Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Beach Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Laguna Beach narrows beach shade rules, carves out limited easy‑up zones and reconfirms Aliso surfing hours
Summary
After weeks of public debate, Laguna Beach City Council tightened rules on beach shade structures—banning most easy‑ups on beaches while allowing umbrellas and limited 8x8/10x10 coverings in specified park zones—and clarified summer surfing zones at Aliso Beach to separate skimboarders and swimmers.
Laguna Beach City Council voted to tighten regulations on shade structures and clarify summer surfing zones after lengthy public comment and council debate. The ordinance, introduced at first reading and set for adoption at second reading, prohibits most easy‑up canopies on city beaches while allowing umbrellas and narrowly defined shade areas in specified park locations. The council also confirmed a policy permitting designated surfing areas at Aliso Beach from June 15 through September 15, when posted flags and signs by Marine Safety staff will establish surf‑only zones to separate board users from swimmers.
Supporters and opponents framed the debate around safety and enforcement. Councilmember Kemp, citing lifeguard line‑of‑sight concerns, said large canopies hamper public‑safety work and lead to more trash and maintenance burden. Local surf advocates and Aliso users urged language that preserves mixed‑use beach access across South Laguna while allowing a surf‑only zone at Aliso at peak hours. Kai Bond, Marine Safety Chief, told council the Aliso surf zone is posted daily between noon and 6 p.m. during peak season to reduce injury risk and user conflict.
Staff said enforcement will rely on Marine Safety and park rangers making field contacts and moving non‑compliant structures; the ordinance includes an exception process allowing permits for organized sports tournaments, school programs, or special events that require larger canopies. The measure also differentiates park areas: beach‑adjacent parks may host up to 8x8 shade coverings unless otherwise permitted; non‑beach adjacent parks may allow up to 10x10 structures. City Attorney language adjustments will be included before final adoption.
The council adopted the first reading with amendments to clarify that the Aliso surf exception applies specifically to the South Laguna surf area and that surfing outside designated surf areas will be prohibited when surf zones are posted. Councilmembers stressed the measure will be revisited if enforcement problems arise and asked for a report from Marine Safety after the first summer of enforcement. The ordinance is scheduled for second reading and final adoption at the next council meeting.
