HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 - Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Newport HarborCITY OF
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A; City CouncH Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 10
March 26, 2013
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Public Works Department
David Webb, Public Works Director
949 - 644 -3311, dawebb @newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Chris Miller, Harbor Resources Manager
949 - 644 -3043, cmiller @newportbeachca.gov
APPROVED:l� �T
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TITLE: Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Newport Harbor— Harbor
Commission Update
ABSTRACT:
In 2012, the Harbor Commission was asked by the City Council to review the
recreational activity of Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Newport Harbor, and to make any
recommendations if needed. The Harbor Commission has now reviewed this issue at
length, and Commissioner Paul Blank has prepared the attached report for Council
review.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
DISCUSSION:
Stand Up Paddle Boarding has increased in popularity in Newport Harbor over the past
few years. Council recently asked if there were any special requirements /regulations for
Stand Up Paddle Boarders in the Harbor, and if not, whether any rules should be
established. The Harbor Commission was tasked to look at Stand Up Paddle Boarding
in Newport Harbor, and to report back with their findings and recommendations if
necessary. The attached report summarized the Commission's findings.
1
Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Newport Harbor — Harbor Commission Update
March 26, 2013
Page 2
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
There is no fiscal impact related to this item
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
City staff recommends the City Council find the recommended action in this staff report
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.
NOTICING:
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).
Submitted by:
/ /i;.v_ 0 Jam• GiLr
David A. Webb
Public Works Director
Attachment: A. Harbor Commission Report on Stand Up Paddle Boarding in
Newport Harbor
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Newport Harbor
Harbor Commission Report to City Council
March 26, 2013
TASK: The Harbor Commission was asked to evaluate concerns over Stand Up Paddle
Boarding ( "SUP ") in Newport Harbor and recommend whether potential
restrictions should be considered by the City.
APPROACH: A subcommittee of the Harbor Commission:
• Reviewed concerns expressed by City leaders and stakeholders including boaters,
paddle boarders, law enforcement, rental and sales operators.
• Reviewed relevant ordinances /laws covering Newport Harbor.
• Reviewed relevant ordinances in other harbors.
Invited and encouraged community involvement in promoting SUP safety in Newport
Harbor.
O Developed recommendations.
FINDINGS:
The existing Newport Beach City Municipal Code and Federal Inland Waterways Right of
Way Rules provide sufficient clarity on where, when and how to safely operate a Stand
Up Paddle Board in Newport Harbor.
O The Harbor Patrol has an approach to enforcement that is sound and reasonable.
All stakeholders can benefit from additional education and outreach on:
• General boating and specific SUP safety in Newport Harbor, and
• The existing City Code and Federal Inland Waterways Rules of the Road.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The Harbor Commission recommends against considering additional restrictions related
to Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Newport Harbor at this time.
The Harbor Commission recommends, with the help of community volunteers
and professionals, conducting a public event before mid -May on the subject of
water safety in general, and paddle board safety specifically in Newport Harbor.
Further, a forum has been scheduled for Sunday. April 7. 10 am to noon at
ExplorOcean