Title
Variance Request: Float Replacement at 351 E. Bay Front
Recommendation
Mr. Jeff Moorad (“Applicant”), is the owner of the residential property located at 351 E. Bay Front which has a pier, gangway and U-shaped float positioned parallel to the bulkhead on Little Island. The Applicant proposes to replace the U-shaped float in substantially the same configuration and position as the existing U-shaped float. The existing float is positioned four feet bayward beyond the allowable limit, and the Applicant is proposing to position the float three feet beyond the allowable limit (“Project”). In this section of the harbor, Newport Beach Municipal Code (“NBMC”) restricts floats from extending beyond the allowable limit without the approval of the Harbor Commission. Therefore, the Applicant is requesting a variance to position the float three feet beyond the allowable limit.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Conduct a public hearing; and
2. Find the Project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to Section 15060(c)(2) (Preliminary Review) and Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3; and
3. Adopt Resolution HC2026-003 of the Harbor Commission of the City of Newport Beach, California approving Variance No. HCVAR2026-01 to allow the replacement of the float bayward of the residential property located at 351 E. Bay Front.