Title
Study Session Regarding Yacht Club Mooring Fields in Newport Harbor
Recommendation
The California State Lands Commission (SLC) performed a review of the City of Newport Beach's (City) management of its granted tidelands and issued a formal report titled Report on the City of Newport Beach's Public Trust Lands Management (Report) on December 16, 2025. The Report raised policy and administrative concerns with the various permit programs in Newport Harbor, administered by the City. One such program is related to yacht club mooring fields. The Report identified several areas where the City could strengthen its practices to ensure compliance with its legal obligations as a trustee of State lands.
The purpose of this study session is to provide the Harbor Commission with an overview of yacht club mooring fields, including possible changes to the program and the terms of a proposed agreement governing the use. No action will be taken at this study session. Any proposed changes will be discussed during the upcoming public stakeholder meetings. The matter will return to the Harbor Commission at a future regular meeting, at which time it can provide a recommendation to the City Council, as the final decisionmaker. Public comments will be received at all meetings where this matter is considered.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Harbor Commission receive the presentation, accept public comment, discuss the proposed changes, and provide any initial direction to staff.