CURRENT PHASE
Early Evaluation
SITE SELECTION
No Site Selected
FACILITY OPTIONS
Multiple Options Under Review
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Ongoing
Project Overview
Why is the City considering a new police headquarters?
The current headquarters at 870 Santa Barbara Drive was built in 1973 and no longer meets the operational, technological, space or infrastructure needs of a modern public safety facility. Issues include outdated electrical systems, generator reliability concerns, sewer backup problems and seismic and building code deficiencies.
What is the current status of the project?
The proposed police headquarters is in the early study and evaluation phase. No final site has been selected, and no construction has been approved. The City is currently refining concepts, gathering public input and conducting preliminary analysis.
What has the City Council decided so far?
- June 23, 2026 — Council confirmed appointments to the Police Headquarters Advisory Committee
- May 12, 2026 — Council unanimously approved transitioning from a Council-only Assessment Committee to a broader Police Headquarters Advisory Committee to include both Councilmembers and residents
- March 10, 2026 — Council voted 6-1 to continue studying the Civic Center concept alongside other sites
- January 31, 2026 — City Council held a Planning Session to review potential options
What is this project and what is it not?
- It IS a long-term public safety planning effort to replace an aging facility.
- It IS in the early stages of evaluation with preliminary cost estimates that will continue to evolve.
- It is NOT an approved construction project with final site selected.
- It is NOT a process with a predetermined outcome.
- It is NOT moving forward without additional public review or City Council consideration.
The Current Facility
When was the current headquarters built, and what are the current issues with the facility?
The facility was built in 1973. Key deficiencies include:
- Outdated electrical systems and generator reliability concerns
- Sewer backup issues
- Seismic and building code deficiencies
- Outdated technology infrastructure
- Insufficient space for modern policing operations
How large is the current facility, and what size is needed?
The current headquarters is approximately 49,284 sq. ft. A facility needs assessment concluded that a replacement should be approximately 73,000 sq. ft., which is +23,700 sq. ft. larger to support modern operations, emergency coordination, evidence storage, training, technology and parking needs.
Site Options
What locations are being considered?
Four locations are being evaluated:
- The current 870 Santa Barbara Drive site
- The City-owned Dove Street property (1201 Dove Street, acquired in 2023)
- The Civic Center campus
- Privately owned properties near the Civic Center area
Park Land and Community Amenities
How much park land would the Civic Center concept use?
Under the preliminary concept, approximately 3.5 acres of the upper- and lower-park study area would be used for the facility, parking, and site improvements. Approximately 5.95 acres would remain as open space. The broader Civic Center campus – including trails, wetlands, a dog park, and sculpture exhibition areas – would remain intact.
What happens to the Sculpture Exhibition and other public amenities?
The Sculpture Exhibition is considered an important feature of the Civic Center’s “museum without walls.” Any decisions regarding sculpture pieces, the rabbit statues or other Civic Center amenities would be evaluated through future concept refinement, environmental review and public input if the project moves forward. No amenities have been approved for removal.
Costs and Funding
What are the preliminary cost estimates for each site?
- Dove Street: ~$150 million
- Civic Center concept: ~$162 million
- Santa Barbara Drive rebuild: ~$167–$188 million (including temporary operations costs and Fire Station No. 3 relocation)
- Private land near Civic Center: $240+ million (including land acquisition costs)
Is there a final budget or funding plan?
No. The City has established a Police Facility Fund and previously used City funds to acquire the Dove Street property in 2023. Any future financing approach would be developed as the project moves forward and would require additional City Council discussion, public review, and formal approval.
Is there a bond measure or tax increase planned?
No bond measure or tax measure has been proposed or approved. Any future financing decisions would go through the City Council and public review process before being finalized.
Environmental and Traffic Review
What studies will be required if the project moves forward?
While initial targeted environmental review studies have started as part of feasibility studies, the complete list of studies required will be largely dependent on which site is identified and the scope of the project. Potential studies could include:
- Traffic
- Parking
- Grading
- Landscaping
- Habitat impacts
- Potential mitigation measures
These studies would be completed as part of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The public would have an opportunity to review the DEIR and provide formal comments.
Public Process and Police Headquarters Advisory Committee
Who serves on the Police Headquarters Advisory Committee?
- The Police Headquarters Advisory Committee includes three City Councilmembers and four Newport Beach residents.
- City Council: Sara J. Weber – Chair/Councilmember; Noah Blom – Vice Chair/Mayor Pro Tem; Michelle Barto – Councilmember.
- Residents: Tom Maloney – Resident; Sandra Meadows – Resident; Bob Olson – Resident; Paul Watkins – Resident.
- The committee acts in an advisory role and does not make final decisions for the City.
Are Police Headquarters Advisory Committee meetings open to the public?
Yes. The Police Headquarters Advisory Committee operates as a public body subject to the Brown Act, meaning all meetings are open to the public and noticed in advance.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
How can I provide public comment?
- Attend a Police Headquarters Advisory Committee meeting
- Email the City Council: [email protected]
- Email the City Clerk: [email protected]
- Attend a City Council meeting (when agenda includes police headquarters item)
Can I sign up for eNotifications?
Yes. Go to the Email Notifications section of the City’s website and click on Community Meetings & Workshops.
Have a question that isn't answered here?
Submit a question, and a member of the project team will review it for consideration in future project updates and FAQs.
