What is the difference between the City Attorney and the District Attorney?
The City Attorney is appointed by the Newport Beach City Council. The attorneys in the office provide legal advice and services to the City Council, its officials, departments, employees, boards and commissions. The City Attorney enforces the City municipal codes. The District Attorney is an elected County official who investigates and prosecutes criminal activities throughout Orange County. To contact the District Attorney’s Office, Newport Beach Office, you can call (949) 476-4650.
Who does the City Attorney work for? Under the City Charter, the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk are each directly appointed by the City Council and serve at the pleasure of the Council. The City Attorney also provides legal advises and support for all City officers and employees relating to their acts which are within the course and scope of their employment or official duties.
Can the City Attorney provide legal advice to private citizens?
No. The City Attorney is legally prohibited from representing individuals in private legal matters. Attorneys in the office only represent City officials, departments, agencies and employees in the course of their official acts or business. For general questions or seeking legal representation you can call the Orange County Legal Aid Society at (800) 834-5001 or the Orange County Referral Service at (949) 440-6747.
How can I get a copy of a Newport Beach Municipal Code?
Go to the City’s website at
http://www.city.newport-beach.ca.us, select City Officials, City Charter/Municipal Code. Hard copies of codes or a particular ordinance may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office by calling (949) 644-3005.
Who do I call to report a possible crime or City code violation? Reports or complaints concerning any violation of law occurring in Newport Beach should be made to either the Newport Beach Police Department by calling (949) 644-3681 or the Code & Water Quality Enforcement Division of the City Manager’s Office at (949) 644-3215. Should the matter be an emergency, call 911.
I believe I have been damaged by the actions or negligence of the City or one of its employees and wish to file a claim against the City of Newport Beach. How do I do that? Generally, a written claim must be filed within six months with the City Clerk's Office from the date of the incident prior to seeking legal redress for damages against the City. Claim forms are available from City Clerk’s Office at 3300 Newport Boulevard, Building B, Newport Beach, California 92658, (949) 644-3005. The City will review and, where appropriate, take action on the claim. However, neither the City Attorney nor any other City official or employee can provide legal advice concerning litigation against the City.
My neighbor’s tree limbs and branches overhang my property. Can I trim them without my neighbor’s permission? This is a private civil matter that the City has no jurisdiction over. To obtain specific legal advice on your situation, you need to consult a private attorney. For general questions or seeking legal representation, you can call the Orange County Legal Aid Society at (800) 834-5001 or the Orange County Referral Service at (949) 440-6747.
Does the City handle landlord/rental issues?
No. This is a private civil matter that the City has no jurisdiction over. For general questions, you can call the Fair Housing Counsel at (714) 569-0823.
Where do I file a small claims action? If the incident occurred in the City of Newport Beach, you can file your Small Claims Action at the Orange County Superior Court, Harbor Justice Center, Newport Beach Facility located at 4601 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, California, (949) 476-4764.
Who do I contact regarding flying aircraft noise regulations, limits or complaints?
You can call John Wayne Airport Administration at (949) 252-5185.