Dredging Permits

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For information on the Lower Newport Bay Dredging and CAD project, please click here.

The City is now accepting RGP 54 Year 9 - 2024 pre-application screening requests.

Please click here for the current status of your submitted RGP 54 application.

Overview

All dredging projects, even the simplest in nature, require permits issued by multiple federal and state agencies before dredging can proceed. To make the process easier for applicants, the City (Public Works) manages the permitting responsibility for the new Regional General Permit program (RGP 54) to allow small maintenance dredging projects within designated areas of Newport Harbor. Because the permit conditions from the federal and state agencies are complex, we have outlined key steps, and have also provided helpful information for you on this page. Our goal is to simplify the process so we can ensure a successful and efficient program.

RGP 54 Application Steps

CityofNewportRGP54Timeline

Step 1: Pre-application screening - Submit the following to Public Works to initiate the process:

1. Proposed dredging footprint;

2. Proposed disposal footprint (if proposing beach replenishment), or a note that you are proposing disposal at either the offshore LA-3 ocean disposal site or an inland disposal site; and

3. Approximate dredging volume (in cubic yards).

The footprints should be either a hand-marked drawing using an aerial image or an electronic “shapefile” (Horizontal Datum – California State Plan, Zone 6, NAD83; Vertical Datum – Mean Lower Low Water). Pre-application screening submittal may either be emailed to Public Works at dredging@newportbeachca.gov or hand-delivered to 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660.

Step 2: Public Works will provide you with a report about your site(s) and relevant information for your application.

Step 3: Dredging Application for RGP 54- Please submit a completed application to Public Works electronically. Be sure to submit the Dredging Application for RGP 54 form and the required attachment as separate files, not as a combined PDF. At this time, you will also need to submit a signed RWQCB Certification statement and applicable fees to the Public Works Department. Fees consist of a $200 check for the Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification, payable to the State Water Resources Control Board, and a City fee (see Additional Resources for more information).

Step 4: Public Works will contact you if additional information is required. Once the application is complete, we will forward your application to the regulatory agencies (Coastal Commission, Corps of Engineers and Water Board) for consideration.

Step 5: Approximately 60 to 90 days after your application is submitted to the agencies, Public Works will notify you if the project was approved.

Step 6: Submit a signed Applicant Agreement to Public Works, perform any pre-project requirements and begin the project.

Step 7: After the dredging project is complete, submit the Post-Dredging and Disposal Completion reports.

Application Documentation

Agency Permits

Additional Resources

Interactive map
Eelgrass and Caulerpa
Sediment characterization map
Eelgrass Protection and Mitigation Plan
City Fee Schedule
- To find the RGP Dredging Permit Fee, below Download, click: City of Newport Beach Schedule of Rents, Fines, and Fees (SRFF) Detailed
- Once the document has loaded, press the Crtl and F keys on your keyboard, which will bring up the find feature. Type in the word "dredging" and hit enter.
- This will take you straight to the line item in the Fee Schedule that has the Dredging Permit Fee