New Zoning Code Addresses Floor Space Limits

The Newport Beach City Council voted last week against new zoning rules that may, among other things, lift the cap on the size of homes that can be built in the city, an issue that has been contested for several years.

The zoning code currently uses a formula for setting maximum floor areas citywide, as opposed to letting each neighborhood set its own rules. In a meeting last October 12, the Council voted in favor of keeping the code.

Proposals were also made to revise the code to encourage marine businesses, which have been slowing down in the city for the past several years. Rush Hill, a candidate for the Council, proposed that the zoning code address the need for marine operations in the Mariner's Mile area.

Hill said that although the code already alluded to the marine business issue, some of the "byproducts" of the new code may discourage such operations on Mariner's Mile. In particular, this includes a designation on the said street that allows for the building of condos and apartments along the West Coast Highway.

The city's active boating community also said that major property owners can earn more from such residential developments, and thus would have little reason to support marine businesses.

The meeting also addressed an issue on basements, which are excluded from the floor size limit in the new zoning code. This would allow a homeowner to add additional square footage in their basement without breaking the rules.

The Council agreed to Hill's proposal and will hold another meeting at the end of the month to finalize its decision. Results are expected to be announced in the following week.

 

Earlier in Newport Beach Real Estate News:
Newport Wins Award for Best Beaches
Newport Beach Home On Private Island Hits Market for $28 Million
Old Newport Beach Building To Be Transformed