Newport Beach city officials earlier this week voted unanimously to make permanent a pilot program allowing qualifying homeowners associations (HOAs) to install privately-operated security cameras within public rights-of-way. Mayor Lauren Kleiman recused herself from the vote due to a conflict regarding proximity to her personal residence.
The program has been added to the city’s policy on private encroachments within public rights-of-way. To participate, associations are required to meet specific application requirements, obtain an encroachment permit, and execute an encroachment agreement. According to the application for installation, the cameras' purpose is for HOA security and to voluntarily provide collected information to law enforcement for investigations into theft, vehicle burglary, property damage, traffic accidents, or other relevant activity.
Initially established in June 2027, the pilot program allowed HOAs to install cameras through the city’s encroachment permit process. Approximately a year after its establishment, the council extended the program to September 30, 2026. A staff report indicated that the extension provided additional time to evaluate the program's effectiveness, coordinate with the Newport Beach Police Department’s (NBPD) expanding camera network, and encourage more participation from qualifying HOAs while maintaining operational standards.
Currently, five HOAs have installed a total of 25 cameras under the program. City-approved signage is required for each installation. According to a city staff report, the cameras must be in fixed positions, utilize wireless communication, and be powered by solar or battery. The policy explicitly prohibits audio recording, facial recognition technology, and pan-tilt-zoom functionality. Officials state that cameras are also prohibited from being pointed at locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as private dwellings, and must be directed solely at public areas like streets, roadways, and sidewalks.
While the information captured by the cameras is primarily for the private use of the association, the NBPD has previously utilized footage voluntarily provided by participating HOAs during criminal and traffic investigations. The city has not been made aware of any conflicts with the cameras in public rights-of-way. Other HOAs have expressed interest in installing cameras.
To qualify, an HOA must have at least 50 single-unit dwellings within its neighborhood, be in good standing with the California Secretary of State, and operate as a residential planned development compliant with the state's Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act. Participating HOAs bear full responsibility for all installation, operation, maintenance, insurance, repair, and removal costs associated with the security cameras. The application outlines operational standards and privacy protections necessary for participation.
