Newport Beach to Review Harbor Management

City council forms ad hoc committee to examine mooring fees and private pier rates

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The city of Newport Beach is taking a fresh look at how it manages the Newport Harbor, including the fees for moorings and private piers. A new council ad hoc committee will review various harbor uses and explore options to make local moorings more affordable, especially for people who live on their boats. The review comes after complaints from the Newport Mooring Association about an inequity between what its members pay and what Newport Beach residents pay for private piers.

Why it matters

The management of Newport Harbor is crucial for public access and ensuring the harbor remains a valuable community asset. The review aims to address concerns about the affordability and equity of the current fee structure, which has led to complaints and requests for state-level oversight.

The details

The State Lands Commission recently examined the fee structure for tying up a boat in the Newport Harbor after complaints from the Newport Mooring Association. The city has now formed a new council ad hoc committee to review various harbor uses, including options to make local moorings more affordable, especially for people who live on their boats. The committee will meet with boaters with moorings, the mooring association, residents with private piers, and representatives of yacht clubs and other aquatic organizations.

  • In July 2024, the City Council said current mooring permit holders would be able to keep their rates, but transfer the permit only once more.
  • In late December, the State Lands Commission raised concerns that the cost of docking at private piers was 'significantly below market rates' and should be evaluated.
  • The city expects to give a progress report to the state commission by June.

The players

Newport Beach

The city that manages the Newport Harbor and is reviewing its fee structure and policies.

Newport Mooring Association

An association of boaters who have complained about the inequity between what its members pay and what Newport Beach residents pay for private piers.

State Lands Commission

The state agency that oversees local management of areas of submerged land, such as the Newport Harbor, and recently examined the fee structure for tying up boats.

Joe Stapleton

A Newport Beach City Councilmember who served on the city's Harbor Commission from 2013 to 2015 and is part of the ad hoc committee reviewing harbor management.

Noah Blom

A Newport Beach City Councilmember who is part of the ad hoc committee reviewing harbor management.

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What they’re saying

“This is a complete review of everything. It's private pier holders, moorings, it's the entire harbor management.”

— Joe Stapleton, Newport Beach City Councilmember (ocregister.com)

“Once again, stakeholders are not at the table. City leaders have mentioned the importance of transparency, but ad hoc meetings where plans are conceived, convening without public oversight or engagement, is what got us here in the first place. We hope to see more than 'check the box' engagement, and instead see city leaders engage with the impacted community.”

— Anne Stetson, President, Newport Beach Mooring Association (ocregister.com)

“We all win when the Newport Harbor is at its best. That goes for everybody. This is all about coming together to find a solution to make sure that the harbor continues to be the jewel of the city.”

— Joe Stapleton, Newport Beach City Councilmember (ocregister.com)

What’s next

The city expects to give a progress report to the State Lands Commission by June on the review of harbor management and fees.

The takeaway

The review of Newport Harbor management aims to address concerns about the affordability and equity of the current fee structure, with the goal of ensuring the harbor remains accessible and a valuable community asset for all users.