New alcohol regulations would focus on Balboa Peninsula

The Newport Beach City Council set the wheels in motion Tuesday night for the city to eventually modify regulations for Balboa Peninsula establishments that are open late and sell alcohol.

The council voted unanimously to direct staff to create an amendment to the city’s zoning code that would form an overlay district for the peninsula. The issue will return to the council during an upcoming study session.

The amendment is likely to include standards and regulations to address the effects of alcoholic beverage service at bars and restaurants open past 11 p.m., according to city staff.

Young people from near and far have flocked to the Balboa Peninsula for years, attracted by the area’s accessible beachside nightlife. On a typical weekend, the streets are packed with people walking from one watering hole to the next.

However, complaints from peninsula residents about noise, crime and other problems motivated the city to step in.

During the past two years, the city has developed plans to upgrade the area, including adding trees to medians along Balboa Boulevard, making street improvements and building a new commercial marina.

“This area does have a concentration of problems,” resident Denys Oberman said. “There needs to be a concerted effort to communicate and enforce in areas where problems impacting public safety have manifested themselves.”

New restaurants and bars are required to get a use permit and operator license from the city and obey regulations affecting hours of operation, noise, security and alcoholic beverage service.

However, many existing late-hour establishments were approved long before the city implemented the requirement for a use permit, meaning they are not regulated the same way as new businesses, a city staff report states.

The code amendment could affect commercial and mixed-use zoning districts from 47th Street to Balboa Village, depending on what the council decides.

Mayor Pro Tem Diane Dixon, who represents the council district that includes the Balboa Peninsula, said the overlay isn’t meant as punishment for businesses in the area. Instead, she said, she plans to highlight good business practices at bars that have a responsible strategy for dealing with patrons.

She said she hopes discussion of the overlay district will help business owners and residents resolve differences.

The amendment will go before the city Planning Commission. It would need approval there to be implemented. Council approval is not be needed.

Marina Park docks

In other business, the City Council awarded a $2.9-million contract to Bellingham Marine Industries Inc. to build docks for the Marina Park project.

The 10-acre marina, on the bay side of the Balboa Peninsula between 15th and 19th streets, will include a 23-slip visitor marina, a sailing center, a community center, a nautical-themed children’s playground, two half-court basketball surfaces, a fitness circuit, restaurant space and parking.

The project was divided into four construction bid packages because of its complexity. The final package, awarded on a 4-3 vote Tuesday night, covers the marina’s concrete docks.

Councilmen Scott Peotter, Marshall “Duffy” Duffield and Kevin Muldoon voted against the contract, saying the project is “overbuilt” and that docks made of wood or fiberglass should be considered to save money.

However, city staff was skeptical that alternative dock materials would save significant funds. Ultimately, the council decided to move forward to keep the project on schedule.

The complex is expected to open in December.