Newport Beach to assess its management strategies for Newport Harbor.

Newport Beach officials are undertaking a comprehensive reassessment of the city’s management strategies concerning both onshore and offshore harbor moorings, along with the associated fee structures. This initiative aims to establish a fair and equitable system that enhances public access to the waterfront.

The impetus for this evaluation stems from concerns raised by the Newport Mooring Association, which highlighted disparities in fees between its members and local residents who utilize private piers. Consequently, the California State Lands Commission has recently reviewed the current fee framework for boat moorage within Newport Harbor.

To facilitate this process, the Newport Beach City Council has formed a new ad hoc committee tasked with analyzing various aspects of harbor utilization, including making mooring options more accessible to residents who live on their boats. The State Lands Commission, which exercises oversight over the management of tidelands — submerged land in water bodies such as Newport Harbor — has acknowledged the validity of a study commissioned by the city. This study is now set to inform new fee schedules for the approximately 800 mooring sites available in Newport Bay.

As part of an ongoing effort to regulate moorings, the city has initiated a licensing program that entails setting higher rates. Historically, mooring permits have been subject to private trading, often commanding significant prices. However, in July 2024, the City Council decided that existing mooring permit holders could maintain their rates but may only transfer their permits one additional time. This transfer will transition permits into the city’s new licensing framework, which will reflect updated pricing.

The Newport Mooring Association has expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s plans and has petitioned for a thorough review from both the California Coastal Commission and the State Lands Commission. During a recent review of the proposed rate changes, the State Lands Commission noted that docking costs at private piers appeared to be “significantly below market rates” and warranted examination.

City Councilmembers Joe Stapleton and Noah Blom have been appointed to collaborate with city staff on this endeavor, addressing not only mooring rates but also additional concerns related to private piers and overall harbor management. Stapleton has emphasized the importance of conducting a complete review of harbor operations and has announced plans to engage directly with a range of stakeholders, including boaters, the mooring association, private pier owners, yacht clubs, and other marine organizations.

Stetson, president of the Newport Beach Mooring Association, voiced her disappointment regarding the apparent exclusion of harbor users from the ad hoc committee. She cited concerns over transparency and the need for genuine stakeholder engagement in the decision-making process.

City Manager Seimone Jurjis anticipates presenting a progress report to the state commission by June, with a timeline for conclusive results expected to span several months. Stapleton has indicated that the overarching goal of this initiative is to reach a balanced solution that benefits all parties involved, ensuring that Newport Harbor remains a treasured resource for the entire community.