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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 - Waiving City Council Policy B-8 to Permit the Pacific Coast Triathlon on Sunday, September 13, 2026Q �EwPpRT CITY OF s NEWPORT BEACH `q44:09 City Council Staff Report February 10, 2026 Agenda Item No.5 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Sean Levin, Recreation and Senior Services Director - 949-644- 3151, slevin@newportbeachca.gov PREPARED BY: Matt Dingwall, Recreation Supervisor - 949-644-3152, mdingwall@newportbeachca.gov TITLE: Resolution No. 2026-09: Waiving City Council Policy B-8 to Permit the Pacific Coast Triathlon on Sunday, September 13, 2026 ABSTRACT: The Pacific Coast Triathlon is one of Southern California's largest and longest -running triathlon events, held annually at Crystal Cove State Park and along Pacific Coast Highway since 1997. Five Point Events, the event organizer since 2017, is requesting City Council approval to waive Council Policy B-8 to allow the 2026 event to occur on September 13, 2026, which falls within the City's summer special event restriction period. If approved, the draft resolution would waive the policy limitation and allow the event to proceed through the City's special event permit review process, including submittal of required supplemental materials such as the race map, event schedule, and street closure plan. California State Parks has indicated it will permit use of Crystal Cove State Park for the proposed date, pending City Council action. RECOMMENDATIONS: a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and b) Adopt Resolution No. 2026-09, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Waiving Council Policy B-8 to Permit Five Point Events to Hold the Pacific Coast Triathlon During Summer, Defined as June 15 Through September 15, on Sunday, September 13, 2026. DISCUSSION: The Pacific Coast Triathlon is one of Southern California's largest and longest -running triathlon events. Since its inception in 1997, the multi -stage endurance race, held at Crystal Cove State Park and on Pacific Coast Highway, has featured swimming, cycling and running. Five Point Events, an endurance race event company based in Menifee, CA, has successfully hosted the Pacific Coast Triathlon since 2017. With over 800 attendees in 2025, the event regularly generates meaningful economic impact and showcases Newport Beach as a premier destination for endurance sports. Resolution No. 2026-09: Waiving Council Policy B-8 to Permit Five Point Events to Hold the Pacific Coast Triathlon During Summer, Defined as June 15 Through September 15, on Sunday, September 13, 2026 February 10, 2026 Page 2 Historically, the Pacific Coast Triathlon is held on the third Sunday in September. Due to scheduling conflicts with other regional race and walk events, Five Point Events is requesting that the City Council waive Council Policy B-8 to allow the 2026 Pacific Coast Triathlon to take place on the second Sunday of the month, September 13, 2026. Council Policy B-8 states "Races, running events, walking events and other athletic contests/ events using City public property shall not be conducted during the summer (June 15 through September 15)." If adopted, the resolution would waive Council Policy B-8 to allow the 2026 Pacific Coast Triathlon to occur during the summer, defined as June 15 through September 15, and move forward through the special event permit review process. As part of the special event permitting process, Five Point Events is required to submit supplemental materials, including a race map, schedule of events, and list of street closures with its special event permit application for review and approval by City of Newport Beach staff. California State Parks staff have agreed to permit use of Crystal Cove State Park for the event on September 13, pending City Council approval. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact related to this item. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. MOWO ILM3 The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item). ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A — Letter from Pacific Coast Triathlon Attachment B — Resolution 2026-09 Attachment C — Council Policy B-8 ATTACHMENT A Pacific Coast Triathlon December 17, 2025 Delivered Via Electronic Mail-: mdingwall(a-)-newportbeachca.gov Dear City of Newport Officials, Members and Supporters, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to respectfully request the City of Newport Beach's consideration and support in securing Sunday, September 13, 2026, as the event date for the Pacific Coast Triathlon. As one of the region's largest and longest -running triathlon events, the Pacific Coast Triathlon consistently attracts a significant number of athletes, families, and spectators to Newport Beach. The event generates meaningful economic impact for local hotels, restaurants, and businesses, while also showcasing the City as a premier destination for endurance sports. Maintaining a strong position on the event calendar is essential to the continued sustainability and success of the race. We are currently facing several notable scheduling challenges in late September 2026. The Zuma Beach Triathlon, another large-scale event with a similar participant base, is scheduled for September 20, 2026. Due to the overlap in athlete demographics, this close proximity would likely draw participants, sponsors, and funding away from the Pacific Coast Triathlon. Additionally, the Susan G. Komen Walk is tentatively scheduled for September 26, 2026, further contributing to congestion in the event calendar and increased competition for shared resources. For these reasons, securing September 13, 2026, would allow the Pacific Coast Triathlon to remain viable while continuing to deliver strong economic and community benefits to the City of Newport Beach and the surrounding area. We deeply value our longstanding partnership with the City and remain committed to producing a safe, well -organized, and community -focused event that reflects positively on Newport Beach. Thank you very much for your time, consideration, and continued support. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any additional information or wish to discuss this request further. Warm regards, Renee Wierz I Race Director for the Pacific Coast Triathlon ATTACHMENT B RESOLUTION NO. 2026- 9 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, WAIVING COUNCIL POLICY B-8 TO PERMIT THE PACIFIC COAST TRIATHLON ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026 WHEREAS, the Pacific Coast Triathlon ("Triathlon"), regularly held on the third Sunday in September on Pacific Coast Highway at Crystal Cove State Park, began in 1997 and is one of Southern California's largest and longest -running triathlon events; WHEREAS, a special event permit application was filed by Five Point Events ("Applicant"), an endurance race event company based in California, which has successfully hosted the Triathlon for the past 10 years, showcasing Newport Beach as a premier destination for endurance sports and drawing over 800 attendees annually; WHEREAS, the Applicant requests the City Council waive Council Policy B-8 (Bike, Foot Race and Surf Contest Event) ("Council Policy B-8") to allow the 2026 Triathlon to take place on September 13, 2026, the second Sunday of the month, due to scheduling conflicts with other race/walk events in Southern California; WHEREAS, Council Policy B-8 limits races, running events, walking events and other athletic contests/events using City public property from being conducted during the summer, defined as June 15 through September 15; therefore, waiver of Council Policy B-8 would allow for the Triathlon to take to take place on September 13, 2026; WHEREAS, California State Parks staff have agreed to permit use of Crystal Cove State Park for the Triathlon on Sunday, September 13, 2026, if the waiver of Policy B-8 is approved; and WHEREAS, approval of this waiver, in its entirety, would allow the Applicant to move forward with the special event permit review process. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach resolves as follows.. Section 1: The City Council does hereby waive Council Policy B-8 to permit the Triathlon to be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026. As part of the special event permitting process, the Applicant is required to submit supplemental materials with the special event permit application for City Staff review and approval, including, but not limited to, a race map, schedule of events, and map of street closures. Resolution No. 2026-09 Page 2 of 2 Section 2: The recitals provided in this resolution are true and correct and are incorporated into the operative part of this resolution. Section 3: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this resolution is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this resolution. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this resolution, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional. Section 4: The City Council finds the adoption of this resolution is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. Section 5: This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the City Clerk shall certify the vote adopting the resolution. ADOPTED this 10th day of February, 2026. Lauren Kleiman Mayor ATTEST: Lena Shumway City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: CITfi ATTORNEY'S FICE -Aaron C. Harp City Attorney ATTACHMENT C BIKE, FOOT RACE AND SURF CONTEST EVENT POLICY The purpose of this policy regarding the use of City Public Property and beaches for conducting bicycle events, running events, surf contests and other athletic contests is to minimize the inconvenience to City residents, and to eliminate any potential City liability for injuries resulting from the event. All bicycle events, running events, surf contests or events and similar athletic contests/events shall be required to secure a Special Event Permit, comply with all of the conditions to the permit, and comply with the provisions of this Policy. Races, running events, walking events and other athletic contests/events using City public property shall not be conducted during the summer (June 15 through September 15). No more than twelve (12) such events shall be permitted during any calendar year and not more than four (4) in one geographical area in one year. The person or entity primarily responsible for administering the event must prove their ability to pay for all required City safety and maintenance services prior to issuance of any permit. Proof of ability to pay for these services shall be in the form of a cash deposit, bond, or similar instrument. The permittee shall, prior to the event, provide the City with evidence of insurance, with the City named as an additionally insured, with minimum coverage of one (1) million dollars per occurrence unless the City Risk Manager determines that due to the circumstances surrounding the event, more insurance coverage is necessary. No permit shall be issued for any race, running event, surf contest or athletic contest/event which is sponsored or financially supported by a tobacco or alcohol company and no alcohol or tobacco shall be permitted to be dispensed or available in the event there are participants under the age of 21. Nor will any signage promoting alcohol or tobacco company be allowed to be displayed at the contest/event. As stewards of public access to the coast it is the City's policy to keep the beaches open to the general public and not permit exclusive use or events unless sponsored or organized by the City. Surf, surf -related and sandcastle contests are the only events permitted using City beaches and shall not be conducted during Memorial Day weekend or summer (June 15 - September 15). Surf Contests and League Competitions No more than eight (8) surf or surf related commercial events and/or events determined to need a Special Event Permit shall be permitted on or near the beach during any calendar year and events shall be scheduled at least three (3) weeks apart. All Surf competitions, no matter what the size, are required to register with the Recreation & Senior Services Department a minimum of one month prior to the scheduled event in order to receive approval for use of the requested location and event dates. Non-commercial, low impact surf contests put on by non-profit groups and/or local schools can apply for event approval by completing a Surf Contest/Activity Registration Form. There is no fee for registration of a surf contest, only for the Special Event Permit, if needed. All responsible parties must be able to provide upon request proof of a valid registration approval during the hours of the surf contest. Only non-profit groups will be considered. Surf contest permits will be granted for specific dates only. No more than one surf contest will be scheduled per day. Surf contest permits do not allow for the exclusive use of the ocean or contest area and are always subject to blackball rules and regulations. There can only be a maximum of six (6) commercial contests at any one location per calendar year. The Fire Department determines acceptable locations for surf contests. Local surf league competitions are required to submit a Contest/Activity Registration Form a minimum of one month prior to the scheduled match. Schools are to coordinate and agree to league competition dates prior to submittal collectively by June 1 each year to be considered for priority. League competitions are limited up to two (2) pre -season and five (5) league "home" competition events, with one home league competition per week per school. Up to seven (7) total per school per year. No more than two surf league competitions per week will be considered, with emphasis placed on coordinating schedules to hold one per week when possible. If two surf league competitions are scheduled in the same week, they must be at different locations on the beach. Schools shall make every effort to coordinate alternating home league competitions to achieve this. League competitions are limited to the morning hours of 6:30-8:30 a.m. and shall not be conducted during Memorial Day weekend or summer (June 15 -September 15). History Adopted I-21 — 2-14-1983 Amended I-21 — 11-14-1983 Amended I-21 — 9-22-1986 Amended I-21 — 1-24-1994 (changed to I-8) Amended I-8 — 7-25-2000 Amended I-8 — 4-8-2003 (changed to B-8) Amended B-8 — 4-13-2004 Amended B-8 — 9-13- 2005 Amended B-8 — 9-27-2011 Amended B-8 — 11-14-2023