Newport Beach City Council Upholds Outdoor Dining Patio Decision

News Summary

The Newport Beach City Council has voted unanimously to allow Five Crowns restaurant to retain its temporary outdoor dining patio for a limited period. Despite concerns raised by local residents regarding noise and size, the council decided in favor of supporting local businesses. Additionally, the council approved amendments to housing regulations to facilitate future development in the area, including provisions for affordable housing and adjustments to height limits.

Newport Beach, CA – The Newport Beach City Council has unanimously voted 6-0 to uphold the Planning Commission’s decision allowing Five Crowns restaurant to keep its temporary outdoor dining patio for a limited time. Councilmember Sara Weber recused herself from the vote due to a business conflict.

This decision permits the existing temporary patio, which measures 1,350 square feet with an 850-square-foot canopy, to remain in place despite an appeal from local residents. Kenneth and Kim Catanzarite, who filed the appeal, expressed concerns about the potential impacts of the patio on the neighborhood, focusing on its size, operational hours, and possible noise disturbances.

Community Development Deputy Director Jaime Murillo reported that there is not a significant history of noise complaints related to the restaurant, with most concerns arising after the patio’s establishment in 2020. Police records also indicate that service calls related to Five Crowns are consistent with those of other restaurants in the area.

Five Crowns has a rich history in Newport Beach, having been initially constructed in 1936 and reopened in 1965, long before the residential developments in its vicinity. In light of the recent vote, Councilmember Erik Weigand highlighted the need to support long-standing business establishments and advocated for reduced restrictions on the patio operations. Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Kleiman echoed this sentiment, commending the applicant for their willingness to address community concerns.

In a related development, the council also voted unanimously (7-0) to amend the North Newport Center Planned Community (PC-56) regulations, which will facilitate increased housing development and higher building heights in the area. These changes align with Newport Beach’s housing element requirements and aim to address the ongoing challenges the city faces in implementing residential plans.

The Irvine Company has requested the allocation of 1,500 dwelling units within PC-56 for future construction at designated housing sites. Key proposed changes also include modifications to height limits for specified zones, alterations to open space requirements, and updates to design and parking standards.

A development agreement extension until 2042 was approved alongside these amendments. This agreement includes a requirement for a public benefit fee and a commitment to affordable housing units, reflecting the city’s objectives of promoting sustainable and inclusive community growth.

Additionally, the council discussed potential plans for the redevelopment of Lower Castaways Park and explored options for a public swimming pool. To oversee these initiatives, an ad hoc committee has been formed.

These decisions highlight Newport Beach City’s efforts to balance community interests with the need for economic development and affordable housing, as they navigate through existing residential challenges while also supporting longstanding businesses.

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Additional Resources

• Wilma’s Patio Restaurant Celebrates 40 Years on Balboa Island
• Google Search: Newport Beach restaurants
• Orange County Restaurants for Fourth of July Fireworks
• Wikipedia: Outdoor dining
• Best Restaurants in Newport Beach
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
• Best Outdoor Dining Spots in Orange County
• Google News: Newport Beach City Council decisions