July 14, 2026
Agenda Item No. 4
TO:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:
Paul Blank, Harbormaster - (949) 270-8158
[email protected]
PREPARED BY:
Matt Cosylion, Deputy Harbormaster - 949-270-8164
[email protected]
TITLE:
Ordinance No. 2026-09: Amending the Newport Beach Municipal Code to Regulate and Manage Certain Activities within Newport Harbor
ABSTRACT:
For the City Council’s consideration is the adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-09, which reflects changes to Title 17 of the City of Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC). The recommended amendments are intended to improve public health and safety and assist staff with management and enforcement of regulations governing Newport Harbor. The ordinance was introduced and considered at the City Council’s June 23, 2026, regular meeting.
RECOMMENDATION:
Find this project statutorily 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 Waive the full reading of the ordinance, read by title only, conduct second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2026-09, An Ordinance of the City Council of Newport Beach, California, Amending Title 10 (Offenses and Nuisances), Title 11 (Recreational Activities), and Title 17 (Harbor Code) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code to Regulate and Manage Certain Activities within Newport Harbor.
DISCUSSION:
At its June 23, 2026, meeting, the City Council introduced and passed to second reading Ordinance No. 2026-09, which, if adopted, would amend Title 17 and other sections of the NBMC to assist staff with management and enforcement of regulations governing Newport Harbor. If adopted, the ordinance and associated code amendments would become effective August 13, 2026.
The proposed revisions to the NBMC include amending provisions related to public urination and defecation, cleaning of fish and bait on public docks, marine sanitation systems, public hearing notices for harbor related matters and granting authority to the harbormaster to issue administrative subpoenas to charter or boat rental platforms to obtain specific information regarding charter listings in Newport Harbor.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of this ordinance.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this action 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. 2026-09
Ordinance No. 2026-09: Amending the Newport Beach Municipal Code to Regulate and Manage Certain Activities within Newport Harbor July 14, 2026
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