Harbor Dock & Pier Permits

Transfers

To begin the pier permit transfer process, you must submit an application with complete information for both buyer and seller (signatures are due at close of escrow) to the City of Newport Beach Public Works Department along with the transfer fee. 

Application turn-around time is five to 15 working days.

Once the pier is inspected, you will receive a letter stating that the dock met the City safety requirements or, if not, it will list what items need to be corrected. After the items have been corrected and the pier is ready for re-inspection, call 949-644-3044. Staff must reinspect the property and will notify you of the inspection status. Once we receive the application with original signatures of the Seller, Buyer and Joint Permittee (if it is a joint pier), the permit will be transferred. Please ensure that we receive the signed application in a timely fashion so we can complete the process.

• Pier Permit Transfer Form
• City Fee Schedule (scroll to section Public Works - Harbor Resources)

Construction 

The City has a set of waterfront construction guidelines and standards, known as the Harbor Design Criteria for Commercial and Residential Facilities. Please read the guidelines before starting to plan your construction.

Newport Beach Municipal Code Section 17.35 regulates the extension of piers and floats beyond the pierhead line in Newport Harbor. It also lists other harbor development regulations as well. Please review these rules when designing your dock projects.

For a graphical depiction of the rules within NBMC Section 17.35 as they relate to the extension of piers and floats beyond the pierhead line, and to search for your individual property, please click the link below: 

Bayward Location of Piers and Floats Information

Please note that in accordance with Title 17 of the California Administrative Code, all piers and docks must have an approved backflow prevention device installed on the water supply line serving that pier or dock.

To begin the pier construction permitting process, you must submit an application with complete project information to the City of Newport Beach Public Works Department along with the plan check fee for new construction or maintenance construction. Depending on the type of construction, there may also be a $77 fee charged by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Please call 949-644-3044 for more information.

• Harbor Standard Plan Sheets (24x36) 
• Building/Fire Permit Application
• City Fee Schedule (scroll to section Public Works - Harbor Resources)

After reviewing NBMC Section 17.35 and determining if Harbor Commission approval is required for your project, please submit an additional plan check fee for a Harbor Commission public hearing. Click the City Fee Schedule link above for the current fee.

Additionally, please submit evidence to support the required findings as noted in NBMC Section 17.35.

Harbor Development Permits - Administrative Approvals

Appeals Process

To appeal a decision made by the Public Works Department to the Harbor Commission, please fill out this application to appeal. To appeal the decision made by the Harbor Commission to the City Council, please fill out this application to appeal. 

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