Calif. city warns tourists ahead of July 4 weekend of beach shade cover rules

On the eve of the Fourth of July weekend that will likely draw thousands of visitors, Newport Beach used Instagram on Tuesday to inform beachgoers of its year-round rules regarding shade coverings on its sands, citing concerns of public safety. 

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Adopted unanimously by the seven-member City Council in late February, the ordinance prohibits coverings larger than 6 feet by 6 feet and requires that coverings not be connected.

“[People] want five shade structures to enjoy the beach and not be in the sun,” councilmember Noah Blom said at the City Council meeting, according to the LA Times. “But we want to make sure that we can get every emergency personnel we need there. We want to make sure lifeguards have a line of sight. We want to make sure that people can be rescued and saved. That is the basis and structure of this ordinance.”

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Shade coverings also must be at least 50 feet away from lifeguard towers and emergency access points and are allowed on the beach only between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m with “a responsible person present,” according to the city. The goal is to create clear pathways for emergency services and a clear line of sight for lifeguards to monitor the water for anyone showing signs of distress.

The ordinance also addresses “large gatherings, excessive noise, alcohol-related offenses, illegal fireworks and violations associated with short-term lodging units.” Fines start at $100 for first offenses and can reach up to $1,000. 

However, Newport Beach has mapped out “enhanced safety zones,” where during peak periods, including spring break, Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July weekend and Labor Day weekend, all fines are tripled. And short-term rental owners can have their permits revoked if parties get out of hand. 

“The City recognizes that even responsible short-term lodging owners and operators may encounter guests who refuse to comply with local laws despite good-faith efforts,” according to the staff report. “Accordingly, while the ordinance provides for the most severe penalties in situations where serious criminal activity is occurring and directly impacting the community, those penalties for short-term lodging owners are intended to apply where an owner or operator fails to fulfill their obligations as a responsible operator.”

In May, Laguna Beach also adopted new rules regarding shade coverings, citing similar public safety concerns.