NBSTRA Submits Extensive Public Records Request on STR Enforcement and Holiday Public Safety Data

NBSTRA has submitted an extensive California Public Records Act (PRA) request to the City of Newport Beach seeking detailed information on short-term rental enforcement, public safety activity, holiday weekend incidents, Safety Enhancement Zone enforcement, LUGO notices, DACs, STR Hotline complaints, citations, arrests, permit suspensions, revocations, and appeals.

You can review the request here: NBSTRA Enforcement PRA Request.

Our purpose is straightforward: we want the facts.

Newport Beach residents, visitors, City officials, and responsible short-term rental owners and managers all benefit from accurate information. If STRs and their guests are truly a major driver of public safety impacts on holiday weekends, the data should show that. If, however, most holiday weekend problems are caused by day visitors, general beach crowds, non-STR activity, or broader public behavior, then STRs should not be treated as a convenient scapegoat.

NBSTRA supports responsible enforcement. We do not condone illegal parking, loud parties, disorderly conduct, or behavior that harms neighborhoods. But enforcement should be based on facts, applied fairly, and focused on actual problems.

The City has recently emphasized public safety statistics from the Memorial Weekend, including calls for service, arrests, citations, and police reports. Given that much of the rhetoric around the newly expanded Safety Enhancement Ordinance was STLP-focused, NBSTRA is asking for the underlying data to understand how many of those incidents were actually related to STRs, how many were not, how many resulted in jail bookings or charges, and where the individuals involved came from.

We are also asking for information about how the City distinguishes STR-related incidents from non-STR incidents, how citations are attributed to specific STR permits, how often permit holders appeal enforcement actions, and how often those appeals are successful.

This is part of NBSTRA’s ongoing work to stand up for responsible owners and managers while supporting reasonable, fact-based policies that protect Newport Beach neighborhoods and visitors.

As we receive and review the City’s response, we will keep members informed and use the information to help owners and managers better understand how the City is enforcing its rules, and to engage responsibly with the City on how to make Newport Beach safe and welcoming.