West Newport / Balboa Peninsula Holiday Information | City of Newport Beach (2024)

To City is committed to upholding afamily-friendly holiday atmosphere in West and Central Newport over the July 4 weekend.

For a number of years, excessively large crowds and out-of-control parties disrupted the holiday for residents and visitors in West and Central Newport Beach. The City and community worked together on ways to alleviate these issues and developed a vision and strategies that have changed the overall tone and character of holiday celebrations in Newport Beach over time.

Below are measures developed by the City, in partnership with the community, to address neighborhood disruptions on July 4:

Traffic Control

The following streets will be closed during the time periods specified:

• From approximately 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on July 4*
  • Balboa Boulevard from 32nd Street to Channel Place - Closed to westbound vehicular traffic for the Fourth of July is for Families parade
  • No left-turns from westbound Balboa Blvd. traffic at 34th St., 36th St., 39th St., 43rd St. and 46th St. (also for the parade)
• From approximately 10:30 a.m. on July 4 to 3 a.m. on July 5*
  • Southbound Orange St. at West Coast Highway
  • Via Malaga from Via Oporto to Via Lido
• From approximately 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4
  • Back Bay Drive
  • San Joaquin Hills Road between Back Bay Drive and the entrance to the Park Newport Apartment Community.

Seashore Drive will be open to traffic. The City intends to leave West Balboa Boulevard open to traffic (after the morning parade); however, the Police Department will be monitoring traffic conditions throughout the day and will facilitate additional street closures should the need arise.

*Allclosure times are approximate.

Increased Fines

There will be a Safety Enhancement Zone in the area bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the south, 32nd Street and Newport Boulevard on the east, W. Coast Highway on the north and 54th Street on the west. The Safety Enhancement Zone designation is effective from 12:01 a.m. on July 4 to 3 a.m. on July 5. Fines within this area are triple the normal amount during this time frame and can be up to $3,000. The City sent a letter to the residents and property owners in the Safety Enhancement Zone that explains the regulations.

Loud & Unruly Gatherings Ordinance

In 2011, theCityadopted a Loud or Unruly Gathering (LUGO) Ordinance establishing fines for responsible persons and/or property ownersthat participate in, or are part of, a loud or unruly gathering that requires a police response. Violations are tracked through the issuance of Disturbance Advisem*nt Cards (DACs) and fines increase with each successive offense which are tripled in the Safety Enhancement Zone on the Fourth of July. The City has prepared a sample rental/lease addendum toassist property ownersin complying with the provisions of Municipal Code Section 10.58.030.

Firework Prohibition

It is illegal to possess or use fireworks in the city of Newport Beach. This includes “safe and sane” fireworks such as fountains and sparklers that can be purchased in nearby cities. Please do not call 911 to report "seeing" or "hearing" fireworks. If you know the exact location of the source of the fireworks, call the Police Department's non-emergency number (949-644-3717) to make a report.

Prohibition on Public Alcohol Consumption

Possessing open containersor drinking alcoholic beverages on streets, sidewalks, or other public areas is prohibited. Violators are subject to citation or arrest.

Illegal Use of Water Balloons, Squirt Guns and Garden Hoses

Throwing water balloons or spraying water at pedestrians or vehicles is illegal. Violators are subject to citation or arrest.

Rooftop Safety Hazards

People gathering on rooftops is a safety hazard that may violate building code ordinances. City Building Department inspectors will be working with the Police Department to address those violations.

Increased Fines for Loud or Raucous Parties