HomeMy WebLinkAboutPA2021-289_20220216_Letter to ApplicantCommunity Development Department
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
949 644-3200
newportbeachca.gov/communitydevelopment
February 16, 2022
Mario Marovic
mario@loungegroup.com
RE: Removal of Temporary Outdoor Dining in West Ocean Front Parking Lot for Blackie’s by the
Sea, Dory Deli and Super Panga
Dear Mario:
We wanted to first and foremost thank you for your continued investment in the Newport Beach community.
As you are aware, the City Council took emergency action in 2020 to allow flexibility in restaurant operations
due to the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. All emergency temporary use permits
issued as a result of that action expired on December 31, 2021.
While the City has been able to allow extensions for temporary operations on private property through
granting a limited term permit, there are no procedures in the Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC) for
allowing the temporary use of public parking areas in the coastal zone on an ongoing basis. Accordingly, a
limited term permit cannot be considered for your West Ocean Front establishments, including Blackie’s by
the Sea, Dory Deli, and Super Panga.
At its February 8, 2022 meeting, the City Council held a study session to discuss this matter further.
Considering the current limitations of the NBMC and the unlikelihood of the California Coastal Commission
supporting any use of the parking lot during the busier summer season without a coastal development
permit, the Council directed staff to allow temporary outdoor dining areas in the public parking spaces until
May 2022.
The temporary outdoor dining areas for Blackie’s by the Sea, Dory Deli and Super Panga shall be removed
and the public parking spaces must be restored to their previous conditions no later than May 13, 2022.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 949-644-3253 or bzdeba@newportbeachca.gov.
Thank you for your understanding and please know that the City remains committed to helping its business
community through these challenging times.
Benjamin M. Zdeba, AICP
Senior Planner