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Legal Update: The Rising Cost of Slip Rentals at Dana Point Harbor
Slip holders at Dana Point Marina recently received updated invoices showing yet another sharp increase in slip fees. Since 2018, when the County of Orange signed a 66-year master lease with Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP), many slip holders have seen their rates nearly double, with some experiencing higher increases. These increases are difficult to justify when compared to the majority of other truly public marinas in Southern California, where rates remain substantially lower.
This trend—what many refer to as the “Newportization” of Dana Point—has continued unchecked, with little meaningful intervention from the County. If the County and the Partners want Dana Point Harbor to become a version of the Newport Beach Harbor, they should just own up and say so.
A Brief History
Dana Point Harbor, built in 1968, has long needed infrastructure improvements. Over 20 years ago, then-Supervisor Tom Wilson championed the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Task Force, which led to the approval of a comprehensive plan in 2006. His successor, Supervisor Pat Bates, helped secure entitlements to initiate redevelopment efforts for the commercial core of the harbor.
However, the transition to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under Supervisor Lisa Bartlett drastically changed the course. The “bad” Master Lease, as many refer to it, was signed on October 29, 2018. The agreement turned long-term operational control over to DPHP. Though approved by County Real Estate officials and signed off by County Counsel, the lease has become a source of widespread concern due to its impact on affordability and access for everyday boaters. Through the poorly crafted lease, the Board of Supervisors have abandoned their required governance of our precious public harbor. Action must be taken to restore that governance.
What’s at Stake Now
Supervisor Katrina Foley, although not part of the Board at the time of lease approval, now has some authority—and the responsibility—to address the situation. As the lessor on the lease and the fiduciary under the Public Trust doctrine, the County has the legal power—and the duty—to act. Sympathy for displaced boaters is not enough. Real change requires oversight and enforcement.
Legal Standing—and Lack Thereof
In disappointing news, the California Supreme Court declined to review the recent appellate decision stating that individual boaters lack standing to enforce the terms of the Master Lease. Only the County of Orange has the authority to hold DPHP accountable for honoring their contractual obligation to charge market-rate fees, reasonably determined.
With DPHP’s latest rate hike taking effect in July, now is the time for boaters to raise their voices. The County must enforce the lease terms it approved—or risk further loss of public trust and access.
What You Can Do
If you are concerned—or outraged—by these unjustified increases, contact your County Supervisor immediately. Demand transparency, accountability, and rate moderation. The Dana Point Boaters Association will continue to pursue all non-litigation options available to fight for fair treatment of our harbor community.
Financial Snapshot: Dana Point Harbor Partners, LLC
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2024 Distributions: $4,444,625
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Total Member Contributions (2018–2024): $11,112,666
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Total Member Distributions (2018–2024): $33,680,250
[Click here to view the 2024 audited financial statements for DPHP and here for Dana Point Harbor Drystack.]
As always, note that the LLC's tax obligations are passed through to its members. The numbers speak for themselves.
Orange County Supervisor's Mailing Address:
400 West Civic Center Drive
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Email Addresses:
Janet Nguyen, First District Supervisor
- Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com
Vicente Sarmiento, Second District Supervisor
- Vicente.Sarmiento@ocgov.com
Donald Wagner, Third District Supervisor
- Donald.Wagner@ocgov.com
Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor
- Fourth.District@ocgov.com
Katrina Foley, Fifth District Supervisor
- Katrina.Foley@ocgov.com
#dpboaters
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