Southern California Beach Towns Curb 6-by-6 Canopies, Fining Violators Up to $500
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 5
Southern California Beach Towns Curb 6-by-6 Canopies, Fining Violators Up to $500
3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 5
Summary
Newport Beach now bans connected canopies and limits them to 6 feet by 6 feet, while Laguna Beach has confined larger shade structures to designated areas and can fine violators up to $500.
Lifeguards and city officials say oversized tents block sightlines to swimmers and choke emergency access on crowded beaches, especially during peak summer and holiday weekends.
Laguna allows canopies up to 8 feet wide and 6 feet high only behind or in line with towers at Main Beach and part of Aliso Beach; elsewhere, umbrellas are the only option.
Residents backing the rules say sprawling beach 'living rooms' reduce trash and party behavior, but critics argue the restrictions are too harsh for families needing all-day shade.
The crackdown mirrors limits already adopted on parts of the Jersey Shore, in Ocean City, Maryland, and in Myrtle Beach, as coastal towns balance sun protection with public safety.