Council gives Caruso special permit to temporarily moor

Billionaire developer Rick Caruso received a special permit from the city of Newport Beach on Friday to temporarily moor his 216-foot yacht in the harbor, city officials said.

In mid-August, to the chagrin of several citizens, the Newport Beach Harbor Commission voted to allow two large yachts — including Caruso’s — to moor for a set period of time near the west end of Lido Isle.

Neighbors voiced concerns over potential noise and safety problems, in addition to citing a lack of transparency in the decision-making process, but no City Council members called for the decision to be reconsidered.

The two-week appeal period, which was required before a permit could be issued by the city, ended Wednesday.

In the Friday permit, the city granted Caruso permission to moor for 16 total days over a period of two months, said Harbor Resources Manager Chris Miller.

The yacht will be moored on one end and anchored on another, to prevent swinging. The passengers are required to keep lighting to a minimum at night. No live entertainment or exterior loud music will be permitted on deck.

— Emily Foxhall

Twitter: @emfoxhall