NEWPORT BEACH – City lawmakers agreed Tuesday to prevent new jet pack flight businesses from operating in Newport Harbor by imposing a six-month moratorium on the issuance of the city permits needed for their lawful operation.

Although devices vary, a typical jet pack device propels a user above the water with a shoulder harness connected to a modified watercraft, which sucks water through a hose and shoots it downward at a high rate of speed.

The temporary ban, which kicks in immediately, came following concerns expressed by residents and city staff about noise, injuries, wakes and a possible proliferation of the water-propelled devices, according to a staff report.

Harbor Resources Manager Chris Miller said one business has operated for a few years in the harbor, but two other jet pack businesses recently expressed an interest.

Councilman Keith Curry said the moratorium would give the city time to decide where the devices could operate in the harbor and come up with safety guidelines.

In May, Jetlev Southwest LLC, which operates in the harbor as Jetpack America, settled a lawsuit for $100,000, according to attorney Eric Traut. He said his client, David McManus, suffered a concussion and other injuries while flying one of the company’s jet packs in August 2012.

Company owner Dean O’Malley said Jetpack America operates safely, and his company welcomes a discussion to make jet packs better neighbors.

“We understand that we are new and unique and different,” O’Malley said. “Our whole goal is to make it work for the city.”

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