Laguna Beach councilmembers introduced an ordinance last week that would ban E-Z UP shade structures, volleyball nets, and large tables along the town’s famous coastline.
The council is expected to hold a final vote on Tuesday, April 28th. If passed, park rangers would begin enforcing the bans on Memorial Day.
Shade coverings, beach volleyball, and tables
According to the April 14th staff report, the only shade coverings permitted by the ordinance would be standard beach umbrellas with one point of contact on the sand. Tents, E-Z UPs, canopies, and the like are not allowed, as they can interfere with a lifeguards’ line of sight to the water.
There are two exceptions: Aliso Beach and Main Beach, where shade coverings less than 8x8x6 feet will be permitted in certain zones behind the lifeguard towers.
The ordinance would also ban volleyball nets and courts on public beaches and parks, unless they have prior approval from the city.
It also prohibits tables over six feet in length by three feet in width at public beaches and park without city approval.
Designated swimming and surfing areas
Additionally, the ordinance proposes new designated swimming and surfing times during the summer.
At all Laguna Beach beaches, waters within 200 yards of the shoreline will be designated as both swimming and surfing areas, although some will have surf-only zones. At Aliso Beach, a marked zone will be surf-only from 12pm to 6pm every day beween June 15th and September 15th, 2026.
You can learn more by reading the full meeting report here, and stay tuned for the results of the final vote on April 28th.
