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.

After 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. Once 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 

 

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. Additionally, the Harbor Permit Policies provides some exceptions to the distance that piers can extend in certain part of the harbor.

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

 

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.