July 14, 2026
Agenda Item No. 3
TO:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:
Tara Finnigan, Assistant City Manager - 949-644-3001, [email protected] PREPARED BY:
Benjamin M. Zdeba, Deputy City Manager - 949-644-3253, [email protected] TITLE:
Ordinance No. 2026-08: Updating Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code Related to City Employees' Enforcement of the Municipal Code and State Law ABSTRACT:
For the City Council's consideration is the adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-08, amending Section 1.12.020 (Authority of Public Officers or Employees to Issue Citations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code to update, clarify and expand citation authority for several categories of City of Newport Beach employees. This ordinance was introduced and considered at the City Council meeting on June 23, 2026.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Find the adoption of this ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and b) Waive full reading of an Ordinance, read by title only, conduct a second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2026-08, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Amending Section 1.12.020 (Authority of Public Officers or Employees to Issue Citations), Chapter 1.12 (Citations and Warrants), Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code Related to City Employees’ Enforcement of the Municipal Code and State Law.
DISCUSSION:
As of July 1, 2026, City park patrol officers were formally transferred from the Recreation and Senior Services Department to the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD), relocating the park patrol function under a new operational oversight and command structure. The proposed amendment to Section 1.12.020 (Authority of Public Officers or Employees to Issue Citations) ensures that park patrol officers are explicitly recognized within the NBPD’s citation authority structure and can perform their duties in alignment with its mission and standards.
Additionally, the proposed amendment will correct outdated references to the Finance Department (now the Administrative Services Department), will authorize the fire chief, public works director and harbormaster to issue citations for violations of Division 1, 1.5,2 and 3 of the California Harbors and Navigation Code, and will grant citation authority to the municipal operations director and designated employees related to waste and other matters.
Collectively, these updates are in alignment with organizational changes and serve to create clarity, promote efficient enforcement of municipal regulations and better serve the public health, safety and welfare of the community.
The City Council introduced Ordinance 2026-08 at its regular meeting on June 23, 2026. If adopted, it will become effective after 30 days.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact related to this item. The amendment is an administrative and organizational realignment that formalizes operational relationships and expands enforcement authority consistent with the transfer of Park Patrol Officers to the NBPD. Any staffing or resource adjustments associated with the departmental transfer have been addressed through the normal budget process.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find the adoption of this ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment A – Ordinance No. 2026-08
Ordinance No. 2026-08: Updating Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code Related to City Employees' Enforcement of the Municipal Code and State Law July 14, 2026
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