NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL PREVIEW

Here are some items the council will consider tonight.

GROUP HOMES

Planning staff members have proposed changes to rules that govern large day-care facilities and homes where multiple unrelated people live, such as sober-living residences and halfway houses.

City code enforcement officers have reported a problem with people renting out rooms in their homes in areas with single-family zoning, which is not allowed. The suggestion is that any home where rooms are rented with more than one separate lease agreement should fall under a “group residential” classification. Staff members expect the change to make it easier to find violations in residential neighborhoods.

The other proposed change is to specify the rules for day care centers for children versus those serving adults. Some of the city’s regulations cover children and adults, but they don’t discuss concentration of such facilities, parking and other issues.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The council probably will agree to the rule changes.

SUNSET RIDGE PARK

The council voted in August to pay $5 million for a 15-acre parcel at Superior Avenue and West Coast Highway that is owned by Caltrans. A newer version of the contract has been drawn up to include an easement that protects the view from the state-owned highway.

If the council agrees to the condition, the city won’t be able to build permanent structures such as restrooms or parking lots within the easement, which covers about one-third of the park property. Recreational facilities like ball fields and playground equipment would be allowed in the easement.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A 15-acre piece of land with an ocean view for $5 million is a great deal, so the council will probably agree to the new contract terms. The California Transportation Commission, which already tentatively approved the sale, will take a final vote in early October.

— Compiled by Alicia Robinson