Newport Beach city officials are gearing up to allow qualifying homeowners associations to install privately-operated security cameras within public rights-of-way.
The program was added to the city’s policy on private encroachments within public rights-of-way. The new policy requires associations to meet certain application requirements, obtain an encroachment permit and execute an encroachment agreement.
According to a staff report, homeowner associations can voluntarily provide information from cameras that can help assist the police department with investigations.
“[The program was] for HOA security purposes and [to] voluntarily provide information collected by the security cameras to law enforcement agencies to assist with investigations of instances of theft, vehicle burglary, property damage, traffic accidents, or other activity relevant to law enforcement that may occur in the neighborhood,” the application to install the cameras reads.
Earlier this week, council members voted unanimously without debate to make the pilot program permanent. Mayor Lauren Kleiman recused herself due to a conflict regarding proximity to her personal residence.
The city council first established the pilot program in June 2023 to allow homeowner associations to install cameras through the city’s encroachment permit process.
After about a year after its establishment, the council decided to extend the program to Sept. 30, 2026.
“The extension provided additional time to evaluate the effectiveness of the program, coordinate with the Newport Beach Police Department’s (NBPD) expanding camera network, and receive additional participation from qualifying HOAs while maintaining the operational standards,” the staff report reads.
Now, the program is here to stay.
There are five existing homeowner associations that have installed cameras within public right-of-ways. Across the five associations, there are a total of 25 cameras already installed. Each installation must have city-approved signage.
The camera systems have to be in fixed positions, have wireless communication, and use solar or battery power, according to a city staff report. In addition, the city prohibits audio recording, facial recognition technology and pan-tilt-zoom functionality.
Officials say cameras are also prohibited from being pointed at locations that reasonably expect privacy.
“Security cameras shall be directed solely at public areas, such as streets, roadways, sidewalks, alleys, and other public spaces, and shall not capture or record any image of a private dwelling or locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy,” the application reads.
According to the application to install cameras, the information the cameras capture are for the private use of the association.
However, the cameras have been used by the Newport Beach Police Department before.
“The NBPD has utilized footage voluntarily provided by participating HOAs during criminal and traffic investigations,” the city staff report reads.
The staff report also said that the city has not been made aware of any conflicts with the cameras in public right-of-way.
According to the staff report, other homeowner associations have expressed their interest in installing cameras.
To qualify, homeowner associations have to have at least 50 single-unit dwellings within a contingency’s neighborhood and have good standing with the California Secretary of State.
They also are required to have a residential planned development in compliance with the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, a state law that governs homeowner associations.
All participating homeowner associations are held responsible for installation, operation, maintenance, insurance, repair and removal costs involved with private security cameras. Additionally, the application outlines operational standards and privacy protections to be able to participate.
