HomeMy WebLinkAboutNBMC 6.26 BALLOONS - 4.29.21Chapter 6.26
REGULATIONS ON THE SALE, DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF BALLOONS
Sections:
6.26.005 Purpose and Intent.
6.26.010 Definitions.
6.26.020 Prohibited Balloons.
6.26.030 Enforcement.
6.26.005 Purpose and Intent.
A. Newport Beach is an environmental leader in addressing pollution issues, and protecting
the natural environment, economy and health of its citizens. Balloons cause harm to the
environment, health and safety.
B. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), balloons are
pollution and another source of marine debris. Marine mammals, fish, turtles and seabirds
often eat the floating deflated balloons and end up choking or starving as their bellies fill
up with the plastic and foil. Some animals get tangled in the ribbons tied to the balloons,
cutting into their skin, causing infections and, in some cases, slow death. Balloon debris
can even have an economic impact on communities, contributing to dirty beaches which
drive away tourists, or causing power outages from foil balloons covered in metallic paint
and their ribbons tangling in power lines.
C. A study by Longwood University for NOAA found that many people do not understand that
all balloons, even those labeled as “environmentally friendly,” can harm wildlife.
D. According to The Journal of the American Medical Association, out of 373 children who
died in the US between 1972 and 1992 after choking on children's products, nearly a third
choked on latex balloons. The Consumer Products Safety Commission found that children
had inhaled latex balloons whole (often while trying to inflate them) or choked on
fragments of broken balloons.
6.26.010 Definitions.
A. "Balloon" means a flexible bag, including, but not limited to, those made from rubber,
latex, foil, metal, polychloropene, Mylar, or nylon fabric, that is designed to be inflated with
air or gas lighter than air, causing it to float.
B. “City facilities” means any building, structure or vehicles owned or operated by the City of
Newport Beach, its agent, agencies, departments and franchisees.
C. "Foil balloon" means a balloon that is made of metalized nylon film, which is where plastic
(nylon) sheets are coated with polyethylene and metallic materials and sealed together
with heat. “Foil balloon” includes balloons often referred to as made of Mylar, which is a
brand name for a special type of polyester film.
6.26.020 Prohibited Balloons.
A. No person shall sell or distribute foil balloons within the City.
B. No person shall use foil balloons on public property, including beaches, piers, parks, and
Newport Harbor.
C. No person shall use, distribute or sell latex balloons on beaches, piers, in parks, or in
Newport Harbor.
D. No person shall release balloons filled with air or gas lighter than air anywhere outdoors
within the City limits. This prohibition does not apply to manned hot air balloons and
balloons used in governmental or scientific research projects.
E. All City facilities, City-managed concessions, City-sponsored events, and City-permitted
events are prohibited from using foil or latex balloons.
6.26.030 Enforcement.
Any person violating or failing to comply with any of the requirements of this Chapter shall
be guilty of an infraction pursuant to Section 1.04.010, and shall be subject to citation and
fines pursuant to Chapter 1.05, Newport Beach Municipal Code.