August 25th City Council Preview
The Newport Beach City Council meets Tuesday, August 25, and there are two items on the agenda that short-term rental owners and managers should be aware of.
Proposed Public Safety Ad Hoc Committee
Council Member Robyn Grant is asking the Council to consider forming a Public Safety Council Ad Hoc Committee to develop and recommend public safety strategies for holidays and other City needs.
This is the more significant item for NBSTRA because it could become an important part of the City's ongoing review following the July 4 incidents.
NBSTRA continues to be in contact with Council Members and City staff as they consider their post-July 4 plans. Our focus remains on making sure the STR industry is part of that discussion and that any future policy decisions are based on the facts and informed by responsible owners and managers.
If the Council agrees to move forward with an ad hoc committee that includes community participation, NBSTRA will request to participate on behalf of Newport Beach's short-term rental industry.
At this point, the City remains in a review and discussion stage, and there is no new package of post-July 4 STR restrictions before the Council Tuesday.
Narrow STR Code Amendment
The Council will also consider Ordinance No. 2026-14, a limited amendment to the City's existing short-term lodging permit rules.
The ordinance would clarify that an STR permit closed after two consecutive annual reporting periods with no rental activity may be reinstated once. If the permit is later closed again for inactivity, it would no longer be eligible for reinstatement.
City staff says this policy had previously been approved by the Council but was inadvertently omitted from the Municipal Code during later amendments associated with the Coastal Commission process. The ordinance also makes a minor administrative title correction.
We will monitor both items Tuesday and continue working to ensure responsible STR owners and managers have a voice as the City considers its next steps.