Attachment G
ALUC and State Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Program Letters
From: Akhtar, Ahmed@DOT <[email protected]>
Sent: May 20, 2026 11:28 AM
To: Ung, Rosalinh
Cc: Friedman, Matthew L@DOT; Tabshouri, Tarek I@DOT; [email protected] Subject: Caltrans Aeronautics Response – Newport Beach Overrule Intent (PA2025-0196)
Attachments: Aeronautics Response_ City of Newport Beach Overrule May 2026.pdf
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Dear Ms. Ung,
Attached is the Caltrans Division of Aeronautics response regarding the City of Newport Beach’s intent to overrule the Orange County ALUC’s inconsistency determination for the Newport Place Planned Community Development Plan (PC11) (Project PA2025-0196).
After reviewing Resolution No. 2026-27 and the associated Findings, Caltrans concurs with the ALUC’s April 16, 2026 determination that the Project is inconsistent with the John Wayne Airport AELUP and recommends revisions to ensure compliance with applicable statutory and policy requirements.
Please let me know if any additional information is needed.
Sincerely,
Ahmed Akhtar
Ahmed Akhtar
Planner
Office of Aviation Planning
Division of Aeronautics
(916) 917-3477
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“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” DIVISION OF AERONAUTICS - M.S. #40
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May 20, 2026
Ms. Rosalinh Ung Electronically Sent:[email protected] Principal Planner
City of Newport Beach
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Dear Ms. Ung:
The California Department of Transportation, Division of Aeronautics (Caltrans), supports cities, counties, and Airport Land Use Commissions (ALUC) in developing land use policies that promote public health, safety, and welfare near airports. We appreciate the opportunity to provide input on the City’s proposed overrule of the Orange County ALUC determination.
On May 13, 2026, Caltrans received an email that included Resolution No. 2026-27 declaring an intent to overrule the ALUC’s April 16, 2026, inconsistency determination for the proposed Newport Place Planned Community Development Plan (PC11) Project (PA2025-0196) (Project) with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan (AELUP) for the John Wayne Airport (JWA).
Caltrans has reviewed the proposed Findings and Facts in Support (Findings) provided by the City of Newport Beach (City) and the Staff Report from ALUC dated March 19, 2026, and the Inconsistency Determination letter dated April 16, 2026.
Based on the proposed Findings of Resolution No. 2026-27, Caltrans has determined that the Findings are not sufficient to warrant the proposed overrule. Specifically, the Findings do not appear to be consistent with the purposes of the statutes set forth in the California Public Utilities Code (PUC) sections 21670–21676.5, nor with the noise and safety criteria disseminated in the AELUP for the JWA. Caltrans concurs with the ALUC’s determination that the City’s Newport Place Planned Community (PC-11) Development Plan is inconsistent with the AELUP and recommends that the City revise its proposal to ensure full compliance with applicable statutory and policy requirements.
Ms. Rosalinh Ung, Principal Planner
May 20, 2026
“Provide a safe and reliable transportation network that serves all people and respects the environment” PUC Section 21675.1(f) states: “If a city or county overrules the commission pursuant to subdivision(d) with respect to a publicly owned airport that the city or county does not operate, the operator of the airport is not liable for damages to property or personal injury resulting from the city’s or county’s decision to proceed with the action, regulation, or permit.”
Pursuant to PUC Section 21676(a), Caltrans and ALUC comments shall be included in the public record of any decision to overrule the ALUC. If you have questions or we may be of further assistance, please contact me at [email protected] or I can be reached at (916) 917-3477.
Sincerely,
Ahmed Akhtar
Aviation Planner
Caltrans Division of Aeronautics
c: Julie Fitch, Executive Director, ALUC Orange County, [email protected]