Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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frequently asked questions (faq)
 1. How do I submit a complaint and/or report a violation of the City's Municipal Code?
 2. After I have filed a complaint, what happens next?
 3. How do I contact a Code Enforcement officer for my community?
 4. How do I pay an administrative citation or parking ticket?
 5. How do I appeal an administrative violation?
 6. How do I appeal a Notice of Violation?
 7. I have been issued a Notice of Violation or Administrative Citation. How do I request an extension on the  compliance date?
 8. Is short term lodging allowed in my neighborhood?
 9. How can I determine if a construction project in my neighborhood is permitted by the City? 
10. What are the City’s rules on construction hours?
11. I am having a problem with mosquitoes, or other rodents in my neighborhood, who should I call?
12. I am involved in a dispute with my Landlord/ Tenant(s) over the terms and conditions of the lease agreement. Who can I contact?
 13. I Whom should I contact when pollutants of any kind are being disposed of into the Ocean/Bay or onto public property when City Hall is closed?
 14. What regulations are enforced by the Code Enforcement Division?
 Political Signs  
 15. Where are political signs allowed to be posted?  
 16. What is considered city-owned property?  
 17. Is there a limit to the number of signs a candidate can post on residential properties?  
 18. Is the a limit to the size of a political sign on residential properties?  

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How do I submit a complaint and/or report a violation of the City's Municipal Code?

 

  • You may call (949) 644-3215 to speak with a member of the Code Enforcement Division.  A voicemail system will accept calls made after normal business hours. 

  • Send an email to the Code Enforcement Division.

  • Submit a complaint using the City’s online reporting system, QUEST.

Please note that all voicemails, emails, and online complaints are returned within 24 hours.

 

After I have filed a complaint, what happens next?

A code enforcement officer will contact you to discuss your concerns and answer any questions. All violations are addressed using the STEPS to COMPLIANCE process.

How do I contact a Code Enforcement Officer in my community?

The City is divided into three reporting districts with a Code Enforcement Officer assigned to respond to all complaints within a geographic area.

 

How do I pay an administrative citation or parking ticket?

To pay an administrative citation online, please go to www.pticket.com/nbadmin or visit us in person at 100 Civic Center Dr. Bay A1, Cashier/Customer Service. For your payment to be processed, please know your citation number, which can be found on the upper right hand corner of your invoice.

For your convenience, if paying for your citation in person, the City accepts VISA, MasterCard or American Express in addition to check or cash payments.

How do I appeal an administrative citation?

A recipient of an administrative citation may file an appeal. However, a request for hearing form must be filled out and returned to the City along with an advanced deposit of the fine within 21 days from the original citation. Any fine shall be refunded if it is determined that the person charged was not responsible.

How do I appeal a Notice of Violation?

Please meet with the Code Enforcement Officer who issued the warning notice to discuss your concerns.  If you are not satisfied with the officer’s explanation of the Municipal Code and the required corrections, please do not hesitate to contact Code Enforcement Supervisor John Murray at jmurray@newportbeachca.gov or (949) 270-8137

I have been issued a Notice of Violation or Administrative Citation. How do I request an extension on the compliance date?

Please note that all requests for extensions should be directed to the Code Enforcement Officer handling your case.  A decision to approve the extension is based on the unique circumstances of each case including but not limited to:

  • Financial concerns
  • Scope of Work
  • Ability to comply
  • Reasonable of the request
  • Misc. facts

Is short term lodging allowed in my Neighborhood?

Please visit www.newportbeachca.gov/shorttermrentals.  Information regarding the City’s short term lodging requirements can be found here. At the bottom of this page, you may enter an address to determine if the property is allowed to have short term lodging. 

How can I determine if a construction project in my neighborhood is permitted by the City?  

To find all of the approved construction projects in the City, please click on this map which is updated on a real time basis. To view the permit history for a particular property, please visit the City’s online permit files to search by address.

What are the City's rules on construction hours?

Construction activity is allowed between 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  On Saturdays, construction activity is allowed between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. outside the High Density Zone.   No construction activity is allowed on Sundays and Federal Holidays.  NBMC Sec. 10.28.040

I am having problems with mosquitoes or other rodents in my neighborhood, who should I call?

For questions or concerns regarding rodents on public or private property, please contact the Orange County Vector Control at (714) 971 2421.

I am involved in a dispute with my Landlord/ Tenant(s) over the terms and conditions of the lease agreement. Who can I contact?am having problems with mosquitoes or other rodents in my neighborhood, who should I call?

Fair housing enforcement and landlord/tenant mediation services are available for tenants, realtors, apartment owners and managers, lending institutions and other interested parties within the City. Each year, the City allocates CDBG funds for this purpose as required by law. Effective July 1, 2011, the City has contracted with the Fair Housing Foundation for these services, which are provided free of cost. For more information or to utilize these services, please contact the Fair Housing Foundation.

In addition, The California Department of Consumer Affairs website offers a comprehensive list of resources in communities throughout the State. This site can be found at http://www.dca.ca.gov/ This is a helpful resource in determining your rights and the publications found on this site are designed to provide accurate and current information about the law; however, you should consult an attorney or other expert for advice in a particular case.

Fair Housing Foundation

www.fairhousingfoundation.com

Whom should I contact when pollutants of any kind are being disposed of into the Ocean/Bay or onto public property when City Hall is closed?

Please call the Newport Beach Police Department at (949) 644-3717 and be prepared to provide the dispatch center with the location of the spill and a description of the pollutant(s). 

Please note that during normal business hours, you may call (949) 644-3215 or the NBPD Dispatch line at (949) 644-3717.

What regulations are enforced by the Code Enforcement Division?

Code Enforcement staff are authorized to enforce all sections of the City’s Municipal Code which includes the Zoning and Property Maintenance Code.  Additionally, City staff enforce various state and federal laws, including those related to housing, building, and water quality.  The following are some of the most common complaints:

  • Unkept or poorly maintained properties
  • Water Conservations
  • Real Estate Signs
  • Gas Leaf blowers
  • Work without permits
  • Trash
  • Short Term Lodging
  • Noise - i.e. A/C units, construction activity, etc. 

Political Signs

Where are political signs allowed to be posted?

The City of Newport Beach allows candidates to place signs on private property only. If a candidate places their sign on city-owned property it will be removed.

What is considered city-owned property?

The city-owned property includes medians, light poles, traffic signs, sidewalks, parkway trees and parks.

Is there a limit to the number of signs a candidate can post on residential properties?

Yes, up to three signs.

Is there a limit to the size of a political sign on residential properties?

Yes, a maximum total sign area of six square feet and a maximum height of four feet.