New Security Cameras Installed In Spyglass Hill HOA

New security cameras were set to be installed in the Spyglass Hill neighborhood last year. However, the installation was delayed due to placement issues. These new cameras are now operational, and the residents are thrilled.

Newport Beach Pilot Program

Last June, the Newport Beach City Council approved a pilot program to install private security cameras in select public right-of-way neighborhoods. This program would last one year and allow 10 qualified community associations to install new security cameras in the public right-of-way. To qualify, the homeowners associations must have at least 50 single-unit homes in a contiguous neighborhood.

The program would require encroachment permits, applications, and agreement fees but would not collect rent from HOAs to use the right-of-way. Moreover, the cameras have to be self-contained with battery or solar power. They must also have wireless communications without pan, zoom, or tilt abilities. These cameras also cannot use facial recognition or audio capture. The pilot program was set to expire by September 2024.

New Security Cameras

Spyglass Hill Community Association is one of the HOAs that expressed interest in the program. The new security cameras are now operational in the public right-of-way at the community’s entrances. Spyglass Hill deployed eight security cameras initially. Two cameras were installed at each of the four main thoroughfares to Spy Glass Hill Road. According to the community’s HOA president, Bruce Horn, they were thoroughly tested and went online.

Only some of the security cameras have signage. However, each camera is free-standing and relies on solar power. They were initially set to be installed a few months after the approval last June. However, the community had difficulty determining the right locations for their placements, delaying the installation.

According to Horn, the cameras need enough sunlight to be operational 24/7. However, the community had many slopes that made installation unsuitable. The community filed for a four-month extension because of the delays. As a result, the new expiry date will be January 2025.

The new security cameras were a welcome addition to the Spyglass Hill neighborhood. They would provide additional security and tools to help the police with investigations. The community members are excited because burglaries do happen. Horn’s own home was burglarized 11 years ago, and nobody was caught.