October 19, 2026
Agenda Item No.1
TO:
HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:
Seimone Jurjis, City Manager - 949-644-3001, [email protected] PREPARED BY:
Lorig Harutunian, Management Analyst - 949-644-3028, [email protected] TITLE:
Resolution No. 2026-94: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Proclaiming a Local Emergency ABSTRACT:
Based upon information currently available to the City of Newport Beach (City), unusually high astronomical tides, commonly known as King Tides, coupled with elevated Newport Bay water levels on or about October 25 through 29, 2026, may cause flooding in low-lying and waterfront areas of the community. The rapidly changing tidal conditions may necessitate emergency work and the immediate procurement of resources to help protect life, property and essential services. Therefore, staff recommend the City Council adopt a resolution proclaiming a local emergency and establishing emergency orders and regulations.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Determine this action 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) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-94: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Proclaiming the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to King Tides Affecting Low-Lying and Harbor Front Properties and Adopting Emergency Orders and Regulations.
DISCUSSION:
The anticipated King Tides expected on or about October 25 through 29, 2026, may cause flooding and threaten public and private property in low-lying areas of the city, including the Balboa Peninsula, Balboa Island, the Finley Tract and Newport Island.
To prepare for and in response to the unusually high tides and elevated Newport Bay water levels, the City may need to implement temporary street and parking restrictions, flood barriers, sandbags, pumping and drainage operations, and other emergency protective measures to protect life, property and essential public services. Emergency conditions may also require the immediate procurement of materials, equipment and services, as well as coordination with regional agencies and emergency response partners.
The proposed resolution proclaims a local emergency and establishes emergency orders and regulations authorizing designated City officials to close hazardous public areas, restrict access and parking, issue evacuation warnings or orders when necessary, protect flood-control and seawall devices, and take other temporary emergency measures. The resolution also authorizes emergency procurement and coordination with other agencies and provides for documentation of emergency-related expenditures and requests for available state and federal disaster assistance.
Should the City Council adopt Resolution No. 2026-94, the local emergency and associated orders will remain in effect until amended or rescinded, or until the City Council proclaims the local emergency terminated. The Council will review the need to continue the local emergency at the intervals required by state law.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City has and will continue to expend resources on its response to the storms. The proclamation of local emergency will allow the City to procure services and goods in an expedited manner.
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 – Resolution
Resolution No. 2026-94: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Proclaiming a Local Emergency October 19, 2026
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