City staff proposes splitting beach code into three ordinances, schedules committee review in August

City planning staff proposed splitting the consolidated beach ordinance into three separate ordinances and asked the public for feedback during an informal community forum. Brandon Berry, a city planner, presented the staff proposal and said the split is intended to move higher-priority items forward more quickly while keeping other topics available for continued public review.

The proposal would separate behavioral conduct and permitting rules from a standalone wildlife-friendly lighting ordinance and a third ordinance addressing commercial activity on recognized commercial beach areas. "We're really here to hear from you, the public. But we wanted to put forward the staff proposal for this ordinance," Brandon Berry said. Staff recommended taking the items to the Beach Stewardship Committee at its August meeting and then to first and second readings if the committee gives positive feedback.

The split is a process recommendation rather than a formal decision. Staff described the first ordinance as changes that had little substantive public comment in recent meetings — for example, clearer rules for removing abandoned equipment and furniture from public beaches, requiring permits for transient, non-site-based businesses (pop-ups such as photography setups or exercise classes), and prohibitions on smoking, unattended fishing lines and unpermitted e-bikes. The second ordinance is intended to update marine turtle–friendly lighting technical standards; the third would focus on banner/service areas, alcohol, and commercial beach furniture and operations.

Residents at the forum raised questions about notice and process; the meeting was framed as an informal, interactive community meeting rather than a formal, noticed hearing, and no votes were taken. Staff emphasized they will continue public engagement through the Beach Stewardship Committee and later readings. Berry said staff intends to present the ordinances in a sequence that allows the city to advance items "expeditiously" while still collecting public feedback.

Discussion at the forum also covered enforcement and practical implementation questions — for example, how permits would be issued and enforced for photo shoots and other commercial activity, how signage or visual permits might help identify authorized vendors, and which city or county agencies would have enforcement responsibility. Staff acknowledged those implementation questions will be worked through with the Beach Stewardship Committee and other partners.

The meeting did not produce any formal motions or votes; staff characterized the plan as a referral and next-step timeline for committee review.

Residents who want to follow the timetable or submit written feedback were told to look for the staff presentation and related materials when staff posts them and to attend the Beach Stewardship Committee meeting in August for additional public comment.

Ending: The city framed the forum as a listening session to refine process and technical details; staff said they will return with the first ordinance items to the Beach Stewardship Committee in August for further review and public comment.