Why Are "NoUndergrounding.com" Signs Appearing in Newport Heights? Here's What's Really Happening

If you've driven through Newport Heights recently, you've probably noticed signs in  front yards that read "NoUndergrounding.com." It's sparked one of the biggest neighborhood conversations Newport Heights has seen in years.

But what exactly is being proposed, who pays for it, and what does it mean for homeowners in Newport Heights?

Here's a factual breakdown of the proposal, the pros and cons, and my perspective as a local Newport Beach Realtor.

What Is Being Proposed? The proposal is not for all of Newport Beach.

Instead, it applies to two proposed utility underground assessment District 118-2 within Newport Heights (ZIP code 92663) affecting approximately 600 homes. If approved, the existing overhead electrical, cable, and telecommunications lines that currently run through many of the neighborhood's rear alleyways would be placed underground.

Unlike citywide infrastructure projects funded by general taxes, this project would be funded by the homeowners who benefit from it through a special assessment district.

That assessment would appear as a separate charge on the property tax bill—it is not an increase in Proposition 13 property taxes.

Where Does the Project Stand?

As of July 2026, the project is still moving through the petition process.

According to the City of Newport Beach, supporters must first gather enough homeowner support before an independent Engineer's Report is prepared. That report determines each property's proposed assessment.

Only after that process is complete will official Proposition 218 ballots be mailed to affected homeowners for a vote. At this time, no final election date has been announced.

What Does NoUndergrounding.com Say?

The opposition website, NoUndergrounding.com, argues that homeowners could face assessments of $60,000 or more and believes the project is primarily an aesthetic improvement that doesn't justify the cost. The website encourages homeowners to oppose the proposed assessment districts and questions whether the financial burden outweighs the benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Underground Utilities?

1. A More Beautiful Neighborhood- Removing utility poles and overhead wires creates cleaner alleyways, improves neighborhood views, and gives the community a more polished appearance. For luxury neighborhoods like Newport Heights, aesthetics matter.

2. Improved Reliability- Underground electrical systems are generally less vulnerable to:

• High winds
• Falling tree branches
• Vehicle impacts
• Weather-related outages

Although repairs can sometimes take longer when they do occur, underground systems typically experience fewer outages caused by external events.

3. HealthConcerns- Some homeowners also support underground utilities because they believe removing overhead power lines may reduce concerns about long-term exposure to electric and magnetic fields (EMFs).

However, it's important to distinguish between perception and established science.

Major public health organizations have not concluded that typical residential exposure to EMFs from standard overhead power lines causes disease. Research has been ongoing for decades, and while some studies have explored possible associations, the overall scientific consensus has not established a causal relationship.

For some residents, simply removing the overhead lines provides peace of mind regardless of where the science ultimately lands.

The Drawbacks:

1. The Cost- City discussions have estimated the overall project between $25 million and $30 million, which averages roughly $50,000 per property, although every parcel's assessment will ultimately depend on the Engineer's Report. Homeowners may also incur additional private costs to convert their home's electrical service from overhead to underground.
2. Construction Timing- would also bring temporary disruption, including trenching, dust, noise, and restricted alley access. Who knows how long this project may take and how many issues it may cause homeowners accessing their back garages. 

Why This Matters for Real Estate

As someone who walks through homes with buyers every week, I can tell you buyers absolutely notice details that longtime homeowners sometimes overlook. Do overhead utility poles stop someone from buying a home? Usually not.

But do underground utilities make a neighborhood feel more refined and higher-end? Absolutely.

Many of Newport Beach's most sought-after neighborhoods either already have underground utilities or have benefited from infrastructure improvements over time.

While it's impossible to say exactly how much underground utilities increase home values, cleaner streetscapes and fewer visual obstructions generally enhance overall neighborhood appeal.

Cassie's Hot Take on the Undergrounding.com Signs:

I think this proposal raises a really interesting question. Personally, I love the idea of underground utilities. From an aesthetic standpoint, I think they dramatically improve the look and feel of Newport Heights. Also, from a quality-of-life standpoint, I also understand why some homeowners appreciate the removal of overhead lines, whether that's for safety, peace of mind, or concerns about EMFs.

But here's where I struggle.

If the average homeowner assessment truly ends up around $50,000, the math becomes difficult for me to justify. Most Newport Heights lots have approximately 50 feet of alley frontage.

That works out to roughly $1,000 per linear foot of frontage.  Even at approximately $1,000 per foot, that still feels like an extraordinarily expensive infrastructure project.

In my opinion, undergrounding utilities would absolutely be a long-term improvement for Newport Heights. I think future homeowners would appreciate the cleaner appearance and upgraded infrastructure.

I just believe there has to be a more cost-effective way to accomplish it.

If construction costs could be reduced significantly, I think many more homeowners would support the project. Until then, the biggest question isn't whether underground utilities are beneficial—it's whether the current price tag makes financial sense.

Ultimately, every homeowner will need to weigh the long-term benefits against the upfront cost and decide what's right for their family and their investment.