HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.0_General Plan Annual Progress Report and Housing Element Report for 2024_PA2025-0008CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
March 6, 2025
Agenda Item No. 4
SUBJECT: General Plan Annual Progress Report and Housing Element Report for
2024 (PA2025-0008)
PLANNER: Melinda Whelan, Assistant Planner
949-644-3221, mwhelan@newportbeachca.gov
SUMMARY
The General Plan Annual Progress Report including, Housing Element Report (Report),
are documents reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council that summarize
the City of Newport Beach’s progress with implementing the goals, policies, and programs
of the General Plan and specifically, the Housing Element. The Report covers the period
from January through December of each calendar year. The current Report expansively
covers the City’s activities in 2024.
RECOMMENDATION
1)Find the preparation, review and submission of the 2024 General Plan Annual
Progress Report and Housing Element Report is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060(b)(2) of the CEQA
Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, because it
has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or
indirectly;
2)Review and comment on the 2024 General Plan Progress Report, including the
Housing Element Annual Progress Report; and
3)Recommend the City Council review and authorize the submittal of the 2024 General
Plan Progress Report to the California Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation
(LCI) and the submittal of the Housing Element portion of the Annual Progress Report
to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
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DISCUSSION
2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Government Code Section 65400 and the City’s General Plan Implementation Program
Imp 1.3 require the preparation of an annual report on the status and progress of the
General Plan implementation. Following City Council review, the Report will be sent to
the Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI), formerly the Office of Planning and
Research (OPR), and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD),
as required by State law. There is no standardized form or format for the preparation of
the General Plan Annual Progress Report; however, the report format and content follows
the guidance provided by the APR Memo Reporting Year 2024 and the HCD APR
Instructions for Calendar Year 2018-2024, including the updated APR form for the
Housing Element Report.
The Reports (Attachment No. PC 1) reflect the status of the implementation measures
between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024 (Reporting Period), and do not reflect
changes or updates that may have been directed since. The Newport Beach General
Plan was adopted in November 2006 pursuant to available guidelines provided by the
State at that time pursuant to Government Code Section 65040.2 and consistent with
Section 65400(a)(2). Since initial adoption, the City has updated the Housing and
Circulation Elements in 2022, the Noise Element in 2023, and the Land Use Element in
2024. The Reports include a discussion of the status of each General Plan
Implementation Program (Appendix A of PC 1), a comprehensive status on each Housing
Element Implementation Program (Appendix B of PC 1), and an analysis on the degree
to which the City’s existing General Plan complies with criteria identified in LCI’s General
Plan Guidelines. Staff believes the City has achieved substantial progress in the
implementation of the General Plan. Some of the progress is evident in completed tasks
such as the comprehensive Zoning Code Update in 2010; however, most progress is
illustrated through ongoing tasks and long-term coordination efforts, with updates
highlighted for 2024. The Reports also summarize identified priorities for land use
decision making for the Reporting Period.
General Plan Update
The City embarked on a comprehensive update of the General Plan in 2019 but pivoted
in 2020 to focus on preparing the 6th Cycle Housing Element (Housing Element), as well
as an update to the Circulation Element.
The City continued to focus its efforts, which ultimately led to City Council’s initial adoption
of the Housing Element on February 8, 2022. After several reviews and revisions with
HCD, the City Council re-adopted a refreshed Housing Element on September 13, 2022.
The update is a comprehensive statement of the City’s housing policies and serves as a
guide for the implementation of these policies. As required by state law, the update
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examines current housing needs, estimates future housing needs, and establishes goals,
policies, and programs pertaining to those needs while demonstrating capacity to
accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation of 4,845 new
housing units. Housing programs are responsive to current and future needs and
established within the context of available community, state, and federal economic and
social resources, realistic quantified housing objectives, and affirmatively furthering fair
housing (AFFH). On October 5, 2022, HCD determined the Housing Element is in full
statutory compliance.
On October 25, 2022, the City Council adopted an updated Circulation Element that
included several refreshed policies that are compliant with state law. For example, the
updated Circulation Element contains policies related to complete streets and vehicle
miles traveled. The policies were reviewed by the community through extensive outreach
and remain consistent with the community’s vision.
Simultaneous with the efforts to update the Housing Element and Circulation Element,
the General Plan Update Steering Committee (GPUSC) began meeting in July 2022 to
restart the comprehensive update efforts. In November 2022, the City Council appointed
a 30-member General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) to help represent the community
and guide potential policy changes.
In July 2023, the City contracted with Dudek to provide consulting services on the
comprehensive General Plan Update. “Phase One” outreach for the comprehensive
update to the General Plan was conducted from March 2024 to June 2024. The following
are highlights of this first phase of outreach:
• Used the City Manager’s The Week In Review, as well as local papers and social
media to reach residents, community members, and stakeholders;
• Launched a dedicated website on March 15, 2024 – Newport, Together including
an online questionnaire and interactive map to collaboratively help shape the vision
for Newport Beach; and
• Hosted “pop-up” booths at six community events to raise awareness through
engaging and hearing from residents.
In addition to conducting outreach with the broader community, the City convened the
GPAC subcommittees to review the “Existing Conditions and Background Analysis”
reports prepared by the consultant team. The subcommittees met in January, March,
April, and May 2024.
“Phase Two” of outreach included four community workshops in November and
December of 2024 designed to share the draft vision statement, draft guiding values, and
discuss ideas to support each element. These workshops were held for the Recreation &
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Natural Resources; Coastal Resilience & Safety; Arts & Culture and Historical Resources;
and Land Use; and Harbor, Bay and Beaches elements.
Information regarding the General Plan update efforts to date, including the initiation,
evaluation, and overall process can be found on the City’s website and at Newport,
Together.
Housing Element Implementation
This comprehensive general plan update effort is on a parallel track alongside the City’s
implementation of the Housing Element. In November 2023, the City Council adopted an
amendment to the Noise Element to adjust the policy framework surrounding housing
proximate to John Wayne Airport. In July 2024, the City Council adopted an amendment
to the Land Use Element to revise the necessary goals and policies to support housing
production in the focus areas identified by the Housing Element. The Noise Element
revisions can be found in Exhibit A of Resolution No. 2023-72 and the Land Use Element
revisions can be found in Exhibit A of Resolution 2024-51.
Additionally, on September 24, 2024, the City Council adopted Zoning Code Amendments
required to implement the Housing Element. These amendments included adding
Housing Overlays into the Zoning Code (NBMC Section 20.28.050). The details are
provided below in the Policy Actions 1A through 1G Related to Housing
Implementation Section of this staff report.
2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report
Government Code Section 65400 requires that each city, including charter cities, provide
an annual progress report on the status of the Housing Element of its General Plan. HCD
has provided mandatory forms (Excel spreadsheets) and definitions for the housing
portion of the Report. The forms include six large tables (Tables A through F). Due to the
large size and format of the tables, only a summary of the contents of each table is
provided in the attached Report. The complete forms will be made available online at
www.newportbeachca.gov/APR and they will be submitted to HCD in electronic format.
The annual report requires the City to report all housing applications submitted in 2024
including building permits (Table A in Report) and all housing applications with a net
increase in units approved and finalized in 2024 (Table A2 in Report). Table B includes
the number of units for which permits were issued to demonstrate progress in meeting
the City’s RHNA goal. The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
prepared the RHNA for each jurisdiction within the SCAG region. SCAG, through the
RHNA process, assigned Newport Beach a share of the region’s new housing units needs
for the 2021 - 2029 planning period to be a total of 4,845 new dwelling units further broken
down by income category.
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Housing production towards the 6th Cycle RHNA allocation is best summarized by Table
B, which is included in the Report and excerpted below.
Table B Summary: Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
Income
Level RHNA 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Total
to Date
Very Low 1,456 13 8 11 8 32
Low 930 21 14 18 23 53
Moderate 1,050 1 11 13 17 25
Above
Moderate 1,409 31 7 1 33 72
Total
RHNA 4,845
Total
Units
Produced
66 40 43 81
230
Of the 81 permitted units contributing to RHNA, 46 units are accessory dwelling units
including above-moderate, moderate- and lower-income units, and 32 of the above-
moderate units and 3 of the very low-income units are from the 2510 West Coast Highway
Mixed-Use Project that received permits on February 22, 2024.
The Housing Element portion of the Reports also includes status and/or progress of
implementing each Housing Element Policy Action for the Reporting Period (Appendix B
of Report). Appendix B includes a detailed status report of each Housing Element Policy
Action.
Efforts to Assist the Unhoused
The City continues to provide robust assistance to those who are unhoused in the
community. For this reporting period, the following was accomplished:
• In 2024, the Be Well OC Mobile Crisis Team (Be Well) operated seven days a
week for 12 hours per shift, from January to the end of August. Be Well responded
to mental, behavioral, and substance use crises throughout the City. The team
proactively engaged the unhoused population to provide resources, shelter
placements, and program referrals. Be Well had 2,825 contacts with residents,
visitors, and unhoused people. Be Well transported individuals 302 times to social
service, medical, and other essential appointments, or intakes. Of the 302
transports, 56 were for shelter intake appointments, 34 to crisis stabilization units
for treatment, and 45 to the Be Well campus sobering station for treatment. Be
Well also reunified four people with their families.
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• The City’s homeless outreach and engagement team permanently housed one
person from the streets to housing. In addition, one person was housed in assisted
living and four were reunified with family from the street.
• The Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter services permanently housed eleven people and
reunified one person with their family. In July 2023, the City Council approved an
additional five beds in the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter, with the option to use up to
six more beds if the City of Costa Mesa has open beds. The daily cost for the
additional six beds is $155 per bed per day including full wrap-around services. In
2024, the per six (per-diem) beds were used several times. There were 28 Newport
Beach shelter guests for two weeks in October 2024.
• In February 2024, PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) became the City’s social
service contractor. PATH placed 34 people into shelters and provided 520 contacts
with the unhoused population in Newport Beach.
• In December 2024, the City Police Department reorganized to assign three officers
dedicated as Homeless Liaison Officers (HLO).
• Trellis International is a Costa Mesa-based non-profit organization which provides
volunteer opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing
insecurity to learn and/or rebuild job skills and a path forward to stable employment
and housing. The Public Works Department manages projects with Trellis’
Community Impact Team (CIT). CIT participants develop and refine job skills
needed to renter the job market and remain employed. The projects may include
beach cleanup, trash and graffiti removal, vegetation trimming and removal, and
more. The CIT completed 114 projects in 2024.
The outreach and engagement team had three notable permanent housing
placements in 2024. A man was unhoused for 34 years in Newport Beach. PATH
and the City’s homeless liaison police officer built a rapport with him within weeks
of contacting him. The man had a housing voucher and was afraid to look for
apartments on his own. PATH and the officer started showing him apartments
online and their proximity to public libraries. He located an apartment he liked and
moved into independent living in June 2024. PATH continues to check in with him
to ensure stability and success. A man who experienced homelessness, living in
his vehicle for several months, stayed at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter after
working with the Be Well team. He moved into permanent supportive housing in
September 2024 and is now addressing his medical needs. A woman was reunified
with her family in another state in October 2024 after staying at the Costa Mesa
Bridge Shelter. She volunteered in the Newport Beach community for 10 years and
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did not want to end her service. She now lives with her daughter and is building a
new community for herself.
Significant Residential Development Projects with Affordable Units
Another highlight is significant residential projects that include an affordable housing
component on sites identified as underutilized. These projects, which are at different
stages of review, include: Newport Crossings Mixed-Use Project, Residences at 4400
Von Karman, Residences at Newport Airport Village, Newport Village Mixed-Use Project,
2510 West Coast Highway Mixed-Use Project, Residences at 1300 Bristol Street,
Residences at 1600 Dove Street, Residences at 1401 Quail Street, Residences at 1400
Bristol Street, Residences at 1500 Quail Street, and the Placentia Avenue Apartments.
Cumulatively, these projects have the potential to add 266 lower-income housing units
and 36 moderate-income housing units to the City. Each of these projects are detailed in
the attached Reports.
Policy Actions 1A through 1G Related to Housing Implementation
Immediately after the Housing Element’s adoption in September 2022, the City began
efforts to implement the housing strategy. This predominantly included analyzing the
General Plan Land Use Element for necessary amendments needed for consistency,
drafting an overlay zoning text for the various focus areas, and creating objective design
standards. The goal was to rezone the housing opportunity sites appropriately for housing
development. The City worked with the General Plan Update Steering Committee and the
General Plan Advisory Committee on this effort, held study sessions with the Planning
Commission and City Council, and made draft documents available for public review and
input to ensure a transparent process that is representative of the community’s values.
• In July 2024, the City Council adopted an amendment to the Land Use Element to
revise the necessary goals and policies to support housing production in the focus
areas identified by the Housing Element. The Land Use Element’s revised policies
and goals can be found in Exhibit A of Resolution 2024-51.
• On September 24, 2024, the City Council adopted Zoning Code Amendments to
implement the Housing Element by providing the necessary zoning. These
amendments included adding a Housing Opportunity (HO) Overlay Zoning District
(Overlay) to the NBMC , Section 20.28.050, which provides procedures and
development standards for future housing projects. The Overlay provides allowed
uses, maximum dwelling unit limits for each subarea, and appropriate development
standards such as height, parking, setbacks, and open space requirements. The
Overlay also provides a streamlined review process for projects that include a
minimum of 20 percent of units reserved for very-low- and low-income residents,
which serves to incentive the provision of affordable housing.
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Properties that are located within the Overlay are identified in the maps codified in
Section 20.80.025 (Housing Opportunity Overlay Zoning Districts Maps) of the
NBMC and provided below:
HO-1 Airport Area Environs Area
HO-2 West Newport Mesa Area
HO-3 Dover-Westcliff Area
HO-4 Newport Center Area
HO-5 Coyote Canyon Area
HO-6 Existing_5th_Cycle_Sites
• The Zoning Code Amendment also added Section 20.48.185 (Multi-Unit Objective
Design Standards to provide a baseline standard for all new multi-unit
development (See the Section Policy Action 3A: Objective Design Standards).
• Lastly, the City Council authorized the submittal of a Local Coastal Program
Amendment to the California Coastal Commission (CCC) to amend the City’s
Coastal Land Use Plan and Title 21 (Local Coast Program Implementation Plan)
to apply the new Overlay to applicable properties in the coastal zone. The City filed
the amendment application on August 16, 2024, with the CCC, and received a
letter from CCC staff on January 7, 2025, confirming the City’s application is
complete and pending a hearing date.
Policy Actions 1H, 1I, and 1J Related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
In 2024, the City pursued several efforts related to revising the City’s regulations
pertaining to accessory dwelling units and incentivizing their development:
• Code Amendment Related to State Law Updates and Additional Incentives: In
2024, the City began to work on revising the ADU Ordinance to comply with
SB1211 for multi-family properties, which outlines additional parking allowances,
adds a definition of livable space, and additional units allowed. Amendments
related to the SAFE ADU program and compliance with AB2533 are provided
below.
• Website Enhancements: In Spring of 2023, the Community Development
Department launched a comprehensive update to the Newport Beach ADU
webpage. The webpage is intended to supplement the City’s outreach and foster
interest in constructing ADUs. The website now includes a downloadable
guidebook, interactive activities and exercises to help homeowners plan their ADU,
an online calculator to estimate costs, and standard plans. The website also
includes resources to help the homeowner understand the different types of ADUs
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by providing links to development standards and processes. External resources
are available for potential finance and grant opportunities for homeowners. Users
can look up their property attributes including zoning and approximate lot size. An
interactive mapping application is also included for residents to see the ADUs that
are being constructed in their neighborhoods. The website is updated on a regular
basis, for example in 2024, updates regarding the SAFE ADU program were
added. The Newport Beach ADU website is accessible at
https://www.newportbeachca.gov/adu.
• ADU Standard Plans: In late 2023 and early 2024, the City created its ADU
Standard Plans program designed to offer property owners permit ready ADU
plans at no charge. Use of the standard plans provide a substantial cost savings
($15k to $30k) for property owners by eliminating the need to hire a design
professional to prepare custom set of architectural and structural plans. They also
reduce permit processing times since the architectural and structural component
of the plans have been pre-reviewed and approved for building code compliance.
The City currently offers two separate types of studio designs, one one-bedroom
design, and one-and-two-car-garage conversion plans. In 2024, staff worked on
enhancing the standard plans page on the City’s website to include a process for
architects to submit their own drawings to be reviewed as standard
plans/preapproval. This effort is also being completed to comply with AB1332
(effective January 1, 2025).
• SAFE ADU Program: Efforts began towards the end of 2023 to implement the
State’s amnesty program to permit informal (unpermitted) units. The program
became official in 2024, allowing concessions for qualifying units that were existing
but unpermitted. Three safe ADUs were permitted, and one was in applied status
(i.e. plan check) in 2024. Additionally, the City prepared for implementation of
changes to the SAFE ADU Ordinance pursuant to AB2533 (effective 2025)
changing the year for qualified units from 2018 to 2020; and allowing JADUs for
SAFE ADU. However, the City’s Ordinance was a step ahead and already allowed
JADUs to qualify for a SAFE ADU.
• ADU Permit and Plan Check Fee Waiver: On November 29, 2022, the City Council
extended a pilot program to temporarily waive City plan check review fees, building
construction permit review fees, and other City permit fees directly related to a
project creating an ADU or a JADU. The fee waiver extension ran through the end
of 2024 and complemented other City programs intended to promote and facilitate
ADU development, including website enhancements and standard plans.
In 2024, 62 ADUs were submitted for review. There were 46 ADUs that received building
permits and contributed towards the RHNA; and 28 that received final inspections.
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Policy Action 3A: Objective Design Standards
The Zoning Code Amendment that approved the Housing Overlays also added Section
20.48.185 (Multi-Unit Objective Design Standards to provide a minimum baseline design
standard for all new multi-unit development. The objective design standards are intended
to result in quality design of multi-unit residential and mixed-use development. Review
under the standards supports development that builds on context, contributes to the
public realm, and provides high quality and resilient buildings and public spaces. These
standards shall be applied uniformly and without discretion to enhance the built
environment for both affordable and market-rate multi-unit residential development. The
standards would apply to housing throughout the City that consists of a density of 20
dwelling units per acre or greater. Furthermore, the City prepared a Checklist for
applicants to help streamline review of the objective design standards.
Policy Action 4A: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
For Policy Action 4A (Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing), the City intends to
emphasize meaningful actions to overcome patterns of segregation and to foster inclusive
communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on protective
classes, as defined by State law. The City continues to maintain a contract for fair housing
services with the Fair Housing Foundation and will participate in an update to the Orange
County Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing when the next update occurs.
The City is also collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions through the Orange County
Council of Government (OCCOG) and its Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) on-call
services bench, as there is an effort to streamline various housing element
implementation program actions, including AFFH efforts, regionally.
Summary
These highlights demonstrate that the City is committed to compliance with State Housing
Element law and the furtherance of all Housing Element goals and policies. The efforts
outlined to update the General Plan for compliance with all mandates and best practices
demonstrate the City is also committed to maintaining compliance with the latest General
Plan Guidelines and requirements therein issued by LCI. All implementation efforts are
detailed in the attached Reports and staff recommends that the Planning Commission
recommend the City Council review and authorize the submittal of the 2024 General Plan
Progress Report to the California Office of Planning and Research and the submittal of
the Housing Element Annual Progress Report to the State Department of Housing and
Community Development.
Environmental Review
The review of the Reports is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060(b)(2) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of
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Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical
change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
Public Notice
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of
the meeting at which the Planning Commission considers the item).
Prepared by: Submitted by:
BMZ/LAW/msw
ATTACHMENTS
PC 1 General Plan Annual Progress Report including Housing Element Progress Report
2024
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Attachment No. PC 1
General Plan Annual Progress Report
2024
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City of Newport Beach
General Plan Annual
Progress Report
2024 Calendar Year
Approved For Submission
DRAFT-PENDING
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City of Newport Beach General Plan 2024 Annual Progress Report
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 4
2. Presentation and acceptance by local legislative bodies .................... 4
3. General Plan Implementation ......................................................................... 4
4. Housing Element APR report requirements ............................................... 7
5. General Plan compliance with OPR’s General Plan Guidelines ........ 18
6. Established priorities for land use decision-making for 2024 ........... 19
List of Tables
Table 1 – Quick Status Update for Each Implementation Program
Table A Summary – 2023 Housing Development Applications Submitted
Table A2 Summary – 2023 Building Activity Summary – Net New Units
Table B Summary – Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Appendices
Appendix A – General Plan Implementation Program Status
Appendix B – Table D. Housing Element Implementation Program Status
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1. Introduction
Consistent with Government Code Section 65400 and the City of Newport Beach (City)
General Plan Implementation Program Imp 1.3, the General Plan Annual Progress Report
(GP APR) was prepared using guidelines set forth by the California Office of Land Use
and Climate Innovation (LCI) formerly Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and
provides information for decision makers on the status of the General Plan and progress
on implementation during the 2024 calendar year (Reporting Period). The current
Newport Beach General Plan was last comprehensively updated and adopted in
November 2006 pursuant to guidelines provided in Government Code Section 65040.2,
and consistent with Section 65400(a)(2). There is no standardized form or format for the
preparation of the General Plan Annual Progress Report; however, the report format and
content follows the guidance provided by the APR Memo Reporting Year 2024 and the
HCD APR Instructions for Calendar Year 2018-2024, including the updated APR form for
the Housing Element Report.
2. Presentation and acceptance by local legislative
bodies
The annual report was presented to the City’s Planning Commission on March 6, 2025,
and the City Council reviewed the report on March 25, 2025. At the conclusion of the
review, which included receiving public comments, the City Council authorized the
submission of the report to OPR and the State Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD), as required by State law.
3. General Plan Implementation
Included in the General Plan is Implementation Program (Chapter 13) that includes
specific programs to carry out the goals and policies of the General Plan. Appendix A of
this report evaluates and provides the status of the General Plan organized by each
implementation program. The table below provides a quick status on each program:
Table 1 – Quick Status Update for Each Implementation Program
Programs Ongoing Complete Pending N/A
1.1
Ensure that Private Development and Capital
Improvements are Consistent with the General
Plan
✓
1.2 Update and Revise the General Plan to Reflect
Changing Conditions and Visions ✓
1.3 Prepare Annual General Plan Progress and
Housing Element Implementation Reports ✓ ✓
2.1 Amend the Zoning Code for Consistency with
the General Plan ✓
3.1 Preparation of New Specific Plans ✓
4.1 New “Planned Community” Development Plans ✓
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City of Newport Beach General Plan 2024 Annual Progress Report
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Table 1 – Quick Status Update for Each Implementation Program
Programs Ongoing Complete Pending N/A
5.1 Review and Revise Coastal Land Use Plan for
Consistency with the General Plan ✓
6.1 Review the Subdivision Ordinance for
Consistency with the General Plan ✓
7.1 Review Building and Construction Code for
Consistency with General Plan ✓
7.2 Revise Fair Share Traffic Contribution
Ordinance ✓
7.3 Review and Update Transportation Demand
Ordinance ✓
8.1 Review Codes and Ordinances for Consistency
with the General Plan and Update Periodically ✓ ✓
8.2 Prepare New Codes, Ordinances, and
Guidelines ✓
9.1 Review City Council Policy Manual for
Consistency with the General Plan ✓
10.1
Maintain Up-to-Date Comprehensive Database
(Data such as built land use and traffic should
be updated on a continuing basis, while data
that is stable, such as seismic hazard zones,
can be updated on a less frequent basis)
✓
10.2 Maintain Development Tracking and Monitoring
Program ✓
11.1 CEQA Review Development and Entitlement
Applications ✓
12.1 Evaluate Fiscal Benefits of Large Development
Proposals and Annexations ✓
12.2 Maintain and Update Fiscal Impact Model ✓
13.1 Process Development Agreements ✓
14.1
Adjoining Cities
(“Borders Committees” to collaborate with the
cities of Irvine, Huntington Beach, and Costa
Mesa)
✓
14.2 Coordinate with School Districts ✓
14.3 Coordinate with Orange County ✓
14.4 Coordinate with Orange County Transportation
Authority (OCTA) ✓
14.5 State of California Department of Housing and
Community Development (HCD) ✓
14.6 Coordinate with California Coastal Commission ✓
14.7
Coordinate with the California Resources
Agency, Department of Fish and Game (now
known as California Department of Fish and
Wildlife)
✓
14.8 Coordinate with the California Department of
Parks and Recreation ✓
14.9 Coordinate with the California Department of
Transportation (“Caltrans”) ✓
14.10 Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) ✓
14.11 California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ✓
14.12 Coordinate with United States Army Corps of
Engineers (“Corps”) ✓
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Table 1 – Quick Status Update for Each Implementation Program
Programs Ongoing Complete Pending N/A
14.13 Coordinate with United States Fish and Wildlife
Service ✓
14.14 Coordinate with Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) ✓
14.15
Coordinate with United States Postal Service
(USPS) (for the relocation of Mariners’ Mile
distribution facility)
✓
14.16 Other Agencies ✓
15.1 Encourage Annexation of Banning Ranch Prior
to Development ✓
16.1 Improve Arterial Streets and Highways
According to Classification ✓
16.2 Monitor Traffic Conditions and Plan for and
Fund Improvements ✓
16.3 Construct Street and Highway Improvements ✓
16.4 Monitor Roadway Conditions and Operational
Systems ✓
16.5
Maintain Consistency with Regional
Jurisdictions (Caltrans and Orange County to
provide adequate roadway infrastructure plans
and design standards such as the Orange
County Master Plan of Arterial Highways)
✓
16.6 Local/Neighborhood Access Roads ✓
16.7 Traffic Control ✓
16.8 Provide Public Transportation ✓
16.9 Manage Truck Operations ✓
16.10 Improve Parking Supply and Management ✓
16.11 Maintain Trails ✓
16.12 Marine Transportation ✓
17.1
Maintain and Implement Urban Water
Management Plans and Encourage
Conservation
✓
18.1 Maintain and Implement Sewer Master Plan ✓
19.1 Maintain Storm Drainage Facilities ✓
20.1 Design, Fund, and Construct Streetscape
Improvements ✓
20.1 Design, Fund, and Construct Streetscape
Improvements (continued) ✓
20.2 Design, Fund, and Construct Waterfront
Promenade ✓
20.3 Fund and Construct Public View Sites ✓
21.1 Review and Update Harbor and Tidelands
Improvement Plans ✓
21.2 Develop Harbor Area Management Plan
(HAMP) ✓
21.3 Events Management and Programs ✓
21.4 Harbor Operations and Management ✓
22.1 Maintain and Enhance Police and Fire Facilities ✓
23.1 Maintain and Update Parks and Recreation
Facility Plans ✓
23.2 Maintain and Improve Parks and Recreation
Facilities ✓
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City of Newport Beach General Plan 2024 Annual Progress Report
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Table 1 – Quick Status Update for Each Implementation Program
Programs Ongoing Complete Pending N/A
23.3 Assess Recreation Needs ✓
23.4 Maintain Recreation Programs for Newport
Beach’s Residents ✓
23.5 Requirements for Residential Developers ✓
24.1 Adopt and Implement Strategic Plan for Fiscal
and Economic Sustainability ✓
25.1 Implement Housing Element Programs ✓
26.1 Enforce Codes and Ordinances ✓
27.1 Seismic Compliance ✓
28.1 Maintain Hazards Data Base ✓
28.2 Maintain Emergency Preparedness, Response,
and Recovery Programs ✓
29.1 Educate the Community ✓
29.2 Support of the Arts, Culture, and Historic
Resources ✓
29.3 Support Community Environmental and
Recreation Initiatives ✓
30.1 Maintain Annual Budgets for City Services and
Improvements ✓
30.2
Administer Impact and User Fees (Development
Impact Fees, Park Dedication and In-Lieu Fees,
and Tideland Revenue Fees)
✓
31.1
Consider the Establishment of Community
Facilities and Special Assessment
Districts
✓
4. Housing Element APR report requirements
Government Code Section 65400 requires that each city, including charter cities, prepare
an annual progress report (APR) on the status of the General Plan Housing Element. The
State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has provided
mandatory forms in an Excel workbook format and definitions for the reporting. The forms
include 12 tables (Tables A, A2, B, C, D, E, F, F2, G, H, I, and J). A summary of the
contents of each table is provided below. The complete forms are too large to include in
this report and are available online at www.newportbeachca.gov/APR.The City’s 6th Cycle
Housing Element (Housing Element) was originally adopted by City Council in February
2022, subsequently revised and re-adopted on September 2022, and certified as being
statutorily compliant by HCD in October 2022. Table D includes the Implementation
Programs from the certified Housing Element 2021-2029. The complete Table D is
provided in Appendix B of this report.
Table A Summary – Housing Development Applications Submitted
Table A provides a complete listing of all housing applications including discretionary and
ministerial permits submitted during the Reporting Period. The following table is a
summary of the net totals of Table A.
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Table A Summary – 2024 Housing Development Applications Submitted
Unit Type Affordability By Income Total Submitted Very Low Low Moderate Above Moderate
Accessory Dwelling
Units 8 31 22 1 72
Single-Family 0 0 0 106 106
Multi-Family 6 2 0 1,824 1,832
Total 14 33 22 1,931 2,000
Table A2 Summary – Annual Building Activity Summary
Table A2 is a comprehensive table that includes data on net new housing units and
developments that have received any one of the following forms of project readiness
during the Reporting Period: 1) an entitlement approval, 2) a building permit issued, or 3)
a certificate of occupancy issued. These projects are organized by affordability level.
Projects that result in a net zero or decrease in number of units are not reported in this
table.
Table A2 Summary - 2024 Building Activity Summary – Net New Units
Approved
Entitlements Building Permits Issued Certificates of Occupancy
Issued
Affordable
Above
Moderate
Income
Affordable
Above
Moderate
Income
Affordable
Above
Moderate
Income
66
Very Low-
Income
2
Low
Income
672 5 Very Low-Income
(ADU)
3 Very Low-Income
(Deed Restricted)
23 Low-Income
(ADU)
17 Moderate-Income
(ADU)
1 (ADU)
32 Units
3 Very Low-Income
(ADU)
14 Low-Income
(ADU)
10 Moderate-Income
(ADU)
21 (ADU)
Table B Summary – Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Table B reports the number of units for which permits were issued to demonstrate
progress in meeting the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation goal.
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) prepared a Regional
Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) to identify the housing needs for each jurisdiction
within the SCAG region. SCAG, through the RHNA process, assigned Newport Beach a
share of the region’s new housing units that should be constructed in the 2021 - 2029
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City of Newport Beach General Plan 2024 Annual Progress Report
9
planning period to satisfy housing needs resulting from projected growth in the region. To
accommodate projected growth in the region, SCAG determined the City’s share of RHNA
to be a total of 4,845 new dwelling units. This includes 1,456 dwelling units affordable to
very low-income households, 930 dwelling units affordable to low-income households,
1,050 dwelling units affordable to moderate-income households, and 1,409 dwelling units
that are market rate or for above moderate-income households. It is important to note that
the City adopted its Housing Element and received certification in September and October
2022, respectively.
In November 2023, the City Council adopted an amendment to the Noise Element to
adjust the policy framework surrounding housing proximate to John Wayne Airport. In
July 2024, the City Council adopted an amendment to the Land Use Element to revise
the necessary goals and policies to support housing production in the focus areas
identified by the Housing Element. The Noise Element revisions can be found in Exhibit
A of Resolution No. 2023-72 and the Land Use Element revisions can be found in Exhibit
A of Resolution 2024-51.
Additionally, the City Council adopted the necessary amendments to the Zoning Code
required to implement the Housing Element’s Housing Strategy. These amendments
included adding Housing Overlays into the Zoning Code (Section 20.28.050). The
amendments also added Section 20.48.185 (Multi-Unit Objective Design Standards to
provide a minimum baseline design standard for all new multi-unit development.
Table B Summary: Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
Income
Level RHNA 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Total
to Date
Very Low 1,456 13 8 11 8 32
Low 930 21 14 18 23 53
Moderate 1,050 1 11 13 17 25
Above
Moderate 1,409 31 7 1 33 72
Total
RHNA 4,845
Total
Units
Produced
66 40 43 81
412
Table C Summary - Sites Identified or Rezoned to Accommodate Shortfall Housing
Need
As noted, the City successfully rezoned all opportunity sites listed in Appendix B of the
Housing Element during the Reporting Period with exception of those located in the
Coastal Zone. The City’s Local Coastal Program Amendment application has been
deemed filed by the California Coastal Commission’s staff and is pending a hearing date.
Table C largely reflects the data in the Housing Element’s Appendix B.
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Table D Summary - Program Implementation Status Pursuant to Government Code
Section 65583
Table D provides the status and/or progress of implementing each Housing Element
Policy Action for the Reporting Period. Appendix B includes a detailed status report of
each Housing Element Program. Some highlights of the implementation in 2024 are
excerpted below:
Efforts to Assist the Unhoused
The City continues to provide robust assistance to those who are unhoused in the
community. For this reporting period, the following was accomplished:
• In 2024, the Be Well OC Mobile Crisis Team (Be Well) operated seven days a
week for 12 hours per shift, from January to the end of August. Be Well responded
to mental, behavioral, and substance use crises throughout the City. The team
proactively engaged the unhoused population to provide resources, shelter
placements, and program referrals. Be Well had 2,825 contacts with residents,
visitors, and unhoused people. Be Well transported individuals 302 times to social
service, medical, and other essential appointments, or intakes. Of the 302
transports, 56 were for shelter intake appointments, 34 to crisis stabilization units
for treatment, and 45 to the Be Well campus sobering station for treatment. Be
Well also reunified four people with their families.
• The City’s homeless outreach and engagement team permanently housed one
person from the streets to housing. One person was housed in assisted living and
four were reunified with family from the street.
• The Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter services permanently housed eleven people and
reunified one person with their family. In July 2023, the City Council approved an
additional five beds in the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter, with the option to use up to
six more beds if the City of Costa Mesa has open beds. The daily cost for the
additional six beds is $155 per bed per day including full wrap-around services. In
2024, the per six (per-diem) beds were used several times. There were 28 Newport
Beach shelter guests for two weeks in October 2024.
• In February 2024, PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) became the City’s social
service contractor. PATH placed 34 people into shelters and provided 520 contacts
with the unhoused population in Newport Beach.
• In December 2024, the City Police Department reorganized to assign three officers
dedicated as Homeless Liaison Officers (HLO).
• Trellis International is a Costa Mesa-based non-profit organization which provides
volunteer opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing
insecurity to learn and/or rebuild job skills and a path forward to stable employment
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City of Newport Beach General Plan 2024 Annual Progress Report
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and housing. The Public Works department manages projects with Trellis’
Community Impact Team (CIT). CIT participants develop and refine job skills
needed to renter the job market and remain employed. The projects may include
beach cleanup, trash and graffiti removal, vegetation trimming and removal, and
more. The CIT completed 114 projects in 2024.
• The outreach and engagement team had three notable permanent housing
placements in 2024. A man was unhoused for 34 years in Newport Beach. PATH
and the City’s homeless liaison police officer built a rapport with him within weeks
of contacting him. The man had a housing voucher and was afraid to look for
apartments on his own. PATH and the officer started showing him apartments
online and their proximity to public libraries. He located an apartment he liked and
moved into independent living in June 2024. PATH continues to check in with him
to ensure stability and success. A man who experienced homelessness, living in
his vehicle for several months, stayed at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter after
working with the Be Well team. He moved into permanent supportive housing in
September 2024 and is now addressing his medical needs. A woman was reunified
with her family in another state in October 2024 after staying at the Costa Mesa
Bridge Shelter. She volunteered in the Newport Beach community for 10 years and
did not want to end her service. She now lives with her daughter and is building a
new community for herself.
Significant Residential Development Projects with Affordable Units
The City has significant projects on sites identified as underutilized with activity
during the Reporting Period:
• Newport Crossings Mixed-Use (1660 Dove Street) – Located on a site
identified as underutilized. The project was submitted in 2017 and approved
by the Planning Commission on February 21, 2019. The project includes
the development of 350 residential apartment units, including 78 units
affordable to low-income households. The plan check for construction
drawing review was submitted on November 17, 2020, and is approved and
permit-ready. Permit issuance has been delayed due to pending private
litigation.
• Residences at 4400 Von Karman – In 2020, the former Koll Center
Residences project was actively reviewed under a new project submittal
called The Residences at 4400 Von Karman. The request consists of
rezoning nonresidential property to mixed-use land uses, including up to
260 residential units plus an allowance for density bonus units up to a total
of 312 units (13 very low-income units). On November 5, 2020, the Planning
Commission considered the project and recommended approval to the City
Council. The City Council approved the project on February 9, 2021. The
submittal for building permit plan check is pending. A final extension was
granted until January 26, 2026.
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12
• Residences at Newport Airport Village (4540, 4570, 4600, and 4630
Campus Drive, 4525, 4533, and 4647 MacArthur Boulevard) – A General
Plan Amendment, Planned Community Development Plan (PCDP), and a
Development Agreement that would allow for the future redevelopment of
the 16.46-acre property with up to 444 dwelling units (329 base units and
115 density bonus units) and 202,989 square feet of retail, office, and other
airport supporting uses. The legislative amendments were approved by City
Council on September 22, 2020. The Site Development Review, AHIP and
Parcel Map were submitted for the development of the 444 units in a six-
story apartment building including 37 very low-income affordable units.
Approved by the Planning Commission on April 18, 2024, and effective on
May 3, 2024. The applicant intends to submit building permit plans in July
2025 and pull permits in early 2026.
• Newport Village Mixed Use (2000-2244 and 2001-2241 West Coast
Highway) – Redevelopment of underutilized commercial sites for a new
mixed-use development including 17 residential condominiums and 181
Apartments (including 9 very low-income units) on the North and South
sides of West Coast Highway. The application was resubmitted in 2022 and
deemed incomplete in August 2024. Project review by the Planning
Commission is anticipated in calendar year 2025.
• 2510 West Coast Highway Mixed-Use– In December 2019, an application
was submitted for a new mixed-use development located at 2510 West
Coast Highway to redevelop existing underutilized commercial sites. The
project includes the development of 35 dwelling units, three of which would
be restricted for Very Low-Income households. In exchange for providing
the very low-income units, the developer has requested a density bonus of
nine units (35% bonus), a development waiver for building height and a
waiver regarding the unit mix. The project was approved by the City’s
Planning Commission on February 18, 2021, and called for City Council
review. The project was approved by the City Council on July 27, 2021. The
project was appealed to the California Coastal Commission (CCC) and on
October 13, 2021, the CCC determined no substantial issue, approving the
project. Permits were issued for the project on February 22, 2024, and is
currently under construction.
• Residences at 1300 Bristol Street – Applied for on June 30, 2021, the
project includes 24 affordable units (12 very low-income and 12 low-
income). The developer has requested a density bonus of 39 units (50%
bonus) for a total of 193 apartment units, and requested incentives including
six development standard waivers related to park land dedication, building
setbacks, building height, private open space for the studio-size rental units,
common open space for the entire Project, as well as two development
concessions related to the mix of affordable units and park in-lieu fee
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City of Newport Beach General Plan 2024 Annual Progress Report
13
payment. The project received entitlement approvals in March 2022, and is
currently within the plan check process.
• Residences at 1600 Dove Street – Project includes the initial entitlements
for future development of 282 units (inclusive of 94 density bonus and 49
units via GPA). 254 of the units would be market rate and 28 would be
affordable (likely to be very low-income and will be confirmed with future
AHIP). The project was approved by the City Council on September 9, 2024.
The Applicant would apply for the project specific entitlements (e.g. site
development review) sometime in the next few years.
• Residences at 1401 Quail Street –The residential condominium project
consists of 67 units, including six very low- and two low-income units. The
Site Development Review was submitted on February 14, 2023. The
Planning Commission reviewed and recommended approval of the project
on December 7, 2023. The City Council approved the project on April 9,
2024. The project is currently in plan check review.
• Residences at 1400 Bristol Street – A housing development project
consisting of 229 apartment units (including 50% density bonus and 64 units
via GPA). The project includes 23 affordable units for very-low income
households. Planning Commission reviewed and recommended approval of
the project on December 7, 2023. The City Council approved an override of
the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) and final approval of the project
on April 23, 2024. The demolition permit was approved and finaled in 2024,
but no other plans submitted. Applicant is planning to submit building permit
plans in March 2025 and pull permits by December 2025.
• Residences at 1500 Quail Street – A housing development project for 474
apartment units, including two (stacked) 50% density bonuses for a total of
100% density bonus in exchange for 36 moderate income units and 36 very
low-income units. Project includes 5,077 sf of retail on the ground floor. The
application was deemed incomplete in October 2024.
• Placentia Avenue Apartments (1526 Placentia Avenue) – On July 11,
2023, a housing development project was submitted for an 11-unit podium
style apartment building with two floors of apartments over podium parking
at the ground level. The project consists of seven base units and four
density bonus units in exchange for providing one very low-income unit. The
project was scheduled for the Zoning Administrator hearing in January 2025
and approved.
Policy Actions 1A-1G: Focus Area Amendments for Housing Implementation
Immediately after the Housing Element’s adoption in September 2022, the City began
efforts to implement the housing strategy. This predominantly included analyzing the
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General Plan Land Use Element for necessary amendments needed for consistency,
drafting an overlay zoning text for the various focus areas, and creating objective design
standards. The goal was to rezone the housing opportunity sites appropriately for housing
development. The City worked with the General Plan Update Steering Committee and the
General Plan Advisory Committee on this effort, held study sessions with the Planning
Commission and City Council, and made draft documents available for public review and
input to ensure a transparent process that is representative of the community’s values.
In July 2024, the City Council adopted a General Plan Amendment to revise the
necessary goals and policies within the City’s Land Use Element to support housing
production in the focus areas identified by the Housing Element. The Land Use Element
revised policies and goals can be found in Exhibit A of Resolution 2024-51.
On September 24, 2024, the City Council adopted Zoning Code Amendments to
implement the Housing Element by providing the necessary zoning. These amendments
included adding a Housing Opportunity (HO) Overlay Zoning District (“Overlay”) to the
NBMC, Section 20.28.050, which provides procedures and development standards for
future housing projects. The Overlay provides allowed uses, maximum dwelling unit limits
for each subarea, and appropriate development standards such as height, parking,
setbacks, and open space requirements. The Overlay also provides a streamlined review
process for projects that include a minimum of 20 percent of units reserved for very low-
and low-income households, which serves to incentive the provision of affordable housing
through certainty and streamlined review.
Properties that are located within the Overlay are identified in the maps codified in Section
20.80.025 (Housing Opportunity Overlay Zoning Districts Maps) of the NBMC and
provided below:
HO-1 Airport Area Environs Area
HO-2 West Newport Mesa Area
HO-3 Dover-Westcliff Area
HO-4 Newport Center Area
HO-5 Coyote Canyon Area
HO-6 Existing_5th_Cycle_Sites
The Zoning Code Amendment also added Section 20.48.185 (Multi-Unit Objective Design
Standards to provide a minimum baseline design standard for all new multi-unit
development (See the Section Policy Action 3A: Objective Design Standards).
Lastly, the City Council authorized the submittal of a Local Coastal Program Amendment
to the California Coastal Commission (CCC) to amend the City’s Coastal Land Use Plan
and Title 21 (Local Coast Program Implementation Plan) to apply the new Overlay to
applicable properties in the coastal zone. The amendment is currently under review by
the CCC.
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City of Newport Beach General Plan 2024 Annual Progress Report
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Policy Actions 1H, 1I, and 1J: Accessory Dwelling Units
In 2024, the City pursued several efforts related to revising the City’s regulations
pertaining to accessory dwelling units and incentivizing their development:
• Code Amendment Related to State Law Updates and Additional Incentives: In
2024, the City began to work on revising the ADU Ordinance to comply with
SB1211 for multi-family properties, which outlines additional parking allowances,
adds a definition of livable space, and additional units allowed. Amendments
related to the SAFE ADU program and compliance with AB2533 are provided
below.
• Website Enhancements: In Spring of 2023, the Community Development
Department launched a comprehensive update to the Newport Beach ADU
webpage. The webpage is intended to supplement the City’s outreach and foster
interest in constructing ADUs. The website now includes a downloadable
guidebook, interactive activities and exercises to help homeowners plan their ADU,
an online calculator to estimate costs, and standard plans. The website also
includes resources to help the homeowner understand the different types of ADUs
by providing links to development standards and processes. External resources
are available for potential finance and grant opportunities for homeowners. Users
can look up their property attributes including zoning and approximate lot size. An
interactive mapping application is also included for residents to see the ADUs that
are being constructed in their neighborhoods. The website is updated on a regular
basis, for example in 2024 updates regarding the SAFE ADU program were added.
The Newport Beach ADU website can be reached at
https://www.newportbeachca.gov/adu.
• ADU Standard Plans: In late 2023 and early 2024, the City created its ADU
Standard Plans program designed to offer property owners permit ready ADU
plans at no charge. Use of the standard plans provide a substantial cost savings
($15k to $30k) for property owners by eliminating the need to hire a design
professional to prepare custom set of architectural and structural plans. They also
reduce permit processing times since the architectural and structural component
of the plans have been pre-reviewed and approved for building code compliance.
The City currently offers two separate types of studio designs, one one-bedroom
design, and one-and-two-car-garage conversion plans. In 2024, staff worked on
enhancing the standard plans page on the City’s website to include a process for
architects to submit their own drawings to be reviewed as standard
plans/preapproval. This effort is also being completed to comply with AB1332
(effective January 1, 2025).
• SAFE ADU Program: Efforts began towards the end of 2023 to implement the
State’s amnesty program to permit informal (unpermitted) units. The program
became official in 2024, allowing concessions for qualifying units that were existing
but unpermitted. Three safe ADUs were permitted, and one was in applied status
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16
(i.e. plan check) in 2024. Additionally, the City prepared for implementation of
changes to the SAFE ADU Ordinance pursuant to AB2533 (effective 2025)
changing the year for qualified units from 2018 to 2020; and allowing JADUs for
SAFE ADU. However, the City’s Ordinance was a step ahead and already allowed
JADUs to qualify for a SAFE ADU.
• ADU Permit and Plan Check Fee Waiver: On November 29, 2022, the City Council
extended a pilot program to temporarily waive City plan check review fees, building
construction permit review fees, and other City permit fees directly related to a
project creating an ADU or a JADU. The fee waiver extension ran through the end
of 2024 and complemented other City programs intended to promote and facilitate
ADU development, including website enhancements and standard plans.
In 2024, 62 ADUs were submitted for review. There were 46 ADUs that received building
permits and contributed towards RHNA; and 28 that received final inspections.
Policy Action 3A: Objective Design Standards
The Zoning Code Amendment that approved the Housing Overlays also added Section
20.48.185 (Multi-Unit Objective Design Standards to provide a minimum baseline
designed standard for all new multi-unit development. The objective design standards are
intended to result in quality design of multi-unit residential and mixed-use development.
Review under the standards supports development that builds on context, contributes to
the public realm, and provides high quality and resilient buildings and public spaces.
These standards shall be applied uniformly and without discretion to enhance the built
environment for both affordable and market-rate multi-unit residential development. The
standards would apply to housing throughout the City that consists of density of 20
dwelling units per acre or greater. Furthermore, the City prepared a Checklist for
applicants to help streamline review of the objective design standards.
Policy Action 6B: Repair Loans and Grant Programs for Seniors, Persons with
Physical and Developmental Disabilities and Lower-Income Households
The City’s Senior Housing Assistance Repair Program (SHARP) continues to
successfully assist low-income seniors. In 2024, Habitat for Humanity and OASIS staff
worked on four new projects and expended a total of $95,545.59. The project included
accessibility modifications as well as mold abatement, wall and cabinet replacement, and
roof repairs. To date, the program has used $ 476,222.96 for a total of 20 projects.
Table E Summary – Commercial Development Bonus Approved Pursuant to
Government Code Section 65915.7
This table does not apply for this Reporting Period because the City did not approve any
commercial development bonus in exchange for the development of affordable housing
during the Reporting Period. Pursuant to State Density Bonus Law, a commercial
developer may be eligible for an increase in floor area, height, or other development
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City of Newport Beach General Plan 2024 Annual Progress Report
17
standard exception if they partner with an affordable housing developer to provide
affordable housing units.
Table F Summary – Units Rehabilitated, Preserved and Acquired for Alternative
Adequate Sites Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.1(c)(2)
This table does not apply for this Reporting Period because the City did not approve any
eligible projects in 2024.
Table F2 Summary – Above Moderate Income Units Converted to Moderate Income
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65400.2
This table does not apply for this Reporting Period because the City did not approve any
eligible projects in 2024.
Table G Summary – Locally Owned Lands Included in the Housing Element Sites
Inventory that have been sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of pursuant to
Government Code Section 54230
This table does not apply for this Reporting Period because the City did not have any
relevant transactions.
Table H Summary – Locally Owned or Controlled Lands Declared Surplus Pursuant
to Government Code section 54221, or Identified as Excess Pursuant to
Government Code Section 50569
Effective August 22, 2024, the City entered into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement
which establishes a period of time during which the City will cooperate with a selected
developer to refine the scope and terms of a lease agreement for a proposed project to
redevelop a portion of the City-owned property located at 829 Harbor Island Drive,
Newport Beach [APN 050-210-02]. The anticipated lease premises contains
approximately 17,500 square feet of land and was therefore declared “exempt surplus
land” by the City Council of the City of Newport Beach at its regular meeting on July 23,
2024, in compliance with SS 54221(b)(4) of the California Surplus Land Act (Government
Code SS54222).
Table J Summary – Student Housing Development for Lower Income Students for
which was Granted a Density Bonus Pursuant to Subparagraph (F) of Paragraph
(1) of Subdivision (b) of Section 65915
This table does not apply for this Reporting Period because the City did not approve any
eligible projects in 2024.
Table K Summary - Local governments are required to inform HCD about any local
tenant preference ordinance the local government maintains when the jurisdiction
submits their annual progress report on housing approvals and production, per
Government Code 7061 (SB 649, 2022, Cortese). Effective January 1, 2023, local
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governments adopting a tenant preference are required to create a webpage on
their internet website containing authorizing local ordinance and supporting
materials, no more than 90 days after the ordinance becomes operational.
This table does not apply for this Reporting Period because the City does not have a local
tenant preference.
5. General Plan compliance with OPR’s General Plan
Guidelines
Newport Beach General Plan Implementation Program 1.3 provides that the annual
progress report must specify the degree to which the General Plan complies with the
General Plan Guidelines published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
(OPR) and the date of its last revision. The Newport Beach General Plan was last
comprehensively updated in 2006. It has since been amended 53 times, including three
major Housing Element updates (2007, 2014, and 2022). The OPR published General
Plan Guidelines pursuant to Government Code Section 65040.2 in 2017 to reflect more
recent changes to Government Code Section 65302.
In February 2019, the City Council initiated a comprehensive review and update of the
General Plan with the goal to bring it up to date with the requirements of Government
Code Section 65302 consistent with the City’s changing vision to be identified through a
robust public outreach process. In January 2020, after the release of the draft Regional
Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocations, the City pivoted its efforts away from a
comprehensive update to focus on the Circulation Element and Housing Element. This
re-focus was necessary to ensure the City was able to meet the statutory deadline for
Housing Element Update adoption.
On September 13, 2022, the City Council re-adopted the 6th Cycle Housing Element. On
October 5, 2022, the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
determined the re-adopted Housing Element is statutorily compliant, including programs
that affirmatively further fair housing. On October 25, 2022, the City Council also adopted
an update to the Circulation Element mostly to refresh policy language for compliance
with state law. This included addressing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and complete
streets.
Thereafter, the City began working with the community (1) to implement the Housing
Element’s plan, and (2) to consider updates to the balance of the General Plan. In July of
2023, the City entered into an agreement with Dudek for consulting services on the
comprehensive General Plan Update.
The August 2024 General Plan Update Technical Diagnostic Memo, prepared by Dudek,
analyzes the General Plan against State and Federal requirements. While it largely
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City of Newport Beach General Plan 2024 Annual Progress Report
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complies, several required elements need updating. Two primary shortcomings are as
follows:
• The Safety Element does not fully address Climate Change as required by
Government Code Section 65302(g). The City will update the Safety Element as
part of the comprehensive update to address Climate Change in concert with an
update to the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• The General Plan currently does not address Environmental Justice as specified
by Government Code Section 65302(h). Including Environmental Justice policies
or adding a new separate element is not required until the City revises two or more
elements of the General Plan. Environmental Justice policy considerations will be
included in the updated elements, as appropriate.
The City is currently undertaking a comprehensive General Plan update discussed more
below in Section 6. of this report.
6. Established priorities for land use decision-making
for 2024
In 2024, priorities on amendments and policies included the following and the status of
each can be found in the referenced Implementation Programs in Appendix A:
Update and Revision to the General Plan to Reflect Changing Conditions and
Visions (General Plan Implementation Program 1.2)
The General Plan was comprehensively updated in 2006. Staff reviews the General Plan
on an ongoing basis to ensure it is maintained to reflect current conditions, issues, and
visions.
As discussed in Section 5 of this report, the City embarked on a comprehensive update
of the General Plan in 2019 but pivoted in 2020 to focus on preparing the Housing
Element update, as well as an update to the Circulation Element.
The City continued to focus its efforts, which ultimately led to City Council’s initial adoption
of the Housing Element on February 8, 2022. After several reviews and revisions with
HCD, the City Council re-adopted a refreshed Housing Element on September 13, 2022.
The update is a comprehensive statement of the City’s housing policies and serves as a
guide for the implementation of these policies. As required by state law, the update
examines current housing needs, estimates future housing needs, and establishes goals,
policies, and programs pertaining to those needs while demonstrating capacity to
accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation of 4,845 new
housing units. Housing programs are responsive to current and future needs and
established within the context of available community, state, and federal economic and
social resources, realistic quantified housing objectives, and affirmatively furthering fair
33
20
housing (AFFH). On October 5, 2022, HCD determined the Housing Element is in full
statutory compliance.
On October 25, 2022, the City Council adopted an updated Circulation Element that
included several refreshed policies that are compliant with state law. For example, the
updated Circulation Element contains policies related to complete streets and vehicle
miles traveled. The policies were reviewed by the community through extensive outreach
and remain consistent with the community’s vision.
Simultaneous with the efforts to update the Housing Element and Circulation Element,
the General Plan Update Steering Committee (GPUSC) began meeting in July 2022 to
restart the comprehensive update efforts. In November 2022, the City Council appointed
a 30-member General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) to help represent the community
and guide potential policy changes.
In July 2023, the City contracted with Dudek to provide consulting services on the
comprehensive General Plan Update. “Phase One” outreach for the comprehensive
update to the General Plan was conducted from March 2024 to June 2024. The following
are highlights of this first phase of outreach:
• Used the City Manager’s The Week In Review, as well as local papers and social
media to reach residents, community members, and stakeholders;
• Launched a dedicated website on March 15, 2024 – Newport, Together including
an online questionnaire and interactive map to collaboratively help shape the vision
for Newport Beach; and
• Hosted “pop-up” booths at six community events to raise awareness through
engaging and hearing from residents.
In addition to conducting outreach with the broader community, the City convened the
GPAC subcommittees to review the “Existing Conditions and Background Analysis”
reports prepared by the consultant team. The subcommittees met in January, March,
April, and/or May 2024.
“Phase Two” of outreach included four community workshops in November and
December of 2024 designed to share the draft vision statement, draft guiding values, and
discuss ideas to support each element. These workshops were held for the Recreation &
Natural Resources; Coastal Resilience & Safety; Arts & Culture and Historical Resources;
and Land Use; and Harbor, Bay and Beaches elements.
Information regarding the General Plan update efforts to date, including the initiation,
evaluation, and overall process can be found on the City’s website and at Newport,
Together.
This effort is on a parallel track alongside the City’s Housing Element implementation. In
November 2023, the City Council adopted an amendment to the Noise Element to adjust
the policy framework surrounding housing proximate to John Wayne Airport. In July 2024,
34
City of Newport Beach General Plan 2024 Annual Progress Report
21
the City Council adopted an amendment to the Land Use Element to revise the necessary
goals and policies to support housing production in the focus areas identified by the
Housing Element. The Noise Element revisions can be found in Exhibit A of Resolution
No. 2023-72 and the Land Use Element revisions can be found in Exhibit A of Resolution
2024-51.
On September 24, 2024, the City Council adopted Zoning Code Amendments to
implement the 6th Cycle of the Housing Element by providing the necessary zoning. These
amendments included adding a Housing Opportunity (HO) Overlay Zoning District
(“Overlay”) to the NBMC, Section 20.28.050, which provides procedures and
development standards for future housing projects. The Overlay provides allowed uses,
maximum dwelling unit limits for each subarea, and appropriate development standards
such as height, parking, setbacks, and open space requirements. The Overlay also
provides a streamlined review process for projects that include a minimum of 20 percent
of units reserved for very low- and low-income residents, which serves to incentive the
provision of affordable housing by providing certainty and streamlined review. See
previous Section Policy Actions 1A-1G: Focus Area Amendments for Housing
Implementation for additional details.
Title 20 (Zoning Code) Update Related to State Mandates (Implementation Program
8.2)
The City continues to closely monitor changes in state legislation and strives to keep the
Newport Beach Municipal Code up to date. The following are three highlights that help
substantiate this.
• In November 2024, as discussed in detail in the previous section, the City Council
adopted Zoning Code Amendments required for implementation of the Housing
Element. These amendments included adding Housing Overlays into the Zoning
Code and objective design standards to provide a baseline standard for all new
multi-unit development. See the previous section for more details.
• Additionally, Part A Amendment (update to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
provisions to further incentivize ADU construction and incorporate revisions
necessary to comply with 2022 ADU legislation) of a three-part LCP Amendment
(LCP-5-NPB-23-0019-1) was approved by the California Coastal Commission with
suggested modifications on July 11, 2024, approved by City Council on November
12, 2024, and the Environmental Determination was submitted on November 18,
2024.
• Lastly, the City launched a comprehensive land use and mobility study (Study) to
consider ways to enhance and improve the Corona del Mar (CdM) commercial
corridor. When completed in Spring 2025, the Study will identify strategies and
provide recommendations to help create a successful, vibrant, lively, walkable and
connected “main street” destination. The objectives of the study include
implementing parking solutions that balance all users. This includes identifying
35
22
parking solutions that balance the needs of visitors, employees, business owners,
and residents while reducing the burden on individual businesses. The Study will
consider opportunities to enhance access to existing parking lots, identify potential
sites for new parking facilities, and explore new technologies that can assist in
parking management and help anticipate future trends in transportation and
mobility.
Title 20 (Zoning Code) and Title 21 (Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan)
Update Related to Accessory Dwelling Units (Implementation Program 8.2)
Refer to the discussion on page 15 of this report regarding efforts related to revising the
City’s regulations pertaining to accessory dwelling units.
Title 17 (Harbor Code) Update (Implementation Program 8.1)
• Using funds from the CA State Vessel Turn In Program (VTIP) and Surrendered
or Abandoned Vessels (SAVE) grant programs. More than 20 unwanted,
abandoned, unsafe and unsightly vessels were removed from Newport Harbor.
Three additional vessels were removed at the City’s expense and the City is
attempting to recover costs from the registered owners.
• A vessel abandoned in the harbor with significant liens on it was arrested and
will undergo further disposition in 2025. The last time the City had to arrest a
vessel was in 2016 before the Harbor Department was formed.
• The Southern California Unified Marine Working Group was established and
convened by the Harbor Department. The group includes representatives from
more than 20 harbors in Southern California as well as representatives from
CA Division of Boating and Waterways and the CA Department of Fish and
Wildlife. To date, the group has identified, recovered and returned one vessel
reported as stolen and was able to more quickly respond to situations involving
three other abandoned vessels.
• Code enforcement efforts continued to be a significant focus in the calendar
year 2024 and specifically focused on the following:
o Noise and other nuisance conditions during night and early morning
hours;
o Navigation lighting enforcement; and
o Dye-tabbing of visiting vessels, live-aboard permittees, mooring sub-
permittees.
• Continued monitoring, testing and repair when necessary, of the vessel
sanitation system pump-out equipment at the five City-owned pump-out
facilities.
• Conducted safety and water quality training drills independently as well as in
collaboration with the California National Guard Marine Command and the CA
Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Response.
Regulation and transfer of mooring permit applications and titles:
36
City of Newport Beach General Plan 2024 Annual Progress Report
23
• The new Mooring License program was implemented. All 16 moorings in the
program are licensed and there is a waiting list of more than 80 people. A
seventeenth mooring was added to the program and has also been licensed.
• The application for a pilot project to reorganize and optimize the utilization of the
C-Mooring Field was submitted and was deemed complete by the California
Coastal Commission (CCC) on July 19, 2024. Staff worked extensively with CCC
staff addressing concerns, and ultimately received a positive staff recommendation
in support of the project. Unfortunately, the CCC denied the project at the February
2025 hearing due to public comments raised regarding safety and liability.
Maintaining Up-to-Date Comprehensive Database (Implementation Program 10.1)
The City’s Geographical Information System (GIS) data is updated regularly to provide
up-to-date, parcel-specific information including specific lot information, planning (zoning,
land entitlements, building, code enforcement, environmental layers, general information
[contours, assessor, easement, etc.]), general services, harbor, hazards including flood
and seismic, fire, police, public works, parking, street and utilities. New layers are added
whenever necessary and appropriate.
Maintaining Development Tracking and Monitoring Program (Implementation
Program 10.2)
The City continues to fine-tune a parcel-specific database that accounts for all existing
development. The database includes statistics for non-residential floor area and
residential dwelling units. The database is used for site-specific information or compiled
to provide information by any geography needed, from a single lot to a neighborhood,
statistical area, and to citywide. The land use data is available by Statistical Area as
directed by the General Plan. The data was used to update the land use inputs of the
Newport Beach Traffic Analysis Model (NBTAM) consistent with the Orange County
Transportation Analysis Model (OCTAM).
As required by Section 423 of the City Charter, the Planning Division tracks increases in
development limits approved by General Plan amendments (GPA) for a period of 10
years. If a proposed amendment exceeds the established thresholds of 40,000 square
feet of non-residential development, 100 dwelling units, 100 AM peak hour traffic trips or
100 PM peak hour traffic trips on its own or, when combined with 80% of previously
approved General Plan amendment(s) located in the same Statistical Area, the
amendment is considered a “major amendment.” Approval or denial of a “major
amendment” is determined by a vote of the electorate. The GPA/Charter Section 423
tracking tables are available for public review at the General Plan information page on
Newport Beach’s Community Development Department’s Planning Division website at
https://www.newportbeachca.gov/chartersection423.
Staff continues to update the database of all transfers of development rights in each
statistical area, as they occur. Land Use Element policies LU4.3 (Transfer of
37
24
Development Rights) and LU6.14.3 (Transfers of Development Rights – Newport Center)
allow development rights and intensity (e.g. square footage) to be transferred in certain
circumstances without an amendment to the General Plan. The policies are implemented
by Chapter 20.46 (Transfer of Development Rights) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code
and the North Newport Center Planned Community Development Plan.
The transfer of development tables are located at the following webpage:
https://www.newportbeachca.gov/developmenttransfertables.
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1
APPENDIX A. General Plan Implementation Program Status
Programs Status
1.1 Ensure that Private
Development and
Capital
Improvements are
Consistent
with the General
Plan
Ongoing
1. All private development projects require consistency with the General Plan. Consistency is ensured through the
application of zoning requirements. Discretionary applications require the adoption of a finding that the project is
consistent with the General Plan based upon facts.
2. In June 2024, the City Council confirmed that the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) was
consistent with the General Plan when it approved the CIP with the adoption of the budget.
For reference, in November 2012 the residents approved Measure EE, a City Charter amendment. Section 707 of
the City’s Charter was amended eliminating the need for the Planning Commission to recommend any proposed
Public Works items to the City Council.
1.2 Update and Revise
the General Plan to
Reflect Changing
Conditions and
Visions
Ongoing
The General Plan was comprehensively updated in 2006. Staff reviews the General Plan on an ongoing basis to
ensure it is maintained to reflect current conditions, issues, and visions. As discussed in Section 5 of this report, the
City embarked on a comprehensive update of the General Plan in 2019, but pivoted in 2020 to focus on preparing
the 6th Cycle Housing Element update, as well as an update to the Circulation Element.
The City continued to focus its efforts, which ultimately led to City Council’s initial adoption of the Housing Element
on February 8, 2022. After several reviews and revisions with HCD, the City Council re-adopted a refreshed Housing
Element on September 13, 2022. The update is a comprehensive statement of the City’s housing policies and
serves as a guide for the implementation of these policies. As required by state law, the update examines current
housing needs, estimates future housing needs, and establishes goals, policies, and programs pertaining to those
needs while demonstrating capacity to accommodate the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation
of 4,845 new housing units. Housing programs are responsive to current and future needs and established within the
context of available community, state, and federal economic and social resources, realistic quantified housing
objectives, and affirmatively furthering fair housing (AFFH). On October 5, 2022, HCD determined the Housing
Element is in full statutory compliance.
39
2
Programs Status
On October 25, 2022, the City Council adopted an updated Circulation Element that included several refreshed
policies that are compliant with state law. For example, the updated Circulation Element contains policies related to
complete streets and vehicle miles traveled. The policies were reviewed by the community through extensive
outreach and remain consistent with the community’s vision.
Simultaneous with the efforts to update the Housing Element and Circulation Element, the General Plan Update
Steering Committee (GPUSC) began meeting in July 2022 to restart the comprehensive update efforts. In November
2022, the City Council appointed a 30-member General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) to help represent the
community and guide potential policy changes.
In July 2023, the City contracted with Dudek to provide consulting services on the comprehensive General Plan
Update. “Phase One” outreach for the comprehensive update to the General Plan was conducted from March 2024
to June 2024. The following are highlights of this first phase of outreach:
• Used the City Manager’s The Week In Review, as well as local papers and social media to reach residents,
community members, and stakeholders;
• Launched a dedicated website on March 15, 2024 – Newport, Together including an online questionnaire
and interactive map to collaboratively help shape the vision for Newport Beach; and
• Hosted “pop-up” booths at six community events to raise awareness through engaging and hearing from
residents.
In addition to conducting outreach with the broader community, the City convened the GPAC subcommittees to
review the “Existing Conditions and Background Analysis” reports prepared by the consultant team. The
subcommittees met in January, March, April, and/or May 2024.
“Phase Two” of outreach included four community workshops in November and December of 2024 designed to
share the draft vision statement, draft guiding values, and discuss ideas to support each element. These workshops
were held for the Recreation & Natural Resources; Coastal Resilience & Safety; Arts & Culture and Historical
Resources; and Land Use; and Harbor, Bay and Beaches elements.
Information regarding the General Plan update efforts to date, including the initiation, evaluation, and overall process
can be found on the City’s website and at Newport, Together.
Lastly, the City Council authorized the submittal of a Local Coastal Program Amendment to the California Coastal
Commission (CCC) to amend the City’s Coastal Land Use Plan and Title 21 (Local Coast Program Implementation
40
3
Programs Status
Plan) to apply the new Overlay to applicable properties in the coastal zone. The City filed the amendment application
on August 16, 2024, with the CCC, and received a letter from CCC staff on January 7, 2025, confirming the City’s
application is complete and pending a hearing date.
1.3 Prepare Annual
General Plan
Progress and
Housing Element
Implementation
Reports
Ongoing – 2023 report completed and submitted; 2024 report pending
The Annual Report for 2023 was reviewed by the City Council and submitted to the Governor’s Office of Planning
and Research (OPR) and State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) in April
2024. Implementation Program 1.3 also states that that the report must specify the degree to which the General Plan
complies with the General Plan Guidelines published by OPR and the date of its last revision. The Newport Beach
General Plan was last comprehensively updated in 2006. It has since been amended 69 times, including three major
Housing Element updates (2007, 2014, and 2022). The OPR published General Plan Guidelines pursuant to
Government Code Section 65040.2 in 2017 to reflect more recent changes to Government Code Section 65302. In
February 2019, the City Council initiated a comprehensive review and update of the General Plan with the goal to
bring it up to date with the requirements of Government Code Section 65302 consistent with the City’s changing
vision to be identified through a robust public outreach process. In January 2020, after the release of the draft
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocations, the City pivoted its efforts away from a comprehensive
update to focus on the Circulation Element and Housing Element. This re-focus was necessary to ensure the City
was able to meet the statutory deadline for Housing Element Update adoption. See Program 1.2 for update.
2.1
Amend the Zoning
Code for
Consistency with the
General Plan
Ongoing
A Comprehensive Zoning Code Update, consistent with the 2006 General Plan, was adopted by City Council in
October 2010. In July 2024, the City Council adopted a General Plan Amendment to revise the necessary goals and
policies within the City’s Land Use Element to support housing production in the focus areas identified by the 6th
Cycle Housing Element. The Land Use Element revised policies and goals can be found in the Resolution 2024-51
in Exhibit A.
On September 24, 2024, the City Council adopted Zoning Code Amendments to implement the Housing Element by
providing the necessary zoning. These amendments included adding a Housing Opportunity (HO) Overlay Zoning
District (Overlay) to the NBMC , Section 20.28.050, which provides procedures and development standards for
future housing projects. The Overlay provides allowed uses, maximum dwelling unit limits for each subarea, and
appropriate development standards such as height, parking, setbacks, and open space requirements. The Overlay
also provides a streamlined review process for projects that include a minimum of 20 percent of units reserved for
41
4
Programs Status
very-low- and low-income residents, which serves to incentive the provision of affordable housing.
Properties that are located within the Overlay are identified in the maps codified in Section 20.80.025 (Housing
Opportunity Overlay Zoning Districts Maps) of the NBMC and provided below:
HO-1 Airport Area Environs Area
HO-2 West Newport Mesa Area
HO-3 Dover-Westcliff Area
HO-4 Newport Center Area
HO-5 Coyote Canyon Area
HO-6 Existing_5th_Cycle_Sites
The Zoning Code Amendment that approved the Housing Overlays also added Section 20.48.185 (Multi-Unit
Objective Design Standards to the NBMC, to provide a baseline set of objective standards that would apply to all
new multi-unit development consisting of at least 20 dwelling units per acre. Furthermore, the City prepared a
Checklist for applicants to help streamline review of the objective design standards.
After the City completes its comprehensive update to the General Plan, the Zoning Code will be updated to ensure
any inconsistencies between the updated General Plan and the Zoning Code are resolved.
3.1 Preparation of New
Specific Plans
Pending in 2024
Within the Airport Area, Uptown Newport and Koll Center elected to meet their “regulatory plan” requirements
(General Plan Policy LU 6.15.10) through a Planned Community Development Plan as allowed pursuant to
Implementation Program 4.1. The streetscape improvements for West Newport and Balboa Village are intended to
create a unified theme as public and private improvements are implemented in the area. The City has also launched
a comprehensive land use and mobility study (Study) to consider ways to enhance and improve the Corona del Mar
(CdM) commercial corridor. When completed in Spring 2025, the Study will identify strategies and provide
recommendations to help create a successful, vibrant, lively, walkable and connected “main street” destination.
42
5
Programs Status
4.1 New “Planned
Community”
Development
Plans
Ongoing
The City will promote the establishment of planned community development plans when it is appropriate to do so for
future development that is consistent with the General Plan.
5.1 Review and Revise
Coastal Land Use
Plan for Consistency
with the General
Plan
Ongoing
The Coastal Land Use Plan (CLUP) was amended to be consistent with the 2006 General Plan in 2009. When the
City approves an amendment of the General Plan that affects property in the Coastal Zone, the City prepares
necessary amendments to the CLUP. The General Plan amendment is held in abeyance until the corresponding
CLUP amendment is certified by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) and accepted by the City Council.
On August 16, 2024, the City Council authorized the submittal of a Local Coastal Program Amendment to the
California Coastal Commission (CCC) to amend the City’s Coastal Land Use Plan and Title 21 (Local Coast
Program Implementation Plan) to apply the new Overlay to applicable properties in the coastal zone. The
amendment is currently under review by the CCC.
6.1 Review the
Subdivision
Ordinance for
Consistency with the
General Plan
Complete
The Subdivision Code was reviewed and updated in 2009 and 2010 consistent with this program.
7.1 Review Building and
Construction Code
for Consistency with
General Plan
Complete and Ongoing
The City of Newport Beach has adopted, with some local amendments, the 2022 edition of the building codes in late
2022. The adopted 2022 code became effective January 1, 2023. The next updates will be in 2025 and effective in
2026.
7.2 Revise Fair Share
Traffic Contribution
Ordinance
Partially Complete and Ongoing
The City continues to adjust the fee annually for changes in the Consumer Price Index, but the City will explore
opportunities to revise the ordinance.
43
6
Programs Status
7.3 Review and Update
Transportation
Demand Ordinance
Complete
The Transportation Demand Management Ordinance was reviewed and updated as a part of the comprehensive
Zoning Code Update in 2010 (see Section 20.44 of the Zoning Code).
8.1 Review Codes and
Ordinances for
Consistency with the
General Plan and
Update Periodically
Complete and Ongoing
Codes and Ordinances are revised for consistency with the General Plan on an as-needed basis. The Zoning Code
was comprehensively updated in 2010, and Subdivision Code was updated in 2009 and 2010 for consistency with
the General Plan. The following are specifically recommended (sections from the Implementation Measure are
italicized):
A) 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;
• Using funds from the CA State Vessel Turn In Program (VTIP) and Surrendered or Abandoned Vessels
(SAVE) grant programs, 20+ unwanted, abandoned, unsafe and unsightly vessels were removed from
Newport Harbor. Three additional vessels were removed at the City’s expense and the City is attempting to
recover costs from the registered owners.
• A vessel abandoned in the harbor with significant liens on it was arrested and will undergo further disposition
in 2025. The last time the City had to arrest a vessel was in 2016 before the Harbor Department was
formed.
• The Southern California Unified Marine Working Group was established and convened by the Harbor
Department. The group includes representatives from more than 20 harbors in Southern California as well as
representatives from CA Division of Boating and Waterways and the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife. To
date, the group has identified, recovered and returned one vessel reported as stolen and was able to more
quickly respond to situations involving three other abandoned vessels
• Code enforcement efforts continued to be a significant focus in the calendar year 2024 and specifically
focused on noise and other nuisance conditions during night and early morning hours; navigation lighting
enforcement; and dye-tabbing of visiting vessels, live-aboard permittees, mooring sub-permittees.
• Continued monitoring, testing and repair of the vessel sanitation system pump-out equipment at the five City-
owned pump-t facilities, when necessary.
• Conducted safety and water quality training drills independently as well as in collaboration with the California
National Guard Marine Command and the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife Office of Spill Response
44
7
Programs Status
B) Regulation and transfer of mooring permit applications and titles – Managed by the City’s Harbormaster’s Office
on an ongoing basis.
• The new Mooring License program was implemented. All 16 moorings in the program are licensed and there
is a waiting list of more than 80 people. A 17th mooring was added to the program and has also been
licensed.
• The application for a pilot project to reorganize and optimize the utilization of the C-Mooring Field was
submitted and deemed complete by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) on July 19, 2024. Staff
worked extensively with CCC staff addressing concerns and ultimately received a positive staff
recommendation in support of the project. Unfortunately, the CCC denied the project at the February 2025
hearing due to public comments raised regarding safety and liability.
C) Standards for the design and siting of bulkheads, pier, and similar structures to address their potential visual
impacts – Current City Council approved Harbor Standards, state that the bulkhead height is required to be 10 feet
Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW). On March 23, 2021, the City Council approved updated Waterfront Project Design Guidelines and Standards, Harbor Design Criteria Commercial & Residential Facilities. The guidelines require that
any structure permitted within the years 2021 through 2025 must have a minimum bulkhead elevation of 10.9 feet
(NAVD 88) with a design for adaptability elevation of 14.4 feet (NAVD 88).
D) Standards and policies specified by the Noise Element to protect sensitive noise receptors, residents and
businesses from unwanted noise impacts from traffic, JWA operations, construction activities, truck deliveries, special events, charter and entertainment boats, and similar sources – Reviewed and implemented on an ongoing
basis through project review consistent with the Airport Land Use Environs Plan (AELUP), by Code Enforcement,
Harbormaster’s Office, and building inspectors. In 2023, the City adopted amendments to the Zoning Code and
General Plan related to noise in the airport area, which were necessary to implement the 6th Cycle Housing Element.
The amendments included adding regulations to Section 20.30.080 (Noise) of the NBMC that would serve to protect
sensitive noise receptors from potential airport noise.
8.2 Prepare New Codes,
Ordinances, and
Guidelines
Ongoing
The comprehensive Zoning Code update was adopted in November 2010, by the City Council. The following are
specifically recommended (sections from the Implementation Measure are italicized):
A) A “commercial-residential” interface ordinance that regulates use, activity, and design of commercial properties
located on shallow parcels directly abutting residential neighborhoods - The Zoning Code includes development
standards that address the commercial and residential interface to minimize potential land conflicts.
45
8
Programs Status
B) Design guidelines for the renovation or reconstruction of housing in existing neighborhoods to assure that they complement the character of existing development; these may be applied to specific neighborhoods or citywide –
The 2010 Zoning Code attempted to regulate third floor mass and bulk through the use of NBMC Section 20.48.180
(Residential Development Standards and Design Criteria), which includes third floor area limits, third floor step backs for
enclosed floor area, and open space standards to increase building modulation. However, the third floor limits did not
apply to unenclosed covered deck areas or unfinished attics, resulting in building designs with third levels (enclosed and
unenclosed) that visually appear larger and bulkier than the code intended. Furthermore, these standards did not apply
to Balboa Island (R-BI) and the Multiple Residential (RM) zoning districts. On November 24, 2020, the City Council
adopted Ordinance No. 2020-28 amending the residential design standards to reduce the bulk and mass associated
with future single-unit and two-unit developments by clarifying the definition of gross floor area, regulating covered third
floor decks, and expanding the application of third floor area and open volume standards.
C) An ordinance or guidelines for the preservation of historic buildings and/or properties; this shall be developed in consideration of guidelines published by the State Historic Preservation Office – Staff continues to review projects
subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to address historic preservation. An ordinance has not
been prepared at this time due to competing priorities and staff resources.
D) An ordinance managing parking in commercial and mixed-use corridors and districts characterized by deficient parking; this may provide for the establishment of parking districts in which new parking may be developed in public
or private shared facilities or structures or other facilities, as well as procedures for the funding of these
improvements – The City has launched a comprehensive land use and mobility study (Study) to consider ways to
enhance and improve the Corona del Mar (CdM) commercial corridor. When completed in Spring 2025, the Study
will identify strategies and provide recommendations to help create a successful, vibrant, lively, walkable and
connected “main street” destination. The objectives of the study include implementing parking solutions that balance
all users. This includes identifying parking solutions that balance the needs of visitors, employees, business owners,
and residents while reducing the burden on individual businesses. The Study will consider opportunities to enhance
access to existing parking lots, identify potential sites for new parking facilities, and explore new technologies that
can assist in parking management and help anticipate future trends in transportation and mobility.
Also See Program 16.10 for an update on parking.
On February 12, 2019, the City Council adopted amendments to Title 20 and Title 21 necessary to address changes
in State law (Senate Bill 1069 and Assembly Bill 2299, Statutes of 2016, and Senate Bill 229 and Assembly Bill 494,
Statutes of 2017) that require jurisdictions to amend their local ordinances to conform to California Government
Code Section 65852.2. The ordinances expanded opportunities in the City for the conversion and construction of
new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to any residential lot with existing or proposed single-unit development.
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Programs Status
In 2019, the California Legislature adopted another group of housing bills aimed at addressing the housing crisis.
The Legislature approved, and the Governor signed SB 13 (Chapter 653, Statutes of 2019), AB 68 (Chapter 655,
Statutes of 2019), and AB 881 (Chapter 659, Statutes of 2019) into law that, among other things, amended
Government Code sections 65852.2 and 65852.22 to further impose new limits on the City’s ability to regulate ADUs
and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). On March 10, 2020, the City adopted Ordinance No. 2020-9,
amending Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC) Title 20 to conform with revisions to Government Code Sections
65852.2 and 65852.22. In addition, on April 10, 2020, staff submitted amendments to NBMC Title 21
(Implementation Plan of the Local Coastal Program) to the California Coastal Commission incorporating the revised
ADU regulations. During this reporting period, the City continued to pursue amendments to Title 21 with the
California Coastal Commission. Part A Amendment (update to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) provisions to
further incentivize ADU construction and incorporate revisions necessary to comply with 2022 ADU legislation) of a
three-part LCP Amendment (LCP-5-NPB-23-0019-1) was approved by the California Coastal Commission with
suggested modifications on July 11, 2024, and approved by City Council on November 12, 2024.
In 2024, the City pursued several efforts related to revising the City’s regulations pertaining to accessory dwelling
units and incentivizing their development:
• Code Amendment Related to State Law Updates and Additional Incentives: In 2024, the City began to work
on revising the ADU Ordinance to comply with SB1211 for multi-family properties, which outlines additional
parking allowances, adds a definition of livable space, and additional units allowed. Amendments related to
the SAFE ADU program and compliance with AB2533 are provided below.
• Website Enhancements: In Spring of 2023, the Community Development Department launched a
comprehensive update to the Newport Beach ADU webpage. The webpage is intended to supplement the
City’s outreach and foster interest in constructing ADUs. The website now includes a downloadable
guidebook, interactive activities and exercises to help homeowners plan their ADU, an online calculator to
estimate costs, and standard plans. The website also includes resources to help the homeowner understand
the different types of ADUs by providing links to development standards and processes. External resources
are available for potential finance and grant opportunities for homeowners. Users can look up their property
attributes including zoning and approximate lot size. An interactive mapping application is also included for
residents to see the ADUs that are being constructed in their neighborhoods. The website is updated on a
regular basis, for example in 2024 updates regarding the SAFE ADU program were added. The Newport
Beach ADU website can be reached at https://www.newportbeachca.gov/adu.
• ADU Standard Plans: In late 2023 and early 2024, the City created its ADU Standard Plans program
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designed to offer property owners permit ready ADU plans at no charge. Use of the standard plans provide a
substantial cost savings ($15k to $30k) for property owners by eliminating the need to hire a design
professional to prepare custom set of architectural and structural plans. They also reduce permit processing
times since the architectural and structural component of the plans have been pre-reviewed and approved for
building code compliance. The City currently offers two separate types of studio designs, one one-bedroom
design, and one-and-two-car-garage conversion plans. In 2024, staff worked on enhancing the standard
plans page on the City’s website to include a process for architects to submit their own drawings to be
reviewed as standard plans/preapproval. This effort is also being completed to comply with AB1332 (effective
January 1, 2025).
• SAFE ADU Program: Efforts began towards the end of 2023 to implement the State’s amnesty program to
permit informal (unpermitted) units. The program became official in 2024, allowing concessions for qualifying
units that were existing but unpermitted. Three safe ADUs were permitted, and one was in applied status (i.e.
plan check) in 2024. Additionally, the City prepared for implementation of changes to the SAFE ADU
Ordinance pursuant to AB2533 (effective 2025) changing the year for qualified units from 2018 to 2020; and
allowing JADUs for SAFE ADU. However, the City’s Ordinance was a step ahead and already allowed
JADUs to qualify for a SAFE ADU.
• ADU Permit and Plan Check Fee Waiver: On November 29, 2022, the City Council extended a pilot program
to temporarily waive City plan check review fees, building construction permit review fees, and other City
permit fees directly related to a project creating an ADU or a JADU. The fee waiver extension ran through the
end of 2024 and will complement other new City programs intended to promote and facilitate ADU
development, including website enhancements and standard plans.
The City continues to closely monitor changes in State legislation and strives to keep the NBMC up to date.
Specifically, in 2024, the City continues to implement updates Title 20 to reflect changes in State law regarding
accessory dwelling units.
9.1 Review City Council
Policy Manual for
Consistency with the
General Plan
Ongoing
In 2024, the following City Council Policies were reviewed and amended: F-1 (2024-21); A-1, A-2, D-1, D-5 (2024-
31); F-2 (2024-39); and F-1 (2024-78)
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10.1 Maintain Up-to-Date
Comprehensive
Database
(Data such as built
land use and traffic should be updated
on a continuing
basis, while data that is stable, such as
seismic hazard
zones, can be updated on a less
frequent basis)
Ongoing
The City’s Geographical Information System (GIS) data is updated regularly to provide up-to-date parcel-specific
information including specific lot information (agreements), planning (zoning, land entitlements, building, code
enforcement, environmental layers, general information [contours, assessor, easement, etc.]), general services,
harbor, hazards including flood and seismic, fire, police, public works, parking, street and utilities. New layers are
added whenever necessary and appropriate.
10.2 Maintain
Development
Tracking and
Monitoring Program
Ongoing
The City continues to fine-tune a parcel-specific database that accounts for all existing development. The database
includes statistics for commercial floor area and residential dwelling units. The database is used for site-specific
information or compiled to provide information by any geography needed, from a single lot to a neighborhood to
statistical area and citywide. The land use data is available by Statistical Area as directed by the General Plan. The
data is currently being used to update the land use portion of the Newport Beach Traffic Model (NBTAM).
As required by Section 423 of the City Charter, the Planning Division tracks increases in development limits
approved by General Plan amendments (GPA) for a period of 10 years. If a proposed amendment exceeds the
established thresholds of 40,000 square feet of non-residential development, 100 dwelling units, 100 AM peak hour
traffic trips, or 100 PM peak hour traffic trips on its own or, when combined with 80% of previously approved General
Plan amendment(s) located in the same Statistical Area, the amendment is considered a “major amendment.”
Approval or denial of a “major amendment” is determined by a vote of the electorate. The GPA/Charter Section 423
tracking tables are available for public review at the General Plan information page on Newport Beach’s Community
Development Department’s Planning Division website at - https://www.newportbeachca.gov/chartersection423
Land Use Element policies LU4.3 (Transfer of Development Rights) and LU6.14.3 (Transfers of Development Rights
– Newport Center) allow development rights (e.g. square footage) to be transferred in certain circumstances without
an amendment to the General Plan. The policies are implemented by Chapter 20.46 (Transfer of Development
Rights) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code and the North Newport Center Planned Community Development
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Plan. The transfer of development tables are located at the following webpage:
https://www.newportbeachca.gov/developmenttransfertables
11.1 CEQA Review
Development and
Entitlement
Applications
Ongoing
All private and public development projects and programs defined as a “project” pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are reviewed in compliance with the Act.
12.1 Evaluate Fiscal
Benefits of Large
Development
Proposals and
Annexations
Ongoing
The City continues to examine the fiscal benefits of large development proposals consistent with Implementation
Policy 12.1. No annexations were considered during the reporting period.
12.2 Maintain and Update
Fiscal Impact Model
Ongoing
The fiscal impact model is maintained by Applied Development Economics, Inc. on behalf of the City. The model
calculates public service impacts for specific land uses that support the residential population, the employment base
and the visitor population in the City. It also calculates the public revenues that each type of land use typically
generates for the City, including property taxes, sales taxes, and other taxes, as well as a variety of user charges
and fees. The output from the fiscal impact model can be modified to address these circumstances for each
individual project and the fiscal year the project is proposed. In 2025, maintenance of the fiscal impact model will be
transferred to a new consultant, Keyser Martson Associates, Inc.
13.1 Process
Development
Agreements
Ongoing
The City requires Development Agreements for projects in accordance with Chapter 15.45 of the Municipal Code
and where required by the General Plan. In 2024, the City completed negotiations on several development
agreements including 1600 Dove Street, 1400 Bristol Street, and 20 Corporate Plaza. Additionally, the City initiated
negotiations on two other projects including the North Newport Center Planned Community Amendment and the
Saunders Self Storage Project.
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14.1 Adjoining Cities
(“Borders Committees” to
collaborate with the
cities of Irvine, Huntington Beach,
and Costa Mesa)
Ongoing
The City continues to provide robust assistance to those who are unhoused in the community. For this reporting
period, the following was accomplished:
• In 2024, the Be Well OC Mobile Crisis Team (Be Well) operated seven days a week for 12 hours per shift,
from January to the end of August. Be Well responded to mental, behavioral, and substance use crises
throughout the City. The team proactively engaged the unhoused population to provide resources, shelter
placements, and program referrals. Be Well had 2,825 contacts with residents, visitors, and unhoused
people. Be Well transported individuals 302 times to social service, medical, and other essential
appointments, or intakes. Of the 302 transports, 56 were for shelter intake appointments, 34 to crisis
stabilization units for treatment, and 45 to the Be Well campus sobering station for treatment. Be Well also
reunified four people with their families.
• The City’s homeless outreach and engagement team permanently housed one person from the streets to
housing. One person was housed in assisted living and four were reunified with family from the street.
• The Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter services permanently housed eleven people and reunified one person with
their family. In July 2023, the City Council approved an additional five beds in the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter,
with the option to use up to six more beds if the City of Costa Mesa has open beds. The daily cost for the
additional six beds is $155 per bed per day including full wrap-around services. In 2024, the per six (per-
diem) beds were used several times. There were 28 Newport Beach shelter guests for two weeks in October
2024.
• In February 2024, PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) became the City’s social service contractor. PATH
placed 34 people into shelters and provided 520 contacts with the unhoused population in Newport Beach.
• In December 2024, the City Police Department reorganized to assign three officers dedicated as Homeless
Liaison Officers (HLO).
• Trellis International is a Costa Mesa-based non-profit organization which provides volunteer opportunities for
individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity to learn and/or rebuild job skills and a path
forward to stable employment and housing. The Public Works department manages projects with Trellis’
Community Impact Team (CIT). CIT participants develop and refine job skills needed to renter the job market
and remain employed. The projects may include beach cleanup, trash and graffiti removal, vegetation
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trimming and removal, and more. The CIT completed 114 projects in 2024.
• The outreach and engagement team had three notable permanent housing placements in 2024. A man was
unhoused for 34 years in Newport Beach. PATH and the City’s homeless liaison police officer built a rapport
with him within weeks of contacting him. The man had a housing voucher and was afraid to look for
apartments on his own. PATH and the officer started showing him apartments online and their proximity to
public libraries. He located an apartment he liked and moved into independent living in June 2024. PATH
continues to check in with him to ensure stability and success. A man who experienced homelessness, living
in his vehicle for several months, stayed at the Costa Mesa Bridge Shelter after working with the Be Well
team. He moved into permanent supportive housing in September 2024 and is now addressing his medical
needs. A woman was reunified with her family in another state in October 2024 after staying at the Costa
Mesa Bridge Shelter. She volunteered in the Newport Beach community for 10 years and did not want to end
her service. She now lives with her daughter and is building a new community for herself.
14.2 Coordinate with
School Districts
Ongoing
Staff works with Newport Mesa Unified School District, Santa Ana Unified School District, and Coast Community
College District (“School Districts”) on the identification and acquisition of potential school sites and expansion of
existing facilities on an as-needed basis. Should the need arise, Public Works staff monitors traffic conditions at
school locations. The City works with the School Districts on joint-use agreements for public recreational uses of
school properties on an as-needed basis. School fees are assessed during the issuance of building permits when
applicable.
14.3 Coordinate with
Orange County
Ongoing
The City of Newport Beach continues to work with Orange County on various programs affecting land use and
development, affordable housing, transportation, infrastructure, resource conservation, environmental quality,
management of Newport Harbor and Upper Newport Bay; and John Wayne Airport operations and improvement
plans on an as-needed basis.
14.4 Coordinate with
Orange County
Transportation
Authority (OCTA)
Ongoing
The Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer is on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), which meets
monthly and consists of most of the Public Works Directors in Orange County, to discuss and make
recommendations to the OCTA and its board on the allocation of funding. Additionally, Staff attends OCTA Traffic
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Forums along with other Orange County agencies on a biannual basis to discuss regional traffic items and traffic
signal synchronization.
14.5 State of California
Department of
Housing and
Community
Development (HCD)
Ongoing
The 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report, including the Housing Element Report, will be sent to HCD in April
2025.
14.6 Coordinate with
California Coastal
Commission
Ongoing
• Big Canyon Restoration - Phase 3 (formerly 2B/C). This proposed project at the mouth of Big Canyon Nature
Park contains jurisdictional wetlands and requires permits from the California Coastal Commission, Army
Corps of Engineers with concurrence from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Regional Water Quality Control
Board and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Project is scheduled to be advertised for bid in April
2025 with construction start in September 2025. Project is expected to be substantially complete by May
2026. CEQA has been completed and all permits have been obtained. Under an agreement currently in
preparation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, City will manage the construction and pay the
contractor. City will be reimbursed from grants funds awarded the project. The project is estimated to cost
seven million dollars.
• Planning and Public Works staff routinely communicate directly with Coastal Commission staff on an as-
needed basis regarding implementation of the Local Coastal Program. The following are Coastal
Commission Actions related to LCP Amendments in 2024:
o On December 9, 2022, the City submitted a three-part LCP Amendment (LCP-5-NPB-22-0056-1) to
the Coastal Commission for their review and approval. The three parts include: Part A) Request to
amend the Implementation Plan (IP) of the City’s certified Local Coastal Program to incorporate
standards and establish an approval process for considering density bonuses with housing
development projects. These amendments are required to ensure the City’s regulations are in
compliance with State law; Part B) Amend development limit to increase the maximum gross floor
area allowed on the Lido House Hotel site from 103,470 square feet to 118,573 square feet and
delete references to fire station; and Part C) Clarifying development allowances for residential uses
that are nonconforming due to density and reinstating a side setback allowance for properties in the
R-1-6,000, R-1-7,200, R-1-10,000, R-2-6,000, and the RM-6,000 zoning and coastal zoning districts.
Part A Amendment - approved with suggested modifications on April 12, 2024. Approved by City
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Council on September 24, 2024. Part B Amendment - approved by the California Coastal
Commission on February 8, 2024. The next step is to schedule the City Council meeting to adopt the
Ordinance after lease agreement is finalized. Part C Amendment - approved by the California Coastal
Commission on May 8, 2024. The City Council approved on October 8, 2024.
o On April 11, 2023, the City received a letter from the California Coastal Commission requiring the
installation of protection fencing and monthly bird monitoring. The fence was installed mid November
2023 along with informative signs on the fence. Since then, the City has complied with the cease and
desist order. The City consults with Glenn Lukos Associates to conduct bi-monthly monitoring of the
plovers during the monitoring season (July through March). The City reports back to the Coastal
Commission on a monthly basis with a report of the two separate visits during the month. The info
includes the total number of plovers and where they were observed. It also includes weather
conditions. The City is on the second year of monitoring and continuing to comply with the cease and
desist order.
o On April 13, 2023, the City submitted a three-part LCP Amendment (LCP-5-NPB-23-0019-1) to the
Coastal Commission for their review and approval. The three parts include: Part A) Update the
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) provisions to further incentivize ADU construction and incorporate
revisions necessary to comply with 2022 ADU legislation; Part B) Increasing the development limit
specified for Bay Island from 23 dwelling units maximum to 25 dwelling units maximum; and Part C)
Change land use designation of site from Neighborhood Commercial (CN) to Two-Unit Residential (R-
2). Part A Amendment - approved by the California Coastal Commission with suggested modifications
on July 11, 2024. Approved by City Council on November 12, 2024. Part B Amendment - approved by
California Coastal Commission on July 11, 2024, and approved by the City Council on November 12,
2024. Part C Amendment - approved by the California Coastal Commission on August 8, 2024, and
by City Council on November 12, 2024.
o On September 11, 2023, the City submitted a two-part LCP Amendment (LCP-5-NPB-23-0039-3) to
the Coastal Commission for their review and approval. The three parts include: Part A) Request to
amend the Implementation Plan (IP) of the City’s certified Local Coastal Program (LCP) to establish
the Special Flood Hazard (VE) Overlay District; and, Part B) Request to amend the certified
Implementation Plan (IP) of the City’s Local Coastal Program (LCP) revising regulations pertaining to
commercial parking. The amendment was deemed incomplete by the California Coastal Commission
on January 5, 2024, deemed complete on April 14, 2024, and a one-year extension granted on June
14, 2024. Hearings are anticipated in Spring of 2025.
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o On, February 28, 2023, the City submitted request to the Coastal Commission for Coastal
Development permit (CDP) jurisdiction for lands meeting the criteria of Coastal Act Section 30613.
This would provide the City with increased and consolidated CDP issuing authority for properties that
are currently bisected with Coastal Commission jurisdiction, eliminating lengthy and costly reviews by
both agencies. Throughout 2024, City and Coastal Commission staff have conducted regular working
sessions to refine the jurisdiction boundaries and finalize the request. Completion of this project is
anticipated in Summer of 2025.
o On October 4, 2023, the City submitted a coastal development permit request to reconfigure the 5.5-
acre Mooring Field C from single-row to double-row moorings. Mooring Field C currently has 55
moorings and may have up to 62 moorings upon completion of the proposed Project. The application
was deemed complete by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) on July 19, 2024.. Staff worked
extensively with CCC staff addressing concerns, and ultimately received a positive staff
recommendation in support of the project. When deemed complete, the application was more than
3,500 pages. Unfortunately, the CCC denied the project at the February 2025 hearing due to public
comments raised regarding safety and liability. The Coastal Commission has expressed concern
over the process related to transferability of mooring permits and may address it as part of their
consideration of this application.
o On February 8, 2024, the City submitted a three-part LCP Amendment (LCP-5-NPB-24-0004-1) to the
Coastal Commission for their review and approval. Part A Amendment - Establishing regulations
permitting short term lodging within the MU-W2 (Mixed-Use Water) and MU-CV/15th Street (Mixed-
Use Cannery Village and 15th Street) coastal zoning districts; changing the maximum cap of short
term lodging permits from 1,550 permits Citywide to: 1) 1,475 permits in residential districts; and 2) 75
permits within the MU-W2 and MU-CV/15th Street zoning districts; and correcting an inconsistency in
the definition and use of short term lodging and bed and breakfast inn to mean a rental of 30 days or
less. Part B Amendment - Allow land use changes to a previously approved mixed-use project which
consists of a tennis club, hotel, and residential components. The amendment includes: 1) modifying
the density and intensity limit for the number of tennis courts from 7 to 4 courts and adds 14 pickleball
courts; 2) converting 3 of the 5 allowed single-family residences to attached residential condominium
units; 3) establishing new development standards for attached residential condominiums; and 4)
revising the density and intensity limits for the hotel from 27 to 41 short-term guest rental rooms.
Additionally, the maximum allowable gross floor area increases from 28,300 to 47,484 square feet,
and square footage for ancillary hotel uses are included.. Part C Amendment - 1) Deletion of Chapter
21.34 (Conversion or Demolition of Affordable Housing); 2) Creating a coastal development permit
(CDP) exemption for tentative parcel maps involving the subdivision of airspace within multi-unit
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dwellings for condominium purposes; 3) Correcting, updating and/or clarifying the references to State
law throughout; 4) Changing references from “Building Director” or “Planning Director” to “Community
Development Director”; and, 5) Clarifying the definition of “Code” to mean the Newport Beach
Municipal Code. The amendment was deemed complete on February 23, 2024, and an extension
granted on May 8, 2024. Hearings are anticipated in Spring of 2025.
o On August 8, 2024, the City submitted an LCP Amendment (LCP-5-NPB-24-0004-2) to the Coastal
Commission for their review and approval for a request to amend the Implementation Plan (IP) and
the Coastal Land Use Plan (CLUP) of the City’s certified Local Coastal Program (LCP) to establish
the Housing Opportunity (HO) Coastal Zoning Districts in the Coastal Zone. The project was deemed
incomplete and resubmitted in December 2024, then deemed complete January 2025. Hearings are
anticipated in Summer of 2025.
14.7 Coordinate with the
California Resources
Agency, Department
of Fish and Game
(now known as California
Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Ongoing
1. Planning and Public Works staff routinely communicates with California Department of Fish and Wildlife with
regards to the management of Upper Buck Gully and the upper Newport Bay.
2. Recreation and Senior Services staff continues to work as a partner with the University of California, Irvine;
Orange County Public Health; OC Parks; California Department of Fish and Wildlife; and the Back Bay Science
Center.
14.8 Coordinate with the
California
Department of Parks
and Recreation
Ongoing
The City, through its Natural Resource Division of the Recreation and Senior Services Department, coordinates with
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks, the County, education, and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) to protect natural resources through implementation of state and local legislation,
enforcement, monitoring, and to provide education programming at Big Corona del Mar and Little Corona del Mar
State Beach, Crystal Cove, and Upper Newport Bay. Coordination highlights from 2024 include the following:
1. Natural Resource Division continued to work with various City departments on issues concerning natural
resources and strategies to inform and educate the public.
2. Natural Resource Division continued to work with the MPA Watch (Marine Protected Area Watch Program -
Human Use), along with serving as an active member of the Orange County Marine Protected Area Council
(OCMPAC).
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3. The Natural Resource Division staff engaged with the public at our tidepool areas within the Marine Protected
Area, in order to discourage illegal collecting and educate visitors about the rules of the protected area.
4. The Natural Resource Division partnered with other City departments, Newport Bay Conservancy, Newport
Dunes Resort and Marina, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California Coastal Commission to run
the Fostering interest in Nature (FiiN) program. The program is a three-day, two-night science camp program
located within the Upper Newport Bay MPA for Title I fifth grade students. In the Fall of 2024, 525 students
attended during the 8-week program.
14.9 Coordinate with the
California
Department of
Transportation
(“Caltrans”)
Ongoing
The City’s Public Works Department coordinates with Caltrans on an as-needed basis for the review of
improvements to the State Highway System or impacts on the system by development, construction and/or special
events:
• The City continues to coordinate with Caltrans in review of upcoming projects and as a project team member
for current construction projects including the ongoing SR-55 (Newport Blvd/Hospital Rd) traffic signal
upgrade (completed - 2024), and SR-1 (Coast Hwy) pavement and traffic signal rehabilitation projects.
West Coast Highway Coordination with Caltrans Paving Project:
• Caltrans is paving Coast Highway from the Santa Ana River to Jamboree (anticipated completion - February
2025).
• Caltrans new policy is not to lower manholes before they pave the road. This leads to a less smooth ride.
• The City has contracted separately to hire a contractor to lower all utility manholes/ valve covers before
Caltrans paves.
• Caltrans will then be able to pave the road more accurately and smoothly.
• Once paving is complete, the City’s contractor will raise all the manholes/ valve covers to the new pavement
surface. The result will be a much smoother, long lasting pavement surface.
• The City also coordinated with Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) to have their facilities lowered and
raised to grade along with the City’s facilities.
14.10 Transportation
Corridor Agencies
(TCA)
Ongoing
City staff continually works with the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) regarding the San Joaquin Hills (SR-73)
Toll Road and continuously implements TCA’s Major Thoroughfare and Bridge Fee Program through the Municipal
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Code. Impact fees are collected by the City when a building permit is issued. Councilmember Grant is the city
representative on the TCA board.
14.11 California Public
Utilities Commission
(CPUC)
Ongoing
The City works with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to explore funding for the undergrounding of
utilities. To date, the City has adopted several underground utility districts, including property owner funded
assessment districts, to provide funding for undergrounding projects. Most of the funding for undergrounding in the
City has come from these assessment districts using CPUC Rule 20B. In years past, the City received funding
allocation from Southern California Edison (SCE) for Rule 20A undergrounding projects. In 2013, the City Council
adopted a Utility Undergrounding District on Balboa Boulevard from Coast Highway to 23rd Street and directed staff
to proceed with a Rule 20A, an undergrounding project along Balboa Boulevard. However, the 20A program was
suspended by the CPUC at their June 8, 2021, commission meeting. SCE will only complete “Active” 20A
underground projects; Balboa Boulevard being the last City project, which was completed in 2024. The City Council
approved four Rule 20B Utility Underground Assessment Districts in the past several years, upon a positive resident
vote: one adjacent to the Balboa Boulevard Rule 20A project (AD-111), and a 2018 approved district for the west
side of Balboa Island (AD-113), and two districts approved in 2021 for the remaining portions of Balboa Island (AD-
124) and a small area on Santa Ana Avenue near Cliff Drive (AD-120-2). All these assessment districts are in
various stages of completion. AD-111 on the Balboa Peninsula and AD-113 in west Balboa Island was completed in
2024. The remaining two will be completed in future years. Staff also continues to work with other resident groups
in Harbor Highlands, Balboa Peninsula and Corona del Mar for possible other Rule 20B projects, though activity has
somewhat slowed.
14.12 Coordinate with
United States Army
Corps of Engineers
(“Corps”)
Ongoing
1. Public Works staff continues to strategize and coordinate with the Corps on the next phase of dredging the
Lower Bay to the federally authorized and approved depths. The City completed all of the pre-project
planning including sediment testing/approval, design, engineering, environmental review and permitting (with
Corps input). Funding is secured and construction is scheduled to begin in the Summer 2025.
2. Big Canyon Restoration - Phase 2A. Complete.
3. Big Canyon Restoration – Phase 3 (formerly called Phase 2B/C). This proposed project is at the mouth of Big
Canyon Nature Park and contains a wetlands Design and permits are complete. Project scheduled to be
advertised for bid in April 2025 with construction start in September 2025. Project is expected to be
substantially complete by May 2025. CEQA has been completed and all permits have been obtained. Under
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an agreement currently in preparation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, City will manage
the construction and pay the contractor. City will be reimbursed from grants funds awarded the project. The
project is estimated to cost seven million dollars.
4. San Diego Creek Interceptor (formerly called the Newport Bay Water Wheel) – The Trash Interceptor is
currently under construction in San Diego Creek just upstream of the Jamboree Road Bridge. The project is
nearing completion with construction expected to be substantially complete by March 2025. Project
commissioning will continue until June 2025. At that time, the facility will be managed by staff from Public
Work’s Municipal Operation Division.
14.13 Coordinate with
United States Fish
and Wildlife Service
Ongoing
Big Canyon Habitat Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project – Phase 2A and Phase 3 contains
jurisdictional wetlands and requires permits from the California Coastal Commission, Army Corps of Engineers with
concurrence from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Regional Water Quality Control Board and California Department
of Fish and Wildlife. Phase 2A was completed in early 2022. For Phase 3 - Project is scheduled to be advertised for
bid in April 2025 with construction start in September 2025. Project is expected to be substantially complete by May
2026. CEQA has been completed and all permits have been obtained. Under an agreement currently in preparation
with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, City will manage the construction and pay the contractor. City
will be reimbursed from grants funds awarded the project. The project is estimated to cost seven million dollars.
Western Snowy Plover (WSP) Habitat Management Plan – Planning Division staff is in the process of creating a
management plan for the portions of ocean-facing beach designated as critical habitat. Coordination with U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service and the California Coastal Commission has occurred and will continue to occur for the
preparation of a revised draft plan. In the interim, the City has installed protective fencing and is conducting monthly
monitoring and reporting the California Coastal Commission.
14.14 Coordinate with
Environmental
Protection Agency
(EPA)
Ongoing
The City coordinates with the U.S. EPA in collaboration with other resource agencies in the protection of terrestrial
and marine resources and sediment disposal sites for future dredging projects on an as-needed basis when projects
are within the U.S. EPA jurisdiction.
14.15 Coordinate with
USPS (for relocation
of the Mariners’ Mile
Complete
The USPS distribution facility was relocated to Santa Ana and Anaheim. The USPS maintains a location in the
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distribution facility)
Mariners’ Mile area offering typical retail mail services.
14.16 Other Agencies Ongoing
The City continuously works with the following agencies that are involved in the development of capital improvement
and conservation programs:
• Energy providers, such as Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas Company
• Telecommunications service providers on a case-by-case basis
• Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board
• Metropolitan Water District
• South Coast Air Quality Management District
• Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
• California State Parks
• National Marine Fisheries Service
15.1 Encourage
Annexation of
Banning Ranch Prior
to Development
Ongoing
The City’s goals and policies encourage the annexation of the entire Banning Ranch property prior to any
development. However, it is notable that in 2023, most of Banning Ranch was acquired by a private party for use
and conservation as permanent open space.
16.1 Improve Arterial
Streets and
Highways According
to Classification
Ongoing
West Coast Highway (SR-1) and Old Newport Boulevard Intersection Improvements – The project will improve West
Coast Highway at Old Newport Boulevard to provide for a third westbound through lane, a right turn lane, and a bike
lane. The project’s environmental document (IS/ND) was adopted in 2018. The City is currently applying for OCTA
Measure M2 grant funding for right-of-way acquisition and construction.
West Coast Highway (SR-1)/Superior Avenue Bridge project was completed in September 2024. This project
involved constructing a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the north leg of the intersection (Superior Avenue)
and a new larger parking lot to improve access to Sunset Ridge Park. The project has been awarded grant funding
through the OCTA Bicycle Corridor Improvement Program.
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16.2 Monitor Traffic
Conditions and Plan
for and Fund
Improvements
Ongoing
1. Traffic Engineering Staff continues to operate the Traffic Management Center to monitor and respond to
traffic issues during and after normal work hours, Holidays, peak summer season, special events and
construction projects.
2. Traffic Signal Rehabilitation Programs (see Program 16.4)
3. Installation of additional CCTV Cameras includes field surveillance cameras for integration into the City
Traffic Management Center to monitor and change the traffic signal system depending on traffic conditions.
4. The Traffic Management Center underwent a display wall upgrade; it includes a 3x2 – 50-inch monitors with
a small bezel to stretch imagines across multiple displays (anticipated completion was December 2024).
16.3 Construct Street and
Highway
Improvements
Ongoing
Refer to Program 16.1 for discussion regarding the West Coast Highway (SR-1) and Old Newport Boulevard
Intersection Improvements.
The City maintains a Pavement Management Plan and performs roadway pavement resurfacing projects to maintain
roadways at a high level. Roadways are improved through replacement of deteriorated roadway surfaces with new
concrete or asphalt pavement, including new traffic striping and traffic sign cleanup. Local and neighborhood streets
are maintained through the annual roadway slurry seal program.
16.4 Monitor Roadway
Conditions and
Operational Systems
Ongoing
The City continues to monitor and improve traffic flow through proactive maintenance and updates to the City’s
modern traffic signal system.
The City has teamed up with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the City of Irvine to update
traffic signal communication, control equipment and coordination along MacArthur Boulevard, Bonita Canyon Drive
and Ford Road through the Measure M2 grant-funded projects. These projects are being led by the City of Irvine and
are in the Operation and Maintenance phase.
16.5 Maintain
Consistency with
Regional
Jurisdictions
Ongoing
The City monitors the regional Arterial Program, OCTA’s Master Plan of Arterial Highways, and the Countywide
traffic model to ensure consistency. Public Works staff coordinates with regional jurisdictions on an as-needed basis.
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(Caltrans and
Orange County to provide adequate
roadway
infrastructure plans and design
standards such as
the Orange County Master Plan of
Arterial Highways)
16.6 Local/Neighborhood
Access Roads
Ongoing
Public Works staff works with local neighborhood groups on an as-needed basis when traffic issues arise. The City
maintains standards that ensure safe and efficient access for emergency vehicles.
The City maintains the Pavement Management Plan and performs roadway pavement resurfacing projects to
maintain roadways at a high level. Roadways are improved through replacement of deteriorated roadways surfaces
with new concrete or asphalt pavement, including new traffic striping and traffic sign cleanup. Local and
neighborhood streets are maintained through the annual roadway slurry seal program.
16.7 Traffic Control Ongoing
The following projects were implemented to improve traffic congestion through conventional and innovative methods
of traffic control:
1. The Annual Traffic Signal Rehabilitation Program will rehabilitate traffic signals within Newport Coast (completed
April 2024) and along the Balboa Peninsula (anticipated completion - February 2025).
2. The Public Works Department maintains the traffic signal system through an ongoing Traffic Signal Maintenance
agreement with a contractor that specializes in traffic signal maintenance.
3. Roadway signage and striping is maintained on as needed by the City’s Municipal Operations Division of the
Public Works Department. Large-scale signage and striping maintenance/replacement is accomplished through
the Capital Improvement Program.
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16.8 Provide Public
Transportation
Ongoing
The City continuously looks for opportunities to support the upgrade and enhancement of existing facilities, as well
as encourage the development of additional public transportation services and facilities. The City provides shuttle
bus services for the Oasis Senior Center clients on an as-needed basis. The City also continuously works with the
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for countywide bus services.
The City operates the Balboa Peninsula Trolley (Trolley), a local transit service, on the Balboa Peninsula during the
summer. The free service generally runs from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial
Day weekend through Labor Day, as well as on July 4, making 22 stops along the peninsula. The program is
partially funded by the OCTA Measure M2 (Project V) program. The program finished it’s seventh and final year of
the current grant in 2024. Over the life of the program, the Trolley served approximately 140,000 riders at an
average of approximately 590 per day. The City applied for and was awarded additional Project V grant funds to
facilitate procurement of five new trolley vehicles and continue operating the Trolley program for another seven
years (2025-2031).
16.9 Manage Truck
Operations
Ongoing
Trucks are required to obtain a Haul Route Permit through the Public Works Department and are required to use
designated haul routes.
16.10 Improve Parking
Supply and
Management
Ongoing
Parking availability can be challenging especially during the summer when many thousands of people visit coastal
areas. West Newport, Balboa Peninsula, Mariners Mile, and Corona del Mar experience high parking demand.
Parking conflicts can hold back commercial and economic activities. Creating new parking is often expensive.
The City requires new development to provide off-street parking in accordance with the Zoning Code and Local
Coastal Program thereby increasing parking supply.
On April 17, 2019, the City submitted a Local Coastal Program Amendment (LC2017-001) to the California Coastal
Commission to add the Balboa Village Parking Management Overlay District to the certified Local Coastal Program
Implementation Plan. On February 23, 2021, the City Council approved modifications to the Balboa Village overlay
provided by the California Coastal Commission. Near the end of 2021, the City prepared a parking management
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plan for the Balboa Village overly (PM-1) and it was approved by Coastal Commission in 2022.
Building off the Balboa Village effort, the City Council directed staff in 2021 to study the development of Parking
Management Overlay Districts in other activity nodes within the City. The City retained a parking consulting firm to
assist with this effort and is actively studying other parking management tools such as curbside management and
code updates to address parking requirements in light of the increase in rideshare and other alternative forms of
transportation.
In 2023, the City Council adopted an ordinance to adjust commercial parking requirements, which are now effective
in City areas outside of the Coastal Zone. The City submitted the accompanying Local Coastal Program Amendment
in the fourth quarter of 2023. The following is a list of recent updates related to this effort:
• Deemed Incomplete by the CCC on January 5, 2024;
• Efforts dovetailed with Corona del Mar Area Study at Council Study Session;
• Contract with consultant was modified to pivot study to support the Corona del Mar Planning effort;
• LCPA Application deemed complete by CCC on April 15, 2024, and extension granted on July 14, 2024 (new
deadline is now July 10, 2025);
• Staff is currently working with the California Coastal Commission to prepare the amendment for a hearing.
As previously discussed under Program 8.2, the City launched a comprehensive land use and mobility study (Study)
to consider ways to enhance and improve the Corona del Mar (CdM) commercial corridor including parking
solutions.
16.11 Maintain Trails Ongoing
The City continues to maintain existing bike paths and trails that are within the City’s jurisdiction. The City continues
to review and expand bicycle facilities during roadway reconstruction projects. The City continues on-street bike lane
maintenance and improvements via roadway reconstruction projects.
16.12 Marine
Transportation
Complete
The City’s Harbor Commission studied the feasibility of a water taxi in the harbor. A fixed route and an on-demand
system were examined. Constraints include providing appropriate accessible locations to pick-up and drop-off
passengers in a safe manner. Due to the size of the harbor, number of vessels, and cost, the fixed route model was
deemed infeasible. The on-demand system was deemed infeasible due to low demand for the service. Either way, a
significant public subsidy was identified and there was no funding source. As a result, further study of a water
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transportation service was abandoned.
17.1 Maintain and
Implement Urban
Water Management
Plans and
Encourage
Conservation
Ongoing
The U.S. Drought Monitor shows a shift from no drought to “abnormally dry”. Therefore, drought could be edging
closer to a reality again for the state.
A new Water Use Objective was signed into law late 2024 requiring water use reporting for the previous fiscal year
for all water suppliers beginning January 2025. This report defines a water use objective. This calculation is based
upon the water need in its service area for efficient indoor residential water use, outdoor residential water use,
commercial, industrial and institutional (CII) irrigation with dedicated meters. The calculation will include reasonable
amounts of system water loss, along with consideration of other unique local uses (i.e., variances) and “bonus
incentive,” or credit, for potable water reuse, using the standards adopted by the Board.
Efficient water use is the most cost-effective way to achieve long-term conservation goals, as well provide the water
supply reliability needed to adapt to the longer and more intense droughts climate change is causing in California.
Although it does not impose individual mandates for homeowners or businesses, the mandates will focus on urban
water suppliers – not customers. Specifically, the bills call for creation of new urban efficiency standards for indoor
use, outdoor use, and water lost to leaks, as well as any appropriate variances for unique local conditions.
For more information, visit:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/publications_forms/publications/factsheets/docs/water_efficiency_bill_factsheet.pdf
One component to achieving water use standards and minimizing water loss, is the large investment the City made
in installing automated metering Infrastructure [AMI metering]. Along with deploying AMI, the City and its customers
are able to track their respective water usage in hourly increments. Armed with this information, leaks are detected
quickly, and customers are informed of how much water they use. As a complement to the AMI installations, the City
has partnered with Aquatrax, a web and mobile application portal allowing each customer to visualize their
respective water consumption and historical trends.
18.1 Maintain and
Implement Sewer
Master Plan
Ongoing
The Public Works Department continues to implement the adopted Sewer Master Plan with projects throughout the
City.
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A vigorous sanitary system overflow (SSO) prevention plan, which includes good investments in our Wastewater
Master Plan, use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) program to monitor the system, and an aggressive lift-station
cleaning program continues.
19.1 Maintain Storm
Drainage Facilities
Ongoing
The City provides an annual budget allocation for ongoing maintenance of the City’s storm drain system.
Additionally, the City identifies additional system enhancements in the City’s Capital Improvement program.
Storm drain facility improvements are estimated at $18M. Projects include:
1. Newport Bay Trash Interceptor – estimated Completion March 2025.
2. Big Canyon Project Phase 3A– construction will begin Fall 2025.
3. Balboa Island Storm Drain Improvements – In September 2024, the City Council adopted the Mitigated
Negative Declaration and the design and permitting is underway.
4. Street sweeping program consisted of 37,452 curb miles swept, removing 5,799 tons (dry) of debris.
5. The City’s 86 tidal valves are operated/maintained on a regular basis.
6. Six miles of channel and 3,268 catch basins were cleaned, yielding 432 tons of debris. A total of 435 Inlet
Guards were re-installed after the winter season to assist in keeping trash/debris from entering the storm
drain system/bay/ocean.
20.1 Design, Fund, and
Construct
Streetscape
Improvements
Ongoing
This is an ongoing effort that is budgeted through the City’s Capital Improvement program.
Newport Blvd., Industrial Way to West Coast Highway median landscaping and slope landscaping parkway right-of-
way along Newport Blvd. from Industrial Way to Coast Highway.
Newport Boulevard Median Landscape and West Coast Highway landscape improvements completed in October
2024.
• City is updating the median landscaping on Newport Boulevard from Industrial Way to Pacific Coast
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Highway, to improve the appearance of the median as it serves as a main entrance to the City.
• The median enhancements will include grubbing and clearing of all understory shrub plantings, while
retaining the existing Mediterranean Fan and Windmill Palms. The new understory plants will consist of
California friendly drought tolerant plants such as: aloes, natal plum, colorful red yucca accents and blue-
gray chalk finger ground covers.
• The hillside slopes will be relandscaped with colorful Bougainvillea and African Tulip accent trees.
• These efforts will freshen up these areas and create an inviting corridor to visitors entering the City.
West Coast Highway northside adjacent to the Santa Ana River landscape improvements completed in October
2024:
• This project will add landscape to this barren stretch of Coast Highway and adding color and greenery.
• The landscaping here will include accent red yucca, aloes, bougainvillea, natal plum and coral trees.
Newport Blvd., 16th street, and Coast Highway median landscaping and slope landscaping parkway right-of-way
along Newport Blvd. from Industrial to Coast Highway. In addition, a small slope on West Coast Highway near the
Santa Ana River is also included for improvement. Completed in October 2024.
MacArthur Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation and Median Improvements on MacArthur Boulevard from Jamboree
Road to Campus Drive. Design began in 2024, and construction scheduled to start in January 2026 with anticipated
completion in August 2026:
• City is designing the new medians with landscaping on MacArthur Boulevard from Jamboree Road to
Campus Drive, to improve the appearance of the street as it serves as an entrance to the City.
• The median construction will include planting trees and shrubs. The new trees will consist of Forest Pansy,
African Tulip, and Date Palms. The new understory plants will consist of California-friendly drought-tolerant
plants such as Natal Plum, colorful Red Yucca accents, Blue Glow agave, Coast Rosemary, and Vitex
Purpurea.
• These efforts will create an inviting corridor for visitors entering the City.
20.2 Design, Fund, and
Construct Waterfront
Promenade
On Hold
A plan was created in 2005 for a walkway from Mariners’ Mile to Lido Village along Newport Harbor; however, the
plan is on hold due to lack of funding.
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20.3 Fund and Construct
Public View Sites
Ongoing
West Coast Highway (SR-1)/Superior Avenue Bridge project was completed in September 2024. This project
involved constructing a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the north leg of the intersection (Superior Avenue)
and a new larger parking lot to improve access to Sunset Ridge Park. The project has been awarded grant funding
through the OCTA Bicycle Corridor Improvement Program.
21.1 Review and Update
Harbor and
Tidelands
Improvement Plans
Ongoing
The Tidelands Capital Plan (TCP) was originally implemented in 2012. The TCP is now called the Harbor Capital
Project Planning Tool and is a living document that is updated and refined by staff throughout each year, including
2024.
21.2 Develop Harbor Area
Management Plan
(HAMP)
Complete
In November 2010, the City Council approved the HAMP.
21.3 Events Management
and Programs
Ongoing
Chamber of Commerce, Harbor Resources, and Orange County Harbor Patrol continuously work together to plan
and implement special events that take place in the Harbor such as the annual Christmas Boat Parade. City staff
usually teams up with the Orange County Water District to provide education on how to protect our coast and
waterways from trash at the Children’s Water Education Festival which was held March 27 and28, 2024.
21.4 Harbor Operations
and Management
Ongoing
A joint City/County study that evaluates the costs and efficiency of current services provided by the City and County
in Newport Harbor and opportunities to realign these to reduce costs was considered in 2021 and had support from
the LAFCO organization. The study did not move forward based on guidance from County leadership who felt the
study was not needed at this time. A new study may be prioritized in the future based on needs and funding.
22.1 Maintain and
Enhance Police and
Fire Facilities
Ongoing
Newport Beach Police and Fire Departments annually maintain and periodically update facilities and personnel to
provide a high-level of service. This process is implemented through the City’s budget process. Additionally,
response times are monitored, and changes are proposed through the budget process.
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In September of 2024, the City Council approved a Coastal Development Permit for the demolition of an existing
City fire station and library at 100 East Balboa Boulevard, and construction of a new 5,400 two-story City fire station
(Fire Station No.1) and an attached 3,700 one story library (Balboa Branch Library). However, the project was
appealed to the California Coastal Commission in October of 2024. As of February 2025, the project is still under
review with the California Coastal Commission.
23.1 Maintain and Update
Parks and
Recreation Facility
Plans
Ongoing
The Recreation and Senior Services Department reviews the status of the park system on an ongoing basis and
improvements are recommended in the City’s annual Capital Improvement Plan. Capital improvement plans
approved include:
1. Replace synthetic turf and upgrade athletic field lights to LEDs at Bonita Creek Park;
2. Plan and design an aquatic facility at Lower Castaways with a 50-meter pool, therapy pool, splash pad and
community room;
3. Renovate and add shade element at Spyglass Hill Park playground; and
4. Replace Park assets identified in the Parks Maintenance Master Plan including fencing and shade elements.
23.2 Maintain and
Improve Parks and
Recreation Facilities
Ongoing
In 2024, the following accomplishments were achieved:
• Ongoing maintenance of existing facilities;
• Playground renovation at Peninsula Park: construction complete;
• Newport Beach Junior Guard building and community center: construction complete;
• Arroyo Park synthetic turf conversion and LED upgrade: construction complete;
• Newport Ridge Park Pickleball courts: construction complete;
• Bonita Creek Community Center renovation: construction complete;
• Sunset Ridge Park Pedestrian Bridge and parking lot expansion: construction complete;
• OASIS Community Center LED Phase 1: retrofit complete;
• Construction of Witte Lecture Hall: scheduled to be completed in 2026;
• Design for Playground renovations at San Miguel Park and Newport Elementary School (city property):
Construction scheduled to start and be completed in 2025;
• Replaced Fitness station and installed ADA pad at Irvine Terrace Park;
• Resurfaced pickleball courts at Bonita Canyon Sports Park and basketball courts at 38th Street, West Newport
Park, Marina Park; and
• Installed youth sports AEDs at two athletic fields to comply with AB1467 by Jan 1, 2027
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23.3 Assess Recreation
Needs
Ongoing
The Recreation and Senior Services Department continuously analyzes enrollment numbers in existing recreation
programs and periodically initiates community surveys to assess the current needs of the community.
23.4 Maintain Recreation
Programs for
Newport Beach’s
Residents
Ongoing
The Recreation and Senior Services Department provides recreation programs citywide. The Newport Navigator is a
recreation guide for all recreation programs and services provided by the City. The Newport Navigator is produced
quarterly in addition to a digital summer issue. Additionally, OASIS Newsletter is published monthly to promote
Senior programs and services. The Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission (PB&R) acts in an advisory
capacity to City Council for all matters pertaining to parks, beaches, recreation, parkways, and street trees. The
following are Commission highlights from 2024:
• Presentation: Update Regarding the Special City Blue Gum Eucalyptus Tree Removal at the Balboa Library;
• Balboa Branch Library/Fire Station 1 Replacement Concepts and Special Tree Removal;
• Two Tree Donations– Castaways Park;
• Drinking Fountain Donation– Back Bay Drive;
• Four Tree Reforestations Requested;
• Light request for Newport Mesa Soccer Club (Bonita Canyon Sports Park 5), Pateadores (Bonita Creek and
Arroyo Park), Slammers Futbol Club (Arroyo Park);
• City Park Signage Discussion;
• Presentations– Special City Tress in Westcliff Neighborhood Affected by Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk Repairs;
• Presentation to outgoing Commissioner David Granoff;
• Community Service Awards: Jerry Nininger; and
• Elections– Kiera Kirby, Chair & Vice Chair, Anne Yelsey
Ad Hoc Committee Appointments: Municipal Code and Council Policy Manual Review: Sunset; Community Service
Award: Reappoint Diane Daruty, Kate Malouf and Anne Yelsey; Youth Sports Commission Member Organization:
Reappoint Kate Malouf, Amy Waunch; Ocean Blvd: Reappoint Hassan Archer, Keira Kirby and Anne Yelsey, City
Park Signage: Appoint Kate Malouf, Amy Waunch, Anne Yesley; Lower Castaways Aquatics Complex: Appoint TBD
23.5 Requirements for
Residential
Developers
Ongoing
Park fees are assessed for all new residential subdivisions pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act and the City’s
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Subdivision Code. Last adjusted in 2007, Resolution No. 2020-95 approved by City Council on November 10, 2020,
adjusts the park fees pursuant to an appraisal. The adjusted rate went into effect January 9, 2021, and will be
phased-in over two years. In October of 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution 2024-75 which adjusted
the park fees pursuant to an updated appraisal. The adjusted rate will be phased in over one year. In
November 2024 the City Council approved a Nexus Study, Fee Schedule, and established a Development Impact
Fee (DIF) Program (see Imp. Program 30.2) that will be applied to new development projects meeting certain
criteria. The DIF program includes fees for Police, Fire, Recreation, Water, and Sewer facilities. The fees became
effective in January 2025.
24.1 Adopt and
Implement Strategic
Plan for Fiscal and
Economic
Sustainability
Ongoing
In June 2009, the City Council updated its Strategic Plan for Fiscal and Economic Stability through the Economic
Development Committee (EDC). The Strategic Plan is designed to serve as a work program for the City Council,
City staff, and the EDC to promote and sustain fiscal and economic vitality in Newport Beach. It is intended, in part,
as a companion document for the General Plan (adopted in 2006), to assist the City in implementing portions of the
General Plan that affect economic development in the City. The Strategic Plan includes goals and objectives to
enhance the business climate in the community and focuses on a shorter time frame (three to five years) than does
the General Plan, since economic conditions and priorities can change more rapidly than do planning goals related
to community character and land use patterns. The Strategic Plan calls for regular reviews of progress and re-
assessments of priorities. The Strategic Plan continues to be reviewed and implemented each year.
25.1 Implement Housing
Element Programs
Ongoing
The City implements Housing Element Programs through review of proposed residential projects. Programs are
reviewed in the Housing Element Progress Report, provided as a part of the Annual General Plan Progress Report.
26.1 Enforce Codes and
Ordinances
Ongoing
The City enforces all Municipal Code Sections including but not limited to health and safety and zoning to implement
the General Plan primarily on a complaint-driven basis.
27.1 Seismic Compliance Ongoing
The City continuously implements the Municipal Code and the California Building Code through the Building
Division, which requires seismic retrofitting and strengthening to minimize damage in the event of a seismic geologic
hazard.
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28.1 Maintain Hazards
Data Base
Ongoing
The Police Department maintains a crime statistics database to keep track of the type and occurrence of criminal
activities. The Fire Department relies on the Disaster Preparedness Division under the City’s Emergency
Management Program (see Program 28.2 and 29.1) for the planning of facilities, personnel assignments, and
emergency response programs as related to natural hazards. Additionally, the City maintains hazard information in
its Geographic Information System (GIS).
28.2 Maintain Emergency
Preparedness,
Response, and
Recovery Programs
Ongoing
On March 27, 2024, the City participated in the Statewide Tsunami Communications Drill. Representatives from Fire,
Police, Lifeguards and the Harbor Department gathered at the City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and
discussed protocols and communication resources to be utilized during a tsunami event.
On July 4, 2024, the Police Department Operations Center (DOC) was activated to support the field operations and
interdepartmental coordination. Several briefings were held to ensure all departments were sharing intelligence and
coordinating.
On October 10, 2024, Orange County’s Regional Emergency Notification System, AlertOC, was tested with the help
of 25 jurisdictions (24 cities and the County unincorporated areas) including Newport Beach, in conjunction with
National Preparedness Month. The primary objective of the regional exercise was to test Alert OC’s capability,
capacity and effectiveness to deliver emergency notifications to the public during a major disaster, and to encourage
residents to register their cell phone numbers. Approximately 33,000 (mostly landline) phone numbers were called
during the test. The City’s public hotline received over 400 calls from residents. The hotline was staffed with
representatives from the Police Department.
The City’s Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) is comprised of representatives from each department and
meets quarterly. The EPC works collaboratively to plan, train, and address all city emergency management threats.
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29.1 Educate the
Community
Ongoing
February 12, 2024, the Police Department launched the Newport Notified alert system for disseminating general and
emergency information directly to the community. It is used to notify residents and subscribers about issues
impacting safety, such as traffic advisories, crime alerts, and community updates. It is also used for emergency
notifications related to power outages, evacuations, tsunamis, and other hazards where public safety is at risk.
The City continuously educates the community through its various City Departments on services, programs, and key
issues including land use zoning and development processes; development fees; code compliance; property and
building maintenance and improvement techniques; financial assistance and affordable housing programs, public
transportation; ride-sharing, energy conservation methods, waste reduction and recycling programs; hazards and
emergency/disaster preparedness, evacuation, and response protocols and procedures; natural resources and their
value; educational and cultural events and venues; parks and recreation, health and safety, and seniors and youth
programs; and access to government services and elected officials. Significant events include:
• Emergency Siren System Test (1/5/24)
• Emergency Siren System Test (2/2/24)
• Emergency Siren System Test (3/1/24)
• Emergency Siren System Test (4/5/24)
• Emergency Siren System Test (5/3/24)
• Emergency Siren System Test (6/7/24)
• Emergency Siren System Test (7/5/24)
• Emergency Siren System Test (8/2/24)
• Emergency Siren System Test (9/6/24)
• Emergency Siren System Test (10/4/24)
• Emergency Siren System Test (11/1/24)
• Emergency Siren System Test (12/6/24)
The Disaster Preparedness Division implemented several community outreach programs as they relate to
emergency and disaster preparedness including AlertOC, which is a mass notification calling system for staff,
residents, and businesses, The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program to certify residents as
Disaster Service Workers, School Emergency Response Team (SERT) training sessions in public schools and
private schools, and Business Emergency Response Team training sessions.
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29.2 Support of the Arts,
Culture, and Historic
Resources Melissa
Harston
Ongoing
2024 Arts and Culture Update:
Concerts on the Green
Three concerts were held Summer 2024 with hundreds of residents and guests in attendance at each performance.
Featured bands were Radio Rebels, Wilbury Super Group, and AbSOULute. Concerts took place in Civic Center
Park.
Cultural Arts Grants
In 2024, arts organizations were awarded a total of $25,000 of grant funding to provide arts programs to the local
community.
Exhibits in the Central Library
The City Arts Commission maintains exhibit space at the Central Library. The Commission’s Art in Public Places Ad
Hoc Subcommittee meets periodically to review artist's submissions for the exhibition in the Central Library Lobby
Gallery. Six artists’ works of art were displayed in the gallery space during 2024.
Marina Park Concert
In October, residents and guests attended the annual Concert at Marina Park featuring jazz and swing tribute band
Gotham City Swingers.
Newport Beach Art Exhibition
The 57th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition took place in June 2024. The event featured 233 pieces of artwork by
138 artists. Attendees of the one-day art show enjoyed visiting with local artists and hearing live music with
refreshments available in the Pavilion on the Civic Center Green. Children’s art activities were also offered to allow
young artists an opportunity to express their own artistic creativity.
Newport Beach Arts Foundation
The Newport Beach Arts Foundation, a private non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, is dedicated to supporting the
purposes and objectives of the arts programs of the City of Newport Beach. Their annual Art in the Park fine arts
and artisans fair took place in September 2024.
Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park
In June 2024, the City Arts Commission presented Phase IX of the Sculpture Exhibition in Civic Center Park with the
grand opening ceremony held the same day as the Newport Beach Art Exhibition.
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In November 2024, the City Council approved changing the exhibition period from two years to three years for
currently installed Phases VIII and IX and future phase installations.
Student Art Exhibition
The Newport Beach Student Art Exhibition opened to pre-K through 12th grade students at the beginning of 2024.
Accepted artwork was displayed at the Central Library in April and May and an awards ceremony recognizing
exhibition winners was held during the City Arts Commission’s June 2024 regular meeting.
29.3 Support Community
Environmental and
Recreation Initiatives
Ongoing
The City supports any private groups’ efforts to acquire property to improve access to the anticipated development
of the Orange Coast River Park. The City has also supported the Banning Ranch Conservancy’s efforts to acquire
the Banning Ranch property to preserve it as open space while advocating for development of approximately 10% of
the site for housing including affordable housing to assist the City’s efforts to meet the 6th Cycle Regional Housing
Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation.
The Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center ran by the Newport Bay Conservancy and Orange County Parks is a
10,000 square foot educational facility built into the side of one of the bluffs on the north side of the Bay. The center
is open daily with fee admission, provides exhibits and interactive displays on the nature and history of the Bay.
Visitors learn about life in and around an estuary and why Upper Newport Bay is such an important estuary. The
knowledge and understanding gained here will give people an even greater appreciation of the Bay when they take
guided walking and water tours or explore the Bay on their own. The Interpretive Center provides community events
throughout the year such tours and education events, and environmental clean-up events (The Peter & Mary Muth
Interpretive Center).
30.1 Maintain Annual
Budgets for City
Services and
Improvements
Ongoing
Annual budgets are maintained and reviewed by the City Council annually. A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is
included in the annual budget approved by City Council each year. In June 2022, the City Council approved the
budget and CIP for the Fiscal Year 2022-23. In June 2023, the City Council approved the budget for the Fiscal Year
2023-24.
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Programs Status
30.2 Administer Impact
and User Fees
(Development
Impact Fees, Park
Dedication and In-Lieu Fees, and
Tideland Revenue
Fees)
Ongoing
1. Development impact fees including fair share traffic fees are assessed for each development project. The
completion of updating the Fair Share Traffic Fee has been put on hold (see Program 7.2).
2. In November 2024 and effective 2025, the City Council approved a Nexus Study, Fee Schedule, and established
a Development Impact Fee (DIF) Program. The fee schedule and DIF program was approved with no opposition
from the development community. More information on this program and fees can be found in the Staff Report.
The program will apply to new residential development planned in the 6th Cycle Housing Element and new
nonresidential development. For nonresidential, language is included that incentivizes neighborhood serving
uses and tax generating uses.
3. Park fees are assessed for all new residential subdivisions pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act and the City’s
Subdivision Code. Last adjusted in 2007, Resolution No. 2020-95 approved by City Council on November 10,
2020, adjusts the park fees pursuant to an appraisal. The adjusted rate went into effect January 9, 2021, and will
be phased-in over two years. In October of 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution 2024-75 which adjusted
the park fees pursuant to an updated appraisal. The adjusted rate will be phased in over one year.
4. Annually, in January the fees for onshore and offshore moorings escalate based on the Consumer Price Index.
The new fees were implemented with the billing cycle beginning January 1, 2025.
5. Annually in Q2 the services of the Harbor Department and associated fees are evaluated. Additionally,
the Harbor Department was selected to participate in the 2023 Fee Study. In 2024, six of the fees for Harbor
Department services were reduced based on improved processes and use of technology. Eleven new fees were
added for services the Harbor Department is now able to provide:
a. Rhine Wharf permit
b. Variance applications
c. Use of electrical cord and/or adapter while at Marina Park
d. Purchase (non-return) of electrical cord or adapter
e. Mooring size exchange
f. Mooring license application fee
g. Mooring license waitlist fee (one-time or annual)
h. Group/exclusive use fee for Marina Park
i. Deposit/late cancellation fee for use of Human Lift - Marina Park
j. Mooring assists- after hours
k. Deposit/late cancellation fee for use of Human Lift - Balboa Marina PD
6. In 2024, new rate structure for mooring permits was proposed by the City Council and is now under review by
the State Lands Commission.
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Programs Status
31.1 Consider the
Establishment of
Community Facilities
and Special
Assessment
Districts
Ongoing
City staff has been evaluating the potential need to establish a Community Facilities District for the Airport Area to
potentially support additional public safety equipment and personnel. As an alternative to establishing financing
districts, the City Council initiated a study of Development Impact fees as a way to fund future facility needs. The
study was started in 2021 and completed in November 2024.
In 2024, the City began the process to establish a community pool facility, the Lower Castaways Aquatics Facility, at
100 Dover Drive:
• An Ad Hoc Committee met several times between March and September 2024.
• City Council study session held on October 8, 2024, supported the Ad Hoc Committees recommendation for
development as a community pool facility.
• On November 12, 2024, the City Council initiated amendments to Anomaly 54 in Table LU2 of the General
Plan Land Use Element and to the Castaways Marina Planned Community (PC-37) Development Plan. Both
amendments are necessary for the City to consider development of the Lower Castaways Aquatics Facility.
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