Safety Enhancement Zone
The Newport Beach City Council has recently approved amendments to the Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC) to address illegal activity and enhance public safety, especially during high-risk periods such as spring break and summer holidays. These periods are known for large gatherings, excessive noise, alcohol-related offenses, illegal fireworks and violations associated with short-term lodging units.
This ordinance covers general noise issues that unreasonably disturb the peace of neighbors, such as loud music, construction noise outside of permitted hours, or persistent barking.
For the complete legal definition and specific prohibitions regarding loud and unreasonable noise, please refer to the Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter 10.28.
We handle enforcement of this code with officers responding to assess the situation and determine if the noise level is "unreasonable." This may result in a verbal warning or, if necessary, the issuance of a citation.
To report an ongoing disturbance, please call our non-emergency dispatch at 949-644-3717.
Loud Parties (DAC/LUGO)
This section addresses specific ordinances pertaining to large gatherings or parties on private property that become disruptive, often involving excessive noise, traffic issues, or behavior that threatens public safety.
When an officer arrives at a party that is loud and/or out of control, the officer can issue a Disturbance Advisory Card (DAC) to the responsible party. If the property is a rental, the property owner will also be fined. The first time a DAC is issued, it is considered a warning. However, subsequent violations within a 12-month period will result in escalating fines. More information about police services at large parties can be found in the Newport Beach Municipal Code Chapter 10.58.
Eight or more persons at any residential unit where conduct occurring results in a public nuisance or a threat to the public health, safety, general welfare, or quiet enjoyment of residential property or nearby public property is considered a "Loud or Unruly Gathering" and is subject to the Loud and Unruly Gathering Ordinance (LUGO).
If the officer determines the party is a "Loud or Unruly Gathering," he or she will post a notice of violation and issue a civil summons to violators. Under LUGO, violators can include unruly guests, property owners, as well as any tenants, renters, or persons responsible for organizing or sponsoring the gathering.
Subsequent LUGO violations within 90 days from the first violation will result in escalating fines. Additionally, it is unlawful for any person to remove, alter, tamper with, or deface the posted notice of a Loud or Unruly Gathering prior to the expiration of the entire 90 day period from the date of posting.
Use of Shade Coverings on Beaches
To further support public safety and emergency access, the City Council also approved new regulations governing the use shade coverings on any City beach, year-round. The shade covering may not exceed six feet in height or width; be connected or grouped together; obstruct emergency access, lifeguard towers or public access ways; or be placed within 50 feet of lifeguard towers or emergency access points and must maintain required spacing of five feet from the base or outer edge of any other shade covering. They may only be erected between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. and there must be a responsible person present.
Fireworks
To reduce fire danger, the possession or use of fireworks remains illegal in the City of Newport Beach.
Safety Enhancement Zones
The Newport Beach Municipal Code Section 1.04.060 allows certain areas of the city to be designated as Safety Enhancement Zones to further deter municipal code violations during specific times of the year. Within these zones, fines for infractions and civil fines are tripled.
The Safety Enhancement Zones are in effect for Spring Break, Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekend. The dates for 2026 are as follows:
- Spring Break Period 1 - March 14, 2026 through March 22, 2026
- Spring Break Period 2 - April 4, 2026 through April 12, 2026
- Memorial Day Holiday - May 22, 2026 through May 25, 2026
- Fourth of July Holiday - July 3, 2026 through July 6, 2026
- Labor Day Holiday - September 5, 2026 through September 7, 2026