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Resilience Existing Conditions and
Background Analysis
City of Newport Beach
General Plan Update
JANUARY 2024
Prepared for:
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
Prepared by:
27372 Calle Arroyo
San Juan Capistrano, California 92675
Printed on 30% post-consumer recycled material.
i NOVEMBER 2023
Table of Contents
SECTION PAGE NO.
Acronyms, Abbreviations, Key Terms ............................................................................................................................... v
1 Executive Summary.............................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Overview and Purpose............................................................................................................................ 2
2.2 Defining Resilience in Newport Beach .................................................................................................. 2
3 General Plan and Regulatory Review .................................................................................................................. 4
3.1 Resilience in State Regulations and Guidance .................................................................................... 4
3.1.1 Coastal Hazards ........................................................................................................................ 4
3.1.2 Education .................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1.3 Buildings and Development ..................................................................................................... 5
3.1.4 Transportation ........................................................................................................................... 6
3.1.5 Waste Reduction ....................................................................................................................... 6
3.1.6 Energy ........................................................................................................................................ 6
3.1.7 Water Conservation .................................................................................................................. 6
3.1.8 Water Quality ............................................................................................................................. 6
3.1.9 Urban Outdoors ......................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Resilience in the Adopted General Plan ................................................................................................ 7
3.3 Resilience in Local Implementation ................................................................................................... 15
3.4 Summary and Findings ....................................................................................................................... 18
4 Existing Conditions ............................................................................................................................................ 20
4.1 Coastal Hazards .................................................................................................................................. 20
4.1.1 Projected Sea-Level Rise in Newport Beach ........................................................................ 20
4.1.2 Potentially Affected Areas ..................................................................................................... 22
4.1.3 Vulnerability Assessment ...................................................................................................... 33
4.2 Education ............................................................................................................................................. 34
4.2.1 City of Newport Beach Website ............................................................................................. 35
4.2.2 Social Media ........................................................................................................................... 36
4.2.3 Other Resources .................................................................................................................... 36
4.3 Buildings and Development ................................................................................................................ 37
4.3.1 Green Building Standards Code ............................................................................................ 37
4.3.2 Energy Action Plan ................................................................................................................. 37
4.3.3 Wildfires .................................................................................................................................. 38
4.4 Transportation ..................................................................................................................................... 40
4.4.1 Land Use Compatibility .......................................................................................................... 41
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4.4.2 Public Transportation ............................................................................................................ 43
4.4.3 Active Transportation ............................................................................................................. 45
4.4.4 Parking.................................................................................................................................... 46
4.5 Waste Reduction ................................................................................................................................. 49
4.6 Energy .................................................................................................................................................. 50
4.7 Water Conservation ............................................................................................................................. 51
4.8 Water Quality ....................................................................................................................................... 52
4.8.1 Recreational Water Quality Concerns ................................................................................... 52
4.8.2 Efforts to Improve Recreational Water Quality ..................................................................... 53
4.9 Urban Outdoors ................................................................................................................................... 53
5 Issues and Opportunities .................................................................................................................................. 55
5.1 Findings ................................................................................................................................................ 55
5.1.1 Coastal Hazards ..................................................................................................................... 55
5.1.2 Education ............................................................................................................................... 56
5.1.3 Buildings and Development .................................................................................................. 56
5.1.4 Transportation ........................................................................................................................ 56
5.1.5 Waste Reduction .................................................................................................................... 57
5.1.6 Energy ..................................................................................................................................... 57
5.1.7 Water Conservation ............................................................................................................... 57
5.1.8 Water Quality .......................................................................................................................... 57
5.1.9 Urban Outdoors ...................................................................................................................... 58
5.2 Best Practices from Other Local Governments ................................................................................. 58
5.2.1 Plans and Elements ............................................................................................................... 58
5.2.2 Notable Projects, Programs, and Policies ............................................................................ 61
5.3 Implementation Considerations ......................................................................................................... 64
5.3.1 Staffing Needs and Responsible Agencies .......................................................................... 64
5.3.2 Funding Opportunities ........................................................................................................... 65
6 Recommendations ............................................................................................................................................ 76
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TABLES
Table 1. Resilience in State General Plan Requirements and Guidance ....................................................................... 4
Table 2. Resilience in the Adopted General Plan ............................................................................................................ 7
Table 3. Local Implementation by Resilience Topic ..................................................................................................... 16
Table 4. Projected Sea-Level Rise in Los Angeles ........................................................................................................ 22
Table 5. Development Vulnerable to Coastal Flooding ................................................................................................ 33
Table 6. Types of Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment ............................................................................................... 48
Table 7. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Requirements for New Residential Development ........................................ 48
Table 8. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Requirements for Non-Residential Development ........................................ 49
Table 9. Southern California Edison 2022 Power Mix ................................................................................................. 50
Table 10. Non-Municipal Parks and Open Space in the City of Newport Beach ........................................................ 54
FIGURES
Figure 1. Coastal Flooding Citywide ............................................................................................................................... 24
Figure 2. Coastal Flooding in Newport Harbor .............................................................................................................. 25
Figure 3. Coastal Flooding in Newport Bay ................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 4. Cliff Erosion in Corona Del Mar ..................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 5. Cliff Erosion in Newport Coast ........................................................................................................................ 30
Figure 6. Beach Erosion North of Newport Beach Pier ................................................................................................ 31
Figure 7. Beach Erosion on Balboa Peninsula .............................................................................................................. 32
Figure 8. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Newport Beach ............................................................................. 39
Figure 9. Fire History in Newport Beach ........................................................................................................................ 40
Figure 10. Land Uses in Newport Beach ....................................................................................................................... 42
Figure 11. Vehicle Miles Traveled in Newport Beach ................................................................................................... 43
Figure 12. Transportation Routes in Newport Beach ................................................................................................... 44
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Acronyms, Abbreviations, Key Terms
Acronym/Abbreviation Expanded Form
AB Assembly Bill
BID Business Improvement District
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
CALGreen California Green Buildings Standards Code
CAP Climate Action Plan
CCC California Coastal Commission
CFD Community Facilities District
City City of Newport Beach
CoSMoS Our Coast, Our Future’s Coastal Storm Modeling System
CRIA Community Revitalization and Investment Authority
EAP Energy Action Plan
EIFD Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District
EV electric vehicle
GHG greenhouse gas
GPAC General Plan Advisory Committee
HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
OCTA Orange County Transportation Authority
OPC California Ocean Protection Council
OPR State of California Office of Planning and Research
RCP Relative Concentration Pathway
SB Senate Bill
SCE Southern California Edison
SMCA State Marine Conservation Area
VMT vehicle miles traveled
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1 Executive Summary
This report comprehensively assesses nine resilience topics that the community has deemed especially important
in Newport Beach: resilience to coastal hazards, environmental education and awareness, sustainable buildings
and development, sustainable transportation, waste reduction, energy efficiency and conservation, water
conservation, recreational water quality, and urban outdoors. It identifies how the City is already addressing these
topics and how the City should further address the topics through the General Plan Update, to improve coordination
between City departments, maximize implementation funding opportunities, and ensure that Newport Beach
remains resilient.
The City is already addressing resilience in the adopted General Plan and Implementation Program, Local Coastal
Program and Implementation Plan, Municipal Code, and various other plans and policy documents focused on
specific issues such as the Urban Water Management Plan. Moreover, the City works closely with other local, state,
and federal agencies to address regional issues and implement state and federal environmental laws. However,
many of these plans and programs, including the General Plan, must be updated to reflect rapidly changing
environmental, economic, and social conditions, comply with new state and federal laws, and respond to the needs
and desires of the community.
In order to protect residents, businesses, property, infrastructure, and natural environments from worsening
environmental hazards and to ensure the continued vitality of the local economy and community, the General Plan
Update should prioritize policies that advance resilience across Newport Beach. Specifically, coastal hazard
resilience can be addressed in the Harbor and Bay and Safety Elements to support a Local Coastal Program update
consistent with the current CCC standards. Environmental education and awareness should be addressed in nearly
every General Plan element in order to ensure community members are aware of their own environmental impact,
what the City is doing to improve environmental quality, and what resources are available to them. Resilience in
buildings and development should be addressed in the Land Use Element with focus on green building design.
Resilience and sustainability in transportation has recently been addressed in the Circulation Element update which
focuses on reducing transportation emissions by promoting alternatives to driving and zero emission vehicles and
can potentially be further enhanced through additional policies. Further, transportation-related topics can also be
addressed in other elements including the Land Use Element to include supportive land uses and electric vehicle
(EV) charging infrastructure. Waste reduction can be addressed in the Natural Resources Element with focus on
reducing the amount of solid waste generated and preventing it from entering the natural environment. Water
conservation can be addressed in the Land Use Element and focus mainly on the implementation of sustainable
landscaping practices. Recreational water quality can be addressed in the Harbor and Bay, Recreation, and Natural
Resources Elements and focus on reducing known pollutants at the source and educating the public. Lastly, urban
outdoors can be addressed in the Land Use and Recreation Elements and focus on protecting and expanding
outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone. Further recommendations include increased coordination and
efficient implementation to maximize the pursuit of funding opportunities, incentives to help facilitate increased
resilience, implementation steps and mechanisms for each policy, as applicable, and the establishment of a
resilience staff lead to coordinate and lead implementation.
By addressing resilience issues throughout the General Plan through targeted policies and programs in each
element as recommended, the City can address resilience wholistically while increasing internal coordination. This
will ensure the continued health of the community, economy, and natural and built environments of Newport Beach.
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2 Introduction
2.1 Overview and Purpose
One of the central functions of the City of Newport Beach (City) General Plan is to ensure that the City maintains a
high level of environmental quality for the community. To do so, the City must plan to address any issues that
threaten environmental quality. Although this concept—referred to as “resilience”—is already integrated into many
parts of the General Plan, it is necessary to periodically reassess issues, evaluate how effectively the City is
addressing them, and update plans and policies accordingly. This Resilience Existing Conditions and Background
Analysis is intended to help identify these issues, where they are or can be addressed in the General Plan or other
plans, and possible solutions that have been successful in other cities facing similar issues.
2.2 Defining Resilience in Newport Beach
“Resilience” is the community’s ability to respond and adapt to changing social, economic, and environmental
conditions. General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) members expressed concern regarding potential
vulnerabilities relating to changes in the environment and want to ensure that the General Plan Update will help to
protect the quality of life, resources, and amenities in Newport Beach. Resilience can be achieved through a number
of measures, including but not limited to the incorporation of sustainability into planning and development.
“Sustainability” refers to efforts to reduce the use of natural resources and the impact that people have on the
environment. GPAC members have proposed a series of topics that they wish to be considered through the General
Plan Update that may be vulnerable and can be addressed under the lenses of resilience. Other trends and topics
related to resilience will be addressed in other analyses for the General Plan Update, as resilience is a broad topic
that can apply to a multitude of planning matters. However, initial topics analyzed under the lens of resilience in
this report include the following:
1. Coastal Hazards. Protection from sea-level rise, flooding, and coastal erosion are topics that are of great
concern to Newport Beach community members. This section provides an overview of the coastal hazards
impact, and provides descriptions and maps of various hazard scenarios in local communities such as the
Balboa Peninsula, Newport Harbor and Corona del Mar.
2. Education. Municipal resources provide information tailored to the needs of residents and business owners,
and can raise awareness on current City efforts, strategies, and goals related to climate resilience. This
section provides an overview of these resources, including the City’s Green Building Guidelines, and the
channels, such as social media, that the City uses to share this information with the general public.
3. Buildings and Development. Implementation of green building design guidelines and other sustainable
building techniques can greatly improve the resilience of the built environment and help alleviate strains
on existing infrastructure systems. This section provides an overview of existing building and fire codes and
resources, such as the City’s Green Building Code, which are pertinent to infrastructure resilience.
4. Transportation. Effective transportation systems are interconnected with land uses, and disruptions to
existing and planned systems have the potential to create barriers to access. This section evaluates existing
conditions for transportation alternatives to the private car, including public transportation routes and
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active transportation roads. This section will also provide information on the City’s provisions regarding
bicycle parking and parking intended for electric vehicles (EVs).
5. Waste Reduction. Reduction of waste takes many forms. Waste reduction can reduce risks associated with
hazardous sites, and ultimately helps create a cleaner and healthier environment for all. This section
provides an overview of the City’s various waste management strategies and compliance with State
legislation related to waste management.
6. Energy. Diversity in energy sources can help reduce reliance on existing systems and promote renewable
energy use. This section provides information on the Southern California Edison service area which includes
Newport Beach, electrification scenarios, and other related energy initiatives.
7. Water Conservation. When paired together, the diversification of water sources and implementation of
conservation strategies can reduce the City’s impact on the water supply and increase the City’s resilience
in the event of a drought. This section provides information on the City’s water use and supply, as well as
on the Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
8. Water Quality. Maintaining and improving the quality of water in the bay and harbor can protect Newport
Beach’s greatest assets, contributing to the local economy and quality of life. This section provides
information on Newport Beach’s water quality, as defined by Federal and State standards, and information
on the water district agencies that operate within the City’s jurisdiction.
9. Urban Outdoors. Newport Beach’s recreational and natural open spaces are vital to the City’s identity and
support the community’s physical, social, and environmental health. Newport Beach’s tree canopy is a
central community feature that helps residents and visitors keep cool on hot days. This section provides an
overview of Newport Beach’s natural resources and open spaces, and information on numerous agencies
associated with the protection of these spaces.
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3 General Plan and Regulatory Review
The City’s General Plan and existing legislative and local regulations address many of the analyzed topics as they
relate to resilience (see Section 1.2, Defining Resilience in Newport Beach). This chapter identifies where those
topics are addressed in legislation, including recommended guidance from the State and local regulations, and
identifies where those topics are addressed in the existing General Plan.
3.1 Resilience in State Regulations and Guidance
All California localities are required under State law to develop a general plan to serve as a blueprint for shaping
and guiding its future. The State of California Office of Planning and Research (OPR) provides guidance on general
plan legislative requirements, as well as recommended policy guidance and available resources. An overview of the
analyzed resilience topics and which State-required general plan elements they relate to is shown in Table 1 and is
further detailed in this chapter. Required general plan elements have specific topics or issues that must be
addressed. State guidance provides additional context on where general plan elements can be enhanced to
address community-specific concerns.
Table 1. Resilience in State General Plan Requirements and Guidance
Land Use
Element
Circulation
Element
Housing
Element
Conservation
Element*
Open Space
Element**
Noise
Element
Safety
Element
Coastal Hazards Requirement N/A N/A Guidance Requirement N/A Requirement
Education Guidance Guidance N/A N/A N/A N/A Guidance
Buildings and
Development
Guidance N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Transportation N/A Requirement N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Waste
Reduction
Guidance N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Guidance
Energy Guidance N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Water
Conservation
N/A N/A N/A Requirement N/A N/A Requirement
Water Quality N/A N/A N/A Guidance N/A N/A N/A
Urban Outdoors N/A N/A N/A N/A Requirement N/A N/A
N/A = not applicable
*The City of Newport Beach adopted General Plan addresses conservation in the Natural Resources Element.
**The City of Newport Beach adopted General Plan addresses open space in the Recreation Element.
3.1.1 Coastal Hazards
Coastal hazards are required to be addressed in several of the mandated general plan elements, with additional
recommendations provided by the State for addressing this topic.
Land Use Element: Land use elements are required to consider the potential for flooding associated with all land uses,
including those areas that can accommodate flood water for groundwater recharge. Sensitive land uses, such as
residential uses, should not be permitted in flood zones, and all uses should be designed to accommodate flood water.
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Natural Resources Element: State guidelines recommend that general plans, typically in the conservation element,
consider the prevention, control, and correction of the erosion of beaches and shores. It is also recommended that
the location, quantity, and quality of sand resources be considered.
Recreation Element: Recreation elements, or open space elements in, must consider the climate resilience benefits
of open space and the potential threats to open space, in coordination with the safety element.1
Safety Element: Safety elements are required to consider potential risks to proposed land uses and proposed
development in hazard zones, including flood zones and areas of coastal erosion. It is recommended that safety
elements consider ways to minimize the impacts of potential disaster events.
Coastal hazards are of great importance along California’s coastline. While not a requirement of the General Plan,
SB 272 (2023) requires that local governments within the coastal zone develop a sea level rise plan as part of its
local coastal program.
3.1.2 Education
Although education is not a required component of a general plan, there are multiple areas where policies that
address education programs should be considered.
Circulation Element: Policies supporting educational programs are recommended to be included in circulation
elements because these programs can provide tools and education to encourage a mix of transportation modes,
such as walking and riding bikes.
Safety Element: Safety elements are required to address emergency preparedness, and it is recommended that
policies addressing education in emergency preparedness are included to ensure that all are prepared to respond
during an emergency event.
3.1.3 Buildings and Development
While efficient land use patterns and green building design are not required to be addressed in general plans, other
tools, such as transportation networks and the California Building Code, provide regulations, information and
guidelines related to buildings and development.
Land Use Element: Although not a requirement, green building standards can be encouraged as a way to incentivize
options for exceeding Statewide standards for new construction, which can further improve energy and water
conservation efforts. Land use elements can also craft policies related to green building standards through
rehabilitation.
1 The City of Newport Beach fulfills the requirements of the conservation and open space elements through its Natural Resources
Element and Recreation Element. Therefore, these elements will address the coastal hazard topics typically covered by
conservation and open space elements.
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3.1.4 Transportation
Circulation Element: The Circulation Element is required to plan for “a balanced, multimodal transportation
network” that considers people who bike and walk, children, people with disabilities, motorists, commercial goods
movement, people who use public transportation, and older adults.
3.1.5 Waste Reduction
Safety Element: The Safety Element must consider sites that contain potentially hazardous materials and address
strategies for remediation.
Land Use Element: The Land use Element may incorporate policies to encourage green building policies that reduce
construction waste beyond Statewide standards.
3.1.6 Energy
Land Use Element: Green building policies may be incorporated into land use elements to encourage development
to incorporate energy-efficient features and building design.
3.1.7 Water Conservation
Natural Resources Element: The Natural Resources element, which addresses the components of the required
conservation element, requires coordination with agencies that are concerned with water, and evaluation of water
supply and demand. Natural resource elements must identify lands that can accommodate flood water for
groundwater recharge and stormwater management.
Safety Element: The Safety Element is required to address water supply and demand. This looks at water storage
and water supply assessments for the region.
3.1.8 Water Quality
Natural Resources Element: The Natural Resources Element, which addresses the requirements of the
conservation element, may incorporate policies for prevention and control of water pollution and protection of
watersheds.
3.1.9 Urban Outdoors
Recreation Element: The Recreation Element, which addresses the components of the required the open space
element, must consider access to open space for all residents. Access to open space must consider equitable
access in terms of social, economic, and racial equity.
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3.2 Resilience in the Adopted General Plan
The City’s adopted General Plan addresses many of the analyzed topics as they relate to resilience. Table 2
identifies the General Plan goals and policies addressing resilience by each topic and includes a brief description
of policy implementation measures identified in the General Plan Implementation Element (Chapter 13).
Table 2. Resilience in the Adopted General Plan
Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures
Coastal Hazards
Harbor and Bay
Element
Policies under Goal 9 address the need for
and design of bulkheads:
▪ Policy 9.1, Design of New or Renovated
Bulkheads
▪ Policy 9.2, Protection of Beach Profile
▪ Amend the Zoning Code for
Consistency with the General Plan:
- Codify requirements and
standards for the location and
design of development to protect
terrestrial and marine
environmental resources and
protect against environmental
hazards.
▪ Review and revise Coastal Land Use
Plan for consistency with the
General Plan.
Safety Element Policies under Goal 2 address the need to
protect people and property from coastal
hazards related to storm surges and
seiches:
▪ Policy 2.1, Wave Up-Rush and Impact
Reports
▪ Policy 2.2, Shoreline Management Plan
▪ Policy 2.5, Shoreline Protection
Alternatives
▪ Develop Harbor Area Management
Plan.
▪ Maintain hazards database.
Policies under Goal 3 address adverse
effects of coastal erosion:
▪ Policy 3.1, Coastal Hazard Studies
▪ Policy 3.2, Beach Width Monitoring
▪ Policy 3.3, Maintenance of Beach Width
and Elevations
▪ Develop Harbor Area Management
Plan.
▪ Maintain hazards database.
Education
Safety Element Policies under Goal 9 of the Safety Element
address educational opportunities to
enhance emergency preparedness:
▪ Policy 9.2, Emergency Management
Systems Training
▪ Policy 9.4, Familiarity with National and
State Response Plans
▪ Maintain hazards database.
▪ Educate the Community:
- Newsletters, the City of Newport
Beach (City) webpage, television
broadcasts, workshops, and
general community presentations.
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Table 2. Resilience in the Adopted General Plan
Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures
▪ Policy 9.5, Emergency and Disaster
Education Programs
▪ Policy 9.6, Effective Emergency
Evacuation Programs
Buildings and Development
Natural Resources
Element
Policies under Goal 24 address energy
efficiency in City facilities and operations
and in private developments:
▪ Policy 24.1, Incentives for Energy
Conservation
▪ Policy 24.2, Energy-Efficient Design
Features
▪ Policy 24.3, Incentives for Green
Building Program Implementation
▪ Policy 24.4, Incentives for Provision of
LEED Certified Buildings
▪ Policy 24.5, New Methane Extraction
Activities to Reduce Reliance on Fossil
Fuels
Review Building and Construction Code
for consistency with General Plan and
consider revisions of Title 15 California
Building Code to foster the use of
“green” building techniques.
Land Use Element Policies under Goal 5.6 address a diversity
of uses and buildings that are mutually
compatible and enhance the quality of
Newport Beach’s environment in
neighborhoods and districts:
▪ Policy 5.6.1, Compatible Development
▪ Policy 5.6.4, Conformance with the
Natural Environmental Setting
Amendments to the Newport Beach
Municipal Code (NBMC) to do the
following:
▪ Implement more environmentally
sustainable buildings and site
planning.
▪ Protect development and
populations from the risks of
environmental hazards.
Policies under Goal 6 address a diversity of
governmental service, institutional,
educational, cultural, social, religious, and
medical facilities that are available for and
enhance the quality of life for residents and
are located and designed to complement
Newport Beach’s neighborhoods:
▪ Policy 6.1.2, Siting of New Development
▪ Coordinate with school districts to
identify and monitor school sites
and expand and manage facilities.
▪ Maintain and enhance police and
fire facilities.
▪ Maintain and update parks and
recreation facility plans.
▪ Maintain and improve parks and
recreation facilities.
Circulation Element Policies under Goal 5.1 and Goal 5.2
address transportation systems that support
Complete Streets policies and design, and
convenient bicycle trail systems that satisfy
recreational desires and transportation
needs:
▪ Policy 5.1.1, Circulation Complete
Streets Systems for All Users
▪ Improve arterial streets and
highways according to classification.
▪ Work with the Orange County
Transportation Authority (OCTA) for
countywide bus service.
▪ Maintain non-motorized
transportation systems as a viable
alternative to vehicular travel.
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Table 2. Resilience in the Adopted General Plan
Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures
▪ Policy 5.2.5, Travel Mode Connectivity
▪ Policy 5.2.6, Pedestrian Improvements
in New Development Projects
▪ Design, fund, and construct
streetscape improvements.
Transportation
Natural Resources
Element
Policies under Goal 6 address reduced
mobile-source emissions:
▪ Policy 6.1, Walkable Neighborhoods
▪ Policy 6.5, Local Transit Agency
Collaboration
▪ Policy 6.6, Traffic Signal Synchronization
▪ Policy 6.7, City Fleet Vehicles
▪ Policy 6.8, Accessible Alternative Fuel
Infrastructure
▪ Update and revise the General Plan
to reflect changing conditions and
visions.
▪ Review and amend the NBMC to
achieve specific objectives of the
General Plan, such as
implementation of more
environmentally sustainable
buildings and site planning.
▪ Collaborate with the Cities of Irvine,
Huntington Beach, and Costa Mesa
to address planning, development,
transportation, and other issues that
jointly impact the communities.
▪ Coordinate with OCTA to support
implementation of regional master
plan traffic-control improvements to
adequately provide for pedestrian
crossings.
▪ Operate local demand-responsive
transit service within Newport Beach
to ensure mobility and accessibility
for community members.
▪ Educate the community on City
resources, such as public
transportation and ride-sharing.
Circulation Element Policies under Goal 1.1 and Goal 1.2
address transportation systems that
facilitate the movement of people and goods
within and through Newport Beach,
accommodate conservative growth, and
reduce summertime visitor traffic impacts:
▪ Policy 1.1.1, Comprehensive
Transportation System
▪ Policy 1.2.1, Wayfinding
▪ Policy 1.2.2, Shuttle Service
▪ Policy 1.2.4, Traffic System
Management
▪ Coordinate with OCTA to support
implementation of regional master
plan improvements; solicit funding
for local transportation, transit, and
parking; provide transit support
facilities, such as park-and-ride lots
and public transit shelters; establish
or modify bus stop locations; assess
the needs for the expansion of fixed-
route service; provide expanded
summertime bus and/or shuttle
service; provide program to issue
monthly bus passes locally and
subsidize passes for certain
populations.
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Table 2. Resilience in the Adopted General Plan
Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures
▪ Identify and incorporate intelligent
transportation systems for traffic
control, to serve drivers, and to
adequately provide for pedestrian
crossings.
▪ Provide public transportation and
look for opportunities to support the
upgrade of existing services.
▪ Develop and maintain non-
motorized transportation systems as
a viable alternative to vehicular
travel.
Policies under Goal 2 address a safe and
efficient roadway system:
▪ Policy 2.2.3, Up-to-Date Standards
▪ Monitor roadway conditions and
operational systems to develop and
follow a schedule for periodic review
of City streets with respect to
pavement, signage, signalization,
and comparable elements.
▪ Maintain standards that ensure safe
and efficient access for emergency
vehicles to residential, commercial,
and industrial areas.
Policies under Goal 3.1 address regional
transportation. Specifically, a network of
regional facilities that ensures the safe and
efficient movement of people and goods
from within Newport Beach to areas outside
its boundaries and minimizes the use of City
streets by regional through-traffic:
▪ Policy 3.1.2, Integration of
Transportation Systems with Adjoining
Communities and the Region
▪ Maintain consistency with regional
jurisdictions and local governments
(California Department of
Transportation, Orange County) to
provide adequate facilities, including
roadway infrastructure plans and
design standards.
▪ Work with regional jurisdictions and
local governments to modify regional
plans (such as the Orange County
Master Plan of Arterial Highways) so
that they are consistent with City
plans.
▪ Coordinate local roadway
improvements that impact and are
impacted by the toll road with the
Transportation Corridor Agency.
Policies under Goal 4.1 address a public
transportation system that provides mobility
for residents and encourages use of public
transportation as an alternative to
automobile travel:
▪ Policy 4.1.1, Public Transit Efficiency
▪ Policy 4.1.2, Transit Services for Special
Need Populations
▪ Monitor and manage traffic
conditions at school locations.
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Table 2. Resilience in the Adopted General Plan
Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures
▪ Policy 4.1.6, School Transit ▪ Coordinate with OCTA to support
implementation of regional master
plan improvements; solicit funding
for local transportation, transit, and
parking; provide transit support
facilities such as park-and-ride lots
and public transit shelters; establish
or modify bus stop locations; assess
the needs for the expansion of fixed-
route service; provide expanded
summertime bus and/or shuttle
service; and provide program to
issue monthly bus passes locally
and subsidize passes for certain
populations.
▪ Operate local demand-responsive
transit service within Newport Beach
to ensure mobility and accessibility,
especially older adults.
▪ Develop and maintain non-
motorized transportation systems as
a viable alternative to vehicular
travel and to help satisfy local
recreational needs.
Policies under 5.2 address convenient
bicycle trail systems that satisfy recreational
desires and transportation needs:
▪ Policy 5.2.2, Integration of the Bicycle
Master Plan
▪ Policy 5.2.11, Bicycle Supporting
Amenities
Develop and maintain non-motorized
transportation systems as a viable
alternative to vehicular travel and to
help satisfy local recreational needs.
This should include trails and facilities
that traverse the Newport Beach area.
Policies under Goal 6.1 address an efficient
circulation system through transportation
systems management:
▪ Policy 6.1.1, Traffic Signals
▪ Policy 6.1.2, Intelligent Transportation
Systems
▪ Policy 6.1.3, Coordination with Adjacent
Jurisdictions
▪ Maintain and upgrade traffic signal
interconnect systems to efficiently
coordinate and control traffic flows
on arterial streets.
▪ Develop and follow a schedule for
periodic review of City streets with
respect to pavement, signage,
signalization, and comparable
elements.
▪ Collaborate with the Cities of Irvine,
Huntington Beach, and Costa Mesa
to address planning, development,
transportation, and other issues that
jointly impact the communities.
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Table 2. Resilience in the Adopted General Plan
Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures
▪ Coordinate with OCTA to support
implementation of regional master
plan improvements that will benefit
mobility within Newport Beach.
Policies under Goal 7.1 promote strategies
to reduce the use of internal combustion
passenger cars and the attendant
greenhouse gas emissions:
▪ Policy 7.1.2, VMT Mitigation Measures
▪ Policy 7.1.3, Regional VMT Mitigation
Measures
▪ Require environmental analyses for
California Environmental Quality Act
Review Development and
Entitlement Applications to include
assessment of the project’s
consistency with General Plan
policies pertaining to each
environmental topic under
discussion.
▪ Coordinate with OCTA to support
implementation of regional master
plan improvements that will benefit
mobility within Newport Beach.
Recreation Element Policies under Goal 9 address provision and
maintenance of public access for
recreational purposes to Newport Beach’s
coastal resources:
▪ Policy 9.3, Sign Program
Design, fund, and construct waterfront
promenade.
Waste Reduction
Natural Resources Policies under Goal 2 address increasing
alternative water sources.
▪ Policy 2.1, Recycled Water Use
▪ Maintain and implement Urban
Water Management Plans and
encourage conservation.
Energy
Natural Resources
Element
Policies under Goal 24 address increased
energy efficiency in City facilities and
operations and in private developments:
▪ Policy 24.2, Energy Efficient Design
Features
Review and revise Title 15 of the
California Building Code to foster the
use of “green” building techniques.
Water Conservation
Natural Resources
Element
Policies under Goal 1 address minimized
water consumption through conservation
methods and other techniques:
▪ Policy 1.2, Use of Water Conserving
Devices
▪ Policy 1.3, Tiered Water Rates
▪ Examine and modify the City’s
Subdivision Ordinance to reflect
state-of-the-art land development
practices that enhance
environmental sustainability.
▪ Review and revise Title 15 of the
NBMC to foster the use of “green”
building techniques.
▪ Maintain and Implement Urban
Water Management Plans and
encourage conservation.
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Table 2. Resilience in the Adopted General Plan
Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures
Policies under Goal 2 address expanded use
of alternative water sources to provide
adequate water supplies for present uses
and future growth:
▪ Policy 2.1, Recycled Water Use
▪ Policy 2.2, Advanced Water Treatment
Processes
▪ Maintain and Implement Urban
Water Management Plans and
encourage conservation.
Water Quality
Harbor and Bay
Element
Policies under Goal 8 of the General Plan
Harbor and Bay Element address water
quality in terms of chemicals, pollution,
groundwater contamination caused by
construction, sewage, stormwater drainage
and runoff, and the siting and design of new
development:
▪ Policy 8.2, Water Pollution Prevention
▪ Policy 8.13, Natural Wetlands
▪ Policy 8.15, Street Drainage Systems
Review and amend or maintain the
following:
▪ Subdivision Ordinance standards for
storm drainage and pollution runoff
control.
▪ Requirements for live-aboard
vessels pertaining to the integrity,
quality, and safety of harbor uses.
▪ Permits consistent with the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System.
▪ Water Quality Ordinance.
▪ Water Quality Checklist.
▪ Water Quality Management Plans.
▪ Storm drainage facilities.
Policies under Goal 7 address water quality
through policies that support the restoration
of Upper Newport Bay:
▪ Policy 7.3, Management of Upper
Newport Bay Ecological Reserve
▪ Coordinate with Orange County for
management of Newport Harbor and
Upper Newport Bay.
▪ Coordinate with the California
Resources Agency, Department of
Fish and Wildlife for the protection
and management of Upper Newport
Bay.
Natural Resources
Element
Policies under Goal 3 address enhancement
and protection of water quality of all natural
water bodies, including coastal waters,
creeks, bays, harbors, and wetlands:
▪ Policy 3.2, Water Pollution Prevention
▪ Policy 3.13, Natural Wetlands
▪ Policy 3.15, Street Drainage Systems
▪ Review the Subdivision Ordinance
for consistency with the General
Plan.
▪ Amend the NBMC to address storm
drainage and pollution runoff
control.
▪ Review and revise relevant
requirements for live-aboard vessels
pertaining to the integrity, quality,
and safety of harbor uses;
environmental protection; and
impacts on the public, waterfront
owners/lessees, and adjoining
properties.
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Table 2. Resilience in the Adopted General Plan
Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures
▪ Maintain and implement Urban
Water Management Plans and
encourage conservation.
▪ Maintain and implement Sewer
Master Plan.
▪ Maintain storm drainage facilities.
Urban Outdoors
Land Use Element Policies under Goal 1 address a unique
residential community with diverse coastal
and upland neighborhoods that values its
colorful past, high quality of life, and
community bonds, and balances the needs
of residents, businesses, and visitors
through the recognition that Newport Beach
is primarily a residential community:
▪ Policy 1.3, Natural Resources
Review entitlements for consistency with
the General Plan.
Natural Resources
Element
Policies under Goal 3 address enhancement
and protection of water quality of all natural
water bodies, including coastal waters,
creeks, bays, harbors, and wetlands:
▪ Policy 3.1, Chemical Uses Impacting
Water Quality
Review and amend the NBMC
Subdivision Ordinance where necessary
to ensure consistency with its goals and
policies, including hazard abatement
and environment impact mitigation.
Policies under Goal 5 address sanitary sewer
outflows, specifically minimal adverse
effects to water quality from sanitary sewer
outflows:
▪ Policy 5.1, City Sewer Management and
Master Plans
Maintain and implement Sewer Master
Plan.
Policies under Goal 13 address the
protection, maintenance, and enhancement
of Southern California wetlands:
▪ Policy 13.1, Wetland Protection
▪ Review and amend, where
necessary, NBMC requirements and
standards pertaining to the location
and design of development to
protect terrestrial and marine
environmental resources.
▪ Develop Harbor Area Management
Plan.
Policies under Goal 16 address protection
and management of Upper Newport Bay:
▪ Policy 16.2, Big Canyon Creek
Restoration Project
▪ Policy 16.3, Management of Upper
Newport Bay Ecological Reserve
(UNBER)
▪ Policy 16.4, Management of Upper
Newport Bay Ecological Reserve
▪ Review and amend the NBMC
standards pertaining to the location
and design of development to
protect and maintain the integrity
and quality of Newport Harbor and
the Upper Newport Bay.
▪ Coordinate with Orange County for
the management of Newport Harbor
and Upper Newport Bay.
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Table 2. Resilience in the Adopted General Plan
Element Goal/Key Policies Implementation Measures
▪ Policy 16.5, Public Uses within Upper
Newport Bay Ecological Reserve
▪ Policy 16.6, Water-Related Education
and Research within Upper Newport Bay
▪ Coordinate with the California
Resources Agency, Department of
Fish and Wildlife to review projects
that may impact terrestrial and
marine resources, and for the
restoration of Newport Bay and
management of Upper Newport Bay.
▪ Maintain and update parks and
recreation facility plans.
▪ Maintain recreation programs for
Newport Beach residents.
Harbor and Bay
Element
Policies under Goal 7 address water quality
through policies that support the restoration
of Upper Newport Bay:
▪ Policy 7.2, Management of Upper
Newport Bay Ecological Reserve
(UNBER)
▪ Policy 7.3, Management of Upper
Newport Bay Ecological Reserve
▪ Policy 7.4, Public Uses within Upper
Newport Bay Ecological Reserve
▪ Policy 7.5, Water-Related Education and
Research within Upper Newport Bay
▪ Review and amend the NBMC
standards pertaining to the location
and design of development to
protect and maintain the integrity
and quality of Newport Harbor and
the Upper Newport Bay.
▪ Coordinate with Orange County for
the management of Newport Harbor
and Upper Newport Bay.
▪ Coordinate with the California
Resources Agency, Department of
Fish and Wildlife to review projects
that may impact terrestrial and
marine resources, and for the
restoration of Newport Bay and
management of Upper Newport Bay.
▪ Coordinate Harbor event planning in
collaboration with the Harbor
Commission and Orange County
Harbor Patrol.
Policies under Goal 8 address enhancement
and protection of water quality of all natural
water bodies, including coastal waters,
creeks, bays, harbors, and wetlands:
▪ Policy 8.1, Chemical Uses Impacting
Water Quality
Review and update, as needed,
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.
3.3 Resilience in Local Implementation
The City implements resilience policies as they relate to the analyzed resilience topics. Table 3 provides an overview
of local implementation steps being taken by the City to implement resilience policies.
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Table 3. Local Implementation by Resilience Topic
Coastal Hazards
▪ Harbor and bay regulations adopted by the City of Newport Beach (City) to address the provision of
development within the harbor. 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 bulkhead 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) to protect existing and proposed development from flooding and future sea level rise.
▪ The Harbor Area Management Plan adopted in 2010 addresses marine habitat restoration, including kelp
beds and fisheries, and boat anchorages, marinas, and other development activities. Harbor improvements
aim to facilitate boating and other coastal recreation while protecting marine habitats, preventing water
pollution, maintaining hydrologic functions, protecting coastal landforms and dunes, minimizing sand
transport, and ensuring compatibility with adjoining residential areas.
▪ The Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan, which the City adopted in 2017 following California
Coastal Commission approval, sets forth goals, objectives, and policies that govern the use of land and
water in the Coastal Zone within the City limits and its sphere of influence (except Newport Coast and
Banning Ranch). Appendix A of the Local Coastal Program, Sea Level Rise, states the City’s intention to
undertake a proactive program to monitor the rate of sea-level rise and implement protective measures.
Appendix A also contemplates revising existing policies related to minimum finished floor elevation,
maximum roof heights, setbacks, public access requirements, existing or new seawall requirements, and
drainage requirements. Furthermore, the City has published for public review a draft Local Coastal
Amendment, which would establish a Flood Hazard Overlay as part of its Local Coastal Program. Before
going into effect, the amendment must go through a local approval process and acquire California Coastal
Commission approval.
Buildings and Development
▪ Buildings and development are primarily regulated through the Newport Beach Municipal Code, including
zoning regulations, and local implementation of the California Building Code. Zoning designations are
required to be consistent with identified land uses. The City regularly updates its Municipal Code, and the
Zoning Code was comprehensively updated in 2010.
▪ The City adopted the 2022 edition of the California Energy Code, which encourages efficient electric heat
pumps, establishes electricity-ready requirements for new homes (whose permit applications are applied
for on or after January 1, 2023), expands solar photovoltaic and battery storage standards, and
strengthens ventilation standards, among other items. Part of the Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6), Building
Efficiency Standards, establishes efficiency standards for residential and non-residential buildings, updated
every 3 years, with the aim of reducing wasteful, uneconomical, and unnecessary uses of energy.
▪ The City requires compliance with the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) for new
residential and non-residential construction; residential additions or alterations of existing buildings that
increase building conditioned area, volume, or size; non-residential additions of 1,000 square feet or
greater; and non-residential alterations exceeding $200,000 (see Section 3.3.1, Green Building Standards
Code).
Transportation
▪ The City continues to monitor traffic conditions to identify and implement improvements. Improvements are
identified in the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
▪ The City provides shuttle bus services for Oasis Senior Center clients on an as-needed basis and operates a
trolley service during summer weekends.
▪ The City continues to implement bicycle lane improvements, as identified in the General Plan Bikeways
Master Plan.
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Table 3. Local Implementation by Resilience Topic
▪ Through the development review process, the City enforces transportation and multimodal improvements
in conjunction with new development. This may include enhanced pedestrian pathways, streetscape
improvements, and wayfinding signage.
▪ The Transportation Demand Management Ordinance, updated as part of the comprehensive Zoning Code
update of 2010, implements the requirements of the Orange County Congestion Management Program.
The ordinance is applicable to all new non-residential projects, non-residential portions of mixed-used
projects, and employment centers that employ 250 or more people. The ordinance establishes site
development requirements, including those related to carpool parking, bicycle racks/lockers, lockers, and
showers, and transportation alternatives information provision, among others. The aim of the ordinance is
to reduce the number of peak-period vehicle trips generated in association with a project; promote and
encourage alternative transportation modes, including active transportation such as walking and biking;
and provide facilities that support alternative transportation modes.
Waste Reduction
▪ Most waste management services are provided by the City’s contractor, CR&R Environmental Services, with
the exception of the Santa Ana Heights area, where CR&R provides services under contract with the Costa
Mesa Sanitary District.
▪ In 2022, the City updated its waste collection practices to comply with Senate Bill (SB) 1383, and provides
each household with separate bins for trash, recyclables, and organic waste, along with a 2-gallon pail to
collect organic materials in the kitchen.
▪ The Newport Beach Municipal Code defines additional waste management regulations and requirements
as they relate to SB 1383, including requirements for self-haulers, food recovery organizations, and
businesses.
Energy
▪ Provisions from numerous Senate Bills (SB 1038, SB 1078, SB 1250, SB 107, SB X1-2, SB 350, and SB
1393) set the California Renewable Portfolio Standard: a goal to increase the amount of renewable energy
that electric utilities procure. By December 31, 2030, 50% of retail electricity sales must be from eligible
renewable energy sources. The Renewable Portfolio Standard applies to the electricity utility serving
Newport Beach, namely Southern California Edison. Southern California Edison must report procurement of
renewable energy sources to the California Energy Commission during each compliance period, of which
the most recent was from 2017 to 2020 (followed by compliance period 2021 to 2024). The California
Public Utilities Commission then determines compliance for each period. Southern California Edison has
continued to meet each year’s Renewable Portfolio Standard target.
Water Conservation
▪ Water service in Newport Beach is provided by the City, Irvine Ranch Water District, and Mesa Consolidated
Water District. Each agency maintains master plans for services, facilities, maintenance, and
improvements necessary to support existing and projected population growth and development.
Conservation practices are included within the respective plans.
▪ The City has adopted ordinances regulating the use of water. This includes regulations on water
conservation and supply, water efficient landscaping, and water quality. These regulations establish water
conservation and water supply shortage programs, promote the efficient use of water and prevent water
waste in landscaping, and prohibit non-stormwater discharges into storm sewers.
▪ The City’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan provides projections of water demand and supply through
2045. The Urban Water Management Plan is updated every 5 years and is further detailed in Section 3.7,
Water Conservation, of this document.
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Table 3. Local Implementation by Resilience Topic
▪ In response to Executive Order B-29-15 on April 1, 2015, the City adopted in its Municipal Code (Chapter
14.17) prohibitions against wasteful practices relating to water use, including using potable water to wash
sidewalks and driveways, allowing more-than-incidental runoff when irrigating turf and other ornamental
landscapes, and using hoses without automatic shutoff nozzles to wash motor vehicles, among other
restrictions.
Water Quality
▪ Harbor and bay regulations adopted by the City require that pollution be prevented in association with
development and that safeguards are maintained to prevent pollution.
▪ The City operates programs to protect the quality of water in the harbor and bay, such as a street sweeping
and the operation and maintenance of tidal valves. Street and drainage improvements are identified
through the City’s Capital Improvements Program.
▪ In compliance with Federal requirements under the Clean Water Act, the City adopted an ordinance to
improve water quality by preventing and controlling stormwater runoff. In part, the ordinance sets forth
requirements for all new development and significant redevelopment within Newport Beach, establishes a
scope of inspections and compliance enforcement, and establishes discharge permit procedures.
▪ The City adopted an ordinance to update its Subdivision Code to implement the adopted General Plan. The
updated Subdivision Code includes drainage and flood protection requirements (Section 19.24.090).
Urban Outdoors
▪ Needed investments in the City’s parks system is annually assessed and is recommended for inclusion in
the City’s annual Capital Improvement Plan. The Capital Improvement Plan is analyzed for consistency with
the General Plan.
▪ The City works with school districts to establish joint-use agreements for public recreational use of school
properties.
3.4 Summary and Findings
Review of the nine resilience topics in relation to State regulations and guidance, the City’s adopted General Plan,
and local implementation steps is summarized below. This section summarizes the findings from each of the nine
resilience topics described in Section 2, General Plan and Regulatory Review to establish where revisions may be
needed though the General Plan Update to ensure consistency or that regulatory requirements are met.
Coastal Hazards. The City regulates coastal hazards primarily through the Local Coastal Program and its
components the Local Coastal Plan and Implementation Plan. While not a requirement of the General Plan, SB 272
(2023) requires local governments to develop a sea level rise plan as part of its Local Coastal Program. The City
has recently updated these documents to reflect Sea Level Rise. The Harbor and Bay Element should be updated
to be consistent and enhance the Local Coastal Program.
Education. There is no existing regulation for public education in the General Plan or other City plans. However, the
City distributes information on resilience related topics through multiple channels, such as its website and social
media accounts to residents, employees, and visitors.
Buildings and Development. The City currently meets and enforces State requirements, such as the California
Building Code. The adopted General Plan references outdated standards and should remove references that are
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RESILIENCE EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
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likely to become outdated through the planning period, allowing policies and implementation measures to avoid
conflict with the current standards and future iterations of the California Building Code.
Transportation. The City has extensive regulations and support of active transportation infrastructure including
planning, funding, and implementation. These should be updated based on public input and reflect the expanded
adoption of electric vehicles.
Waste Reduction. The City currently meets and enforces State requirements. The General Plan should be updated
to reflect the latest standards and anticipated best practices.
Energy. The City receives energy from Southern California Edison, which currently meets RPS standards. The City
should address if alternative energy production or procurement is needed to meet the State’s greenhouse gas
reduction targets. This may include exploring Community Choice Aggregation or increasing local energy procurement,
transmission, and storage.
Water Conservation. Water conservation is primarily regulated in the Urban Water Management Plan, last updated
in 2020. This plan reflects the State’s stringent standards. The General Plan should reflect these new standards
and reflect regional programs and best practices.
Water Quality. The City includes multiple regulations that require best practices that reduce pollution run off and
improve water quality. This includes regulations in the Harbor and Bay Element and the Local Coastal Program and
Natural Resources Element, The General Plan should be updated to ensure consistency across these documents.
Urban Outdoors. The urban outdoors is primarily regulated in the Natural Resources Element and is also addressed
in the Harbor and Bay Element. Needs assessments and capital updates occur regularly. The City works with its
school, State, and Federal partners to manage the City’s diverse landscape.
20 NOVEMBER 2023
4 Existing Conditions
4.1 Coastal Hazards
Newport Beach is exposed to coastal flooding and beach and cliff erosion. These hazards pose major risks to public
safety, homes, businesses, infrastructure, and natural resources. Moreover, these hazards are increasing in
frequency and severity due to global climate change and sea-level rise.2 This section assesses the risks posed by
these coastal hazards using a range of possible sea-level rise scenarios.
4.1.1 Projected Sea-Level Rise in Newport Beach
Sea-level rise is a natural process that occurs due to the thermal expansion of sea water from rising ocean
temperatures, the melting of Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets, the movement of tectonic plates, and land subsidence.
Because thermal expansion and the melting of ice sheets is accelerating due to climate change, sea levels are
rising at an increasingly fast rate.3 Although it is clear that sea-level rise is occurring and will continue to occur in
the future, it is unclear how much sea levels will rise and the extent to which this will cause coastal flooding and
cliff and beach erosion. For this reason, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) recommends planning for varying
amounts of sea-level rise to protect coastal development based on the expected life span of development. Currently,
Appendix A of the City’s Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan, certified by the CCC in 2017, declares the
City’s commitment to undertake a proactive program to monitor sea-level rise, and also proposes the need to revise
development standards in vulnerable areas. This commitment may serve as a preliminary action for the
implementation of steps based on the CCC’s guidance for effective sea-level rise planning in coastal areas. These
steps are outlined below.
The first step in planning for sea-level rise is to identify a range of sea-level rise projections relevant to Newport
Beach. The CCC recognizes the California Ocean Protection Council’s (OPC) Sea Level Rise Guidance (2018 Update)
2 National Climate Assessment. 2014. Climate Change Impacts in the United States.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/nca2014/low/NCA3_Climate_Change_Impacts_in_the_United%20States_LowRes.pdf?download=1.
3 National Climate Assessment. 2014. Climate Change Impacts in the United States.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/nca2014/low/NCA3_Climate_Change_Impacts_in_the_United%20States_LowRes.pdf?download=1.
Identify a
range of SLR
projections
relevant to
the planning
area
Identify
potentially
impacted
areas within
the planning
area
Assess risks to
coastal
resources and
development
in the
planning area
Create and
implement
adaptation
measures to
minimize loss
and damage
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH GENERAL PLAN UPDATE / RESILIENCE EXISTING CONDITIONS AND
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as the best available sea-level rise projections for California.4 The OPC estimates amounts of sea-level rise in 2030,
2050, and 2100 based on assumptions about greenhouse gas (GHG) emission trends developed by the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as well as one extreme scenario. The assumptions associated
with each scenario are outlined below:
▪ The low-emissions scenario, also known as Relative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 2.6, assumes that
emissions will be curbed significantly around the globe in the coming decades. However, the low-emissions
trajectory would not begin until around 2050 due to “committed warming.” Committed warming refers to
the amount of warming resulting from past GHG emissions that can no longer be avoided. This means that,
even if emissions are dramatically reduced in the coming decades, the effects of committed warming will
continue to manifest even after reductions are made because natural systems are slow to respond to
changes in GHG concentrations.5 For this reason, the OPC does not provide low-emissions sea-level rise
projections for 2030 or 2050.
▪ The high-emissions scenario, also known as RCP 8.5, assumes that global GHG emissions will continue as
“business as usual.” Because global emissions reductions have not been reduced by any significant
amount since the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change developed the RCP 8.5 scenario, the
potential for following this high-emissions trajectory is becoming more likely.
▪ The extreme scenario, also known as the H++ scenario, assumes continued high emissions and the rapid
and complete melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet toward the end of the 21st century. The probability of
this scenario is unknown, but it is thought to be extremely low. Furthermore, recent IPPC findings suggest
this scenario is less plausible due to observations of increased surface mass balance in the Antarctic ice
sheet. Nonetheless, the OPC recommends considering it when planning for coastal development with
extreme risks, such as power plants, hazardous waste sites, and airports.
Under these assumptions, the OPC is able to project the amount of sea-level rise resulting from each scenario.
Furthermore, the OPC has determined the probability of these different sea-level rise projections in 2030, 2050,
and 2100, which can help to understand what amounts of sea-level rise are most likely to occur under each
scenario. Table 4 shows the projected amounts of sea-level rise for Los Angeles, the closest National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration tide gauge to Newport Beach. The projection ranges in the “Likely Range” column in
Table 4 are most likely to occur, but least severe. For this reason, OPC recommends that projections in the “Likely
Range” are appropriate to consider when planning for coastal development with shorter lifespans and higher risk
tolerance (i.e., low risk aversion), such as local streets that are not part of evacuation routes, active transportation
infrastructure, green infrastructure, parks, and green spaces. The projections in the “1-in-20 Chance” column have
a 5% chance of occurring but are more severe than those in the “Likely Range” column. OPC recommends that the
“1-in-20 Chance” projections should generally be used to plan for coastal development with medium risk aversion,
such as maintenance facilities, industrial buildings, mechanical equipment, piers, and docks. The projections in “1-
in-200 Chance” column have a 0.5% chance of occurring but are more severe than the projections in the “1-in-20
Chance” column. OPC recommends that the “1-in-200 Chance” projections should be used to plan for development
4 As of late 2023, the OPC, in collaboration with the California Ocean Science Trust, are in the process of convening a scientific
Task Force to update future sea level rise scenarios based on two recent reports: the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, which
indicates that projections of extreme sea-level rise (i.e., H++ scenario) are less plausible yet also indicate increased certainty to
2050 sea-level rise projections, and the 2022 Sea-Level Rise Technical Report, which has integrated findings from the IPCC report
to better guide planning and decision-making guidance. The following assumptions are based on existing findings and guidance
and are subject to change based on future OPC findings and guidance.
5 https://opc.ca.gov/webmaster/ftp/pdf/agenda_items/20180314/Item3_Exhibit-A_OPC_SLR_Guidance-rd3.pdf.
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with medium-high risk aversion, such as homes and businesses, transportation centers, and some subterranean
infrastructure. The projections in the “H++ Scenario” column are extreme and their probability of occurring is
unknown. Nonetheless, the H++ Scenario projections are important to consider when planning for projects with
extreme risk aversion, such as power plants, airports, wastewater treatment plants, and hazardous waste sites.
Table 4. Projected Sea-Level Rise in Los Angeles
Likely
Range
(Low Risk
Aversion)
1-in-20
Chance
(Medium
Risk
Aversion)
1-in-200
Chance
(Medium-
High Risk
Aversion)
H++
Scenario
(Extreme
Risk
Aversion)
Selected
CoSMoS
Scenario
66%
probability
SLR is
between:
5%
probability
SLR meets
or exceeds:
0.5%
probability
SLR meets
or exceeds:
(Probability
unknown)
2030, High Emissions 0.2–0.5 ft 0.6 ft 0.7 ft 1.0 ft 0.8 ft (0.25 m)
2050, High Emissions 0.5–1.0 ft 1.2 ft 1.8 ft 2.6 ft 1.6 ft (0.5 m)
2100, Low Emissions*
2100, High Emissions
0.7–2.1 ft
1.3–3.2 ft
3.0 ft
4.1 ft
5.4 ft
6.7 ft
None**
9.9 ft
4.1 ft (1.25 m)
4.9 ft (1.5 m)
Source: Ocean Protection Council Sea Level Rise Guidance (2018 Update)
CoSMoS = Our Coast, Our Future’s Coastal Storm Modeling System; SLR = sea-level rise; ft = feet; m = meters
* Low emissions trajectory is only included for 2100 projections because it is likely that the high emissions trajectory will continue
until at least 2050 on a global scale due to committed warming.
** The H++ scenario assumes a high emissions trajectory and the complete melting of Antarctic ice sheets. Therefore, a low
emissions trajectory projection does not exist for this scenario.
To understand the potential impact of sea-level rise on Newport Beach based on its topography, this analysis uses
the Our Coast, Our Future’s Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS), as is recommended by the CCC. CoSMoS
was developed in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey and uses the best available data and physical process
models to predict coastal flooding extent and duration, wave runup and velocity, cliff retreat, shoreline position, and
groundwater intrusion under different sea-level-rise scenarios. CoSMoS models sea-level rise in increments of 0.25
meters up to 5 meters. For this reason, it is not possible to model the precise amounts of projected sea-level rise
associated with each of the scenarios listed in Table 4. Therefore, this analysis relies on the selected CoSMoS
scenario projections listed in the right column of Table 4. Nearly all of these selected CoSMoS scenario projections
fall between the 1-in-20 chance and 1-in-200 chance projections and, therefore, are medium to medium high risk
averse scenarios. The only exception is the 2030 projection of 0.8 feet, which falls between the 1-in-200 chance
and H++ scenario projections, making it a high-risk adverse scenario. This number was chosen because it is the
smallest amount of sea-level rise modeled by CoSMoS other than 0 feet (i.e., the current sea level at the mean high-
water line). Therefore, the City will be well-prepared even for unlikely high amounts of sea-level rise by planning for
the selected CoSMoS scenario projections.
4.1.2 Potentially Affected Areas
The second step in planning for sea-level rise is identifying potentially affected areas. Using CoSMoS, this section
identifies areas that would be affected by coastal flooding and cliff and beach erosion under the selected CoSMoS
scenarios listed in Table 4.
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4.1.2.1 Coastal Flooding
As sea levels rise, the potential for coastal flooding increases. This is especially true during storm surges and high
tides.6 For this reason, CoSMoS shows current sea levels and predicts future sea levels at the mean high water line,
or the average location of the shoreline during high tide, and enables users to toggle the severity of storm events
to demonstrate how more severe storms can cause more widespread flooding. For the sake of simplicity, however,
this analysis only considers flooding under average storm conditions. Average storm conditions are equivalent to
an annual storm of mild severity.
Figure 1, Coastal Flooding Citywide, shows the possible extent of coastal flooding during an average storm event
under the selected CoSMoS scenarios in 2030, 2050, and 2100. The current extent of flooding during an average
storm event is shown in light blue. Most of these areas are sandy beaches or wetland areas in Upper Newport Bay.
Therefore, few developed areas are currently at risk during such an event. Under the selected CoSMoS scenarios,
however, Newport Beach would experience 0.8 feet (0.25 meters) of sea-level rise by 2030, 1.6 feet (0.5 meters)
by 2050, and 4.1 to 4.9 feet (1.25 to 1.5 meters) by 2100, depending on whether GHG emissions are reduced
globally. The areas that could be flooded during an average storm event with 0.8 feet of sea-level rise are shown in
medium blue. These include almost the entirety of Balboa Island and the western portion of Balboa Peninsula. With
1.6 feet of sea-level rise, flooding during an average storm event could extend into the areas shown in dark blue.
These areas include much of the central portion of Balboa Peninsula, including the area near Newport Beach Pier.
Finally, the areas shown in purple and magenta could flood during an average storm event with 4.1 to 4.9 feet of
sea-level rise, respectively. These areas include the neighborhoods and beaches near the Santa Ana River jetty;
Balboa Coves; Mariner’s Mile; many of the remaining islands in Newport Harbor; and portions of Balboa Peninsula,
Corona del Mar State Beach, and Little Corona del Mar Beach. Therefore, many of Newport Beach’s most built-out
areas, densely populated neighborhoods, and vibrant business communities are at risk of flooding during an
average storm even with relatively small amounts of sea-level rise. This flooding could be even more severe during
unusually large storm events, which are also likely to increase in frequency with climate change.
6 https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/slr/guidance/2018/4_Ch4_2018AdoptedSLRGuidanceUpdate.pdf.
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Figure 1. Coastal Flooding Citywide
Figure 2, Coastal Flooding in Newport Harbor, and Figure 3, Coastal Flooding in Newport Bay, are subsets of
Figure 1, Coastal Flooding Citywide. They show the extent of coastal flooding during an average storm event in
Newport Harbor and Newport Bay. These are the two areas of Newport Beach where flooding is expected to be most
widespread, even under low amounts of sea-level rise.
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Figure 2. Coastal Flooding in Newport Harbor
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Figure 3. Coastal Flooding in Newport Bay
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4.1.2.2 Beach and Cliff Erosion
In addition to causing coastal flooding, the higher tides and storm surges associated with sea-level rise can erode
beaches and cliffs at faster rates.7 Because Newport Beach is lined with both sandy beaches and coastal bluffs,
coastal erosion the potential to affect many areas within Newport Beach.
CoSMoS predicts the future position of cliff top edges and shorelines as they relate to wave patterns under different
sea-level-rise scenarios and allows users to toggle between the “Hold the Line” and “Beach Nourishment”
scenarios. Hold the Line assumes that erosion will not move past anti-erosion measures and into urban
infrastructure. Therefore, Hold the Line necessitates the regular maintenance of anti-erosion measures which are
collectively referred to as “cliff armoring.” Cliff armoring includes sea walls, vegetation, and rockpiles that break
waves before they reach cliff edges. Beach Nourishment assumes that local governments will implement beach
nourishment programs in which sand is artificially transported to beaches, as needed. This analysis assumes that
the City will continue to maintain coastal infrastructure and implement its beach nourishment program.
Corona del Mar is one of two areas in Newport Beach that has coastal cliffs and, thus, experiences cliff erosion.
Figure 4, Cliff Erosion in Corona Mar, shows the location and extent of cliff retreat in Corona del Mar under the
selected CoSMoS scenarios for 2030, 2050, and 2100. As shown in red, the cliff top edge moves farther inland as
the amount of sea-level rise increases. Forecasted cliff retreat is especially extensive along Ocean Boulevard near
Inspiration Point and the Cameo Shores neighborhood. As demonstrated by the black dashed line, some cliff areas
are protected by infrastructure and may not experience as much erosion as they would otherwise.
7 https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/assets/slr/guidance/2018/4_Ch4_2018AdoptedSLRGuidanceUpdate.pdf.
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Figure 4. Cliff Erosion in Corona Del Mar
0.25m SLR (2030)0.5m SLR (2050)
1.25m SLR (2100, low emissions)1.5m SLR (2100, high emissions)
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The second area that experiences cliff erosion is Newport Coast. Figure 5, Cliff Erosion in Newport Coast, shows the
location and extent of cliff retreat in Newport Coast under the selected CoSMoS scenarios for 2030, 2050, and 2100.
As shown in red, the cliff top edge moves farther inland as the amount of sea-level rise increases. The areas most likely
to be affected are Crystal Cove State Park and Pacific Coast Highway near Crystal Cove Shopping Center. Moreover, the
coastal cliffs in Newport Coast are largely undeveloped and have little to no infrastructure to hold the line.
Although sandy beach erosion occurs throughout most of Newport Beach, this section focuses on the beaches north
of Newport Beach Pier and on the Balboa Peninsula because they are not lined by cliffs like the beaches in Corona
del Mar and Newport Coast are. Figure 6, Beach Erosion North of Newport Beach Pier, shows the location and
extent of shoreline retreat north of Newport Beach Pier under the selected CoSMoS scenarios for 2030, 2050, and
2100. As shown in orange, the shoreline (mean high water line) moves farther inland and changes shape as the
amount of sea-level rise increases. The beaches in this area tend to experience the worst beach erosion in Newport
Beach because they face southwest and are subject to strong currents that move sand northward. This erosion will
likely accelerate with greater amounts of sea-level rise, creating smaller beaches in this area.
As shown in Figure 7, Beach Erosion on Balboa Peninsula, the extent of shoreline retreat on Balboa Peninsula is
not as severe as on the beaches north of Newport Beach Pier. This is because the beaches on Balboa Peninsula
are predominantly south-facing and currents cannot move sand northward as easily. Nonetheless, Balboa
Peninsula will experience more beach erosion as sea levels rise and create smaller beaches. This is particularly the
case near the south side of Newport Beach Pier.
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Figure 5. Cliff Erosion in Newport Coast
0.25m SLR (2030)0.5m SLR (2050)
1.25m SLR (2100, low emissions)1.5m SLR (2100, high emissions)
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Figure 6. Beach Erosion North of Newport Beach Pier
0.25m SLR (2030)0.5m SLR (2050)
1.25m SLR (2100, low emissions)1.5m SLR (2100, high emissions)
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Figure 7. Beach Erosion on Balboa Peninsula
0.25m SLR (2030)0.5m SLR (2050)
1.25m SLR (2100, low emissions)1.5m SLR (2100, high emissions)
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4.1.3 Vulnerability Assessment
The third step in planning for sea-level rise is to assess risks to coastal resources and development. This section
assesses the vulnerability of coastal development to coastal flooding and erosion under the selected CoSMoS sea-
level rise scenarios.
3.1.3.1 Coastal Flooding
Figure 1, Coastal Flooding Citywide, shows the areas that would experience coastal flooding during an average
storm event under the selected CoSMoS scenarios, but it does not assess potential loss and damage to
development that could be caused by this flooding. Table 5, Development Vulnerable to Coastal Flooding, does this
by estimating the number of dwelling units and the non-residential building area that could be affected by coastal
flooding under each selected CoSMoS scenario. As shown, thousands of dwelling units and millions of square feet
in non-residential structures could be affected by flooding even with relatively small amounts of sea-level rise. As
the amount of sea-level rise increases, so does the number of affected structures. This flooding could result in
costly damage to public and private property, displacement of residents, and structural failure. At worst, this flooding
is a threat to public safety that could lead to injury and death.
Table 5. Development Vulnerable to Coastal Flooding
2030 2050 2100
0.25-Meter SLR 0.5-Meter SLR 1.25-Meter SLR (low) 1.5-Meter SLR (high)
Residential dwelling units
(number)
5,328 6,778 10,089 10,849
Retail services building
area (square feet)
697,538 728,850 804,806 834,499
Restaurants building area
(square feet)
562,088 599,327 742,083 776,667
Accommodation building
area (square feet)
1,179,121 1,217,120 1,477,376 1,519,865
Arts and entertainment
building area (square feet)
260,616 267,601 281,820 282,421
Other retail building area
(square feet)
623,009 669,770 749,808 768,267
Office services building
area (square feet)
554,635 595,427 901,830 944,177
Education building area
(square feet)
4,720 4,720 9,681 9,681
Medical services building
area (square feet)
269,209 305,678 564,659 568,230
Transportation/warehouses
building area (square feet)
597,464 631,324 764,523 791,723
Wholesale building area
(square feet)
107,063 111,414 127,601 131,453
Source: Urban Footprint Base Canvas
SLR = sea-level rise
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The selected CoSMoS scenarios are considered to be between medium and medium-high risk averse, with the
exception of the 2030 selected CoSMoS scenario, which is highly risk averse. This means that there is a less than
5% chance that the actual amount of sea-level rise experienced in 2030, 2050, and 2100 will meet or exceed the
amount of sea-level rise modeled in the selected CoSMoS scenarios for each year. In other words, the data in Table
5 is likely an overestimate of the number of dwelling units and non-residential building area what will be affected.
Nonetheless, it is important to plan for these unlikely yet extremely damaging scenarios.
3.1.3.2 Beach and Cliff Erosion
The extent to which beach and cliff erosion will affect existing coastal development varies greatly in different parts of
Newport Beach. This is because some beaches and cliffs are more developed or adjacent to development than others.
As shown in Figure 4, Cliff Erosion in Corona Del Mar, the cliffs in Corona del Mar are densely developed with homes,
roads, sidewalks, and beach access points. Therefore, cliff erosion in Corona del Mar has the potential to cause
significant loss and damage to coastal development. This is especially true under scenarios with greater amounts
of sea-level rise. By 2100, cliff erosion could encroach upon many homes in the Cameo Shores neighborhood and
parts of Ocean Boulevard. Moreover, it could make it difficult or impossible to access Little Corona Beach.
Unlike Corona del Mar, the cliffs in Newport Coast are mostly undeveloped and are entirely within Crystal Cove State
Park. Therefore, there is less potential for cliff erosion to cause loss or damage to homes and other buildings in
Newport Coast. As shown in Figure 5, Cliff Erosion in Newport Coast, however, cliff erosion could disrupt beach
access and encroach upon the portion of East Coast Highway directly in front of Crystal Cove Shopping Center. This
is especially likely under either of the 2100 scenarios.
As shown in Figure 6, Beach Erosion North of Newport Beach Pier, beach erosion is extensive but does not
necessarily encroach upon any development in the area. One exception is the public parking lot just north of
Newport Beach Pier, which could be affected by beach erosion under higher amounts of sea-level rise. Similarly,
beach erosion is projected to decrease beach area on the Balboa Peninsula, as shown in Figure 7, Beach Erosion
on Balboa Peninsula. Again, however, little to no coastal development is at risk other than parking adjacent to
Newport Beach Pier and basketball courts between the 13th street and 14th street public beach access points.
4.2 Education
Sustainability and resilience often require personal lifestyle choices and adjustments, and therefore also depend
on successful public education campaigns to inform people about programs and incentives in which they may want
to participate. As new information on sustainability and resilience topics continues to emerge, it is important for
residents to have readily available, up-to-date information that equips them with the knowledge necessary to be
prepared for climate hazards and, when necessary, take actions. The City relies on multiple channels, such as its
website and social media accounts, to distribute information on these topics and others that may be relevant to
residents, employees, and visitors. However, many of the City’s in-house resources may not reflect current policies
and regulations, resulting in potentially outdated information that could result in less-effective action from the
community.
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4.2.1 City of Newport Beach Website
The City website serves as the primary source of information for all citywide concerns. The “Living & Building
‘Green’” section provides an overview of the City’s green initiatives and provides residents with resources, such as
green building strategies to help the environment.
In 2012, the City’s Task Force on Green Development created the “City of Newport Beach Green Building
Guidelines,” a document with green building recommendations and regulations primarily intended for residential
buildings. The guidelines are based on the 2008 California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) and are
divided into five sections that highlight standards for planning and design, energy efficiency, water efficiency and
conservation, material conservation and resource efficiency, and environmental quality. Each guideline is
accompanied by a short description; an application (instructions); a description of the benefit(s) generated by the
guideline; and, where applicable, additional references to the CALGreen and/or California Title 24, also known as
the Building Energy Efficiency Standards. The City’s guidelines also include a subsection indicating the number of
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) points that determines if the building meets the
requirements to become LEED certified. Although the City’s guidelines provide a comprehensive overview of green
building, it is not up to date with the most recent version of CALGreen, which was last updated in 2022. To retain
relevance and usefulness for its users, the City’s document could be regularly updated to be consistent with existing
State code and any subsequent updates or could instead use links to State resources on CALGreen.
To assist users with implementation of these guidelines, the City’s document provides users with a glossary of
relevant terms, such as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Title 24, and an extensive list of services
and vendors for the materials referenced, including roofing, recycled-content flooring, engineered and salvaged
lumber, and more. It is likely that some of the referenced businesses and services may no longer be in operation
and that newer businesses have since emerged, further rendering the document as dated. A directory of
sustainability-related vendors and service providers should be integrated into the City’s website rather than
provided as a document to facilitate updates and keep information relevant.
As of 2023, the City of Newport Beach Green Building Guidelines is the only document on the City’s website that
provides information that is specifically tailored to the City. The webpage also include links to green building
certifications and programs; State resources and websites; organizations such as Southern California Edison and
Building Green, an organization with multiple resources on building sustainable homes; and other related topics such
as conservation, recycling, and water quality. However, unlike the City’s green building guidelines, these resources
lack local focus, and as such, may not be suited to meet the needs or address specific questions of City residents.
A subsection of the City’s Energy Action Plan highlights the City’s long-term vision and goals for citywide energy
efficiency and lists the City’s current energy efficiency projects but lacks direct access to relevant information. These
resources are housed under the Building Division’s webpage, a different section of the City’s website that includes
detailed information and forms related to CALGreen and solar energy systems. Although these resources do exist,
there is no link that directs users to the appropriate webpage, making users search through the City’s large directory
to find the Building Division. The addition of a subsection with relevant information within the Energy Action Plan
page or a link to the Building Division page would facilitate access to these resources and improve the online
experience for users.
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4.2.2 Social Media
The City’s social media channels are used to share information pertaining to City matters and act as a supplement
to the City’s website. Currently, the City maintains four social media accounts: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter),
Instagram, and YouTube.
The City’s Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram accounts share information related to City operations,
notices, job postings, events and opportunities, and other community-related news. Posts are generally similar
across the three social media feeds and intended to reach different demographics.
The City’s YouTube channel is primarily used to share official City video communications, such as City Council
meetings, Planning Commission meetings, lectures and programs hosted by the Newport Beach Public Library, and
other similar events. Many of these videos are categorized by “playlists”; one such playlist is titled “Water
Conversations” and includes content related to the City’s water and conservation efforts. Topics addressed include
water conservation tips, strategies that address drought, trash management, and gardening. The content primarily
covers best practices related to the topic, and the content remains relevant despite many of the videos being
released years ago. However, the playlist’s “Water Conversations” title should be updated to address other topics
of sustainability and resilience that are included in the playlist.
4.2.3 Other Resources
On occasion, the Newport Beach Public Library provides education on environmental topics that is catered to
children and young teens. Hosted in partnership with the Environmental Nature Center, the “Wildlife in Our Own
Backyard!” program is a hands-on learning experience that teaches children about nature and the ecosystems
within and around Newport Beach. The library also provides book-lending services that residents can use to check
out books on sustainability and resilience topics at no cost.
In addition to resources provided by the City, residents may visit educational centers throughout Newport Beach to
learn more about the environment and sustainability and resilience topics. The Environmental Nature Center
provides education on ecological responsibility and sustainable living practices through hands-on experiences with
nature. The facility contains 15 plant communities native to California, a wildlife habitat, and natural walking trails
that serve as the backdrop for the center’s many programs, including school field trips, summer nature camps, a
nature preschool with a nature-based curriculum, and several community programs and events intended for all
ages.
As an official partner, the City collaborated with the Environmental Nature Center to develop programs at Buck Gully
Reserve, a 300-acre nature preserve that is currently undergoing restoration by the City and the Irvine Ranch
Conservancy. These programs provide the community with an immersive hiking experience and insight about the
impacts of human development on the natural environment. Based in Upper Newport Bay, the Newport Bay
Conservancy provides individuals of all ages with sustainability-focused education and hands-on experiences that
help protect and preserve the bay’s wildlife and natural resources. Programs include kayak tours, assisting with
restoration projects, routine clean-up days, and community days.
Individuals may also learn about sustainable food practices at weekend farmer’s markets, including the Newport
Pier Farmers Market, held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Corona Del Mar Farmers Market, held
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every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here, visitors can interact with farmers and learn about sustainable growing
practices that can be adopted at home.
4.3 Buildings and Development
Climate impacts such as sea-level rise and extreme weather are projected to have a significant impact on the City’s
infrastructure, especially those located along the coast. Buildings that have not been retrofitted to account for these
risks, along with typical wear and tear, are subject to significant property damage. For example, residential or
commercial buildings that lack elevated building pads or elevated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
systems are significantly more likely to bear the impacts of coastal flooding than buildings that have been upgraded.
As such, the City’s infrastructure and development guidelines are key considerations in citywide climate resilience.
The City’s existing building and fire codes ensure the environmental adaptability and strength of its neighborhoods.
This section assesses the state of the City’s existing building and fire codes, guidelines, and other resources that
are pertinent to infrastructure resilience.
4.3.1 Green Building Standards Code
Per the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) and the Newport Beach Green Standards Code, the
City requires new residential and non-residential construction projects and certain additions and alterations to
adhere to the most recent edition of CALGreen. Projects meeting specific criteria are subject to CALGreen’s
minimum requirements for residential construction, new commercial construction, or commercial addition and
alterations. These requirements apply to all new residential and non-residential construction projects, any
residential alteration or addition that increases the building’s area or size, any non-residential addition of 1,000
square feet or more, and any non-residential alterations valued over $200,000. Regardless of type, each project
must meet green building standard minimums in areas such as water efficiency, resource efficiency, and
environmental quality. In addition to CALGreen minimums, projects must also fulfill builder and/or installer
requirements via completion of the CALGreen Compliance Certification Package. The package contains numerous
documentation forms and requests relevant project information, such as certificates of installation and emissions
limits of gases and compounds such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds.
4.3.2 Energy Action Plan
Published in 2013, the City’s Energy Action Plan (EAP) describes the City’s long-term vision for citywide energy
efficiency, and contains goals, strategies, and examples that demonstrate effective reduction of energy usage and
GHG emissions. The EAP is intended to reduce the City’s carbon footprint, conserve and reduce energy use in
municipal facilities, and raise public awareness on energy conservation and techniques. The document provides
data on then-current gas and electric energy consumption of municipal facilities and potential municipal energy
efficiency projects, such as the optimization of the Newport Beach Central Library’s HVAC system and installation
of occupancy sensors for lighting in municipal buildings that were not installed at the time.
The EAP’s framework is centered around compliance with Assembly Bill (AB) 32, the California Global Warming
Solutions Act of 2006, which requires the State to reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. In the years
since the EAP was published, the State of California has enacted numerous climate change policies that build on
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target reductions established by AB 32. For example, Senate Bill (SB) 32, which passed in 2016, requires the state
to reduce GHG emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. In December 2022, the California Air Resources
Board released its Scoping Plan that aims to reduce GHG emission to at least 85% below 1990 levels by 2045. This
new target was enacted as State law under AB 1279, the California Climate Crisis Act.
As such, the EAP would benefit from an update that considers the new reduction targets established by State
agencies, as well as other recent local, regional, and State energy policies. The new EAP could include an update
on municipal energy projects that were identified in 2013, as well as a list of new projects that the City may seek
to further progress on the State’s reduction goals.
4.3.3 Wildfires
Wildfires could reach Newport Beach through ember cast, which is when firebrands from a wildfire shoots off and
are carried by wind currents.8 According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
2022–2023 Regulatory Adoption, neighboring Crystal Cove State Park on the eastern border of Newport Beach is
characterized as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone for the Local Responsibility Area and the State Responsibility
Area, meaning properties in the eastern sections of Newport Beach, such as San Joaquin Hills and Shore Cliffs, are
susceptible to wildfire exposure. Figure 8 shows the Fire Hazard Severity Zones in and near the City’s jurisdiction.
Figure 9 shows the local history of fires within and adjacent to Newport Beach. Of those mapped, the largest fire
was the Laguna Beach Fire of 1993, which burned more than 14,000 acres across Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna
Beach, Irvine, and Newport Beach; it caused an estimated $528 million in damages.9 Although fires have occurred
in the years since the Laguna Beach Fire, many of these have been contained before they could spread further.
To reduce wildfire risk, the City and the Newport Beach Fire Department have implemented a variety of measures
and policies to ensure the safety of its residents and infrastructure. These policies apply to specific wildland/urban
interface areas, where property lines interact with wildland or vegetative fuels, and include Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones and Hazard Reduction Zones, per CAL FIRE. The Newport Beach Fire Chief has designated areas of
Newport Beach that are most at-risk of wildfires as Hazard Reduction Zones, which are residential or commercial
areas directly adjacent to natural open space in Newport Beach’s eastern area. There are approximately 260
Hazard Reduction Zones within the City’s jurisdiction, including parcels in the Newport Coast, Morning Canyon, and
Big Canyon communities. Affected property owners are subject to additional construction requirements defined in
the Newport Beach Fire Code, or Chapter 9.04.380 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, which requires fire-
resistant ventilation screening for existing structures in Newport Beach’s wildland/urban interface areas.
Additionally, the Newport Beach Fire Department Fire Prevention Division manages a series of vegetation
management programs to reduce the risk of wildfires entering Newport Beach, and to manage the growth of dry
vegetation and weeds that pose as fire hazards. The City’s weed abatement program reduces the amount of
potential fire hazards through routine inspections of the 82 properties within designated weed abatement parcels.
Per Chapter 10.48 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, the Fire Marshal may declare a public nuisance and
abate weeds, dry grass, brush, poison oak, and all rubbish and refuse on public and private property in Newport
Beach. The Fire Prevention Division also manages the City’s fuel modification zones, which are specific areas that
8 As of 2023, CAL FIRE is updating its fire hazard severity mapping. It is anticipated that the hazard zones will expand as a result of
ember-cast fires.
9 https://www.ocfa.org/Uploads/Transparency/OCFA-AAR-Orange%20County%20Firestorm.pdf.
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have been treated to increase a development’s resistance to fire and to improve its surrounding defensible space.
Similar to the weed abatement program, City staff conduct inspections every spring and fall to ensure affected
property owners are in compliance with regulations.
Figure 8. Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Newport Beach
Source: CAL FIRE Urban Footprint.
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Figure 9. Fire History in Newport Beach
Source: CAL FIRE, Urban Footprint.
4.4 Transportation
Newport Beach’s development into a prime tourist destination in recent years has resulted in increased vehicle
miles traveled (VMT) along the road network and principal intersections, especially during the summer. Connectivity
in Newport Beach is further hindered by natural barriers such as the Pacific Ocean and Newport Bay on the west,
and neighboring John Wayne Airport in the north. Increasing trips and VMT will lead to increasing traffic and traffic-
related emissions if not addressed.
Reducing VMT on Newport Beach’s existing network of roads and providing additional mobility options will alleviate
these impacts, even as the population of local residents, workers, and visitors grows. Relevant topics addressed in
this section include land use compatibility, public transportation, active transportation, and parking.
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4.4.1 Land Use Compatibility
Land use has a significant impact on an individual’s mobility options and trends. For example, mixed-use districts
and close clusters of compatible residential and commercial land uses enable residents and visitors to move around
with ease. Such communities are often successful in reducing congestion and emissions because active and public
transportation are more viable and car trips are relatively short. Conversely, individuals residing in communities
that are separated from services by large distances are more likely to rely on their cars and will thus contribute
more to congestion and emissions than those in compact areas.
Figure 10, Land Uses in Newport Beach, indicates that the highest land use diversity in Newport Beach is in the
Balboa Peninsula and the areas bordering the City of Costa Mesa. The majority of the City’s land uses are reserved
for detached single-family residential use (labeled RS-D in Figure 10). Communities in the southern part of Newport
Beach along the Balboa Peninsula contain more amenities and services relative to inland communities because
early development of Newport Beach was centered around the Bay and the shipping industry, prior to the
tremendous growth of automobile use and infrastructure in the early 20th century. Residential communities, such
as those in East Bluff and the San Joaquin Hills, contrast with the denser harbor communities with minimal access
to businesses and services. This may correlate to a high number of car trips and higher VMT where such services
are located.
Figure 11 shows the VMT per population, which refers to the total annual miles divided by the total population of
the urbanized area. The analysis indicates that VMT is highest along the Balboa Peninsula, in the east where several
parks and natural landscapes are located, and in the west in areas adjacent to State Highway 55. These corridors
could be priority areas for implementation of innovative mobility and land use strategies that would decrease VMT
and increase mobility options for individuals. Implementation of efficient land use patterns in residential
neighborhoods that lack convenient access to goods and services may redirect congestion and VMT away from the
communities bearing most of the emissions, and may also result in shorter trips overall. Although this may not be
feasible for areas with rich natural resources, the City should consider implementing innovative mobility strategies,
such as free or low-cost micromobility shuttles, that can remove strain from more congested areas and result in
lower citywide emissions and VMT.
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Figure 10. Land Uses in Newport Beach
Source: Southern California Association of Governments (2018), Urban Footprint.
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Figure 11. Vehicle Miles Traveled in Newport Beach
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics (2018), Urban Footprint.
4.4.2 Public Transportation
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), the regional agency responsible for funding, implementing, and
operating transit projects, is the primary provider of public transportation services in Newport Beach. Local bus
routes provide service to and from popular destinations such as Balboa Island, Fashion Island, and the Newport
Transportation Center, where four OCTA bus lines connect to OCTA’s network of local and specialty bus routes
throughout Orange County. Route alignments are shown in Figure 12.
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Figure 12. Transportation Routes in Newport Beach
Source: Transitland (2021) and OSM Road Network (2021), Urban Footprint.
Per OCTA policy, local bus routes must operate at least every 30 minutes, and certain routes with higher ridership
have reduced headways (i.e., the duration between vehicles in a transit system) to accommodate more riders and
improve overall service. This applies to OCTA Route 57, which ranked as the busiest route in the system in
December 2018, with a total of 244,749 boardings.10 Job centers along this route include California State
University, Fullerton; the UC Irvine Medical Center; the Segerstrom Center for the Arts; and Fashion Island, making
Route 57 a critical lifeline for the workforce. As of August 2023, Route 57’s headways averaged less than the 30-
minute minimum; during peak operating hours, most stops receive service every 13 to 20 minutes.11
In addition to the standard bus routes, the City, in partnership with the OCTA, operates the Balboa Peninsula Trolley,
a free weekend paratransit service throughout Balboa Peninsula during the summer. Although OCTA Route 47
10 https://www.octa.net/news/publications/bus-boarding-reports/.
11 Orange County Transportation Authority. "Route 57 Schedule." Accessed September 25, 2023. https://octa.net/ebusbook/
RoutePDF/route057.pdf?n=202308.
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operates in Balboa Peninsula, service is limited to Balboa Boulevard and 23rd Street, and the Balboa Peninsula
Trolley extends much farther into the community and provides services to and from Balboa Pier. Free park-and-ride
accommodations are provided to car users at the Avon Street Parking Lot, facilitating connections to the area. The
service’s accessibility and 15-minute headways make this a great mobility alternative for residents and visitors
looking to spend time in Balboa Peninsula. In addition to reducing VMT in this neighborhood, the trolley also reduces
congestion in the Balboa Peninsula from car users searching for available parking spaces.
Although private cars are the dominant means of moving around Newport Beach, further investments in efficient
transit and paratransit, especially those concentrated around popular points of interest, should be considered to
reduce VMT.
4.4.3 Active Transportation
Active transportation routes allow non-motorized users, with the exception of electric bicycle users, to move around
safely and efficiently, and also facilitate connections to transit routes. In Newport Beach, there are three types of
active transportation routes:
▪ Class I: Shared-use paths or trails fully separated from vehicular roadways, intended for exclusive use by
pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users.
▪ Class II: Bike lanes that are defined by pavement striping and signage, shared with vehicle users.
Buffered bike lanes include buffer striping to provide greater separation between cyclists and vehicles.
▪ Class III: Bike routes, also known as bike boulevards, which are characterized by their location on low-stress
residential streets and by traffic-calming measures, such as roundabouts and neighborhood traffic circles.
As shown in Figure 12, there are gaps in the City’s active transportation network, which limits connectivity for non-
motorized users. Most bicycle routes in Newport Beach are Class II or Class III, which require people who bike to
share the road with cars, which may deter newer or inexperienced users from riding their bicycles, especially on
busy roads. According to Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) data, 77 bicycle crashes were reported in
Newport Beach in 2021, resulting in two deaths and 82 injuries. In total, 38 of these incidents were recorded on or
in areas adjacent to Pacific Coast Highway, a major thoroughfare that connects Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island,
Corona Del Mar, and Crystal Cove, and thus experiences high traffic volumes.
Many bicycle lanes in Newport Beach lack enhanced safety features, such as buffers or bollards, as shown in the
image of the Back Bay Loop, below. Increased safety features could encourage more people, especially those who
are less experienced or traveling with children, to bike more, when creating an off-street path is infeasible.
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Several State programs, such as the Active Transportation Program, the Local Streets and Roads Program, and the
State Transportation Improvement Program, can provide the City funding to build and improve upon existing bike
and pedestrian facilities. Potential improvements may include speed bumps, roundabouts, neighborhood traffic
circles, enhanced pedestrian crossings, and other traffic-calming measures. Such improvements would facilitate
non-motorized mobility, and provide residents and visitors with new and safe opportunities to experience Newport
Beach through active transportation infrastructure.
4.4.4 Parking
4.4.4.1 Public Parking
High parking demand in Newport Beach’s coastal neighborhoods, such as Corona Del Mar, Balboa Peninsula, and
Balboa Island, often cause parking shortages during peak periods in the summer. On Balboa Island, for example,
visitors may struggle to patronize local businesses or visit those who reside on the island due to the lack of off-street
public parking. Weekend peak occupancy can reach up to 99% of more than 1,900 parking spaces on the island.
Currently, the City uses paid parking lots and on-street metered parking that are primarily concentrated along beach
and harbor areas to address parking congestion. Depending on the site, time of day, and time of year, rates for
private cars can range from $1.30 to $7.05 per hour. Higher rates take effect during the summer and may prompt
individuals to carpool or seek alternatives, such as public or active transportation. Newport Beach Municipal Code
Chapter 20.28 includes the Balboa Village Parking Management Overlay District, which establishes regulations
specific to parking in the Balboa Village. These regulations allow shared parking and the use of private parking
facilities, and intends to implement an employee permit program that would reduce parking fees and designate
parking for employees of businesses in the neighborhood. As the City’s first and only parking management district,
Basic striping is
pictured here as a
solid white line on the
Back Bay Loop, a
hybrid active
transportation trail
and roadway with
Class I, Class II, and
Class III segments, in
Newport Beach.
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the Balboa Village Parking Management Overlay District provides a foundation for other communities in Newport
Beach facing similar challenges.
Additional parking management strategies may be able to reduce the difficulties associated with finding an available
space in these areas. Short-term and medium-term strategies, such as shared parking, additional on-street parking
regulations and cost, and the conversion of private lots into public parking, were a few examples suggested in the Balboa
Village Master Plan and Mariners’ Mile Revitalization Master Plan. Further research into and implementation of these
strategies might help alleviate issues of limited parking and congestion in the Balboa Village, Mariners’ Mile, and similar
neighborhoods. These strategies should consider existing programs, such as the Balboa Village Parking Management
Overlay District and the Balboa Peninsula Trolley, to maximize overall effectiveness.
4.4.4.2 Bicycle Parking
In addition to safe active transportation corridors, parking provisions are necessary to increase the use of bicycles
because users need secure places to store their bicycles when not in use. CALGreen establishes minimum short-
term and long-term bicycle parking requirements for new, non-residential projects.
Anchored bicycle racks intended for short-term use should be built within 200 feet of a new project or building
alteration expected to generate visitor traffic. The number should be equivalent of 5% of vehicle parking spaces
being added and should, at minimum, provide capacity for two bicycles.
Secure long-term bicycle parking facilities take several forms and may include bicycle lockers; locked bicycle rooms
with anchored racks; or locked, covered enclosures with anchored racks. For new buildings with 10 or more tenant-
occupant parking spaces, alterations that add 10 or more tenant-occupant parking spaces, or new shell buildings,
long-term bicycle parking spaces must be equivalent to at least 5% of the vehicular parking spaces and must, at a
minimum, provide one bicycle parking facility.
Short-term bicycle
parking, such as
anchored bicycle
racks (pictured left),
and long-term bicycle
parking, such as
bicycle lockers (right),
provide users with
safe storage options
when not using their
bicycles.
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Chapter 15.11 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code fully adopts the 2022 Edition of CALGreen as the Newport
Beach Green Standards Code, and includes all requirements related to bicycle parking. Chapter 21.40 of the
Municipal Code details additional requirements for bicycle parking that, in some cases, are stricter than what the
State requires. For example, short-term bicycle parking spaces must be within 100 feet of a project’s entrance, as
opposed to the State’s 200 feet requirement. The Municipal Code requires that long-term bicycle parking spaces
be located in a well-lit, secured, and covered area that is accessible to and from public streets. Short-term and long-
term bicycle parking must also be accompanied by appropriate signage indicating their location.
4.4.4.3 Electric Vehicles
As EVs become more popular, it is important that the City’s charging equipment keeps pace with the needs of new
EV and NEV (neighborhood electric vehicle) owners. The City currently provides 23 public EV charging stations at
key community centers, such as the Newport Beach Civic Center and Park, and the Marina Park Community and
Sailing Center.
See Table 6 for a description of the types of charging equipment available.
Table 6. Types of Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment
EV Capable Requires installation of a raceway and adequate panel capacity to sustain a dedicated
branch circuit and a charging station for electric vehicles.
EV Ready In addition to EV Capable requirements, parking space must install a dedicated branch
circuit, circuit breakers, and other electrical components to support installation of a charging
station.
EV Chargers In addition to EV Ready requirements, parking space must include the equipment needed to
charge an electric vehicle.
EV = electric vehicle
CALGreen requires that new construction and major alterations, where feasible, include a specific number or
percentage of EV Capable parking spaces (see Table 6). This mandate does not apply to accessory dwelling units
or junior accessory dwelling units. Per State code, new one- and two-family residential units and townhomes with
attached garages must install one raceway for each dwelling unit. New multifamily dwellings, hotels and motels,
and residential parking facilities are subject to different percentage-based regulations that include additional EV
Ready and EV Chargers requirements. These requirements are described in Table 7.
Table 7. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Requirements for New
Residential Development
Projects Less Than 20 Units
Projects Greater Than or Equal to 20
Units
EV Capable 10% of total parking spaces 10% of total parking spaces
EV Ready 25% of total parking spaces 25% of total parking spaces
EV Chargers No requirement 5% of total parking spaces
EV = electric vehicle
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The number of required EV Capable parking spaces for non-residential projects are subject to the total number of
parking spaces on site.12 Depending on the number of spaces, certain projects may also have to provide dedicated
EV charging stations, which count toward meeting the requirement of EV Capable spaces (see Table 8).
Table 8. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Requirements for Non-Residential
Development
Total Number of Spaces Required EV Capable Spaces Required EV Charging Stations
0 –9 0 0
10–25 4 0
26–50 8 2
51–75 13 3
76–100 17 4
101–150 25 6
151–200 35 9
≥201 20% of total (rounded up) 25% of EV Capable spaces
EV = electric vehicle
The City has adopted CALGreen into its Municipal Code as the Newport Beach Green Standards Code, meaning the
City meets all minimum requirements established by the State, although the City may work with developers to build
spaces beyond what is legally required to further incentivize the use of EVs.
4.5 Waste Reduction
Proper waste reduction and management are necessary to reduce significant methane emissions generated by local
landfills, reduce costs associated with transporting waste, and ultimately create a cleaner and healthier environment.
The City, in partnership with its contracted waste hauler CR&R Environmental Services, recently restructured
residential trash collection services to provide households with separate containers for trash, recycling, and organic
waste, in addition to a 2-gallon organic waste pail intended for use in the kitchen. These changes to residential
trash collection were made in accordance with SB 1383, which aims for a 75% reduction in organic waste in landfills
and to recover at least 20% of edible food by 2025.
Per AB 341, all businesses and multifamily developments with at least 5 units that generate 4 or more cubic yards
of solid waste per week are required to recycle. To successfully comply with AB 341, business and multifamily
development property owners can coordinate with trash collectors to implement a recycling program, sign up for a
recycling service, or self-haul their recycling, the last of which may require a permit or proof of routine recycling.
Commercial businesses in Newport Beach are also required to properly dispose of organic waste, similar to the SB
1383 mandates imposed on residential units. AB 1826 states that all businesses that generate at least 2 cubic
yards of any kind of waste must implement organics recycling that includes food waste, landscaping, and other
types of green waste.
12 2022 California Green Building Standards Code, Title 24, Part 11 (CALGreen), with January 2023 Errata.
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The City complies with all pertinent State laws per Chapter 6.06 of the Newport Beach Municipal Code, which lists
all requirements and regulations related to State-mandated solid waste diversion programs. The Municipal Code
also provides additional direction for AB 341 on how to comply with self-hauler requirements and regulations for
waste management at special events.
4.6 Energy
Newport Beach is within the Southern California Edison (SCE) service area; thus, the electricity that powers
residential and non-residential buildings reflects SCE’s power mix in the Southern California region. Table 9 shows
SCE’s power content label for 2022, which shows the share of various energy sources that composed SCE’s total
power supply.
Table 9. Southern California Edison 2022 Power Mix
Energy Resource 2022 Power Mix
Renewable Energy Sources 35.8%
Biomass and Biowaste 2.1%
Geothermal 4.7%
Hydroelectric 1.1%
Solar 17.0%
Wind 10.8%
Coal 2.1%
Large Hydroelectric 9.2%
Natural Gas 36.4%
Nuclear 9.2%
Other 0.1%
Unspecified 7.1%
Source: Southern California Edison: Power Content Label.
From 2017 to 2022, the share of renewable energy sources in the SCE power mix rose from 29% to 35.8%. The
reliance on coal has reduced from 4% in 2017 to 2.1% in 2022; the share of natural gas increased from 34% in
2017 to 36.4% in 2022; and the share of large hydroelectric has decreased from 15% in 2017 to 9.2% in 2022.
Energy from nuclear power has been relatively stable.13
Aside from increasing renewable energy composition in the overall power mix, an important part of reducing GHG
emissions is electrification of buildings, vehicles, and other energy users. This involves reducing the use of natural
gas for power in residential and non-residential buildings. The State and Local Planning for Energy (SLOPE) tool
shows a potential decrease of 49.14% (compared to 2005 levels) of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions for
Orange County under a moderate electrification scenario (i.e., the effects of electrifying cost-competitive
13 Southern California Edison. 2023. “Power Content Label.” https://www.sce.com/sites/default/files/custom-
files/PDF_Files/SCE_2022_Power_Content_Label_B%26W.pdf.
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opportunities in buildings and transportation with a business-as-usual projection for the evolution of electricity
supply). This model assumes that 96.33% of electricity will be provided by renewable energy by 2050.14
Through its involvement in the Orange County Cities Energy Partnership, the City coordinates with SCE, the Southern
California Gas Company, and neighboring local governments to identify and create projects to improve energy
efficiency and sustainability. Actions include installing energy-efficient lighting, HVAC improvements, installing
Energy Star rated appliances, and conducting technical energy audits of the City’s major facilities, among others.
The City’s EAP, finalized in 2013, provides a roadmap for the City to reduce its energy consumption and GHG
emissions. Included in the EAP are energy audits of major City facilities, including City Hall, the Fire Department,
Library Services, Municipal Operations, the Police Department, Public Works, and Recreation and Senior Services.
Within municipal operations, the EAP includes electricity use for water production and wastewater, oil and gas,
parks and trees, streetlights, traffic control, operations support, and several other General Fund activities.
4.7 Water Conservation
Per the City’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, the City’s water supply comes from a combination of imported
water, which includes water from the Colorado River and the State Water Project; recycled water; and local
groundwater, with groundwater from the Orange County Basin comprising the largest share.15 In fiscal year
2019/2020, water supplies consisted of 68% groundwater, 28.5% imported water, and 3.5% recycled water. By
2045, groundwater is expected to total 82% of water supply, followed by imported water (14.5%) and recycled water
(3.5%). This indicates a growing reliance on groundwater and a shrinking dependence on imported water. However,
the City’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan also refers to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California’s Seawater Desalination Program, which provides incentives for developing new seawater desalination
projects in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s service area. Desalination projects would help
to reduce reliance on imported water and increase local resilience.
Water use within the City’s service area has been relatively stable, with an average of 15,413 acre-feet per year, of
which potable water use accounted for 97%. Of this usage in fiscal year 2019/2020, residential use comprised
58.9%; commercial, institutional, and industrial comprised 18.2%; and large landscape/irrigation comprised
18.1%; with the remaining other uses comprising 4.8%. In compliance with SB 7 as part of the Seventh Extraordinary
Session (SBx7-7), known as the Water Conservation Act of 2009, the City more than met its 2020 water use target
of 207 gallons per-capital per day, achieving an average of 160 gallons per-capital per day.
To plan for the event of water shortage due to drought, a catastrophic event (e.g., earthquake), or other
circumstances, the City has created a Water Shortage Contingency Plan, the most recent in 2020, to help maintain
adequate, reliable supplies and reduce impacts of supply interruptions. The Water Shortage Contingency Plan
provides real-time water supply availability assessments and strategic steps to respond to actual conditions.16
14 National Renewable Energy Laboratory. 2023. “SLOPE: State and Local Planning for Energy.” https://maps.nrel.gov/slope/.
15 City of Newport Beach. 2020. 2020 Urban Water Management Plan: Final Draft. May 2020.
https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/utilities/water-services.
16 City of Newport Beach. 2021. 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan. June 2021.
https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/utilities/water-services.
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4.8 Water Quality
Recreational waters – including nearly 10 miles of sandy beaches, tidepools, Newport Harbor, and Newport Bay –
are central to Newport Beach’s economy, culture, and landscape. Therefore, ensuring that these recreational waters
experience good water quality year-round is of great importance to the community. However, recreational water
quality varies throughout the city and is threatened by contaminated storm runoff, trash, and boating-related
pollution. The City is aware of these issues and has some programs and infrastructure in place to address them.
4.8.1 Recreational Water Quality Concerns
According to Heal the Bay, a trusted nonprofit organization that regularly collects water quality information from
nearly 500 locations along the West Coast, Newport Beach experiences good water quality overall. In general, water
quality is best when the weather is dry and worst during and immediately following rainy weather. This is because
stormwater runoff collects bacteria, pollution, and debris from urban areas. This runoff eventually flows into
Newport Bay and the ocean via creeks and rivers, including the Santa Ana River and San Diego Creek, as well as
stormwater drains and channels. For this reason, water quality tends to decline after it rains near the terminus of
the Santa Ana River and in Newport Bay where San Diego Creek, Big Canyon Creek, and other stormwater channels
drain.
According to Heal the Bay’s 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Beach Report Cards, water near the Santa Ana River jetty
and Newport Bay experienced good water quality when the weather was dry, receiving grades of A and A+ in nearly
every location sampled17,18. However, these locations experienced poor-to-fair water quality after rain events,
mostly receiving grades of C, D, and – especially during the unusually wet winter of 2022 – a grade of F. One
exception is Vaughn’s Launch in Newport Bay which received a grade of F during both wet and dry weather and was
featured on the 2021-2022 statewide “Beach Bummers” list. This location is affected by polluted runoff from Big
Canyon Creek which is known to carry pollutants from residential areas and Jamboree Road, a major thoroughfare.
In contrast, water quality tends to be consistently good in Corona del Mar and Crystal Cove. Nearly all locations
sampled in these areas earned grades of A and A+ on the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Beach Report Cards during
both wet and dry weather, earning them a spot on Heal the Bay’s “Honor Roll.”
Another concern for recreational waters is trash. Significant amounts of trash end up in Newport Beach’s
recreational waters via the Santa Ana River, San Diego Creek, and other creeks and stormwater channels, ocean
currents, and littering – both intentional and unintentional. While the exact quantities of trash are unknown,
volunteers pick up trash along beaches and in Upper Newport Bay each year19.
Other water quality concerns in Newport Bay are related to boating. Chemicals used to paint and clean boats as
well as fuel leaks from watercraft can contaminate the Bay. In recent years, copper contamination from hull cleaning
and painting has been a topic of concern for the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board which has
jurisdiction over Newport Bay. In December 2022, the Board adopted a Basin Plan amendment to reduce the water
17 Heal the Bay. 2022. 2021-2022 Beach Report Card. June 2022. https://healthebay.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Beach-
Report-Card-2021-2022.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.
18 Heal the Bay, 2023. 2022-2023 Beach Report Card. June 2023. https://healthebay.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Beach-
Report-Card-2022-2023.pdf
19 City of Newport Beach. n.d. “Make A Splash, Pick Up Trash.” https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/public-
works/ocean-water-quality/make-a-splash-pick-up-trash.
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quality limit, or total maximum daily load, for copper and developed a plan to reduce boating-related copper
contamination by 60% over the course of 12 years20. According to a bay-wide water sampling effort conducted in
2019, the bay-wide average concentration of copper is 2.6 micrograms per liter which is below the USEPA water
quality limit for copper of 3.1 micrograms per liter21. Still, concentrations of copper in 5 out of the 47 locations
sampled exceeded 4.0 micrograms per liter. It is expected that Basin Plan implementation of programs to reduce
copper contamination, including educational campaigns for hull cleaning, will begin soon.
4.8.2 Efforts to Improve Recreational Water Quality
In an effort to address recreational water quality concerns, the City created the Water Quality/Coastal Tidelands
Committee to advise City Council on decisions with the potential to impact water quality. Additionally, the City has
been improving stormwater infrastructure and has led several educational campaigns to reduce the amount of
trash and pet waste that ends up in recreational waters.
As discussed in the 2017-2018 Resource Efficiency and Water Quality Annual Report, the City has completed or
begun working on several stormwater management projects intended to improve water quality in Newport Bay.
Perhaps the most impactful of these projects is the Lower Big Canyon Water Quality and Restoration which, as
discussed in the previous section, is in an area of Newport Bay with a known stormwater pollution problem. Phase
1 of this project involved diverting stormwater flows from Jamboree Road and contaminated groundwater seeps
into a new bioswale basin that naturally filters out pollutants from stormwater before it enters Big Canyon Creek.
Phase 2 involves restoring wetland habitat near the terminus of Big Canyon Creek which will provide additional
filtration as the water enters Newport Bay22. Another notable project is the San Diego Creek Water Wheel. This
project will use innovative technology to create a self-sustained debris removal system at the terminus of San Diego
Creek. It will consist of a water wheel that removes trash from water flowing into Upper Newport Bay and transfers
it to a large trash bin using a conveyer belt. This trash is eventually collected by waste management staff and is
properly disposed. The project is expected to reduce the amount of trash entering Newport Bay by 50-80% upon
completion in Spring 202423.
4.9 Urban Outdoors
Natural landscapes, such as beaches and parks, are defining characteristics of Newport Beach that are at the core of
recreational experiences for residents and visitors, and also provide habitat and refuge for wildlife. The protection of
these resources is necessary to maintain quality of life and Newport Beach’s position as a popular tourist destination.
The City’s Parks & Trees Division is responsible for maintenance of Newport Beach’s natural environment and
related issues, including parks, landscaping, irrigation, pest mitigation, and the urban forest, and also provides
assistance on matters related to plant selection for new City projects and parks. The division is divided into two
20 Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. 2022. Substitute Environmental Document for Proposed Basin Plan Amendment
for Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Copper in Newport Bay, Orange County, California. October 2022.
https://www.newportbeachca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/72561/638023698939070000.
21 City of Newport Beach. 2021. “Copper Total Maximum Daily Load for Newport Bay City of Newport Beach Factsheet.” August 2021.
https://www.newportbeachca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/70483/637667929237170000.
22 City of Newport Beach. 2018. Resource Efficiency and Water Quality Annual Report 2017-2018.
https://online.anyflip.com/cgexi/jggd/mobile/index.html
23 California Natural Resources Agency. n.d. “Newport Bay Water Wheel Project.”
https://bondaccountability.resources.ca.gov/Project.aspx?ProjectPK=23038&PropositionPK=48
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types of staff: Parks personnel maintain more than 605 acres of landscaping, including 204 acres of parks, and
Trees personnel maintain more than 35,000 public trees throughout Newport Beach through routine trimming,
planting, and inspections.24
Interactive maps for the City’s parks and trees are publicly available via the City’s GIS portal. The parks and facilities
map contains every park and recreational facility, and lists each facility’s amenities and locations (see also Table
10). The Tree Inventory lists every tree in Newport Beach, along with details such as its location, species name,
recent and upcoming service dates, height, and condition. Newport Beach is home to many tree species and types,
including acacia, birch, eucalyptus, magnolia, palm, sycamore, and willow families.
Table 10. Non-Municipal Parks and Open Space in the City of Newport Beach
Park
Total
Acreage Managing Agency
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve 135 County of Orange
Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve 752 California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park 7,000 County of Orange
Santa Ana River County Beach 42.48 County of Orange
Crystal Cove State Park 2,400 California Department of Parks and Recreation
Multiple organizations, such as the Newport Bay Conservancy and the Orange Coast River Park, are dedicated to
maintaining and expanding open space in Newport Beach through efforts such as creating a multi-jurisdictional
park near the Santa Ana River and restoring Big Canyon east of Newport Bay. These organizations are supported
by many agencies and departments that include the City, the Orange County Water District, California State Parks,
and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Protection and preservation efforts in Crystal Cove State Park, a California State Park within City limits, are managed
by the State with support from the Crystal Cove Conservancy. Located within the park is the Crystal Cove State
Marine Conservation Area (SMCA), a 3.53-square-mile Marine Protected Area containing coves, beaches, reefs, and
forests that are home to a variety of marine species, including dolphins, sea lions, and garibaldi fish. Crystal Cove
is one of two SMCAs in the City—the other being the 1.24-square-mile Upper Newport Bay SMCA, one of the region’s
few remaining natural estuaries. Both SMCAs are part of a statewide network of Marine Protected Areas that are
legally protected by the State, per California’s Marine Life Protection Act of 1999.
The Marine Life Protection Act mandates the protection of the State’s marine life and resources, and establishes
regulations that include prohibiting individuals from removing or inflicting harm on any marine resource and limiting
certain recreational activities. These coastal and marine ecosystems play an important role in limiting climate
change impacts, and are often referred to as “blue carbon” ecosystems due to their efficiency in sequestering
carbon. Damage to these ecosystems can result in a significant release of carbon into the atmosphere, making the
protection of the City’s SMCAs a priority.
24 City of Newport Beach. n.d. “Parks & Trees.” https://www.newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/public-
works/municipal-operations/parks-trees-20371.
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5 Issues and Opportunities
5.1 Findings
This chapter summarizes the findings from each of the nine topics described in Chapter 3, Existing Conditions. It
identifies resilience issues in Newport Beach and policy needs to be addressed in the General Plan Update.
5.1.1 Coastal Hazards
Although Newport Beach has always experienced coastal flooding, cliff erosion, and beach erosion, and has
programs, policies, and infrastructure in place to minimize their effects, these coastal hazards are projected to
increase in frequency and severity as sea levels rise. As discussed in Section 3.1, Coastal Hazards, even relatively
small amounts of sea-level rise have the potential to cause widespread flooding in low-lying areas during storms
and high tides. Some of the most densely developed areas of Newport Beach could be affected, including areas in
and near Newport Harbor and portions of Balboa Peninsula. By 2050, sea-level-rise-related flooding could affect
thousands of dwelling units; millions of square feet of non-residential structures, including local businesses,
industries, and public facilities; and public spaces, including beaches and parks. Sea-level rise will also accelerate
beach and cliff erosion. According to CoSMoS models, cliff faces in Corona del Mar and Newport Coast, and beaches
north of Newport Beach Pier will move inland at faster rates with projected amounts of sea-level rise. This poses a
threat to cliffside development in Corona del Mar and portions of Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Coast, and may
reduce beach access throughout Newport Beach. Moreover, existing infrastructure, programs, and policies do not
sufficiently address these emerging threats.
The City issues coastal development permits based on policies and standards of its certified Local Coastal Program
(LCP), approved in 2016. In reviewing coastal development permit applications for development in low-lying land,
eroding coastal bluffs, or shoreline properties, the City considers best available sea level rise projections, and
continues to reassess sea level rise implications for such permits as the science continues to evolve. Additional
factors considered in coastal development permit review include wave uprush and wave impacts, geologic stability,
erosion, flooding and inundation, and other impacts such as saltwater intrusion. These reviews apply to new
developments or significant remodels, and occur on a permit-by-permit basis. Therefore, additional coastal
armoring, land use changes, and updated safety programs and policies will help to protect coastal residents,
resources, and development from these hazards. Transportation and open space must also be considered because
projected sea-level rise could disrupt the existing transportation system and access to coastal open space and
recreational areas.
A proposed nature-based shoreline adaptation project for Capistrano and Doheny State Beaches, south of Newport
Beach, demonstrates options for shoreline protection beyond traditional shoreline armoring. The project includes a
hybrid, vegetated dune covering a 60-foot-wide buried cobble berm system, which will reduce shoreline erosion and
the impacts of coastal flooding and sea level rise on critical infrastructure, including regional transportation
infrastructure, by raising the shoreline elevation to reduce flooding and capture wind-blown sand. In addition, the
vegetated sand dune will restore native habitat for wildlife. Nature-based shoreline adaptation is an option for the
City to reduce the impacts of coastal flooding, sea level rise, and sand loss, while attaining ancillary ecological
benefits. Aside from vegetated dunes, project types range from living shorelines (e.g., clam and muscle beds), living
breakwaters, and artificial reef (such as by using reef balls).
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The California Coastal Conservancy implements programs across California’s coast, including the Southern
California region. Project priorities include improving coastal access, coastal wetlands preservation and restoration,
nonpoint source water pollution reduction, and climate change resilience. Towards this end, the Conservancy has
been working to implement living shoreline projects, including dune restoration, oyster beds, living breakwaters,
etc. and offers funding opportunities for implementation of living shoreline and other resilience-building projects.
Although much sea level rise planning occurs on the local level through LCPs, adaptation plans, and specific
projects, strategic regional planning is needed to address cross-jurisdictional coastal issues. For example, the South
Orange County Regional Coastal Resilience Strategic Plan, funded by Proposition 68 grant funding from the Ocean
Protection Council, coordinates public entities, private landowners, Orange County Transit Authority, Metrolink,
State Parks, Orange County Parks, and the public to form solutions to beach sand loss and coastal erosion,
prioritizing coastal access while balancing the needs of private landowners and transportation, including rail. This
effort demonstrates the importance of collaborating with an array of stakeholders involved in coastal protection,
access, and development on a regional scale, given issues such as sea level rise, coastal flooding, and beach
erosion are affecting many coastal jurisdictions in similar ways. Moreover, collaboration can result in more effective,
comprehensive coastal adaptation and access to more funding sources.
5.1.2 Education
The City keeps a detailed and user-friendly website, but some resources are out of date and do not reflect the latest
State guidelines. The City maintains diverse social media to reach a range of community members, and the Public
Library system offers resources targeted at younger audiences. Policies bolstering education, outreach and
engagement, and maintenance of resources will result in better educational tools for the community.
5.1.3 Buildings and Development
The City is consistent with stringent State standards that require all buildings to be net-zero energy buildings (i.e.,
energy efficient buildings that produce as much clean, renewable energy as they consume in 1 year). These
standards only apply to new buildings, and the aging building stock, including municipal buildings, require incentives
to reduce energy demand. There are currently no programs to encourage these changes. Policies targeting
strategies to facilitate green building rehabilitation and upgrades can help to make older buildings more energy
efficient.
5.1.4 Transportation
The City’s transportation network is primarily focused on car travel, and needs a focus on safety to encourage
people to walk, bike, and take transit, including connections to natural resource areas and commercial areas where
car traffic is an issue. The OCTA provides public transit along main routes, which are connected to walking and
biking infrastructure. Newport Beach is characterized by many large areas containing only single-family homes that
are separated from everyday uses within reasonable walking or biking distance. As such, public transportation may
not be as viable for residents in these areas. Increasing mixed uses and safe walking and biking routes for common
trips, such as to school, library, or grocery store, could reduce dependance on car travel. In addition, innovative
mobility strategies, such as the Balboa Peninsula Trolley, may be effective in reducing the reliance on private
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vehicles. Policies related to enhanced mobility in single-unit neighborhoods can help to better connect residents to
community resources.
5.1.5 Waste Reduction
The City is consistent with State standards through its solid waste hauler. Specific waste reduction programs, such
as school and park on-site composting, could reduce dependance on waste hauling and associated emissions.
Waste reduction policies are closely connected to education and an overlap in policies on waste reduction and
education can work collaboratively to reduce waste in the community.
5.1.6 Energy
The City has adopted CalGreen standards for greater energy efficiency and electrification for residential and non-
residential buildings. However, the City could pursue opportunities to increase its EV fleet, as well as build off its
technical energy audits of municipal facilities by adopting standards for energy efficiency for municipal buildings or
pursuing certifications, such as LEED. The City could also explore the potential energy efficiency benefits of installing
solar units on public buildings or parking lots, which could supply energy to buildings and EV chargers.
5.1.7 Water Conservation
The City has adopted plans to ensure reliable water supply during water shortages, established a water supply
shortage program, and developed plans to reduce reliance on imported water. The City has also adopted ordinances
that create requirements to save water, including CALGreen, which includes provisions for water efficiency. A City
ordinance also established water-efficient landscaping standards for new and rehabilitated landscape projects,
which, among other items, sets a maximum applied water allowance for individual irrigation systems. There is
opportunity to increase the use of recycled water in landscaping. Currently only about 3% of water usage is recycled
water, yet large landscaping/irrigation as a use category comprises 18% of water use. Water conservation policies
could build on water-efficient landscaping standards to require the use of recycled water, wherever feasible, in new
or rehabilitated landscaping projects. Public education and enforcement of standards is also necessary for effective
water conservation.
5.1.8 Water Quality
In general, Newport Beach experiences good recreational water quality in Newport Bay and along its many beaches.
However, some areas experience temporary declines in water quality during and immediately following storms due to
contaminated runoff and there are mild concerns about copper contamination from boat maintenance. The City has
some programs and infrastructure in place to mitigate the effects of contaminated runoff and works with the Santa Ana
Regional Water Quality Control Board to implement programs to achieve water quality standards. The City has also
established urban runoff control requirements for new development and significant redevelopment in accordance with
the Drainage Area Management Plan for Orange County. Policies ensuring the continued maintenance of potential
sources of water pollution and public education campaigns will help to protect the recreational waters of the bay and
harbor.
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5.1.9 Urban Outdoors
The City’s Parks & Trees Division regularly maintains all of its public tree stock through routine trimming and
planting, as well as tree removal and other specialized activities, such as hazard removal and root pruning. The City
complies with all Federal and State laws, and coordinates with multiple jurisdictions and agencies to preserve
natural resources and protect wildlife, including marine life. As the population grows, opportunities to expand parks
and recreational facilities to meet the needs of residents will be limited. Policies to meet such future needs should
consider park and open space access, as well as the quality of recreation and amenities offered by parks and open
spaces.
5.2 Best Practices from Other Local Governments
Local governments pursing additional general plan elements are generally trying to achieve other legislative ends
that are not included in the general plan guidelines from OPR. Standalone elements work well to weave in these
requirements, such as guidance from the CCC or GHG reductions to meet State targets. Furthermore, resilience
relates to many existing OPR requirements, most notably for Newport Beach, those relating to safety, conservation,
and the harbor and bay. Consistency between general plan elements may be best achieved by an integrated focus,
unless there is a clear legislative end goal of a standalone element.
5.2.1 Plans and Elements
Local governments in California address environmental resilience across a range of plans and general plan
elements. Although general plans must comply with certain State requirements, there is no requirement that
general plans be organized in a certain format, including consolidated elements. Therefore, local governments
address the components of environmental resilience variously in land use, mobility, conservation and open space,
safety, environmental justice, and air quality elements. Plans outside of the general plan, such as a Climate Action
and Adaptation Plans and Water Conservation Plans, often address issues such as building and development,
energy, and water supply and water quality. Local Coastal Programs cover adapting to sea-level rise and other
coastal hazards, and protecting natural coastal resources.
The following highlights the approaches some local governments have taken to address environmental resilience,
particularly the topic areas most important to the community (for Newport Beach, see Section 2.2, Resilience in the
Adopted General Plan). These approaches include standalone sustainability plans and general plan elements, plans
that have been expanded to include resilience and/or sustainability topics, and multiple general plan elements that
have been combined. Rather than recommend a specific approach, the following aims to highlight approaches other
local governments have taken and examine how they are implemented to help inform how the City could proceed
in addressing environmental resilience.
City of Chico: 2030 General Plan Sustainability Element (2017)
The City of Chico: 2030 General Plan Sustainability Element25 is a framework designed to guide development and
growth in Chico while balancing environmental, economic, and equity considerations. In the General Plan the City
25 https://chicosustainability.org/what-the-city-has-done/general-plan/.
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of Chico envisions a resilient and vibrant community with reduced GHG emissions, sustainable transportation
options, enhanced local food systems, effective citizen participation, and a balanced urban environment that
improves quality of life for residents. The Sustainability Element is notable for the wide range of issues it addresses,
some of which are outside of the topic areas commonly addressed in general plans. Although the Sustainability
Element does not have an accompanying implementation plan, the goals, policies, and actions described provide
a concrete vision for how the City of Chico plans to improve resilience and reduce environmental impacts. Various
components of sustainability are also addressed in other elements of the general plan. Thus, the Sustainability
Element is not intended to be comprehensive, but it serves to further the vision for sustainability for the City of
Chico and to cohere the various other elements of the general plan in as far as they address sustainability.
The Sustainability Element follows from and builds off the City of Chico Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement
(2006), Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (2008), and Climate Action Plan (CAP) (2011), each of which sought
to reduce GHG emissions consistent with the goals set out in the Sustainable Community Strategy of the Butte
County Association of Governments, as required under SB 375 (2008). The Sustainability Element is not, however,
a required general plan element.
Placer County: Sustainability Plan (2019)
The Placer County Sustainability Plan26 is a comprehensive road map that outlines various programs and policies
the County of Placer will undertake to achieve lower GHG emissions for the unincorporated parts of Placer County
and to improve resilience to climate hazards. As such, the Sustainability Plan is similar to CAPs, expanded to
address both climate mitigation and climate adaptation. It includes strategies to reduce GHG emissions from
building energy, land use, transportation, water consumption, and other waste generation sectors. Concerning
adaptation, the Sustainability Plan includes a vulnerability assessment to identify the areas, populations, and
assets that are most vulnerable to climate hazards, including wildfire, drought, extreme heat, flooding, severe winter
weather, and bark beetle infestation, among others, as well as goals, policies, and objectives to address identified
vulnerabilities. The County of Placer’s Health and Safety Element, which must include the required content of safety
elements, was updated to reflect the vulnerability assessment undertaken as part of the Sustainability Plan.
The Sustainability Plan includes five implementation strategies, each with action items. The list includes monitoring
and reporting of GHG emissions reductions, updates to vulnerability assessments, partnership-building with
agencies and community organizations, and seeking new funding sources, among others. Appendices to the
Sustainability Plan detail a more specific implementation program, presented in three matrices: community GHG
reduction targets, government operations GHG reduction strategies, and adaptation strategies. These matrices help
staff assess how successful adaptation measures and GHG reductions strategies are, how strategies might need
to be adjusted, and which strategies are most feasible according to current funding opportunities and
implementation timeframes (i.e., ongoing, near-term, mid-term, long-term, and very long-term).
Marin County: Climate Action Plan (2015 Update)
The Marin County Climate Action Plan27 goes beyond the typical topics covered in a CAP. CAPs commonly address
how GHG emissions reductions will be achieved across contributing sectors, such as transportation, construction,
26 https://www.placer.ca.gov/2927/Sustain-Placer.
27 https://www.marincounty.org/-/media/files/departments/cd/planning/sustainability/climate-and-adaptation/
execsummarymarincapupdate_final_20150731.pdf?la=en.
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and energy. This CAP includes not only energy-related and GHG emissions reduction goals, but objectives to
conserve ecosystems, preserve and restore natural areas, protect wildlife and habitat connectivity, manage invasive
species, protect water quality, and improve ecosystem resilience to climate hazards. Additionally, the CAP assesses
vulnerabilities and potential impacts of climate change. The content of Marin County’s Conservation Element
overlaps somewhat with that of the CAP; however, their purposes and scope differ. The General Plan and its
associated elements focus on long-term land use strategies, and the CAP is more specifically concerned with
responding to, mitigating, and adapting to climate change.
To implement its strategies, the County of Marin has designated a Sustainability Team, which leads and coordinates
implementation, management of projects, and monitoring. In addition, the CAP identifies a suite of action items
and their responsible parties, and notes obstacles to implementation, each categorized by sector (i.e., energy
efficiency and renewable energy; land use and transportation; waste reduction, reuse, and recycling; water
conservation and wastewater treatment; and agriculture). Further, the CAP identifies funding strategies and an
extensive list of potential community funding sources for capital improvements and for operations and maintenance
costs of implementation. Finally, the CAP lists several regional partners with which the County of Marin will
coordinate to leverage resources, support CAP management, and share information. These partners range from an
Air Quality Management District to transportation authorities to utility providers to agricultural interests.
City of Huntington Beach: Environmental Resources and Conservation Element (2017)
This combined Conservation and Open Space Element28 meets the requirements of each of these elements. It
establishes goals and policies to protect and conserve the Huntington Beach’s environmental resources, open
spaces, and beaches; improve air quality by reducing GHG emissions; improve water quality; preserve recreational
uses of open space; and address environmental justice concerns by locating any new air pollutant sources away
from sensitive uses and disproportionately affected communities. The element aims to ensure sustainable growth
and development while preserving Huntington Beach’s unique environmental characteristics.
The implementation chapter of the General Plan provides robust details for how the City of Huntington Beach will
implement the Environmental Resources and Conservation Element, among other elements. For each policy of the
element, the City of Huntington Beach provides a policy description, the involved City of Huntington Beach
departments, other related policies, funding sources (e.g., Capital Improvement Fund, General Fund, grant funding),
and the timeframe for implementation.
City of Los Gatos: General Plan 2040 Environment and Sustainability Element (2022)
The Los Gatos General Plan Environment and Sustainability Element29 includes the required content of a conservation
element and addresses a series of additional issues. The Environment and Sustainability Element addresses
conservation of natural resources, including biological, water, and energy resources; preservation of visual and
historical (including tribal) resources; energy conservation; and GHG reduction strategies, among other topics. As such,
this Environment and Sustainability Element is an expanded conservation element that addresses topics commonly
included in separate plans, such as CAPs. The range of topics this element addresses are as follows:
▪ Aesthetics
28 https://huntingtonbeachca.gov/government/departments/planning/gp/index.cfm.
29 https://www.losgatosca.gov/2138/General-Plan.
▪ Agricultural and forestry resources
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▪ Biological resources
▪ Air quality
▪ Climate change/GHG emissions
▪ Energy
▪ Cultural and historical resources
▪ Tribal cultural resources
▪ Geology and soils
▪ Hydrology and water quality
▪ Noise
To implement the goals, policies, and actions specified, this Environment and Sustainability Element provides 27
implementation programs, which include ordinances, feasibility studies, strategies for compliance with certain State
laws, vulnerability assessments, education programs, design and development standards, and additional plans
and/or plan updates. As such, this element represents a highly detailed, concrete vision for achieving the goals
established therein.
5.2.2 Notable Projects, Programs, and Policies
Resilient Coastlines Project of Greater San Diego
The Greater San Diego Resilient Coastlines Project embodies a comprehensive and multifaceted strategy aimed at
enhancing coastal resilience. Its purpose is to unify various sea-level rise endeavors initiated by different local
governing bodies into a cohesive regional strategy. Toward this aim, the San Diego Regional Collaborative, Climate
Science Alliance–South Coast, and Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve partnered to design and
implement the project, which includes 14 initiatives across the San Diego area coast, including living shorelines
projects, vulnerability assessments, and the creation of community strategies to build resilience and adapt to
increased coastal flooding and erosion. Furthermore, by addressing existing knowledge deficiencies that have
hindered resilience efforts in the past and engaging scientific experts and local communities, the project bolsters
the San Diego region’s ability to withstand coastal challenges. Its inception was made possible through backing
from a 2015 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Regional Coastal Resilience Grant specifically
intended to provide direct assistance for community-centered planning to mitigate coastal hazards.30
San Francisco Bay Living Shorelines: Nearshore Linkages Project
The California State Coastal Conservancy, along with consultants from San Francisco State University, UC Davis,
U.S. Geological Survey’s Western Ecological Research Center, Environmental Science Associates/Philip Williams &
Associates, ENVIRON, and Isla Arena Consulting, began this project in 2012 by exploring how the restoration and
creation of new native ecosystems, such as oyster reefs and eelgrass beds, could protect the shoreline from
erosion, maintain coastal ecosystem functions, and provide habitat for aquatic plants and wildlife. The study found
that living shorelines reduce wave energy by 30%, that mounds of clean Pacific oyster half shell provide an effective
material to build reefs for oyster recruitment (however, given the low availability of these half shells in California,
the study recommended creating shell recycling programs with restaurants), and that restoration projects that
incorporate oyster reef and eelgrass together can maximize habitat value. Based on its initial findings, the project
then set a goal of creating biologically rich and diverse subtidal and low intertidal habitats, including eelgrass and
oyster reefs, to support a self-sustaining estuary system that is resilient to changing environmental conditions,
including sea-level rise and increased coastal storm frequency and intensity. As the project was implemented over
the years following its inception, ecological and biological health of the project area were monitored with high
30 Resilient Coastlines Project for Greater San Diego: 2015–2018.
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frequency. This monitoring allowed the project team to assess the performance of the project. The conclusions
drawn from this assessment, including details about the conditions that led to greater survival rates of eelgrass
and greater accumulation of oysters, both of which support the larger goals of the project, will help to inform future
living shorelines projects.
County of San Diego Cool Zones Program
The Cool Zones Program, established more than 20 years ago, provides a network of air-conditioned settings across
San Diego County that are free and open to the public during the months of higher temperatures, typically June
through October. Although open to all, Cool Zones were established out of concern for older adults, people with
disabilities, and those with health concerns that make them more vulnerable to the effects of heat. As such, to help
community members access Cool Zones, no-cost rideshare services are available to provide residents
transportation to and from Cool Zone locations. An additional benefit of the program is that residents can lower
their individual air-conditioning usage, conserving energy for the community. The Cool Zones Program is managed
by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency in partnership with San Diego Gas & Electric.
Through the partnership, the County of San Diego also provides free electric fans to individuals on limited incomes
who are 60 years and older and/or who have a disability.
City of Virginia Beach, VA: Sea Level Wise Adaptation Strategy
The City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, is projected to experience some of the greatest amounts of sea level rise on the
East Coast. For this reason, the City developed its Sea Level Wise plan which outlines a comprehensive adaptation
approach31. While the legislative framework and planning processes in Virginia Beach are different than in
California, many of the strategies discussed in the city’s Adaptation Framework can be employed in Newport Beach.
Virginia Beach’s Adaptation Framework focuses on four main areas: natural mitigations, prepared communities,
engineered defenses, and adapted structures, as outlined below.
▪ Natural mitigations include efforts to protect and expand natural lands and infrastructure that helps
mitigate sea level rise-related flooding and wave action including wetlands, open space, and vegetation.
These lands help absorb flood waters, prevent erosion, and protect developed areas from waves and
rushing water.
▪ Prepared communities involve providing information, resources, and incentives to help residents and
businesses prepare for and recover from flood events. These include things like emergency warnings,
supplies, resource centers, and shelters.
▪ Engineered defenses include non-natural infrastructure intended to defend development against
floodwaters and wave activity. These include permanent infrastructure like seawalls and temporary
defenses like seasonal earthen levees.
▪ Adapted structures involve restricting development in areas projected to flood and designing structures to
withstand flooding of certain magnitudes. This includes retrofitting existing structures and prioritizing
adaptive uses on the first floor of buildings.
31 City of Virginia Beach. 2020. Virginia Beach Sea Level Wise Adaptation Strategy. March 2020. https://s3.us-east-
1.amazonaws.com/virginia-beach-departments-docs/pw/Stormwater-Planning/Sea-Level-Rise/Virginia-Beach-Sea-Level-Wise-
Adaptation-Strategy-March-2020.pdf
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Each strategy in the plan was developed based on a needs assessment, cost-benefit analysis, and community
member priorities identified through outreach, making it an exceptionally well-researched and widely supported
plan.
City of Charleston, SC: 2023 Flooding and Sea Level Rise Strategy Update
The City of Charleston, South Carolina, has continually updated its Flooding and Sea Level Rise Strategy since it
was first developed in 2015 to use the best available science, respond to resident concerns and priorities, and
track overall progress32. The 2023 update identifies Five Critical Components to plan implementation:
infrastructure, land use, governance, resources, and outreach.
▪ The infrastructure component is focused mainly on public infrastructure that can help protect both public
and private property. It identifies a list of essential projects – proposed, underway, or completed – that are
necessary to protect structures from floodwaters and enhance drainage and absorption.
▪ The land use component is focused on restricting development in low-lying and isolated areas and
incentivizing development in higher-elevation areas away from water bodies. It informed a zoning code
update that requires adaptation measures to be incorporated in certain flood-prone areas.
▪ The governance component is focused on identifying regulatory pathways for implementation as well as
critical plans and policies to be updated.
▪ The resources component is focused on identifying funding and staffing for implementation and related
projects. It also outlines roles and responsibilities for different city departments and lists existing resources
for residents.
▪ The outreach component is focused on community partnerships and educational initiatives to help
residents prepare for and respond to sea level rise.
Because this plan has existed for nearly a decade, some progress has already been made. The City has taken an
innovative approach to showcase this progress and keep residents informed by creating an online StoryMap. This
StoryMap is regularly updated with project information and resources.
Miami-Dade County, FL: Miami-Dade County Sea Level Rise Strategy
Because the entirety of Miami-Dade County is just a few feet above sea-level and flooding will be widespread, sea
level rise strategies there are focused almost exclusively on adaptation or “living with water.”33 These adaptation
strategies are organized into five approaches: build on fill, build like the Keys, build on high ground around transit,
expand greenways and blueways, and create green and blue neighborhoods. These strategies are outlined as
follows.
▪ Build on fill involves artificially raising the elevation of land to be developed by filling it with soils, sediments,
or other materials.
▪ Build like the Keys involves employing architectural features common in the Florida Keys such as pilings
that elevate buildings off the ground. These are intended to keep the structure itself above floodwaters.
32 City of Charleston. 2023. 2023 Flooding and Sea Level Rise Strategy Update.
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/collections/5f03a3cd61d244908eed5be10489d9a4?item=2
33 County of Miami-Dade. 2021. Miami-Dade County Sea Level Rise Strategy. February 2021. Miami-
Dade_County_Sea_Level_Rise_Strategy_Final.pdf (ago-item-storage.s3.amazonaws.com)
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▪ Build on high ground above transit involves incentivizing higher density development in areas near existing
and planned transit that are less flood-prone.
▪ Expand greenways and blueways involves embracing adaptive waterfront land uses that can continue to
be used and enjoyed during flooding. It also includes plans for converting some roads into canals.
▪ Create green and blue neighborhoods involves creating a network of basins and canals to collect floodwater
in residential areas, along streets, and in parks.
Moreover, the County acknowledges the unique challenges and character of each of its many communities by
allowing individual implementation plans to be developed in partnership with community members and businesses.
5.3 Implementation Considerations
5.3.1 Staffing Needs and Responsible Agencies
Resilience and sustainability affect many City departments, plans, and requirements, and therefore involve
cooperation and coordination. Many cities have opted for clearly identifying a resilience/sustainability lead. This roll
typically sits in the Planning Department or Public Works Department. Sustainability managers oversee
implementation of specific sustainability plans, such as a CAP, and coordinate with all relevant departments on
data tracking and implementation. Additionally, resilience/sustainability leads can do the following:
▪ Build partnerships with other government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and academic institutions.
These collaborations can lead to shared resources, expertise, and funding for sustainability projects.
▪ Write grant proposals and work with city budgets to allocate funds for sustainability initiatives.
▪ Promote economic development opportunities tied to sustainability, such as green jobs, clean technology
innovation, and sustainable tourism.
▪ Advertise recycling programs, energy-efficient technologies, and sustainable transportation options.
Resilience is a cross-cutting issue that affects most departments as they update plans, standards, and practices to
meet State standards, and is therefore integrated into many current positions at the City.
Approach to Resilience Planning
Whether a local government adopts a standalone Adaptation or Resilience Element or addresses resilience through
several distinct elements in its general plan need not impact cross-departmental coordination. Effective
coordination between departments is equally possible under either scenario.
The California Office of Emergency Services’ Adaptation Planning Guide34 recommends that local agencies form a
project team of local agency staff from departments such as Planning, Community Development, Engineering,
Public Works, Police, Fire, Public Health, and Finance, among others. This project team would be involved in
assessing vulnerabilities and developing, vetting, and prioritizing resilience strategies. In the implementation phase,
the project team takes the lead on monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment as well. As a result, each of the phases
of the Adaptation Planning Guide are a coordinated effort of the project team.
34 California Office of Emergency Services. 2023. Adaptation Planning Guide. https://resilientca.org/apg/.
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5.3.2 Funding Opportunities
Funding for resilience-related topics come from a variety of sources, including property owners; local, State, and
Federal government agencies; and external funds. Although many resilience projects on private property will need
to be funded by the property owner, this section describes potential funding sources for public resilience projects
and programs.
5.3.2.1 Inflation Reduction Act Investments in Clean Energy and
Climate Action
The Federal Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included a $370 billion investment in clean energy and climate action
programs. This makes the Inflation Reduction Act the largest single investment in climate action and resilience in
the history of the United States. Although these investments span a wide range of topics, they are mainly focused
on advancing renewable energy infrastructure and production; alternative fuels and vehicles; energy efficiency in
homes and buildings; resilience to climate hazards, including drought, flooding, sea-level rise, and wildfire; and
restoring natural areas and ecosystems. These investments come in the form of Federal grants and programs for
which the City, its residents, and its businesses can apply. The programs and grants associated with the Inflation
Reduction Act can help fund projects in every topic addressed in this report. For a full list of investments, grants,
and programs, see the Building a Clean Energy Economy Guidebook.35
5.3.2.2 Special Funding Districts
In accordance with California law, the City may establish Special Funding Districts. Special Funding Districts are
geographically defined areas within a jurisdiction where a tax or fee can be collected from property owners to
generate revenue for public improvements or programs. They can only be established through popular vote. There
are many different types of special funding districts, the most pertinent of which are outlined below.
Climate Resilience Districts
California SB 852 (2022) enables local governments to establish Climate Resilience Districts to raise and allocate
funding for projects related to sea-level rise, extreme heat, extreme cold, wildfire risk, drought, and flooding. Climate
Resilience Districts are considered a type of Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD), and thus must
comply with the requirements of EIFDs, including the requirement for local governments to adopt resolutions to
allocate tax revenue to the Climate Resilience District (see the subsection below under “Enhanced Infrastructure
Financing Districts”). Established Climate Resilience Districts may raise funds through benefit assessments, special
taxes, property-related fees, and other fees and service charges allowed by the State. They may also accept funding
from private, local, State, and Federal sources. This may be the most relevant type of special funding district for
projects and programs related to climate change and hazard resilience in Newport Beach.
Assessment Districts
Assessment Districts are intended to generate revenue for improvements to public property, rights-of-way, and
easements. All property owners in the district must pay for improvements that provide more general public benefits,
35 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Inflation-Reduction-Act-Guidebook.pdf.
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but individual property owners who benefit from specific or targeted benefits may be assessed for the costs of those
benefits proportionally.
Local governments may establish Assessment Districts per the following laws:
▪ Improvement Bond Act of 1915 (Streets and Highways Code Sections 8500 et seq.)
▪ Improvement Act of 1911 (Streets and Highways Code Sections 5000 et seq.)
▪ Municipal Improvement Act of 1913 (Streets and Highways Code Sections 10000 et seq.), which contains
provisions for establishing Assessment Districts
These laws outline the process for establishing an Assessment District in detail, and include a provision that
prohibits the establishment of such a district if a majority of affected property owners object. There are also
limitations regarding the use of Assessment District revenue. Although Assessment Districts may help finance
construction of public infrastructure improvements, they cannot be used to fund operations, maintenance, or future
improvements to the same infrastructure. However, another Assessment District may be established for the
purpose of making additional improvements. Assessment Districts are often established to finance construction of
the following infrastructure:
▪ Local streets
▪ Streetlights
▪ Parks
▪ Landscaping
▪ Sidewalks
▪ Sanitary sewers
▪ Water supply and distribution facilities
▪ Gas and electric power facilities
▪ Flood control and drainage improvements
▪ Parking facilities
Parking Management Districts
To finance construction of new parking facilities and changes to existing ones, the City may consider establishing a
Parking Management District. Per Streets and Highways Code Section 31500, the City may use the revenue
generated from a Parking Management District to finance any of the following:
▪ Acquisition of land
▪ Construction, operation, and maintenance of parking facilities and garages
▪ Associated project costs, including professional staff.
Per Streets and Highways Code 11000, the City may also use Parking Management District revenue to finance
pedestrian improvements, including the following:
▪ Street paving
▪ Water lines, flood control facilities, sewers, and drainages
▪ Street lighting
▪ Fire protection facilities
▪ Statues, fountains, and decorations
▪ Landscaping and tree planting
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▪ Childcare facilities
▪ Public assembly facilities
Special assessments, fees, parking meter charges, and property taxes are all potential revenue sources within
Parking Management Districts. Parking meter charges have become particularly favorable to local governments
due to new technology that allows users to pay electronically, and enables parking rates to be adjusted instantly
throughout the day and week. Revenue from meters can be used to fund physical improvements to the district,
including improvements to sidewalks and landscaping. Although parking districts may contract out for services, they
are typically responsible for the following:
▪ Enforcement of parking regulations
▪ Parking permits
▪ Parking meter operations (including revenue collection)
▪ Day-to-day management of shared parking areas
▪ Researching parking usage and developing parking pricing strategies
Business Improvement Districts
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are public/private partnerships designed to improve the attractiveness and
functionality of a business district, improve the business climate, help existing businesses grow and prosper, attract
new businesses, and attract more visitors and customers to the district.
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are partnerships between businesses and local governments; the two work
together to finance and complete infrastructure improvement projects within the district. Local governments will
either assess individual businesses (B-BIDs) or real property owned by businesses (P-BIDs) and levy taxes or fees
accordingly. Revenue generated from these taxes or fees is then used to finance physical improvements to the
district and programs that promote business growth and improve the community. There are important differences
between B-BIDs and P-BIDs that should be considered when deciding which type of BID to establish.
B-BIDs are authorized by the Parking and Business Improvement Area Law of 1989. They are best used to provide
direct benefits to businesses within the BID, such as advertising, marketing, and events that promote tourism and
the businesses themselves. Although B-BIDs can also be used to fund certain physical improvements, P-BIDs tend
to be better serve this purpose.
P-BIDs are authorized by the Property and Business Improvement District Law of 1994. They function similarly to
Assessment Districts and tend to be more impactful than B-BIDs, especially when it comes to infrastructure finance.
Revenue from P-BIDs can be used to finance the following (improvements shown with an asterisk [*] can also be
funded with a B-BID):
▪ Parking facilities*
▪ Benches*
▪ Trash receptacles*
▪ Street lighting*
▪ Decorations*
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▪ Parks*
▪ Fountains*
▪ Closing, opening, widening, or narrowing of existing streets
▪ Facilities and equipment to enhance security of people and property within the area
▪ Ramps, sidewalks, plazas, and pedestrian malls
▪ Rehabilitation or removal of existing structures
▪ Promotion of public events that take place on or the district’s public places*
▪ Furnishing of music in any public place*
▪ Promotion of tourism*
▪ Activities that benefit businesses located and operating in the area*
▪ Marketing and economic development, including retail retention and recruitment
▪ Supplemental security, sanitation, graffiti removal, street and sidewalk cleaning, and other municipal services
▪ Activities that benefit businesses and real property located in the district
To establish a B-BID, a majority of businesses in the proposed district must be in support of it. Similarly, a majority
of commercial property owners must be in support of establishing a P-BID in order to do so. One important
difference, however, is that P-BIDs must be initiated via a petition by commercial property owners in the proposed
district, whereas B-BIDs can be initiated by the local government. Moreover, P-BIDs must be operated by a non-
profit property owners association that is contracted by the local government. This property owners association is
responsible for managing the BID and proposing an annual work plan.
Both types of BIDs are required to have an annual public hearing before the governing council. At this hearing, the
council or board decides whether or not to approve the proposed BID workplan for the upcoming year. Businesses
or commercial property owners are not allowed to vote unless the proposal includes an assessment increase. If
such an increase is proposed, the annual workplan can only be approved with a majority vote by businesses or
property owners in the BID.
Community Facilities Districts
A local government’s ability to establish a Community Facilities District (CFD) is authorized by the Mello-Roos
Community Facilities Act of 1982. Unlike other types of special funding districts, CFDs operate based on a special
tax based on property value rather than a special assessment based on the level of benefit received. Because CFDs
are tax-based, a two-thirds majority vote of property owners within a proposed CFD must vote in favor of the district
in order to establish it. This can be difficult when proposed CFDs include only a few property owners. In the case
that there are fewer than 12 registered voters who own property in the proposed district, votes may be weighted
based on the amount of property each voter has. In the case that there are 12 or more registered voters who own
property in the proposed district, all votes are weighted equally. Moreover, establishing a CFD only requires a
general overview of the infrastructure and services the district will fund and benefit from, rather than a detailed
report like that required by an Assessment District.
CFDs may fund construction of the following types of facilities:
▪ Local park, recreation, parkway, and open space facilities
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▪ Elementary and secondary school sites and structures
▪ Libraries
▪ Childcare facilities
▪ Transmission/distribution facilities for water, natural gas, telephone, electrical energy, and cable television
▪ Flood and storm protection, and storm drainage facilities
▪ Other governmental facilities that the legislative body creating the district is authorized by law to contribute
revenue toward, construct, own, or operate
▪ Work to bring public or private buildings or real property into compliance with seismic safety
standards and regulations
CFDs may also fund the following types of services:
▪ Police protection services
▪ Fire protection and suppression services and ambulance and paramedic services
▪ Recreation program services, library services, maintenance services for elementary and secondary school
sites and structures, and the operation and maintenance of museums and cultural facilities
▪ Maintenance of parks, parkways, and open space
▪ Flood and storm protection services, including the operation and maintenance of storm drainage systems
and sandstorm protection systems
▪ Removal or remedial action services for the cleanup of any hazardous substance released or threatened
to be released into the environment
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts
Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs) are special districts that can collect additional tax revenue from any
agency or organization in the district with the ability to be taxed (except for county offices of education, school districts,
and community college districts). This is known as tax increment financing and involves “freezing” tax revenues in a
particular tax year and collecting any additional revenue generated from tax increases that year. This additional revenue
can then be shared with the EIFD and used to fund any of the following infrastructure improvements:
▪ Highways, interchanges, ramps and bridges, arterial streets, parking facilities, and transit facilities
▪ Sewage treatment and water reclamation plants and interceptor pipes
▪ Facilities for the collection and treatment of water for urban uses
▪ Flood control levees and dams, retention basins, and drainage channels
▪ Childcare facilities
▪ Libraries
▪ Parks, recreational facilities, and open space
▪ Facilities for the transfer and disposal of solid waste, including transfer stations and vehicles
▪ Brownfield restoration and other environmental mitigation
▪ Development of projects on a former military base
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▪ Acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of housing for people of very low, low, and moderate income,
as defined in Sections 50105 and 50093 of the Health and Safety Code, for rent or purchase
▪ Acquisition, construction, and repair of industrial structures for private use
▪ Transit priority projects, as defined in Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code, that are within a transit-
priority area
▪ Projects that implement a sustainable communities strategy
▪ Port or harbor infrastructure, as defined by Section 1698 of the Harbors and Navigation Code Community
Revitalization and Investment Authorities
Community Revitalization and Investment Authority
Another potential financing option that uses tax increment financing is establishing a Community Revitalization and
Investment Authority (CRIA). CRIAs are public agencies, separate from any local government that creates them,
which use property tax increment financing for the purpose of planning and financing improvements and affordable
housing in disadvantaged communities. In many ways, CRIAs are similar to the redevelopment agencies that
preceded them. They were first authorized by the AB 2 in 2015, which made many changes to redevelopment law.
CRIAs function similarly to EIFDs. Any agency or organization with the ability to use property tax funds, with the
exception of school districts, may direct a portion or the entirety of its tax increment funds to a CRIA with jurisdiction
over the same area. The CRIA then has the authority to use the revenue for any of the following activities:
▪ Adopt community revitalization and investment plans
▪ Provide funding for infrastructure
▪ Provide for affordable housing
▪ Oversee Brownfield remediation and clean-up
▪ Oversee seismic retrofits of existing buildings
▪ Acquire and sell property
▪ Issue bonds
▪ Borrow funds and make loans
▪ Receive cap-and-trade funds designated for disadvantaged community funds or enter agreements with a
qualified community development entity to coordinate the investment of Federal New Market Tax Credit Funds
▪ Provide direct assistance to businesses within the plan area
▪ Receive funds allocated to it pursuant to a resolution adopted by a city, county, or special district to transfer
these funds from the following:
- The increased property tax revenues that a city, county, or special district receives from the dissolution
of redevelopment agencies
- Property taxes received by a city or county in lieu of former vehicle license fee funds
- Funds derived from various assessments that may be imposed by special districts
As part of their essential duties, CRIAs must adopt a formal plan that outlines the implementation of revitalization
programs and the uses of the tax increment revenue received. This plan must include all of the following:
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▪ Statement of principal goals and objectives
▪ Description of the deteriorated or inadequate infrastructure and the program for repair and upgrade
▪ A housing program
▪ A program to remedy or remove the release of hazardous substances
▪ A program to provide funding for or otherwise facilitate the economic revitalization of the area
▪ A fiscal analysis setting forth projected receipt of revenues and expenses over a 5-year planning horizon
▪ Time limits to establishing loans, advances, and indebtedness, and for fulfilling all the authority’s
housing obligations
CRIAs may purchase or lease property and may also acquire it through a conveyance or through eminent domain.
5.3.2.3 Developer Contributions
Development Impact Fees
Development impact fees are a common way to generate revenue to provide infrastructure improvements and
public services. They involve collecting a fee directly from developers during the local permitting process. The
revenue is then used to finance improvements and services that are usually directly related to the type of fee
collected. For example, a water impact fee may be used to improve water infrastructure or support the additional
public resources needed to serve new development. The City already collects several impact fees, including a fire
impact fee, water impact fee, and sewer impact fee. The City is also considering implementing a traffic impact fee
as part of its 2040 General Plan implementation strategy.
Local governments are authorized to implement development impact fees per the Fee Mitigation Act. To do so, they
must first complete a nexus study. A nexus study helps to determine what share of impact costs the developer
should cover (via the impact fee) based on the level of impact the development will have on public infrastructure
and services. By law, a city cannot require developers to pay an impact fee greater than what is determined to be
fair by the nexus study, nor can a city require developers to pay an impact fee for something their project will not
have an impact on.
Development impact fees can help finance improvements in an area, and they can also deter developers from
building there. Therefore, both the costs and benefits of implementing new impact fees should be considered when
deciding whether or not to use them to help finance improvements and services. Cities may also consider reducing
development impact fees within a specific plan area to attract more development.
5.3.2.4 Municipal Funding
General Fund Revenue
A city’s General Fund is used for resources and expenditures for general governmental activities, except those that
are required to be accounted for in separate, usually restricted, funds (e.g., special revenue, enterprise, internal
services, and trust and agency funds, and private-purpose trust funds). Newport Beach’s General Fund can be used
for a wide variety of public resources and services, but its ability to fund implementation of resilience projects and
programs may be limited. This is because resilience projects would have to compete with other important projects
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and services financed by the General Fund. Moreover, the General Fund is intended to be used to continue existing
public services and maintain existing infrastructure. Nonetheless, there are cases in which it may be feasible to
look to the General Fund to help finance resilience project implementation. For example, when a resilience project
involves retrofitting or maintaining an existing public facility or space, the General Fund may be able to fund some
or all components of the project.
Special Revenue Funds
Special Revenue funds account for the proceeds of legally restricted resources earmarked for specific purposes.
For implementing resilience projects, the most relevant special revenue funds are described below.
Parking Fund
This fund only accounts for parking-related revenues and expenditures.
Gas Tax Street Improvement Fund
This fund accounts for construction and maintenance of a city’s street system. Financing is provided by the State
and is restricted to street expenditures.
Community Development Block Grant Fund
The Community Development Block Grant fund was established to account for financing and rehabilitation of homes
and government structures. Financing is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Use
of Community Development Block Grant funds is discussed in Section 4.3.2.5, Grant Funding.
General Special Revenue
This fund was established to account for receipt and disbursement of special revenue required to be segregated
from General Fund revenues. These are primarily development impact fees and park in-lieu fees, which are
discussed in Section 4.3.2.3, Developer Contributions.
Landscape Maintenance Assessment Districts
This fund accounts for the activities of landscape maintenance assessment districts. A landscape maintenance
assessment district collects assessments to pay for landscape maintenance in the assessment area.
5.3.2.5 Grant Funding
There are many Federal, State, and private grant opportunities that may help fund resilience-building policies and
strategies. Some especially relevant grants and other potential grant opportunities are discussed below.
Community Development Block Grants
The Community Development Block Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development. It is intended to provide funding to states and local governments to improve communities, especially
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those of low and moderate incomes. Over a 1-, 2-, or 3-year period, as selected by the grantee, no less than 70% of
Community Development Block Grant funds must be used for activities that benefit low- and moderate-income
individuals. The City of Newport Beach has received funds from the Community Development Block Grant Program
for a range of activities relating to economic development, housing and homelessness, and special needs programs.
Funds may also be used for construction of public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities,
streets, neighborhood centers, and the conversion of school buildings for eligible purposes, and for activities related
to energy conservation and renewable energy resources.
Climate Ready Program
The Climate Ready Program is administered by the CCC and provides grants for projects that use natural systems
to help coastal communities adapt to climate change. Through this program, the CCC has supported local
governments in planning and redesigning their communities in preparation for sea-level rise, and allocated a
significant portion of funding to projects that demonstrate benefits to disadvantaged communities.
Proposition 68 Grant Programs
The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act, or Proposition 68, was
passed by California voters in 2018. It funds various grant programs that are administered by several State agencies,
including the CCC. The grants are intended to fund a variety of natural resource improvement and climate resilience
projects, including coastal climate adaptation efforts. They may be awarded to coastal city governments, such as the City
of Newport Beach, to complete projects promoting lower-cost coastal accommodations and climate resilience.
Active Transportation Program
The Active Transportation Program is administered by the California Department of Transportation. It awards grants
to local governments for implementing programs and infrastructure projects that promote walking and biking.
Eligible projects satisfy the following criteria:
▪ Increase the percentage of trips completed on foot or by bike
▪ Increase the safety and accessibility of walking and biking
▪ Support regional GHG reduction efforts
▪ Improve public health
▪ Promote social equity by ensuring that disadvantaged communities benefit from the project
▪ Support a variety of active transportation users
Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program
The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program is administered by the California Strategic Growth
Council. Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities grants and affordable housing loans are intended to
provide funding for infrastructure projects that reduce transportation-related GHG emissions and produce
affordable housing units. Therefore, eligible projects must reduce VMT through infill, mixed-use, and transit-oriented
development, and must promote affordable housing development.
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Infill Infrastructure Grant Program
The Infill Infrastructure Grant Program is administered by the California Department of Housing and Community
Development. Infill Infrastructure Grant funds are awarded for capital improvement projects that qualify as infill
development, per program guidelines. The grants can be used for any physical improvements to capital assets or
to facilitate development of the project.
Land and Water Conservation Fund
The Land and Water Conservation Fund is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior. There are many
grant programs funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and some award funding to local governments
for creating new outdoor recreational opportunities, such as parks, coastal access areas and trails, and active
transportation infrastructure.
Ocean Protection Council Grant Programs
The Ocean Protection Council (OPC) administers several grant programs established through ballot propositions.
The Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act, or
Proposition 84, was passed by California voters in 2006. It led to the creation of the OPC Proposition 84 Grant
Program, which is intended to fund a variety of resilience and coastal resource-related projects, including sea-level
rise adaptation projects.
Similarly, the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act, or Proposition 1, was approved by voters
in 2014. This led to the establishment of the OPC Proposition 1 Grant Program, which aims to provide funding for
multi-benefit coastal restoration and resilience projects.
5.3.2.6 Access to Grant Funds
A primary concern is whether a consolidated Resilience Element would improve access to grant funding for the City.
An important consideration for the City is whether to address resilience through a consolidated Resilience Element
or across various general plan elements.
OPR identifies the Safety Element as the “home” of the general plan’s discussion of adaptation and resilience.
However, OPR’s General Plan Guidelines acknowledge that the scope of adaptation and resilience extend beyond
the required contents of the Safety Element. Local governments typically address resilience through several types
of plans and general plan elements because resilience is an important consideration for several different spheres
of planning. As summarized in Section 2.1, Resilience in State Regulations and Guidance, local governments may
address resilience in not only their Safety Elements, but also in their Land Use, Recreation/Open Space, and Natural
Resource/Conservation Elements. Among the City’s General Plan elements, the Harbor and Bay Element, Safety
Element, Natural Resources Element, Circulation Element, and Recreation Element address various components
of the analyzed topics related to resilience, as described in Section 2.2, Resilience in the Adopted General Plan.
Given this, the aim of a standalone Resilience Element would not be to comprehensively address resilience, but to
consolidate City policies and strategies in one planning document.
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None of the grant funding sources listed above include criteria relating to which general plan elements must
address resilience. Rather, grant applicants are evaluated based on project need and benefit, including whether
the project would benefit disadvantaged communities, and alignment of the project with grant program purposes
and priorities. Therefore, the approach the City takes in addressing resilience in its General Plan would have no
effect on its eligibility for grant funding.
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6 Recommendations
6.1 General Plan Organization
Resilience policies and programs can be implemented throughout the existing elements of the General Plan, or in
a new Resilience Element. The organization of the General Plan does not have any legal or funding implications,
and therefore should be based solely on how City staff anticipate the daily use of the updated General Plan. Given
resilience touches on many required elements, it is recommended to address resilience comprehensively
throughout the General Plan elements rather than as a standalone document.
6.2 Resilience Staff Lead
Staff throughout City departments can help develop policies and programs that reflect current needs and legislative
requirements and can coordinate on available grant funding and financing options. Establishing a new resilience
staff lead could improve this coordination between departments and lead efforts to pursue funding and implement
measures.
6.3 Resilience in the Built Environment
Where feasible, the City’s General Plan should focus on green enhancements to the existing building stock and
landscapes where State standards do not apply, such as energy efficiency retrofit programs, streamlined EV charger
permitting and installation, and lawn reduction programs. Moreover, the City should focus on policies and programs
that enhance changes residents and visitors may be interested in, such as walking their children to school, reducing
in-home water use, and using electric cars. The General Plan should also plan for nature-based coastal adaptation
projects, such as living shorelines and artificial reefs; street design and innovative mobility strategies to improve
pedestrian and cyclist safety and connect residents to natural resource areas.
6.4 Addressing Resilience in General Plan Elements
Actionable measures would be best achieved by creating a network of policies throughout the General Plan that
outline funding, regulatory changes, incentives, public education, and enforcement. This network of policies should
address the various components of resilience detailed throughout this report as well as other topics identified
through the General Plan Update process. The following lists the General Plan elements in which each identified
component of resilience could be addressed:
▪ Harbor and Bay Element. The Harbor and Bay Element should include policies related to coastal hazards,
waste reduction, prioritizing preventing waste from reaching the harbor, bay, and other natural resource
areas, water quality, and education and outreach.
▪ Safety Element. The Safety Element should include policies related to coastal hazards, energy efficiency
and generation, and education and outreach.
▪ Land Use Element. The Land Use Element should include policies related to building and development,
including green building design and retrofits; waste reduction, prioritizing preventing waste from reaching
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the harbor, bay, and other natural resource areas; energy efficiency and generation; access to parks and
open space; and education and outreach.
▪ Circulation Element. The Circulation Element should include build off its recent update to include additional
policies related to transportation, active mobility, pedestrian safety, and education and outreach.
▪ Natural Resources Element. The Natural Resources Element should include policies related to waste
reduction, prioritizing preventing waste from reaching the harbor, bay, and other natural resource areas,
water quality, and education and outreach.
▪ Recreation Element. The Recreation Element should include policies related to access to parks and open
space and education and outreach.
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