NEWPORT BEACH— Discussion on whether or not to include mega-yachts in the city’s vision of turningNewportHarborinto a “world-class” destination took place Jan. 25, as Newport Beach City Council members reviewed current vessel overhang problems and the navigational hazards they can create. For the most part, discussion on regulating boat length was put off for a later time, as the council directed a Harbor Commission subcommittee to create a conceptual plan showing vessel overhang problem areas and suggest overhang

limits in those areas. While the Harbor Commission has been looking at the vessel overhang

issue since 2006, the topic arose again in November 2010, when an application was presented to the city’s Harbor Resources department for the creation of a canted dock at2901 W. Coast Highway. The dock was designed for a 135-foot vessel that would extend past the end of its slip 31 feet, into the channel.

The dock plans meet the current vessel overhang rules inNewportHarbor, which state that a boat can only extend past the end of its slip or pierhead line by the width of its beam. For example, a 45-foot boat with a 15-foot beam could extend past the pierhead line by a maximum of 15 feet. There are no rules against the planned canted or slanted docks, which have become more popular in recent years as owners of longer boats look to avoid blocking the channel and creating a navigational hazard. “To start canting docks, and contorting

them so that they go around the intent of the law, I don’t think adds to your overall vision of a world-class harbor,” said harbor commissioner Ralph Rodheim, when asked to address the council.

“If it’s approved, you’ve just put a 135-foot boat catawampus into our harbor,” Rodheim said. “Legally, can you do it? Yes. But I don’t think it’s setting a good precedent.” The move toward larger vessels docking in the harbor has been met with some opposition, as adding more big boats could mean adding more vessels extending farther into the harbor channel, creating navigational hazards for other boats. The beam-width rule has come under scrutiny in recent years as slips are being reconfigured to fit larger and “beamier” boats, said Harbor Resources manager Chris Miller. One example Miller spoke of was a recent application the department received for a 135-

foot catamaran with a 60-foot beam, looking to dock inNewportHarbor. Under the current rules, the boat could

extend up to 60 feet past the pierhead line and into the harbor. “Fifteen to 20 years ago, the rule was half of the beam of the boat,” Miller said.

Miller discussed harbor lines during the meeting, stating that the current situation of tying vessel overhang rules to the harbor lines does not work, because the lines have changed over time, and many of the bulkhead, pierhead and project (channel) lines put in place at the creation of the harbor no longer apply to the current harbor lines.

The bulkhead line generally runs along the bulkhead, pierhead lines show the maximum distance a pier can

extend into the harbor, and the project line shows the area that the Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for dredging, also known as the federal channels. Because of development and newchannels being created, areas such as Linda Isle and marinas created after the initial development of the harbor do not have accurate harbor lines drawn for them, which means correctly measuring pierhead lines and project lines to determine

vessel overhang limits becomes difficult. Council members discussed adjusting the bulkhead and pierhead

lines to match the current harbor geography while, at the same time, adjusting

the beam-width rule. “I think it has to be tied in with the harbor lines,” said council member Ed

Selich. “Right now, the harbor lines don’t make any sense, because you have bulkheads

out beyond the bulkhead line and you have piers out beyond the pierhead

lines. “I don’t know whether you adjust the improvement or you adjust the line in these situations,” Selich said. “But I think it needs to be taken a look at.” Solutions discussed included adding special designated areas in the harbor for larger vessels where channel clearance is not an issue, and creating an offshore mooring area specially designed for larger vessels. “We need to have some flexibility in dealing with it (vessel overhang),” Selich said. “There are certain problem areas of the harbor where vessels that overhang cause navigational hazards, but the

other portions of the harbor, I see where the vessels are overhanging, but they don’t pose a navigational hazard. It

needs to have a commonsense approach to it, but I don’t think it’s a one-size-fits-all kind of a situation.”

Council member Nancy Gardner talked about a similar approach, mentioning the idea of putting together a

plan looking at all of the harbor and designating certain areas as big boat areas. “We’re not making one-size-fits-all, but we’re also being very practical and not having to go individual decision by individual decision, which gets to be chaos,”Gardnersaid. The issue of big boats and the future ofNewportHarboraccommodating

mega-yachts arose, as well. Mayor Mike Henn asked whether the commission should look at the future of privately owned and commercial mega-yachts in the harbor. But council members decided to keep the vessel overhang matter separate from the large vessel discussion and decided to discuss the matter further

at the council’s next planning meeting, scheduled Feb. 3. Council member Rush Hill did speak out on the issue, though, saying mega yachts are something the council will be dealing with in the future. “I think it’s important that we look at the mega-yacht activity, especially as we’re looking at Lido (MarinaVillage

renovation),” Hill sail. “I think that some of the planning there is for the large boats,” Hill said. “I think that they’re a reality, and if we don’t take that into consideration, we’re just pushing the problem down the road.”

Median List Price

The median list price inCORONADELMAR, CA 92625 this week is $2,057,500. Inventory is tightening and days-on-market is falling. The Market Action Index shows demand heating up. These are relatively bullish signs for prices.

Supply and Demand

Home sales have been exceeding new inventory for several weeks. Since this is a Buyer’s market, prices are not yet moving higher as excess inventory is consumed. However, as the supply and demand trends continue, the market moves into the Seller’s zone, and we are likely to see upward pressure on pricing.

Price

Recently, prices in this ZIP code have settled at a plateau even though they dipped this week. Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before we see prices significantly move from these levels.

smithcliffs

Introduction to the Enclave: Smithcliffs is one of the most exclusive enclaves in coastal Orange County. Residents enjoy the privacy, prestige and central location in North Laguna Beach. Bordered By: Smithcliffs is located just south ofEmeraldBay and just north ofCrescentBay beach. It sits on an oceanfront bluff

with the front row properties enjoying panoramic ocean and Catalina Islandviews. Views: Panoramic oceanfront views are enjoyed by 13 of the homes in Smithcliffs. Views range north to the Palos Verdes Peninsula and south past Three Arch Bay. Homes: Properties in Smithcliffs are very diverse. There are eight interior non-view properties and 13 ocean view properties. Styles range from traditional toMediterranean and contemporary. Smithcliffs boasts several “trophy” properties – some of the finest oceanfront estates

in Southern California. Smithcliffs was developed in the early 1990s, and several properties have been rebuilt and/or extensively renovated since that time. How the Community Has Evolved: Caroline Dobbins bought the Smithcliffs parcel in 1915 and built a home there soon after. Lon Smith, a successful oilman and Smithcliffs’ namesake, purchased the property in 1951 and sold it in 1985 to Gary Brinderson, who subdivided the land. The classic film, “Wuthering Heights,” was filmed at Smithcliffs, which has reportedly been the site of several movie productions. Community Features/Amenities/Special Events: Smithcliffs residents are comprised of a mix of profiles. There are some families, some empty nesters and some vacation owners. There is a nice combination of privacy balanced with a sense of community. It is just a short stroll toCrescentBay beach and minutes fromLagunaVillage, NewportCoast andFashionIsland.

current market activity 15 Smithcliffs sold for $6,300,000 in February 2010. It measured 7,400

square feet with views ofEmeraldBay. A newer construction, it had a subterranean garage and a 900-bottle wine room. 10 Smithcliffs sold for $3,200,000 in August 2010. It was a 4,200 sq. ft. three bedroom Mediterranean estate with a modern feel and no view. Currently for sale: 42 Smithcliffs listed at

$5,999,000. This 6,000 sq.ft. home is on three contiguous lots. A contemporary Mark Singer design, it boasts a pool/spa, sport court and a guest house.www.42SmithcliffsRd.com

For a home evaluation, please call Sally Martin 949.632.6363 or email Sally at SallyAMartin@gmail.com

Information provided by Coastal Real Estate Guide April 15, 2011

 About Sally Martin The Realtor

A Luxury Properties Specialist, as well as a Coastal Estate Specialist, Sally Martin works with Sellers and Buyers of prestigious homes in the areas of Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Corona del Mar, Balboa Island Laguna Beach and South Orange County. Martin has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Her studies focused on the financial and strategic growth of businesses. Extensive business travel throughout the world gave great insight into the multitude of cultures and many successful business practices.

A well honed business career with key executive and leadership positions in diverse businesses from start-up to Fortune 500 companies with sales of one Billion $ as EVP of Victoria’s Secret, brings invaluable financial experience to share with clients as they make decisions regarding some of the largest investments of their lives; their home, second home or an investment property.

In today’s challenging economic market it makes sense to call on Sally Martin with her savvy background of business and real estate. She is an experienced professional who has encountered similar market cycles and can articulate the fundamental principles that impact values as well as guide prospective clients through the buying or selling process. Plus, there is an astute understanding of the process of negotiations with an acute attention to details.

Successful real estate sales and purchases do not happen by luck but by planning, work and follow thru. Unexpected issues come up in escrows today; Martin as a skilled professional Realtor will help deal with the unforeseen. It all adds up to extraordinary customer service with the relief of clients stress. Martin works hard to make the process appear easy.

Today’s economic and real estate markets present opportunities and quagmires. Client expectations are higher than ever before; Sellers want to sell for the highest possible price and Buyers want to buy for the lowest purchase price. Martin can detail the factors influencing the value of individual properties and give the necessary guidance to maximize the results for both Sellers and Buyers.

Martin has obtained her Realtor’s license in California and Montana to enable her to serve the preferences and needs of her clients; the best of California’s coastal properties and the best of Montana’s the Big Sky mountain properties.

Sally Martin and her husband Don have lived in the Newport Beach area for 25 years. They are bona fide beach people; who lived first in the Historic Crystal Cove Beach Community and now on the magical Balboa Island. They also own a lodge and cabins in Red Lodge, Montana.

If you have high expectations; you want to work with Sally Martin.

She will exceed your expectations.

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