-foot-long Balboa Pier located at the end of Main Street in Balboa Village. In addition to the public beach recreation areas included in Table 2, a wide variety of other marine recreational activities are available in Newport Bay and Harbor, including 13 City-owned public docks, which can be used for boat launching and fishing, and substantial private recreational and boating facilities, such as private residential piers, commercial slips and side ties, and bay moorings. Other recreational activities in the bay and harbor include boating, diving, excursions, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, rowing, sailing, and windsurfing. Private bay and harbor facilities are discussed in Section 4.3. School Facilities with Joint Use Agreements School facilities also provide indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities in Newport Beach on approximately 66 acres of Newport–Mesa Unified School District land available to the public under joint use agreements. School facilities are typically open to the public during non-school hours and provide recreational opportunities for youth and adult residents. Typically, elementary schools provide adjunct recreation opportunities to surrounding neighborhoods, while junior high and high schools provide adjunct community-wide facilities. Recreational facilities available on school sites include basketball courts, volleyball nets, gymnasiums, tennis courts, turf areas and athletic fields, and children’s play areas, as well as a swimming pool and aquatic sporting facilities at Newport Harbor High School and the Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center at Corona del Mar High School. Additional swimming pool facilities and aquatic sporting activities are available through private facilities, discussed in Section 4.3. The Newport–Mesa Unified School District also currently leases “dormant” school sites to the City for recreational purposes. Other Recreational Facilities Open spaces and preserves offer outdoor recreational opportunities in Newport Beach on approximately 2,477.72 acres of City, State, and County land. These open spaces and preserved land are open to the public and provide walking and hiking trails and water and marine activities such as kayaking and scuba diving. Upper Buck Gully/Buck Gully Reserve is City-owned land preserved as a nature reserve with walking trails. State-owned open space lands and reserves include Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, which offers wildlife viewing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, birdwatching, tidepool viewing, and biking and is managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.11 The Crystal Cove State Park and Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area are managed by two State agencies. Crystal Cove State Park, managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, encompasses 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness,12 and Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, includes 240 acres and 3.5 miles of beach that fall within the city boundary.13 Open space and preserves owned by OC Parks include Upper Newport Bay Regional Park, which is a nature preserve with a learning center and recreational areas.14 The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is a coastal canyon over 7,000 acres, 982 acres of which falls within Newport Beach, and forms part of the South Coast Wilderness area, 11 California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2023, “Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve,” web page, accessed at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Upper-Newport-Bay-ER. 12 California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 2023, “Crystal Cove Marine Conservation Area,” web page, accessed at https://wildlife. ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs/Crystal-Cove. 13 California Department of Parks and Recreation, 2023, “Crystal Cove State Park,” web page, accessed at https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=644. 14 OC Parks, 2023, “Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve,” web page, accessed at https://www.ocparks.com/parks-trails/upper- newport-bay-nature-preserve. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 26 which encompasses other parks and open spaces totaling almost 20,000 acres.15 The Newport Dunes Aquatic Park encompasses 66 acres of private managed aquatic facilities and rentals on County-owned land.16 Summary of Existing Parks and Recreation Facilities by Service Area No one park type dominates across the 12 service areas. The number of park types within a service area varies based on the nature of the physical geographic area; for example, a service area with a canyon or bay may have more view parks than a more urbanized and developed service area. The following list highlights the dominant park types by service area, excluding open space and schools:  Service Area 1, West Newport: neighborhood parks  Service Area 2, Balboa Peninsula: mini parks and public beaches  Service Area 3, Newport Heights/Upper Bay: view parks  Service Area 4, Santa Ana Heights: no significant trend; 1 neighborhood and 1 mini park  Service Area 5, Lower Bay: no significant trend; 1 mini park  Service Area 6, Balboa Island: no significant trend; 1 neighborhood park  Service Area 7, Eastbluff/Newport North: no significant trend; 1 neighborhood park; 1 community park; 1 view park  Service Area 8, Big Canyon/Belcourt: none  Service Area 9, Newport Center: community park  Service Area 10, Corona del Mar: neighborhood park  Service Area 11, Harbor View: community park  Service Area 12, Newport Coast: view park Service areas where schools offer a relatively significant acreage to total parkland and recreational facilities include Balboa Peninsula, Newport Heights/Upper Bay, and Eastbluff/Newport North. 3.8.2 Park and Recreation Access Parks are a great public amenity, and the ability for residents to access parks without driving provides an outlet for exercise, reduces traffic and air pollution. Promoting equitable access to parks can improve quality of life for residents. To further understand park accessibility, a walkability analysis was conducted that connected each parcel in Newport Beach with the nearest park entrance using the roadway network. This provided the length of time it would take to walk to the nearest public park for each parcel, assuming sidewalks are adequate and the person is moving at a speed of 3 mph. This type of analysis provides a more accurate portrayal of walk times than an analysis that looks at walkability based on how the crow flies, using a mileage buffer around parks to understand how close residents are to the park. Table 3 identifies the percentage of the population and residential land within walking distance of a City park based on five different time brackets. As you can see, many residents are able to walk to a park in under 10 minutes and 15 OC Parks, 2023, “Laguna Coast Wilderness Park,” web page, accessed at https://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast. 16 Visit Newport Beach, 2023, “Back Bay: Newport Dunes Water Park,” web page, accessed at https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/ activities-and-attractions/newport-dunes-water-park/. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 27 almost 50% of residential land in Newport Beach is within a 10-minute walk to a park. While about 30% of residential land in Newport Beach is 15 minutes’ walking distance or more from a park, less than 15% of residents live within these areas. Table 3. City Park Walk Access Walking Time to a City Park Percentage of Population Citywide Percentage of Residential Areas 0–5 minutes 36.4% 26.2% 5–10 minutes 29.4% 23.6% 10–15 minutes 19.8% 19.5% 15–30 minutes 11.8% 20.9% 30+ minutes 2.6% 9.8% Source: Urban Footprint Parcel data; Newport Beach Parks data.17 Figure 3, City Pedestrian Access, depicts park access across Newport Beach and Figure 4, Residential Pedestrian Access, highlights park access from residential areas of Newport Beach. It should be noted that these figures are not a perfect representation of park access, because private parks, schools with open recreation access, or parks outside the city limits may provide additional access for some Newport Beach residents, and some land uses such as open space, preserves, golf courses, or beaches may not count as a park for this assessment but can provide overlapping benefits for residents. The most pronounced pocket of reduced access is in the southeastern portion of Newport Beach; however, as previously noted, this area is an example of access to parks that fall outside the city limits because it abuts Crystal Cove State Park. There are other pockets throughout Newport Beach with less park access, generally falling within the Newport Coast Service Area and in the Newport Heights/Upper Bay Service Area because those locations include large swaths of conserved land and open space that may not be directly accessed by surrounding residents and access points may fall within a farther walking distance. Overall, residents have very good city park access within Newport Beach and as noted in Table 3, most of the residential land in Newport Beach is within 10 minutes’ walk of a park, as illustrated by Figure 4, and where park access is more limited according to the walkability analysis there are generally nearby proxies that offer similar amenities to a park. 17 GreenInfo Network, 2021, “Urban Footprint Parks and Open Space,” California Protected Areas Database, GIS data, accessed at https://www.calands.org/cpad/. City of Newport Beach, 2023, Parks and Service Area GIS data, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/ government/departments/city-manager-s-office/information-technology-city-division/gis-mapping/data-catalog. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 28 Figure 3. City Pedestrian Park Access Source: Dudek, Urban Foorprint Walkability based on Newport Beach Parks GIS data. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 29 Figure 4. Residential Pedestrian Park Access Source: Dudek, Urban Foorprint Walkability based on Newport Beach Parks GIS data. While access to nearby parks without driving has multiple benefits, consideration of parking availability is also an important factor in analyzing accessibility to parks, given that some parks are intended to serve a larger population (see Section 4.1.1), including tourists, who are likely not within walking distance. Parking availability is also necessary to ensure equitable access for residents of Newport Beach who may want to visit park types that are not within walking distance; for example, residents who live in a more urbanized service area and may want to access a hiking trail at a view park. This analysis considers parking adequacy for park types that are meant to serve a larger population or that are specific to a geographic area; the specific criteria considered include community parks, neighborhood parks with community facilities or access to trails, public beaches, and view parks with access to trails. Based on a review of CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 30 Table 2 and the criteria described, most parks in Newport Beach have adequate parking access except for four parks, three of which—Balboa Island Park, Harbor View Nature Park, and Harbor Watch Park—are limited to street parking and one of which—Canyon Watch Park—has a small parking lot. 3.8.3 Recreation and Community Services Programming at parks, community facilities, and schools offered within a city encourage a diversification of park users; activate public spaces; and increase benefits, such as social interactions and other health benefits, for residents. This section summarizes programming and services related to recreational activities by service groups, including youth, seniors, and the general population based on the City’s Recreation and Senior Services Department website.18 For more details related to other educational and arts and cultural programming, refer to the Arts and Cultural Existing Conditions and Background Analysis. The City’s Recreation and Senior Services Department provides a wide variety and substantial number of services and programming to engage all residents both year-round and seasonally. The majority of the department’s programming targets youth and senior populations, offering opportunities for recreational activities; educational programming, such as music classes; and services such as tax assistance and transportation for the senior population. However, there are also several programs available for all age groups. Programming and events are also published seasonally through the Newport Navigator. The Newport Navigator also provides information on programming offered outside of those listed by the City’s Recreation and Senior Services Department, such as guided hikes and restoration efforts led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Youth Centered Programming After Class Enrichment. After Class Enrichment is a series of programs designed to enhance school curriculum by providing instruction of recreational activities after school dismissal. This program runs during the school year, and includes three seasons: fall, winter, and spring. After Class Enrichment occurs at elementary schools, including Harbor View Elementary, Mariners Elementary, Newport Coast Elementary, Newport Heights Elementary, Newport Elementary, Eastbluff Elementary, and Lincoln Elementary.19 The types of recreation programming vary by school and include activities such as skating, volleyball, and tennis. Aquatics and Water Sports. Summer swim lessons are offered at Newport Harbor High School and Marian Bergeson Aquatic Center at Corona del Mar High School. This includes offerings for all ages, including several levels for youth, preschool, and “parent and me” classes, as well as private lessons. There are also surf lessons, stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals, and sailing. Surf lessons are held at 28th Street, and all other offerings are at the Marina Park Sailing and Boating Center (Balboa Peninsula Service Area). 20 Camps. There are seasonal camps offered for youth covering several different topics, including art and theater, beach and bay, general day camp, special interests, sports and fitness, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). There are also camps offered for preschoolers. Camps are held at the Newport Coast Community 18 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Recreation and Senior Services Department,” web page accessed at https://www.newportbeachca. gov/government/departments/recreation-senior-services. 19 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “After Class Enrichment,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/recreation-senior-services/ace. 20 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Classes,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/ recreation-senior-services/classes. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 31 Center (Newport Coast Service Area), Community Youth Center (Harbor View Service Area), Corona del Mar State Beach (Corona del Mar Service Area), and Marina Park Community Center (Balboa Peninsula Service Area).21 Senior Centered Programming Senior Services/OASIS Senior Center. The City’s OASIS Senior Center offers many educational and recreational classes, special events, and a variety of social services. Social services include health screenings, legal/tax assistance, scam prevention, home assistance repair programs, and support groups. There is a fitness center available with membership for people 50 and older. A transportation program is also available within Newport Beach for people 60 and older who are no longer able to drive. Furthermore, a weekday lunch program is provided at the OASIS Senior Center.22 General Population Programming Classes. Each season there is a new slate of classes offered by City instructors. Classes are offered depending on age levels and include preschool, youth and teens, adults, and older adults. The classes cover topics including arts and theatre, dance, enrichment, gymnastics, health and fitness, and sports. Depending on the age group there are also other offerings: youth and teens also have music classes; adults have dog training classes; and older adults have foreign language, games, and technology classes.23 Classes for older adults all occur at the OASIS Senior Center, while the other age group classes have varied locations depending on the particular class, including the Newport Coast Community Center (Newport Coast Service Area), Marina Park Community Center (Balboa Peninsula Service Area), Community Youth Center (Harbor View Service Area), Corona Del Mar State Beach (Corona del Mar Service Area), Newport Beach Golf Course, Cliff Drive Park and Community Center (Newport Heights/Upper Bay Service Area), Westcliff Park (Newport Heights/Upper Bay Service Area), Newport Elementary School, Lisa Albert Art Studio, Portal Languages School Costa Mesa, Odyssey Dance Academy, and online. Facility Rentals. The City picnic and grass areas within Newport Beach parks, as well as classrooms and banquet facilities in various community centers, may be reserved. In addition, the City allows weddings at the beach on a first-come, first-served basis with restrictions and also allows weddings at parks with reservations, certain restrictions, and potentially a Special Event Permit.24 Youth and Adult Sports. The City offers several sports leagues for youth, adults, and participants with special needs. For adults the sports include basketball, kickball, soccer, softball, volleyball, sand sports, pickleball, and tennis. For youth, there is track and field, flag football, and specific classes like sailing, basketball, volleyball, cheer, tennis, and more. For people with special needs, the City partners with Friendship Circle OC, which runs Basketball Buddies and Soccer Stars. Locations for each sport vary depending on the facilities needed, and are provided in Table 4. 21 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Classes,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/recreation-senior-services/classes. 22 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “OASIS Senior Center,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/ departments/recreation-senior-services/senior-services-oasis-senior-center. 23 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Classes,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/recreation-senior-services/classes. 24 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Facility Rentals,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/ departments/recreation-senior-services/facility-rentals. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 32 Table 4. Sport Offerings, Facilities, and Locations Sport Offered Locations Service Areas Basketball Eastbluff Boys and Girls Club, Newport Coast Community Center, West Newport Community Center Eastbluff/Newport North, Newport Coast, West Newport Basketball Buddies (via Friendship Circle OC) Newport Coast Community Center — Pickleball Indoor at the Newport Coast Community Center, or Outdoor at Bonita Canyon Sports Park Newport Coast, Harbor View Sand Flag Football Sand north of Balboa Pier Balboa Peninsula Soccer Arroyo Park, Bonita Creek Park, Grant Howald Park, Lincoln Park Eastbluff/Newport North, Harbor View (3×) Soccer Stars (via Friendship Circle OC) Buffalo Hills Park Harbor View Softball Arroyo Park, Bonita Creek Park Harbor View, Eastbluff/ Newport North Tennis Bonita Canyon Sports Park, Grant Howald Park, Irvine Terrace Park, Mariners Park, San Joaquin Hills Park, West Newport Park Harbor View (2×), Eastbluff/Newport North, Newport Heights/Upper Bay, West Newport Volleyball Sand north of Balboa Pier Balboa Peninsula Youth Track and Field Davidson Field at Newport Harbor High School — Youth Flag Football Bonita Creek Park Eastbluff/Newport North Source: City of Newport Beach.25 3.8.4 Summary Park Conditions Newport Beach exceeds the State and City local parkland-to-population need based on a population total of 88,650 persons for the year 2045, as shown in Table 5, distributed by service area based on current population percentages. The parkland excess of 115.84 acres considers the City’s current parkland dedication requirement of 5 acres per 1,000 persons, which is beyond the State requirement of 3 acres per 1,000 persons. Newport Beach has an abundance of recreational opportunities, as shown by the totals identified below, which do not consider other recreational opportunities such as school facilities, open space and preserves, and private parks and facilities. Although eight of the service areas indicate a deficit in parkland acreage needs, the data does not reflect the physical constraints based on the nature of the land the service areas cover. For example, the Lower Bay Service Area has a significant deficit, with only 0.5 acres of parkland; however, land to expand parks is limited because it is a built-out island surrounded by the harbor, with many boating and other private recreational facilities, and is within close proximity to other service areas with a greater number of parks and recreational facilities. As noted in Section 4.2.2, Park and Recreation Access, most parks serving the larger population have adequate parking access and most residential areas are within walking distance of parks. 25 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Recreation and Senior Services Department,” web page accessed at https://www.newportbeachca. gov/government/departments/recreation-senior-services. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 33 Table 5. Parkland Acreage Needs Service Area Park Acres Needed: 2045 Existing Parkland Acreage: 2023 Deficit (−) or Excess (+) Acreage Park Beach Combined Park and Beach 1. West Newport 64.6 11.53 58.9 70.43 5.85 2. Balboa Peninsula 20.5 16.25 163.26 179.51 159.05 3. Newport Heights/ Upper Bay 69.6 45.43 11.25 56.68 -12.90 4. Santa Ana Heights 9.0 3.67 — 3.67 -5.34 5. Lower Bay 17.0 0.05 — 0.05 -16.96 6. Balboa Island 13.4 0.28 — 0.28 -13.11 7. Eastbluff/ Newport North 36.4 67.06 — 67.06 30.65 8. Big Canyon Belcourt 17.9 — — — -17.85 9. Newport Center 26.1 20.08 — 20.08 -6.06 10. Corona del Mar 42.2 16.22 17.12 33.34 -8.89 11. Harbor View 67.1 102.84 — 102.84 35.77 12. Newport Coast 59.5 25.15 — 25.15 -34.36 Total 443.25 308.56 250.53 559.09 +115.84 Source: Urban Footprint and Newport Beach Parks data26; Proforma Advisors population estimates (Appendix A). 3.9 Private Parks and Recreational Facilities There are several private facilities within the city limits, as detailed in Table 6. These facilities are important because, while they do not contribute to the City’s public parkland inventory, they generally offer additional services to the public for a fee. For example, while Table 2 identifies that are no public parks in the Big Canyon/Belcourt Service Area, the service area is the location of a country club. Table 6 lists a variety of recreational facilities available in Newport Beach, including yacht clubs, golf courses, and country clubs. While some of these facilities are for members only, others are open to the public for general use of amenities or for specific City-sponsored or City-organized events that may not be possible in other facilities owned by the City. One notable example of this is the Newport Aquatic Center, which has certain aquatic activities available to the public. The Newport Coast Service Area has several private parks that function as semi-public parks open to the public. The greatest number of private clubs and recreation facilities open to the public are available for youth and family-oriented clubs such as gyms, community rooms, and active sports fields. 26 City of Newport Beach, 2023, Parks and Facilities Dashboard, Urban Footprint Parks and Open Space GIS data, accessed from https://nbgis.newportbeachca.gov/gispub/Dashboards/RecreationFacilitiesDash.htm. City of Newport Beach, 2023, Parks and Service Area GIS data, accessed from https://www.newportbeachca.gov/ government/departments/city-manager-s-office/information-technology-city-division/gis-mapping/data-catalog. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 34 Table 6. Private Parks by Facility Type Name Description Open to Public? Service Area Private Parks within Annexed Area Crestridge Park Passive Neighborhood Park: Ornamental landscaping, tot lot, walkway connection to Crestridge Road and Newport Coast Drive West Yes Newport Coast Newport Coast Local Park Active Neighborhood Park: softball fields, soccer field, tot lot, basketball court, volleyball court, jogging trail, pavilions, drinking fountains, restroom, adjacent to Newport Coast Community Center Yes Newport Coast Newport Ridge Community Park Community Park: athletic fields, basketball courts, sand volleyball court, tot lot, pavilions, entry court, gazebo, picnic area, restrooms, parking lot Yes Newport Coast Private Recreation Facilities – Yacht Clubs Bahia Corinthian Y/C Marina, sailing docks, moorage, boat launch, clubhouse Corona Del Mar Balboa Y/C Sailing lessons, sailing docks, moorage, boat launch, clubhouse Balboa Bay Club Volleyball, gym, swimming pool, scuba lessons, sailing docks, moorage, clubhouse, showers, beach area Newport Heights/ Upper Bay Lido Isle Y/C Sailing docks, moorage, launching, clubhouse Lower Bay Newport Beach Y/C Sailing docks, clubhouse, showers South Shore Y/C Races, parent/child class, volleyball, sailing docks, boat launch, clubhouse, showers Newport Harbor Y/C Sailing lessons, sailing docks, moorage, boat launch, clubhouse, showers, beach area Balboa Peninsula American Legion Y/C Boating, sailing, racing, diving, snorkeling Voyagers Rentals Electric boat rentals Balboa Island Private Recreation Facilities – Golf Courses & Country Clubs Big Canyon Country Club 18-hole course, par 72, 6919 yards — Big Canyon/ Belcourt Back Bay Golf Course (at Hyatt Newporter) 9-hole executive course, par 27, 645 yards Yes Newport Center Newport Beach Country Club 18-hole course, par 71, 6601 yards — Pelican Hill Golf Course Two 18-hole courses, par 70 and 71, 6580 yards and 6945 yards Yes Newport Coast Newport Beach Golf Course 18-hole course, par 59, 3180 yards Yes Santa Ana Heights Tennis Clubs Peninsula Point Racquet Club 2 tennis courts — Balboa Peninsula Newport Beach Tennis Club 19 tennis courts, 1 junior Olympic-size pool — Eastbluff/ Newport North CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 35 Table 6. Private Parks by Facility Type Name Description Open to Public? Service Area Palisades Tennis Club 16 tennis courts — Newport Center The Tennis Club at Newport Beach 15 tennis courts, 31 pickleball courts — Youth, Family, and Other Clubs American Legion Hall (at Veterans Memorial Park) Clubhouse/activity center with multipurpose room (leased from City) — Balboa Peninsula Argyros Girl Scout Leadership Center (at Marina Park) Clubhouse/activity center with two large multi- purpose program areas, kitchen, bathroom, shower, and s’mores patio/outdoor area (leased from City) Yes Boys & Girls Club (at Eastbluff Park) Gym, activity center, community room, and classrooms (leased from City) Yes Eastbluff/ Newport North Newport Harbor Lawn Bowling Club Clubhouse and greens — Harbor View Balboa Bay Club 1 tennis court, 1 racquetball court, 1 gym, 1 25-meter lap pool, 1 20-yard children’s pool, 1 exercise room, sailing docks, moorage, clubhouse — Newport Heights/ Upper Bay Orange Coast College School of Sailing and Seamanship Hand-carried boat launching; crew rowing; restrooms Yes Newport Scout Sea Base Multipurpose rooms, Aquatic Camp and Summer day camp, classes in sailing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, science and skills, etc. Yes Newport Aquatic Center (at North Star Beach) Classrooms, weight room, locker rooms, hand-carried boat launching, outrigger canoeing (leased from City) Yes Newport–Mesa Family YMCA Weight and cardio equipment, outdoor soccer field, playground, multipurpose courts, multipurpose rooms, 1 25-yard pool, 1 15-yard children’s pool Yes Santa Ana Heights Source: Dudek—facilities captured through a Google search of private clubs, facilities, and parks that are within the city’s boundary. Note: Y/C = Yacht Club. 3.10 Planned Park and Recreation Improvements Planned improvements include improvements to active and passive open space areas, facilities upgrades, and park expansions. Table 7 lists these improvements by service area and provides summaries of the project descriptions. The service areas with the most significant improvements include Newport Coast, Balboa Peninsula, and West Newport, because these service areas’ planned improvements are adding new recreational space and facilities. This includes the development of pickleball courts at Newport Ridge Park; development of a new Junior Lifeguard Building at the Newport Beach Junior Guard Building; and construction of a new pedestrian/bicycle CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 36 bridge across Superior Avenue, landscaping, and infrastructure improvements to increase access to Sunset Ridge Park, including a new 129-space parking lot. Other planned improvements included in Table 7 include maintenance, replacement, and upgrades of existing facilities and recreational spaces. Table 7. Planned Improvements by Service Area Service Area Park or Facility Project Name Project Description Eastbluff/Newport North Bonita Creek Park Bonita Creek Community Center Improvements This rehabilitation project consists of improvements to the interior and exterior of the community center including LED lighting, automated entry door, new flooring, upgraded restrooms and new paint throughout. Construction projected to start in Winter 2023. Harbor View Arroyo Park Arroyo Park Synthetic Athletic Field The proposed project will replace the natural grass soccer field and softball infield with synthetic turf and retrofit the existing lighting fixtures to energy efficient LED. The synthetic turf footprint will have designated lines for a 195- × 330-foot soccer field and a terracotta-colored infield to accommodate 60-foot softball/baseball basepaths. Construction timeline TBD. OASIS Senior Center LED Lighting Improvements Upgrade to interior and exterior LED lighting throughout the facility. Installation timeline TBD. Newport Coast Newport Ridge Park Newport Ridge Pickleball Courts This project consists of the development of 8 pickleball courts: 6 courts maintained and operated for public use and 2 courts with dedicated use for Newport Ridge Community Association members. Courts will be designed to USA Pickleball Association specifications and the site will be furnished with shaded viewing areas, benches, trash cans, a bike rack, and a bottle filling station. The existing Newport Coast Community Center parking lot (120 spots) and restrooms will be utilized to support public use of the site. Construction anticipated to start fall 2023. Balboa Peninsula Peninsula Park Newport Beach Junior Guard Building This project consists of the development of a new Junior Lifeguard Building to support the 7-week program operating annually from late June to early August. With the continued growth of the Junior Lifeguard program, the new facility resolves existing program shortfalls by adding adequate administrative and event space, expanded storage, a utilities space and running water, a secure restroom area, and a proper locker room for Junior Lifeguard staff. The 5,145 square feet of usable interior space includes a 1,135-square-foot meeting room and a 1,350-square-foot deck area. The facility will also be available in non-summer months for recreational programming, facility rentals, and a community meeting space. Construction to be complete summer 2023. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 37 Table 7. Planned Improvements by Service Area Service Area Park or Facility Project Name Project Description Peninsula Park Playground Replacement Removal of existing playground equipment and replacement with new lifeguard-themed structure, swings, ground elements, and rubber surfacing. Construction projected to start fall 2023. Newport Elementary School Playground Replacement (Proposed) Newport–Mesa Unified School District has proposed removal of existing playground equipment and replacement with a new shaded structure, swings, ground elements, and rubber surfacing. A permit application for development on this site is pending before the California Coastal Commission. West Newport Sunset Ridge & Lower Sunset View Park Superior Avenue Pedestrian Bridge This project involves constructing a new pedestrian/bicycle bridge across Superior Avenue, a new 129-space parking lot, retaining walls, earthwork and grading, storm drain, electrical, landscape, and irrigation improvements. The primary goals of this project are to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety, improve access to Sunset Ridge Park, and increase parking availability. Source: City of Newport Beach.27 Notes: TBD = to be determined. 3.11 Current and Future Population-Based Park and Open Space Needs This section analyzes historical growth trends, current utilization, and projected growth based on demographic trends in Newport Beach to identify current and future population-based park needs from the market perspective. While assessing parkland needs through a parkland-to-population ratio is helpful in determining acreage of parks needed to serve the population citywide, analyzing needs based on the demographic trends such as age cohorts and household formations provides a holistic approach to understanding whether existing park types, recreational facilities, and programming are meeting the needs of the current and projected demographic makeup of the community. 3.11.1 Demographics Overview Newport Beach has experienced low growth, with a current population of 83,411, only increasing by approximately 2%, a total of 1,700 people (or less than 100 people) per year, since 2005 (Appendix A). Table 8 provides total population by service area based on 2020 census data. 27 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Parks and Recreation Related Projects,” web page, accessed November 8, 2023, at https://nbgis. newportbeachca.gov/gispub/Dashboards/RecreationProjectsDash.htm. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 38 Table 8. Newport Beach Population by Service Area Service Area Total Population (Year) Population Change (2010 to 2020) 2010 2020 West Newport 12,914 12,411 −3.9% Balboa Peninsula 4,361 3,933 −9.8% Newport Heights/Upper Bay 13,729 13,372 −2.6% Santa Ana Heights 1,483 1,732 16.8% Lower Bay 3,091 3,269 5.8% Balboa Island 2,848 2,573 −9.7% Eastbluff/Newport North 6,870 6,998 1.9% Big Canyon/Belcourt 3,552 3,431 −3.4% Newport Center 3,390 5,024 48.2% Corona del Mar 8,554 8,116 −5.1% Harbor View 13,173 12,890 −2.1% Newport Coast 11,220 11,437 1.9% Total 85,185 85,186 — Source: Proforma Advisors data (Appendix A). Age characteristics comparison of Newport Beach from 2010 to 2020 indicate the population is aging; see Table 9. The most prominent age cohort is 55 to 64 years and the largest numeric growth from 2010 to 2020 occurred in the 65- to 74-year age range. Based on the latest 2020 census data, approximately 40% of the population in Newport Beach is 55 years or older. Conversely, age groups younger than 54 years experienced a population decline from 2010 to 2020; the greatest decline occurred in the 45- to 54-year age cohort, as shown in Table 9. Table 9. Newport Beach Population Age Age Cohort 2010 2020 Population Change (2010 to 2020) 0–4 4% 4% −197 5–9 5% 4% −712 10–14 5% 5% −125 15–24 11% 11% −162 25–34 14% 13% −808 35–44 13% 11% −1,494 45–54 16% 14% −1,895 55–64 14% 15% 1,087 65–74 10% 13% 2,294 75–84 6% 8% 1,574 85+ 3% 4% 558 Source: Proforma Advisors data (Appendix A). Newport Beach has historically consisted of households with fewer children. In 2020, households with children made up about 19% of the total households, a 2% decrease from 2010, which is reflected in the average household size of 2.21 people in 2020. The household formation type with the most children is married couple households; CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 39 however, only 14% of married couple households have children, which is low considering this household formation makes up 45% of total households (see Table 10). The next most common household formation type after married couple households, female households with no spouse or partner, makes up 28% of total households, with most of these living alone. Table 10. Household Formation Household Formation Type Number Percent Married Couple With children 5,525 14% Without children 11,847 31% Subtotal 17,372 45% Cohabiting Couple With children 270 1% Without children 2,041 5% Subtotal 2,311 6% Male Householder, No Spouse/Partner Living alone 5,504 14% With children 515 1% Without children 818 2% No relatives present 1,184 3% Subtotal 8,021 21% Female Householder, No Spouse/Partner Living alone 7,101 19% With children 1,052 3% Without children 1,161 4% No relatives present 929 2% Subtotal 10,698 28% Total Households 38,402 — Source: Proforma Advisors data (Appendix A). 3.11.2 Current Utilization Annual Comprehensive Financial Report fiscal year (FY) 2005 through FY 2022 indicates that residents’ participation in co-sponsored youth organizations and senior transportation services are not reflective of the population increases and decreases of the age groups they serve. The utilization trends for participation in youth organizations have been rising even as the total number of people in the youth age cohort has declined; see Appendix A, Newport Beach General Plan Update Recreation Element Economic Support. The trend suggests either that there has historically been more demand than could be offered or that youth organization demand has increased at a higher rate than population growth. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 40 Senior transportation services through OASIS Senior Center, which offers affordable rideshare transportation for Newport Beach seniors over the age of 60 who are not able to drive, has also experienced a decline in services even though the aging population is increasing. The largest visible dip in both per capita and absolute participation numbers was in 2020 and 2021, with a slight increase in 2022; see Exhibit A, Senior Transportation Services Participation. The data suggests the decline may be occurring for other reasons, such as the population over 60 still being able to drive, decreased availability of shuttles, increased use of rideshare services, or other factors such as an increase of online services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including virtual doctor’s appointments and grocery delivery services. Exhibit A. Senior Transportation Services Participation. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report from fiscal year 2005 to 2022 information on senior transportation services participation in absolute terms and on a per capita basis. Source: Proforma Advisors data (Appendix A). Table 11 provides the percentage of service area population by age cohort. The “Empty Nester” age cohort, ages 55 to 74, makes up the largest portion of the population in many service areas. However, in the Santa Ana Service Area, there is an equal percentage of “Children and Young Adults,” under 24. In the Newport Heights/Upper Bay, Eastbluff/Newport North, and Harbor View Service Areas, Children and Young Adults make up much of the population, followed by the Empty Nesters and “Family Formation,” ages 35–54, as these age cohorts typically have children or young adults living at home. 0.11 - 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.20 - 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000 18,000 20,000 Pa r t i c i p a t i o n p e r C a p i t a Pa r t i c i p a t i o n Senior Transportation Services Per Capita Participation Linear (Per Capita Participation) CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 41 Table 11. Age Cohort by Service Area Service Area Name Percentage of Service Area Population by Age Cohort (2020) Children & Young Adults Under 24 Young Workers 25–34 Family Formation 35–54 Empty Nesters 55–74 Seniors 75+ West Newport 23.0% 25.5% 22.1% 9.6% 23.0% Balboa Peninsula 19.7% 17.9% 21.7% 28.6% 12.1% Newport Heights/ Upper Bay 28.7% 13.2% 25.1% 24.6% 8.3% Santa Ana Heights 25.9% 14.7% 24.8% 25.9% 8.7% Lower Bay 15.6% 9.2% 19.2% 36.9% 19.1% Balboa Island 15.3% 9.9% 16.6% 36.7% 21.5% Eastbluff/Newport North 26.6% 12.1% 24.8% 25.3% 11.2% Big Canyon/Belcourt 22.5% 5.5% 18.8% 33.7% 19.4% Newport Center 13.8% 17.4% 27.1% 27.7% 14.0% Corona del Mar 18.3% 10.7% 24.7% 33.5% 12.8% Harbor View 27.5% 7.9% 24.0% 26.6% 14.0% Newport Coast 28.7% 7.1% 26.0% 30.5% 7.7% Source: Proforma Advisors data (Appendix A). Most service areas meet the recreational needs of the existing population, offering a balance of passive recreation with ADA accessibility and youth and adult sports facilities and play areas. However, there are three service areas where there is a gap between the existing makeup of the community and the types of recreational facilities and the age groups they serve. In Newport Heights/Upper Bay, which is the most populated service area based on Table 8, the Children and Young Adults, Young Workers, and Family Formation age cohort make up about 63% of the service area’s population but there is only one community park and one neighborhood park that include amenities that are typically utilized by those age groups, such as sports fields and tennis courts, play areas, and gymnasiums. The remaining recreational facilities include the view parks, public beach, and school park types. Newport Coast also experiences a recreational gap because it has a large percentage of the Children and Young Adults age cohort compared to other service areas and within its service area; however, there is only one facility with a play area and active recreational amenities. Lastly, Balboa Island has the second-highest percentage of seniors compared to other service areas, but there is only one park with active recreational facilities and a small community center. According to Section 4.4, Planned Park and Recreation Improvements, Newport Coast includes planned improvements to increase recreational opportunities but there are no planned improvements for the Newport Heights/Upper Bay and Balboa Island Service Areas. 3.11.3 Needs Assessment The projected population growth from the Southern California Associated Government’s (SCAG) 2020 RTP/SCS growth forecast projects that Newport Beach’s population is estimated to reach 92,00028 by 2045. However, the growth forecast was developed prior to the pandemic in 2020 which does not capture population impacts that have slowed 28 SCAG, Connect SoCal Technical Report, 2020. Accessed from: https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file- attachments/0903fconnectsocal_demographics-and-growth-forecast.pdf?1606001579 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 42 down population growth throughout California (see Appendix A for additional information). Applying SCAG’s projection methodology to current population estimates from the Department of Finance, shows that the 2045 population in Newport Beach will likely to be closer to 88,650 people. The population of Newport Beach will grow about 4% from 2020 to 2045, based on the adjusted population total which is slightly higher than the County’s estimated growth of about 3% (see Appendix A for County comparison data). Table 12 shows the 2020 to 2045 population change in total population and percentage change. All age cohorts under the age of 55 are expected to experience a decrease in population, with the greatest decline in Children and Young Adults. The Empty Nesters population is projected to remain static, and the starkest change is projected in the “Seniors” age cohort (75 years and over), which will double in size over the next 20 years. These estimates suggest that increased demand will occur for recreational activities for older individuals. Table 12. Population Projections by Age Age Cohort 2020 2045 Change Percent Change Children & Young Adults under 24 21,377 18,422 −2,955 −14% Young Workers 25–34 11,698 10,557 −1,141 −10% Family Formation 35–54 24,131 23,948 −183 −1% Empty Nesters 55–74 20,210 20,170 −40 0% Seniors (75+) 7,770 15,553 7,782 100% Total 85,186 88,650 3,464 4% Source: Proforma Advisors data (Appendix A). Based on the age projections in Table 12, all service areas except West Newport will experience a significant increase in the Seniors age cohort because the Empty Nesters age cohort, which will transition to the Seniors age cohort over the next 20 years, makes up a high percentage of the existing population. This is a significant consideration for future planned improvements, because there is only one existing facility (OASIS Senior Center) that primarily serves the Seniors cohort in the Harbor View Service Area. Additionally, many service areas’ existing facilities will not serve the projected population. These service areas include Balboa Peninsula, because its existing facilities are conducive for active recreation, including beach recreation, which may not be ADA accessible. Balboa Island also has the largest percentage of Empty Nesters compared to other service areas, whereas it has only one neighborhood park with a small community center. Additionally, Newport Coast’s existing passive recreation parks and walking trails are not ADA accessible. Conversely, Harbor View has a high percentage of the Children and Young Adults age cohort, which will experience the largest decline (14%) over the next 20 years; however, most of the park types are geared toward youth and active facilities. In addition to available population projection data, through the City’s adopted Housing Element, it is anticipated that the City has an existing and projected need of 4,845 new housing units for the 2021-2029 timeframe. While SCAG’s RHNA allocation methodology considers projected population growth to identify the housing need, the City has proposed 5 Housing Opportunity Overlay Zones to accommodate housing beyond the housing need, which, if approved, will accommodate up to 8,046 new units. APRIL 2024 43 4 Issues and Opportunities This chapter lists the issues and opportunities based on the existing parks and recreational facilities analysis in Chapter 4. While the City meets its parkland provisions under the Quimby Act and the local Park Dedication Ordinance, the analysis identified seven key issues and opportunities generally related to equitable park access and gaps in existing parks and recreational facilities compared to current and future population needs. A high-level overview is provided below and Chapter 6, Recommendations, will serve to help guide the City in addressing these issues and opportunities.  Varying Distribution of Park Types and Quantity by Service Area. The number and types of parks and recreational facilities vary significantly across the various service areas, highlighted by the parkland acreage deficit in 8 of the 12 service areas. Although the service areas are important to distribute funds and closely analyze parks through a localized lens, there is no existing context for the physical geography and environment within each service area that constrains a certain park type to account for the variation in the number and types of parks available.  School Facilities as Reliable Recreational Areas. School facilities contribute to park access across Newport Beach but often significantly supplement recreational opportunities in several service areas by providing additional, or in some cases the only, play areas, pool facilities, gymnasiums, and sports fields in the service area. Therefore, the availability and maintenance of these facilities is an important opportunity.  Parking Access. Most residential areas are within walking distance of a park. However, as noted above, there is an unequal distribution of park types throughout Newport Beach, some of which are not within walking distance of residents, depending on what area they live in. While parking facilities for park types that serve the larger community are adequate, there are several view parks (Balboa Island Park, Harbor View Nature Park, Harbor Watch Park) with access to trails that are limited to street parking and may not be accessible to residents.  Planned Improvements Gap. Most parks and recreational facilities adequately serve the existing population makeup of the service areas, except for the Newport Coast, Newport Heights/Upper Bay, and Balboa Island Service Areas. While there are eight planned improvement projects listed on the City’s website, only one of these projects addresses the need identified in the analysis for the Newport Coast Service Area.  Inconsistent Trends between Youth Population and Utilization Trends. The Children and Young Adults age cohort population has experienced a decline, but utilization of youth programs in Newport Beach has increased. Additionally, the analysis highlights the City’s recreation and community services, and programming is geared toward the youth; however, this age cohort is projected to experience the largest decline (14%) over the next 20 years. This population-versus-utilization trend inconsistency is misleading and may create disparities or overfund youth programs.  Underutilized Seniors Services. The population of adults aged 55 or older experienced an increase while the utilization in senior services, available to those age 60 or older, has decreased. Similarly to the youth population and utilization trends, the inconsistency in correlation between the number of older adults and utilization trends may create issues for appropriately funding or tailoring services for the aging population.  Increasing Aging Population. The most significant population trend that will impact the City’s ability to serve residents’ park needs from a population-served perspective is the doubling of the Seniors age cohort from 7,770 persons to a projected 15,553 persons aged 75 and older in 2045. The City has only one recreational facility dedicated for Seniors but as noted above, utilization of services for Seniors has declined. Therefore, the existing data does not identify any trends that may help plan for adequately serving the aging population. APRIL 2024 44 5 Recommendations This chapter provides recommendations to address the issues and opportunities identified in Chapter 5, Issues and Opportunities. Four recommendations are included, which generally provide a high-level policy or program recommendation or recommend a process for additional community outreach and input. 5.1 Create a Methodology to Identify Park Needs by Service Area As the community continues to grow, more park and recreation facilities will be needed to maintain a high quality of life. With decreases in the availability of vacant public land and increases in the need for local recreation facilities, new methodologies for determining when recreational facilities are sufficient to meet the populations needs should be considered. While Newport Beach currently has a Citywide surplus of park acreage based on the local standard of 5 acres per 1,000 people, many service areas are considered to be park deficient. Opportunities to reassess current standards may exist, given that the City’s standard is higher than the required 3 acres per 1,000 people. Because the current approach to identifying park needs and deficits considers population size and acres of parkland, as the population continues to grow with limited opportunities for new parklands the majority of service areas will continue to experience a parkland deficit. Additionally, park types are unequally distributed across service areas because the service area parks framework does not consider physical geographic constraints and existing land uses that limit the park types available. While there is value in understanding a community’s recreational needs based on an acreage per population calculation, there may be other ways to measure the value and adequacy of parks by considering how parks are used by the community, what amenities they offer, and how easily they may be accessed. The City should consider a methodology to determine park needs and deficits by service area that takes into consideration factors beyond the acreage of parks. Additional factors considered could include park types each service area supports based on its physical geography, existing land uses, and opportunities to capitalize on Newport Beach’s vast and varying natural resources and landforms. The City could work with the community to understand population needs, accessibility of park facilities, and park types that offer unique recreational opportunities that are important to the community. The City could also seek out opportunities to capitalize on existing recreational facilities through connections such as trails that that could create a comprehensive recreational network. A connected network of recreational facilities could greatly increase the value of existing resources and the way that residents interact with their community. Identifying key community values, needs, accessibility, and opportunities for a network of recreational facilities could help the City tailor park and recreational improvements to the community, which could in turn provide sufficient recreational opportunities despite a park acreage deficit. The methodology for identifying park needs should consider how key park destinations within each service area are accessed by the larger community and analyze those in terms of connectivity to neighborhoods and other recreational facilities, walking conditions, biking conditions, and parking accessibility. For example, Harbor Watch Park offers a unique recreational opportunity with access to trails abutting Buck Gully Reserve. Because there is limited off-street parking and street parking is not currently permitted at this location, there may be opportunity to increase the value of these facilities and the populations it serves through increased access. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 45 Further, members of the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) have expressed a desire for a comprehensive approach to the development of parks and recreational facilities. As described in Section 3.6.2 the City requires the dedication of land or the payment of in lieu fees, or a combination of both, for park or recreational purposes as a condition to the approval of residential subdivisions. In lieu fees collected may only be used for park or recreational facilities that serve the residential subdivision, either through the purchase of land for the purpose of developing new parks or facilities. This approach does not consider the parks and recreation facilities that may be available within the service area and the park and recreation needs of other service areas in the City. To more comprehensively plan for park and recreation needs, the City could develop a parks master plan. This could include a comprehensive assessment of park needs to help implement the General Plan and to determine the types of parks and facilities needed, short-term and long-term projects to pursue, and cost assessments to help with the allocation of funds. 5.2 Develop a Process for Strategic Planned Improvements There is a gap between parks and recreational needs identified in this report and ongoing planned park improvement efforts. The current principles for Capital Improvement Program budgeting, which plans for the provision of public improvements, special projects, ongoing maintenance programs, and implementation of the City’s master plans, considers the following:  Keeping the community safe  Providing a quality mix of services that Newport Beach residents expect in a cost-effective manner  Keeping Newport Beach looking great  Maintaining a fiscally stable and sustainable City government  Providing government transparency to the citizenry.29 However, to guide decision making for strategically prioritizing planned recreational improvements, the City could incorporate standardized project evaluation criteria into the capital improvement process to help provide planned park improvements in a manner that aligns with policies and programs of the General Plan. Such criteria could consider the following questions through the prioritization of funds:  Has the project been approved through a council approved plan?  Does the project conform to General Plan goals and policies?  How does the project implement one or more Council initiatives?  Was the project previously funded in a Capital Improvement Program budget?  Is the project needed to satisfy regulatory compliance?  Does this project connect to or build upon existing infrastructure to create exponential value in investment?  Are there restricted funds, such as grant funds, included? 29 City of Newport Beach, 2023, “Capital Improvement Program,” web page, accessed at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/ government/departments/public-works/capital-improvement-program. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 46 The planning process for developing the project evaluation criteria should involve input from residents, community groups, and relevant City departments to inform the approach. The City could further build upon this process to remain flexible as unexpected needs arise. To do this, the City could work with the community to reevaluate recreational needs every 5-years. This could be done through updated data analysis and citywide surveys. Although, changes in how funds are prioritized, should ensure consistency with the vision and goals of the General Plan. 5.3 Coordinate with School Districts School facilities contribute to park access across Newport Beach and supplement recreational opportunities in several service areas by providing access to play areas, pool facilities, gymnasiums, and sports fields in the service areas. Agreements between the City and schools to allow public access to facilities is an efficient method for sharing resources in a manner that keeps costs down and can contribute significantly to the community. Joint use agreements provide public access to school recreational amenities. However, such agreements can expire. The City should ensure that existing joint use agreements remain in effect, where possible. This can be done by maintaining a database of existing joint use agreements that includes expiration dates. Where joint use agreements may expire in the near-term, the City should work to secure extensions to joint use agreements. This can help ensure that currently available facilities can continue to be accessible to the broader community. Additionally, members of the GPAC have noted a need for joint use agreements with more schools to increase access to recreational facilities and even facilities that can support the arts such as theaters across the City. Further, the City could pursue additional agreements to build upon existing facilities, this could be through joint development agreements where the City and school district would partner to build recreational facilities such as new playgrounds on existing parks or purchase land to build upon existing facilities. 5.4 Engage the Community There are several key issues and opportunities identified in the analysis that require robust community outreach to identify and understand the community’s needs. Understanding community needs and priorities can help to provide clarity on data trends, specifically, as it relates to informing the allocation of funding and resources for programs and services targeted for youth and seniors. While available data shows a low population of children, there is high utilization of programs and services for children. Conversely, while there is a high population of older adults and seniors eligible for the City’s seniors programming and services, there is low utilization of such programs. As noted in Chapter 5, the Children and Young Adults age cohort will experience the largest population decline (14%) over the next 20 years and the Seniors population will double in size in the same timeframe. As mentioned in the analysis, parks and programming offer benefits such as social interactions and other health benefits for residents; therefore, understanding the actual need is critical information as it will impact the City’s ability to serve residents’ park needs, such as better connecting older adults to existing services. The City should consider policies and strategies to modify existing programming or develop new programming to retrofit parks and recreational areas to accommodate the growing aging population. The City should engage the community to understand the need for and adequately fund programs and services for youth and seniors. This outreach process should form part of this General Plan Update because these population trends should be considered in the development of policies and implementation programs established in the Recreation Element. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RECREATION EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS APRIL 2024 47 INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Appendix A Newport Beach General Plan Update Recreation Element Economic Support Year 2023 memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Los Angeles Hartford Beijing www.ProFormaAdvisors.com To: Janet Rodriguez - Dudek From: Lance Harris - Pro Forma Advisors Date: November 9, 2023 re: Newport Beach General Plan Update Economic Support – Recreation Element Memo Organization This memorandum includes three sections. The first section presents population growth and demographic information that may impact the Recreational Element in the City of Newport Beach (Newport Beach). The second section uses Newport Beach data to provide insights on the utilization and deliver of Newport Beach’s parks. Finally, the third section projects future growth, by age cohort, to provide market information that might impact the future use of Newport Beach’s recreational space. Historic Demographics Trends Population Newport Beach experienced its greatest growth in the late 1990s and early 2000s, which preceded the adopted General Plan. Since 2005, the year prior to the General Plan’s adoption, population in Newport Beach has increased by approximately 1,700 people or less than 100 people per year.30 This historic growth is small, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of approximately 0.1 percent. The following Figure 1 presents the Newport Beach population and associated growth in comparison to Orange County (County). Total population increased by only two percent since 2005, which is approximately a third of the growth rate of the larger County region. Figure 1: Historic Population Growth (2005 – 2023) Source: California Department of Finance (E-4) Age Characteristics 30 Population estimates referenced are from the Department of Finance and reflect the Newport Beach population on as of January 1st of each year. 81,678 83,411 102 106 0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 100 102 104 106 108 110 Po p u l a t i o n Gr o w t h I n d e x (2 0 0 5 = 1 0 0 ) Newport Beach Newport Beach Growth Index Orange County Growth Index memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 3 PFAID: 10-644.01 Comparing age data from the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census, an important trend is noticed. Newport Beach’s population is aging. As shown below in Table 1 all population age groups younger than 54 experienced a population decline from 2010 to 2020, while the population over 55 grew significantly. The largest numeric growth occurred in the 65 – 74-year-old age cohort. Conversely, the greatest decline occurred in the 45 – 54-year-old age cohort. In total, those people over the age of 55 represented 33 and then 39 percent of the population in 2010 and 2020, respectively. A consolidated breakdown of age by Recreational Service Area is provided in the Attachment. Table 1: Age Cohort Analysis in Newport Beach (Census 2010 and 2020) Age Cohort 2010 2020 Index (2020 / 2010) Population Change (2010 to 2020) 0 - 4 4% 4% 93.8 (197) 5 - 9 5% 4% 82.8 (712) 10 - 14 5% 5% 97.1 (125) 15 - 24 11% 11% 98.2 (162) 25 - 34 14% 13% 93.0 (808) 35 - 44 13% 11% 85.9 (1,494) 45 - 54 16% 14% 85.8 (1,895) 55 - 64 14% 15% 109.0 1,087 65 - 74 10% 13% 127.2 2,294 75 - 84 6% 8% 129.7 1,574 85 + 3% 4% 122.2 558 Source: US Census memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 4 PFAID: 10-644.01 Household Formation Newport Beach has historically consisted of households with less children. Examining decennial Census data, Newport Beach had and estimated 21 percent of households with children in 2010, which declined to 19 percent in 2020. For comparison, the County had an estimated 38 percent of households with children in 2010, which continued in 2020. The smaller average household size in Newport Beach also reflects this dynamic (Table 2). A more detailed breakout of household formation for Newport Beach is presented in Table 3. Table 2: Household Formation Overview (2010 and 2020) 2010 2020 Newport Beach Orange County Newport Beach Orange County Households with Children 21% 38% 19% 38% Average Household Size 2.19 2.99 2.21 2.92 Source: ESRI; US Census In 2020, the city had 45.2 percent in married couple households, 6.0 percent in cohabitating couple households, 20.9 percent male householders with no spouse or partner, and 27.9 percent female householders with no spouse or partner. The subsequent break out of those estimated to be living alone, with children under 18, without children under 18 (but with relatives), and with no relatives present are provided. Census data also reports those 65 years or older that are living alone as male or female householders with no spouse or partner. Based on 2020 data, 32 percent of male householders with no spouse or partner (1,743) living alone are 65 years and over and 51 percent of female householders with no spouse or partner (3,589) living alone are 65 years and over. Unique recreational activities for these households may become more in demand as the population ages in the future. memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 5 PFAID: 10-644.01 Table 3: Household Formation in Newport Beach (2020) Number Percent Married Couple Households 17,372 45% With Own Children <18 5,525 14% Without Own Children <18 11,847 31% Cohabitating Couple Households 2,311 6% With Own Children <18 270 1% Without Own Children <18 2,041 5% Male Householder, No Spouse/Partner 8,021 21% Living Alone 5,504 14% With Own Children <18 515 1% Without Own Children <18, With Relatives 818 2% No Relatives Present 1,184 3% Female Householder, No Spouse/Partner 10,698 28% Living Alone 7,101 19% With Own Children <18 1,052 3% Without Own Children <18, With Relatives 1,616 4% No Relatives Present 929 2% Total Households 38,402 100% Source: ESRI; US Census memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 6 PFAID: 10-644.01 Current Utilization and Park Space Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report provides information on the utilization of Recreation and Senior Services. The fiscal years (FY) of 2005 through 2022 were used to identify any trends associated with residents’ participation in co- sponsored youth organizations and senior transportation services. Both were analyzed in absolute terms as well as their use on a per capita basis. As shown in Figure 2, participation in youth organizations has been rising even as the total number of people in the youth age cohort has declined. The trend suggests that either there has been historically more demand than could be offered or that youth organization demand has increased at a higher rate than population growth. Figure 2: Historic Co-Sponsored Youth Organization Attendance (FY2005 – FY2022) Source: City of Newport Beach and Department of Finance (E-4) Given the increase in the population over 55 between 2010 and 2020, it could be expected that senior transportation services would have also increased. However, as shown in Figure 3, this has not been the case. OASIS Senior Center offers affordable ride-share transportation for Newport Beach seniors over the age of 60 who are not able to drive. This transportation service, which falls under the Recreation Department, is available for trips needed for medical appointments, shopping, and OASIS Senior Center classes and events. Again, while the data suggest that the rate of usage is declining, it could also be occurring for other reasons such as the population over 60 still being able to drive, decreased availably of the shuttles, increased use of ride share services, or other factors. However, it is interesting that the utilization of these services appears to be opposite to the previously discussed near-term aging trends. 392,605 4.7 - 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 - 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000 At t e n d a n c e p e r C a p i t a At t e n d a n c e Co-Sponsored Youth Organization Attendance Per Capita Attendance Linear (Per Capita Attendance) memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 7 PFAID: 10-644.01 Figure 3: Historic Senior Transportation Services Participation (FY2005 – FY2022) Source: City of Newport Beach and Department of Finance (E-4) Historic Park Delivery Currently the General Plan uses a standard of five acres of parkland per 1,000 population. The Quimby Act provides for the dedication of parkland, or the payment of fees in lieu of land, by developers as a requirement for residential development. Using the Quimby Act standard, the service standard is three acres of parkland per 1,000 population. Looking at the delivery of parks since the adoption of the General Plan, Newport Beach as added four new parks (Figure 4) and has continued to have one aquatic and 14 community centers (including leased properties). Figure 4: Park Inventory (FY2005 – FY2022) Source: City of Newport Beach and Department of Finance (E-4) 0.11 - 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.12 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.20 - 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000 18,000 20,000 Pa r t i c i p a t i o n p e r C a p i t a Pa r t i c i p a t i o n Senior Transportation Services Per Capita Participation Linear (Per Capita Participation) 61 65 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 Pa r k s memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 8 PFAID: 10-644.01 Projected Population Growth The following data is taken from the Department of Finance’s Report P-3: Population Projections Race/Ethnicity and Sex by Individual Years of Age, 2020 to 2060. The data, which was released in July of 2023, are the most recent population projections at the County level. At the city level, the most recent long-term population projection is provided by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). However, their data was published in 2020 (developed prior to the pandemic). As such, it is likely that the estimates will be revised downward upon the next release of their next RTP/SCS growth forecast. For the purposes of this analysis, we have applied the SCAG projected growth rate to the most recent population projected by the Department of Finance. Orange County Population and Age Projections Like the trends in Newport Beach between 2010 and 2020, the Department of Finance projects that population growth will be driven by older individuals. Their data has been simplified into various life stages, which would impact the utilization of recreational facilities. As shown in Table 4 the only segment projected to grow are those individuals in the Senior age category (over 75 years of age). Table 4: Population Projection by Age for Orange County (2020 - 2045) 2020 2030 2040 2045 Change Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 1,028,153 958,035 930,242 922,308 (105,845) -10% Young Workers (25 - 34) 417,984 387,965 378,290 372,655 (45,329) -11% Family Formation (35 - 54) 800,483 764,807 780,838 785,592 (14,891) -2% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 715,126 751,804 723,884 708,473 (6,653) -1% Seniors (75+) 225,443 338,750 470,557 511,433 285,990 127% Total 3,187,189 3,201,361 3,283,811 3,300,461 96,622 3% Source: Department of Finance (P-3); US Census memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 9 PFAID: 10-644.01 Newport Beach Population and Age Projections For comparison purposes, the 2020 Census data on population and age is presented in Table 5 in a format comparable to the County projections. As noted, Newport Beach is indexing (total percent of the population’s age groups divided by total percent of the County) lower in Children and Young Adults (under 24 years of age). The Young Workers and Family Formation groups are comparable to the County while Newport Beach is over indexing with Empty Nesters and Seniors. While there is no long-term population forecast by age for Newport Beach, it can be assumed that it will continue to have a population with older residents relative to the County. Table 5: Population by Age Comparison (2020) Newport Beach Orange County Index Number Percent of Total Number Percent of Total Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 21,377 25% 1,028,153 32% 77.8 Young Workers (25 - 34) 11,698 14% 417,984 13% 104.7 Family Formation (35 - 54) 24,131 28% 800,483 25% 112.8 Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 20,210 24% 715,126 22% 105.7 Seniors (75+) 7,770 9% 225,443 7% 129.0 Total 85,186 100% 3,187,189 100% 100.0 Source: Department of Finance (P-3); US Census According to the SCAG forecast, Newport Beach is estimated to reach a population of 92,000 in 2045. As noted, given unprecedented impacts of the global pandemic and changes in people’s behavior regarding where to live and work, growth has slowed in areas throughout California. Using the January 1st 2023 population estimate for Newport Beach and applying SCAG’s 2016 to 2045 CAGR suggests that the population will grow to approximately 88,650 in 2045. Assuming Newport Beach follows the County’s change in population by age, the following Table 6 presents a breakdown of the projected population growth by age group. These estimates suggest that increased demand will occur for recreational activities for older individuals due to Seniors doubling in population over the next 20 plus years. On a percentage basis, the greatest declines are for those under 24 with relatively modest change in the Family Formation and Empty Nesters life stage categories. memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 10 PFAID: 10-644.01 Table 6: Population Projection by Age for Newport Beach (2020 - 2045) 2020 2045 Change Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 21,377 18,422 (2,955) -14% Young Workers (25 - 34) 11,698 10,557 (1,141) -10% Family Formation (35 - 54) 24,131 23,948 (183) -1% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 20,210 20,170 (40) 0% Seniors (75+) 7,770 15,553 7,782 100% Total 85,186 88,650 3,464 4% Source: SCAG; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Los Angeles Hartford Beijing www.ProFormaAdvisors.com memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 2 PFAID: 10-644.01 Attachment The following data is provided for reference to better understand the population and age changes in the Newport Beach Recreational Service Areas. Attachment Table 1: Population Change in Balboa Island (2010 - 2020) 2010 2020 Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 15.2% 15.3% 0.1% Young Workers (25 - 34) 10.7% 9.9% -7.7% Family Formation (35 - 54) 21.4% 16.6% -22.3% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 36.6% 36.7% 0.5% Seniors (75+) 16.1% 21.5% 33.7% Total 2,848 2,573 -9.7% Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census Attachment Table 2: Population Change in Corona del Mar (2010 - 2020) 2010 2020 Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 19.2% 18.3% -4.7% Young Workers (25 - 34) 14.5% 10.7% -25.7% Family Formation (35 - 54) 29.9% 24.7% -17.4% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 27.1% 33.5% 23.7% Seniors (75+) 9.4% 12.8% 36.2% Total 8,554 8,116 -5.1% Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 3 PFAID: 10-644.01 Attachment Table 3: Population Change in West Newport (2010 - 2020) 2010 2020 Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 25.3% 23.0% -9.0% Young Workers (25 - 34) 26.3% 25.5% -3.2% Family Formation (35 - 54) 16.0% 22.1% 37.8% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 8.2% 9.6% 16.9% Seniors (75+) 12,914 12,411 -3.9% Total 25.3% 23.0% -9.0% Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census Attachment Table 4: Population Change in Santa Ana Heights (2010 - 2020) 2010 2020 Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 26.8% 25.9% -3.2% Young Workers (25 - 34) 9.9% 14.7% 48.3% Family Formation (35 - 54) 32.3% 24.8% -23.2% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 23.2% 25.9% 11.6% Seniors (75+) 7.8% 8.7% 11.6% Total 1,483 1,732 16.8% Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 4 PFAID: 10-644.01 Attachment Table 5: Population Change in Lower Bay (2010 - 2020) 2010 2020 Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 13.6% 15.6% 14.3% Young Workers (25 - 34) 8.4% 9.2% 9.6% Family Formation (35 - 54) 24.1% 19.2% -20.5% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 38.1% 36.9% -3.4% Seniors (75+) 15.6% 19.1% 22.2% Total 3,091 3,269 5.8% Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census Attachment Table 6: Population Change in Newport Heights/Upper Bay (2010 - 2020) 2010 2020 Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 29.2% 28.7% -1.7% Young Workers (25 - 34) 13.4% 13.2% -1.3% Family Formation (35 - 54) 29.1% 25.1% -13.7% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 20.2% 24.6% 21.8% Seniors (75+) 8.1% 8.3% 3.3% Total 13,729 13,372 -2.6% Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 5 PFAID: 10-644.01 Attachment Table 7: Population Change in Newport Center (2010 - 2020) 2010 2020 Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 14.4% 13.8% -4.6% Young Workers (25 - 34) 23.0% 17.4% -24.0% Family Formation (35 - 54) 23.2% 27.1% 16.8% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 24.5% 27.7% 13.0% Seniors (75+) 14.9% 14.0% -6.0% Total 3,390 5,024 48.2% Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census Attachment Table 8: Population Change in Balboa Peninsula (2010 - 2020) 2010 2020 Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 20.5% 19.7% -4.2% Young Workers (25 - 34) 19.0% 17.9% -5.5% Family Formation (35 - 54) 25.8% 21.7% -16.0% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 23.7% 28.6% 20.6% Seniors (75+) 11.0% 12.1% 10.4% Total 4,361 3,933 -9.8% Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 6 PFAID: 10-644.01 Attachment Table 9: Population Change in Big Canyon/Belcourt (2010 - 2020) 2010 2020 Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 24.5% 22.5% -8.0% Young Workers (25 - 34) 4.0% 5.5% 35.5% Family Formation (35 - 54) 25.9% 18.8% -27.2% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 33.8% 33.7% -0.1% Seniors (75+) 11.8% 19.4% 64.5% Total 3,552 3,431 -3.4% Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census Attachment Table 10: Population Change in Newport Coast (2010 - 2020) 2010 2020 Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 29.5% 28.7% -2.7% Young Workers (25 - 34) 7.8% 7.1% -9.6% Family Formation (35 - 54) 35.7% 26.0% -27.2% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 23.7% 30.5% 28.9% Seniors (75+) 3.3% 7.7% 133.4% Total 11,220 11,437 1.9% Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census memo Pro Forma Advisors LLC Page 7 PFAID: 10-644.01 Attachment Table 11: Population Change in East Bluff/Newport North (2010 - 2020) 2010 2020 Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 29.2% 26.6% -9.0% Young Workers (25 - 34) 11.7% 12.1% 3.9% Family Formation (35 - 54) 25.9% 24.8% -4.1% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 22.9% 25.3% 10.1% Seniors (75+) 10.3% 11.2% 8.9% Total 6,870 6,998 1.9% Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census Attachment Table 12: Population Change in Harbor View (2010 - 2020) 2010 2020 Percent Change Children/Young Adults (Under 24) 28.5% 27.5% -3.3% Young Workers (25 - 34) 8.5% 7.9% -7.2% Family Formation (35 - 54) 27.9% 24.0% -14.2% Empty Nesters (55 - 74) 25.2% 26.6% 5.7% Seniors (75+) 9.9% 14.0% 41.0% Total 13,173 12,890 -2.1% Source: ESRI Business Analyst; Pro Forma Advisors; US Census Natural Resources Element Existing Conditions and Background Analysis General Plan Update APRIL 2024 Prepared for: CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 100 Civic Center Drive Newport Beach, California 92660 Prepared by: 27271 Las Ramblas Mission Viejo, California 92691 Printed on 30% post-consumer recycled material. i MARCH 2024 Table of Contents SECTION PAGE NO. Acronyms, Abbreviations, Key Terms .............................................................................................................................. iii Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................................... 1 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 2 1.2 Element Purpose and Process ............................................................................................................... 2 2. General Plan and Regulatory Review .................................................................................................................. 3 2.1 Natural Resources in State Regulations and Guidance ....................................................................... 3 2.2 Natural Resources in the Adopted General Plan .................................................................................. 4 2.3 Natural Resources in Local Implementation ........................................................................................ 9 2.4 Summary and Findings ....................................................................................................................... 11 3. Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................................................ 12 3.1 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................................. 12 3.1.1 Non-Attainment Pollutants .................................................................................................... 13 3.1.2 Sources of Air Pollution in Newport Beach ........................................................................... 14 3.2 Biological Resources ........................................................................................................................... 17 3.2.1 Natural Communities Conservation Plan ............................................................................. 17 3.2.2 Endangered Species .............................................................................................................. 17 3.2.3 Marine Resources .................................................................................................................. 19 3.3 Mineral Resources .............................................................................................................................. 27 3.4 Archaeological and Paleontological Resources ................................................................................. 29 3.5 Rivers and Waterbodies ...................................................................................................................... 30 3.5.1 Upper Newport Bay ................................................................................................................ 30 3.5.2 Santa Ana River ..................................................................................................................... 32 3.6 Visual Resources ................................................................................................................................. 32 3.7 Water Conservation ............................................................................................................................. 37 3.8 Water Quality ....................................................................................................................................... 37 3.8.1 Drinking Water ....................................................................................................................... 37 3.8.2 Recreational Water ................................................................................................................ 38 3.9 Energy Conservation ........................................................................................................................... 38 4. Issues and Opportunities .................................................................................................................................. 39 4.1 Air Quality ............................................................................................................................................. 39 4.2 Biological Resources ........................................................................................................................... 39 4.3 Mineral Resources .............................................................................................................................. 40 GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS ii MARCH 2024 4.4 Archaeological and Paleontological Resources ................................................................................. 40 4.5 Rivers and Waterbodies ...................................................................................................................... 40 4.6 Visual Resources ................................................................................................................................. 41 4.7 Water Conservation ............................................................................................................................. 41 4.8 Water Quality ....................................................................................................................................... 41 4.9 Energy Conservation ........................................................................................................................... 41 5. Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................ 42 5.1 Research Implementation of Additional Transportation Demand Management Strategies........... 42 5.2 Additional Protective Measures for Biological Resources ................................................................ 42 5.3 Identification of Visual Resources ...................................................................................................... 42 5.4 Conservation Education ...................................................................................................................... 43 6. Conclusions ....................................................................................................................................................... 44 TABLES Table 1. Natural Resources Element Relationship to Required Elements 3 Table 2. Natural Resources in the Adopted General Plan 4 Table 3. Local Implementation by Natural Resources Topic 9 Table 4. Air Pollutant Area Designation Status for Orange County 12 Table 5. Endangered or Threatened Flora and Fauna 18 iii MARCH 2024 Acronyms, Abbreviations, Key Terms Acronym/Abbreviation/Term Expanded Form µg/m3 micrograms per cubic meter CARB California Air Resources Board City City of Newport Beach EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency ESA environmental study area ESHA environmentally sensitive habitat area NOx nitrogen oxides PFAS per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances PM10 respirable particulate matter PM2.5 fine particulate matter ppm parts per million SCAQMD South Coast Air Quality Management District SO2 sulfur dioxide SRA Source Receptor Area GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS iv MARCH 2024 INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 1 MARCH 2024 Executive Summary This report comprehensively assesses seven natural resource topics identified by the California Office of Planning and Research to be addressed in general plans to enhance the management and conservation of natural resources: air quality, biological resources, mineral resources, rivers and waterbodies, visual resources, water conservation, and water quality. It identifies how the City of Newport Beach (City) is already addressing these natural resource topics and how the City could further address natural resources through the General Plan Update, to preserve and improve the quality of these resources. The City implements the adopted Natural Resources Element though the Local Coastal Program including the Coastal Land Use Plan and Implementation Plan, the General Plan Implementation Program, the Newport Beach Municipal Code, and various other plans and policy documents focused on specific resource issues. Moreover, the City works closely with other local, state, and federal agencies to address regional issues and implement State and federal environmental laws. However, many of these plans and programs, including the General Plan, must be updated to reflect rapidly changing environmental, economic, and social conditions, comply with new State and federal laws, and respond to the needs and desires of the community. To best manage natural resources, the City should partner with local agencies, nonprofits, and residents who directly manage or support the conservation of natural resources. Air quality is most effectively addressed in the General Plan Land Use and Circulation elements by encouraging walking, biking, transit, and electric vehicle use, as well as a mix of accessible uses. Additionally, urban forestry policies implemented through the Recreation Element can help improve localized air quality near stationary sources and major roads. Biological resources can be addressed both by working with open space managers, including California State Parks, as well as adjacent properties creating plant and wildlife corridors allowing species to expand their habitat and effectively migrate. Biological marine resources are managed through a network of plans and additional State and Federal Laws, including the Local Coastal Program and Newport Harbor Eelgrass Protection and Mitigation Plan. These plans may affect protected resources and should be coordinated to maximize their effectiveness, without causing additional or conflicting bureaucracy. Visual resources make Newport Beach a truly special place and should be thoughtfully preserved without creating unnecessary barriers to development. The remaining resources discussed in this element are primarily regulated by the State and Federal governments. Where State and Federal regulations are sufficient, the City should maintain consistency in a manner that ensures effective response as regulations change over time. By coordinating resource protection with the relevant cooperating agencies and non-profits, the City can create clear and effective strategies that enhance Newport Beach’s natural resources for generations to come. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 2 MARCH 2024 1. Introduction 1.1 Overview The City of Newport Beach (City) is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including Newport Bay, the Buck Gully Reserve, and Crystal Cove State Park. These areas serve as popular recreational destinations, making the conservation and development of the natural resources within each of these environments a priority for the City. The Natural Resources Element of the City’s General Plan is one of the City’s primary tools that addresses issues that threaten the protection, development, and utilization of the City’s biological, mineral, visual, and other natural resources through targeted policies and strategies. Last updated in 2006, the updated Natural Resources Element will identify and address existing issues and others that have emerged since the previous iteration. This Natural Resources Existing Conditions and Background Analysis provides an analysis of these issues and opportunities related to natural resources and provides foundational information to guide the update to the Natural Resources Element. While not a required element of the General Plan the City’s adopted Natural Resources Element fulfills the requirements of a Conservation Element and some requirements of an Open Space Element in accordance with Government Code 65302. Conservation Elements are required to address the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources including water, forest, soils, rivers, harbors and fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other resources. Open Space Elements are required to identify open space lands and actions for the preservation of open space. Open space lands generally include lands used for the production of food and fiber, for the enjoyment of scenic beauty, for recreation, and for the use of natural resources. The City’s adopted General Plan addresses the recreational requirements of an Open Space Element within the adopted Recreation Element. 1.2 Element Purpose and Process The City’s adopted Natural Resources Element combines policies to address general plan requirements of conservation and open space, establishing goals and policies for the preservation, extraction, and sustainable use of resources. While most policies in the adopted Natural Resources Element pertain to the conservation and utilization of the City’s natural resources, certain policies also provide general guidance for parks and recreation in relation to the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources. Goals and policies contained in the City’s Harbor and Bay, Recreation, and the Land Use Elements, as well as any resilience and sustainability goals also support the Natural Resources Element and work together to guide resource conservation and development, while also balancing community needs with environmental preservation and resilience. As a result, all of elements of the General Plan must be consistent with each other. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 3 MARCH 2024 2. General Plan and Regulatory Review The City’s adopted General Plan and existing legislative and local regulations address many topics as they relate to natural resources. This Section identifies where those topics are addressed in legislation, including recommended guidance from the State and local regulations, and further identifies where those topics are addressed in the adopted General Plan. 2.1 Natural Resources in State Regulations and Guidance All local governments in California must develop a general plan to serve as a long-range planning document for shaping and guiding its future. The State of California Office of Planning and Research provides guidance on general plan legislative requirements, as well as recommended policy guidance and available resources. The Natural Resources Element fulfills the Conservation Element requirements of the 2017 Office of Planning and Research General Plan Guidelines and is one of seven core elements that are required of all local governments’ general plans. In accordance with California Government Code Section 65302, a Conservation Element must address the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources including water, forest, soils, rivers, harbors and fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other resources. The relationship of the Natural Resources Element to the other six required elements is shown in Table 1. Table 1. Natural Resources Element Relationship to Required Elements Land Use Element Circulation Element Housing Element Recreation Element Noise Element Safety Element Relationship to Natural Resources Element In Statute Related Related In Statute Not Applicable In Statute 4 MARCH 2024 2.2 Natural Resources in the Adopted General Plan As required by the State, the City’s adopted General Plan1 includes programs and policies addressing natural resources and their conservation. Table 2 identifies the adopted General Plan goals and policies related to these efforts and includes a brief description of policy implementation measures identified in the Implementation Program (Chapter 13 of the General Plan). Most of the programs and policies originate from the Natural Resources Element, though related policies from other elements are also included. Table 2. Natural Resources in the Adopted General Plan Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures Air Quality Natural Resources Element Policies under Goal 6 intend to reduce mobile source emissions.  Policy 6.1, Walkable Neighborhoods  Policy 6.2, Mixed-Use Development  Policy 6.3, Vehicle-Trip Reduction Measures  Policy 6.4, Transportation Demand Management Ordinance  Update and revise the General Plan to reflect changing conditions and visions  Review and amend the Zoning Code for Consistency with the General Plan to enforce development standards  Review and update the Transportation Demand Ordinance  Provide public transportation  Maintain trails Biological Resources Natural Resources Element Policies under Goal 10 protect terrestrial and marine resources from urban development.  Policy 10.1, Terrestrial and Marine Resource Protection  Policy 10.4, New Development Siting and Design  Policy 10.5 Development in Areas Containing Significant or Rare Biological Resources  Policy 10.6, Use of Buffers  Policy 10.10, Giant Kelp Reforestation  Collaborate with agencies with jurisdiction and/or who are involved with these activities  Review the Zoning Code for Consistency with the General Plan to enforce development standards  Review the City of Newport Beach (City) Council Policy Manual to ensure consistency with the General Plan  Review and amend the Subdivision Ordinance for consistency with the General Plan  Review and update the goals and policies of Harbor and Tidelands Improvement Plans Policies under Goal 11 protect the environmental resources in Newport Harbor.  Policy 11.3, Eelgrass Protection  Review and update the goals and policies of Harbor and Tidelands Improvement Plans  Collaborate with agencies with jurisdiction and/or who are involved with these activities 1 City of Newport Beach. 2006. City of Newport Beach General Plan. Adopted July 25, 2006. https://www.newportbeachca.gov/ government/departments/community-development/planning-division/general-plan-codes-and-regulations/general-plan. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 5 MARCH 2024 Table 2. Natural Resources in the Adopted General Plan Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures  Policy 11.4, Interagency Coordination on Establishing Eelgrass Restoration Sites  Policy 11.5, Eelgrass Mitigation Policies under Goal 12 protect the City’s coastal dune habitats.  Policy 12.1, Exotic Vegetation Removal and Native Vegetation Restoration  Policy 12.2, Dune Habitat Protection  Policy 12.3, Beach Sand Removal  Review and update the goals and policies of Harbor and Tidelands Improvement Plans  Maintain and update parks and recreation facility plans  Maintain and improve parks and recreation facilities  Review and amend the Subdivision Ordinance for consistency with the General Plan Policies under Goal 13 protect, maintain, and enhance the region’s wetlands.  Policy 13.1, Wetland Protection  Update and revise the General Plan to reflect changing conditions and visions  Review and amend the Zoning Code for Consistency with the General Plan to enforce development standards  Review and update the goals and policies of Harbor and Tidelands Improvement Plans Policies under Goal 16 are related to the protection and management of natural resources in Upper Newport Bay.  Policy 16.2, Big Canyon Creek Restoration Project  Policy 16.3, Management of Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve (UNBER)  Policy 16.5, Public Uses within Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve  Collaborate with agencies with jurisdiction and/or who are involved with these activities  Maintain and update parks and recreation facility plans  Review and amend the Zoning Code for Consistency with the General Plan to enforce development standards Mineral Resources Natural Resources Element Policies under Goal 19 aim to minimize impacts from oil and gas drilling activities by prohibiting new activities.  Policy 19.1, New Extraction Activities  Policy 19.3, New Offshore Drilling Activities and Exploration Work  Policy 19.4, New Onshore Support Facilities  Review the Zoning Code for Consistency with the General Plan to enforce development standards  Review the City Council Policy Manual to ensure consistency with the General Plan  Collaborate with agencies with jurisdiction and/or who are involved with these activities GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 6 MARCH 2024 Table 2. Natural Resources in the Adopted General Plan Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures Rivers and Waterbodies Harbor and Bay Element Policies under Goal 7 emphasize the protections and management of Upper Newport Bay and its natural resources.  Policy 7.2, Management of Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve (UNBER)  Policy 7.3, Management of Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve  Policy 7.6, Water Quality Study  Coordinate with several agencies and organizations, including the following: - Orange County - California Department of Fish and Wildlife - California Public Utilities Commission - United States Army Corps of Engineers - United States Environmental Protection Agency - Others with jurisdictional authority such as the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board Policies under Goal 8 address water quality in terms of chemicals, pollution, groundwater contamination caused by construction, sewage, stormwater drainage and runoff, and the siting and design of new development.  Policy 8.1, Chemical Uses Impacting Water Quality  Policy 8.2, Water Pollution Prevention  Policy 8.5, Natural Water Bodies  Policy 8.13, Natural Wetlands  Review and amend subdivision ordinance standards for storm drainage and pollution runoff control  Review and periodically update requirements for live-aboard vessels pertaining to the integrity, quality, and safety of harbor uses  Require permits consistent with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System  Review Water Quality Ordinance  Review Water Quality Checklist  Maintain Water Quality Management Plans Natural Resources Element Policies under Goal 3 include measures to protect the quality of the City’s natural water bodies, such as coastal waters, creeks, bays, harbors, and wetlands.  Policy 3.2, Water Pollution Prevention  Policy 3.5, Natural Water Bodies  Policy 3.21, Animal Impacts on Water Quality  Review and amend subdivision ordinance standards for storm drainage and pollution runoff control  Review and periodically update requirements for live-aboard vessels pertaining to the integrity, quality, and safety of harbor uses  Maintain and implement best practices in urban water management plans to encourage conservation  Maintain and implement Sewer Master Plan  Maintain Storm Drainage Facilities  Review and update Harbor and Tidelands Improvement Plans GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 7 MARCH 2024 Table 2. Natural Resources in the Adopted General Plan Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures Safety Element Policies under Goal 2 intend to minimize the impact of storm surge and seiches.  Policy 2.2, Shoreline Management Plans  Policy 2.3, Use of Temporary Shoreline Protection  Review and update the goals and policies of Harbor and Tidelands Improvement Plans Policies under Goal 3 intend to minimize the impact of coastal erosion and protect the coastline.  Policy 3.6, Siting of Shoreline Protective Devices  Review and update the goals and policies of Harbor and Tidelands Improvement Plans Visual Resources Harbor and Bay Element Policies under Goal 9 preserve the recreational, residential, and commercial character of the waterfronts.  Policy 9.2, Protection of Beach Profile  Policy 9.3, Structures Impacting Visual Resources  Policy 9.4, Abandoned Vessels  Amend the Zoning Code for Consistency with the General Plan to enforce development standards  Review and revise Coastal Land Use Plan for consistency with the General Plan  Coordinate with Orange County and collaborate in program affecting management of Newport Harbor and Newport Bay  Coordinate with California Coastal Commission  Review and update Harbor and Tidelands Improvement Plans  Fund a joint City/County study to evaluate costs and efficiency of services in Newport Harbor Land Use Element Policies under Goal 1 preserve and maintain the City’s unique coastal and upland neighborhoods.  Policy 1.6, Public Views  Review entitlements for consistency with the General Plan Natural Resources Element Policies under Goal 20 address the preservation of significant visual resources through requirements for new developments and other techniques.  Policy 20.1, Enhancement of Significant Resources  Policy 20.2, New Development Requirements  Policy 20.3, Public Views  Policy 20.4 Public View Corridor Landscaping  Amend the Zoning Code for Consistency with the General Plan to enforce development standards  Fund and construct public view sites to include elements such as observation decks, plazas, benches, etc.  Maintain recreational trails and a system of route designations for non-motorized users GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 8 MARCH 2024 Table 2. Natural Resources in the Adopted General Plan Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures  Policy 20.5 Public View Corridor Amenities  Maintain and improve parks and recreation facilities and implement park improvements as specified in the Recreation Element Water Conservation Natural Resources Element Policies under Goal 1 address minimized water consumption through conservation methods and other techniques.  Policy 1.2, Use of Water Conserving Devices  Policy 1.3, Tiered Water Rates  Examine and modify the City’s Subdivision Ordinance to reflect state-of-the-art land development practices that enhance environmental sustainability  Review and revise Title 15 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code to foster the use of “green-building” techniques  Maintain and implement Urban Water Management Plans and encourage conservation Policies under Goal 2 address expanded use of alternative water sources to provide adequate water supplies for present uses and future growth.  Policy 2.1, Recycled Water Use  Policy 2.2, Advanced Water Treatment Processes  Maintain and implement Urban Water Management Plans and encourage conservation Water Quality Harbor and Bay Element Policies under Goal 8 the General Plan Harbor & Bay Element addresses water quality in terms of chemicals, pollution, ground water contamination caused by construction, sewage, stormwater drainage and runoff, and the siting and design of new development.  Policy 8.2, Water Pollution Prevention  Policy 8.13, Natural Wetlands  Policy 8.15, Street Drainage Systems  Review and amend subdivision ordinance standards for storm drainage and pollution runoff control  Review and periodically update requirements for live-aboard vessels pertaining to the integrity, quality, and safety of harbor uses  Require permits consistent with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System  Review Water Quality Ordinance  Review Water Quality Checklist  Maintain Water Quality Management Plans  Maintain Storm Drainage Facilities Policies under Goal 7 address water quality through policies that support the restoration of Upper Newport Bay.  Policy 7.3, Management of Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve  Coordinate with Orange County for management of Newport Harbor and Upper Newport Bay GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 9 MARCH 2024 Table 2. Natural Resources in the Adopted General Plan Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures  Coordinate with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the protection and management of Upper Newport Bay Natural Resources Element Policies under Goal 3 address enhancement and protection of water quality of all natural water bodies, including coastal waters, creeks, bays, harbors, and wetlands.  Policy 3.2, Water Pollution Prevention  Policy 3.13, Natural Wetlands  Policy 3.15, Street Drainage Systems  Review the Subdivision Ordinance for consistency with the General Plan and amend the Newport Beach Municipal Code to address storm drainage and pollution runoff control  Review and revise relevant requirements for live-aboard vessels pertaining to the integrity, quality, and safety of harbor uses, environmental protection, and impacts on the public, waterfront owners/lessees, and adjoining properties their consistency and revisions prepared  Maintain and implement Urban Water Management Plans and encourage conservation  Maintain and implement Sewer Master Plan  Maintain storm drainage facilities Source: City of Newport Beach. 2006. City of Newport Beach General Plan. Adopted July 25, 2006. https://www.newportbeachca.gov/ government/departments/community-development/planning-division/general-plan-codes-and-regulations/general-plan. 2.3 Natural Resources in Local Implementation The City implements resilience policies as they relate to the community-identified resilience topics. Table 3 provides an overview of local implementation steps being taken by the City to implement resilience. Table 3. Local Implementation by Natural Resources Topic Air Quality  The City of Newport Beach (City) has established an Air Quality Improvement Trust Fund to receive revenue from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and implement mobile source air pollution reduction programs (Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter 3.30).  The City has implemented the requirements of Orange County’s Congestion Management Program, which intends to reduce the number of peak-period vehicle trips, promote alternative transportation modes, and improve air quality through local requirements and procedures for project review and permit processing.  Under the City’s transportation demand management program, eligible new non-residential projects, mixed- use projects, and employment centers are subject to development requirements that include carpool parking, bicycle parking, and sidewalk improvements. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 10 MARCH 2024 Table 3. Local Implementation by Natural Resources Topic Biological Resources  The City has adopted ordinances that establish protections of environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHAs), coastal dunes, coastal waters, streams, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes (Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter 21.30B). - Per City regulation, any development in areas adjacent to ESHAs must be designed to prevent detrimental impacts to these areas, meaning projects may have to include protective open space buffers, special lighting, and other design elements as required.  The City’s Local Coastal Program (LCP) details policies related to the protection of ESHAs such as dune habitats and alkali meadows within the City and its sphere of influence; similar policies are included for the City’s environmental study areas (ESAs).  The City is responsible for enforcing mitigation and conservation policies under the Orange County Central Coastal Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan, which received an update to its Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Plan in 2019. Mineral Resources  The Charter of the City of Newport Beach prohibits any drilling activity originating from the ocean’s surface and permits drilling in specific areas for the production and processing of oil, gas, or other hydrocarbon substances (Section 1401 of Article XIV).  Per the Charter, slant drilling outside of designated areas may be permitted, assuming this action is approved by a majority vote in a special or general municipal election. Rivers and Waterbodies  The Newport Beach Municipal Code includes provisions specific to the Santa Ana River that include speed limits for marine vessels, as well as encroachment and setback limits for development adjacent to the river.  Similar to the Santa Ana River, Upper Newport Bay receives protections enshrined in the Newport Beach Municipal Code, including the Upper Newport Bay Recreation and Scenic Trail (Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter 12.55), which includes provisions related to the use of the trail that preserves and protects the Upper Bay Ecological Reserve.  The City has adopted ordinances that establish protections of ESHAs, coastal dunes, coastal waters, streams, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes, including the Newport Bay Marine Park (Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter 21.30B). Visual Resources  The City’s property development standards include regulations to protect visual resources. Such regulations include ensuring that the design of development along the ocean and scenic coastal areas do not obstruct public views of visual resources, and prioritizing public access to view points.  Under these public view protection regulations, protected views include those of the Pacific Ocean, Newport Bay, Newport Harbor, Newport Pier, Balboa Pier, the Old Channel of the Santa Ana River, offshore islands, designated landmarks and historic structures, parks, coastal and inland bluffs, canyons, mountains, wetlands, and permanent passive open space.  The City’s LCP includes policies related to the protection of scenic and visual resources such as coastal views and natural landforms, including coastal bluffs and coastal canyons; bulk and height regulations, as well as regulations for signs and utilities in the Mariner’s Mile district and the Balboa Peninsula, are also detailed in the LCP. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 11 MARCH 2024 Table 3. Local Implementation by Natural Resources Topic Water Conservation  Water service in Newport Beach is provided by the City, Irvine Ranch Water District, and Mesa Consolidated Water District. Each agency maintains master plans for services, facilities, maintenance, and improvements necessary to support existing and projected population growth and development. Conservation practices are included within the respective plans. - The City has adopted ordinances regulating the use of water. This includes regulations on water conservation and supply, water efficient landscaping, and water quality. These regulations establish water conservation and water supply shortage programs, promote the efficient use of water and prevent water waste in landscaping, and prohibit non-stormwater discharges into storm sewers. - The City’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan provides projections of water demand and supply through 2045. The Urban Water Management Plan is updated every 5-years and is further detailed in Section 3 of this document. - In response to Executive Order B-29-15 on April 1, 2015, the City adopted in its municipal code (Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter 14.17) prohibitions against wasteful practices relating to water use, including using potable water to wash sidewalks and driveways, allowing more-than-incidental runoff when irrigating turf and other ornamental landscapes, and using hoses without automatic shutoff nozzles to wash motor vehicles, among other restrictions. Water Quality  City has adopted development standards to prevent water pollution during development and ensure that development is sited in a way that minimizes impacts to natural areas that provide water quality benefits, The City also operates programs to protect the quality of water in the harbor and bay, such as a street sweeping program and the operation and maintenance of tidal valves. Street and drainage improvements are identified through the City’s Capital Improvements Program.  In compliance with Federal requirements under the Clean Water Act, the City has adopted an ordinance to improve water quality by preventing and controlling stormwater runoff. In part, the ordinance sets forth requirements for all new development and significant redevelopment within the city and establishes a scope of inspections and compliance enforcement and discharge permit procedures.  The City adopted an ordinance to update its Subdivision Code to implement the adopted General Plan. The updated Subdivision Code includes drainage and flood protection requirements (Newport Beach Municipal Code Section 19.24.090). 2.4 Summary and Findings The City has demonstrated its commitment to the conservation of its natural resources, such as water and air quality, through local policies and ordinances enshrined in the City’s municipal code, many of which are detailed in Table 2. The City also coordinates with other agencies and local governments to manage its natural resources. The Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, for example, is protected by local policies and policies in regional and State plans such as the Local Coastal Program. Specifically, the City’s municipal code includes protections that prohibits camping, limits dredging, and regulates development near the Upper Newport Bay. The Local Coastal Program also includes similar protection policies, such as one to remove unauthorized structures from the Upper Newport Bay, but many are administrative in nature and are focused on maintaining partnerships and securing funding for restoration and preservation activities. Diversity in local and regional policy areas have strengthened efforts to protect and preserve the City’s natural resources. 12 MARCH 2024 3. Existing Conditions 3.1 Air Quality California State law requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish, review, and update area designations of ten air pollutants: ozone, suspended particulate matter (respirable particulate matter [PM10] and fine particulate matter [PM2.5]), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide (SO2), sulfates, lead, hydrogen sulfide, and visibility-reducing particles. Each air pollutant is measured using the California Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS), which are used by CARB and air districts to determine the cleanliness of air. Similarly, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines national area designations for these air pollutants using the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), with the exception of sulfates, hydrogen sulfide, and visibility-reducing particles. CARB and EPA analyze standards for each air district and if it is determined that air quality does not meet State or Federal standards, it is considered polluted, and the area is designated as a “nonattainment” area. Table 4 indicates these designations per pollutant in Orange County. The “nonattainment” designation refers to areas where air pollution levels have exceeded either the State or national ambient air quality standard thresholds; the “attainment” and “unclassified/attainment” classification refers to areas where the quality standard thresholds are met; and the “unclassified” standards refer to areas where a status cannot be determined due to insufficient data. Although many other air pollutants exist, ambient air quality standards, with the exception of the ten identified by CARB and the seven identified by the EPA, have not been established for other air pollutants as they are not of regional significance. As shown in Table 4, in Orange County, three pollutants—ozone, PM2.5, and PM10—are in non-attainment of either the State or Federal standard. The following subsections provide a review of each of these pollutants. In Orange County ozone, PM2.5, and PM10 all exceed the State’s air quality standards and both ozone, PM2.5 exceed the federal air quality standards. Table 4. Air Pollutant Area Designation Status for Orange County Pollutant Federal Designation State Designation Ozone (O3) Nonattainment Nonattainment Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Nonattainment Nonattainment Respirable Particulate Matter (PM10) Attainment Nonattainment Carbon Monoxide (CO) Unclassified/Attainment Attainment Lead Unclassified/Attainment Attainment Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Unclassified/Attainment Attainment Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Unclassified/Attainment Attainment Sulfates Not Federally Measured Attainment Hydrogen Sulfide Not Federally Measured Unclassified Visibility-Reducing Particles Not Federally Measured Unclassified Source: California Air Resources Board, November 2022. Maps of State and Federal Area Designations | California Air Resources Board GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 13 MARCH 2024 The City is situated within the South Coast Air Basin, which includes the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (District) is responsible for regulating air pollution sources throughout the region and regularly monitors pollutants to enforce healthy air quality levels through a daily air quality index (AQI) forecast for all jurisdictions within the basin. AQI forecasts are calculated based on data received from District monitoring sites throughout the region. However, not every jurisdiction contains a monitoring site, resulting in AQI forecasts that do not capture local data for some areas. Because Newport Beach does not have any local regulatory monitoring facilities, AQI forecast data is captured outside the City’s boundaries based on the closest regulatory monitors and existing air quality model data. The nearest active monitoring site in Orange County is located in Anaheim. In 2022, the most recent year data is available, ozone exceed the State and National standards. No exceedances of PM2.5 or PM10 were measured in 2022, however, both pollutants exceed the National and State standards respectively in 2021. While the air quality monitoring sites do not capture data within the City’s boundaries, the City must abide by all regulations and policies administered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (District) given that the basin is in non-attainment for certain pollutants. For this reason, the City must do its part to help reduce air pollution across the region. It is important to note that the City also benefits from supportive programs and policies managed by the District, which has helped implement programs to improve air quality throughout the basin, specifically by providing local governments with revenue intended for pollution reduction programs. For example, the City’s Air Quality Improvement Trust Fund receives revenue from the District, which has funded projects such as employee rideshare programs and electric vehicle charging stations throughout Newport Beach.2 3.1.1 Non-Attainment Pollutants The following sections provide information on the non-attainment pollutants that have been identified in Orange County. Although precise data on these pollutants does not exist for Newport Beach, these pollutants remain present in the City’s atmosphere and may pose significant health risks to certain individuals. Ozone. Ozone is a highly reactive and unstable gas capable of severely harming or killing living cells upon contact and forms in high quantities during hot, sunny days due to the chemical reaction caused when sunlight interacts with vehicle emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds. Unlike stratospheric ozone, which reduces the amount of ultraviolet light in the atmosphere, ground-level ozone is produced on the surface and can result in severe health issues, including breathing difficulties, inflamed and irritated airways, asthma attacks, and heart disease. These significant health impacts may result after prolonged exposure to ozone. Common sources of ozone include cars and diesel engines; industrial facilities such as power plants, manufacturing facilities; and oil and gas production plants; and landfills. Many of these sources emit NOx, volatile organic compounds, and other compounds such as methane, all of which generate ground-level ozone when combined. Cars are the most common source of ground-level ozone in Newport Beach, which is bordered by two State highways that serve as major entrance and exit points to the City. Although the City is served by several public transportation routes, most individuals use private cars to get around, thus contributing a significant amount of ground-level ozone. 2 SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District). 2019. Annual Report on AB 2766 Funds from Motor Vehicle Registration Fees for FY 2017-18. November 1, 2019. http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/transportation/ab2766-motor-vehicle- subvention-fund-program/fy-reports/ab-2766-staff-report-fy-2017-2018.pdf?sfvrsn=10. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 14 MARCH 2024 These emissions can be reduced through transportation demand programs and through regulatory measures and policies that may impose new or revised emission standards, clean fuel requirements, or other standards. Fine Particulate Matter. Fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, is a type of airborne particular matter, a mixture of several chemicals and substances with no defined size shape, or chemical composition. PM2.5 refers to particles that have a diameter of 2.5 or less microns. PM2.5 is often emitted during the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel, and wood, but it may also form in the atmosphere through chemical reactions of other pollutants such as SO2 and NOX. PM2.5 can be inhaled, and prolonged exposure to these particles can result in detrimental health effects that include premature mortality, especially among individuals with chronic heart and lung diseases. The California Ambient Air Quality Standard, used by CARB, for the annual average of PM2.5 is measured at 12 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3). The National Ambient Air Quality Standard, used by EPA, is measured by an annual average, also measured at 12 µg/m3, and a 24-hour average, measured at 35 µg/m3. Any particulate amount above these averages may result in severe impacts to human health. Motor vehicles are most common source of PM2.5 since the internal combustion of gasoline and diesel releases particles into the atmosphere. As noted above, policies and programs can reduce emissions through regulations on these vehicles. The use of heavy machinery in local and regional construction activities and oil production also generate a significant amount of dust and particles that can travel long distances, especially under windy conditions. While these activities are limited in the Newport Beach, similar activity in nearby jurisdictions can result in local exposure to these particles. Implementation of best practices for dust control on construction sites can reduce the amount of particulate matter that is released throughout the region, through it is clear one strategy may not be sufficient to contain emissions exposure. Other potential emission control strategies include the use of vegetation and green infrastructure to trap particles and previously mentioned regulatory measures. Respirable Particulate Matter. Similar to PM2.5, respirable particular matter, or PM10, is a type of airborne particulate matter. Particles have a diameter of 10 or less microns. Due to its smaller size, PM2.5 also makes up a portion of PM10. PM10 shares many similarities to its smaller variant in terms of sources, composition, and health impacts, though there are traits specific to this type of particle. Short-term exposure to PM10 is also linked to the aggravation of existing respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The California Ambient Air Quality Standard for PM2.5 is measured at 20 µg/m3 for the annual average and 50 µg/m3 for the 24-hour average. The National Ambient Air Quality Standard only measures PM10 exposure on a 24-hour average, measured at 150 µg/m3. PM2.5 and PM10 share similar sources, including cars, construction sites, and wildfire activity. Strategies to control PM2.5 emissions also apply to PM10. 3.1.2 Sources of Air Pollution in Newport Beach Major Roadways. Two major highways run through Newport Beach, Highway 1 along the coast and Highway 73 along the eastern boundary. Additionally, Jamboree Road and MacArther Boulevard connect these routes. As shown in Figure 1, census tracts surrounding these routes have the highest level of traffic, and therefore are most exposed to air pollutants. It is important to note that air pollution from major roads is most concentrated within 1,000 feet GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 15 MARCH 2024 of the source and influenced by wind and topography.3 Additionally vegetation buffers can mitigate air pollution impacts from major roads and lessen the real air pollution experienced by nearby residents. Aircraft Pollution. In addition to motor vehicles, construction activities, industrial and manufacturing facilities, aircraft operations contribute air pollutants that impact residents and visitors of Newport Beach and contribute to regional air quality issues. Aircraft engines emit water vapor, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, sulfur gases, soot and metal particles formed by the high temperature combustion of jet fuel during flight, and small amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx). These NOx emissions are a precursor to ground-level ozone, or smog, which affects human pulmonary and respiratory health, as mentioned above. When NOx reacts with other chemicals in the atmosphere, it also forms PM2.5, causing further detrimental health effects. While many of these emissions take place during flight to and from other localities – outside of Newport Beach - take-off and landing procedures from and into John Wayne Airport (JWA) involve considerable and localized air pollutant emissions. Further, aircraft engines that use leaded aviation gasoline, which is commonly used for smaller piston-engines, have been found to cause air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare. Recent findings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have determined that air pollution caused by leaded aviation gasoline may be an issue with regard to the Clean Air Act. If the EPA issues final findings that emissions of lead from certain classes of engines used in certain aircraft cause or contribute to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare, the EPA then becomes subject to a duty to propose and emission standards pursuant to the Clean Air Act.4 3 Zhu Y, Hinds WC, Kim S, Sioutas C. Concentration and size distribution of ultrafine particles near a major highway. J Air Waste Manage Assoc. 2002;52:1032–1042 4 EPA. Finding That Lead Emissions From Aircraft Engines That Operate on Leaded Fuel Cause or Contribute to Air Pollution That May Reasonably Be Anticipated To Endanger Public Health and Welfare. 10/20/2023. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/10/20/2023-23247/finding-that-lead-emissions-from-aircraft-engines-that-operate-on-leaded-fuel-cause-or-contribute- to#:~:text=Pursuant%20to%20section%20231(a,endanger%20public%20health%20and%20welfare. 16 MARCH 2024 Figure 1. Traffic Concentration 17 MARCH 2024 The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulates emissions from aircraft nationwide. In August 2020, EPA proposed greenhouse gas emission standards that apply to certain new commercial airplanes, including all large passenger jets5, which operate out of JWA. These standards mirror the international airplane carbon dioxide (CO2) standards adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2017, in an effort to provide global consistency on aircraft emissions standards. These standards update EPA’s previously adopted standards in 2012. 3.2 Biological Resources Newport Beach is generally a developed area with some large areas of natural open space. The city abuts the Pacific Ocean to the west and is dissected by San Diego Creek, which flows into the Upper Newport Bay and then the Pacific Ocean. Biological resources in Newport Beach include special status endangered and threated species, regulated by the Natural Communities Conservation Plan and marine resources, both special status and non-listed, regulated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the California Coastal Commission. 3.2.1 Natural Communities Conservation Plan In 1991, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and numerous public and private partners created the Natural Community Conservation Planning Act as a cooperative effort to protect habitats and species while also streamlining the permitting process for development projects that could potentially impact said species and habitats. This act allows local and State agencies to work with developers to create Habitat Conservation Plans and Natural Community Conservation Plans, which outline how development projects will minimize impacts on sensitive habitats and species. Natural Community Conservation Plans are enforced when a development project is proposed in an area with sensitive habitats and species, as these plans explain how development can proceed while protecting and conserving natural resources. To protect these natural resources, developers are required to implement specific mitigation measures included in the plan and are penalized when measures are violated. The Orange County Central/Coastal Natural Community Conservation Plan Subregional Plan was created in 1996 and covers almost 38,000 acres in southern California. This plan was created in collaboration between State and Federal resource agencies, local governments, special districts, and private property owners using a multispecies habitat conservation approach. This approach does not focus on individual species but instead protects entire valuable native habitats. The City of Newport Beach is the responsible entity for enforcement of mitigation measures and other policies within this plan as it relates to Newport Beach. 3.2.2 Endangered Species The California Natural Diversity Database lists many species that have been known to occur within and around Newport Beach that fall under this category (see Table 5). There is a total of six plant species located in the City that are classified by State or Federal agencies as endangered, threatened, or a combination of both. Of the six species, two are classified as threatened, three are classified as endangered, and one is classified as both endangered and threatened by separate agencies. There is a total of 23 animal species located in the plan area that are classified by State or Federal agencies as endangered, threatened, or a combination of both. Of the 23 species, 14 are birds, including 5 threatened species, 8 endangered species, and 1 species classified as both 5 US EPA (2021) “Control of Air Pollution from Airplanes and Airplane Engines: GHG Emission Standards and Test Procedures – Final Rulemaking” https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/control-air-pollution-airplanes-and-airplane- engines-ghg GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 18 MARCH 2024 endangered and threatened by separate agencies. In addition, 2 insect species are classified as endangered, 2 fish species are classified as endangered, 2 crustacean species are classified as endangered, 1 mollusk species in classified as endangered, and 2 mammal species are classified as endangered. Table 5. Endangered or Threatened Flora and Fauna Flora or Fauna Scientific Name Common Name State Status Federal Status CDFW Status Fauna Charadrius nivosus western snowy plover None Threatened SSC Fauna Phoebastria albatrus short-tailed albatross None Endangered SSC Fauna Polioptila californica coastal California gnatcatcher None Threatened SSC Fauna Sternula antillarum browni California least tern Endangered Endangered FP Fauna Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus California black rail Threatened None FP Fauna Rallus obsoletus levipes light-footed Ridgway’s rail Endangered Endangered FP Fauna Enhydra lutris nereis southern sea otter None Endangered FP Fauna Coccyzus americanus occidentalis western yellow- billed cuckoo Endangered Threatened ND Fauna Riparia bank swallow Threatened None ND Fauna Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi Belding’s savannah sparrow Endangered None ND Fauna Vireo bellii pusillus least Bell’s vireo Endangered Endangered ND Fauna Branchinecta sandiegonensis San Diego fairy shrimp None Endangered ND Fauna Streptocephalus woottoni Riverside fairy shrimp None Endangered ND Fauna Eucyclogobius newberryi tidewater goby None Endangered ND Fauna Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus pop. 10 steelhead – southern California DPS Candidate endangered Endangered ND Fauna Bombus crotchii Crotch bumble bee Candidate endangered None ND Fauna Haliotis sorenseni white abalone None Endangered ND GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 19 MARCH 2024 Table 5. Endangered or Threatened Flora and Fauna Flora or Fauna Scientific Name Common Name State Status Federal Status CDFW Status Fauna Agelaius tricolor tricolored blackbird Threatened None SSC Fauna Empidonax traillii willow flycatcher Endangered None ND Fauna Empidonax traillii extimus southwestern willow flycatcher Endangered Endangered ND Fauna Perognathus longimembris pacificus Pacific pocket mouse None Endangered SSC Fauna Haliaeetus leucocephalus bald eagle Endangered Delisted FP Fauna Euphydryas editha quino quino checkerspot butterfly None Endangered ND Flora Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii San Diego button-celery Endangered Endangered ND Flora Nasturtium gambelii Gambel’s water cress Threatened Endangered ND Flora Chloropyron maritimum ssp. salt marsh bird’s-beak Endangered Endangered ND Flora Orcuttia californica California Orcutt grass Endangered Endangered ND Flora Verbesina dissita big-leaved crownbeard Threatened Threatened ND Flora Dudleya stolonifera Laguna Beach dudleya Threatened Threatened ND Note: CDFW = California Department of Fish and Wildlife; SCC = Species of Special Concern; FP = Fully Protected; ND = No Data; DPS = distinct population segment. 3.2.3 Marine Resources Marine Resources have additional protections from the California Coastal Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These resources are addressed comprehensively and are not limited to only special status species. The City implements the management of natural resources through the Local Coastal Program and Eelgrass Protection and Mitigation Plan. The City must also comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act in its management of coastal areas where humans and marine mammals interact. Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas. The City contains 13 environmental study areas (ESAs), defined by the City’s Local Coastal Program as undeveloped areas with natural habitats potentially capable of supporting sensitive biological resources and functioning as wildlife migration corridors. These ESAs benefit from protections and regulations from the City and the California Coastal Commission and include the Semeniuk Slough, North Star GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 20 MARCH 2024 Beach, West Bay, Upper Newport Bay Marine Park and DeAnza/Bayside Marsh Peninsula, San Diego Creek, Eastbluff Remnant, Mouth of Big Canyon, Newporter North, Buck Gully, Morning Canyon, Newport Beach Marine Conservation Area, Castaways, and the Newport Harbor Entrance Channel Kelp Beds (see Figure 2). Local regulations include Chapter 21.30B.030 of Title 21 of the Municipal Code, which requires a site resource study for coastal development permit applications when the site is located within 100-feet of an ESA; as well as a policy (NR 10.3) to require a site study for any development within or contiguous to an ESA. In addition to serving as habitats for the City’s biological resources, unique environments such as the salt marshes of the San Diego Creek ESA and the steep bluffs of the Eastbluff Remnant ESA also contribute to the City’s visual resources. Portions of the ESAs within the Coastal Zone that contain sensitive species or habitats, contain rare vegetation types, or are particularly sensitive to human disturbance may be classified as environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHAs). Due to the nature of these sites, a site-specific biological survey must be conducted to definitively determine whether an ESA contains an ESHA. These areas are protected by the California Coastal Act, which contains provisions regulating development and other activities adjacent to these sites to ensure compatibility with the ESHAs and avoid significant disruptions to their biological resources. Many of the ESAs described above contain one or more sensitive species and may be eligible to receive ESHA designation. In the event that an ESHA is identified within the ESA, these sites will be subjected to stricter development regulations and measures for protecting resources detailed in the California Coastal Act, in addition to other local and regional protections such as those defined in Chapter 21.30B (Habitat Protection) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code. Marine Mammal Protection Act. The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)6 of 1972 protects marine mammal species, regardless of endangered or threatened status, from harassment, hunting, capture, collection, or killing. The MMPA also safeguards marine mammal habitat as well as regulates the import, export, and sale of marine mammals and marine mammal products. As part of its regulatory measures, the MMPA requires stock assessments and conservation plans for marine mammal populations. Under certain conditions, the MMPA provides exceptions allowing activities that have the potential to incidentally harm or disturb marine mammals, such as scientific research, public display (such as in aquariums), national defense, and maintenance of public safety. A notable allowable disturbance to marine mammals is in Newport Harbor where rules are in place that require boat and dock owners to install and maintain effective and humane deterrents to prevent sea lions from making themselves at home on vessels and structures, because of MMPA these structures must not harm the sea lions. 6 NOAA Fisheries (2023) “Marine Mammal Protection” https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/marine-mammal-protection 21 MARCH 2024 Figure 2. Environmental Sensitive Areas in Newport Beach 22 MARCH 2024 Eelgrass Protection and Mitigation Plan. Eelgrass (Zostera marina L. and Z. pacifica) – seagrasses that occur in the temperate unconsolidated substrate of shallow coastal environments, enclosed bays, and estuaries – are recognized as a foundation species that form marine habitats and provide numerous ecosystem services. While eelgrass itself is not listed as a threatened or endangered species by the CDFW, it is designated as a habitat area of particular concern (HAPC) per the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). This is because it serves as an essential fish habitat and has experienced significant decline due to pollution, warming seas, and coastal development7 The National marine fisheries Service (NMFS) has established a California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy8 recommending no net loss of eelgrass habitat function in the State. In cases where loss of existing eelgrass habitat function is unavoidable and mitigation measures have been pursued to the maximum extent practicable, NMFS recommends compensatory mitigation measures. These includes comprehensive management plans, in-kind mitigation, mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs, and out-of-kind mitigation, though in-kind mitigation is preferred. Compensatory mitigation should ensure that a greater amount of eelgrass is created than was lost, and mitigation should be performed contemporaneously or after impacts have occurred. The City established the Eelgrass Protection and Mitigation Plan in 2015 to ensure dredging activities in Newport Harbor do not impose undue impacts on eelgrass habitat (Zostera marine species). The area within Newport Harbor that the Eelgrass Protection and Mitigation Plan is concerned with generally includes the bulkhead to pierhead line plus 20 feet bayward, where maintenance dredging is expected to occur. Allowable dredging may not exceed 75,000 cubic yards per year, nor may exceed 8,000 cubic yards per dredging event. Moreover, the Plan specifies the percentage of eelgrass present that is allowed to be impacted by dredging activities according to three zones and three accompanying tiers (see the Plan for more details9). Those standards are as follows:  In Stable and Transitional Zones, impacts to up to 5% of the eelgrass population/year in Tier 1 and up to 3% in Tier 2 are allowed; in no case, however, may the total impact to eelgrass in Stable and Transitional Zones within any year be greater than 1% of the total abundance of eelgrass in Newport Harbor.  Any impacts to Tier 3 eelgrass populations are only allowed with standard California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy (CEMP) mitigation, such as transplanting, mitigation ratios, and performance standards. To monitor eelgrass populations under this Plan, the City conducts a Plan Area survey every two years and a Harbor- wide survey every four years. This assessment is used to determine the tier levels for present eelgrass habitat, which in turn determines the allowable impacts to eelgrass for maintenance dredging. Areas that are assessed as Tier 3 for two consecutive survey periods require additional action from the City, including working with other relevant agencies to determine the cause of habitat decline and to initiate actions to restore habitat in specified areas. The 2022 Eelgrass Survey mapped a total area of 205.4 acres of eelgrass beds in Newport Bay, which included 109 acres of shallow water eelgrass habitat and 96.4 acres of deep water eelgrass habitat. Figure 3, Eelgrass Habitat, shows the locations of shallow water and deep water eelgrass habitat; Figure 4, Eelgrass Zones, shows where stable, transitional, and unvegetated eelgrass habitats are located. 7 NOAA Fisheries (2014) “California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy and Implementing Guidelines” https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/california-eelgrass-mitigation-policy-and-implementing-guidelines 8 NOAA Fisheries (2014) “California Eelgrass Mitigation Policy and Implementing Guidelines” https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/california-eelgrass-mitigation-policy-and-implementing-guidelines 9 City of Newport Beach (2015) “Newport Harbor Eelgrass Protection and Mitigation Plan” https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/harbor/harbor-resources/harbor-resources/dredging-permits- information/eelgrass-and-caulerpa GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 23 MARCH 2024 Since eelgrass habitat surveys began in 2003, eelgrass cover has, on average, increased. Shallow water eelgrass habitat has increased from 30.41 acres in 2003 to 102.21 acres in 2022; deep water eelgrass habitat has increased from 19.90 acres in 2006 to 62.20 acres in 2022. The total eelgrass habitat has therefore increased from 42.97 acres in 2006 to 164.41 acres in 2022 – an increase of 282.62%. However, during this same period, average eelgrass density has been variable, and even decreased since 2004.10 Sand Resources. Beach nourishment, a coastal management practice involving the addition of sand to eroding beaches, is primarily employed to combat coastal erosion, a growing concern due to rising sea levels and increased storm intensity11. In Newport Beach, sand nourishment projects are critical for addressing coastal erosion, which affects recreation, tourism, ecosystems, and protection against groundwater intrusion and flooding. The ecological impacts of nourishment are complex. Beach ecosystems harbor diverse assemblages of burrowing invertebrates and larger animals that nest and feed in the intertidal zone. Properties of sand such as texture, size, moisture, and organic matter; slope elevation, width, and relief; and interactions between biological productivity and predation all shape beach habitats. Sand nourishment can impact beach habitats by making it more difficult for predators to detect pray and, if sand gets transported offshore through storms and wave action, it can bury coral reefs. If the sand is high in silts and clays, it can suffocate animals that live in sediment of the ocean floor by clogging their gills.12 Nourishment sand steepens and widens the beach, which alters currents, waves, wind, and sediment transport. New sand moves offshore or onshore, and up- or down-coast, from the placement area, resulting in beach narrowing, decreasing steepness, and evening of the coastline. Sand redistribution is greatest when large volumes of sand are placed on the above-water beach only, causing a very steep profile that leads to a rapid decrease in beach width. Hard structures such as groins and breakwaters can reduce sand loss post-nourishment by reducing downdrift erosion; placemen to these structures should consider the direction of sand redistribution. Remote sensing imaging systems, including fixed platforms on towers or rooftops and mobile platforms, such as drones, airplanes, and satellites, can provide long time series data at a low operational cost. These technologies aid accurate mapping of sand redistribution and can be used for ongoing monitoring and assessment of sand nourishment projects.13 Groundwater and flood protection services benefit from beach nourishment, as wider beaches can act as natural barriers, reducing saltwater intrusion in groundwater and absorbing wave energy to protect inland areas from flooding. To the extent that sand nourishment increases the coast, it can increase groundwater infiltration of precipitation, aiding in groundwater recharge. However, sand loss during storms can reduce these benefits over time, so to maintain these groundwater benefits ongoing sand nourishment may be required.14 Recent beach nourishment initiatives in Orange County have seen funding, such as the Surfside-Sunset Beach Sand Replenishment Project, which aims to add 1.1 million cubic yards of sand to bolster the coastline at a cost of $23 10 City of Newport Beach (2023) “2022 eelgrass Monitoring in Newport Bay, Newport Beach, California” https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/harbor/harbor-resources/harbor-resources/dredging-permits-information/eelgrass-and-caulerpa 11 Ranasinghe, R., Callaghan, D. & Stive, M.J.F. (2012). Estimating coastal recession due to sea level rise: beyond the Bruun rule. Climatic Change 110, 561–574. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-011-0107-8 12 de Schipper, M.A., Ludka, B.C., Raubenheimer, B. et al. (2021). Beach nourishment has complex implications for the future of sandy shores. Nat Rev Earth Environ 2, 70–84. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-020-00109-9 13 Ibid. 14 Ibid. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 24 MARCH 2024 million. Spearheaded and funded in large part by the Army Corps of Engineers the project is receiving Federal, State, and local funds including funding from the City of Newport Beach. Nourishment sand deposited upcoast at Sunset Beach is expected to be transported downcoast by currents and swells to the Bolsa Chica wetland, Huntington Beach, and finally Newport Beach. This sort of sand replenishment is designed to occur every five to seven years. As part of this initiative, the City is separately adding 100,000 cubic yards of sand from the Santa Ana River between groin jetties in West Newport.15 The Santa Ana River, which feeds directly into the Pacific Ocean at the City’s westernmost boundary (see Section 3.5), is a natural source of sediment for the coastal areas of Newport Beach. Although habitat restoration typically aims to reduce sediment flows downstream, historic accumulation of sediment presents an opportunity to coordinate sediment removal with sand nourishment efforts. Coordinated projects with the Santa Ana River Conservancy, established through Senate Bill 1390 (2014) within the California Coastal Conservancy, to transport sediment from the riverbed to Newport Beach’s coast could supplement sand nourishment activities, as was done as part of the Surfside-Sunset Beach Sand Replenishment Project. 15 Connelly, L. (2023). Officials celebrate long-awaited sand project in Surfside. The Orange County Register, https://www.ocregister.com/2023/12/14/officials-celebrate-long-awaited-sand-project-in-surfside/ 25 MARCH 2024 Figure 3. Eelgrass Habitat GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 26 MARCH 2024 Figure 4. Eelgrass Zones 27 MARCH 2024 3.3 Mineral Resources Oil is the primary mineral resource in Newport Beach. Historically, drilling for oil began in the early twentieth century and became the primary mineral extraction activity in the area. Two different oil production and reserve areas exist within the City’s Sphere of Influence. There are a total of 65 oil wells in the area, including 15 owned by the City, not including the 1 injection well, with 14 still in operation as of 2023. Of the 65 wells, the West Newport Oil Company owns 48 wells, 9 of which are still in operation today, and South Coast Oil owns 2 currently operating wells. Oil production in the area has declined significantly since the 1980s as numbers have dropped from 60,000 barrels per year to only 20,000 barrels a year in 2020. the City has been averaging approximately $1.0 to $1.2 million in oil and gas revenue a year with operation and maintenance expenditures of approximately $600 to $800 thousand a year. Oil and gas revenue is deposited into the Tidelands Fund because the source of the oil is in the tidelands area which the City holds in trust for the people of California. The Tidelands Fund may be used only for eligible expenditures that support and maintain the tidelands, such as improvements to tidelands property including dredging Lower Newport Bay, lifeguards, beach cleaning, and more.16 There are three methane gas collection and recovery systems located in Newport Beach, which were designed to reduce noxious odors from the Hoag Hospital Campus and Pacific Coast Highway. Other than oil and gas mineral resources, there is no active mineral mining in Newport Beach, as all Mineral Resource Zones are either classified as containing no significant mineral deposits or are undetermined. No new mineral resource extraction activities are allowed under Section 1401 of the City’s Charter. Section 1401 of the City’s Charter prohibits drilling within the incorporated area of the City. However, the Charter allows drilling for, production or processing of oil, gas or other hydrocarbon substances by vertical, slant or other drilling method originating from the surface within the approximately twenty (20) acres of two identified areas Figure 5: Oil Production Areas (Exhibit A of Charter). The Charter does not prohibit the continuance of such activities within the City if drilled from a location outside the City so long as it was in existence at the time the Charter took effect. The oil production denoted in Figure 5 is located within the Randall Preserve (formerly Banning Ranch). Through acquisition of the land by the Coastal Corridor Alliance, a 13-acre carve out of the property has been identified to temporarily serve as a designated area of oil drilling consolidation.17 The California Department of Conservation’s Geologic Energy Management Division is tasked with regulating the drilling, operation, and eventual permanent closure of oil, gas, and geothermal wells. The eventual permanent closure of these operations is consistent with the State’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2045.18 State law governs the commencement, operations, and closures of oil drilling including post-closure maintenance pursuant to the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. 16 City of Newport Beach. https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/utilities/oil-and-gas. Accessed 4/22/2024 17 Coastal Corridor Alliance. https://coastalcorridor.org/coastal-corridor/banning-ranch-remainder/. Accessed 4/22/2024. 18 Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/11/16/california-releases-worlds-first-plan-to-achieve-net-zero- carbon-pollution/. Accessed 4/22/2024. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 28 MARCH 2024 Figure 5. Oil Production Areas (Exhibit A of Charter) GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 29 MARCH 2024 3.4 Archaeological and Paleontological Resources Changes in geological land formations over time, due to tectonic activity, have resulted in a mix of aquatic and terrestrial fossils underlying the City. The Miocene-age rock units (7 to 26 million years ago), particularly in the Newport Coast area, are of high-order paleontological significance. Deposits found in the Newport Beach area include a variety of marine mammals, sea birds, mollusks, and a variety of vertebrate animals typically associated with the Ice Age (2.5 million years ago to 15,000 years ago). Local paleontological sites, particularly near the Castaways, have yielded fossils of Ice Age horses, elephants, bison, antelopes, and dire wolves. Also, a number of localities in the portions of the Vaqueros formation that underlie the Newport Coast area have yielded a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate fossils, which are also considered to be of high-order paleontological significance. Other areas with significant fossils and known paleontological deposits include the Randall Preserve (Banning Ranch) area, which contains at least fourteen documented sites of high significance, and Fossil Canyon, in the North Bluffs area, which is considered a unique paleontological area. Newport Beach also contains many significant archaeological sites. In the Upper Newport Bay area, there is evidence of the earliest human occupation of what is today known as Orange County, dating to about 9,500 years before present. Over fifty sites have been documented, including the Newport Coast area and the Randall Preserve, including burial sites. At least two and possibly three distinct cultural groups inhabited the area, including the Tongva and Acjachemem tribes. The Tongva people occupied the entire Los Angeles basin and the islands of Santa Catalina, San Nicholas, San Clemente, and Santa Barbara, while the Acjachemen people occupied the coastline, valleys, and mountains spanning from what is today Long Beach to Oceanside, east to Lake Elsinore and west to Catalina and San Clemente Islands. Both tribes are suspected to have occupied Newport Bay at some point in their histories.19 Council Policy K-5, last amended by in August 2017, states that the City will ensure that potential public or private development impacts to paleontological and archaeological resources are properly evaluated and mitigated in accordance with the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, and CEQA. The policy outlines the procedures the City shall take to evaluate and mitigate potential impacts to such resources, which includes determination of paleontological or archaeological resources at the initial study level, a preliminary investigation report if resources are known to exist, and an impact assessment report if resources are known to exist, as well as what to do if resources are found on a construction site.20 Additional context on archaeological and paleontological resources can be found in the Historical Resources Existing Conditions and Background Analysis. 19 Orange County Department of Education (n.d.) “Native American People of Orange County” https://ocde.us/ito/Documents/NativeAmericanBackground.pdf#:~:text=The%20original%20inhabitants%20of%20Orange%20 County%20and%20the,San%20Gabriel%20Mission%2C%20but%20they%20call%20themselves%20Tongva. 20 City of Newport Beach. 2017b. “Paleontological and Archaeological Resource Protection Guidelines (K-5).” In Newport Beach City Council Policy Manual. Last updated August 8, 2017. Accessed October 9, 2023. https://www.newportbeachca.gov/home/ showpublisheddocument/2437/636385647487800000. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 30 MARCH 2024 3.5 Rivers and Waterbodies The rivers and waterbodies of Newport Beach are a major contributor to the City’s ecological diversity and are integral to the experiences of residents and visitors alike. As shown in Figure 6 there are freshwater, estuarine, riverine, and lake ecosystems in Newport Beach. Members of the General Plan Advisory Committee have noted that additional wetlands exist in the City beyond those identified in Figure 6, such as one location north of Marnier’s Mile, near a BMW dealership. Of special importance and discussed in detail below are Upper Newport Bay and the Santa Ana River. Upper Newport Bay has been designated as a nature preserve, representing the largest of only a few remaining natural estuarine ecosystems, while the west end of Newport Beach is in the Santa Ana River Watershed with the river itself bounding the city at the northwest tip. 3.5.1 Upper Newport Bay The Upper Newport Bay is nestled within the heart of the city and is one of the largest remaining wetlands in the region, spanning about 1,000 acres, which provide sanctuary to diverse fish, bird, reptile, plant, and other species. Also known as the Back Bay, the estuarine ecosystem is a popular destination for many migratory birds, providing many opportunities for birdwatching. The Upper Bay State Main Conservation Area covers an area of just over 1 square mile and includes lagoon, tidal flats, and coastal marsh habitat. This area protects a variety of small mammals, fish, birds, and crustaceans, and other creatures, including some endangered species. The Upper Newport Bay was designated a nature preserve in 1975 and continues to provide a popular recreation area for biking, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and exploring nature. There are several organizations based in the Upper Newport Bay that provide environmental education and opportunities for locals to get involved in conservation efforts. For example, the Back Bay Science Center, developed in partnership between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the City, the Orange County Health Care Agency, and the University of California, Irvine, is a hands-on, research-based science center that provides students with opportunities to work with scientists and study Upper Newport Bay’s estuarine ecology. The 12,400-square- foot development is located adjacent to Upper Newport Bay, with waterfront access to the largest remaining natural estuary in Southern California. Providing education about the natural resources of Upper Newport Bay and the surrounding region helps to promote conservation and stewardship throughout the watershed. Being located within a State ecological preserve means this facility is primed to study protected fish and wildlife, monitor water quality in the state-of-the-art testing laboratory, and offer other nature-related educational programs. Programs in this center often target students in grades 7 through 12, but the center also offers research opportunities for college students in the area. In addition to students, there are public opportunities to get involved as well, like with the monthly Marine Life Inventories. Each year, more than 10,000 students and visitors participate with programs and events at the Back Bay Science Center. 31 MARCH 2024 Figure 6: Rivers and Waterbodies in Newport Beach 32 MARCH 2024 3.5.2 Santa Ana River The Santa Ana River is the largest river within the Southern California region, spanning nearly 100 miles across various environments embedded in the counties of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange. The river’s rich biodiversity sustains a variety of ecosystems and provides habitat to several species of birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals. The Santa Ana River shares a small boundary with Newport Beach, specifically the City’s westernmost boundary where the river feeds directly into the Pacific Ocean. The City has imposed regulations near the river, including a maximum speed limit of 5 miles per hour for aquatic vessels, encroachment limits for residential homes adjacent to the riverfront, and other property development standards. These are intended to limit human impacts to the river and any biological resources within it. The river has generally healthy water quality and does not pose a threat to its biological resources or human health. However, stormwater runoff following rain events may accumulate bacteria, pollution, and other debris from urban areas, which may find its way into the Santa Ana River and may flow into Newport Bay and the ocean. This can pose environmental hazards, particularly when combined with other trash and litter that may be illegally deposited into the river. As the largest watershed in Southern California, there are many agencies and organizations involved in improving water quality and flood control along the Santa Ana River. The extensive number of agencies and organizations with interests in the Santa Ana River makes collaboration and cooperation necessary. Another concern for recreational waters is trash. Significant amounts of trash end up in Newport Beach’s recreational waters via the Santa Ana River. While the exact quantities of trash are unknown, volunteers pick up trash along beaches and in Upper Newport Bay each year21. The Coastal Corridor Alliance, formerly the Banning Ranch Conservancy, a non-profit land conservancy, organizes monthly beach and river cleanups based around the Randall Preserve (formerly Banning Ranch), a 397-acre parcel containing a coastal mesa and wetlands.22 The organization is one of several dedicated to the maintenance and conservation of the surrounding area. 3.6 Visual Resources Visual resources are what we see and value in our surrounding landscapes. Newport Beach contains several unique visual resources as it is situated near dynamic natural environments, including the Pacific Ocean, Crystal Cove State Park, the San Joaquin Hills, and the wetlands and bluffs of Newport Bay. Visual resources include aesthetic characteristics of an area and often refer to natural and built environments, as well as the attributes contained within the natural and built environments, including the vegetation and the organisms that inhabit an area. Visual resources contribute to a community’s quality of life and can help build a connection to an area. Public access to visual resources is not only essential for connecting individuals to these resources, but is a key component to ensuring that the preservation of such resources remains a priority for the community. To protect visual resources, the City has identified and designated public view points to ensure that public access to visual resources is preserved. Regulations designed to preserve public view points are detailed in Chapter 4 of this analysis and include regulations to ensure that public views are not obstructed by development. Due to its coastal nature, much of the City’s development, particularly along the ridgelines and hillsides of the San Joaquin Hills, has been designed to capture picturesque views of the coastline, harbor, and bay. Additionally, 21 City of Newport Beach. n.d. “Make A Splash, Pick Up Trash.” https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/public-works/ocean-water-quality/make-a-splash-pick-up-trash. 22 BRC (Banning Ranch Conservancy). 2023. “The Santa Ana River Coastal Corridor PEER Program.” Accessed November 2023. https://banningranchconservancy.org/peer/. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 33 MARCH 2024 many streets and highways in the area were also designed to provide view corridors to the ocean and bay including State Route 1, which is eligible for the State Scenic Highway Program, as determined by the California Department of Transportation for its picturesque views of the surrounding natural landscape. In the City, these landscapes include the San Diego Creek, the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve, the Buck Gully Reserve, and 237 acres of beaches, including North Star Beach and Corona Del Mar State Beach. Furthermore, the City includes 450 acres of parkland and open space and 47.7 miles of total coastline, all of which are also considered visual resources. Public access areas providing vantage points that elevate views of the Newport Bay and Upper Newport Bay include West Jetty View Park and Back Bay View Park, respectively. Figure 7 below shows public view points, coastal view roads, existing and proposed beaches and parks, and proposed parks for West Newport area; Figure 8 shows the same for Upper Newport Bay, and Figure 9 shows that of the harbor area. 34 MARCH 2024 Figure 7: West Newport Coastal Views GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 35 MARCH 2024 Figure 8: Upper Newport Bay Views GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 36 MARCH 2024 Figure 9: Harbor Area Coastal Views 37 MARCH 2024 3.7 Water Conservation As further described in the Resilience Existing Conditions and Background Analysis, The City’s water usage is relatively stable and the City stayed under its water use target of 207 gallons per-capita per day, achieving an average of 160 gallons per-capita per day. The City’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan allows real-time water supply availability assessments and strategic steps to respond to actual conditions.. 3.8 Water Quality The EPA sets water quality standards for drinkable, swimmable, and fishable waters as identified in the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Drinking water provided by the City’s Utilities Department is constantly monitored and meets all relevant state and federal standards.23 Recreational water is generally swimmable and fishable, however, stormwater negatively affects recreational water quality immediately following a storm. As is typical for Southern California, people are advised to avoid recreation immediately following storms as roadway pollution and litter are entering the water supply through the storm drains. 3.8.1 Drinking Water Standards for drinking water, established by EPA and the California Division of Drinking Water, set limits for pollutants that may affect consumer health or the aesthetic qualities of drinking water. The City’s drinking water system consistently meets Federal and State standards to remove contaminants found in sources of drinking water (e.g., rivers, lakes, streams), such as microbial, radioactive, inorganic, and organic chemical contaminants, as well as pesticides and herbicides. Although the majority of drinking water to residents, businesses, institutions, and other consumers is provided by the City Utilities Department, parts of the city are served by external water providers such as the Mesa Water District and Irvine Ranch Water District; these districts are also compliant with applicable Federal and State drinking water standards. In recent years, concerns have been raised over the presence of a type of toxic contaminant, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (known as PFAS), in drinking water throughout the United States. These chemicals include perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid, and GenX, among others, and are associated with manufacturing, fire suppression, and use on military bases. Although the use of these chemicals is now banned, residual contaminants affect many drinking water supplies throughout the country. PFAS has been detected in the Orange County Groundwater Basin, including one of Newport Beach’s groundwater wells. The California Division of Drinking Water has instituted a monitoring order for all four of the City’s groundwater wells as a result of this detection, requiring that the City tests groundwater wells on a quarterly basis for PFAS. Additionally, the California Division of Drinking Water has set a notification level of 6.5 parts per trillion, at which point water utilities must notify customers of the presence of the chemical, and has set a response level of 40 parts per trillion, meaning the City would be required to eliminate the source of water containing the chemical. The City Utilities Department detected PFAS at a level of 3 parts per trillion in one groundwater well.24 23 Coty of Newport Beach. 2023. Water Quality. https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/utilities/water-services/water-quality 24 City of Newport Beach. 2023. “PFAS and Drinking Water FAQS.” Accessed November 2023. https://www.newportbeachca.gov/ government/departments/utilities/water-services/pfas-pfoa-and-drinking-water. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 38 MARCH 2024 3.8.2 Recreational Water Recreational quality is best when the weather is dry and worst during and immediately following rainy weather. Stormwater runoff collects bacteria, pollution, and debris from urban areas. This runoff eventually flows into Newport Bay and the ocean via creeks and rivers, including the Santa Ana River and San Diego Creek, as well as stormwater drains and channels. For this reason, water quality tends to decline after it rains near the terminus of the Santa Ana River and in Newport Bay where San Diego Creek, Big Canyon Creek, and other stormwater channels drain. Other risks to recreational water quality include potential sanitary sewer overflows (SSO). Newport Beach owns and operates a wastewater collection system that collects residential and commercial wastewater and transports it for treatment to the Orange County Sanitation District. Portions of the City receive wastewater service from Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD). Residences and businesses hook up private lateral lines to the City’s collection lines. Private and public lines and the City’s pump stations have the potential to cause SSOs, which may lead to beach closures in and around Newport Beach. In the past, beaches along the coast have been closed due to SSOs and these closures have impacted the economy as it relates to summer beach activities. To prevent SSOs, the City maintains a Sewer System Management Plan which establishes system performance provisions, monitoring and management, as well as an overflow emergency response plan. Further, the City has adopted regulations within the Newport Beach Municipal Code, establishing requirements to prevent discharges into the wastewater system, require that sewers and connections are properly designed, ensure access for maintenance and inspection, and enforcement procedures if violations occur. Additional context on water quality as it relates to recreational water quality is detailed in the Resilience Background and Existing Conditions Analysis. 3.9 Energy Conservation The City has taken several actions to conserve energy resources. In 2013, the City finalized its Energy Action Plan (EAP), a roadmap for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Its goals include reducing the City’s overall carbon consumption, conserving energy at local government facilities, and raising awareness of energy conservation in the Newport Beach community. Towards the goal of reducing energy consumption at local government facilities, the EAP includes energy audits of major City facilities, including City Hall, the Fire Department, Library Services, Municipal Operations, the Police Department. In addition, as a partner in the Orange County Cities Energy Partnership, the City coordinates with SCE, the Southern California Gas Company, and neighboring local governments to identify and create projects to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. Another component of reducing the City’s carbon consumption is increasing the share of renewable energy that supplies energy to the City. As the electricity provider for Newport Beach, Southern California Edison (SCE) is the entity responsible for energy procurement. In 2022, SCE’s power mix included 35.8% renewables, which has steadily increased over the past several years. Senate Bill 100 (2018) requires 100% of the state’s electricity retail sales to be supplied by renewable and zero-carbon energy sources by 2045. SB 100 established interim targets of 90% clean energy by 2035 and 95% by 2040. Thus, SCE and other electricity utilities across the state must increase their renewable energy supply significantly over the next two decades. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 39 MARCH 2024 The Resilience Background and Existing Conditions Analysis provides further details energy conservation and SCE’s power mix. 4. Issues and Opportunities 4.1 Air Quality Air quality in Newport Beach is generally good, although there are several pollutants with conditions that may pose moderate health concerns for particularly sensitive individuals such as those with respiratory illnesses and diseases. Ozone and PM2.5 emissions exceed both State and Federal air quality standards, whereas PM10 only exceeds State standards. It is important to note that air quality is measured regionally and does not reflect uniform air quality across Newport Beach. All three pollutants exceeding State and/or Federal standards originate from cars, and as such, the City should leverage existing support to further target reduction from these sources. Currently, the City receives monetary support from SCAQMD via the Air Quality Improvement Trust Fund to implement mobile source air pollution reduction programs; conforms with the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Congestion Management Program; and manages a local transportation demand management program, which imposes development requirements such as carpool parking, bicycle parking, and sidewalk improvements on eligible projects. The City may be able to capitalize on their current pollution reduction efforts through implementation of additional transportation demand management strategies such as congestion pricing, dynamic parking tolls, microtransit and micromobility options, and the adoption of remote and hybrid work schedules, where possible. Additionally, the rising popularity and market share of electric vehicles provides additional opportunities to reduce these emissions. 4.2 Biological Resources There are extensive biological resources in Newport Beach that significantly contribute to the area’s natural beauty and character. Biological resources in the area include the Upper Newport Beach Marine Preserve, Upper Newport Bay State Marine Conservation Area, Buck Gully Preserve, Crystal Cove State Park, and other city parks and natural areas. Many special-status species recognized by the California Natural Diversity Database exist in and around Newport Beach (see Table 5). Issues arise when protecting these sensitive habitats and species as nearby development and human interaction in these areas threaten the ability of certain species and habitats to thrive. Additionally, these special-status species are not confined to jurisdictional boundaries, meaning that extensive coordination between local governments, State and Federal agencies, and private land owners is required to sufficiently protect said species. Well-coordinated protection strategies can allow endangered or threatened species to return to their natural states as they have existed since before human intervention. Without coordination and sufficient protection of said species, important biological resources in the area could be lost, which will negatively impact the environmental and aesthetic value of the area that draws in residents and visitors alike. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 40 MARCH 2024 4.3 Mineral Resources There are no significant issues related to the Newport Beach’s mineral resources. Although 14 of the 65 existing oil wells in the City remain in operation, oil production operations are but a fraction of what they were in the 1980s. This is likely a result of the City’s highly restrictive regulations on mineral extraction, which only allows slant drilling in specific areas, prohibits all ocean-based drilling activities, and prohibits all new resource extraction activities. All areas where extraction is currently allowed are remnants of the City’s past, and other than gas and oil extraction, the City does not contain any significant mineral deposits. Thus, there are no present issues related to the conservation of mineral resources. 4.4 Archaeological and Paleontological Resources Impacts to archaeological and paleontological resources from development activities continue to be mitigated largely through compliance with CEQA regulations and the City’s archaeological guidelines for development. If an archaeological site is found to contain historical resources, as defined in section 15064.5 subsection (a) of the CEQA Handbook25, CEQA requires for an environmental impact assessment, mitigation measures, public participation, consideration of alternatives, and other provisions apply. When Native American human remains are identified, or probable likelihood is determined, as part of an initial study, the lead agency must work with the appropriate Native Americans as identified by the Native American Heritage Commission. Moreover, if accidental discovery of human remains in any location other than a dedicated cemetery, no further excavation or disturbance of the site may occur until the county coroner is contact, who determines if the remains are of Native American persons, and if this is the case, the Native American Heritage Commissions then becomes involves to contact the most likely descendent to determine proper treatment or removal of the remains. In cases where significant archaeological or paleontological resources are found during initial study, or accidentally in the site development process, the project may be delayed significantly as appropriate measures are taken to mitigate impacts to such resources and proper treatment is given to any human remains. As present-day Newport Beach, particularly Newport Bay, was the site of occupation of two major Native American tribes – the Tongva and Acjachemen peoples – the likelihood of identifying archaeological or paleontological resources on previously undeveloped land is somewhat high. 4.5 Rivers and Waterbodies Newport Beach’s rivers and waterbodies are vital contributors to the region’s ecological and biological diversity. In the case of Upper Newport Bay, the City has leveraged its partnerships with other agencies and organizations to maintain the quality of the City’s largest body of water aside from the Pacific Ocean. Both the Upper Bay State Marine Conservation Area and the Back Bay Science Center provide significant opportunities for environmental education, research, and conservation in the City and collectively promote environmental stewardship. Educational facilities and centers, such as the Back Bay Science Center, have the potential to play a greater role in the 25 Association of Environmental Professionals (2023) “2023 CEQA Statutes & Guidelines” https://www.califaep.org/statute_and_guidelines.php GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 41 MARCH 2024 conservation of Newport Bay. Additional educational programs and public workshops may be able to encourage more active involvement from the community. Community-driven initiatives can play a pivotal role in the conservation of ecosystems that may not receive as much attention and financial support as other areas like the Upper Newport Bay. This is the case for the Santa Ana River, where the Coastal Corridor Alliance’s (formerly Banning Ranch Conservancy) cleanup efforts and the continued development of the Orange Coast River Park have been instrumental in addressing existing environmental hazards and promoting the vision of a healthier and more sustainable river environment for both wildlife and the community. 4.6 Visual Resources The City prides itself on its unique access to nature and has been proactive in preserving its natural landscapes, particularly through development and property regulations that limit obstructions to its visual resources. The City facilitates public access to these visual resources through access to view points that provide picturesque views of the coastal sunsets and the City’s landmarks such as the waterfronts of the Newport Bay and Newport Harbor and the rugged hillsides of Crystal Cove State Park. The State Scenic Highway Program provides the City with an additional opportunity to further protect the character of its coastline, particularly along the State Route 1 corridor. The program, managed by the California Department of Transportation, protects designated scenic highways and adjacent corridors through a Corridor Protection Program, which includes all relevant local and regional ordinances, zoning policies, and other planning tools intended to preserve the quality of the designated highway. Specifically, the program requires regulations in five areas: land use and development density, detailed site planning, outdoor advertising, landscaping, and design and appearance of structures and equipment.26 The segment of State Route 1 that traverses through Newport Beach is eligible for the program, providing the City with an opportunity to capitalize on the existing protections of its visual resources, should the City desire to pursue it. 4.7 Water Conservation Refer to the Resilience Existing Conditions and Background Analysis for additional information. 4.8 Water Quality Refer to the Resilience Existing Conditions and Background Analysis for additional information. 4.9 Energy Conservation Refer to the Resilience Existing Conditions and Background Analysis for additional information. 26 Caltrans (California Department of Transportation). 2023. “Scenic Highways: California State Scenic Highways.” Accessed November 2023. https://dot.ca.gov/programs/design/lap-landscape-architecture-and-community-livability/lap-liv-i-scenic-highways. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 42 MARCH 2024 5. Recommendations The City has demonstrated its commitment to the conservation and protection of its natural resources by implementing multiple measures and strategies across various resource areas, including air quality, biological resources, and visual resources. In addition to its conformance with regional and State policies such as the Local Coastal Act, the City has channeled additional resources to support these efforts. One notable example of this additional commitment is exhibited through the City’s system of view parks, which were developed specifically to enhance access to its visual resources. This is reflective of the City’s understanding of the value that natural resources bring to the City and the greater environment. However, despite the City’s effective implementation of strategies to conserve its natural resources, there are additional opportunities for policy focus through the General Plan Update. 5.1 Research Implementation of Additional Transportation Demand Management Strategies As mentioned in Section 4, Existing Conditions, the City faces challenges in meeting air quality standards, particularly with emissions of ozone and both types of particulate matter exceeding acceptable levels as determined by the State and Federal government. Given that all three of these pollutants share a source in cars and similar vehicles, the City should research, identify, and implement policies and strategies that provide residents and visitors with more diverse mobility options. These can include providing a mix of land uses with park-once strategies, improving upon public transportation, promoting active modes of transportation such as cycling and walking, and implementing micromobility options. 5.2 Additional Protective Measures for Biological Resources Several species that inhabit ecosystems within the City and areas around it have been designated as endangered or threatened by State and Federal agencies, indicating an urgent need to enact policies and ordinances that regulate the ecosystems where these species live. These resources are valuable to the City, and this is especially pertinent given the City’s unique balance of the natural and built environments, a distinctive quality for which the City is known for. The City should explore opportunities to build upon its foundational policies and enact additional measures that preserve the safety of and access to these resources. Such measures may take the form of additional protective policies, formation of new partnerships, or funding support for existing non-profit organizations and agencies dedicated to these causes. This could include working with private land owners, including homeowners, to increase natural habitat for native and endangered species migrating northward as a result of climate change. This could also include increasing habitat and education on City-owned property. 5.3 Identification of Visual Resources While public view points have been identified, the City could utilize the General Plan Update process to engage the community on prospective additional view points. Visual resources and potential view points could be discussed GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 43 MARCH 2024 through the outreach and engagement program, providing interested parties with the opportunity engage with the City on what existing view points mean to them and where additional view points may be needed. To identify view points, natural resources valued by the community should first be identified such as steep terrain, waterways, trees, mountains, or other resources. Once these valued resources are identified, view corridors or locations that provide clear views to the resources can be identified. This should be carefully balanced with an understanding of planned land uses and intensity, so as to not create new standards that could limit potential development in a manner that is inconsistent with the City’s goals. 5.4 Conservation Education Much of Newport Beach’s identity is rooted in it’s natural resources where residents and visitors alike can recreate and seek refuge at the beaches, on the bay, and in open spaces. Given the community’s strong connection to natural resources, this offers the City with a distinct opportunity to connect with and educate the community on nature and conservation. Educational programs can take shape in many forms, most notably through interpretive signs and displays in key areas such as along trails, at public view points, and at beaches. Education programs related to conservation can help the community forge a stronger connection to its natural resources, adding value to the user experience and instilling a sense of responsibility for ensuring the long-term conservation of natural resources. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 44 MARCH 2024 6. Conclusions The natural resources of Newport Beach are cherished and valued assets, as made evident by the City’s extensive efforts to preserve and protect these resources. Local regulations and ordinances governing the built environment and human activity has made the City’s commitment clear. City policies have reduced deliberate harm to its natural resources and, in many instances, actively emphasize their protection. These policies have facilitated the ability of the City’s residents to coexist alongside all of its natural resources and thereby crafted a careful balance of the built and natural environments. Recommendations made to improve the City’s protection of its resources highlight its capacity to do more than meet State and Federal requirements, as demonstrated by the City’s previous and current efforts. GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / NATURAL RESOURCES ELEMENT EXISTING CONDITIONS AND BACKGROUND ANALYSIS 45 MARCH 2024 INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK