Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a permit to put up a banner(s)?
Does the City have copies of the blueprints for my home or business?
How do I determine if my home is located in a flood zone?
Starting or Expanding your Business? Check out our Business Ambassador Program
How do I obtain a Massage Permit/License?
I want signage for my business. What do I need to do?
What are the hours of operation for your public counter?
What zoning district is my property located in?
When does the Planning Commission meet and how can I obtain an Agenda?
What is the Development Review Committee (DRC) and how can I schedule a meeting with them?
Are there any regulations or prohibitions on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers within the City?
Where can I obtain demographical and statistical information about the City of Newport Beach?
Where can I learn more about small cell technology in the City of Newport Beach?
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Do I need a permit to put up a banner(s)?
Yes, a banner requires a permit and is only permitted on a temporary basis, limited up to four times a year, not to exceed a total of 60 days. Permits are $42 and can be applied for through the Planning Division. The application is available here.
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Does the City have copies of the blueprints for my home or business?
The City may have copies of your blueprints. If you would like to verify and view and/or request a copy, please contact the Building Division at (949) 644-3275. More information regarding requesting records is available here.
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How do I determine if my home is located in a flood zone?
The Building Division can assist you in obtaining flood zone information, including map or panel number, date of map and flood zone area. Please call the Building Division at (949) 644-3275 for more information. You may also access FEMA flood maps (searchable by address) online through their website available here.
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How do I obtain a Massage Permit/License?
If you want to open a new or expand an existing Massage Establishment, please contact the Planning Division at (949) 644-3204. A City Planner will advise you of the procedural steps and any permits required.
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I want signage for my business. What do I need to do?
Sign regulations vary by property. Thus, before you change or add new signs, we recommend you speak to your property manager and a City Planner at (949) 644-3204 to review all of the related sign regulations. Then, if advised, you can apply for a sign permit. For more information, as to the permitting process, please contact the Building Division/Community Development Department at (949) 644-3275.
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What are my setbacks?
A setback is the distance by which a structure, parking area, or other feature must be separated from a lot line or other designated point or line. Since setbacks vary by zoning district, it is recommended you speak with a City Planner to help you determine the zoning and setbacks for a particular piece of property. You can obtain this information by calling the Planning Division at (949) 644-3204 or by making an online request here.
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What are the hours of operation for your public counter?
Our public counter is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. However, we generally do not take in applications or accept payments after 4:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday and after 3:45 p.m. on Fridays. You may reach us at (949) 644-3204 or stop by the Planning Division, located at 100 Civic Center Drive.
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What zoning district is my property located in?
You can find the zoning district for a particular piece of property by 1) Entering in the address online here 2) Asking a City Planner by calling (949)644-3204; or 3) making an online request for the information here.
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When does the Planning Commission meet and how can I obtain an Agenda?
The Planning Commission meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The Civc Center Council Chambers are located at 100 Civic Center Drive. You may stop by the Planning Division to pick up a copy of the Planning Commission Agenda or Planning Commission Agendas can be downloaded from the City's website here. Planning Commission Agendas can be accessed on the Friday preceding the Planning Commission meeting. For more information, please contact the Planning Commission Secretary at (949)644-3232.
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When is a permit needed?
Most major projects require a permit of some kind to ensure all buildings meet minimum standards that protect its occupants and neighbors, not only in everyday living, but also in case of emergencies and natural disasters. Permits are required for all buildings or structures erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official. Most walls 3 ½ feet in height or taller require a building permit. For more information as to when a permit is required, please contact the Building Division at (949)644-3275.
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What is the Development Review Committee (DRC) and how can I schedule a meeting with them?
The DRC is a committee comprised of staff members from various City departments involved with the development review process. The purpose of this committee is to provide project proponents with an opportunity to present a project proposal and receive preliminary comments early in the development process and become aware of any potential issues or alternatives available.
Prior to scheduling a meeting with the DRC, it is recommended that the project proponent meet with a Planner to discuss the proposal and identify the scope of work. When it is determined that project is large scale, complex, and/or may be subject to significant or department specific design requirements, the Planner will direct the applicant to schedule the DRC meeting.
These informal meetings are held in the McFadden Square Conference Room (Bay E-1st Floor) every Thursday, excluding legal holidays, at 9:30 a.m. The deadline for submittal is 12 noon on the Tuesday prior to the meeting date. Applicants are asked to submit an accurate site plan of the proposal and a detailed project description including pertinent information about the project and any special questions they have for the DRC.
For more information or to schedule a DRC meeting, please call (949)644-3204.
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Are there any regulations or prohibitions on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers within the City?
Yes, in May of 2011, the City adopted an ordinance banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in residential neighborhoods. However, certain community associations may have taken action to opt-out of the City policy. For more information on this matter and/or for a list of community associations which have opted-out of the gas-powered leaf blowers ordinance, please click here.
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Where can I obtain demographical and statistical information about the City of Newport Beach?
For more information on demographical and statistical information on the City of Newport Beach, please click here.
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