Attachment B
Phase Three Outreach Summary
PHASE THREE OUTREACH SUMMARY
City of Newport Beach General Plan Update
Prepared by Kearns & West, in consultation with Dudek
JANUARY 2026
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Getting the Word Out
Draft General Plan
Review and Comment
Next Steps
01 04
06 12
Appendices 14
Section 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Newport Beach (City) continues its comprehensive General Plan Update process. This Plan is the second comprehensive revision for the City of Newport Beach and builds on many themes and strategies from the previous 2006 plan, while being responsive to new community needs, opportunities, and changes. The 2050 General Plan will serve as a framework for decision-making in Newport Beach over the next 25 years. The General Plan will be used by City Council, City staff, and the community as a keystone to guide decisions and align with city priorities.
The success of the General Plan Update relies on the involvement of community members, residents, property owners, and other interested parties in shaping and forming the vision, goals, and policies of the General Plan. The City is committed to conducting a transparent, inclusive, and meaningful planning process that values community input at every key phase of the update. Community input from phases one and two was vital in informing and drafting the current draft plan. Summaries highlighting the input opportunities and key themes can be found online:
Phase One Summary and Phase Two Summary.
This document summarizes outreach conducted for the Newport Beach General Plan Update between May 2025 and November 2025. Phase three outreach focused on sharing the comprehensive draft of the updated General Plan and its elements for community review and input (see Figure 1). Specific sections of this summary include:
Executive Summary 1
• This overview, including an overview of the General Plan Update process, outreach types, engagement reach, and General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) collaboration
• Getting the word out, which describes advertisements, social media, and other notification types
• Draft General Plan Element Review, including digital engagement through the Newport, Together website, community open houses, and collaboration with the GPAC, General Plan Update Steering Committee (GPUSC), and boards and commissions
• Next steps, including additional ways the community can continue to provide input
About the General Plan Update
A General Plan is a document that guides long-term development and serves as the foundation for decision-making regarding a community’s physical development. State law requires that every city have a current General Plan, which local governments use to make decisions about land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, and parks, among other issues.
The City of Newport Beach’s updated General Plan focuses on 2050 – planning for the next 25 years.
Outreach Type and Engagement Reach
Phase three outreach was designed to facilitate the community’s review of draft materials based on input from previous phases and to gather comments, suggestions, and feedback on the current draft. Community members could participate in the planning process in ways that suited their level of interest and availability. During this phase of outreach, broader public participation lessens as technical experts and topic-specific interested community members engage in detailed discussions and targeted feedback opportunities. Outreach types for phase three included digital engagement through the Newport, Together website and open houses, in- person and virtual, in the Newport Beach community.
Through digital engagement and public
comment open houses, 19 community
members participated. In addition, 34,900
residents were reached with advertisements,
social media, and emails.
Executive Summary 2
Figure 1: Phases of Community Engagement and Outreach.
We’re Here
General Plan Advisory Committee and General Plan Update Steering Committee Collaboration
Feedback from the GPAC and GPAC subcommittees received during phases one and two informed the current draft of the Comprehensive General Plan. In preparation for phase three outreach, the GPAC members reviewed multiple iterations of the draft elements and provided their comments before being presented to the community. GPAC members were also invited to participate in the open houses, and their submitted comments were available for reference during the open house. The GPUSC provided additional oversight and guidance to the GPAC and participated in community events.
GPAC members, GPUSC members, and Newport Beach residents reviewing elements at the open house.
Executive Summary 3
Section 2
GETTING THE WORD OUT
Multiple notification methods were used to inform the Newport Beach community about the draft elements and the opportunity for public comment during phase three of the General Plan Update process. The City’s marketing team collaborated on efforts to announce the available elements, share updates, and invite community members to provide input via the City Manager’s newsletter and social media posts on Instagram and Facebook (see Figure 2). In addition, strategic email announcements were coordinated with community partners and distributed through the Newport, Together dedicated website, newportbeachca.gov/gpupdate.
Figure 2: Three Social Media Posts Announcing Phase Three and Invitation to Community Workshops.
Getting the Word Out 4
As shown in Table 1, as of November 17, 2025, social media, the City Manager’s newsletter, and dedicated emails had reached at least 34,900 residents, community members, and stakeholders.
Table 1: Outreach Notifications by Type and Reach
Getting the Word Out 5
Type
Run Time/
Number of
Posts
Dates (all 2025) Reached
Social Media
Instagram and
Facebook
7 September 5, October 10,
October 14, October 20,
November 5, November 11,
November 17th
20,000
Newport,
Together Email 4 September 5, October 10,
October 20, November 3 3,500
City Manager
Newsletter 3 September 5, October 10,
October 31 10,000+
Newport Beach
Chamber of
Commerce Emails
2 October 20, November 11 1,400
Draft General Plan Review and Comment 6
Section 3
Draft General Plan Review
and Comment
Over the last few years, hundreds of thoughtful responses from Newport Beach residents and community members, collaboration with the 24-member GPAC, and background analysis from phases one and two have been integral in the development of the 2050 General Plan. Though the General Plan has 10 elements, the update process focused on eight elements, as the Housing and Circulation Elements were updated and adopted in a separate effort from 2019 to 2021. The Noise Element was last updated in 2023 and was not originally intended to be part of the broader GPU process. In 2024, the City assessed the Noise Element and determined that minor revisions and updated maps were needed. In 2025, the Noise Element was added to the GPU process. Due to its recent update, the element has been revised for clarity and updated maps. The public review timeline for the Noise Element differed from that of the other seven elements.
The primary objectives for phase three community outreach were to share the current public drafts of the eight available elements and invite community members, residents, and other stakeholders to provide comments on the elements’ goals and policies. Input was gathered over three formats:
digital engagement, open houses, and collaboration with the GPAC, GPUSC, and boards and commissions. The following sections detail the format of each input activity and provide an overview of the comments received. See Appendix A and B for reference materials.
The following eight elements were part of the community review effort this fall:
Recreation Natural
Resources
Land Use Safety
Arts and Culture Historical
Resources
Harbor, Bay,
and Beaches
Noise
Digital Engagement - Newport, Together Website
The dedicated General Plan Update website, Newport, Together, continues to inform the community about the General Plan Update process and announce upcoming activities. The Newport, Together website is updated frequently in collaboration with City staff and the GPAC. As of December 2025, the website had 13,600 visitors.
During phase three, the website served as a primary platform for sharing draft elements and inviting the community to provide comments. A dedicated subpage was developed to host the public review and comment period, beginning on September 5 and concluding on November 17. The page included an overview of the process, how the drafts were informed, directions for providing comments, and links to the draft elements.
Participants were invited to review the elements, either by looking at a snapshot of the goals under “Draft Element Goals for Public Review” or the comprehensive goal, available as individual PDFs. Following participant review, a questionnaire was available to collect open-ended comments, ideas, or concerns, organized by the element. Participants could submit as many comments as they liked. Appendix C lists the comments received online from 11 contributors.
Draft General Plan Review and Comment 7
Figure 3: Screenshot of the 2050 General Plan Draft Elements and Public Review Webpage Draft General Plan Review and Comment 8
Open Houses
In parallel with the online review and comment period, the City hosted two open houses as additional platforms for the community to provide input. Each open house was designed to share the element goals and what was new in each element, reflect what was heard from the community during phases one and two, and offer an opportunity for participants to share what resonates and what may be missing. Participants included members of the public, including those who also serve in more formal roles as members of the GPAC and GPUSC. The open house schedule, format, and attendance are provided in Table 2. The following section provides an overview of each element station (see Appendix A and B for the reference materials) and the community comments received (Appendix D).
Open House Format Date and Time (all 2025) Attendance
In-Person
Civic Center Community
Room
100 Civic Center Dr.,
Newport Beach, CA
92660
Tuesday, October 21
6:30 to 8:00 p.m. 9
Virtual
Zoom Meeting
Recording
Wednesday, October 22
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. 7
Table 2: Open House schedule and attendance.
In-Person
The in-person meeting was open-house style, with no formal presentation.
Participants began at a welcome desk, where they signed in, received directions for navigating the room, and were given a feedback sheet to share their input. There were six stations, organized by complementary elements:
• General Plan Overview: Community Outreach Process and Vision Statement
• Recreation and Natural Resources Elements
• Arts & Culture and Historical Resources Elements
• Safety Elements
• Land Use and Harbor, Bay, and Beaches Elements
• Noise Element (See Below for Details)
Draft General Plan Review and Comment 9
Community members discussing elements at the in-person open house.
Each station contained boards with the element goals, highlighting what had changed or been revised for each element, and demonstrating how community input was incorporated. However, the draft Noise Element did not include boards; instead, it was printed and made available on the day of the in-person open house at a designated table. Each participant was invited to share what is meaningful to them and what was missing on their feedback sheet. Staff were available to respond to questions.
Virtual
The virtual meeting was hosted in a modified open-house format, featuring a presentation, Q&A, and opportunities for input. The presentation began with opening remarks, an agenda, objectives, and a guide for productive discussions. Following the opening slides, City staff acknowledged and thanked Newport residents, past and present GPAC members, and GPUSC members for their insights. The rest of the presentation mirrored the content shared at the in-person open house – an overview of the General Plan process, the plan’s relevance to every resident, how to provide input online, and a section on each updated element. The presentation was recorded and added to the Newport, Together website. It has received over 63 views.
Generally, updated elements were grouped with complementary elements.
Each section showed the element’s focus, highlighted what had been revised for each element, and demonstrated how community input was incorporated.
Draft General Plan Review and Comment 10
• Recreation and Natural Resources Elements
• Arts and Culture and Historical Resources Elements
• Land Use, Safety, and Harbor, Bay, and Beaches Elements • Noise Element
After each section of elements, as listed below, the presentation paused for input and discussion. Participants were invited to share their general comments, if anything resonated with them, and if anything was missing.
Comments could be shared verbally, via the Q&A chat on Zoom, or online at the Newport, Together website.
Participants’ input from the feedback sheets and the virtual Q&A feature is listed in Appendix D, representing five contributors.
Collaboration with the General Plan Advisory Committee, General Plan Update Steering Committee, and City Boards and Commissions
Before the draft 2050 General Plan Elements were available for public review this fall, the GPAC subcommittees met frequently to review each draft element as it was revised and refined by the consultant team. The subcommittee’s comments and suggestions informed the version of the elements published beginning September 5. The drafts were released online on a rolling basis, following the subcommittee’s endorsement. Prior to the release of the elements, the subcommittee chairs provided endorsements of each draft element at GPAC meetings. The GPUSC observed the GPAC meetings, provided guidance, and supported the public review of the elements. All element PDFs were added to the Newport, Together Resource and Document Library on the website. Subcommittee meetings were held in a hybrid format, both virtually on Microsoft Teams and in person at 100 Civic Center Drive in Newport Beach (see Table 3 below for meeting dates).
Committee and Subcommittees Meeting Dates (all 2025)
General Plan Advisory Committee
(GPAC)
April 2, June 4, July 2, August 6,
September 16
General Plan Update Steering
Committee (GPUSC)
April 2, June 23, July 23,
September 24
Arts and Culture and Historical
Resources Subcommittee April 24
Harbor, Bay, and Beaches
Subcommittee April 30
Recreation and Natural Resources
Subcommittee May 15
Safety Subcommittee June 25
Land Use Subcommittee July 24, August 11, August 27
Noise Subcommittee July 28, September 15, October 21
Outreach Subcommittee August 14
Table 3: Schedule of Meetings with GPAC, GPUSC, and GPAC Subcommittees.
Draft General Plan Review and Comment 11
Coinciding with digital engagement and open houses, City staff presented at multiple City Boards and Commissions. Each presentation included an overview of the General Plan Update process, including what’s in a General Plan, the analysis process, and community outreach. Based on the commission’s topic, City staff provided a focused update on the element or elements within the commission’s or board’s purview. At the discretion of the board or commission, the members conducted individual reviews or ad hoc reviews and consolidated comments, which were provided to City staff for consideration. Table 4 reflects the meeting dates for the board and commission presentations. Following the meeting schedule, the final motion of each board and commission are listed.
Committee and Subcommittees Meeting Dates (all 2025)
Mayor’s District 1 Town Hall November 19
City Arts Commission September 11, October 9,
November 13
Board of Library Trustees August 18, October 20
Harbor Commission August 13, November 12
Parks, Beaches & Recreation
Commission August 5, September 2, October 7
Planning Commission October 9, November 20
Water Quality/Coastal Tidelands
Committee September 4, October 2
Table 4: Schedule of Meetings with City Boards and Commissions. • City Arts Commission – Voted to move the ad hoc committee’s comments forward to the GPAC/GPUSC for consideration
• Board of Library Trustees – Provided support for the drafts with no further feedback
• Harbor Commission – Voted to move the ad hoc committee’s comments forward to the GPAC/GPUSC for consideration
• Parks, Beaches, and Recreation Commission – Voted to move the ad hoc committee’s comments forward to the GPAC/GPUSC for consideration • Planning Commission – Provided support for the drafts with minimal comments
• Water Quality/Coastal Tidelands Committee – Voted to move the ad hoc committee’s comments forward to the GPAC/GPUSC for consideration Boards and Commissions Motions of Support
Comments provided by City boards, commissions, and committees are reflected in the Appendix E – tables 7 to 13. Each table is dedicated to one element, and not organized by board or commission. Red and underlined text indicates line-by-line edits suggested by the board or commission.
Community member reviewing the draft Noise element at the community open house. 12 Next Steps
Section 4
Next Steps
In collaboration with the General Plan
Advisory Committee, City staff and the
consultant team will review all submitted
comments from digital engagement,
open houses, and meetings with boards
and commissions. Informed by the phase
three comments, the 2050 Draft General
Plan will be revised and refined. The final
draft of the General Plan will be prepared
and presented for public hearings and the
City Council in Spring 2026, tentatively
in April or May. Newport Beach residents
and community members are invited
to attend and participate in the public
hearing process before the General Plan
is adopted by City Council.
Appendices
A | In-Person Open House Boards
B | Virtual Open House Presentations
C | Online Questionnaire Comments
D | Open House Comments
E | Board and Committees Comments
15 20
34 43
45 APPENDIX A
IN-PERSON OPEN HOUSE
BOARDS
Appendix A 15
PDFs of open house boards can be found HERE.
Appendix A 16
Appendix A 17
Appendix A 18
Appendix A 19
APPENDIX B
VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE
PRESENTATIONS
Appendix B 20
PDFs of virtual open house presentation can be found HERE.
Appendix B 21
Appendix B 22
Appendix B 23
Appendix B 24
Appendix B 25
Appendix B 26
Appendix B 27
Appendix B 28
Appendix B 29
Appendix B 30
Appendix B 31
Appendix B 32
Appendix B 33
APPENDIX C
ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE
COMMENTS
Appendix C 34
Participants’ input from the online comments is listed in Table 5 below, representing 11 contributors.
Element or Section Comment(s)
Introduction
• On page I-5, I do not believe the description
of the City’s Sphere of Influence or its relation
to the Randall Preserve is accurate. I believe
the total area is smaller, that the Randall
Preserve is partly in the SOI and partly in the
City proper, while part of the SOI is not in the
Randall Preserve. I also believe the entire Randall
Preserve is under the stewardship of the MCRA,
not just “the majority” of it.
• The introductory sections to general plans
typically include a “how to use this document”
section detailing, among other things, the
format of the elements and the meaning of the
notations they may contain, including relation
to the Implementation Program and Glossary.
It may also contain statements about the legal
significance of the goals and policies, and what
obligations they place on the City. I see none of
that here.
• The identification of selected neighborhoods
in Figure I-2 seems arbitrary and often wrong.
“Westcliff,” “Mariner’s Mile” and “Upper Newport
Bay” all appear in areas that would not normally
be identified as such, while neighborhoods of
equal prominence (“Airport Area,” “Newport
Center,” “Newport Coast,” “Santa Ana Heights”
(parts of which seem to now call themselves
“Bayview Heights”), etc., etc.) are not identified
at all.
Vision Statement No online comments.
Table 5: Comments submitted to the Online Questionnaire.
Element or Section Comment(s)
Recreation
• Goal 1: I have two points to make regarding high-
quality recreation programs.
The first one is the city should reconsider how
they issue surf school permits. There are three
licensed Surf schools in the city of Newport Beach
all have been grandfathered in by changing hands
of the corporation to people that were related to
the people that started it or bought companies
from the people that started it. Each of the three
entities hires high school in college kids to supply
the labor of these Surf Lessons. The city will not
entertain any new companies getting permits to
operate Surf Lessons legally. There are plenty of
independent Surf Instructor that are capable of
running a business that have more qualifications
than these high school and college kids that work
for these three pre-existing surf schools. In addition, the three Surf schools do not have a limit on the
amount of students they can take. Which proves
too much demand is not an issue. Well I agree there
should be insurances, basic safety protocols, and
qualifications to teach. I feel the city has created a
monopoly and it is very un-American to not allow
the free market to straighten out this problem of
limited permits. The best service for the best price
is who will stay in business and thrive. Not every
licensed serve school needs to offer Surf Camp;
There’s plenty of opportunity to issue smaller
licenses to allow avenues for Surf Instructor to
operate legally within the city.
My second point I would like the city to reconsider
is all three of these Surf schools offer private Surf
Lessons and Surf Camp. None of them offer any
specialty Surf programs. I have a specific program
that is geared towards therapeutic recreation for
mental health programs and substance use disorder
programs. I would like to request that the city
reconsider only having surf schools that teach Surf
Camp and tourist lessons.
I am a credentialed, substance-abuse counselor, I
hold an associates degree in human services, and I
have over a decade in Surf instruction experience
and have worked in the field of substance used
disorders since 2011. My methods are sound and
protocols are stricter than what the current Surf
schools operate under. Which is a four to one ratio
my program offers a three to one ratio when it
comes to students to instructors.
Appendix C 35
Element or Section Comment(s)
Recreation
[continued] Thank you for reading this comment
and thank you for your consideration.
• Goal 1: Abundance of outside, visitors, damp
in the feasibility of using these programs for
children because it will be based on parking
access accessibility, which there is a little of
• Goal 2: As a senior does not live by the oasis
center, I do not believe there are programs for
seniors in other places. Even if there were, it
would be managed downwardly because of
parking restrictions.
• Goal 3: I support the creation of new parks
and connections that expand resident access
to recreation, parks, and open space. Newport
Beach is growing, and with that growth comes
the responsibility to ensure that all residents
— from families with children to seniors —
have safe, convenient, and equitable access to
outdoor spaces.
It is key that the City focus on the people who
live near new and existing parks so they can enjoy
them without needing to drive. To truly achieve
this, safe, separated trails and bike lanes must
be built — facilities that parents and children feel
comfortable using. Reliance on sharrows, painted
bike lanes, and signage is not adequate to ensure
safety or encourage active transportation.
By investing in parks and linking them with well-
designed, traffic-separated walking and biking
connections, the City can create a network that
promotes health, recreation, and community while
preserving the coastal character and natural beauty
that makes Newport Beach unique.
• Goal 3: To be honest, we know there’s no extra
room for parks other than what we have. Marine
Park has turned into beach parking even though
it was not intended for such. Enforcement is
little.
The crosswalks are dangerous and poorly lit. Many
blind spots that hide pedestrians with the trees.
Again, this was brought up in numerous meetings,
but the city proceeded anyway too bad you don’t
listen.
Appendix C 36
Element or Section Comment(s)
Recreation
• Goal 4: The Fun Zone area, Balboa Village,
is in shambles and pearly presented. What
happened to the parking structure that was
promised when the market disappeared? How
quickly we forget. Two stories up in two stories
below grade was what was talked about earlier,
but never appeared. City pays poor attention to
the obvious
• Goal 7: Need more police, no doubt. Protect
the residence. Multiple crimes committed every
single weekend. Auto theft and personal theft
abound. Inadequate enforcement. Inadequate
speed control. High volume of modified exhaust
vehicles speeding at Balboa Boulevard and
E Street. Requested solar operating speed
readout sign east and west of E Street and East
Balboa Boulevard. This has been requested
several times to city staff with no action taken
Natural Resources
• Goal 2: Reduce burden to have private make
chargers for public use
• Goal 4: What are you doing to fix the electric
infrastructure? and replace the road and gas
tax?
• Goal 5: not affordable at this time
• Goal 6: fix the grid, and lower the electric rates
• Goal 10: The previous GP mentioned the NCCP
in the introduction and had a policy concerning
maintenance in various senses of Buck Gully
and Morning Canyon NR 10.8
• Goal 12: i have a storm drain that dumps trash
and sediment on my property that no agency
will take responsibility for-help in that mapping
• Goal 13: i have a storm drain that dumps trash
and sediment on my property that no agency
will take responsibility for-help in that mapping
• Goal 15: we need to add sand to the beaches
and protect property
Harbor, Bay, and Beaches
• Goal 1: Where are the maps that show what
parcels are affected by these “goals” and plans?
Appendix C 37
Element or Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay, and Beaches
• Goal 1: for beach access along the peninsula, the
boardwalk should be widened to accommodate
more visitors and residents and separate foot
and bicycle traffic. Currently the mixed-use path
has been caused for concern, giving the rise
of e-bikes and speeding along the boardwalk.
Expanding the boardwalk and giving cyclists
their own dedicated space will help improve
these issues
• Goal 1: The issue of all Moorings has been
corrupted and ceases to promote recreation
and fairness to the mooring owners. This is
evidenced by reactions and attitude of the
Harbor commission and the Harbor department.
It’s been sold quite clearly that the Harbor
department was supposed to help recreation
and users in the harbor, but the actual facts are,
it has scared and intimidated permit holders
with impunity, not collaboration. To rent out our
moorings, confiscate all the revenue, ignoring
the morning owners, and pay none of the costs
to maintain is and has been a damaged public
policy for too many decades, and it rubs against
a cooperative collaboration. Surely, someone
must be looking at this and passing it over. Is
there no oversight?
• Goal 2: Which parcels? Specifics-bulkhead
recommendations? Liquefaction mitigation
steps?
• Goal 2: The tsunami warning system is a joke.
Repeated efforts to work with city staff has
failed for many years. Public involvement
and concerns for their vulnerability has been
ignored and treated poorly. The sirens are
not heard by the residence nor visitors. The
city has left property owners with a poorly
constructed system with no audio intervention.
Did anyone pay attention to the flash floods
in Texas that wiped out the kids camp and
what the aftermath showed as vulnerability?
We, Peninsula residents do not want to be a
casualty statistic. How many times are residents
supposed to worn city staff before something
critically done. Laguna Beach has embrace the
problem and has addressed it. Here we are just
up the coast and we ignore it.
Appendix C 38
Element or Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay, and Beaches
• Goal 3: Parking problems for visitors,
totally spoil the beach, living experience for
homeowners and visitors alike. The volume
of people should be controlled. There is
poor egress off the peninsula on high impact
weekends. There is a saturation of parking
spaces that cause many residual driving and
pedestrian hazards. This study should be
addressing that for solutions and action and
not ignored. I am pessimistic because of past
experience big development has restrictions
and has requirements to assist in the problem.
We have traffic issues that are not solved and
need more study.
• Goal 3: I strongly encourage the City to
reduce or remove the oceanfront parking
lot at Newport Pier and replace it with open
space, shops, or businesses that better serve
residents and visitors. Doing so would also
allow for the long-overdue connection of the
currently bisected boardwalk, restoring safe
and continuous access along one of our most
important public amenities.
The existing parking lot is not only an eyesore
but also a missed opportunity. It blocks one
of the City’s most valuable assets, our world-
class ocean views, while creating hazards for
pedestrians, cyclists, and families dining at nearby
restaurants. Dedicating prime oceanfront land to
surface parking prioritizes cars over people and
undermines both safety and quality of life.
Rather than doubling down on parking lots and
street parking that only attract more congestion,
the City should invest in sustainable, forward-
looking mobility solutions that make beach
access easier and safer without adding more
cars. Expanded public transit options — including
protected bike lanes, buses, shuttles, and ideally
a modern light rail line could serve residents and
visitors far more effectively while protecting our
coastal environment.
Historically, the Pacific Electric streetcar
connected regional destinations directly to the
Peninsula, linking Newport Beach with Huntington
Beach and all the way to Los Angeles. A 21st-
century version of that vision could once again
connect at least Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach
to major destinations in Newport Beach, including
the Peninsula, Fashion Island, and Corona del Mar,
and potentially extend even farther.
Appendix C 39
Element or Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay, and Beaches
[continued] Reimagining beach access around
public transit rather than parking lots would not
only reduce traffic and pollution but also create
safer, more vibrant, and more enjoyable public
spaces. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity
for Newport Beach to lead with vision — to
enhance the character and safety of the Pier area,
strengthen the local economy, and restore access
to uninterrupted coastal views, all while embracing
a cleaner, more connected future.
• Goal 4: It is a total distraction to have bicycle
mobs take over our arterial streets on any given
weekend day. More reinforcement is necessary,
especially for hot rodding with modified
exhaust vehicles, corrupting the peace and
quiet on the peninsula. The lights are on, but
nobody’s home because there are so many
issues with visitors’ intrusion. It is obvious
that drunk drivers abound and seem to be on
the increase. Visiting Newport Beach is like
going to Disneyland without an entrance fee
at the gate, and by the way, the free water for
showers comes with it.
• Goal 4: Newport has no right to view, how are
you trying to change that?
• Goal 5: That would be great, for those of us
that have to deal with 7 agencies to just dredge
• Goal 6: Help ease the regulations on dredging
• Goal 7: Dog and pet litter continue to have
free rain and unenforced behavior. Dog should
not be on the beaches running free with fecal
matter ignored. The boardwalk officers aren’t
improvement I need to remain or increased
as it is dangerous for seniors to walk on the
boardwalk
• Goal 8: That is managing our moorings and
docks
• Goal 8: Traffic signals are not conducive to
arterial movement. Encourages are dangerous
and too frequent to the full of traffic. Somehow,
the volume of traffic needs to be managed.
Residence have to suffer and no one‘s watching
that.
Appendix C 40
Element or Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay, and Beaches
• Goal 9: at the Harbor department, the
Harbormaster and the deputy Harbormaster
make too much money. This was not envisioned
when this department was developed. It is top-
heavy.
• Goal 10: The quantity of parking spaces is poor
and inhibit the quality of life for residence. The
multiple crosswalks are dangerous as people
do not use them properly.
• Goal 10: “For beach access along the Peninsula,
the boardwalk should be widened to better
accommodate both visitors and residents,
with a clear separation between pedestrian
and bicycle traffic. The current mixed-use
design has become a growing safety concern,
especially with the rise of e-bikes and increased
speeding along the boardwalk.
• Expanding the boardwalk and providing
cyclists with their own dedicated space will
improve safety, reduce conflicts between
users, and enhance the overall experience for
everyone who enjoys this important community
amenity.”
Land Use No online comments.
Arts and Culture No online comments.
Historical Resources No online comments.
Safety
• Goal 7: Policy S 7.8--The approved tree list for
the city should be sensitive to flammability.
• Goal 10: Would like to see the enforcement of
Little Corona Beach. Nightly fires and wildfire
risk.
• Goal 12: I would like to see the banner towing
planes, Paramotor and drones regulated. We
live on Ocean Blvd and all three are accidents
waiting to happen and a HUGE annoyance to
residents.
Appendix C 41
Element or Section Comment(s)
General Comments or
Implementation Program
• Hello, there’s a beautiful canyon and ocean
view from Newport Coast Drive and Ridge
Park Road heading west towards the ocean
that is currently blocked by plant overgrowth.
Nothing is located there but bushes. If some of
the bushes were trimmed down the view would
be breathtaking. Thank you for providing the
opportunity for input, much appreciated!
• Banning Ranch/Randall Preserve is now
permanently protected public open space. Yet
the verbiage regarding its development still
remains the NB General Plan. See Chapter 13,
Implementation Program, Sections 3.1a, 4.1, 5,
and 13.1. The General Plan needs to be updated
to delete these inaccuracies and reflect the
current status of Randall Preserve/Banning
Ranch.
• I’m concerned about low-income housing in
Newport Coast on the site of the old Coyote
Canyon landfill. I didn’t move to Newport Coast
to live in a low-income area. Can’t the city put
in the golf course as previously planned (or
just leave it open space) and just put the low-
income housing by the airport, so you don’t
alienate the support of the Newport Coast
residents, please.
• This as presented does not address what
parcels and parts of town are affected with
each goal. Provide specific maps or overlays
that each “goal” is addressing
• I am concerned about increased traffic on
Newport Coast Drive with the opening of Sage
Hill Middle School and the future low-income
housing. Can another lane on each side of the
road be added between San Joaquin Hills Drive
and the 73 Freeway to help ease traffic.
Appendix C 42
APPENDIX D
OPEN HOUSE COMMENTS
Element or Section Comment(s)
Recreation
• Is lawn fertilizer use monitored or regulated?
• Safe bridge routes. Walking/hiking trails
• Protection of Public Beaches
Arts and Culture
• Public art which can rotate, offering local artists
exposure
• Through[out] the city
Natural Resources
• Access to Viewsheds. Noise/Lack thereof
• I agree with replacing the city vehicle fleet
with clean energy vehicles - hopefully electric.
I agree with installing solar panels on public
infrastructure and parking lots
• We should publicly encourage roofs to add solar
panels and better storage for residential homes
and businesses. Newport Shores power was out
for 1 hr today. I would like to know why
• Coordination with agencies; Clean Water
• We also need to monitor risk for orphaned wells,
and river flooding with a 100-year rainfall.
Historical Resources
• We need to develop a program to educate our
history of Indian influence
• Historical plaques, markers, monuments
• I appreciate the emphasis in maintaining
historical sites and indigenous history
• History through education
Table 6: Comments submitted during the Open House
Participants’ input from the feedback sheets and the virtual Q&A feature is listed in Table 6 below, representing five contributors.
Appendix D 43
Element or Section Comment(s)
Land Use
• Affordable housing. Open Space. Best
Management of Growth. Effort to reduce
incidental trips
• This is land use. More emphasis is on affordable
housing - so people in the service industry,
teachers, fire, and police can live in the city
• [Appreciate] Planned Housing
• Remove Coyote Canyon
Harbor, Bay, and
Beaches
• As much shoreside walkable access as is
possible. Enhanced opportunities for fishing.
What will parking needs look like in 20 years
• Maritime support businesses over restaurants?
The Harbor Commission should put restrooms
back on its goals and objectives. Make Newport’s
“biggest” public dock actually usable
• Protect the harbor
Safety
• Lighting that protects dark skies
• Goal 9: Would a surf park be wise in a potential
crash zone? Goal 10: Shade, greenbelts, and
splash pads. 1,2,3 flooding/erosion/$$$
• Possible warning system added to the tsunami
warning system - near the river?; Review of 10-
year forecasting of the Santa Ana River; Is there
more that can be done to reduce damage from
water during or after earthquakes?
• Fire Hazards
• Update trees - no Cyprus and no pine
Other Comments
• A heavy emphasis on reducing litter/waste, and
educational outreach to residents about what
should and shouldn’t go into their recyclable
bins. The city should not phase out the HIGHLY
regulated and monitored mooring, live-aboard
permit program. The last means of affordable
housing here. First responders who rescue
countless tourists, etc...
Appendix D 44
APPENDIX E
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
COMMENTS
Table 7: Comments from Boards, Committees, and Commissions: Arts and Culture Comments provided by city boards, commissions, and committees are reflected in Tables 7 to 13 below. Each table is dedicated to one element, and not organized by board or commission. Red and underlined text indicates line-by-line edits suggested by the board or commission.
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Arts and
Culture
AC-1: A community
enriched by and
connected to the
arts, culture, and
education
N/A
AC-2: Programs and
exhibits in Newport
Beach that are
widely promoted,
marketed, and
attended
Revise Policy AC-2.2 with the following
addition:
“Conduct marketing through the City’s
various social media and communica-
tions platforms to build public awareness
and encourage participation in City-affil-
iated arts, culture, and literary activities.
Cultivate partnerships with local busi-
nesses and other groups for marketing
efforts for cultural arts, (Imp. 29.1)”
AC-3: Strong
partnerships that
support thriving
arts, culture, and
education
Revise Policy AC-3.1 with the following
addition: “Partner with the community
and educational institutions to encour-
age and strengthen arts education for
children, youth, adults, older adults and
for people of all abilities throughout the
city.”
AC-4: Funding that
helps local artists
and art programs
flourish
Revise Policy AC-4.1 with the following
addition: “Partner with, and reasonably,
support non-profit, private, and
community organizations in applying
for public and private grants and
promote community and business
donations, fundraising and sponsorships
that support art, culture, and literary
activities.
Appendix E 45
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Arts and
Culture
AC-5: State-of-the-
art facilities to host
art exhibits and
programs
N/A
AC-6: A wide
collection of
art exhibited
throughout Newport
Beach
Revise Policy AC-6.1 with the following
addition: “Revise the City’s public art
policy to (1) establish suitability criteria
to guide the selection of sites for new
and innovative public art installations in
a manner that considers citywide needs
and the balanced distribution of art
throughout the city; (2) establish guide-
lines for the commissioning and convey-
ance of public art on private property;
and (3) refine guidelines and criteria for
accepting art donations for display in
public spaces and consider establishing
guidelines for storage and long-term
maintenance; and (4) consider an art-
work acquisition plan for expanding the
[C]ity’s permanent art inventory. (Imp.
8.2, 9.1)”
Not Specified Add a new policy regarding the period-
ic re-evaluation of City Arts Grants for
impact.
Not Specified Add a new policy about cultivating more
culinary arts programs in the City.
Within “Goals,
Policies, and
Actions” under
“Arts and Culture
Opportunities”
“Art and Culture Opportunities: Expand-
ed art and culture opportunities can
include new public art installations, cul-
ture events, culinary arts, and programs.
Creating opportunities to engage with
art and culture across Newport Beach
can make art accessible to people of all
backgrounds and generations.”
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Historical
Resources
HR-2: Well-
documented
and protected
archaeological and
paleontological
resources
N/A
Table 8: Comments from Boards, Committees, and Commissions: Historical Resources Appendix E 46
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Historical
Resources
HR-3: Celebrate,
preserve, and protect
local history
N/A
HR-4: Enshrine local
history through
education
Make the following revision to Policy
HR-4.3: “Encourage collaboration with
local preservation organizations, like
the Newport Beach Historical Society,
to research, conduct outreach, and
develop programs and activities to
encourage and support historic pres-
ervation and cultural historical tourism.
(Imp. 14.16)”
HR-5: Celebrate tribal
cultural resources
N/A
Within the “Overview.” Add a sentence about tourism.
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay,
and Beaches
HBB-1: Local businesses
and water-dependent
commercial uses in the
Newport Harbor area
that are preserved to
maintain and enhance
the economic activity
charm of the waterfront
community
Harbor – HBB-1.2.
• Clarify if new development is
private, public or both and also
whether it is at any time or only
post-development. For example, a
public use (i.e., Marina Park) could
be redeveloped 25 years from
now and it would affect water use
during construction.
HBB-1.4.
• The phrase “…bridges across City-
controlled roads…” is unclear.
• Consider adding a reference to
modern mooring technology
(e.g., helix anchors) and mooring
field optimization to improve
safety, environmental impact, and
capacity.
Table 9: Comments from Boards, Committees, and Commissions: Harbor, Bay, and Beaches Appendix E 47
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay,
and Beaches
[continued] HBB-
1: businesses and
water-dependent
commercial uses
in the Newport
Harbor area that
are preserved
to maintain
and enhance
the economic
activity charm of
the waterfront
community
HBB-1.9.
• What is the definition of a “small”
boat? It should include personal
watercraft and manual and human-
powered craft.
• We should be more proactive than
“teach customers how to safely
operate the watercraft” entails —
should this be more formal training,
safety briefings, or informational
materials?
Support continued short-term rental
of boats, wave runners, stand up
paddle boards and other human power
watercraft while encouraging vendors to
teach customers how to safely operate.
HBB-2: Minimized
risk of displacement
by coastal hazards
Harbor – HBB-2.1. The bullets need more
clarity on what the intent is. Also, the list
seems limited.
HBB-3: A harbor,
bay, and beaches
that attract tourism
and maintain the
character of coastal
neighborhoods
Harbor – HBB-3.1. It is unclear how more
waterfront could be created. What does
the word “reasonable” mean here?
HBB-4:
Sufficient coastal
infrastructure that
protects coastal-
dependent and
public recreational
uses and view
corridors while
matching the
character of
the surrounding
development and
protecting coastal
and visual resources
Harbor – HBB-4. Clarify what are
believed to be the current “view
corridors”.
Appendix E 48
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay,
and Beaches
HBB-5: Coordination
among City,
County of Orange,
State, and Federal
agencies having
regulatory authority
of Newport Harbor
and Newport Bay
Harbor – HBB-5.3. The “other controlling
agencies” should be named.
HBB-6: Maintenance
and enhancement
of deep-water
channels to ensure
they remain
navigable by boats
Harbor – Goal HBB-6. Maintenance and
enhancement of deep-water channels
should include a long-term sediment
management funding plan. Without
funding language, dredging goals may be
hard to achieve.
HBB-6.3. Has “HBB-7.1” repeated twice
and should be incorporated in HBB-7.1.
Confusing wording.
HBB-7: Protection
and restoration of
beaches and dunes
Harbor – HBB-7.1. This is listed twice.
Clarify who is being encouraged and
what traditional infrastructure would be
reduced. This is unclear. Also, should the
specific locations of sand replenishment
and nourishment and dune restoration be
named?
HBB-7.2. What is the expected source of
the sand?
WQ/CT – [Add to existing shoreline/
sediment policies HBB-7.4 through
HBB-7.6:] As part of evaluating shoreline
protection, prioritize nature-based
strategies (e.g., dune restoration,
strategic nourishment, living shorelines)
before structural armoring. Establish
and maintain action thresholds for
beach width and elevation that, when
exceeded, trigger defined nourishment
or dune management responses and
budget requests. Identify structural
armoring (groins/jetties/artificial reefs)
enhancements to advance sand/beach
retention with protection for surfing
function.
Appendix E 49
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay,
and Beaches
HBB-8: Well-
managed and
economically
productive harbor,
bay, and beaches
Harbor – HBB-8.1. Explain how expansion of
existing marinas might be possible.
HBB-8.2. Explain what is meant by “lower-
cost” recreational boating.
HBB-8.3. Consider changing the word
“provide” to “maintain” as there likely isn’t
space for additional anchorages in federal
areas.
HBB-8.5. Who would the temporary use be
provided by?
HBB-8.7.
• Explain what the term “reasonable”
means. How are the renewable annual
permits in compliance with State Lands
Commission?
• This is on “Live Aboard permits”,
shouldn’t we change “Reasonable
maximum number” for a live-
aboard permit and tie it to a specific
percentage of moorings as it is today?
HBB-9: Cost-
efficient servicing
and managing of
Newport Harbor
Harbor – HBB-9. Consider adding language
about adopting technology for harbor
management (smart buoys, online mooring
rentals, vessel tracking) to improve
efficiency and user experience. This is in
process today.
HBB-9.1. Explain what the term
“reasonable” means.
HBB-9.3. “Reasonable value for the
lease rates” should be “fair market value
per State Lands Commission”. Are the
“waterfront developments” public, private
or either? Under “Public Access to Coastal
Resources”, the term “worst case” is stated
in reference to sea level rise. There have
been numerous sea level studies that have
a wide range in theories about the total
rise over time. As such, worst case should
be better defined. Which study should be
cited?
Appendix E 50
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay,
and Beaches
HBB-10: Safe and
accessible beach
and harbor access
points
Harbor – HBB-10.5. Expand on this
to commit to funding and include the
Harbor Department and on the water fire
suppression.
PB&R – We believe the safety of people
on foot versus motorized and other
non-foot traffic should be a balancing
factor in the Preamble to HBB-10 and
where otherwise applicable. Especially in
consideration of prioritizing safe access
to parks, beaches, & other recreation
facilities.
HBB-11: Multifaceted
and integrated
coastal access
Harbor – HBB-11. Expand wayfinding
beyond signage to include digital tools
(apps, QR codes, real-time maps) for
visitor navigation which is in effect today.
HBB-11.1. Suggest changing the word
“encourage” to “maintain”.
HBB-11.3. It is not clear where a marine
terminal could be located in Newport
Harbor. Does this HBB apply?
HBB-12: Protection
of the visual and
ecological resources
of Upper Newport
Bay
Harbor – HBB – 12.1. Maintain public use in
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and
Ecological Reserve to the extent that such
use is consistent with the preservation of
sensitive resources including monitoring
and maintenance of Newport Bay Trash
Interceptor.
PB&R – Who exactly is the Newport Bay
Watershed Executive Committee? Also,
should the Newport Bay Conservancy
be referenced as a coordinating entity
in HBB-12.2, as the Upper Newport Bay
is their area of specialty and there is
longstanding coordination with the City?
Appendix E 51
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay,
and Beaches
Not Specified Harbor – There should be something
in this document to maintain the
relationship with the County for the
launch ramp facility as there are no
other launch ramps in the harbor., Could
consider identifying a new launch ramp
location owned by the City. If the County
were to end the lease arrangement, how
would vessel launching be possible?
Not Specified Harbor – There should be something in
the document to maintain the relationship
with fuel dock owner(s). If those owner(s)
decided to redevelop their property into
something other than a fuel station, how
would vessel fueling be possible?
Not Specified Harbor – Consider adding a section that
defines the City Harbor Department’s
current role and the need to maintain this.
Not Specified Harbor – There is no mention of the
Harbor Department’s current role in
managing the harbor, coordinating
safety, providing on-the-water support,
and generating revenue for the Harbor
Department budget and the Tidelands
Fund. Including these functions
would acknowledge the Department’s
importance in daily operations and long-
term harbor sustainability.
Not Specified Harbor – The Orange County Sheriff’s
Harbor Patrol role is mentioned only
indirectly through safety policies.
Consider adding a specific policy on
collaboration between the City and the
Sheriff’s Department to ensure consistent,
effective, and well-coordinated law
enforcement on the water.
Appendix E 52
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay,
and Beaches
Within the
“Economic Value of
the Harbor” Section
Harbor – The data is from 2018. Should
we obtain later data and add a note that
this data will be updated every X years to
maintain relevance?
Within the
“Introduction”
Section
WQ/CT –
• Recommends replacing the Purpose
paragraph with emphasis on economic
impact. Potential draft (ILLUSTRATIVE
FOR FLOW AND EMPHASIS,
CONSULTANT SHOULD REVIEW
FOR ACCURACY OF NUMBERS AND
CONTEXT)
“Newport Beach’s harbor, bay, and ocean
beaches are the City’s most valuable
public assets—foundational to our
ecology, economy, and way of life. They
anchor a visitor economy that draws
more than 9.5 million overnight and day-
trip visitors to the harbor area annually
and accounts for slightly over 30 percent
of all direct tourism-related spending
in the City (nearly $400 million). The
harbor alone generates an estimated
$547.4 million in direct economic output
and supports about 4,440 direct jobs,
with total countywide output near $787
million.
This significant economic activity stems
from coastal-dependent recreation
and access to the beaches, water-
based activities in the harbor and bay,
and the habitats of Upper Newport
Bay that buffer storms and support
biodiversity. The purpose of the HB&B
element should be to sustain water
quality and habitat, protect and enhance
public access and recreation, and direct
investment in coastal resilience so that
these community assets continue to
support residents, visitors, and the local
businesses and economy.”
Appendix E 53
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay,
and Beaches
[continued] Within
the “Introduction”
Section
• Overview Paragraph – how can we add
measurable context and emphasize
beaches vitality using background
analysis?
Scale of the shoreline. Newport Beach
manages an interconnected 47.7-mile
shoreline system composed of XX miles
of bay and ocean beaches and vital dunes
to the navigational waters of Newport
Harbor and the tidal wetlands of Upper
Newport Bay. Our region-serving beach
and water recreation facilitates vital
visitor-serving businesses and protects
backshore communities, neighborhoods
and infrastructure.
Activity and access. Newport Harbor is
the largest recreational boat harbor on
the West Coast, with more than 9,000
recreational boats. Navigation, harbor
water quality, and marina policies must
complement beach access and safety.
Our beaches serve an estimated 8
million visitors, swimmers and surfers
a year. Beach and boating users are
the backbone of Newport’s hospitality
economy.
Not Specified WQ/CT – Discovery and Potential
Creation of a City Committee
Emphasizing City Beaches.
• Issue: The Beaches are a vital part of
our community. Yet there is no clear
oversight into Beach management,
economic programs tied to beaches,
and issues tied to Coastal Resilience.
This void in management needs
to be addressed, and may be best
resolved by the creation of a new City
committee focused on the topic. Or
clarification on where this lives.
Appendix E 54
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay,
and Beaches
[continued] Not
Specified
• Beaches & Coastal Resilience
Committee. Establish a standing
Beaches & Coastal Resilience
Committee to advise the City Council
on ocean-beach management,
sand budgeting and replenishment,
dune restoration and other
nature-based shoreline adaptation,
sea-level-rise planning to include
Local Coastal Program (LCP) update
recommendations, watershed
education and outreach, and provide
direction on Tidelands Infrastructure
Capital Plan priorities affecting ocean
beaches.
• Scope and Deliverables. The
Committee’s annual work
program will include: (a) a State
of the Beaches report (conditions,
monitoring results, postings,
and access); (b) an Annual
Sand & Shoreline Work Plan
(recommended nourishment/
retention actions, sequencing, and
partnerships); and (c) advice on
grant applications and interagency
agreements (e.g., with the United
States Army Corps of Engineers
and the Regional Water Quality
Control Board).
• Composition. Appointments should
reflect Peninsula, Corona del Mar,
and Upper Bay neighborhoods
and include expertise in coastal
engineering/geomorphology,
Harbor Commission/marina
operations, lifeguard/ocean safety,
hospitality industry, environmental/
nonprofit stewardship, tourism/
hospitality, and youth/education.
Appendix E 55
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Harbor, Bay,
and Beaches
[continued] Not
Specified
• Implementation Considerations. Add
to the Implementation Program:
• (i) adopt an establishing resolution
and bylaws;
• (ii) assign staff liaisons from
Public Works/Harbor Commission,
Community Development, and
Utilities/Water Quality;
• (iv) publish an annual State of the
Beaches report.
• (v) Assign a lead City department
and form an interdepartmental
coastal resilience team (Public
Works/Harbor, Community
Development, Utilities/Water
Quality, and Fire-Lifeguards
with liaison from City Council).
Establish quarterly coordination
with County and State partners
Coordination & Roles (Cross-References)
• Clarify roles among bodies as
follows: Beaches & Coastal Resilience
Committee — beach condition, sand
budgets, nature-based shoreline
adaptation, and related public
education; Water Quality / Coastal
Tidelands Committee — water quality
and habitat; Harbor Commission —
navigation, moorings, and harbor
operations; Parks, Beaches &
Recreation Commission — park/beach
programming and amenities.
Direct staff to bring an annual joint
session among relevant groups to
review the State of the Beaches report,
monitoring results, economic impact, and
the Annual Sand & Shoreline Work Plan
before budget adoption.
Appendix E 56
Table 10: Comments from Boards, Committees, and Commissions: Recreation Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Recreation
R-3: New parks and
connections that
increase resident
access to recreation,
parks, and open
space opportunities
Would it be relevant to include something
about assessing the use of parks and how
under-utilized areas might be re-
purposed for public use? (i.e. the back
corner of Sunset
Ridge Park behind the playground)
R-4: Parks and
recreation facilities
that are preserved,
upgraded, and well-
maintained
We like the idea of promoting more dog
parks. We believe this should have its own
bullet point as opposed to being a part of
Policy R-4.2.
The bullet point prioritizing new dog
parks might mention the frequency of
infractions related to dogs off leash,
dogs in protected areas, etc., and that
additional dog parks would not only
provide dogs a safe place to recreate, but
reduce the dangers to people of dogs off
leash and to wildlife and more of dogs in
protected open spaces.
R-5: Parks and
recreational facilities
that are adapted to
meet a variety of
needs for existing
and future residents
Policy R-5.8: Use reasonable efforts to
evaluate tree canopy cover in parks and
the public right-of-way, considering
shade and priority active transportation
corridors. (Policy S-7.1.5)
R-6: Established
and well-maintained
relationships
to facilitate
interagency and
interorganizational
coordination
N/A
R-7: Protection of
public beach access
We believe the safety of people on foot
versus motorized and other non-foot
traffic should be a balancing factor in the
Preamble to R-7 and where otherwise
applicable. Especially in consideration of
prioritizing safe access to parks, beaches,
& other recreation facilities.
Appendix E 57
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Recreation
R-8: Adequate
support facilities at
parks and recreation
areas
We like the recognition of the need
for providing and maintaining support
facilities in parks and recreational spaces
in Policy R-8. We suggest specifically
calling out the need for additional
restrooms or porta potties and drinking
fountains near the Upper Newport Bay
where increasing numbers of people
are traversing the streets and pathways
on foot, bicycles, and other non-foot
vehicles.
Table 11: Comments from Boards, Committees, and Commissions: Natural Resources Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Natural
Resources
NR-1: Reduced
transportation-
related emissions to
improve air quality
PB&R – We believe the safety of people
on foot versus motorized and other non-
foot traffic should be a balancing factor in
NR-1.1 (safety consideration in addition to
promoting walkable & bikeable
neighborhoods) and where otherwise
applicable. Especially in consideration of
prioritizing safe access to parks, beaches,
& other recreation facilities.
NR-2: Electric
vehicle charging
or other clean
technology
infrastructure to
serve the growing
share of clean-
energy vehicles
N/A
NR-3: Reduced air
pollution emissions
from ground
operations at John
Wayne Airport
Mineral and Oil
Resources
N/A
Appendix E 58
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Natural
Resources
NR-4: Preparation
for the orderly
transition of oil and
gas resources, as
deemed appropriate
N/A
NR-5: Increased
electrification or use
of renewable energy
at public facilities to
reduce gasoline and
natural gas usage
and emissions
N/A
NR-6: Electrification
or renewable energy
incentives for
existing buildings to
reduce natural gas
emissions
N/A
NR-7: Native and
naturalized non-
invasive species
habitats in parks
and public open
space
PB&R – We like that the policies in this
Goal highlight the importance and value
of our Urban Forest. Additionally, we think
it is important to recognize the threat of
invasive species and the significance of
their eventual removal.
NR-8: Cooperation
with State and
Federal resource
protection agencies
and private
organizations to
protect terrestrial
and marine
resources
N/A
NR-9: Community-
driven initiatives
for ecosystem
conservation
N/A
Appendix E 59
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Natural
Resources
NR-10: Land use
and development
standards to
conserve important
ecosystem services
and habitats
N/A
NR-11: Coordination
with relevant
agencies to reduce
pollutants of
concern in Newport
Bay
N/A
NR-12: Enhanced
green infrastructure
to help prevent
runoff into Newport
Bay
N/A
NR-13: Standards
and programs
to limit runoff of
pollution to preserve
water quality
of groundwater
sources
WQ/CT - (Note – I think we need to
add more specifics around storm drain
installation – the City apparently has a
plan to do this but I have not seen the
implementation)
Install storm drain screens on all storm
drains that dump directly into the bay or
ocean.
NR-14: Minimized
adverse effects to
water quality from
sanitary sewer
outflows
N/A
NR-15: Beach
nourishment, sand
retention, and
sediment restoration
projects
N/A
NR-16: Reduced
potable water use
for landscaping on
public lands
N/A
Appendix E 60
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Natural
Resources
NR-17: Water-
efficient landscaping
incentives for
private property
N/A
NR-18: Viewsheds
and corridors that
are preserved
N/A
NR-19: Minimized
visual impacts of
signs and utilities
N/A
NR-20: Protection
of archaeological
and paleontological
resources
N/A
Not Specified WQ/CT – City-wide initiative to reduce
its trash footprint to prevent runoff into
Upper Newport Bay, Harbor and Beaches.
Consideration of targeting single use
plastic waste.
• Single use plastic waste is the number
one trash category that negatively
impacts Newport Beach’s marine
environment, impacting water quality,
coastal habitats and beach and harbor
recreation.
• Combating single use plastic waste in
our environment is now a global crisis.
Require Newport Beach to conduct
analysis on short and long term
measures to reduce single use plastic
waste in the City limits and all areas of
City operations.
• Comply with plastic waste reduction
mandates already passed into CA law,
specifically AB 1276 (passed in 2022),
otherwise known as the “Skip the
Stuff.”
Appendix E 61
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Natural
Resources
[continued] Not
Specified
• Implement programs that would
encourage and/or incentivize
businesses, particularly restaurants
and food establishments, to reduce
their single use plastic footprint.
• Develop public outreach programs to
raise awareness around the negative
impacts of plastic pollution. Leverage
local NGO partners and other
community-based organizations.
Initiate review of the short- and long-
term fiscal impacts to a waste reduction
program including, energy consumption,
water reduction, capacity of landfills for
municipal waste and future State laws and
mandates.
Table 12: Comments from Boards, Committees, and Commissions: Safety Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Safety
S-1: A community
that is resilient to
coastal flooding
WQ/CT – [Insert in Safety Element under
Coastal Hazards; cross-reference in HBB
Administration/Coordination.]
Policy S-1.X / HBB-NEW-SLR (Finish
Early). Adopt and submit a Sea-Level-Rise
(SLR) Plan and Local Coastal Program
(LCP) amendments for California Coastal
Commission certification by December
2029—four years ahead of the statutory
deadline—to protect beaches and
public access and to take advantage of
accelerated application processing for
state and federal funding afforded to
early certification communities.
Consider Funding Sources. Establish and
maintain shoreline protection reserves in
the Capital Improvement Program and /
or Tidelands Infrastructure Capital Plan to
implement early actions identified in the
SLR Plan.
Appendix E 62
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Safety
S-2: Beaches that are maintained and
protected from erosion
N/A
S-3: Current and accessible data
and information on flooding, beach
erosion, and bluff erosion
N/A
S-4: Buildings and utilities that are
protected from seismic and geologic
hazards
N/A
S-5: Stabilized bluffs to minimize
erosion and prevent landslides in
developed areas
N/A
S-6: A community that is resilient to
and protected from inland flooding
N/A
S-7: Reduced and well-managed urban
and wildland fire hazards
N/A
S-8: A community protected from the
impacts of hazardous materials
N/A
S-9: A community protected from
airport-related hazards
N/A
S-10: A built environment adapted to
provide relief from extreme heat
N/A
S-11: Tested and effective
communication systems for
emergency preparedness and
response
N/A
S-12: High-quality public safety,
emergency preparedness, and
response services
N/A
S-13: Evacuation routes and centers
that are maintained to provide
functionality during hazardous
conditions
N/A
S-14: A community where residents,
employees, and visitors feel a sense of
comfort and safety
N/A
Appendix E 63
Table 13: Comments from Boards, Committees, and Commissions: Land Use Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Land Use
LU-1: A City that manages growth and
change through land use decisions
that are consistent with the General
Plan
N/A
LU-2: Well-balanced land uses
with adequate community services
and supporting infrastructure that
support livability, provide residential
opportunities, promote new
complementary uses, sustain and
enhance economic vitality, and sustain
the natural environment
N/A
LU-3: A city that values an
aesthetically pleasing built
environment
N/A
LU-4: Distinct neighborhoods and
villages that accommodate planned
development while maintaining their
unique character
N/A
LU-5: Residential neighborhoods that
are well-designed and contribute
to the livability and quality of life of
residents
N/A
LU-6: Commercial districts and centers
that are well-planned and exhibit
a high level of architectural and
landscape quality
N/A
LU-7: Mixed-use districts designed
and planned to ensure compatibility
among a variety of uses
N/A
LU-8: Office and business parks
exhibit a high-quality image, are
attractive, and provide quality working
environments for employees and
services for the community
N/A
LU-9: Industrial districts that provide
flexibility to incorporate community-
serving uses and encourage transition
to co-locate employment, residential,
and creative and artistic uses
N/A
Appendix E 64
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Land Use
LU-10: Public and institutional uses
that enhance the quality of life for
residents and are located and designed
to complement Newport Beach’s
neighborhoods
N/A
LU-11: Housing opportunity sites: A City
with sufficient housing opportunities
N/A
LU-12: Corridors that are compatible
with surrounding uses, are well-designed
and attractive, minimize traffic impacts,
and provide adequate parking
N/A
LU-13: Corona del Mar: A pedestrian-
oriented village serving as the center
of community commerce, culture, and
social activity
N/A
LU-14: Mariners’ Mile: A mixed-use
corridor that reflects the Newport Bay
waterfront, supports and respects
residential uses, promotes pedestrian
activity, and exhibits a high-quality visual
image
N/A
LU-15: Old Newport Boulevard: A
corridor of uses and services that
support Hoag Hospital and nearby
residential neighborhoods
N/A
LU-16: Western Entry Corridor: A
gateway corridor with connections to
the Santa Ana Bike Trail and Randall
Preserve, as well as commercial clusters
that serve local residents and coastal
visitors at key intersections, interspersed
with compatible residential development
N/A
LU-17: Airport Area: A connected and
complete community that supports
residents and businesses
N/A
LU-18: Balboa Peninsula: A series of
pedestrian-oriented districts with a mix
of visitor-serving, marine-related, retail,
live/work, and residential uses
N/A
Appendix E 65
Element or
Section Goal/Section Comment(s)
Land Use
LU-19: Balboa Island: A walkable,
compact coastal district with
residential, visitor-serving, and
community-oriented uses
N/A
LU-20: Newport Center/Fashion
Island: A high-quality downtown
that supports residents,
businesses, and visitors
N/A
LU-21: West Newport Mesa: A
live/work community connected
to key resources
N/A
LU-22: Coyote Canyon: A
community that balances homes
with the natural environment
N/A
LU-23 Dover/Westcliff: A mixed-
use community connected to
citywide resources
Consider a policy that
prioritizes opportunity for
residential redevelopment in
this Focus Area.
LU-24: Infrastructure that
supports new development,
maintains and improves existing
development, and is adaptable to
new technologies
N/A
LU-25: A prompt and efficient
system for development permit
processing
N/A
LU-26: Efficient use of land to
create livable neighborhoods and
support economic development
N/A
LU-27: A city with healthy
communities for all
N/A
LU-28: A City with mutually
beneficial land use conservation
and development
N/A
LU-29: Sphere of Influence: A
regional natural resource that is
preserved for future generations
Reconsider the inclusion of
encouraging a “linear park.”
Appendix E 66